Couple a quick first timer questions please

[sapphiregem]

I cruise on the Dream Aug 23 and I have a few points I'm trying to work out please...

 

1. I have gratuity added into the cruise cost, BUT I have read many of you tip other staff additionally...such as the room steward...whats the average tip and when do you do it? I have tipped certain staff at resorts on the first day a $20 and it has made my stays more enjoyable before and I am wondering if the ships are the same type of give and take...

 

2. Water/Drink bottles....the reusable ones that keep your drink cool or warm....are those allowed and if so do you hand them over for the bottomless bubbles to go into or do you just get your drink and transfer yourself? Im thinking my cup will hold 2 drinks worth tho?

 

3. Can the ship change over $20 bill to lower denomination or should I plan to take it all with me how I want it? I have to fly into port so was hoping I didnt need to carry a wad of cash.

 

4. Anyone use the ships internet service before? Is it even worth it? The man wants to check email occasionally :rolleyes: I told him I picked a big open ocean for a reason!!

 

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids :rolleyes:

 

6. Any first timer tips with loading on this boat? Again, never done this before, and onboarding is the only thing that has me slightly on edge.

 

Many thanks as usual!!!!

[Essiesmom]

1. If you have pre-paid your gratuities, it is not necessary to tip any more unless you think a server/steward has been extraordinary. They get a list and know that you have already paid gratuities. If you order room service you should tip the person who delivers your order.

 

3. Yes, Guest Services can break down larger bills.

 

4. The internet is worth it if it makes The Man happy.

 

EM

[CRU1Z1N]

I cruise on the Dream Aug 23 and I have a few points I'm trying to work out please...

 

1. I have gratuity added into the cruise cost, BUT I have read many of you tip other staff additionally...such as the room steward...whats the average tip and when do you do it? I have tipped certain staff at resorts on the first day a $20 and it has made my stays more enjoyable before and I am wondering if the ships are the same type of give and take...We have never tipped additional and have always had outstanding service. We do however tip the Matrie D if he/she has come around to our table at dinner, said hello etc

 

2. Water/Drink bottles....the reusable ones that keep your drink cool or warm....are those allowed and if so do you hand them over for the bottomless bubbles to go into or do you just get your drink and transfer yourself? Im thinking my cup will hold 2 drinks worth tho? For the bottom less bubbles you will need to transfer your drink yourself

 

3. Can the ship change over $20 bill to lower denomination or should I plan to take it all with me how I want it? I have to fly into port so was hoping I didnt need to carry a wad of cash.Guest services can change your bills or you can do so at the casino. There is also an ATM on board for a cost (can't remember how much) Also there are kiosks where you can put cash on your sail and sign card. Except for room service tips or any extra tipping you do, everything else is billed to your sail land sign card

 

4. Anyone use the ships internet service before? Is it even worth it? The man wants to check email occasionally :rolleyes: I told him I picked a big open ocean for a reason!!Never used it. Fortunately I'm on vacation and don't need to check in

 

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids :rolleyes:Yes there is a coffee shop onboard...expect to spend about $3-4 for each hot chocolate plus 15% gratuity

 

6. Any first timer tips with loading on this boat? Again, never done this before, and onboarding is the only thing that has me slightly on edge. :3:30Just be sure to have your cruise documents, health screening paperwork and passport or photo ID ready. Embarkation is a breeze! Get to the port around 10:30 and you'll be eating on the lido in just a few short hours!!

 

Many thanks as usual!!!!

 

Most of all RELAX....go with the flow and have a blast!!!

Edited August 7, 2015 by CRU1Z1N
changed color of answers to red...easier to read

[jdcml]

I cruise on the Dream Aug 23 and I have a few points I'm trying to work out please...

 

1. I have gratuity added into the cruise cost, BUT I have read many of you tip other staff additionally...such as the room steward...whats the average tip and when do you do it? I have tipped certain staff at resorts on the first day a $20 and it has made my stays more enjoyable before and I am wondering if the ships are the same type of give and take...

**There have been a lot of threads about service comparisons tipping before/after/no extra. All in all it ends up being a YMMV situation. Some will say that $20 first day gets you ice all cruise long, I've had ice all cruise long just by asking for it :). The amount completely varies based on who and what they did. On one occasion I did ask our cabin steward to get a lounge chair for our extended balcony. That was well above and beyond and I showed my appreciation when he brought it that afternoon.

 

2. Water/Drink bottles....the reusable ones that keep your drink cool or warm....are those allowed and if so do you hand them over for the bottomless bubbles to go into or do you just get your drink and transfer yourself? Im thinking my cup will hold 2 drinks worth tho?

**Insulated cups are certainly allowed. In fact they have branded ones in the gift shops and some have Tervis cups available in Red Frog and Blue Iguana. They also have a similar cup that goes with the Bottomless Bubbles program. They will only give you "a" can, not fill your cup to the brim. BUT - based on question 1, maybe you can get someone to make an exception.

