Additional Costs onboard (silly newbie questions !!??)

[PongosMum]

Total Newbie (& you’ll probably be able to tell after reading these questions)

Planning a big holiday for our 30th Wedding Anniversary & my (arrgghhh) 50th birthday and we intend to cruise in Alaska for one week of it (Seattle, Vegas & one other place - to be determined - will also be included). Thinking of either Holland America or Royal Caribbean so if anyone has recently been on a cruise with either of these companies, I’d be grateful for your help.

I’ve got a ton of questions about cabins, tours in ports, clothes, weather etc but thought I’d start off with how much we’ll spend on board because just reading all the posts on gratuities, it’s looking like we’re gonna need a lot of cash. Excluding the cost of any trips we may take while in port, we’re thinking of allowing for $150-$200 spend per day (i.e. $75-$100 each & this includes the grats)

Gratuities

1) Some people mentions grats, others talk about ‘service charges’ - are these 2 different charges or just a difference in terminology?

2) What’s a ‘ballpark’ figure per day per person?

3) There seems to be a couple of options for paying them - pre pay or get the charges automatically put on your credit card, what’s the best and/or cheapest way?

4) Do they cover cabin stewards & stewardesses?

Food/Drink

1) Is all food (including bar snacks etc) free on board or is there ever a time or place that you’d be expected to pay extra?

2) What’s available in the cabins? Do you get a kettle to make your own hot drinks?

3) I know from friends that a lot of cruises around the Med are “all inclusive” for drinks, is this available on any Alaska cruises (standard cruise not talking 5star luxury)

4) Again, ‘ballpark’ figures on prices of

· Beers

· Bottle of Wine

· Soft Drinks*

· Water*

· Coffee/Tea (if not avail in room)

*Some people have mentioned taking your own soft drinks/water on board - is this allowed? Only asking because as no alcohol is permitted, I’d assumed no soft drinks either.

Cash Bonus per passenger

Not too sure of the correct term for this but it’s something that’s mentioned in the brochure blurb e.g. $150 per cabin to spend on board (the amount seems to be dependant on cabin type)

1) Bit of a rhetorical question, but why don’t they just charge less for the cruise?

2) Can this be spent on anything or is it limited, for example, to being spent in the ship’s clothing store rather than the bar?

Tours

1) Assuming the tours aren’t already full, are we likely to be charged a premium if we don’t book until we’re on board? or

2) Would it be better/cheaper to try & book independently of either the cruise company or a travel agent & go direct to the tour company?

3) Do cruise lines and, for that matter, any independant tour companies offer refunds if the ship (for whatever reason) is not allowed/unable to dock in a particular port?

Laundry

I’ve never used a hotel dryclean/laundry service in my life because i think it’s such a rip off but as we’ll have already spent 4 nights in Seattle, by the end of this part of our trip, the washing pile will be getting quite big - I’ve read somewhere that the ships all have laundry facilities for guests to do their own - is that correct or is it only some cruise lines or even just some ships within cruise lines? Are tumble dryers, washing powder etc available too? Prices (extortionate or not) would be appreciated.

Other Charges

If you can think of any other times we may have to spend even more of our hard earned dosh, please let me know.

Thanks

[98Charlie]

Grats & Service Charge are the same. All of the mass market lines have them and they run $10-12 per person per day depending on the cruise line. This covers your room steward(ess) and the wait staff (including staff in the buffets, etc.)

 

Some pre-pay to get them out of the way. On long or consecutive cruises they may be required to be prepaid. Prepaying leaves the door open for an accounting error where you could be charged a second time then have to straighten the mess out. We just let the charges accumulate on a daily basis on the cruise and be done with it.

 

All ships on the mass market lines have dining rooms and buffets that are included in the price of the cruise. They will also have other dining venues that are at an additional cost. We have personally found that the inclusive dining is anywhere from satisfactory to really good. We have used the specialty restaurants for special occasions and do enjoy them also.

 

Bar snacks are generally available at no cost.

 

I believe NCL is the only line that has a coffee pot in each cabin. Personally we have never used one and they are not allowed to be brought on board. We call for room service or put out a door hanger request the night before and have coffee and danish in the morning while we are getting ready for the day. Room service is included in the cost of your cruise and there will be a menu in your cabin. We do tip the steward who brings the goodies. It will not be your room steward and they are generally not included in the gratuitiy pool that your automatic grats go in to.

 

None of the mass market lines have all inclusive drinks.

 

I don't recall the exact cost for each of the beverages but

• Wine starts around $20/bottle and up (way up!)
  
• Beer by the bottle and wine by the glass are in the price range that we see in most decent places (not dives - not upscale lounges)
  
• Bottled water in the $3-4 range. (buy it in port)
  
• Sodas - $2 per can. There will be a soda package offered that costs about $5-7 per day. You have to pay for the whole week, not available as a daily deal.
  
• Coffee and tea are available 24x7 in the buffet and from room service at no charge. There will probably be a specialty coffee shop on board that would be additional.
  

