shargurl Posted April 23, 2017 #1 Share Posted April 23, 2017 When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks) We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted April 23, 2017 #2 Share Posted April 23, 2017 You are only charged for towels if you don't turn them in before the end of the cruise. You can check them out on the pool deck, and exchange wet towels for dry towels as many times as you like, just remember to have them scan your SeaPass card the last time you turn in towels at the end of the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted April 23, 2017 #3 Share Posted April 23, 2017 In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njkruzer Posted April 23, 2017 #4 Share Posted April 23, 2017 I agree with what's been said. We are D+ and maybe do a for fee restaurant once, sometimes for a special occasion, but not necessary. We're not big drinkers, but admittedly we have D+ privileges for drinks in the evening. Even if I didn't, my drink bill would probably just be wine at dinner, and if you order a bottle and don't finish it they will give it to you the next night, just make sure your waiter marks your name and cabin number on it. i rarely will have a alcohol drink at the pool, but usually just get a glass of ice water from the bar, which is free. Actually they have dispenser with water and a tray of glasses so you can pour it yourself, though I have had waiters get it for me. What you spend is clearly in your control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzgryphon Posted April 23, 2017 #5 Share Posted April 23, 2017 If I remember correctly you can take 2 bottles of wine/ cabin onboard when you board (not sure about corkage fees). So depending on your drinking habits that can help reduce costs. I haven't been on Carnival, but I have been on NCL, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and Costa and I don't find that Royal Caribbean charges you any extra than these other lines. You might have seen a reference to food charges in the MDR - that's only for special items like lobster tail and steak. You still have a full menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts that are free. The shows are free. On a side note, one thing you should check out is an ADULT game called the Quest. It will be on one of the evenings at around 10:30pm and it's a blast - even if you just watch and don't participate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted April 24, 2017 #6 Share Posted April 24, 2017 In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again. I agree with my friend here. We have also had minimal bills. There is plenty that is included in the cost of your cruise fare and does not require spending extra. I'm confident you will quickly understand the lay of the land and how things run, especially since you are seasoned cruisers. Royal has a great product and I hope you all enjoy your vacation. :) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted April 24, 2017 #7 Share Posted April 24, 2017 I agree with my friend here. We have also had minimal bills. There is plenty that is included in the cost of your cruise fare and does not require spending extra. I'm confident you will quickly understand the lay of the land and how things run, especially since you are seasoned cruisers. Royal has a great product and I hope you all enjoy your vacation. :) . Hey friend ... how are you :* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Kellie in Texas Posted April 24, 2017 #8 Share Posted April 24, 2017 We have never paid extra for any of the specialty dining venues. Be aware that Royal does not have self-serve laundry rooms like Princess and Carnival do, so pack accordingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Rogueperson Posted April 24, 2017 #9 Share Posted April 24, 2017 When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks) We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges. Carnival is more similar than different with Royal Caribbean. Main thing, if you're doing on one of the big ships (Anthem, or Oasis class), you should make reservation ASAP for some of the shows and activities they offer as they are in very high demand. They usually open reservations about 90 days out. You can check out all the reservations availableOtherwise, its pretty much the same. Another cool benefit with Royal Caribbean is