"Full" Cost Comparison - Including Extras

[RkyMtnTarHeel]

Hello,

As a first-time cruiser, I'm attempting to develop as comprehensive a budget as possible (somewhat specific to RCL), including as many "planned" extras as I can identify. I have obtained some detailed pricing on some of the items listed below, but am I missing anything that could or should be considered (excluding travel/lodging to and from the departure port and travel insurance)?

 

- Prepaid gratuities

- Beverages (either drink packages or individual beverage costs)

- Kids Club

- Dining (either package costs or simply surcharge dining costs

- Excursions (either booked thru cruise line or self-sourced

- Gifts/Souveniers

- On-board activities (such as spa/salon, photography, etc.)

 

Thank you in advance. And if this information is already posted elsewhere please don't hesitate to let me know.

Edited April 11 by RkyMtnTarHeel
poor punctuation

[smokeybandit]

No need to pay anything extra for beverages unless you want something with alcohol or carbonated. Even then you can bring your own wine and soda on board.

 

No need to pay anything extra for dining.

 

Kids club is included.

 

Excursions can cost anything from free or a few dollars (walk to a beach or take a taxi) to $100+ per person.
 

There are plenty of free activities on board, so don't think you have to pay for anything there unless you really want a formal photo taken by a crew member or a massage.

 

Edited April 11 by smokeybandit

[dad son team]

it's been a minute since my DS was in the kids club, but there wasn't a fee for that unless it was the afterhours time, I think 10p-1am?

 

Might want a line for extra tips to room steward or server/bartender that may go above and beyond.

 

Depending on how inclusive you want to be in your costs, don't forget things like port parking and hotel the night before, if applicable.

[smokeybandit]

There is a fee (like $8-10 per hour) in kids' club after 10pm. But we rarely saw anyone using that.

[leaveitallbehind]

13 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

There is a fee (like $8-10 per hour) in kids' club after 10pm. But we rarely saw anyone using that.

The last information I have, which is several years dated, is the only fee-based kids programs are the late night party zone, which is $7 per hour per child from 10PM - 1 AM, and the royal babies and tots drop off nursery, which is $6 per hour per child during the day and $8 at night.

 

If this is incorrect and someone has updated information perhaps they can provide it.

Edited April 11 by leaveitallbehind

[smokeybandit]

2 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

The last information I have is the only fee-based kids programs are the late night party zone, which is $7 per hour per child from 10PM - 1 AM, and the royal babies and tots drop off nursery, which is $6 per hour per child during the day and $8 at night.

 

If this is incorrect and someone has updated information perhaps they can correct this.

Looks like it's $10 for AO now

 

After 10 p.m., kids attending Adventure Ocean, AO Juniors and AO Kids can join the Late Night Party Zone until 1 a.m. at an hourly rate of $10 per hour, per child.

 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/royal-caribbean-cruise-kids-clubs/

[leaveitallbehind]

1 minute ago, smokeybandit said:

Looks like it's $10 for AO now

 

After 10 p.m., kids attending Adventure Ocean, AO Juniors and AO Kids can join the Late Night Party Zone until 1 a.m. at an hourly rate of $10 per hour, per child.

 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/royal-caribbean-cruise-kids-clubs/

Thanks for the update and correction, and that wouldn't surprise me.  As I said my info goes back a few years. 

[mets07]

Another potential expenditure is Internet if you want or need it. 

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, RkyMtnTarHeel said:

I have obtained some detailed pricing on some of the items listed below

Welcome to CC.

 Realize that almost all of the pricing, including the cabin, is dynamic.

[Mum2Mercury]

In addition to pre-paid gratuities, you probably want to bring a handful of small bills, which would be useful for: 

- Tips for staff who go "above and beyond". 

- Tips for the porters when you drop off your luggage -- I give $2 for a small bag /$3 for a medium bag.  No, you don't have to do this, but my luggage has always beat me to the room.  Coincidence? 

- Tips for room service.  

- Tips for excursion tour guides.  I personally make up an envelope for every island stop.  On the outside I write our tour company's name, contact info, meeting place, etc.  Inside I place any money we owe for the excursion, tip money, and any extras we anticipate needing -- a taxi ride, a meal, whatever.  This means everything in my wallet is "spendable".  

 

Drinks: 

- Know that if you spend nothing, you won't go thirsty.  You can always get water, tea, lemonade and sometimes fruit punch without cost.  Also hot tea and plain coffee.  

- You're allowed to bring on 12 non-alcoholic drinks + 1 bottle of wine.  If you bring 1-2 canned drinks back from island stops, no one cares.  

- Note that every drink you purchase includes 18% mandatory tip.  If you want to tip "above and beyond", go ahead -- but don't feel obligated.  

- If you do plan to purchase a drink package, definitely buy ahead of time.  One of the few absolutes is that drink packages always cost more once you're on the ship.  

