lynn

Hi - <BR> <BR>We've never been on a cruise before but are thinking about it. <BR> <BR>My husband hasn't been warm to the idea but hearing about all the new ships, fine dining, spa services, etc; he's now considering it. <BR> <BR>I'm sure these things don't come cheap. If you spend $1,000 on a 7 day cruise, what else do you have to pay for? Are the buffet meals only included? Are you restricted to certain dining options depending on how much your cabin costs? <BR> <BR>What are the "basics" that are included no matter how cheap or expensive you've opted to go? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR

Marilyn

Lynn, If you were given a price of $1000. per person you just need to ask if that includes port charges and fees such as transfers between airport and pier. Also find out how much the air is if you will require that. On the ship most everything is paid for. All meals and room service are included but not drinks other than your drinks at meals such as tea, coffee, milk, juice, etc. The same food is available to everyone and is not determined by the category of cabin that you have. Some ships do have specialty restaurants which have a service charge but these are totally optional and you would only go there if you chose. You can either eat in the dining rooms or at the buffets or there are several other options.....all included. Of course your gambling, photos, shopping etc are not covered. Also plan on paying for some shore excursions. These can vary from $25-$200 depending on shere and what you choose. All in all you should find it to be a very good bargain.

Karen

I disagree with the above poster. Yes meals are included but not all. He talks of specialty restaurants, but htere are others you must pay for as well. for instance on our cruise, the 24 hr. pizzeria was not included neithere was the ice cream shop. They charge outrageous prices for these things, a sundae is almost $7! Also, as he said drinks are not included, my husband & I ran up a $500 bar bill for 7 days (we are not boozers, soft drinks like cokes etc are not included and are put on the bar bill!) Shore excursions through the cruise line are VERY expensive. We never book through the ship. we either get off the boat ans shop or explore on our own. If we want to do like a trip to the falls at Ocho rios, we wait till we are off the ship and walk in to a tour guide place or travel agent in the after disembarking and usually pay half of what the cruise harges for the same tour! Another extra is the all important tipping. some ships expect $20/day/person but I think the norm is about $15. This would be over $200 for a 7 day cruise. And now Carnival has a new policy where they automatically include the tip on your room tab, its not a discretionary amount you leave. For a truly all-inclusive vaation where you know exactly what you are spending go to an all-inclusive resort like Sandals (no extras not even tipping) Cruises are fun, but not cheap and be sure to budget for the extras! <BR>

Thomas

I agree with the second poster. Cruises are no longer a bargain. Look at all the "extras" they add on after you've paid. And now there ARE different classes on ships. The ticket you bought is for average treatment. If you want better deserts, you must pay extra. If you want better meal, you have to go to the special restaurant poster #1 mentioned, etc, etc, etc,

Ken

What you really need to do is read the brochure from the cruiseline on whose ship that price was quoted. That will give you a fairly good idea as to what is included. <BR> <BR>As for the previous posts-Yes, on some ships, the pizzaria and the ice cream stands are extra, but on some ships they are not. <BR> <BR>Many ships offer outstanding service and meal for reasonable prices. And the word "bargain" is fairly relative. If you want an all-inclusive package, then yes, Sandals is for you. But if you want to board a floating hotel that floats from destination to destination, country to country while you only unpack once, then cruising is your best bet. <BR> <BR>As much as people feel they have the "right" answer, they truly only have their opinions. You will form yours based upon your experience and expectations.

Kathy

<BR>Lyn, I've taken many cruises and can tell you they vary greatly. It would really help if you post again and tell us which line you are considering. If you are Internet comfortable you can purchase cruises with NCL, carnival, Princess, RCCL, etc for in the 500 range. If you use the auctions they can go for as little as 300. Remember one thing any add ons are optional, I read people's complaints but don't understand as these are not in any way forced upon you. I don't drink soda so I never had that on my account, for instance. You don't have to use their excursions, their extra fee meals, their spa, etc. THe basics are included and if you want all these included there are plenty of lines that include them. Even excursions are included on several lines just not the ones that are usually mentioned on this board. That goes for drinks also. Good luck with getting a great bargain.

Kelli

Lynn, Don't let these people scare you off. I've cruised many times and have never known a cruise line to suggest $20 per person/per day on tipping. Of course, I usually sail the mass lines such as Carnival, Celebrity, RCCL, NCL, etc. I assume you would be also as you mentioned the price of $1,000. The tips are more in the range of $10. per person/per day. When you price many resorts in the Carib or Hawaii you will have maid, utility, pool attendants, and bellmen added to your bill and there is no option. On most cruises if you drink many cokes you can purchase a " soft drink card " for about $20 that will let you have as many as you want for the week. You can also take your own on board with no problem. Yes, there are other things you may purchase if you choose but you don't have to in order to have a great cruise. Many people have no extra bill when they leave and others may have several hundred. I have a friend that complained because their's was nearly $2000. Finally found out that she purchased several pieces of jewelry and he spent most of his in the casino!

