oskarNZ

1 hour ago, brillohead said:

For what it's worth, very few of the activities cost extra on Royal Caribbean, IMO.  

Tours of the ship, the Escape Room, and specialty classes (cupcake decorating, sushi rolling, guacamole making, jewelry making, fitness classes) are pretty much the only "extra charge" activities. 

The water slides, dry slides, trampoline, laser tag, bumper cars, ice skating, rock wall, Flowrider (surf simulator), mini-golf, zipline, carousel... all of those activities are included in the base price, as are the various shows (ice skating, aqua theater, main theater, lounges, game shows, movies, etc.).  

Specialty restaurant dining is something that I would think one would expect to be extra since they're called "specialty" in the first place.  You'll also pay extra for beverages beyond water, milk, juice at breakfast, coffee/tea.  Specialty meals and beverages can be purchased individually, or as part of a package, based on one's desired level of consumption.  Room service has a per-delivery/order charge, but the food itself is free (order however much you want with each order placed)

It's entirely possible to eat several square meals a day and go to a different show each night and not spent another dime beyond the daily service charge / gratuity.   

Thank you so much - this is exactly the kind of info I was after.

I started doing a bit of googling into Royal Caribbean this morning before heading to work and it did seem that most of the activities like ice skating etc were included which is great.  If I was understanding things correctly, some activities require a one-time ‘free’ reservation, but I’m fine with that.  Royal Caribbean might be a cruise line for my family to try.  

Out of interest, regarding the specialty restaurants, can I please ask if most sit-down restaurants on Royal Caribbean charge a one-off fee (eg. pay $30 and order what you want from the menu) or do most have a la carte menus with individual prices per item?   

Thanks again

1 hour ago, SRF said:

 

Don't kid yourself, EVERYTHING costs.

 

I’m confused - when did I say otherwise?

I’m just trying to better inform myself about what’s included in the fare and what isn’t.  

4 hours ago, Nic6318 said:

Hi Oskar

 

Whether you think any given activity should be included in the cruise fare or not obviously does not affect reality.

 

So you say you are "none-the-wiser", that would be because you didn't ask a specific question. You were just expressing a general feeling of frustration when the realization of certain extra costs beyond your expectations were understood.

 

As said previously, most cruise lines are not all inclusive. Some are. Say what it is that you are looking for, or ask if you need to pay extra for XXX, on Princess (or any other line), and you will get an answer. 

 

A good rule of thumb for the mainline cruise companies is that your base fare pays for room and board, some entertainment, and transportation to your port of calls (although this is not guaranteed). Most cruise ships have a gym and some deck activities that are available to everyone. Otherwise, anything else that is promoted as an "attraction" will have an additional cost, and this is where you would need to ask your specific question on that cruise lines' specific forum page.

 

hope this helps

 

Could I have been more specific in my question - absolutely.

But I did ask

“..what I’m wondering is if anyone has been on a cruise before expecting something to be included in the cost and found it wasn’t?

Followed later by

“I’m not wanting to start a debate, I just like to make sure I’m informed.”

When I’m not travelling, I’m researching it.  And because I’m yet to find the cruise line that perfectly fits my family, I often browse through them all.  Yes, I could have asked the same question on half a dozen different specific forums, but I saw an area called “Ask a cruise question” and thought I might be able to ask it once.  My mistake.  

Thanks to all those who shared examples of things that cost extra.

I still feel a bit none-the-wiser as to whether this is mostly an NCL thing or also typical of some of some of the other lines I’ve yet to cruise (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess in particular), but I guess I’ll figure it out with more research.  

To those who who are saying they are fine with the extra costs (activity costs in particular) or think it’s a good way to keep overall cruise fares down, I am fine with your opinion, it’s just not one I share.  Let’s respectfully agree to disagree.  

42 minutes ago, donaldsc said:

 

very much overpriced

While I won’t disagree with this, gosh their ships are pretty.  

27 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

I suppose it happens all the time as not everyone reads the fine print all the time.  My SIL was recently surprised by the taxes charged to her account for her "free" packages on NCL.  It was a fairly large charge.  

Thanks - exactly the kind of thing I was asking about.   I had read about these charges a few years back, but the reminder is good.

I’ve got the ‘free’ drinks and wifi with Celebrity a few times where the taxes and service charges are included in the package. So it’s easy to see how confusion could arise between the different lines if you don’t research carefully.

I’m cruising on Carnival Splendor soon and hoping I’ve done my research right, but I can’t see any surprising costs.  Of course, it would be great to know if there is something I might have missed. 