Check the individual cruise lines contract. But you can generally bring on a bottle of wine, some soda and some water.

 

The cash bonus is called and On Board Credit (you'll see the term OBC on the boards here). OBC's are used by the cruise line for a variety of reasons. Some as an enticement to book (ex: OBC if you book by tomorrow midnight.) Some lines have OBC's if you are a stockholder in the company. Some are given to correct a grievance the passenger may have.

 

OBC's are generally good for everything. Shops on board, specialty dining, excursions.

 

Tours and excursions will be the same price through the cruise line both before you sail and after you get on the ship. The only real risk is that an excursion might sell out. If you miss the port for any reason the cruise lines will refund the cost.

 

Some people are comfortable with booking private tours, others are not. We have taken a few tours with the cruise lines but most have been private tours. You need to judge your own comfort level. The private tours can save you a bunch. We have never prepaid a private tour. If the ship doesn't make it to port we're out nothing.

 

Some lines have self serve laundry on some ships. I know that Carnival does on many. Some lines will have a laundry special on some cruises. All you can jam in a special bag for something like $20.

 

You may want to check out the boards for the specific line that you are taking. People will be able to give you more specifics about the line and ship that you have chosen.

 

(And Welcome To Cruise Critic:))

 

Charlie

[PongosMum]

Thanks for the welcome & an even bigger thanks for the info - really helpful :-)

[sparky-elpaso]

Total Newbie (& you’ll probably be able to tell after reading these questions)

 

Planning a big holiday for our 30th Wedding Anniversary & my (arrgghhh) 50th birthday and we intend to cruise in Alaska for one week of it (Seattle, Vegas & one other place - to be determined - will also be included). Thinking of either Holland America or Royal Caribbean so if anyone has recently been on a cruise with either of these companies, I’d be grateful for your help.

 

I’ve got a ton of questions about cabins, tours in ports, clothes, weather etc but thought I’d start off with how much we’ll spend on board because just reading all the posts on gratuities, it’s looking like we’re gonna need a lot of cash. Excluding the cost of any trips we may take while in port, we’re thinking of allowing for $150-$200 spend per day (i.e. $75-$100 each & this includes the grats)

 

Gratuities

 

1) Some people mentions grats, others talk about ‘service charges’ - are these 2 different charges or just a difference in terminology?

They're the same thing. HAL calls it a "hotel charge" and RCI "gratuities".

2) What’s a ‘ballpark’ figure per day per person?

HAL is $11 a day per person - RCI is around $9.75 per day pp.

3) There seems to be a couple of options for paying them - pre pay or get the charges automatically put on your credit card, what’s the best and/or cheapest way?

You can have it added to your on-board account on both lines. If you choose "my-time dining" on RCI you have to pre-pay and it's added to your cruise fare.

4) Do they cover cabin stewards & stewardesses?

Yes. And dining room waiters, and lots of behind the scenes people you never see.

 

Food/Drink

 

1) Is all food (including bar snacks etc) free on board or is there ever a time or place that you’d be expected to pay extra?

Both RCI and HAL have restaurants that charge extra - usually $20 to $25. Chops and Portofino's on RCI and the Pinnacle Grill on HAl. Both lines also have a premium coffee type place. Food in the dining room, buffet restaurant, and smaller venues like poolside burger places, pizza, etc. are all included.

You have to pay extra for alcoholic drinks, sodas and bottled water.

2) What’s available in the cabins? Do you get a kettle to make your own hot drinks?

No (except in suites in some cases I think). And it's not permitted to bring your own - has to do with the drain on the electrical system on the ship. No travel irons either, please. You can find a list of "prohibited items" on both HAL and RCI's websites.

3) I know from friends that a lot of cruises around the Med are “all inclusive” for drinks, is this available on any Alaska cruises (standard cruise not talking 5star luxury)

Nope.

4) Again, ‘ballpark’ figures on prices of

· Beers

· Bottle of Wine

· Soft Drinks* Usually around $2 or so per can. A 15% tip is added to all drinks.

· Water* Tap water is free (and very good)

· Coffee/Tea (if not avail in room) No charge for regular. And you can always order from room service for that first coffee you need first thing in the morning. It's customary to tip the delivery person a dollar or 2 depending on how much you've ordered. No charge for room service.

 

*Some people have mentioned taking your own soft drinks/water on board - is this allowed? Only asking because as no alcohol is permitted, I’d assumed no soft drinks either.

HAL allows soft drinks and wine to be brought on board. RCI apparently is saying no to most everything now.

 

Cash Bonus per passenger

 

Not too sure of the correct term for this but it’s something that’s mentioned in the brochure blurb e.g. $150 per cabin to spend on board (the amount seems to be dependant on cabin type)

OBC (on board credit) is what you mean. And some TA's (travel agents) will give you OBC's and sometimes the cruise line will. We booked our Australia cruise with a special sale with RCI and got OBC's.

1) Bit of a rhetorical question, but why don’t they just charge less for the cruise?