 

3. Can the ship change over $20 bill to lower denomination or should I plan to take it all with me how I want it? I have to fly into port so was hoping I didnt need to carry a wad of cash.

** Yep. No worries there at all!

 

4. Anyone use the ships internet service before? Is it even worth it? The man wants to check email occasionally :rolleyes: I told him I picked a big open ocean for a reason!!

**I tried it on the Conquest last. After 30+ minutes of trying to get a page to load Guest Services credited our account without blinking an eye. Your better bet is free wifi in port. It's available in a lot of places. Can't find it or concerned you won't, ask the crew or follow them, they know where it is!

 

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids :rolleyes:

**Dream has a great little coffee shop. Since you mentioned Starbucks, the prices won't surprise you much.

 

6. Any first timer tips with loading on this boat? Again, never done this before, and onboarding is the only thing that has me slightly on edge.

**Too many things to mention here for tips! The embarkation can be hairy if you let it be. As soon as you pull up the porters are taking bags and kids are getting out of the car and traffic is moving and cars are everywhere and then busses pull in and then you don't have your tickets out and then a bag isn't tagged and.... whew!!! Just relax...

Embarkation isn't super hard, and nobody is in too big of a rush that you need to worry about anyone but it can be pretty hectic and overwhelming. Just be sure your bags are tagged (probably better after you arrive at your port city rather than before you fly). Also, be sure your tickets and boarding docs (passport/birth cert) aren't packed away in your checked baggage. Other than that, the rest is cake and you'll be eating lunch on the Lido in no time!

 

Many thanks as usual!!!!

[sailingwithfriends]

1. We have always prepaid our gratuities and have had fantastic service. We do generally give a little extra ($10.00-$20.00) in an envelope the last evening for room steward and servers. (You may have up 3 servers at the table)

2. There are beverage centers in the buffet for refilling your water container. Use one of their smaller cups to fill your container. Your container must be empty when you board the ship.

3. Casino can also give you change. I usually use about $30.00 in ones for room service and on shore excursions. Beware, I have been on excursions where you have to pay to use the restroom.

4. Husband always purchases the internet package. I don't get it, but he needs to stay connected.

5. There is a coffee shop. However, before you purchase the hot cocoa, try the free that is provided 24 hours a day in buffet and room service. Add a little free soft serve and it is delicious.

I hope you enjoy your cruise.

[TerReuv]

I see that you have been posting so I am assuming that you have been reading everything on this board you can. That is a great thing to do. I would also recommend that you read through all the FAQ's at Carnivals site. That is what I did before our first cruise. I felt like after reading everything I could find on the ship and the port, etc. I was already ahead of the game from other first timers.

 

Most of the people here on this board are very helpful. Do not let the others that are a bit nasty deter you from asking anything you are not sure of.

 

I do not remember the brand of hot chocolate, but they do have the packets that you can make it if you order through room service. We have tipped extra for excellent service, but no need to give extra tip ahead of time. I always take my tervis tumbler. Also, study the ship's layout before you go. It will help.

 

And, as mentioned before, relax and enjoy.

[kublaieod]

Your questions have already been answered but I wanted to disagree with the internet question. The old by minute plans sucked. The new plan for 25 - 99 for the cruise I have found to be excellent. Being your first cruise I would actually turn off the phones and feel the freedom of being unplugged. My first few cruises that was a BIG deal to me. Now it is nice to keep in touch and I have gotten the 99.00 for the cruise high speed and it was always working for me and got speeds up to 20 MB/sec.

 

Enjoy your cruise, make the best of it and you will want to go back again and again.

[JustMeandeveryoneelse]

We take 40 one dollar bills with us to tip for room service ($5.00 for each room service delivery-(we only get room service once or twice), drink server tip of $1.00 when we get drinks (this is in addition to the built in gratuity for drinks). We also tip whenever a server or crew member has gone above and beyond to be helpful. We also tip our room steward $10.00 per day on the last night of our cruise (they do an amazing job of cleaning the cabin AND bathroom). We always prepay our tips also. We don't gamble or drink a whole lot, so this is how we take care of the folks who take care of us, by tipping extra.

 

We've never used the Internet package on a cruise...didn't ever have a need for it.

 

The husband LOVES the free hot chocolate. It's pretty sweet. I buy the coffee from the paid venue cause I'm a bit of a coffee freak and it gives me a good reason to get a giant slice of cheesecake while I'm getting coffee.:)

 

Have a great cruise!

[springs741]

I cruise on the Dream Aug 23 and I have a few points I'm trying to work out please...

