so what's free and what do I have to pay for

[Erikamac]

Cruising the Mediterranean in Sept on the reflection...We got a free beverage package with the booking so I know I don't have to pay for water, and most drinks. As far as restaurants etc what do we have to pay for? I heard some restaurants, and if course gratuities...anything else I'm missing?

[WestLakeGirl]

Specialty dining

Shore excursions

Some port shuttles (not all ports)

Stateroom mini bar

Wine tastings

Spa treatments

hairdresser

Manicures

Facials

Bingo

Photographs

Alcove Rental

Fitness Classes (most)

Souvenir DVD

Gift shop purchases

Casino

 

Maybe we forgot a few. But you can have a great cruise without any of these

[Erikamac]

Thanks for the reply I appreciate it, I guess I should have clarified. I know I have to pay for all that stuff, I was mostly inquiring about dining options. I've only been on one other cruise with Azamara and everything was included once on the ship....I mean we had to pay for the spa and obviously the shops and that kind of stuff.

[cruisestitch]

There's babysitting, special options for children's activities, and video games if you have kids.

 

If you order soft drinks or alcoholic beverages with room service, they aren't covered by a beverage package. The standard tea and coffee and juice and lemonade are covered, but the fancier teas and coffees aren't covered if ordered as room service.

 

There are also some room service items which have an up charge. The basic room service menu is included, but there are some items which have a charge.

 

I think that they are still offering acupuncture on board.

 

Of course, should you visit the medical clinic, that's not included generally.

 

Depending on the port, and your plans, you can buy airport transfers. I know that you are in the Mediterranian, but if in the future you are in the US and using the luggage valet service, there is a charge for that.

 

Internet time is not free. There are pay-as-you-go schemes, or packages. Captain's Club members get some discounts, or even some free minutes.

 

Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing all carry a charge. If you are a member of Captain's Club you might get some of this done free, or at a reduced cost.

Edited June 21, 2014 by cruisestitch

[Erikamac]

We are members classic level. I see we get a discount on internet that's good

[cle-guy]

Erkicamac,

 

It's probably simpler to say what's FREE, then you know everything else is at cost as it related to food.

 

• OceanView Cafe, the buffet is included
  
• All dining in Main Dining room is free, even breakfast and lunch (when offered at sea only)
  
• The sweets at the Cafe Al Bacio are free, but not the drinks, unless under your package, which all will be except drinks with booze added in (like Bailey's etc.)
  
• Mast Grill, located at the pool, serves at lunchtime burgers and simple fare like that
  
• AquaSpa Cafe serves breakfast and lunch
  
• Room Service is free, though it does have some "enhanced offerings" that are for a fee, but a fairly good complimentary selection. However beverages ARE NOT included under the beverage package, so you will have to pay for them
  

 

On Reflection, the restaurants on the top deck, like Lawn Club etc. are for fee, Bistro on 5 is for fee, Qsine, Tuscan and Murano restaurants are for fee. Gelataria is for fee.

 

I think that wraps up dining options on Reflection.

Edited June 21, 2014 by cle-guy

[bvocruise]

Erkicamac,

 

It's probably simpler to say what's FREE, then you know everything else is at cost as it related to food.

 

• OceanView Cafe, the buffet is included
  
• All dining in Main Dining room is free, even breakfast and lunch (when offered at sea only)
  
• The sweets at the Cafe Al Bacio are free, but not the drinks, unless under your package, which all will be except drinks with booze added in (like Bailey's etc.)
  
• Mast Grill, located at the pool, serves at lunchtime burgers and simple fare like that
  
• AquaSpa Cafe serves breakfast and lunch
  
• Room Service is free, though it does have some "enhanced offerings" that are for a fee, but a fairly good complimentary selection. However beverages ARE NOT included under the beverage package, so you will have to pay for them
  

 

On Reflection, the restaurants on the top deck, like Lawn Club etc. are for fee, Bistro on 5 is for fee, Qsine, Tuscan and Murano restaurants are for fee. Gelataria is for fee.