Because your on-board spending is mostly for discretionary things. My husband and I aren't big drinkers - an occasional beer or glass of wine so they don't make much on us for that sort of thing.

2) Can this be spent on anything or is it limited, for example, to being spent in the ship’s clothing store rather than the bar?

Anywhere.

 

Tours

 

1) Assuming the tours aren’t already full, are we likely to be charged a premium if we don’t book until we’re on board? or

 

2) Would it be better/cheaper to try & book independently of either the cruise company or a travel agent & go direct to the tour company?

I'll lump 1 and 2 here together. It's one of those "it depends" type answers. Some of the excursions are very popular and may sell out by the time the cruise starts. So booking ahead is a good idea. Alaska is one place where independent excursions are very doable. We did a combination of ships tours and independents on our Alaska cruise. Check out the Alaska board here - lots of great info from people who live in Alaska and cruise there a lot. Also the ports usually have a web site for info on tour companies, walking tours, etc. And it's nice to use Google Earth to check out what the port area actually looks like.

 

3) Do cruise lines and, for that matter, any independant tour companies offer refunds if the ship (for whatever reason) is not allowed/unable to dock in a particular port?

Absolutely. And for weather related "misses" too. We got a full refund for our flightseeing trip in Ketchikan - too foggy to see anything.

 

Laundry

 

I’ve never used a hotel dryclean/laundry service in my life because i think it’s such a rip off but as we’ll have already spent 4 nights in Seattle, by the end of this part of our trip, the washing pile will be getting quite big - I’ve read somewhere that the ships all have laundry facilities for guests to do their own - is that correct or is it only some cruise lines or even just some ships within cruise lines? Are tumble dryers, washing powder etc available too? Prices (extortionate or not) would be appreciated.

RCI doesn't have laundry facilities on their ships. HAL does on some of their ships. I haven't actually used the laundry service on either so I don't know prices - but someone will come along who does.

 

Other Charges

 

If you can think of any other times we may have to spend even more of our hard earned dosh, please let me know.

Casino - bingo - that sort of thing. And shopping of course.

Thanks

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic. You will find a ton of good information here. The link to our Alaska pics are in my signature if you would like to see what you're in for - you're gonna LOVE Alaska. And beware - cruising is addictive.

[uppitycats]

Total Newbie (& you’ll probably be able to tell after reading these questions)

 

Excluding the cost of any trips we may take while in port, we’re thinking of allowing for $150-$200 spend per day (i.e. $75-$100 each & this includes the grats) This is probably realistic...some might need a bit more, some less.

 

Gratuities

 

1) Some people mentions grats, others talk about ‘service charges’ - are these 2 different charges or just a difference in terminology? These are generally the same, just different words used by different cruise companies. The gratutities/tips/service charges are for the room stewards, waiters, assistant stewards and waiters, and several other folks that work hard with low pay to make your cruising special. In other words, they deserve at least the "recommended gratuity", "service charge", or "tip" that the cruise line recommends. Depending on which line you choose, this will be spelled out somewhere in the literature, or on the web site.

NOTE THIS, however!: You will also be charged a 15% "tip" on anything alcoholic, and on soft drinks. When you order a coke/beer/liquor from the bar, they'll ask for your sign-and-sail card (which is an onboard credit card you'll be issued when you board, and which serves as your room key and generally as your identification). When the drink is delivered, you'll be handed a slip to sign, indicating the cost of the drink, and the 15% tip.

You'll also be expected to tip if you use child care services, and for some spa services.

 

2) What’s a ‘ballpark’ figure per day per person? The amount you described above seems reasonable.

 

3) There seems to be a couple of options for paying them - pre pay or get the charges automatically put on your credit card, what’s the best and/or cheapest way? There isn't a "cheapest" way -- the amount the line charges -- generally around $10 - $12 per person per day -- will be the same, whether you pay in advance, or pay at the end of your cruise. It's more a question for you of what will work best for your budget. We like to pay upfront as many charges as we can, so that we don't have to be paying for our vacation months after the vacation is over!

Note that the charge -- $10-$12 -- is per person, not per cabin, and you'll be expected to pay the same charge whether the "person" is a child or an adult.

 

4) Do they cover cabin stewards & stewardesses?

Yes. I talked about this earlier. All the people that you would normally be asked to tip will be covered by the service charge.

 

Food/Drink

 

1) Is all food (including bar snacks etc) free on board or is there ever a time or place that you’d be expected to pay extra? Depending on which cruise line you go with, there will be specialty restaurants where you'll be charged an additional fee to eat there (in the range of $20 per person). Sometimes there will be a charge for late night room service (pizza delivery seems to generate an extra charge). Specialty coffees, sodas, soft drinks will be charged extra. Some ships have a special "pastry shop", where you'll be charged.

If you ever have a question about whether you'll be charged..just ask. They'll be glad to tell you, and if you're not willing to pay the fee, then just move on. Or if you are asked for your sign-and-sail card..then you know you'll be charged.

