First time cruiser.... I have some questions.

[mikeqube]

I'm going on my first cruise next week leaving on Sunday the 5th on the Spirit out of NYC. I have some questions for people who have cruised before.

 

What are drink prices like? I've heard everything from three dollars for a Bud up to seven dollars for a Bud from people I've asked. I live in Boston and I'm used to paying $3 - $4 for a beer.

 

The Casino. What are the table minimuns like? $5, $10, $25, more? I usually only play craps and my GF plays slots. Do they have lower limit slots like nickle and quarter slots?

 

I've seen a lot of talk of soda on the ship and it being pricey. Am I allowed to bring my own on the ship and is the soda card really worth it.

 

Tipping. Who do I tip? I read somewhere that NCL recommends $10 a day. Is that combined tips during all meals or is that $10 for whoever cleans your room. I also read that the tips were included in the price of the drinks, are cash tips also expected on top of that?

 

Any tips and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance! :D

[pool girl]

I'm going on my first cruise next week leaving on Sunday the 5th on the Spirit out of NYC. I have some questions for people who have cruised before.

 

What are drink prices like? I've heard everything from three dollars for a Bud up to seven dollars for a Bud from people I've asked. I live in Boston and I'm used to paying $3 - $4 for a beer.

 

The Casino. What are the table minimuns like? $5, $10, $25, more? I usually only play craps and my GF plays slots. Do they have lower limit slots like nickle and quarter slots?

 

I've seen a lot of talk of soda on the ship and it being pricey. Am I allowed to bring my own on the ship and is the soda card really worth it.

 

Tipping. Who do I tip? I read somewhere that NCL recommends $10 a day. Is that combined tips during all meals or is that $10 for whoever cleans your room. I also read that the tips were included in the price of the drinks, are cash tips also expected on top of that?

 

Any tips and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance! :D

I am a first time cruiser also. If you go to the thread called Spirit issues on the forum I asked the same question and got great answers. /regarding tipping that is.

[johnql]

What are drink prices like? I've heard everything from three dollars for a Bud up to seven dollars for a Bud from people I've asked. I live in Boston and I'm used to paying $3 - $4 for a beer.

I think the drink prices are generally high on the Spirit. Beers are $4.50-5.00, which isn't too bad compared to NYC bars. Drinks of the day (typical foo-foo drinks) were $8-9. Alcoholic smoothies were $9.

 

The Casino. What are the table minimuns like? $5, $10, $25, more? I usually only play craps and my GF plays slots. Do they have lower limit slots like nickle and quarter slots?

$5 minimum at craps. Yes, they have lower limit slots.

 

I've seen a lot of talk of soda on the ship and it being pricey. Am I allowed to bring my own on the ship and is the soda card really worth it.

Approximately $2 for a can of soda (including the automatic 15% gratuity). The drink card costs $5.75 per day but you have to buy it for the entire cruise. So, if you're on a 7-day cruise, it's $40+. Only you can decide which is the better deal. Yes, you can bring your own. I usually bring onboard a 12-pack because I prefer Diet Pepsi over Diet Coke (the ship serves only Coke products).

 

Tipping. Who do I tip? I read somewhere that NCL recommends $10 a day. Is that combined tips during all meals or is that $10 for whoever cleans your room. I also read that the tips were included in the price of the drinks, are cash tips also expected on top of that?

The $10 covers your cabin steward in addition to your wait staff. No other cash tips are really "expected". However, if you receive exceptional service, you might want to tip the server(s). Room service deliveries are typically tipped, too, although not required. Yes, there is a 15% automatic gratuity added to all drink purchases (soda and alcohol).

[mikeqube]

Thnaks for the info. One more question, are drinks in the casino comped or do they charge for them?

[johnql]

Thnaks for the info. One more question, are drinks in the casino comped or do they charge for them?

Generally speaking, drinks aren't comped in any cruise ship's casino. However, if you become recognized by the pit bosses as a regular and/or you typically bet $25 minimum bets at the tables, you will usually be offered free drinks.