Unexpected fees or charges

[Matt8085]

Hi there! My wife and our daughter will be going on our first cruise this April. We'll be sailing with Carnival on the Breeze to Nassau Bahamas, Ocho Rios Jamaica and Grand Turk.

 

I know about the manditory gratuities of 11.50 per day, per person that gets put onto our sail and sign account but what about other unforeseen fees or charges? I'm aware that the alcohol and soft drinks aren't free. What does a typical domestic beer go for? How bout a glass of wine? Does room service cost anything extra? How about food, is it ALL free, ALL the time? Is there a difference between the buffet and MDR, cost-wise?

 

I see the ship has a steakhouse, a burger shop, sushi bar and other eateries. I can't imagine these are all free. How can I find out which ones ARE free and for the ones that aren't, prices on how much they cost?

 

I see the internet is extra but is it even worth it? Is it fast enough to say, stream Netflix? How about cell phone service? Carnival's website says that cellular service is available on the ship and that international roaming rates will apply. We use Verizon Wireless. Any idea of how much it would cost to make a quick phone call or texts to a friend to find out how our pets are doing at home?

 

Who, how much and how often to you tip the staff with cash? Are there any "gotchas" that we should know about? Is it recommended to not use a credit card and use cash only when off the boat on an excursion?

 

Thanks!

[psbtrvlr]

Hi there! My wife and our daughter will be going on our first cruise this April. We'll be sailing with Carnival on the Breeze to Nassau Bahamas, Ocho Rios Jamaica and Grand Turk.

 

I know about the manditory gratuities of 11.50 per day, per person that gets put onto our sail and sign account but what about other unforeseen fees or charges? I'm aware that the alcohol and soft drinks aren't free. What does a typical domestic beer go for? How bout a glass of wine? Does room service cost anything extra? How about food, is it ALL free, ALL the time? Is there a difference between the buffet and MDR, cost-wise?

 

I see the ship has a steakhouse, a burger shop, sushi bar and other eateries. I can't imagine these are all free. How can I find out which ones ARE free and for the ones that aren't, prices on how much they cost?

 

I see the internet is extra but is it even worth it? Is it fast enough to say, stream Netflix? How about cell phone service? Carnival's website says that cellular service is available on the ship and that international roaming rates will apply. We use Verizon Wireless. Any idea of how much it would cost to make a quick phone call or texts to a friend to find out how our pets are doing at home?

 

Who, how much and how often to you tip the staff with cash? Are there any "gotchas" that we should know about? Is it recommended to not use a credit card and use cash only when off the boat on an excursion?

 

Thanks!

 

Beers are somewhere around $5.25 and up. Wine usually $8-$10 per glass.

Room service does not cost extra but most people keep a few $1 around for tipping.

The only difference between the main dining room and the buffet is that the main dining room is WAY better. No cost for either.

The Steakhouse is an upcharge. Carnival's website should have the current cost.

I wouldn't stream anything on the internet. Extremely slow and very expensive.

Texts and calls should be made when you're in port as the ship's Cellular at Sea is also very expensive.

We only tip cash for room service. An occasional bar staff. Waiters or room steward if they are exceptional.

[JanineM]

I have not sailed Carnival but can comment on cellular service as I also use Verizon. On outer last cruise I left my phone on for about 10 hours. No calls, several texts, and I checked mail twice (didn't open any mail, just let it load). I got a text from Verizon advising me that my roaming charges were $25 ... In just 10 hours.

 

Verizon has a section on charges when cruising. Check there for details, but suffice it to that - it is VERY expensive. Turn off data roaming & turn off your phone unless you're in port on a free wifi. Our pet sitters send me emails & I check email once a day using the ship's wifi.

[spookwife]

What does a typical domestic beer go for? How bout a glass of wine? figure $8-12 on averageDoes room service cost anything extra? during late night(midnight to 6 am ) there MIGHT be a fee. otherwise, no RS is included int he fareHow about food, is it ALL free, ALL the time? no. s peicalty restaurants all have a clearly marked fee. things like specialty coffee and cie cream also have a fee. there will be items ont he MDR menu that ypu can choose that cost extra.Is there a difference between the buffet and MDR, cost-wise? with the exception of the above thing I mentioned, buffet and MDR are included in the fare.

 

I see the ship has a steakhouse, a burger shop, sushi bar and other eateries. I can't imagine these are all free. How can I find out which ones ARE free and for the ones that aren't, prices on how much they cost? prices are clearly marked and on the daily schedule those things that incur a fee will also be marked, although the actual amount may not be listed.

