Hidden costs?

[Eva65]

First time cruiser, I know the drinks, soda, tips and gambling will cost extra. The special restaurant if attends and excursions.

 

so what is other costs that is not included in the price?

[firefly333]

If there is a ice cream/pastries/coffee bar, its not free either ..but its still pretty cheap to me compared to real life. A HUGE piece of chocolate cake for like $2.50 (which you could get free by going to the buffet, but some dont want to walk), or they have special teas there in bottles for the health conscious.

 

Sake costs at the sushi bar, even though sushi is free.

[Eva65]

Sake costs at the sushi bar, even though sushi is free.

 

 

what is Sake

[firefly333]

what is Sake

 

I never tasted it. Its some kind of wine made from rice, the japanese I guess drink it.

 

capachino and espresso are only free in the dining room, not from the coffee bar, so order them after dinner.

 

soft serve is always free, who needs to pay for ice cream.. Ice cream is also free after lunch and dinner in the MDR. about 3 or 4 flavors and several serbert flavors are free after lunch and dinner too. You can order serbert and a regular dessert, or more desserts free in the MDR.

[cb at sea]

Sake is a POTENT alcoholic drink made from rice.....I think it's nasty...but if you like moonshine, you may enjoy it!

There's no need to spend alot of extra money on a cruise....most of what you'll like is included.

I've never understood the "ice cream" thing....it's not like icecream isn't available everywhere, in your everyday life!

It's on the dining room dessert menu!

[NGRidley]

Also to add.....anything that costs extra (like activities on the ship) will be marked in your Fun Times (the daily paper thing you get with the ships activities for the day)

[blindrid]

First time cruiser, I know the drinks, soda, tips and gambling will cost extra. The special restaurant if attends and excursions.

 

so what is other costs that is not included in the price?

 

Really you've got it. Any discretionary spending items are pretty much charged. Bingo, pic's - you get the idea.

 

I'm guessing you're not a seasoned drinker :) - Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage - it's not wine but made more like beer (but still not quite). Alcohol content runs about 15%-20%. There are a gazillion different versions but long story short I have had bad experiences with it and don't plan on any soon :rolleyes:.

 

When in doubt, just ask.

[1wildRN]

If there is a ice cream/pastries/coffee bar, its not free either ..but its still pretty cheap to me compared to real life. A HUGE piece of chocolate cake for like $2.50 (which you could get free by going to the buffet, but some dont want to walk), or they have special teas there in bottles for the health conscious.

 

Sake costs at the sushi bar, even though sushi is free.

 

Firefly, I love how you compare cruising and "real life". Like paradise! True cruisaholic..... :) No hijack intended.......

[KenMo]

If you have to sign for anything then it's not part of the cruise price. It will be charged to your S&S.

[OhioJeff]

If you have to sign for anything then it's not part of the cruise price. It will be charged to your S&S.

With the exception of room service

[KenMo]

With the exception of room service

 

True....forgot about that one.

 

Although a tip is nice, but not charged to the S&S.

[Cruiser1547228475]

One thats not posted yet, what ever you plan to spend on the islands, etc.

[Eva65]

 

I'm guessing you're not a seasoned drinker :) - Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage - it's not wine but made more like beer (but still not quite). Alcohol content runs about 15%-20%. There are a gazillion different versions but long story short I have had bad experiences with it and don't plan on any soon :rolleyes:.

 

When in doubt, just ask.

 

 

No we drink very little. But thanks guys for all the help. sounds like there is no charges that are a must that is not already included.

[elcuchio24]

There are plenty of extra cost, although I would say they are NOT hidden. What your s&s bill is at the end of the cruise is up to you.

[KenNBarbie]

$10/day/person gratuties (for room steward, dinning room staff, etc.). 15% added to all bar bill.

[Tbay-eh]

Just a hint - you can view your S&S charges on your television so you can keep track of your spending.

[Magic City Cruiser]

I LOVE Sake! I like it best served warm. With sushi, they serve it in a carafe or you can buy a bottle. Sake and Sushi on a cruise is one of my favorite things!

[elaineb]

Tips for bags at the airport if flying, tips to the porter at the dock - $1 per bag, tips to the leader on the excursions - a couple of $ per person, tips, tips, tips.....This can really add up. Bring a good $20 in ones.

[All4fun&fun4all]

Just a hint - you can view your S&S charges on your television so you can keep track of your spending.

 

This was a great feature on Triumph. You can also locate anyone else on your folio. Found out my boyfriend had just charged something to his S&S card and I had lost him but found out he was right in the Oxford Bar.

 

Unfortunately, they didnt have this feature on Fantasy 2 weeks ago so I guess it may be ship specific.

 

We got Saki on our most recent cruise. A bottle was only $12.00!

[skittl1321]

It's possible to have a S&S bill that is very small at the end of the cruise.

On my last one I had suggested tips, one drink, and a shawl that I think was either $5 or $10 that I had planned to buy. The drink wasn't good- so next time I'll won't have any. I spent $4 in the casino ($1/sea day slot budget) but that was cash, since it was in quarters. I also spent $6 in room service tips, but also cash.

 

There is no reason to spend unless you want to. The cruise has plenty of things included if you don't want to spend more than your base fare.

[Chirpbird]

We bought soda cards on RCCL for our first cruise. I was upset (not violently, just mildly) that we were charged tips for getting our sodas. If you want me to pay 15% more, then charge 15% more for the card. It was hit or miss on the tips for the sodas, and I never signed anything for them. I figured some bartenders got the cabin number off my card when they looked at it.