 

I think that wraps up dining options on Reflection.

 

I understand X not including room service drinks in the drink package. Is it possible for me to take both room cards to the closet bar and get two drinks to bring back to enjoy in the cabin?

[cle-guy]

I understand X not including room service drinks in the drink package. Is it possible for me to take both room cards to the closet bar and get two drinks to bring back to enjoy in the cabin?

 

Yep, Many do this. Some (like me) even stock the room with Coke's, beers and waters by making a lap around the ship one afternoon gathering beverages at each bar along the way, using the handy celebrity provided tote bag as a carrier :D

 

Start at aft bar, then to buffet bar, then to mast grill, then to al baccio, then martini bar, then ensemble or passport bar, and you have a well-stocked cabin of drinks. Have your cabin steward bring you ice, and request him to bring a champagne bucket also of ice (it's bigger, so you can sink your drinks in there a couple at a time, and then still have ice in the standard ice bucket to put in your drinks. As you take on from the champagne bucket, replace with the next....

 

The miin fridge/mini bar doesn't really keep things cold just cool, so the icebucket works far better for me, I tell cabin steward that my primary need is simply keep my drinks on ice, 2 or 3 times a day....

[jelayne]

I understand X not including room service drinks in the drink package. Is it possible for me to take both room cards to the closet bar and get two drinks to bring back to enjoy in the cabin?

 

Yes.

[miched]

You will basically know as soon as you walk on board what is free and what isn't. There will be many tables set up hawking sales, or promoting something. That is the first sign that there will be a cost for it.

 

Many places will have a menu with the cost, such as the coffee shop, bars, gelato counter and etc. At the coffee shop there is a glass display with sweets, no price tag so they are free.

 

If in doubt ask, don't be afraid to ask as it is your money. 💰

 

🍸🍻🍺

Edited June 21, 2014 by miched

[Erikamac]

Hmm feel like I'm forking over a hell of a lot of $ just to still pay for a lot of stuff once on board... the drink package we have included alcohol.

[Cruising89143]

Actually you don't have to fork out extra money unless you choose to. There are plenty of places to dine without a surcharge. I like that most of the cruise lines have decided to give each guest the choice to choose what extra options they want and are willing to pay for. If you don't want to pay for gelato or specialty coffee then head to the Oceanview Cafe where they have free ice cream and coffee. There are alternatives.

Edited June 21, 2014 by cruisingator2

[TeaBag]

You can still have a good time on board without paying anything extra but your gratuities (if they are not part of your package). As a Captains Club member, you will get a coupon for one free gelato.

[drinkspackageexpert]

You will be surprised by how many drinks you can get with your classic drink package.....including speciality coffees from Al baci. No need to drink the swill in ocean view buffet.....and i don't drink coffee...lol.

 

Honestly, I never pay out for any food or drink....ever. I always have a drink package to avoid it and it's great. You don't HAVE to try the fee paying restaurants. :D:D

[Erikamac]

Drinks,

Thanks...good to know

[drinkspackageexpert]

Drinks,

Thanks...good to know

 

 

Have you considered upgrading to premium? IMHO I think it is worth it...not only can you try the Martini and Molecular if your ship has them, but you can also add a cheeky shot of Brandy or Baileys to your Coffee or Igloo. On top of that, the price ranges for wines and beers also increase. For $11.50 a day i think it is definitely worth thinking about. I know I will be for my cruise next October, as I have the 123 perks for the first time, but know that premium suits me to the ground. Whatever you decide, have a fantastic holiday :D:p

Edited June 21, 2014 by drinkspackageexpert
Correction added

[cle-guy]

Have you considered upgrading to premium? IMHO I think it is worth it...not only can you try the Martini and Molecular if your ship has them, but you can also add a cheeky shot of Brandy or Baileys to your Coffee or Igloo. On top of that, the price ranges for wines and beers also increase. For $11.50 a day i think it is definitely worth thinking about. I know I will be for my cruise next October, as I have the 123 perks for the first time, but know that premium suits me to the ground. Whatever you decide, have a fantastic holiday :D:p

 

Great recommendation, for Molecular Bar only! They are on Reflection, so it's perfect.