 

2) What’s available in the cabins? Do you get a kettle to make your own hot drinks? We did encounter a coffee pot in the room on an NCL cruise..but otherwise electrical equipment like this..including irons, sometimes steam machines,, all are "banned" because they can be a real safety hazard. Getting coffee or tea from room service is easy -- just pick up the in-room phone and call -- and free (although a small tip to whoever brings you the order -- $1-2 -- is customary).

Soap and shampoo, towels, beach or pool towels -- all are in the cabins.

Some lines will charge you if you lose a beach towel.

 

3) I know from friends that a lot of cruises around the Med are “all inclusive” for drinks, is this available on any Alaska cruises (standard cruise not talking 5star luxury) No. Some European cruise lines and river cruises -- which might have been what your friends were on -- have all inclusive packages. Most American based lines (except the way high end ones) do not.

 

4) Again, ‘ballpark’ figures on prices of

· Beers $4-$6 a bottle. Sometimes there will be packages offered, X number of beers for a certain amount. This depends on the line.

· Bottle of Wine $20 and up. Sometimes way up. Wine can be bought by the glass. If you don't finish a bottle of wine at dinner, they'll save it for you for the next night, or on some lines, you can take it back to your room to enjoy later.

· Soft Drinks* around $3.00. Depending on your consumption, you may decide to forego soft drinks for the week of your cruise. Or buy a card, offered by some lines, for unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise. These cards are to be used individually -- not, say, one card per family!

· Water* Tap water is free, and very good. Ship water is very well filtered. If you're "addicted" to bottled water, then it'll cost around $3 per bottle. Or you can simply bring a couple of empty bottles and refill them from fountains found all around the ship.

· Coffee/Tea (if not avail in room)

Regular coffee and tea are free (tea is usually offered as a variety of different teas in bags). Some specialty coffees are free if ordered in the main dining room (ask first!). Otherwise, you will be charged for them.

Depending on the line, also available free is iced tea, and sometimes something like lemonade (or another similar juice-based drink).

*Some people have mentioned taking your own soft drinks/water on board - is this allowed? Only asking because as no alcohol is permitted, I’d assumed no soft drinks either.

Depending on which line you book, you can sometimes bring some alcohol aboard -- usually wine (for which you'll be charged a $15 "corkage fee" -- charge to open the bottle!). For us, certainly not wine experts, a $15 corkage fee is more than some of our favorite wines are worth!, so not worth the carrying!

You can bring on board soft drinks and water -- a "reasonable amount", usually defined as a carton of 12 of each, per person. Just depends on how much you want to lug around.

 

 

Cash Bonus per passenger

 

Not too sure of the correct term for this but it’s something that’s mentioned in the brochure blurb e.g. $150 per cabin to spend on board (the amount seems to be dependant on cabin type)

 

1) Bit of a rhetorical question, but why don’t they just charge less for the cruise? It's a psychological thing. People like to be "given" something.

 

2) Can this be spent on anything or is it limited, for example, to being spent in the ship’s clothing store rather than the bar?

It's a credit that will appear on your onboard account, and unless it specifically states otherwise, can be used toward any on-board purchases.

I have seen some OBC (on board credits) designated specifically for tours, for example..but that's pretty clearly defined if you get something like that. Otherwise, they're good for anything on board.

Tours

 

1) Assuming the tours aren’t already full, are we likely to be charged a premium if we don’t book until we’re on board? or If you're talking about ship-sponsored tours, the price will be the same on board or earlier. The risk of waiting until you're on board is that sometimes the tour you want will be sold out. They may put you on a waiting list (people do cancel!), but if you have your heart set on a particular tour, then you'd best book ahead.

 

2) Would it be better/cheaper to try & book independently of either the cruise company or a travel agent & go direct to the tour company? It would be cheaper sometimes. Whether it's "better" or not depends on your comfort level -- can you verify the quality of the independent company tour? Will they assure you that they'll pay attention to when your ship is to set sail, and get you back in plenty of time (at least 30 minutes before sailing) to get checked in and back on board? Will they refund your money if you decide to cancel, or if the ship has to miss that port for some reason? All questions you need to ask before booking independent tours.

 

3) Do cruise lines and, for that matter, any independant tour companies offer refunds if the ship (for whatever reason) is not allowed/unable to dock in a particular port?

The cruise line definitely will refund your money if they can't get to a port. Some independent tour companies will..some won't. You need to find that out in advance, if you book independently.

Laundry

 

I’ve never used a hotel dryclean/laundry service in my life because i think it’s such a rip off but as we’ll have already spent 4 nights in Seattle, by the end of this part of our trip, the washing pile will be getting quite big - I’ve read somewhere that the ships all have laundry facilities for guests to do their own - is that correct or is it only some cruise lines or even just some ships within cruise lines? Are tumble dryers, washing powder etc available too? Prices (extortionate or not) would be appreciated.

Some cruise lines do have ship-board laundry facilities -- but they're small, often crowded. Some lines (like NCL) do NOT have ship-board laundries. All of them do have hotel laundry services (which, as you note, are exhorbitant).

