Whats free? How do you know?

[beachsands]

How does one know what is free on a cruise ship and what isn't? Is there a document that lets you know? I understand that on most RCCL ships that the Windjammer is free....or is it? So how do you learn where you can go and get no charge pizza, or do you have to pay for mini golf....etc. ? Is room service free or is it an additional charge? I kind of figured that the casino and messages and things like that were pay items, but what about all of these other smaller things.

 

Just wondering as my wife was asking me what we would have to pay for.

 

Thanks, Joel

[Essiesmom]

If there is a price list, it's not free. But feel free to ask. EM

[Taxguy77]

Read the brochure. If you don't have one. call and have them send you one. It will also contain a map of the ship which will help you after you board, you will know some of your way around.

The cruiseline website is also a good place to find info.

[cb at sea]

Just so you know...NOTHING is "free"...you pay your cruisefare, and most things are included.....make no mistake...you've PAID for them!

 

You will pay additionally for alcohol, sodas, spa treatments, some exercise classes, and some "specialty" restaurants.

All entertainment is included, as are most activities, like mini-golf, rock climbing, flowriding, pools, hot tubs,room service, etc.... (although, you should plan to tip the room service delivery person...$1-5 is the norm, depending on how much they have to carry to you!)

Once you choose a cruiseline, go to that "board" and you can get specific info from past cruisers.

[alcpa1]

In addition to the previously mentioned surcharges, avoid using your cell phones. There are very high usage fees. They are printed in your cabin's booklet but once you get onboard I'd think the last thing you would do is to sit down and read the information packet.

Have a great cruise.

[BruceMuzz]

How does one know what is free on a cruise ship and what isn't? Is there a document that lets you know? I understand that on most RCCL ships that the Windjammer is free....or is it? So how do you learn where you can go and get no charge pizza, or do you have to pay for mini golf....etc. ? Is room service free or is it an additional charge? I kind of figured that the casino and messages and things like that were pay items, but what about all of these other smaller things.

 

Just wondering as my wife was asking me what we would have to pay for.

 

Thanks, Joel

 

Actually, messages are free. But Massages cost extra.

Every cruise line places a compendium in your cabin - just like in a hotel.

That compendium explains the system and answers your questions - just like in a hotel.

[Bonnie J.]

If they ask for your sign 'n sail card it is not free. Everything from the bar, including sodas, have a charge and automatic 15% tip added. But there is hot & cold tea, good water, coffee and on some ships (Carnival) lemonade available in the buffet 24 hours. All the shows and lounges are free. All food EXCEPT in the pay restaurants is free. This is the buffet, main dining rooms, pizza, grill, room service, and deli if there is one. Ice cream is free too. Some ships have a specially coffee shop and a Ben & Jerrys. Those you do pay for. You pay for any ship's tour/excursion. They are more expensive than if you do the same tour with someone from the pier. It is VERY easy to spend more than you plan on a ship. Often you can check your account on you cabin TV to see how much you have spend so fsar.

[agabbymama]

In addition to all the others have mentioned, there are ship's photographers roaming around the ship all the time taking photos.

They come into the dining room, they are at the gangway at ports,

they abound on formal night. Now they take the photos for free,

but if you want the photos they are not. We have generally found

5x7s to be around $15 and 8x10s at $20 and formal photos at $25.

 

If they turn out good, I just can't resist. I usually budget $100 to be able to purchase as many as I want. Even if it's only the boarding photo, it makes a nice souvenir.