 

I see the internet is extra but is it even worth it? Is it fast enough to say, stream Netflix? think dial up. only slower. no way woudl you be able to stream(and you would use up all yoru minutes very fast)How about cell phone service? Carnival's website says that cellular service is available on the ship and that international roaming rates will apply. We use Verizon Wireless. Any idea of how much it would cost to make a quick phone call or texts to a friend to find out how our pets are doing at home? on top of what the ship charges( figure $3 a minute on average) you wil also incur roaming and i extra fees form Verizon. texts are a lot cheaper.. maybe 50 cents to send, 5 to receive. (on top of the ship's charge so wait until you are in port and can snag a local signal.

 

Who, how much and how often to you tip the staff with cash? you don't have to at all. every item that incurs a fee automatically has the 15% added to the bill. the exception is room servcie, it is customary to give a dollar or 2 in cash tothe person delivering it. Are there any "gotchas" that we should know about? Is it recommended to not use a credit card and use cash only when off the boat on an excursion? strictly personal preference. big ticket items you should use the cc to have that extra layer of protection.

 

Thanks!

 

all you need to do is have a budget, and pay close attention to everything.. Bingo costs extra, so does the Spa. limit yourself to only a couple of drinks, or take full advantage of the events that serve basics free like the Captain's meet and mingle on formal night.

[paul929207]

For all the onboard charges except the autotip, you will have to sign to make the purchase.

 

Also, you can go to the front desk and either print out your on board statement or get a copy. Some ships have a kiosk to you print your own. Others you have to ask at the front desk. Check it regularly for errors and to be sure you are not going overboard

[KOOLBEANS]

There is plenty good food and drink without pay extra. Now, I have read that the food that is extra is very good, and averages 25-30.00 pp. Specialty ice creams and specialty desserts are extra. They have free good deserts and ice cream. The pizza is free. Specialty coffees are extra. Some cruise lines now charge approx 4.00 for room service in the very wee hours of the morning, say 12-5:00 a.m. The arcade is extra and we all know the casino is a very big extra lol. Tip the porters coming and going at the pier, typically 1-2.00 per bag or more if you choose. You can bring a 12 pack each of water and/or pop onboard without any snarles. There are several shops for perfume, jewelry, clothing, souveniers all onboard which of course are extra. Taxi to where you are going in port, extra, likewise on the way from port.

[beachbum53]

You may want to go to Carnival's homepage and go to the "F.A.Q." (frequently asked questions) section. You'll find the answers to your questions, as well as information about a variety of things. Even though we've been on five Carnival cruises, I still refer to that section from time to time if there's something I'm not sure about. As others have already said, avoid using your cell phone or getting on the internet while at sea (unless it's a real emergency). The fees will cost you a boatload (no pun intended). Except for the specialty restaurants (such as the steakhouse), and the specialty coffee shop (which has some great desserts!), all other dining venues, such as Guy's Burgers, the Blue Iguana Cantina, the deli, sushi bar, etc. are included in the cost of your cruise.

[cb at sea]

Most folks will spend about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise in "extras". You can save money on excursions by getting a guidebook, and doing stuff on your own. With information, it's easy to do!

Edited January 5, 2014 by cb at sea

[Slugsta]

If something incurs a fee, you will be asked to sign for it. You won't suddenly find unexpected items on your bill.

[Matt8085]

If something incurs a fee, you will be asked to sign for it. You won't suddenly find unexpected items on your bill.

 

Thanks, I figured that. I'm more concerned with getting surprised with something that I thought was free, just to be asked for my S&S

[Lerin]

Contrary to what some will have you believe, there are no hidden cruise costs. Things that cost extra are clearly marked or listed in your daily schedule.

 

What does a typical domestic beer go for?

$4-$7, there are sometimes drink deals during a happy hour, a certain day or if you order a bucket. You can even win drinks at some of the activities

 

How bout a glass of wine?

$5-$12. Just like on land, it's always more cost effective to buy a bottle. You are allowed to bring 2 bottles per stateroom.

 

Does room service cost anything extra?

A tip of a few dollars per delivery is customary though not required.

 

How about food, is it ALL free, ALL the time?

Most, yes. If not, it will be listed as such. The speciality coffee shop is not free

 

Is there a difference between the buffet and MDR, cost-wise?

Nope, both 100% free. With the exceptions of some drinks. A good way to know what drink is free or not is: if you can get it yourself=free. If you have to ask a waiter to get it=$

 

I see the ship has a steakhouse, a burger shop, sushi bar and other eateries. I can't imagine these are all free. How can I find out which ones ARE free and for the ones that aren't, prices on how much they cost?

Of what you listed only the steakhouse has an additional fee. I believe it's $35/p.p. Check the webpage to see if any other eateries have a fee.