What we've done when we've been in your circumstance -- a few days in a city before boarding the ship -- is to find a self-service laundry in town, do the washing the last day we're in the city, and repack the clean clothes.

Or wait until we're on board (this we did with NCL) and watch for the "laundry specials" -- all you can stuff in a paper bag (which they provide) for $25. With a little careful stuffing and some duct tape on the bag, we got all our laundry, including several pairs of jeans..washed and folded and returned for the $25.

 

 

Other Charges

 

If you can think of any other times we may have to spend even more of our hard earned dosh, please let me know.

 

Thanks

 

You actually can pay for your cruise and the tips/gratuities, then get on your cruise ship and not spend a penny more -- by not buying liquor or soft drinks (and depending on the free beverages available from the buffet area), by not gambling, by not using spa services, by not going on excursions, by not shopping for souveniers (either on the ship or on shore). You'll be fed, "watered", entertained on board, all for the cost of your cruise.

[zoncom]

Alcohol and cruise excursions are the chief profit makers for cruiselines. Both Holland America and Princess allow unlimited bottles of wine to be brought aboard. Go to your library and get both Alaska and cruising books. Frommers, Fodors and Lonely Planet all excellent. One does not need a ship excursion at most ports. Do also consider Princess,which I prefer to HAL. Better all around. (one ladies opinion.)

[arlodog]

We went this summer to Alaska on HAL. You have gotten good advice from the others; I will just add a couple of thoughts. We have sailed both Royal Caribbean and Holland America. For Alaska I would go with either HAL or Princess-they have the most experience in Alaska. If possible try and see Glacier Bay. It is phenomenal!

 

As for excursions you can get lots of info off the Alaska boards here. You will save money over what you will pay on board ship, but more importantly you will have smaller groups and not feel like a herd of cattle:rolleyes:. Alaskan excursions are expensive, but with planning you can really see a lot for not too much money. I highly recommend Harv and Marv's for whale watching in Juneau and a trip to Mendenhall. We also really enjoyed renting a car and using Murray's guide in Skagway. We took a flight plane in Ketchikan, but would skip that the next time and either go to totem blight or just wander around and watch the salmon run.

 

We celebrated our 25th this year and your plans sound a lot like ours! We just got back from Vegas too! :p

[Electricflyer]

In regard to food and drinks, here is a Carnival web site used by TA's that lists all of the food menus, table sizes and all that. Also has the cost of bar drinks, wine and sodas. Note: at the bottom of the left hand column there is sweets and coffees listed which are NOT free. Also a couple eating areas on Carnival Magic that cost extra as well as the Steakhouse on all of the other ships.

 

www.goccl.com/irman/bookccl/sections/shipboard/DiningOnboard_master.html Dining menus/Carnival

[98Charlie]

In regard to food and drinks, here is a Carnival web site used by TA's that lists all of the food menus, table sizes and all that. Also has the cost of bar drinks, wine and sodas. Note: at the bottom of the left hand column there is sweets and coffees listed which are NOT free. Also a couple eating areas on Carnival Magic that cost extra as well as the Steakhouse on all of the other ships.

 

www.goccl.com/irman/bookccl/sections/shipboard/DiningOnboard_master.html Dining menus/Carnival

Great Link. Thanks

 

Charlie

 

57 years between cruises! Probably took you that long to thaw out:)

[MrsPete]

2) What’s a ‘ballpark’ figure per day per person? This isn't an answerable question -- it's too individual. Here are a couple questions to help you figure up your personal answer:

 

First, consider how you're likely to spend your At-Sea days. Do you imagine yourself sleeping late, enjoying leisurely meals and time by the pool, and then enjoying a nap before dinner in the Main Dining Room? . . . OR do you see yourself attending a wine tasting session or playing bingo, then having a massage or other spa treatment before heading to a specialty restaurant for dinner? The first set of possibilities are all FREE, while the second set ALL COST. Read some more on these boards to get a feel for what you'd likely enjoy onboard, and then you'll be able to figure up your per-day cost for At-Sea days.

Second, how do you see yourself spending time on the islands? Do you imagine yourself grabbing a taxi to the nearest beach and planting your rump in the sand 'til it's time to head back to the ship, or are you the type who'll spend the day shopping, or are you more likely to spend on an excursion? If you're just going to do a beach day, you might only spend $20-25 (not per person), while many excursions run $50-100/person.

Finally, how much do you expect you'll drink? If you're the type who'll have a couple beers by the pool in the afternoon, then order a bottle of wine with dinner, expect that to add up. On the other hand, if you're likely to indulge only a few times over the course of the week, then your bar tab won't be much.

Really, you have to read enough on these boards to garner an idea for yourself about how much you're likely to spend.

 

 

3) There seems to be a couple of options for paying them - pre pay or get the charges automatically put on your credit card, what’s the best and/or cheapest way?