 

1. I have gratuity added into the cruise cost, BUT I have read many of you tip other staff additionally...such as the room steward...whats the average tip and when do you do it? I have tipped certain staff at resorts on the first day a $20 and it has made my stays more enjoyable before and I am wondering if the ships are the same type of give and take...Since you have pre paid you are covered. We do leave a thank you card with some cash for our room steward. Somewhere between $5 and $10 per day depending on level of service and our needs. On the last night we also extend and thank you card with cash for wait staff in MDR. Room service is not included in prepaid tips. We usually tip a couple of dollars for a pot of coffee and as we add more items to the order we increase the tip.

 

2. Water/Drink bottles....the reusable ones that keep your drink cool or warm....are those allowed and if so do you hand them over for the bottomless bubbles to go into or do you just get your drink and transfer yourself? Im thinking my cup will hold 2 drinks worth tho?Absolutely bring your own cup. And thank you for thinking about transferring yourself. It will depend on the bartender if they will fill your cup or not.

 

3. Can the ship change over $20 bill to lower denomination or should I plan to take it all with me how I want it? I have to fly into port so was hoping I didnt need to carry a wad of cash.Guest service or the casino cage can change large bills. Ships also have kiosks located in several areas that break bills.

 

4. Anyone use the ships internet service before? Is it even worth it? The man wants to check email occasionally :rolleyes: I told him I picked a big open ocean for a reason!! The old package is slow as molasses. The new package, not on all ships yet, is great.

 

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids :rolleyes:The free hot cocoa on the Lido deck is quite good. Have her try that first. There is a specialty coffee bar and they are starbuck like. Prices are slightly less.

 

6. Any first timer tips with loading on this boat? Again, never done this before, and onboarding is the only thing that has me slightly on edge. Carry on bag should contain: ID and prescription meds at the minimum. We also include all electronics and jewelry. Multiplug, wine if you are bring and soft drinks (cans or cartons only now)As well as swimsuit.

 

Many thanks as usual!!!!

 

Welcome to cruising.

[cb at sea]

Boarding is just like checking into a hotel...no worries!

[TrqoisWtrs]

1. I have gratuity added into the cruise cost, BUT I have read many of you tip other staff additionally...such as the room steward...whats the average tip and when do you do it? I have tipped certain staff at resorts on the first day a $20 and it has made my stays more enjoyable before and I am wondering if the ships are the same type of give and take...

I always tip a buck or two extra if I find a good bartender. :) Will also tip a bit of extra cash on the last night for our room steward and dining crew.

 

2. Water/Drink bottles....the reusable ones that keep your drink cool or warm....are those allowed and if so do you hand them over for the bottomless bubbles to go into or do you just get your drink and transfer yourself? Im thinking my cup will hold 2 drinks worth tho?

You will get an insulated cup with your purchase of the bottomless bubbles.

 

 

6. Any first timer tips with loading on this boat? Again, never done this before, and onboarding is the only thing that has me slightly on edge.If you're a wine drinker, you're allowed 1 750ml per adult. Make sure its in your carryon. If its packed, it will get confiscated.

 

Also, are you a coffee drinker? IMO, the mugs provided for morning coffee are too small, and so I bring a small version of a Bubba Keg :) Great for not having to get multiple refills. Then its also good for cold beverages the rest of the day.

 

 

Enjoy your cruise! Hopefully you will join the ranks of the many addicted cruisers on this board. :D

[SadieN]

Before you spend money on hot chocolate have your daughter try the HC machines on the lido. They're located next to the coffee.

 

Usually very good. If it's watery the HC didn't funnel down properly. Easily remedied by patting the cylinder a few times with your mug.

[isaiahsnana]

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids

 

Check out what Sadie said, and additionally, there is ice cream available 24 hours a day - a shot of vanilla ice cream in the cup, then the hot chocolate - makes a delightfully sinful drink!

[wampuscat7]

5. I understand no Starbucks, but something close to it...my daughter is afraid she wont be able to get the "good" hot cocoa....kids

 

Check out what Sadie said, and additionally, there is ice cream available 24 hours a day - a shot of vanilla ice cream in the cup, then the hot chocolate - makes a delightfully sinful drink!

 

Filing this away for future cruises. :)

[sapphiregem]

you guys are all fabulous!!!

 

thank you so much for the advice. I may have to try the ice cream and cocoa mix!!!

[erby2283]

Before you spend money on hot chocolate have your daughter try the HC machines on the lido. They're located next to the coffee.

 

Usually very good. If it's watery the HC didn't funnel down properly. Easily remedied by patting the cylinder a few times with your mug.

 

 

The hot chocolate on the lido (by the buffet) is delicious!!!!! Took me a cruise or two to find it.

 

I always tip my room steward (at least $25 extra) and all my waiters; even if I go any-time dining. These people work hard. $12 a day divided by everyone they split it with is just not enough, IMO, for what they do. I'm not rich but I certainly can throw a few more dollars their way.

[sapphiregem]

These were all VERY helpful. Thank you for responding!!!