What's included, what's not in the Disney fare???

[Cruisin' Chick]

I’m currently helping -- with some other writers -- to write a guide to cruising. The chapter I’m working on currently is:

 

What is included in the price of my cruise ticket? Hidden Cruise Costs

 

Besides the general things (cabin, food, etc) that are common to most of the cruiselines, I’m researching what each of the majors charges. So I’m checking the lines’ sites and other resources, but I figure you guys will be a great source of info, too.

 

So, if you’ve cruised on Disney lately, I would appreciate it if you can tell me free or fee. Also if you get certain items for free if you’re a "Castaway Club" Member. You don't have to tell me how much if it's a "fee."

 

1. Beverages: sodas, lemonade, hot chocolate, cocktails (the last at Captain’s parties, etc)

 

2. Speciality Restaurant cover charges

 

3. Speciality foods, ice cream, etc.

 

4. Internet use

 

5. Laundry

 

6. Sports on board (golf, etc)

 

7. Activities (crafts, what else has a fee???) – not counting horse racing, bingo, casino

 

8. Children’s program, in port kid-sitting, equipment (cribs, strollers, etc.)

 

9. Holiday freebies

 

10. In-cabin refrigerators

 

11. Special programming on in-cabin TVs, VCR/DVD loans

 

12. Special occasions (e.g. birthday cake)

 

13. Use of the gym, exercise classes

 

14. Enrichment classes

 

Thank you so much.

[Host Mick]

It might also be a service to your readers, for the purpose of comparison to point out which cruise lines charge for what perks.

 

Crystal for example is pretty-much all-inclusive while Disney doesn't charge for a lot of things like any food, programs, soft drinks, on-board activities and child care (except for infants). Some cruise lines seem to nickle-and-dime you at every turn (I won't mention who because they have a lot of fans on Cruise Critic).

[nzdisneymom]

I sailed on DCL in December 2005 on a 7-night, so that's my experience and where my answers are coming from...

 

1. Beverages: sodas, lemonade, hot chocolate, cocktails (the last at Captain’s parties, etc) -- Sodas and hot chocolate are free from the beverage station on Deck 9 as is coffee and they also have milk.

 

 

2. Speciality Restaurant cover charges - fee

 

3. Speciality foods, ice cream, etc. -- free unless otherwise indicated on the room service menu.

 

4. Internet use - fee - for the length of the cruise or by the minute

 

5. Laundry - fee

 

6. Sports on board (golf, etc) - free

 

7. Activities (crafts, what else has a fee???) – not counting horse racing, bingo, casino - Free

 

8. Children’s program, in port kid-sitting, equipment (cribs, strollers, etc.) - generally free except for the younger than 3 yrs old set that are fee.

 

9. Holiday freebies (don't know)

 

10. In-cabin refrigerators -- they have free beverage coolers but they aren't refrigerator-cold. You can have free ice service and just let your cabin host(ess) know what time you want your ice service.

 

11. Special programming on in-cabin TVs, VCR/DVD loans -- don't know

 

12. Special occasions (e.g. birthday cake) - fee

 

13. Use of the gym, exercise classes - free

 

14. Enrichment classes - don't know