Tips aren't really cheaper any way you do it. I like to pre-pay so that I don't have to think about it again -- also, that makes it easy to put on the credit card, which garners you extra rewards points. It's just easier, and I've never had bad service ever. IF I did, I'd go to Customer Service and have my tip removed, but honestly I can't imagine that happening.

 

4) Do they cover cabin stewards & stewardesses?

Your main tips cover your dining room tips (for all three meals of the day) and your cabin steward.

In addition, you may want to tip your bartender more (though if you read the bill you're signing, you'll see that he's already getting 15% per drink). And you should tip if you order room service. Onboard, that covers you. You may need some tipping cash for porters and people on the island.

 

1) Is all food (including bar snacks etc) free on board or is there ever a time or place that you’d be expected to pay extra?

You'll pay extra for Johnny Rockets, Portafinos, and Chops Steakhouse.

No charge for Sorrentos pizza or sandwiches/pastries/cookies at Cafe Promenade.

And, of course, alcohol and sodas are extra.

 

2) What’s available in the cabins? Do you get a kettle to make your own hot drinks?

No, but you can get hot water /tea bags/hot chocolate from Cafe Promenade.

 

4) Again, ‘ballpark’ figures on prices of

· Beers $5-6, depending upon brand

· Bottle of Wine Varies too widely for me to guess

· Soft Drinks* $1.75-ish per can

· Water* Glasses of pre-poured ice water are always available at the buffet, and you can serve yourself at Cafe Promenade or Sorrentos Pizza.

· Coffee/Tea (if not avail in room) Free, though if you order a pot through room service, you should be prepared to tip for delivery.

 

*Some people have mentioned taking your own soft drinks/water on board - is this allowed? Only asking because as no alcohol is permitted, I’d assumed no soft drinks either.

You'll have no problem bringing water bottles or sodas onboard. Do wrap them well; I use XXL ziplocks and wrap the edges of the plastic tightly around with duct tape, then stick a luggage tag on top. The key is moderation; if you bring a 12-pack of sodas, it's going to go right through, whereas they're going to raise their eyebrows at multiple cases.

The water onboard is purified, so bringing a couple EMPTY bottles is a good idea. You can just refill them over and over.

 

 

1) Bit of a rhetorical question, but why don’t they just charge less for the cruise?

I don't think most people qualify for this onboard credit. I could be wrong.

Also, consider that reducing everyone's cruise by $150 would decrease their bottom line. BUT even if they gave it to every single person, $150 in OBC wouldn't cost them all that much. Consider drinks, which is what most people seem to spend most on: You pay $8 for a fru-fru drink. Do you think it really cost them $8? Of course not. MAYBE it cost them $1 at most (and that's including the washing of the glass, the napkin, and the electricity that they used to mix it up). So this registers with you, the cruiser, as an $8 value, but they really only spent a fraction of that. It's a win-win for them.

 

 

2) Can this be spent on anything or is it limited, for example, to being spent in the ship’s clothing store rather than the bar?

You can use onboard credit for store merchandise, drinks, tips, specialty restaurants, anything you want.

 

Tours

 

1) Assuming the tours aren’t already full, are we likely to be charged a premium if we don’t book until we’re on board?

Except for the super-popular things like dolphin swims, ship's excursions aren't likely to be sold out, and they don't raise the price onboard. You might not get your preferred timeslot. However, I prefer to book ahead of time so that I don't have to think about this onboard or waste my vacation time standing in line to reserve things.

 

2) Would it be better/cheaper to try & book independently of either the cruise company or a travel agent & go direct to the tour company?

Independent is ALWAYS the best choice. These boards will help you find good, safe options for your island stops. Not only will you spend less money, you'll be in smaller groups and will have much more control over your day in port. I despise ship's excursions.

 

3) Do cruise lines and, for that matter, any independant tour companies offer refunds if the ship (for whatever reason) is not allowed/unable to dock in a particular port?

Yes. You'd be wise to bring a phone number /print out with your excursion operator's information so that IF this happens, you can call or email. They'll know that your ship didn't come into port, and they'll make it right for you.

Are tumble dryers, washing powder etc available too? Prices (extortionate or not) would be appreciated.

Depends upon your cruise line.

 

If you can think of any other times we may have to spend even more of our hard earned dosh, please let me know.

Going on a cruise is kind of like raising children. Within reason, you can do it on a budget or you can go all-out . . . and the results aren't likely to be all that different. If you need to watch your pennies, don't worry -- just pay your tips, buy a few drinks here and there (or whatever else might be important to you), but don't feel that you have to do everything or your cruise'll be ruined.

 

The one thing I'd say you absolutley should put into your budget is a PRE-CRUISE HOTEL STAY. It's cheap insurance to fly in /drive in at least a night before the cruise and stay somewhere near the port. That'll allow you to sleep in, awake relaxed, and still be one of the first people in line to board your ship. IF you should enounter difficulties in travel -- a late plane, a flat tire -- hopefully it'll just mean you're late arriving at your hotel. It won't mean you'll miss the ship!

