Thinking of booking Ocean Princess - hidden charges?

[Morgans]

Apologies if this has been asked before - we are thinking of booking a Princess Cruise for the first time and were wondering if there would be extra costs to consider. Is there a charge for Shuttle Buses into ports, coffee in the lounges etc etc. Having cruised primarily with British cruise lines, haven't had to consider these previously, although they still wouldn't stop us from booking for "European Rivieras" next year. It seems a great itinerary.

 

Also any comments re Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) gratefully received!

 

Many thanks,

Marge M

[chrysalis]

In some ports, princess charges for shuttle buses, and in some ports, the shuttles are free. Coffee is free at the buffet and in the dining room, and room service, but you do pay for fresh brewed, unless you have a coffee card.

 

The "Ocean" is still the Tahitian (name change will take place in Singapore in Nov/Dec 09). We have sailed her and love the small ship and have her booked for 32 days on her last voyage under her present name.

[catergirl]

you can also purchase a soda card for unlimited sodas from the soda gun at the bars. they will also bring them to you in the dining rooms. with princess you can bring booze on board(beer,wine and hard liquor) its not advertised but in moderation you can bring some back from the ports you stop at. of course there are the 2 extra charge dining rooms, sabitinis and the sterling(i believe)

[Toto2Kansas]

Apologies if this has been asked before - we are thinking of booking a Princess Cruise for the first time and were wondering if there would be extra costs to consider. Is there a charge for Shuttle Buses into ports, coffee in the lounges etc etc. Having cruised primarily with British cruise lines, haven't had to consider these previously, although they still wouldn't stop us from booking for "European Rivieras" next year. It seems a great itinerary.

 

Also any comments re Ocean Princess (formerly Tahitian Princess) gratefully received!

 

Many thanks,

Marge M

 

Ships coffee and tea are complimentary. Specialty coffees and brewed coffee are extra (whether you order individually or purchase a coffee card). All drinks except coffee, tea, milk and juice with breakfast (and lemonade at the buffet) are extra charge, including soda.

 

Gratuities are added to your account at the rate of $10.50 per person per day and $11.00 per person per day for mini suites and full suites. Room service is complimentary, but a tip is usually added when delivered.

 

Other than that, there are extra charged around every corner, but what you purchase is totally up to you. Speciality dining, drinks, bingo, casino, shore excursions, etc, are all up to you.

 

Enjoy!

[paul929207]

There is also a coffee card that reduces the cost of specialty coffees and includes brewed coffee.

 

Like Chrysalis, we have been on the Tahitian/Ocean and love the ship. We have fur cruises booked on her over the 14 months. three while she is the Tahitian and one after the name change.

[j!m]

tahitian is a great little ship (if you like little ships, like we do) and has all the usual facilities,just on a smaller scale. we have been on her 3x and loved each voyage.

 

as far as "extras" are concerned, figure the cost of the cruise and air are an entry fee. after the entry fee you can spend what you wish (and will) on drinks,casino,excursions,transportation,tourist junk,tips,photos,spa,etc etc

 

the usual advice is take half the clothes and twice the money you think you will need

 

hava great cruise

[Pam in CA]

There are extra charges for specialty items which many people don't use. For instance, there's free coffee and tea in the dining room, buffet and room service but if you want a cappuchino or fresh-brewed coffee, that will be extra. There is a charge for soda, drinks, to play Bingo, pizza delivered to your cabin, specialty restaurants, tours, etc. Also, don't forget the Hotel Charge of $10.50/pp/day (or $11/pp/day for suites and mini-suites) which covers tips for all dining (both dining room and buffet) staff and the cabin stewards.

[Morgans]

Many thanks for your kind replies - Ocean /Tahitian Princess looks very tempting so we are now just waiting for the prices for Aug 2010 to come out here. I have found some lovely photos by Caribill which show the ship as looking gorgeous. We love the decor in the public rooms and the cabins look pretty good too! Fingers crossed!