Unexpected Expenses

[oskarNZ]

8 hours ago, lifes-a-beach said:

“Johnny, tell her what she’s won!”  “Well Jack, She’s won the Cruise Critic Least Effective Statement Award!”    *audience applause*   “And the Least Likely Objective to Achieve on Cruise Critic Medallion!”   *more audience applause*

 

😂🤣

Meh

[oskarNZ]

I had a particular interest in onboard activities and despite all the “everything costs extra” comments, the lack of concrete examples was ironically reassuring.  

 

There are still mainstream cruise lines I’m keen to try (the info about Royal Caribbean was particularly useful) so in that respect, this thread has been useful.  

[SRF]

What onboard activities?

 

There are plenty of things to do, that do not cost money.  And there are a number of things to do, that do cost extra.

 

We sail on RCI, so I know of their things.  For free, there are trivia games, dance lessons (last cruise had session to learn the Thriller zombie dance), dance parties, music events, karaoke, game show type things, rock climbing wall, crazy events at the pool, more music, art auctions (free if you don't bid, and free champagne), people watching, meeting people and talking to them, eating, and more eating, then eating some more.

 

For fee, there are things like cupcake decorating and sushi making (you get to eat your efforts), shopping, the casino (although free to watch others gamble).  The mega ships have other activities that may cost extra (not sure which ones, as we have avoided these ships).

 

 

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

1 hour ago, SRF said:

What onboard activities?

 

There are plenty of things to do, that do not cost money.  And there are a number of things to do, that do cost extra.

 

We sail on RCI, so I know of their things.  For free, there are trivia games, dance lessons (last cruise had session to learn the Thriller zombie dance), dance parties, music events, karaoke, game show type things, rock climbing wall, crazy events at the pool, more music, art auctions (free if you don't bid, and free champagne), people watching, meeting people and talking to them, eating, and more eating, then eating some more.

 

For fee, there are things like cupcake decorating and sushi making (you get to eat your efforts), shopping, the casino (although free to watch others gamble).  The mega ships have other activities that may cost extra (not sure which ones, as we have avoided these ships).

 

 

On the Oasis class ships. Zip line on the ship. Ice skating shows and you can ice skate also, water shows, comedy club, Beautiful broadway shows on stage, major water fun, super slides, dry and wet, all free. Plus all that you already mentioned. No need to spend if you do not want to.

[happy cruzer]

Extra costs:  some excercise classes,  some craft classes, some dinner show venues, some areas like "adult retreats", water, soda, special items in the MDR, souviner drinks, welcome aboard drinks, photos, special coffees like espresso and capuccino in the dining room, babysitting,  and the list goes on and on.

 

But those who say all inclusions will eventually become extras may be missing that cruises don't just compete with other cruises but with land travel and vacations.  A cruise has to convince someone to go into a "closed" no competition type vacation where they may get seasick and have smaller accomodations - there has to be some reason to for the first timer to go on a ship vs. to a resort or other land based spot.  So far cruises have been very successful with the model of including most items and offering extras at a nice cost per passenger per day.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

19 minutes ago, happy cruzer said:

Extra costs:  some excercise classes,  some craft classes, some dinner show venues, some areas like "adult retreats", water, soda, special items in the MDR, souviner drinks, welcome aboard drinks, photos, special coffees like espresso and capuccino in the dining room, babysitting,  and the list goes on and on.

 

But those who say all inclusions will eventually become extras may be missing that cruises don't just compete with other cruises but with land travel and vacations.  A cruise has to convince someone to go into a "closed" no competition type vacation where they may get seasick and have smaller accomodations - there has to be some reason to for the first timer to go on a ship vs. to a resort or other land based spot.  So far cruises have been very successful with the model of including most items and offering extras at a nice cost per passenger per day.

Your list may go on and on but none of them are required to purchase. You certainly have the option of purchasing anything you want or not to purchase. Most of everything you mentioned is not a necessity for most.