By the way, I should mention that when booking cruises here in NZ, the service charges/gratuities are more often than not included in the fare.  When they’re not, I prepay them. That’s only relevant in that it’s another way I avoid seeing the extra onboard charge side of cruising.  

19 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

My wife opted to try a go cart 4 years ago.It was free.

Interesting.  

I wonder if the costs have recently been introduced and that’s why I was surprised by them.  Or perhaps they’re free on some ships but not others.  There are so many new ships to the market, I’ve struggled to keep up with them all.  

34 minutes ago, Nic6318 said:

 

Those aren't cruise ships anymore. You are going to go to Alaska where you can fly onto and walk on a glacier and you are worried about what the ship's ammenities are. Alaskan cruises are truely about Alaska. Don't worry about missing out on the go carts. As you said you can do that anywhere.

 

have a great cruise  

Thanks and good point.  

Alaska is not set in stone as my list of places I want to go is long, but you’re right that the itinerary needs to be the priority.  

I’m pleased though I asked this question, as I’ve always been intrigued by these new ‘amusement park’ style ships and was keen to get a better idea of what to expect.  

I’m guessing from all the ‘nothing is free’ comments I’ve got so far, I might be best to just stick to older, less expensive ships. As long as they offer plenty of trivia and live music and are going somewhere interesting, we’re pretty much guaranteed to enjoy ourselves.

In regards to my term ‘all inclusive’, I just want to be clear that I understand that not absolutely everything on the ship, drinks in particular, are included.  

By all inclusive, I mean that I go on a cruise hoping/assuming that most meals and most onboard entertainment will not cost me extra.  I go on hoping that I will be able to still have a good time without flashing my key card every hour.  

I have never cruised on a luxury line (unless you count Disney) and up until now that has always been the case.  

Once cruising becomes like a land-based holiday and the cruise fare really only covers the transport and bed I sleep in, it will lose a lot of it’s appeal.  

I realise that many love cruising so much that they will adjust to the changes and charges.  That’s great. But for me, the world is a big place and my travel preferences are my own.  I’m happy to put my money where my mouth is.  

33 minutes ago, evandbob said:

It's good to be well informed about what your cruise fare covers and what it does not.  It's a passenger's responsibility to find out so misunderstandings about money don't occur.  Granted, some cruise lines, just like hotels and airlines, sometimes make this info a bit harder to find, one may actually have to read the fine print.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I agree that it’s customer responsibility to do their research beforehand and it’s the reason I asked the question.  I love all styles of travel (cruising being just one piece of that) but because flying from this side of the world is so terribly expensive, I tend to assume that most of my travel experiences will be a once and only, rather than a learn and do it better next time.  If something doesn’t fit with what I’m looking for, the bucket list is plenty long enough to replace it with something else.  

59 minutes ago, evandbob said:

 I truly doubt there are many pax who honestly think such add-ons are free.  One cruise on any line should disavow them of that thought.

I’ve never assumed they were ‘free’, but I did (perhaps naively) assume most cruise entertainment outside the spa, alcohol, shopping and gambling, were included in the fare.  

I have cruised with 5 cruise companies so far and in December, I’ll add a sixth with Carnival.  Other than the surprisingly steep cost of the behind the scenes tour on Celebrity, there hasn’t ever been any activity expenses that have taken me by surprise. 

I genuinely assumed the go carts fit into an activity category similar to the water slides and  would be included in the fare.  I guess though if something is ‘new and different’ it should be assumed that it’s being treated as an opportunity for extra revenue?  If it’s mini-golf it’s included, but if it’s bowling it’s not. Or if it’s broadway-style theatre it’s included, but if it’s IMAX theatre it’s not?  Am I on the right track here and is this the case for all companies?  I’ve never cruised Royal Caribbean either, so I’m none the wiser about them.  

Every year, cruise companies seem to be trying to outdo each other with new, exciting activities onboard.  I’ve always wanted to try one of these big, new ships, so lately I’ve been doing some future travel research into various cruise lines and destinations.  

The other day, I was looking at a big NCL ship in Alaska thinking how much my husband and son would like the go-carts. But after researching a bit further I noticed that these, along with various other activities onboard (such as the laser tag) come at an extra cost.  

I found it quite off-putting to be honest.  During land vacations, we wouldn’t prioritise activities such as these as we could do them closer to home should we choose to (and, to be honest, we rarely choose to).  But on a ship, they look like they would be a bit of unique fun. That is, until I realise they cost extra money, and then they just seem a bit gimmicky.  

I’ve cruised enough to know about the added cost of excursions, alcohol, spa costs, specialty restaurants etc, but what I’m wondering is if anyone has been on a cruise before expecting something to be included in the cost and found it wasn’t?