Darin

Lynn: Cruisers like Kelli cost all of us money. People like her keep rationalizing why it's OK for the lines to make us pay hundreds of dollars extra for a cruise because "somebody else would charge you more". <BR>The lines have done everything possible to seperate you from your dollars after they sell you your "all inclusive" cruise. Now they know that people like Kelli will also rationalize other extras like better meals, desserts and services. <BR>It always amazes me when I see posts from people like hers. It's because of people like her (and there are thousands just like her) that the cruise lines can keep finding ways to get you to pay for as much as possible.

Greg Gallagher

Hi Lynn, yes they do cost too much. I happen to agree with most of the posters previous comments. I can only speak from my experience with RCCL. They nickle and dimed me for just about everything I even saw a charge for $0.86 for a cup of coffee. As far as tipping everyone wants a tip or they automatically include it in the price wether you approve of the service or not. There are plenty of "all inclusive" vacations that are really all inclusive. I took a trip to the "Moon Palace" in Cancun for 3/4 what I paid for my cruise. It was 7 day/6 nights as opposed to 5 day/4 nights. They would not let me pay or tip for anything. I actually think I insulted one of the waiters at one point when I tried to tip (and their service was exceptional). Any added amenity from dry cleaning to spa service to shore excursion costs extra. I actually had two full day trips with meals included in my trip to Cancun. I too had heard wondrous stories from my parents going on cruises. That was years ago. Things have changed dramatically since then. Plan on anywhere from $500.00 - $750.00 add on costs if you plan on doing anything other than sitting on the ship playing shuffle board or watching out dated broad way type shows. Side note, I am not a drinker so the costs were not incurred from that activity. I know there are those out there that disagree with me, but this is what happened to myself and my wife. Don't believe the people that say it's what you make of it. This is your vacation that you worked hard to pay for. The cruise lines are supposed to serve your needs, not theirs. It's only what they make of it. Good luck!

first big cruise

Lynn: <BR>I have gone on a small cruise as the fourth person in a cabin. My fare on RCL was nominal. I brought LOTS of wine and water yet on a 3nighter my conservative bar bill came to $150.00. <BR>Photos cost me $75.00 for 4 with one "special" frame. Our land excursions were maybe another $150. for the three different ports of call and my shopping was another $100.00. So for a little three nighter I paid $475. I gave my last$25.00 for tips(oh, be quiet) TOTAL: $500.00. This did not include the preparation cost for toiletries,a few cheap items of clothing and new nighties as I was sharing a cabin with three others. By the way RCL was HORRIBLE. <BR> <BR>My husband and I am going on a 7 day cruise in a month. So far we have the following expenses: <BR>1) Land Excursions: $454. <BR>2)Souv.wine/fresh flowers $100. <BR>3)Two nights/two days (expenses only) in lively port before the cruise: $350. This is an imposed budget amount. <BR>4)Clothing, cosmetics, film, toiletries and other trip prep.: $1,000. <BR>5)Our own wine to bring on board, a nice bottle per day: $200.00 <BR>6)This tab of $2,104. does not include The cruise, air and two nights hotel, shopping for ten days nor does it include the ship photos, cocktails, my spa day,any gambling and tips(quiet,smile) etc. <BR>I do not know what side of the fence this puts you on but this is my two cents worth. We are going on Princess this time. <BR>We try and take one big vacation every other year, so this is it. I do all of the work so the nice wine, fresh flowers, great clothes are my "compensation" if you will. I also like to look good, so the manicure, pedicure and hair pre-sail are additional expenses...well, actually, I do these things weekly. I have far off notions that my husband will notice my great and new lingere ( 9 nights, nine new pieces). That expense is not included here. Pefume etc.are also not included. <BR>If you really want your hubby to look forward to the next vacation with you or on a cruise...you may have to shell out the dough on yourself!. On the other hand, you could be that very lucky lady who has the husband who professes that you do not need to do any of the above,he likes you just the way you are etc. He is human and I have to say that he will be looking or sneaking looks at the lovely cruisers with the great swimsuits, evening gowns(another tab) and stylish dinner/day attire. More importantly, do any or all of the above for yourself. Enjoy your cruise and like at home...do they (husbands) really need to know the cost of everything?