[WestLakeGirl]

There are two specialty restaurants that are only $7

[bvocruise]

Yep, Many do this. Some (like me) even stock the room with Coke's, beers and waters by making a lap around the ship one afternoon gathering beverages at each bar along the way, using the handy celebrity provided tote bag as a carrier :D

 

Start at aft bar, then to buffet bar, then to mast grill, then to al baccio, then martini bar, then ensemble or passport bar, and you have a well-stocked cabin of drinks. Have your cabin steward bring you ice, and request him to bring a champagne bucket also of ice (it's bigger, so you can sink your drinks in there a couple at a time, and then still have ice in the standard ice bucket to put in your drinks. As you take on from the champagne bucket, replace with the next....

 

The miin fridge/mini bar doesn't really keep things cold just cool, so the icebucket works far better for me, I tell cabin steward that my primary need is simply keep my drinks on ice, 2 or 3 times a day....

 

This is a good idea, I did not know we could get drinks so close apart in time. I also did not know they would give us an unopened can of beer or coke. Do you think I can do this with both room keys or would my wife have to come along also? She would be a bit embarrassed to do this type of thing.

[cle-guy]

This is a good idea, I did not know we could get drinks so close apart in time. I also did not know they would give us an unopened can of beer or coke. Do you think I can do this with both room keys or would my wife have to come along also? She would be a bit embarrassed to do this type of thing.

 

They definitely give unopened cokes. Both room keys work with one person. People often order for spouse or friend, as long as they can swipe both cards, they are good with it.

 

Their computer system doesn't sen to lock out the transactions to a timed period, it seems to be the staff that remember you and enforce it, so going bar to bar gets past that.

 

Beers, some report no problem getting it unopened, others say they do open. Ask and you will probly get your way. All else fails, order Grolsch with its built in resealable bottle flip cap!

[Lois R]

There are two specialty restaurants that are only $7

 

Yes, Bistro on 5 was actually 5.00 per person since the ships came

into the fleet......the prices just recently went up to 7.00.

 

And The Porch is the other one. Last time I sailed an S class was April

2013.....it was 5.00 in here as well. I didn't realize it went up to 7.00

too. I enjoyed both venues:)....5 or 7.....I would eat there again.;)

[aquaclass]

let me get this straight.....

 

You have purchased a cruise vacation but do not know what you purchased, what is included, what is extra, now you begin to ask what is included ......

 

and to top it off, now you are complaining that you might have paid too much for a cruise without knowing anything about what you paid for ???

[ClaudiaB]

I think it's all been answered quite well here. However I would suggest considering budgeting in some specialty dining. Our favorite is Tuscan Grill. As a matter of fact, we always eat at the specialty restaurants on formal nights because we're kind of "over" the napkin waving and waiter parade and I don't really think the lobster is all that special anyway. On embarkation instead of joining the masses at the buffet go to the $7 Bistro on Five and have a leisurely sit-down lunch of all you can eat while waiting for your room to be ready.

We like to enjoy all the food venues and that's, to us, part of the total cruise experience. We don't do bingo or spa treatments or spend money in the slots or the shops, but we do enjoy the dining variety.

Have a wonderful cruise!!!

[gsu_paintballer]

Hmm feel like I'm forking over a hell of a lot of $ just to still pay for a lot of stuff once on board... the drink package we have included alcohol.

 

In all of the cruises we've been on (I'm not saying it's a huge number or anything), we've never left with a bill greater than maybe $50-$75 excluding drinks.

[Oxo]

The best thing about cruising is that after you book you cruise, YOU then have a choice of how much more you will spend. There is so much provided free, that you are in control of your money. If you are not satisfied with what you purchased, I'm sure you will be after the cruise. If not, YOU are only to blame.