I know some will argue that this is the way many mainstream cruise lines are going and ‘what’s a few extra dollars?’.  I get that, but for me, much of the appeal of cruising is the mostly all inclusive nature of life onboard.  

I’m not wanting to start a debate, I just like to make sure I’m informed.

Thanks in advance.

On 8/5/2019 at 7:04 PM, OzKiwiJJ said:

My real concern is the smaller ports in the South Pacific which are often totally undeveloped - which is much of their charm. As bigger and bigger ships visit those the beaches and reefs will incur damage from ignorant people. 

I agree.  Currently it seems these ports are mostly limited to one ship at time.  I can only imagine the strain if it ever became multiple ships at once like in the Caribbean.

I’ve scanned through this thread and both the discussion and original article are interesting.

I live in a New Zealand resort town and the pressure caused by tourist numbers is very real. I’m not coastal, so cruises aren’t the problem, but the issue is much the same.  It really is a fine balancing act between tourism benefiting your town and completely ruining it.

I could go on for pages about what irks me the most (cough, irresponsible freedom campers, cough, dangerous drivers, cough).  But at the end of the day, until a clear solution is found (if ever), I think it’s just appreciated by locals if tourists are considerate of their impact on the environment, its people and their customs. There is a lot to be said about being aware of your surroundings and even small acts such as moving to the side, rather than stopping in the middle of busy pathways, can go a long way.  

I know the world of responsible tourism still has some way to go, but I also feel like it should go without saying that the only thing you should leave behind is a bit of money in the local economy (as opposed to rubbish in the lake).  😏

3 hours ago, lasvegascruising said:

I was on the Splendor November 2018 and loved the ship.  Everyone talks about the pink donuts and hubby/myself loved it.  One thing I highly suggest, you must eat at the Tandoor grill before it is gone forever.  Splendor is the last ship to have this and it's free for lunch.  It was our very favorite place to eat.  We discovered the Tandoor grill when we cruised the Dream and it was amazing.  I knew the Splendor was the last time we would get to enjoy it(the seafood shack has replaced it on other ships) and we ate there almost everyday of our seven day cruise.  We had a regular balcony room on the Lido deck and it was perfect.  Since you will be on her for 18 sea days, I hope you have a few Tandoor lunches!!

For what it’s worth, it looks like the Indian eatery is staying on the Splendor.  Details are vague, but my guess is that the ‘new’ restaurant Masala Tiger will just be an update of Tandoor.

It always takes me a moment to get my bearings every time I step out of a cruise ship elevator, so I agree that little touches like fish on the carpet is good thinking on the cruiseline’s part.

Disney have stars and compasses in their carpet which navigate North, and there are hooks on the doors with Starfish (or I think Seahorses on some ships) on the Starboard side and fish on the port side. It all made it very quick and easy to navigate to the correct side of the ship. 

I can’t speak for these ports as I’m yet to visit any of them.

But I just wanted to say that if you do end up booking any excursions through Celebrity, keep an eye out for specials as they do sometimes have sales where excursions and onboard experiences are up to 20% off.

I cruised with them around the Southern Caribbean in January and booked 3 of our 8 port days through Celebrity.  I kept a close eye on specials (including those for Specialty dining packages and drink package upgrades) and ended up cancelling and rebooking some of my add-ons multiple times to save quite a bit of money.    

HiJohnGc,

Its been 20-odd years since I’ve been to Olveston and I can’t remember it well, but I do know that from town it is up quite a steep hill.

For what it’s worth, once shuttled to town, there are a lot of attractions within mostly flat walking distance that are (IMO) equally worthy of a visit and mostly free (or inexpensive).  You could easily plan out a walking route that passes the Railway Station, the Octagon, the Centre of the University, a few of the churches (Knox and First Church) and both Toitu and Otago Museums are very good. 

If it was a nice day and you were feeling particularly energetic, you could even walk through studentville to the Botanical Gardens and perhaps bus back.

I love Dunedin.  I lived there for 4 years and go back at least 3 or 4 times a year to visit.  Every time I go, I manage to find something new and interesting to see or do.  Whatever you choose, have a great time.  

All I could think was perhaps a helicopter trip is included and you fly over Mt Aspiring and the Routeburn track?  

I’m intrigued now.  Hopefully the OP comes back and shares the exact description.  I tried googling, but Silversea make it really hard to view excursions without subscribing.  

Also intrigued by the 2 days in Melbourne.  Guessing it’s a Great Ocean Rd excursion, but then how do you rejoin the ship?  Fly to Hobart?  