Anthony

As with most things in life, costs can vary on a cruise depending on what your spending habits are. <BR>I was on a NCL 4 night cruise and my tab, not including tips, came to about $150. <BR>That was for drinks, a bottle of wine, and 1 excursion. <BR>While I was relxing in the whirlpool andpoolside, I witnessed most people 'downing' those big mixed drinks at the rate of 3 an hr. <BR> <BR>If you bring your own camera, you don't need to pay for those expensive onboard pictures. <BR> <BR>If you drink water and Iced tea and coffee, you don't have to pay for drinks. <BR> <BR>It's all up to you. <BR>

lynn

Greetings Again - <BR> <BR>Well, this has been most enlightening. <BR> <BR>I must say that much of what I've been reading from everyone is pretty much what I expected. I don't mind a few extra expenses here and there but I do want value for my money. <BR> <BR>Our last two trips have been to Thailand. If any of you ever go to the Asia board you may have seen me posting there. We have become quite spoiled with the service and range of options in Thailand so I'm not sure if we are ready for the cruise thing yet. <BR> <BR>I still want to take a cruise just to see if it's something I love and don't know it yet but I'm not sure if I'd like the feeling of being "nickled and dimed to death", we'll see. <BR> <BR>Thanks very much for all the responses. It's good to know that we can bring our own wine, soda, etc. We aren't big drinkers but like to have a few. Especially on vacation. We certainly would bring our camera and would do any shore excursions ourselves. <BR> <BR>To First Big Cruise - <BR> <BR>I hear you about all those extra expenses before a trip. And yes, my husband is the type that tells me he loves me just the way I am. And me, I don't really mind glances at other women. We all look at the menu from time to time. As you say, we're only human. Ordering, that's a different story. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for everyone's help on this issue. If anyone needs Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Hong Kong advice, let me know. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR

Cathy

THANKS! I'm so excited to know that I can now explain to my husband that all the new clothes that I just bought (and new luggage)to go with him on a business trip to Palm Springs are really the fault of the resort or his business and not my own personal spending! After all, if we can rationalize that those things are part of the cost of a cruise then they must be part of the cost of a hotel as well! Does this also work when going out to dinner?

first big cruise

Cathy: <BR>In a word: YES! <BR>shop on girl...shop on!

jance

We just came back from our first cruise which was with Princess. A cruise can be reasonable or outrageous. Our check out bill was $569. This included $101 for ship photos and $176 in shore excursions. The rest was drinks, bingo ($40), a ships t-shirt. We drink moderately. I always had one or two (sometimes small or large) drinks of the day. The chocolate banana drink was marvelous-I did have more than one! We always had cocktails before dinner. He drinks beer. A bud light was $2.95. One night we had two bottles of wine with dinner. The pizza was no extra charge. The ice cream stand was extra $-don't know how much. Ice cream at dinner was included. I think a cruise can be economical maybe even budget if you really want to. My husband didn't want to go on a cruise but loved it and we're already booking one for next March.

Pam

Depends on what you do and who you cruise, but having gotten back from our first cruise (with Carnival) yesterday, here are some of the prices we encountered: <BR>Drinks: ~$4 apiece (except for the ones with the umbrellas in the souvenir glass -- $7) <BR>Photos taken by the ship's photographer (they snap your shot, then display them so you can decide if you want them or not): $6-8 each <BR>Bingo cards: $10-20 <BR>Tips: $3.50/person/day for cabin crew <BR> $5.50/person/day for wait staff in the dining room (although we reduced ours -- ours weren't as attentive as we'd hoped) <BR> $0.75/person/day for buffet staf, et al <BR>Shore excursions - $25 - 75 per person, per port, depending on what you like. <BR> <BR>All our food options were covered.

Surlok

Looks like many wives here are not making any money themselves, so their beloved hubbies have to pay for everything. ;-)<BR><BR>Lucky ( or unlucky??) you!!!

Cathy

Surlok, Actually I do earn as much as my husband but I was just making a point ( a bit catty! ) about how some people consider everything they buy to be part of the cost of a cruise. It's great to buy those things, just don't make others think that they are a necessary part of the cruise or any vacation. You can spend as little or as much more as you like and have a great time either way.

Oaktown Traveler

Surlok:<BR>As I live and breathe, with a post graduate degree, 80 hour work weeks, holidays, weekends and evenings away from MY home...I can not believe that you THINK that by husband is catching my tab. FYI, I make WAY more dough than he does and MY money pays for 100% of OUR travel...now, lucky who???<BR><BR>Where would you get such an idea???<BR>

Ted

To Oaktown Traveler:<BR>Pretty sad when a married woman calls it "my money".