what is free

[lowerowe]

What is free on board and what do you have to pay for. I have seen many sites that tell you that you have to pay for certain dining areas and others that say not. is water free? what if you do not have a pass port but a birth certificate. I was told this is okay. I also do not have a credit card or a debit card can I just use cash? 1st time going on a cruise any help is appreciated thanks:confused:

[Keith1010]

Most cruise lines charge for drink items such as bottled water, sodas, alcohol, other than some of the luxury cruise lines where some or all of these items are included in the fare. Other items that will cost include shore excursions, on board shopping, spa and hair treatments, on board shopping, bingo and likely a few other items. In additiona, most cruise lines charge if you eat in their specialty resaurants and some charge for special pastries/ice creams that are not offered in the main restaurants/buffet areas. If you go to the respective web site for the cruise line you are considering they usually will list out for you what is included in the cruise fare and what is not.

 

In terms of a passport or a birth certificate all of this will be changing soon where passports will be required for all travel outside of the United States. Starting January 8, 2007 a passport will be required to places where currently only a birth certificate is required for all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. So, if you cruise completes after that date you will need a passport. It is best to check with your cruise line to verify the requirements.

 

Contact your cruise line to verify options for paying for your on board purchases.

 

Keith

[Bonnie J.]

You asked what is free. All meals unless you eat in their specialty retaurant- usually $20-25 each. Bottled water is not free but water at the buffet is. They also have hot & iced tea, coffee, milk, juices at breakfast at the buffet. It is up to you whether you go to the dining room or buffet for all your free meals. All the entertainmant and lounges are free. Basicly you pay for all bar drinks & sodas (plus a 15% tip to waiters), spa treatments, gift shop purchases and shore excursions. You can give cash VS a credit card when you board. NOTHING can be paid for with money on board. You use the sail 'n sign card like a credit card when you are on the ship, the cash you gave pays for it. Think its the last night or early morning of day you return that you go get back whatever cash you didn't use. If you reach your limit, you can go to the purser's desk to increase it. Don't forget on most cruise lines you will be charged $10 a day per person for tips to your room steward and dining room staff. This is not paid for when you get your ticket but added at the end of the cruise.

As Keith said, you MUST have a passport by Jan.8, 2007. If you do not, you will not be allowed to board the ship. Until then a certified, not hospital, birth certificate with picture ID is all you need. Getting a passport is worth it! It is good for 10 years and after your 1st cruise, you'll be hooked and want to cruise again!

[happy cruzer]

Hi, Here's some things that are included in your fare - your cabin cleaned and maintained at least twice daily, the ship transports to wonderful ports, lots of great food and a few beverages (tea, coffee, juice during dining hours) from the dining room, buffet, and room service, entertainment in the lounges and show room, some classes like group dance, napkin folding, etc., trivia games, board games in the game room, movies, the library, self serve beverages in the windjammer like water, tea, lemonade and coffee, ice cream in the buffet, the pools and hottubs, the gym, usually the sauna, kids programs.

 

Not included meaning you will pay more for - sodas, bottled water, wine, drinks with tax and tip, excursions in port, maybe some shuttles from the ship to a port area, casino, bingo, photos, laundry, souvenirs, video arcades, babysitting and some night time kids programs, some gym classes like yoga, the spa, any special therapy pools, exchange fees if you need other currency than dollars, and tips (this is usually at least $10 per day per person and 1st time cruisers often to forget to have this much ready at the end of the cruise). Other expenses will be porters for luggage pre cruise and post cruise, parking, transport to the ship, kennel for pet?

 

Once you pick a cruiseline or two that you are interested in you should go to that board and ask specifics for your ship and cruise. Because each cruiseline had different policies and each ship may have different facilities.

 

It seems like alot but most of these are items that you deal with all the time, once your'e used to it not a problem, but lot's of fun!

[silentbob007]

It somewhat depends on what cruise line you are on, but many offer similar things.

 

Carnival, for example, offers: Link

[blackbird71]

A lot depends on the cruise line. The Seabourn/Silverseas/Regent Seven Seas (in 2007) include all drinks and tips. Each cruise normally includes one free shore excursion. These lines also include free bottles of booze in your suites.

