12th cruise but first Royal Cruise...what can i expect?

When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks)

We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges.

You are only charged for towels if you don't turn them in before the end of the cruise. You can check them out on the pool deck, and exchange wet towels for dry towels as many times as you like, just remember to have them scan your SeaPass card the last time you turn in towels at the end of the cruise.

In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again.

I agree with what's been said. We are D+ and maybe do a for fee restaurant once, sometimes for a special occasion, but not necessary. We're not big drinkers, but admittedly we have D+ privileges for drinks in the evening. Even if I didn't, my drink bill would probably just be wine at dinner, and if you order a bottle and don't finish it they will give it to you the next night, just make sure your waiter marks your name and cabin number on it. i rarely will have a alcohol drink at the pool, but usually just get a glass of ice water from the bar, which is free. Actually they have dispenser with water and a tray of glasses so you can pour it yourself, though I have had waiters get it for me. What you spend is clearly in your control.

If I remember correctly you can take 2 bottles of wine/ cabin onboard when you board (not sure about corkage fees). So depending on your drinking habits that can help reduce costs.

I haven't been on Carnival, but I have been on NCL, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and Costa and I don't find that Royal Caribbean charges you any extra than these other lines.

You might have seen a reference to food charges in the MDR - that's only for special items like lobster tail and steak. You still have a full menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts that are free. The shows are free.

On a side note, one thing you should check out is an ADULT game called the Quest. It will be on one of the evenings at around 10:30pm and it's a blast - even if you just watch and don't participate.

In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again.

I agree with my friend here. We have also had minimal bills. There is plenty that is included in the cost of your cruise fare and does not require spending extra.

I'm confident you will quickly understand the lay of the land and how things run, especially since you are seasoned cruisers. Royal has a great product and I hope you all enjoy your vacation. :)

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I agree with my friend here. We have also had minimal bills. There is plenty that is included in the cost of your cruise fare and does not require spending extra.

 

I'm confident you will quickly understand the lay of the land and how things run, especially since you are seasoned cruisers. Royal has a great product and I hope you all enjoy your vacation. :)

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Hey friend ... how are you :*

We have never paid extra for any of the specialty dining venues. Be aware that Royal does not have self-serve laundry rooms like Princess and Carnival do, so pack accordingly.

When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks)

 

We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges.

Carnival is more similar than different with Royal Caribbean. Main thing, if you're doing on one of the big ships (Anthem, or Oasis class), you should make reservation ASAP for some of the shows and activities they offer as they are in very high demand. They usually open reservations about 90 days out. You can check out all the reservations availableOtherwise, its pretty much the same. Another cool benefit with Royal Caribbean is that with the drink package, both individuals do not necessarily have to purchase it, however, I've heard anecdotally that they do enforce sharing and could invalidate your package if you do.

Otherwise, the extra charges are pretty much the same, booze, spa, specialty restaurants, casino, etc.

When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks)

 

We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges.

Well, where too start...? I can't speak for all RCL ships (my wife and I have only done three RCL ships(Navigator OTS-twice, ( 2008/14) and Oasis OTS/2013. We LOVED both cruise lines but for different reasons. Both lines have excellent food in every venue. IF, this a special event you MIGHT wanna consider splurging for the steak house (the inexpensive one) it's $30 a person or it was back in 2013. Both food AND staff are excellent, as was all the steakhouses we've done on our twelve CCL ships. :)Your RCL ship may have a Johnny Rocket's on it which is a burger n' fires venue and for a flat fee (5.99) it's all the burgers n' fries and soda you can hold (this might also include sandwiches, but I'm not sure) milkshakes are extra, but the burgers ARE excellent ! It's a throwback to the '50's maltshops and whenever anybody played a beachboys song the entire staff would start 'surffin'. IF anybody can eat more than TWO of their double burgers? WOW !! I hope you enjoy your RCL cruie, it's good to try other lines, IF you can afford 'em. :) Either way, have a FANTSATIC cruise ! (Oh, and by the way, I went on a vacation w/my first fiancé (she was 21, I was 25) and her parents wayyyyy back in 74' and had my own room, but... Well, her parents decided to do a LOT of daytime sightseeing on their own <wink>. But, I understand, a parents, a parent. :)

Mac

Mac

You are only charged for towels if you don't turn them in before the end of the cruise. You can check them out on the pool deck, and exchange wet towels for dry towels as many times as you like, just remember to have them scan your SeaPass card the last time you turn in towels at the end of the cruise.

Ok...this helps! Thanks :D

In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again.

I figured this too...but being the first cruise on RCI I know i will be tempted to try everything...just how I am ;p Thanks!

