What sorts of things do you need money for?

[Joaljoe]

I have a friend who's going on her first cruise with her family in a few months. Today she asked me what sorts of things you have to pay extra for on the ship?

 

We've done a couple of cruises ourselves but don't spend too much money on stuff. Other than the obvious... alcohol, pop, casino, souvenirs, bingo, excursions, and photos is there anything else that I'm not thinking of?

 

Thanks! :)

[KruznKel]

I have a friend who's going on her first cruise with her family in a few months. Today she asked me what sorts of things you have to pay extra for on the ship?

 

We've done a couple of cruises ourselves but don't spend too much money on stuff. Other than the obvious... alcohol, pop, casino, souvenirs, bingo, excursions, and photos is there anything else that I'm not thinking of?

 

Thanks! :)

 

Depending on the ship the Steakhouse.. coffee shop.. other than that I can't think of much more.. the Chefs table again if available...

[cruisedogs2000]

I have a friend who's going on her first cruise with her family in a few months. Today she asked me what sorts of things you have to pay extra for on the ship?

 

We've done a couple of cruises ourselves but don't spend too much money on stuff. Other than the obvious... alcohol, pop, casino, souvenirs, bingo, excursions, and photos is there anything else that I'm not thinking of?

 

Thanks! :)

Bottled water and tips.

[timh111]

Casino (although you can charge money to your cabin card), port shopping, laundry on board (self-service) is cash machines, on board laundry (done for you) is charged to your cabin but you should tip people that bring you your clean clothes, Cabin food service (AKA Room service) is free but you should tip your server, tipping the baggage handlers at the pier (both ways), tipping excursion guides, bartenders or waiters on your excursion. EVERYTHING in port is cash. Most everything on board can be charged to your cabin card.)

[golfadj]

piano bar tips. Can spend as much or as little as you like.

[sliderturk99]

plus one for tipping on excursions, make sure your have plenty of small bills 1,5,10's. Seems the guides never had enough change to break a twenty dollar bill.

[cb at sea]

Except for room service tips, everything else goes on your shipboard account...if your account is linked to a credit card, you don't need cash at all! You might need cash for small purchases ashore, and for taxi tips, etc...

[h_blond2]

You pretty much nailed it...but you might want to bring some extra cash for tips.

[Fighterone]

Emergency medical...I had a $175. visit with doctor, meds and breathing treatment in August...unexpected and most of it was refunded by my HMO.

Gelato

Of course it all went on the S&S card

[LambKnuckles]

You put a good list together for her. And the other posts here, too!!!

 

Just be sure to tell her it all goes on the S&S card, except the room service tips or what's done on excursions and at ports... So if she's thinking "cash" she'll need the deposit for her S&S card in cash... Everyone in the family will need a card or cash to back the S&S card.

[dlifewanderer]

Thats a good question. The cruise I went on seemed pretty simple, and I used my card for everything I needed extra (things from the store, etc), but I brought cash for tips and shore activities. Good thought on emergency money for dr. visit!

[elcuchio24]

The big 3

 

Photos, alcohol, casino. Of course these are all very easy to keep low if you control yourself.

[dvan68]

Don't forget about transportation - if they are flying in - taxi's from the airport to the ship, and back again. We fly...and always keep an envelope of money in the car to pay for the parking when we get home!