 

On these the only real extras are the Spa, Casino, Laundry Services, Shops onboard.

[lowerowe]

Well I will be going to the Bahamas on the Sensation on September 21st. Are there a lot of steps that you have to walk up or upgrades. my mom can't walk up steps. I was trying to find this out on the carnival website but no luck. I was wondering about the port and port canaveral also. Are there a lot of steps there?

[Cotton]

Well I will be going to the Bahamas on the Sensation on September 21st.

 

OK, since we now know you'll be on a Carnival cruise...(and I've been on the Sensation). Here's something I posted awhile back:

 

Beverages included in the cost of your cruise:

 

Lido buffet area - Iced tea, hot water & tea bags, coffee, decaf, hot chocolate, juice varieties, water, lemonade, fruitpunch. On buffet, milk, skim milk, chocolate milk.

 

Dining room - Iced tea, hot tea, water, coffee, decaf, milk, chocolate milk, juices, espresso and cappuccino.

 

Room service - MOST of the beverages that are available on Lido, but not lemonade or fruitpunch.

 

Are there a lot of steps that you have to walk up or upgrades. my mom can't walk up steps.

 

There are stairs, as well as elevators, from one deck to another.

[Cotton]

Oops, forgot about food...

 

Food that is included in your Carnival cruise fare:

Dining room, Lido buffet, pizzeria, deli, ice cream & frozen yogurt machines, salad bars, and room service. All included. The pizzeria, as well as room service, is available 24 hrs. a day.

 

Some afternoons, they have a MakeYourOwn Sundae bar on Lido. On sea day afternoons, there's "Tea Time" in one of the small lounges. Great little tea sandwiches, scones, petite fours, tea, and coffee (no charge for Tea Time).

 

Then there's the Captain's Welcome Cocktail party, which will be held on Formal Night, your second night on board. Waiters will be passing around cocktails and hors d'oeuvres...no charge.

 

Enjoy!:)

 

Oh - you might want to come over to the Carnival board for more replies:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215&page=1&sort=lastpost&order=&pp=25&daysprune=-1

[boowaaccaa]

 

Then there's the Captain's Welcome Cocktail party, which will be held on Formal Night, your second night on board. Waiters will be passing around cocktails and hors d'oeuvres...no charge.

 

 

Cocktails or Mocktails??:D

 

Do they always tell you you will be charged for something? Sorry it seems like a dumb question but I am a newbie and we are a little concerned about our budget. I would hate to get a bill for something that I thought was included....

[Bonnie J.]

If they take your sail 'n sail card and then ask you to sign for something, you will be charged for that. At the captains cocktail party, they come around with drinks and orduerves on a tray. Those are free. Don't forget to include in your budget the $10 per day, per person for tips for your room steward and dining room staff. You do not pay this up front, it is added to your bill which you will find under your door when you get up on the last morning. I tell people to sit down when they look at it so they don't fall over. Most people don't keep track of what they are spending and can be shocked when they see how high it is. You get a receipt for EVERYTHING you sign for so you can keep track if you want to.

[silentbob007]

Well I will be going to the Bahamas on the Sensation on September 21st. Are there a lot of steps that you have to walk up or upgrades. my mom can't walk up steps. I was trying to find this out on the carnival website but no luck. I was wondering about the port and port canaveral also. Are there a lot of steps there?

 

There are always elevators on ship and at Port Canaveral to board the ship. Now in other ports, there may be a couple of steps, but if you dock, there is usually just a ramp.

[Cotton]

Cocktails or Mocktails??:D

 

Do they always tell you you will be charged for something? Sorry it seems like a dumb question but I am a newbie and we are a little concerned about our budget. I would hate to get a bill for something that I thought was included....

 

:D I understand the cocktails aren't very strong, but I drink white wine only, so I can't say for sure. However, there will be a bar set up in the room where the party is held, and you can go to the bartender and get whatever drink you want.