I agree with what's been said. We are D+ and maybe do a for fee restaurant once, sometimes for a special occasion, but not necessary. We're not big drinkers, but admittedly we have D+ privileges for drinks in the evening. Even if I didn't, my drink bill would probably just be wine at dinner, and if you order a bottle and don't finish it they will give it to you the next night, just make sure your waiter marks your name and cabin number on it. i rarely will have a alcohol drink at the pool, but usually just get a glass of ice water from the bar, which is free. Actually they have dispenser with water and a tray of glasses so you can pour it yourself, though I have had waiters get it for me. What you spend is clearly in your control.

I'm not a big drinker at all, but my DH will be having beers whilst i sit in the sun...

Thanks for the advice everyone! Feel so much better about all of it :) Counting down the days, I'm so excited to cruise RCL for the first time :)

I gathered dining options from the RCCL website. I apologize if there is any incorrect info. Maybe it will help with

food options.

American Icon

B & L – Anyone

B – Buffet and a la cart

L – Waiter Service

D – My time dining only

Silk

Main dining room

5:30 & 8:30p

The Grande

Main dining room

6:30 & 9:00p

Café Promenade

Snack, sandwichs, free self –serv coffee

24 hrs.

Sorrento’s Pizzeria

L & D & LN

11:30 – 3:00a

Boardwalk Dog House

L

11:30 – 6:00p

Boardwalk Donut Shop

Donuts & Seattle coffee

7:00 – 11:30a

Johnny Rockets

B – Complimentary Only

L –Burgers

8:00 – 10:00a

11:30 – 6:00p

Vitality Spa

Lite Fare – yogurt, fruit

Smoothies – drinks

7:00 – 9:00p

Park Café

Breakfast

L – Sandwiches (rumor has try Roast Beef)

7:30 – 11:00a

11:30 – 6:00p

Solarium Bistro

B – buffet – lite fare

L – buffet – lite fare

D – Samba Grill – Brazilian style

8:00 – 11:00a

12:00 – 3:00p

6:00p

Wipeout Café

B – buffet – small (sometimes kids only)

L – buffet – small (sometimes kids only)

8:00 – 11:00a

11:30 – 3:30p

Frozen Yogurt

Self – serv

Windjammer

B – buffet

L – buffet

D - buffet

7:00 – 11:00a

11:30 – 3:30p

6:00 – 9:30p

Coastal Kitchen

Grand and Up suites only

Room Service

B – American

B – Continental Fare

L – Menu

D - Menu

Izumi Hibachi

Izumi - Sushi, Sashimi

D – Hibachi Grill

D – a la carte

6:00 – 10:00

Starbucks

A la carte coffee & sweets

7:00 – 11:00p

Sabor – Mexican &

Tequila

L – Unsure if flat 15.00 or a la carte

D – Per website – Tasting Menu

11:30 – 3:30p

Cups & Scoops

A la carte – ice cream and sweets

Chops Grill

L – Steak

D - Steak

Vintages

Wine and tapas – a la carte

5:00 – 12:00a

Giovanni Table

L – Italian

D – Italian

12:00 – 1:30p

6:00 – 10:00p

150 Central Park

D – Tasting menu – 6 course

6:00 – 10:00p

Chef Table

D – 5 course with wine

8:30

Although you're new to RCI, please do register with the Crown & Anchor Society and grow your loyalty status.

Once you make Diamond, you start getting access to the diamond lounge which has nice continental breakfasts, happy hour drinks & hor d'eovres, and, for us, use of the fabulous DIY cappuccino machine and a quiet place away from the 'madding crowd' to chat with friends & read our Kindles.

I gathered dining options from the RCCL website. I apologize if there is any incorrect info. Maybe it will help with

food options.

 

Deck

 

Restaurant

 

Service

 

Hours

 

Fee

 

3

American Icon

B & L – Anyone

B – Buffet and a la cart

L – Waiter Service

D – My time dining only

 

-0-

 

4

Silk

Main dining room

5:30 & 8:30p

-0-

 

5

The Grande

Main dining room

6:30 & 9:00p

-0-

 

5

Café Promenade

Snack, sandwichs, free self –serv coffee

24 hrs.

