Expected Fees

[CHARGERFAN83]

So technically this is my 2nd cruise, but my first was with my parents which paid for everything and I didn't see the bill. I am curious as to what misc. fees and costs I should expect on my cruise. These are what I know so far:

 

Gratuities: approx $10/day per person

Soda Card: appox $25 each

Drinks: approx $5 per drink

Upgraded meals: approx $25/person

Excursions: $ amnt varies based on which excursion

Casino: $ depends on how much I win!!!

Spa: $ depends on which services

 

Is there anything else that I am missing that I should budget for. I just do not want to get on the ship and be shocked by something that I thought was included. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[wrp96]

What cruiseline and ship? The dollar amounts for various things (and availability of things) can vary from ship to ship.

[paul929207]

So technically this is my 2nd cruise, but my first was with my parents which paid for everything and I didn't see the bill. I am curious as to what misc. fees and costs I should expect on my cruise. These are what I know so far:

 

Gratuities: approx $10/day per person

Soda Card: appox $25 each

Drinks: approx $5 per drink

Upgraded meals: approx $25/person

Excursions: $ amnt varies based on which excursion

Casino: $ depends on how much I win!!!

Spa: $ depends on which services

 

Is there anything else that I am missing that I should budget for. I just do not want to get on the ship and be shocked by something that I thought was included. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I can't think of anything significant you are missing. A couple of small things are tips for room service, guides and bus drivers. These are not in the auttip you mention. Also, bingo if you are so inclined.

[MrsSmithInLove]

Professional photographs that you may want to purchase :)

[CHARGERFAN83]

I just booked it today. It is with Princess on the Ruby Princess. 10 Day Eastern Caribbean...

[BaumD]

Not sure what Princess charges for a soda card, but $25 is not enough. Most other lines charge about $6 per day + 15% tip. figure about $70 for a 10 day cruise. Mixed drinks probably start at $5 or $6 and go up from there.

[paul929207]

Not sure what Princess charges for a soda card, but $25 is not enough. Most other lines charge about $6 per day + 15% tip. figure about $70 for a 10 day cruise. Mixed drinks probably start at $5 or $6 and go up from there.

Pincess charges $4.25 per day plus 15% tip for the soda card. So a soda card is nearly $50 for a 10 day cruise.

[2Cruise4Ever]

Don't forget to tip the long-shoremen who handle your luggage when you first arrive: about $2-$3 per bag.

[cb at sea]

Unless you drink ALOT of sodas, the soda card isn't needed. You can buy soda by the can, or bring your own. You have to drink about 4 sodas (big ones, and fountain, at that) to make the soda card "pay" for itself. Canned soda is about what you'd pay in a hotel--$2 or so...

Casino$$--prepare to LOSE...the ship has NO INCENTIVE to let you win, and few do! If you can't afford to lose it, don't bet it!

Don't forget about tips to the porters and room service delivery folks---they are NOT included in the suggested gratuities that you've budgeted for!

[momof2furkids]

I'm sailing on RCCI's Freedom of the Seas in June. Is the cost of the food (not tips) for room service "included" or is that an extra charge? I'm mostly thinking coffee ASAP upon waking up in the morning...

 

- Nancy, the Caffeine Junkie

[RoofingPrincess]

I'm sailing on RCCI's Freedom of the Seas in June. Is the cost of the food (not tips) for room service "included" or is that an extra charge? I'm mostly thinking coffee ASAP upon waking up in the morning...

 

- Nancy, the Caffeine Junkie

Most room service food is already included in your cruise fare; I've heard scattered reports that there are some items on some ships for which there is actually a charge. And of course, there is a charge for soda and/or alcoholic beverages from room service. There is also a delivery charge between something like midnight and 5 am.

But for your morning coffee, you should be just fine, Miss Caffeine Junkie! :)

[momof2furkids]

Oh good. It didn't sound like there were coffee machines in the rooms (like in a hotel) and I really need my morning coffee!

 

Also, is the food/drink from places like Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, etc. on the ship included or extra?

[2Cruise4Ever]

I believe they are extra

[cruzeluver]

Starbucks, Ben and Jerry's, Johnny Rockets and the two specialty restaurants carry an extra charge.

[wrp96]

Oh good. It didn't sound like there were coffee machines in the rooms (like in a hotel) and I really need my morning coffee!

 

Also, is the food/drink from places like Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, etc. on the ship included or extra?

 

 

There are kettles and french press coffeemakers in suites, but not in regular staterooms.

 

Room service is included in your cruisefare but you should tip the person who brings it in cash at the time of delivery. There is a $3.95 service charge for room service between midnight and 5am.

 

There is no charge for food in the main dining room, Windjammer Buffet, Cafe Promenade, or Sorrentos.

 

There is a charge for specialty coffees, Ben & Jerry's, Johnny Rockets ($4.95 service charge), Chops ($25 per person service charge), and Portofino ($20 service charge).

[momof2furkids]

There are kettles and french press coffeemakers in suites, but not in regular staterooms.

 

Room service is included in your cruisefare but you should tip the person who brings it in cash at the time of delivery. There is a $3.95 service charge for room service between midnight and 5am.

 

There is no charge for food in the main dining room, Windjammer Buffet, Cafe Promenade, or Sorrentos.

 

There is a charge for specialty coffees, Ben & Jerry's, Johnny Rockets ($4.95 service charge), Chops ($25 per person service charge), and Portofino ($20 service charge).

 

Thanks! That clears up my food questions - at least, for now! I'm sure I'll have more.

[griffy]

Room service is free, but you should always TIP a few bucks.

[darladelight]

Is the $3.95 service charge for room service new? Last feb on The Enchantment there was no charge.

[Arwenmark]

Is the $3.95 service charge for room service new? Last feb on The Enchantment there was no charge.

 

Yes it is new but only applies to after midnight.

[jdkt18]

Did I just read that there's kettle or frenchpress in the suites on Royal C? I'm looking into either a grand sutie or junior suite.