 

I don't remember if the Sensation has a "specialty coffee/dessert bar" or not - but if there is one, there will be a list of prices, so you'll know. I've never gotten anything from the specialty place, because why pay when you can get the same (espresso/cappuccino) in the dining room?

 

As far as items with a cost - any Cokes, Sprites, etc., or alcoholic beverages, wine, etc. - you will be charged. A little hint to newbies - The waiters walking around with the beautiful fru-fru drinks on deck - they aren't "free", so if you want one when offered, be prepared to hand them your Sail & Sign card.:)

[JolieMadam]

Regarding the steps, I have often seen ramps coming out of the ship and leading to a stairway platform of some kind.....it appears to lessen the grade that would be otherwise quite steep.

 

Also, I stand to be corrected on this, but think that elevators are not available during the muster drill.

[Cotton]

That is correct about the elevators being shut down during muster drill. However, folks in wheelchairs or having other handicaps can see the purser for other means of getting to their muster stations.

[aukcruiser]

Confused about the tipping. This will be our first US cruise line,going to hawaii with celebrity...We have been offered a pre-purchase tip deal of about $150 (x2) which gives us 4 vouchers for 4 main staff. Is this normal or do you deal with this yourselves?

 

Limey Lee and Lorna

[lowerowe]

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it.

[Cotton]

I hope you and your mom have a fantastic cruise! Bon Voyage!:)

[mudbug135]

So what about room service? How do you get your clothes pressed? When is the best time to book a spa treatment? Hep leaving in 7 days

[kruzkween]

For you newbies, you CAN take on board your own sodas & bottled water. If you're one who must have a soda or two every day (like my husband!) it will save you lots of $ to take your own. Typically a canned soda on a ship costs $1.50, plus 15% gratuity for the waiter...it could get expensive.

 

I've never eaten at a specialty restaurant on any ship; just don't see the sense in paying more $ for food when the dining room and/or buffet food is perfectly wonderful...and free.

 

The first cruise is sorta scary, almost intimidating, because you're so unfamiliar with EVERYTHING and you have so many questions...and you don't want to do anything "wrong". But these message boards can help sooooo much!!! By getting some questions answered before you go, you'll be able to relax a lot more, and kinda go with the flow like a pro. And you'll be comfortable in "knowing your way around".

 

If you have questions about specific things...whether they're included in your cruise fare...that's part of your travel agent's job; to answer your questions and make sure you are well informed.

 

Good luck to you first timers; you're in for the treat of your life!!!

[SC LTC]

canned soda on a ship costs $1.50, plus 15% gratuity f

 

I've never eaten at a specialty restaurant on any ship; just don't see the sense in paying more $ for food when the dining room and/or buffet food is perfectly wonderful...and free.

 

The first cruise is sorta scary, almost intimidating, because you're so unfamiliar with EVERYTHING and you have so many questions...and you don't want to do anything "wrong". But these message boards can help sooooo much!!! By getting some questions answered before you go, you'll be able to relax a lot more, and kinda go with the flow like a pro. And you'll be comfortable in "knowing your way around".

 

If you have questions about specific things...whether they're included in your cruise fare...that's part of your travel agent's job; to answer your questions and make sure you are well informed.

 

Good luck to you first timers; you're in for the treat of your life!!!

[Trevoli]

If you're at all concerned about the bill you're running up, you can always go the purser's desk and get a 'total to date' of what you've spent. It's a good reality check if you're travelling on a budget.

 

 

It's so easy to just sign for stuff and not really pay attention to the $$, so checking on that partway through your cruise is a good idea for 1st and 2nd time cruisers.

 

T

[Jim Gallup]

Something else to consider. You don't have a passport. Just a birth certificate. So long as your ship is in a foreign port, you are legally allowed to remain in that country without a passport.

So what happens if you or your mother has some sort of accident and cannot sail any further on the ship? You will disembark and stay in a foreign country.

Guess what. As soon as your ship has sailed away, you are an illegal alien without proper documentation (a passport).

Depending on which country you are in, you could spend plenty time and plenty money trying to sort out your illegal status.

Get a passport.