As someone who lives in that slice of the world, I’m a bit biased.  But, yes, I think the excursion across the Sth Island would be worth considering.  The dramatic changes in landscape between Milford and Dunedin showcase NZ well and will be a good chance for you to see the mountains and lakes New Zealand is renowned for. 

I enjoy the road between Milford and Te Anau more than the fiord (Sound) itself and The Chasm is a lovely short walk.  

I would be very interested to read an exact description of the tour.  I very much doubt that a tour of just a few days would have time to properly explore the Routeburn Track or enter Mt Aspiring National Park.  That could just be a bit of name dropping of known landmarks in the area?

Does the description mention Arrowtown and Clyde, as I’ve heard of similar cruise tours stopping at these towns.  They are both quite charming.  

On 7/22/2019 at 5:27 PM, Hunter69 said:

On Embarkment day. The MDR (Main Dining Room) is open from 2:00 - Muster time; to handle any changes or dietery requirements. Some times they can change straight away, once had to wait to second night..

Lot's of people ask for a change from group seating to booth's of 4 or tables of 2. After the first night. I had a group seating on my very first day on a carnival cruise; I hated it; i was sat with a SO Called famous Carnival cruiser. (on the book of faces). I asked for a table of 2; for me & the BH; got it & have done it this way 171 days now..  Enjoy..

 

Thank you.  This is useful to know.

5 hours ago, deladane said:

 

Oh wow!  New Zealand and Australia are at the top of my bucket list, but with all the things I want to see and do there, I would need at least a month.  Not so sure I can do that trip before I retire haha Your cruise sounds amazing!  Please come back to write a review of your own!!  

I might just do that as I still have a few weeks vacation left when I return from this cruise, so I’ll have time to put together a proper report.  

Unlike the Reflection cruise, where I knew I’d be rushed off my feet with work as soon as I got back, so the review was pretty rushed and no where near as wonderfully detailed as yours.

It’s good that you like land travel as much as cruising, as when you do get to this part of the world, I would argue that New Zealand is a country better explored by land.  But, yes, it’s worth factoring a month to see as much as possible.  

We won’t travel to the East Coast of the USA for anything less than 3 weeks, but on the downside, that means saving money and work leave for years in advance.  Oh to win the lottery...  

A question if you don’t mind:

How did you find the social media internet package? My husband and I use mostly Facebook where we follow a lot of newspaper type pages.  The problem is, when you click on articles, you usually get rerouted to another page.  Am I right to assume that links like this won’t work using the social media package?  

I am so excited to have found another one of your trip reports Dana.  

Your review of the 14 night Celebrity Southern Caribbean was the best review I read prior to doing our own 14 night Southern Caribbean (on Celebrity Reflection) at the start of the year.  I learnt such a wealth of info from it and it really got me excited about our cruise.

Our next cruise planned in on Carnival Splendor at the end of this year and it’s a 9 night New Caledonia cruise out of Sydney.  So while this review of yours is not quite as relevant, it’s great to read about your Carnival experience.  Plus, if we’re ever fortunate enough to cruise in that side of the world, we’ll be trying a Western Caribbean since we’ve now done both an Eastern and a Southern.  So I will read about your port stops with interest.  

So so far I’m only up to your first sea day, but I’m really enjoying what I’ve read so far.  

I’ll report back when I’m all caught up.  

Thanks! Well done on another great report.  

Post 16 if you’re interested in a few pics.

My recommendation would be the full day tour with Brenda at H2O Visions.  My family of 3 (including an 11 year old) did the 5hr tour back in January and rate it as one of the best cruise excursions we’ve ever done.  We thought Bonaire was beautiful and loved being able to do a tour of both the land as well as a snorkel. (Brenda took us to a massive bait ball in a spot that no one else seemed to know about as we were the only ones snorkelling there).

The only downside was that the tour wasn’t cheap, but looking back, it was worth every cent.  

2 hours ago, MicCanberra said:

What dining arrangement do you have? I suppose if you do not like whatever they have given you and the TA cannot change it, then definitely see the Maitre De once on board but well before dinner.

We have Early Seating.  I would usually pick ‘Anytime’, but it was already waitlisted when I booked early in the year.  

We always eat early anyway and quite like have the same servers, so early is fine with us.

It’s just that we’re quite an introverted family, so given the choice, we’d prefer not to sit at one of those big tables with strangers.  

I just popped in to see my agent and after a phone call to the supplier, said she couldn’t put a request on our booking for a table for 3 (ie not sharing a table with strangers).  She said we would need to talk to the maître de once we got onboard.

Has anyone had any success making this request before a cruise with Carnival?

I know nothing is guaranteed, but I was surprised they couldn’t add notes to my booking.  

Thanks.