that with the drink package, both individuals do not necessarily have to purchase it, however, I've heard anecdotally that they do enforce sharing and could invalidate your package if you do. Otherwise, the extra charges are pretty much the same, booze, spa, specialty restaurants, casino, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothFlying Posted April 24, 2017 #10 Share Posted April 24, 2017 When i first started cruising i researched on Cruise Critic and did all i could the learn the ropes. Worked great! Now this is my first Royal Caribbean cruise. Things work differently than on Carnival? Seems more complicated (or rather just different) and there are more costs involved for dining, yes? So my questions for all of you: How much more can I expect my final bill to be? I see they also charge for towels not return to where you picked them up? Seems everything costs more money (even the drinks) We are taking our son and his soon to be wife on a honeymoon cruise (don't worry, we got them their own cabin ;p). They have cruised Carnival with us before, but we don't want to worry about all those extra charges. Well, where too start...? I can't speak for all RCL ships (my wife and I have only done three RCL ships(Navigator OTS-twice, ( 2008/14) and Oasis OTS/2013. We LOVED both cruise lines but for different reasons. Both lines have excellent food in every venue. IF, this a special event you MIGHT wanna consider splurging for the steak house (the inexpensive one) it's $30 a person or it was back in 2013. Both food AND staff are excellent, as was all the steakhouses we've done on our twelve CCL ships. :)Your RCL ship may have a Johnny Rocket's on it which is a burger n' fires venue and for a flat fee (5.99) it's all the burgers n' fries and soda you can hold (this might also include sandwiches, but I'm not sure) milkshakes are extra, but the burgers ARE excellent ! It's a throwback to the '50's maltshops and whenever anybody played a beachboys song the entire staff would start 'surffin'. IF anybody can eat more than TWO of their double burgers? WOW !! I hope you enjoy your RCL cruie, it's good to try other lines, IF you can afford 'em. :) Either way, have a FANTSATIC cruise ! (Oh, and by the way, I went on a vacation w/my first fiancé (she was 21, I was 25) and her parents wayyyyy back in 74' and had my own room, but... Well, her parents decided to do a LOT of daytime sightseeing on their own <wink>. But, I understand, a parents, a parent. :) Mac Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted April 26, 2017 You are only charged for towels if you don't turn them in before the end of the cruise. You can check them out on the pool deck, and exchange wet towels for dry towels as many times as you like, just remember to have them scan your SeaPass card the last time you turn in towels at the end of the cruise. Ok...this helps! Thanks :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #12 Share Posted April 26, 2017 In addition to the above towel info.....You absolutely don't have to spend any additional cost for dining....the main dining rooms as well as the buffet and other free places will be absolutely fine. We've done 25+ cruises with RCI and our final bill can be easily "0"...it's up to you. Enjoy RCI...I'm sure you'll be back again. I figured this too...but being the first cruise on RCI I know i will be tempted to try everything...just how I am ;p Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted April 26, 2017 I agree with what's been said. We are D+ and maybe do a for fee restaurant once, sometimes for a special occasion, but not necessary. We're not big drinkers, but admittedly we have D+ privileges for drinks in the evening. Even if I didn't, my drink bill would probably just be wine at dinner, and if you order a bottle and don't finish it they will give it to you the next night, just make sure your waiter marks your name and cabin number on it. i rarely will have a alcohol drink at the pool, but usually just get a glass of ice water from the bar, which is free. Actually they have dispenser with water and a tray of glasses so you can pour it yourself, though I have had waiters get it for me. What you spend is clearly in your control. I'm not a big drinker at all, but my DH will be having beers whilst i sit in the sun... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted April 26, 2017 Thanks for the advice everyone! Feel so much better about all of it :) Counting down the days, I'm so excited to cruise RCL for the first time :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsjr Posted April 26, 2017 #15 Share Posted April 26, 2017 I gathered dining options from the RCCL website. I apologize if there is any incorrect info. Maybe it will help with food options. Deck Restaurant Service Hours Fee 3 American Icon B & L – Anyone B – Buffet and a la cart L – Waiter Service D – My time dining only -0- 4 Silk Main dining room 5:30 & 8:30p -0- 5 The Grande Main dining room 6:30 & 9:00p -0- 5 Café Promenade Snack, sandwichs, free self –serv coffee 24 hrs. -0- 5 Sorrento’s Pizzeria L & D & LN 11:30 – 3:00a -0- 6 Boardwalk Dog House L 11:30 – 6:00p -0- 6 Boardwalk Donut Shop Donuts & Seattle coffee 7:00 – 11:30a -0- 6 Johnny Rockets B – Complimentary Only L –Burgers 8:00 – 10:00a 11:30 – 6:00p -0- 7.95 pp 6 Vitality Spa Lite Fare – yogurt, fruit Smoothies – drinks 7:00 – 9:00p -0- Fee 8 Park Café Breakfast L – Sandwiches (rumor has try Roast Beef) 7:30 – 11:00a 11:30 – 6:00p -0- -0- 15 Solarium Bistro B – buffet – lite fare L – buffet – lite fare D – Samba Grill – Brazilian style 8:00 – 11:00a 12:00 – 3:00p 6:00p -0- -0- 30.00pp 15 Wipeout Café B – buffet – small (sometimes kids only) L – buffet – small (sometimes kids only) 8:00 – 11:00a 11:30 – 3:30p -0- -0- 15 Frozen Yogurt Self – serv -0- 16 Windjammer B – buffet L – buffet D - buffet 7:00 – 11:00a 11:30 – 3:30p 6:00 – 9:30p -0- -0- -0- 17 Coastal Kitchen Grand and Up suites only Room Service B – American B – Continental Fare L – Menu D - Menu 7.95 per visit -0- 7.95 per visit 7.95 per visit 4 Izumi Hibachi Izumi - Sushi, Sashimi D – Hibachi Grill D – a la carte 6:00 – 10:00 45.00 pp Fee 5 Starbucks A la carte coffee & sweets 7:00 – 11:00p Fee 6 Sabor – Mexican & Tequila L – Unsure if flat 15.00 or a la carte D – Per website – Tasting Menu 11:30 – 3:30p 15.00 20.00 6 Cups & Scoops A la carte – ice cream and sweets Fee 8 Chops Grill L – Steak D - Steak 19.00 49.00 8 Vintages Wine and tapas – a la carte 5:00 – 12:00a fee 8 Giovanni Table L – Italian D – Italian 12:00 – 1:30p 6:00 – 10:00p 10.00pp 21.00 pp 8 150 Central Park D – Tasting menu – 6 course 6:00 – 10:00p 45.00 pp 11 Chef Table D – 5 course with wine 8:30 95.00 pp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oak Hill Cruisers Posted April 26, 2017 #16 Share Posted April 26, 2017 Although you're new to RCI, please do register with the Crown & Anchor Society and grow your loyalty status. Once you make Diamond, you start getting access to the diamond lounge which has nice continental breakfasts, happy hour drinks & hor d'eovres, and, for us, use of the fabulous DIY cappuccino machine and a quiet place away from the 'madding crowd' to chat with friends & read our Kindles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted April 26, 2017 I gathered dining options from the RCCL website. I apologize if there is any incorrect info. Maybe it will help withfood options. Deck Restaurant Service Hours Fee 3 American Icon B & L – Anyone B – Buffet and a la cart L – Waiter Service D – My time dining only -0- 4 Silk Main dining room 5:30 & 8:30p -0- 5 The Grande Main dining room 6:30 & 9:00p -0- 5 Café Promenade Snack, sandwichs, free self –serv coffee 24 hrs. -0- 5 Sorrento’s Pizzeria L & D & LN 11:30 – 3:00a -0- 6 Boardwalk Dog House L 11:30 – 6:00p -0- 6 Boardwalk Donut Shop Donuts & Seattle coffee 7:00 – 11:30a -0- 6 Johnny Rockets B – Complimentary Only L –Burgers 8:00 – 10:00a 11:30 – 6:00p -0- 7.95 pp 6 Vitality Spa Lite Fare – yogurt, fruit Smoothies – drinks 7:00 – 9:00p -0- Fee 8 Park Café Breakfast L – Sandwiches (rumor has try Roast Beef) 7:30 – 11:00a 11:30 – 6:00p -0- -0- 15 Solarium Bistro B – buffet – lite fare L – buffet – lite fare D – Samba Grill – Brazilian style 8:00 – 11:00a 12:00 – 3:00p 6:00p -0- -0- 30.00pp 15 Wipeout Café B – buffet – small (sometimes kids only) L – buffet – small (sometimes kids only) 8:00 – 11:00a 11:30 – 3:30p -0- -0- 15 Frozen Yogurt Self – serv -0- 16 Windjammer B – buffet L – buffet D - buffet 7:00 – 11:00a 11:30 – 3:30p 6:00 – 9:30p -0- -0- -0- 17 Coastal Kitchen Grand and Up suites only Room Service B – American B – Continental Fare L – Menu D - Menu 7.95 per visit -0- 7.95 per visit 7.95 per visit 4 Izumi Hibachi Izumi - Sushi, Sashimi