-0-

 

5

Sorrento’s Pizzeria

L & D & LN

11:30 – 3:00a

-0-

 

6

Boardwalk Dog House

L

11:30 – 6:00p

-0-

 

6

Boardwalk Donut Shop

Donuts & Seattle coffee

7:00 – 11:30a

-0-

 

6

Johnny Rockets

B – Complimentary Only

L –Burgers

8:00 – 10:00a

11:30 – 6:00p

-0-

 

7.95 pp

 

6

Vitality Spa

Lite Fare – yogurt, fruit

Smoothies – drinks

7:00 – 9:00p

-0-

 

Fee

 

8

Park Café

Breakfast

L – Sandwiches (rumor has try Roast Beef)

7:30 – 11:00a

11:30 – 6:00p

-0-

 

-0-

 

15

Solarium Bistro

B – buffet – lite fare

L – buffet – lite fare

D – Samba Grill – Brazilian style

8:00 – 11:00a

12:00 – 3:00p

6:00p

-0-

 

-0-

 

30.00pp

 

15

Wipeout Café

B – buffet – small (sometimes kids only)

L – buffet – small (sometimes kids only)

8:00 – 11:00a

11:30 – 3:30p

-0-

 

-0-

 

15

Frozen Yogurt

Self – serv

 

-0-

 

16

Windjammer

B – buffet

L – buffet

D - buffet

7:00 – 11:00a

11:30 – 3:30p

6:00 – 9:30p

-0-

 

-0-

 

-0-

 

17

Coastal Kitchen

Grand and Up suites only

 

Room Service

B – American

B – Continental Fare

L – Menu

D - Menu

 

7.95 per visit

 

-0-

 

7.95 per visit

 

7.95 per visit

 

4

Izumi Hibachi

Izumi - Sushi, Sashimi

D – Hibachi Grill

D – a la carte

6:00 – 10:00

45.00 pp

 

Fee

 

5

Starbucks

A la carte coffee & sweets

7:00 – 11:00p

Fee

 

6

Sabor – Mexican &

Tequila

L – Unsure if flat 15.00 or a la carte

D – Per website – Tasting Menu

11:30 – 3:30p

15.00

 

20.00

 

6

Cups & Scoops

A la carte – ice cream and sweets

 

Fee

 

8

Chops Grill

L – Steak

D - Steak

 

19.00

 

49.00

 

8

Vintages

Wine and tapas – a la carte

5:00 – 12:00a

fee

 

8

Giovanni Table

L – Italian

D – Italian

12:00 – 1:30p

6:00 – 10:00p

10.00pp

 

21.00 pp

 

8

150 Central Park

D – Tasting menu – 6 course

6:00 – 10:00p

45.00 pp

 

11

Chef Table

D – 5 course with wine

8:30

95.00 pp

 

Thanks! Very helpful. Kind of pricey on some IMO.

Although you're new to RCI, please do register with the Crown & Anchor Society and grow your loyalty status.

Once you make Diamond, you start getting access to the diamond lounge which has nice continental breakfasts, happy hour drinks & hor d'eovres, and, for us, use of the fabulous DIY cappuccino machine and a quiet place away from the 'madding crowd' to chat with friends & read our Kindles.

Oh for sure....almost Platinum on Carnival...

Mdr !! They give you bread at the same time they butter on ice ??? Really !! Dont tear your bread!

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We enjoy both lines. We find Carnival easier for Anytime dining. On Royal if you choose that option you need to make a reservation if you want a popular dining time - such as 7:00 p.m. We have had difficulty just showing up and getting a table for the two of us - so we make the reservation for the week & it all works fine!

Are you really going with your son on his honeymoon?

I never thought to invite my inlaws along on mine...

Are you really going with your son on his honeymoon?

I never thought to invite my inlaws along on mine...

Yes, we are going!

Their honeymoon was good enough reason for me to book a cruise this year!

I just joined Cruise Critic and this is my first reply. I do like RCCL as well as other cruise lines. I have been on 25 cruises and I can say that no matter what line you are on, you make it what you make it. Meaning, enjoy all the free stuff and wisely decide what to spend money on. I always try at least one special restaurant and I advise using the ship's shore excursion desk. As for drinks, I find ALL ships charge a lot. So when cruising my best advice is consider the visits to each island as well as a view treats. Remember to watch the daily tab on the TV screen and keep track of expenses posted. Remember looking at the water is the best part as well as just chatting with folks. Don't over spend on things that are cheaper on land;p

I just joined Cruise Critic and this is my first reply. I do like RCCL as well as other cruise lines. I have been on 25 cruises and I can say that no matter what line you are on, you make it what you make it. Meaning, enjoy all the free stuff and wisely decide what to spend money on. I always try at least one special restaurant and I advise using the ship's shore excursion desk. As for drinks, I find ALL ships charge a lot. So when cruising my best advice is consider the visits to each island as well as a view treats. Remember to watch the daily tab on the TV screen and keep track of expenses posted. Remember looking at the water is the best part as well as just chatting with folks. Don't over spend on things that are cheaper on land;p

I agree. However, I i normally do not have time on land to do much, therefore a splurge on a massage always sounds good. Unless i can get them on a beach on an excursion! Not as relaxing as on a ship though!