We're told if you walk up to restaurants around ship that are open all day and ask for a soft drink, it's free. Is that true? Can you bring on board a flask?

Hi Lynn Lee,<BR><BR>Depends on the ship or what you mean by "soft drink." Sounds like you never cruised before. Ask your travel agent.<BR><BR>I doubt you will be stopped if you bring on a flask. Most cruise lines state no alcoholic beverages be brought on board but I believe it pertains to bottles or cans.<BR><BR>Paul

I love cruising but I hate the asinine policy of the ships charging for soft drinks (by this I mean sodas). The ships I have been on provide milk, coffee, tea, fruit juices, water, all "free" (of course you have paid for them many times over in the cruise fare) but insist on charging $1.00 to $2.00 for a soda. I can not understand this as the sodas surely cost less than milk, orange juice, etc. I think it may have something to do with the problem of disposing of the cans/bottles. It may also be a fear that kids will drink tons of soda each day thus eating into the profit. Regardless, sodas should be included.<BR><BR>I also have problems with the somewhat misleading adverts cruise lines use that imply this an all inclusive vacation. If you have ever been to a truly all inclusive resort you know that a cruise ship is a LONG way from all inclusive. Don't get me wrong, I love cruising and go with the understanding that I will be spending perhaps a lot of additonal money on top of the cruise fare. However, I think a lot of people get burnt because they do not realize that every coke, beer, or cocktail will cost them as much or more than it would in a mainland cocktail lounge.

I will agree that soft drinks should be included in the price of the cruise but then you would not have the mass-market value price. They would have to charge $20 or more per person for the cruise. <BR><BR>I find the price of beer, wine and liquor to be about the same as a restaurant (not a bar). Soft drinks from a tap cost much less than a can or bottle.<BR><BR>Paul

Some of the cruises now offer some sort of card that you can buy that allows you to have unlimited soda right? Anyone know the details or the price? thanks!

I sailed with Royal Caribbean Cruises- Monarch of the Seas, in 2000. Sodas were free-from the tap at meals and I believe at other times. I am not sure about can sodas, I don't think I had one. I am not a big alchol drinker, but found some of the drinks a bit more expensive than on land. Overall I did enjoy the cruise.

Drink cards are offered by a few cruise lines and each have different prices. It also depends on the lenght of the cruise. Ask your travel agent.<BR><BR>Paul

Sometimes the "soda cards" are available only to children. On Celebrity, it was $4.50 per day. (plus gratuities)Otherwise, sodas were $1.50 each.

....I agree having to pay for soft drink is annoying, but i understand why I am charged. The profit made on soft drinks is HUGE (as is alcohol ofcourse).<BR>Fact is lemonade, coffee, iced tea is all included...and I would rather pay low cruise fares, and decide how much or little I need to drink "pop" and alcohol. On the other hand it would be nice if there was an all inclusive "option". One price for standard, another higher price for alcohol/soda included. Everyone would still have to use their shipboard "credit card"..and the ones with the liquor included would only be charged for the 15 percent gratuity.<BR>Just a thought.<BR><BR>Mitch