[Cruisin' Chick]

I would recommend as the previous poster did, and strongly advise you to get in at least a day ahead. Either make your flight arrangements yourself or get your TA to do it (but not through the cruiseline). The reason why I say don't use the cruiseline flights is that with Alaska, if you miss getting to your embarkation port on time, you may end up missing your whole cruise. Especially if you are going on a northbound out of Vancouver. You won't be allowed to just do the Alaskan ports as that's a violation of the PVSA Act. (requiring at least one of your ports to be a distant foreign one)

 

Since you want to sightsee Seattle, I have a suggestion: consider doing a round trip out of Seattle. That would elimininate Royal Caribbean (I don't think they use Seattle), but Princess and Holland really do Alaska the best. You'll be able to utilize the self-service laundromats on Princess ships, and you don't have to hide any soda or wine you wish to bring onboard.

 

And don't think you have to do an excursion in every port. If you are into researching (all the ports have their own websites) and reading (Fodors, etc.), you can sightsee on your own. Just be sure to make sure you keep tabs on the time (bring the ship's newsletter which has the time to be back on board by).

[PongosMum]

Again, thanks for the welcome. You've all taken so much trouble to reply, I'm thanking each of you separately - if all of my questions (and I've got tons more) are answered in so much detail, I'll feel like I'm a seasoned cruiser by the time we go on ours :-)

[PongosMum]

So much info - thank you, it's a real help

[PongosMum]

Great idea thanks

[PongosMum]

Not very forum savvy so don't know if these individual replies will get to the right people or just stay forever on this question. So, for my previous thankyous I've replied in order & this one is for arlodog - thanks for the tip about glacier bay. Hope you enjoyed your 25th :-)

[PongosMum]

Great info MrsPete - we think we'll be going from vancouver because of the cruise we want to do (one week northbound to seward) so the pre-cruise hotel is a fantastic idea

[PongosMum]

Thanks Cruisin Chick - as you can see from my previous thankyou, we are planning to leave from vancouver - I'll definitely make sure to get there the day before now

[PongosMum]

Skipped over ElectricFlyer by mistake (sorry) - thank you, haven't looked at the link yet but sounds great

[griffy116]

Total Newbie (& you’ll probably be able to tell after reading these questions)

 

Planning a big holiday for our 30th Wedding Anniversary & my (arrgghhh) 50th birthday and we intend to cruise in Alaska for one week of it (Seattle, Vegas & one other place - to be determined - will also be included). Thinking of either Holland America or Royal Caribbean so if anyone has recently been on a cruise with either of these companies, I’d be grateful for your help.

 

I’ve got a ton of questions about cabins, tours in ports, clothes, weather etc but thought I’d start off with how much we’ll spend on board because just reading all the posts on gratuities, it’s looking like we’re gonna need a lot of cash. Excluding the cost of any trips we may take while in port, we’re thinking of allowing for $150-$200 spend per day (i.e. $75-$100 each & this includes the grats)

 

Gratuities

 

1) Some people mentions grats, others talk about ‘service charges’ - are these 2 different charges or just a difference in terminology? RCI has suggested guidelines for "tipping" which is the gratuities. It amounts to $15 per day. It includes waiters, asst. waiters, head waiter, room steward. You can choose to have it added to your SeaPass card or pay in cash at the end of the cruise.

 

2) What’s a ‘ballpark’ figure per day per person? %15 on RCI

 

3) There seems to be a couple of options for paying them - pre pay or get the charges automatically put on your credit card, what’s the best and/or cheapest way? By the guidelines, the amount is the same and the only difference would be the method of paying. We prefer to have it added to the card since it's more convenient.

 

4) Do they cover cabin stewards & stewardesses? It covers everyone from all the different dining rooms (it's pooled and split) and room stewards/attendants. The only exception is if you order room service and you should tip when it's delivered (couple of dollars). If you order room service between midnight and 5 am, there is a $3.95 charge/gratuity.

 

 

Food/Drink

 

1) Is all food (including bar snacks etc) free on board or is there ever a time or place that you’d be expected to pay extra? All dining is included with the exception of specialty restaurants (Chops, Portofinos, Johnny Rockets, Seafood Grill). Windjammer (buffet), Main Dining Room, Sorrentos, Promenade Cafe are all included in cost of cruise.

 

2) What’s available in the cabins? Do you get a kettle to make your own hot drinks? no kettles are allowed, however, you can order tea or coffee from room service and that's a great wake up call if you order it the night before.

 

3) I know from friends that a lot of cruises around the Med are “all inclusive” for drinks, is this available on any Alaska cruises (standard cruise not talking 5star luxury). Alcoholic drinks and sodas are not included. You can purchase a soda card for $6 per day (adults) or $4 per day (under 18) or purchase for $2.75 each.

 

4) Again, ‘ballpark’ figures on prices of

· Beers $4.50-$4.75 each

· Bottle of Wine $38 and up

· Soft Drinks* $2.75 each or per day for Soda card for unlimited

· Water* Ships water is fine. They offer a package for water if you choose, which is extra.

