Assistance With Planning A Cruise
 

Hi,
My sister and some of her friends are looking to go on a cruise for their spring break. (Don't shudder at the spring break thought too much, they're not too heavy of partiers). None of them have ever been on a cruise and like the idea of being able to visit different places. The real issue is the extras on board the different ships. What cruise line has the most inclusive onboard experience? (Not a very high end, but of the typical/average ones). Thanks so much, from looking at their websites I can't find a straightforward answer.

I think all the midline cruiselines - Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Carribbean are going to have very similar levels of inclusion.

Rooms and meals are included as well as entertainment (shows, movies, comedians, music, dancing). Tips, cocktails, soda, bingo, casino, spa, internet access are not. Fitness center is always free (in my experience) but a session with a personal trainer is not.

Some ships have a "high end" restaurant that there is an additional fee, but that would be strictly optional. Some lines charge a daily tip on the shipboard account, some make the tip optional (but honestly, the service is excellent and you really should tip accordingly).

Do you have a specific question about a particular item you think would be an extra. None of the mainline cruiselines include liquor as part of the cruise price.

Thank you! I was having a bit of difficulty finding out if all were similar.

My only question left then would be about shore excursions, whether it is best to book through the cruise line.

Usually you can do better on your own on shore excurions, either with our without private guide.

Where are you thinking of going?

If you are watching your budget, then I would research the ports and find options you can do on your own.

I have cruised many times and hate organized excursions. It is easy to find a pretty beach, explore the towns, etc. and not break the bank. I prefer that to being overcharged and herded around on someone else's schedule.

Go to cruisecritic.com and check out the Port of Call boards as well as the board s for the lines themselves...there is a wealth of info there.

Frank - I second the idea to go to cruisecritic.com --- I've spend many hours there. Yes, go to the Ports of Call Section of the website and then also go to the message board and read there too.

As far as excursions, I really think it depends on what they want to do. Some places you just want to get off the ship and walk around town, grab a taxi and go to the beach, or shop. Others you might want to go explore ruins or a jungle river or go snorkeling. I'd do the former on my own, might sign up for a ship's excursion for the latter. The ship's excursions do tend to be a bit pricey.

You can get a lot of info about the various ships and lines on cruiscritic also. The message boards there are very active.

If you are looking for an AI cruise and budget is a concern then AI would be out of the equation as those offering this are quite expensive. As for extras while on board expect most lines charge $10.00 per person per day in lieu of tips. Alcohol, gourmet coffees and soft drinks are extra as well and a 15% gratuity will be added to each order. Then there are pictures. There will be lots of pictures none of which you are obligated to purchase but one can easily get carried away with this and end up spending $$$. We spent around $400.00 on pics on our last cruise and our traveling companions spent even more. So bring your own camera :D However formal night pics are pretty neat. Most cruises have speiality restaurants which have a surcharge on the $20.00 range but again that is an option. As for shore excursions do them on your own. If you are cruising during spring break I assume you will be somewhere warm like Mexico or the Caribbean. Simply goole info on what each port has to offer in the way of attractions. Then when you get off I suggest to hire a cab and they will be there and just go. We spent about $50.00 per cab for sight seeing during out last Caribbean cruise. Just be sure to be back B4 the ships sails. The cruise line will not wait for those late from private excursions. Cheers, Larry :-)

Another tip - the cruise lines we have been on - Royal Carribben, Princess, Carnival, Holland Amer. all offer FREE room service. If you want to get off the ship early, order breakfast the night b/4 and it w/b delivered to your state room and you can get dressed while you eat. We take advantage of this service and you avoid the dinning rooms. Caution - I would test the service one day to make sure it's delivered on time etc - have a great trip.