Confused as to what exactly is included on Ruby Princess

[TeeTee2]

We will be sailing on the Ruby Princess in July. I'm a little confused about coffee cards and soda cards. Is coffee not included in the price of the cruise?

[1 HappyCruiser]

Their "regular" coffee is included but not everyone likes it so they sell coffee cards to get a better blend. They also sell soda cards which give unlimited soda for the cruise.

[Pam in CA]

We will be sailing on the Ruby Princess in July. I'm a little confused about coffee cards and soda cards. Is coffee not included in the price of the cruise?

Only specialty items are not included in the price of your cruise. For instance, IMHO the coffee on Princess ships is just fine but some people like fresh-brewed or cappucino and buy a coffee card so they aren't paying a per-item price. There's plenty of free ice cream throughout the day but some people like the specialty ice cream from Scoops near the pool, which is extra. Not included in the price of your cruise is soda or liquor so some people who drink a lot of soda buy a soda card (actually a sticker on your cruise card) which gives them unlimited soda from any bar, dining room or lounge on the ship (it doesn't include cans of soda). Tours are not included either (my business partner went on a Princess cruise and assumed his helicopter tour was included; it wasn't.)

 

There are several things that most passengers don't want and rather than charge everyone for them, they are "specialty" items and there's an extra charge.

[Sincity]

How about the International Cafe?

[cynbar]

You can get through your cruise by spending almost nothing extra except the daily hotel charge (also known as the autotip.) Included are food from the buffet and the main dining rooms and the pizzeria and the grill, also most items from the International Cafe which is on the newer ships. Almost all room service is included, extra charge items are clearly marked. You can drink iced tea, hot coffee and tea, juices at breakfast, and milk for free --- also lemonade in the buffet but you have to ask for this. Shows are included as well as most activities, again those that have a charge (like computer classes) are clearly marked. Alcohol, of course, is extra, and there is a surcharge at the 2 specialty restaurants (Sabatini's and the Crown Grill/Sterling Steakhouse.) Gambling in the casino is extra, as is bingo. Photos are extra, as are shore excursions and internet use.And there are some special and optional choices such as the Ultimate Balcony Dining which have extra fees. I'm sure there are a few things I haven't thought of , but really you can get by spending little additional if you choose

[ggprincess2004]

How about the International Cafe?

 

Most items at the International Cafe are included in the price of your cruise - meaning there is not an additional charge for them. That includes a wonderful chicken salad with cashews, shrimp salad, Greek salad, an array of sandwiches, pastries - yummy. Not included are some items that are clearly identified with prices posted, such as tuxedoed strawberries, gelato, and a few other confections. Milk and cookies in the afternoon (approx 3:30 or 4 pm) are free.

 

The coffee card, in addition to getting you unlimited brewed coffee in the bars and international cafe, gets you unlimited specialty teas and hot chocolate as well (tea is free in the dining rooms and horizon court, and hot chocolate is free in the dining room at breakfast), as well as 15 specialty espresso based coffee beverages.

 

Of course, alcoholic beverages are not included in the price of your cruise, with the exception of those available during the Captain's Welcome Aboard party, the champagne waterfall, the champagne at the art auction, and the Captain's Circle party.

[TeeTee2]

Thanks for clearing that up. We've only been on 2 cruises before (Norwegian) and other than remembering that alcholic beverages were extra, I couldn't remember about the coffee etc.