D – Hibachi Grill D – a la carte 6:00 – 10:00 45.00 pp Fee 5 Starbucks A la carte coffee & sweets 7:00 – 11:00p Fee 6 Sabor – Mexican & Tequila L – Unsure if flat 15.00 or a la carte D – Per website – Tasting Menu 11:30 – 3:30p 15.00 20.00 6 Cups & Scoops A la carte – ice cream and sweets Fee 8 Chops Grill L – Steak D - Steak 19.00 49.00 8 Vintages Wine and tapas – a la carte 5:00 – 12:00a fee 8 Giovanni Table L – Italian D – Italian 12:00 – 1:30p 6:00 – 10:00p 10.00pp 21.00 pp 8 150 Central Park D – Tasting menu – 6 course 6:00 – 10:00p 45.00 pp 11 Chef Table D – 5 course with wine 8:30 95.00 pp Thanks! Very helpful. Kind of pricey on some IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 26, 2017 Author #18 Share Posted April 26, 2017 Although you're new to RCI, please do register with the Crown & Anchor Society and grow your loyalty status. Once you make Diamond, you start getting access to the diamond lounge which has nice continental breakfasts, happy hour drinks & hor d'eovres, and, for us, use of the fabulous DIY cappuccino machine and a quiet place away from the 'madding crowd' to chat with friends & read our Kindles. Oh for sure....almost Platinum on Carnival... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisbob Posted April 26, 2017 #19 Share Posted April 26, 2017 Mdr !! They give you bread at the same time they butter on ice ??? Really !! Dont tear your bread! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BettyPC Posted April 26, 2017 #20 Share Posted April 26, 2017 We enjoy both lines. We find Carnival easier for Anytime dining. On Royal if you choose that option you need to make a reservation if you want a popular dining time - such as 7:00 p.m. We have had difficulty just showing up and getting a table for the two of us - so we make the reservation for the week & it all works fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted April 27, 2017 #21 Share Posted April 27, 2017 Are you really going with your son on his honeymoon? I never thought to invite my inlaws along on mine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 27, 2017 Author #22 Share Posted April 27, 2017 Are you really going with your son on his honeymoon?I never thought to invite my inlaws along on mine... Yes, we are going! Their honeymoon was good enough reason for me to book a cruise this year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Oceansaway17 Posted April 27, 2017 #23 Share Posted April 27, 2017 I just joined Cruise Critic and this is my first reply. I do like RCCL as well as other cruise lines. I have been on 25 cruises and I can say that no matter what line you are on, you make it what you make it. Meaning, enjoy all the free stuff and wisely decide what to spend money on. I always try at least one special restaurant and I advise using the ship's shore excursion desk. As for drinks, I find ALL ships charge a lot. So when cruising my best advice is consider the visits to each island as well as a view treats. Remember to watch the daily tab on the TV screen and keep track of expenses posted. Remember looking at the water is the best part as well as just chatting with folks. Don't over spend on things that are cheaper on land;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shargurl Posted April 27, 2017 Author #24 Share Posted April 27, 2017 I just joined Cruise Critic and this is my first reply. I do like RCCL as well as other cruise lines. I have been on 25 cruises and I can say that no matter what line you are on, you make it what you make it. Meaning, enjoy all the free stuff and wisely decide what to spend money on. I always try at least one special restaurant and I advise using the ship's shore excursion desk. As for drinks, I find ALL ships charge a lot. So when cruising my best advice is consider the visits to each island as well as a view treats. Remember to watch the daily tab on the TV screen and keep track of expenses posted. Remember looking at the water is the best part as well as just chatting with folks. Don't over spend on things that are cheaper on land;p I agree. However, I i normally do not have time on land to do much, therefore a splurge on a massage always sounds good. Unless i can get them on a beach on an excursion! Not as relaxing as on a ship though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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