Decebal Posted January 11, 2012 #1 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I booked a 10 day cruise on the Equinox through Costco, who "saddled" me with a $260 shipboard credit. :D After reading about the beverage package Q&A, I am still a tad confused. We never drink soda or alcohol, so no dent in our pockets in that department. What about bottled water, coffee and juice? Not that big on juices, maybe one a day, if that. The coffee, again, not big snobs in that department either, we only have coffee at breakfast. Is that included already or is it extra? If they have Starbucks on board, we might have one as a treat. In conclusion, what are the little "extras" that I should know about that is not already included in the price? (I know about the specialty restaurants). What about ice cream? Cookies? Snacks? Anything else that you thought was included, but was not? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovestx Posted January 11, 2012 #2 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I booked a 10 day cruise on the Equinox through Costco, who "saddled" me with a $260 shipboard credit. :D After reading about the beverage package Q&A, I am still a tad confused. We never drink soda or alcohol, so no dent in our pockets in that department. What about bottled water, coffee and juice? Not that big on juices, maybe one a day, if that. The coffee, again, not big snobs in that department either, we only have coffee at breakfast. Is that included already or is it extra? If they have Starbucks on board, we might have one as a treat. In conclusion, what are the little "extras" that I should know about that is not already included in the price? (I know about the specialty restaurants). What about ice cream? Cookies? Snacks? Anything else that you thought was included, but was not? Thanks. We have never cruised before but will also be on the Equinox for an Eastern Med cruise in June. And I've done a lot of research here on CC regarding the beverage packages. And what I've learned is that Celebrity provides tap water, coffee, tea and iced tea throughout their dining services for no charge. If you want fresh-squeezed juices, high end coffee in Cafe al Bacio (no Starbucks on Celebrity)or bottled water, you will be charged for it. So it looks like you would only need to account for some bottled water (for taking on excursions) and the occasion coffee in the Cafe. As for other charges, beyond the specialty restaurants, I would say any spa services or special fitness classes. Hope others will confirm and add to this information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo70 Posted January 11, 2012 #3 Share Posted January 11, 2012 With most of the things you spoke about there are basic free options, and then specialty versions for a surcharge. For example there is free ice cream in the buffet available for much of the afternoon and evening (which most find to be good quality), but many Celebrity ships also have a gealto stand for a surcharge. Likewise free coffee is available at meals and all day/night in the buffet area (and from room service), but there is a cafe that serves espresso based coffee drinks (and other specialty coffees) for a surcharge. There is free juice from concentrate available, or fresh squeezed juice for a surcharge etc. Have you pre-paid your gratuities? If not, depending on the length of the cruise all or most of the OBC can go towards the daily service charge. Also any excursions or spa treatments on board can be used by the OBC (in addition to specialty dining which you already mentioned). Also, you can withdraw cash at the casino for a 3% surcharge as a last ditch plan if you find you are not able to use it all up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geospyder Posted January 11, 2012 #4 Share Posted January 11, 2012 We bring a couple Camelback 20 ounce water bottles and use them during the cruise for our water. Very easy to fill at the water stations either in the buffet area or gym area. They clip on to our belts when in town. There is always coffee and a couple fruit drinks available at the buffet area all day. As far as alcohol, while we enjoy a couple drinks a day on a cruise, we don't come close to drinking enough to justify the drink packages. Different strokes for different folks. Either way you will definitely enjoy the experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BKFlowerMound Posted January 11, 2012 #5 Share Posted January 11, 2012 You can also use your OBC on laundry services. Celebrity does not have self service laundry but you can send stuff out to be laundered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Decebal Posted January 11, 2012 Author #6 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Great, thanks for all the advice. I will use what is left of the credit probably for gratuities, but I am sure it will be more than enough for a drink with a cute umbrella, (what's a cruise without one?) extra ice cream or coffee. No plans for the spa, no booze, no soft drinks.....God, we're boring. :D I am so looking forward to the trip, can't even tell you. We've cruised before but it was so long ago, our camera still had film in it. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeaDrinkers2012 Posted January 11, 2012 #7 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Shipboard credit is a goooooooooood thing. Means you have money in the bank. travel agents sometimes give it to you or the cruise line does for booking thru them - kidda like an incentive to book thru them - a rebate Hope this helps I am still trying to see who hi-jacked my account handle ??????? you out there ? messages about deck chairs and towels - what this about ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sloop-JohnB Posted January 11, 2012 #8 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Great, thanks for all the advice. I will use what is left of the credit probably for gratuities, but I am sure it will be more than enough for a drink with a cute umbrella, (what's a cruise without one?) extra ice cream or coffee. No plans for the spa, no booze, no soft drinks.....God, we're boring. :D I am so looking forward to the trip, can't even tell you. We've cruised before but it was so long ago, our camera still had film in it. :eek: TO DECEBAL, Sounds like a plan... I would also wager that while onboard you may discover several things that you want to spend money on... there are afterall some specialty classes (like those offered by Apple), and Shops Aboard (maybe a bauble or two, or a Celebrity Souvenir), and a few special events too... the "Champagne (high) Tea" or the "Chefs Dinner" here springs to mind (both can be done with or without alcohol). Between Gratuities, Specialty Restaurants, and any thing else you charge to your On-Board Account you probably won't have any problem spending the full amount by the end of the week. On the otherhand, as GONZO77 has said, if necessary there is a way to "cash out" so you don't see your OBC go wanting at the end of the week. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Decebal Posted January 11, 2012 Author #9 Share Posted January 11, 2012 TO DECEBAL, Sounds like a plan... I would also wager that while onboard you may discover several things that you want to spend money on... there are afterall some specialty classes (like those offered by Apple), and Shops Aboard (maybe a bauble or two, or a Celebrity Souvenir), and a few special events too... the "Champagne (high) Tea"). Cheers! Oh yes, I am sure my parents will find something just "perfect" for their great grandsons, and definately the Champagne Tea, I read somewhere that it's held in on the specialty restaurants. That would be so lovely. Hey, I think that $260 just got spent. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subtchr Posted January 12, 2012 #10 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Actually, at $11.50 per person per day for a 10-day cruise, gratuities alone take care of most of that $260. But there is still $30 or so for those other little extras! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcrandle Posted January 12, 2012 #11 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Also, shipboard credit given by a travel agent (as opposed to any given by Celebrity) is refundable (without the necessity of the 3% hit at the casino). On our last two cruises, we didn't use all of our SBC. We received a credit on our credit card that we registered for the onboard credit unused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamamzee Posted January 12, 2012 #12 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Snacks are available in the buffet all day--there's always something available. Also the specialty coffee cafes have delicious pastries in the am, little sandwiches mid-day and cookies the rest of the day. The coffee has a charge but not the snacks there. Just walk up and ask for whatever you like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anubi Posted January 12, 2012 #13 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Since we are planning our first Celebrity cruise, I to have a question. :o Does Celebrity offer a coffee card such as Princess does? I love the premium coffees. But then from checking out the Celebrity boards, it sounds like Celebrity's regular coffee is far better than Princess. Just asking. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subtchr Posted January 12, 2012 #14 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Since we are planning our first Celebrity cruise, I to have a question. :o Does Celebrity offer a coffee card such as Princess does? I love the premium coffees. But then from checking out the Celebrity boards, it sounds like Celebrity's regular coffee is far better than Princess. Just asking. ;) No coffee card on Celebrity. But they do have the beverage packages, which all include unlimited premium teas and coffees. Those range from the Classic Non-Alcoholic for $14 per day (plus 15% gratuity), up to the Premium Package for $54 per day plus gratuity, which includes all beverages on the ship up to $12 (and you can pay the difference for those drinks above $12). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geospyder Posted January 12, 2012 #15 Share Posted January 12, 2012 Snacks are available in the buffet all day--there's always something available. Also the specialty coffee cafes have delicious pastries in the am, little sandwiches mid-day and cookies the rest of the day. The coffee has a charge but not the snacks there. Just walk up and ask for whatever you like. I wasn't aware of that - thanks for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie Bubbles Posted January 15, 2012 #16 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Hi, I have sailed previously on Princess and P&O and now Princess has scrapped compulory tipping on ships sailing out of Australia. Which is where I am from. Do you have to pay these gratuities or can you tip at your own discression ie the cabin and wait staff. It really adds to cruise price if going on a 16 night cruise then there are 2 of you. Any information as I am interested in Celebrity Solstice out of Australia towards end of 2012 or 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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