 

I see the internet is extra but is it even worth it?

In my opinion, no

 

Is it fast enough to say, stream Netflix?

Wouldn't count on it. You'll be too busy with other things to watch Netflix anyway.

 

How about cell phone service?

Spotty, I've had minimal success with Verizon. For the most part I don't make calls on vacation anyway.

 

Any idea of how much it would cost to make a quick phone call or texts to a friend to find out how our pets are doing at home?

You'll need to contact you local provider for that information. We generally tell people we won't contact them and they aren't to contact us except in BIG emergency. I'm not going to spend good money just to find out that the dog spilled his water dish.

 

Who, how much and how often to you tip the staff with cash?

Everybody as much as you want, or nobody since you already did auto tips. That's a personal decision.

 

Are there any "gotchas" that we should know about?

Only if your daughter starts charging things without your knowledge. ;)

If she goes to Camp Carnival they do have a few activities which cost extra such as Build a Bear.

 

Is it recommended to not use a credit card and use cash only when off the boat on an excursion?

Depends on the excursion

 

 

Have a great trip. It can be as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it. Also you will be able to check your account at anytime so that there are no surprises on the last day.

Edited January 6, 2014 by Lerin

[reedl]

I have not sailed Carnival but can comment on cellular service as I also use Verizon. On outer last cruise I left my phone on for about 10 hours. No calls, several texts, and I checked mail twice (didn't open any mail, just let it load). I got a text from Verizon advising me that my roaming charges were $25 ... In just 10 hours.

This was obviously what I call "vampire data" transmission on your cell phone. Remember your phone is always checking for updates, checking mail, etc. You would be surprised at how much data is transmitted in the background without you knowing.

 

As you said, leave your phone on, but turn off cellular data. That way you do not get hit with unknown charges in terms of cellular usage.

[kitty9]

I have Verizon, and calls are $2.49 a minute. Texts are $.50 to send and $.05 to receive. Turn off data roaming on your phone, or you'll come home to a large phone bill, as your phone will constantly scan for emails and the like.

 

You DO NOT want to even try streaming anything. First, the bandwidth on ships is too small and the connection is no better than old fashioned dial up. You'd spend hundreds of dollars using the ship's wifi to connect to Netflix because there's a per minute charge.

[screwsmcernst]

Hi there! My wife and our daughter will be going on our first cruise this April. We'll be sailing with Carnival on the Breeze to Nassau Bahamas, Ocho Rios Jamaica and Grand Turk.

 

I know about the manditory gratuities of 11.50 per day, per person that gets put onto our sail and sign account but what about other unforeseen fees or charges? I'm aware that the alcohol and soft drinks aren't free. What does a typical domestic beer go for? How bout a glass of wine? Does room service cost anything extra? How about food, is it ALL free, ALL the time? Is there a difference between the buffet and MDR, cost-wise?

You can bring water, soda, and wine on board at embarkation. Check the web site on amounts allowed. Beers $5+, glasses of wine 6+.

Room service is free, but you should tip with each order.

Depending on your daughter's age, if she does the late night kids club, there may be a charge for that, and the arcade games cost money also.

 

I see the ship has a steakhouse, a burger shop, sushi bar and other eateries. I can't imagine these are all free. How can I find out which ones ARE free and for the ones that aren't, prices on how much they cost?

Most of the food is free on Carnival. the steakhouse is extra. I think $35 p.p. and it really was worth it. :) I think the specialty coffee shop, specialty pastries and candy shops are also extra.

I see the internet is extra but is it even worth it? Is it fast enough to say, stream Netflix? How about cell phone service? Carnival's website says that cellular service is available on the ship and that international roaming rates will apply. We use Verizon Wireless. Any idea of how much it would cost to make a quick phone call or texts to a friend to find out how our pets are doing at home?

The internet on ships is so slow, that it isn't worth it unless you have to keep in touch with work or home. If we aren't in a U.S. port, our phones are turned off and in the safe. It is crazy expensive. Not worth it at all.

Some times you can find a free internet in some of the places in port, but not all.

 

Who, how much and how often to you tip the staff with cash? Are there any "gotchas" that we should know about? Is it recommended to not use a credit card and use cash only when off the boat on an excursion?

Tip room service at the time of service, everything else on the boat will go on your sail and sign card. That being said, we usually tip exceptional bar servers some extra cash, and on the last night, we usually tip our MDR servers and cabin stewards extra if the service warrants.

We usually buy or shore excursions before we leave, so there isn't a charge for it on our S&S, but if you purchase them on the boat, or at the port, you will need cash. You will also need cash for tipping the excursion guides, and paying for any taxis.

 

Thanks!

 

Have a great time on your cruise.:)