· Coffee/Tea (if not avail in room) Available 24/7 in Promenade and in Windjammer almost 24 hours per day.

 

*Some people have mentioned taking your own soft drinks/water on board - is this allowed? Only asking because as no alcohol is permitted, I’d assumed no soft drinks either. You CANNOT bring wine onboard RCI ships. Even though it states you can't bring soda onboard, it's allowed, as well as water unless it's excessive amounts.

 

 

Cash Bonus per passenger

 

Not too sure of the correct term for this but it’s something that’s mentioned in the brochure blurb e.g. $150 per cabin to spend on board (the amount seems to be dependant on cabin type)

 

1) Bit of a rhetorical question, but why don’t they just charge less for the cruise? OBC = On Board Credit. It is given by the cruise line as a special offer for booking specific sailings or at different times. You might also have an OBC from your Travel Agent. It's not given to each passenger as a general rule.

 

2) Can this be spent on anything or is it limited, for example, to being spent in the ship’s clothing store rather than the bar? It can be spent on anything that is charged to your sepass card (excursions, stores and shops, specialty retaurants, bars, soda card..anything you would charge to your cabin).

 

Tours

 

1) Assuming the tours aren’t already full, are we likely to be charged a premium if we don’t book until we’re on board? or Charges are the same whether you book in advance or when you board. The advantage is that some popular excursion might be fully booked. The cruise line offers a limited number of spots/people on each excursion.

 

2) Would it be better/cheaper to try & book independently of either the cruise company or a travel agent & go direct to the tour company? It's usually cheaper to do the excursion on your own through an independant agent. The advantage of booking through the cruise line is that if the tour/excursion is delayed getting you back to the ship, the ship waits. If you book on your own, you are responsible for your time and getting back to the ship before it sails. Ship also arranges any transportation to and from the excursion. On-you-own, you may or may not be responsible for a taxi or driver to see that you arrive at the excursion and return to the ship.

 

3) Do cruise lines and, for that matter, any independant tour companies offer refunds if the ship (for whatever reason) is not allowed/unable to dock in a particular port? Cruise line offers refund if unable to dock at a port where you have booked an excursion.

 

Laundry

 

I’ve never used a hotel dryclean/laundry service in my life because i think it’s such a rip off but as we’ll have already spent 4 nights in Seattle, by the end of this part of our trip, the washing pile will be getting quite big - I’ve read somewhere that the ships all have laundry facilities for guests to do their own - is that correct or is it only some cruise lines or even just some ships within cruise lines? Are tumble dryers, washing powder etc available too? Prices (extortionate or not) would be appreciated. RCI does not have self-service laundry facilities. You can use the ships wash and fold services. You can use a laundry in the hotel prior to the cruise or wait until they offer the "bag" special. You have a bag in the cabin and you stuff it with wash and fold items. They are returned the following evening for a set price of $20-25.

 

 

Other Charges

 

If you can think of any other times we may have to spend even more of our hard earned dosh, please let me know. The casino is an easy place to spend $$$$. Shopping is an added expense. Photos, alcohol add up quickly.

Thanks

 

Hope the above answers help. Sorry I couldn't answer specifically for any other cruiseline. We cruise RCI and love the ship and the staff as well as the activities they offer. We always add the cost of gratuities and all mainline cruiselines have about the same.

[Jimnbigd]

Another thought for laundry: Bring some liquid laundry soap and use the sink. Nasty? Perhaps. But it works fine for sox and underwear. Also useful to get out spots on outerwear (and then use a hairdryer to prevent a water stain). Laundry sticks (like Tide Sticks) work pretty good too for this. Most ships have a clothesline in the shower, so you might bring some clothespins. Note that it can take a day or more to dry sox and underwear. Do not try to dry these outside on a balcony unless you secure these with a rope -- Clothespins are usually not enough in the rather heavy wind when the ship is moving. (Might be too cool in Alaska anyway to dry clothes on the balcony.)

 

Hey...This raises a good question: For those who have done a B2B (back to back consecutive cruise on either the same or even a different ship), what did you do for laundry? I don't own 2 weeks of sox and underwear.

[PongosMum]

Thanks Griffy116 - not bothered that your info is cruise line specific - I'm thinking (based on previous replies) that they're all "much of a muchness" & that prices don't seem to vary a great deal between them all, so you're price list has been really informative. Thanks again

[PongosMum]

Handy to know about the clothes line in b/room so clothes pegs will def be on my 'must take' list. Just panicking now about not being able to use an iron in the room - how do people manage with shirts/linen trousers etc????

[Underwatr]

Ha how do people manage with shirts/linen trousers etc????

I think you should find irons & ironing boards in the self-service laundry rooms.

[uppitycats]

I think you should find irons & ironing boards in the self-service laundry rooms.

 

Note that not all cruise lines have self-service laundry rooms. Like NCL. But usually a iron and ironing board are available upon request from the room steward.

[PongosMum]

Thanks for info