- Consider making your own drink package.  Cocktails run about $14-15, beer $8-9, and soda $3.50.  Figure up what you're likely to spend and purchase that amount of On Board Credit for yourself ... voila!  Your own "right sized" drink package.  

 

Kids in the 3+ age group pay nothing for the Kids' Club.  Younger kids just get babysitting, and it's $10/hour.  

 

Dining: 

- Know that if you spend nothing, you won't go hungry.  At the minimum, you'll be able to eat in the MDR and the Windjammer Buffet; depending upon your ship, you may have other (no cost) eating options:  Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, El Loco Fresh, Sorrentos, etc.  

- Study your phone app OR ask for a paper Compass at Guest Services.  They'll both spell out what food venues are open when (and which ones are no-cost).  

 

The spa is incredibly expensive ... think $100 for a manicure or $250 for a massage.  You can see the prices now in your phone app or under "Plan My Cruise" online.  

 

You can see ship-offered excursions in those same places.  You can find private excursions (smaller groups, superior service, lower prices) online.  This board is a good place to start.  

 

Other things you might not've considered: 

- Do you already have whatever citizenship documents you'll need to board?  

- Do you need to board any pets?  That's a pretty big bill for us.  

- If you're driving, you'll have to pay to park your car.  That's a pretty significant cost. 

- Do you intend to play Bingo or Casino games? 

- Do you anticipate using the laundry service?  

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 11 by Mum2Mercury

[mil76]

Some other onboard activities which have costs depending on ship and timing: 

 

NorthStar observation arm (free sessions are hard to come by)

Indoor skydiving (same as above)

escape rooms

Flowrider lessons (open sessions are free)

[leaveitallbehind]

4 minutes ago, mil76 said:

Some other onboard activities which have costs depending on ship and timing: 

 

NorthStar observation arm (free sessions are hard to come by)

I believe it is free in port and for a fee at sea (with reservations needed)

All the others you mention also require reservations.

Edited April 11 by leaveitallbehind

[torpeedo]

My grandchildren always had the soda package and it was well worth it since they loved getting the cup and the soda machines.  You can find free ice cream in the WJ. 

[Qextor]

2 hours ago, mil76 said:

NorthStar observation arm (free sessions are hard to come by)

Yes - if you want the free in-port sessions (which don't go over the side of the ship like the at-sea sessions do) you should book those as soon as you board the ship.

Edited April 11 by Qextor

[dad son team]

On 4/11/2024 at 12:41 PM, smokeybandit said:

There is a fee (like $8-10 per hour) in kids' club after 10pm. But we rarely saw anyone using that.

How times have changed.  When my DS (now 27 yo) used to go it was $4 and hour and there was usually a good crowd, all vying for the gaga ball trophy.

[firefly333]

On 4/11/2024 at 11:11 AM, RkyMtnTarHeel said:

Hello,

As a first-time cruiser, I'm attempting to develop as comprehensive a budget as possible (somewhat specific to RCL), including as many "planned" extras as I can identify. I have obtained some detailed pricing on some of the items listed below, but am I missing anything that could or should be considered (excluding travel/lodging to and from the departure port and travel insurance)?

 

- Prepaid gratuities

- Beverages (either drink packages or individual beverage costs)

- Kids Club

- Dining (either package costs or simply surcharge dining costs

- Excursions (either booked thru cruise line or self-sourced

- Gifts/Souveniers

- On-board activities (such as spa/salon, photography, etc.)

 

Thank you in advance. And if this information is already posted elsewhere please don't hesitate to let me know.

I wouldn't say this list is what is full priced. Other than auto tips, none of this is necessary imo. I do get obc from owning 100 shares of rcl and from booking. .. and I spend some of that on excursions, pay restaurants and wifi and maybe excursions.

 

You dont mention wifi so I'm guessing not important to you. The app has a chat feature for free. Dont need wifi for it. But for me I love my wifi best. For you not important.

[CSHS1979]

The variety of ways Royal can grab your money is mind boggling

[cruiseguy1016]

You will probably have many opportunities to tip people not associated with the cruise line. Some that come to mind are;

Cab drivers from the airport to your hotel and then to the cruise port.

Porters at your hotel.

Porters at the cruise port.

Tour guides and tour bus drivers.

[TeeRick]

13 hours ago, CSHS1979 said:

The variety of ways Royal can grab your money is mind boggling

HaHa yes so true.  But that is the business that they are in, right?

[Mum2Mercury]

On 4/11/2024 at 2:41 PM, torpeedo said:

My grandchildren always had the soda package and it was well worth it since they loved getting the cup and the soda machines.  You can find free ice cream in the WJ. 

You can also get soft-serve ice cream by the pool in the afternoons.  

13 hours ago, CSHS1979 said:

The variety of ways Royal can grab your money is mind boggling

Yes, but you can say NO to most of the onboard options without loss of enjoyment.  We always book onboard; thus, we get some OBC.  We have stockholder OBC.  That usually covers everything we spend onboard ... sometimes we even get a bit back.