Cruise questions?

Question

We're booking our first cruise this year... and I have a few questions...

What is included in an all inclusive package? What is not included?

Are you allowed to take a bottle of something special in your luggage for drinking on the ship?

Any other tips or advice for first timers?

Answer 1

Congrats!

All food and on-ship entertainment except gambling (shows, games, etc) are included.  Excursions at ports, alcohol, and soft drinks are not included.  You can still get off the boat and wander around for free, but if you want to take a tour, go snorkeling, etc., it's about $20-80 extra per person, depending on what you do.

No, you are not allowed to bring alcohol in your luggage.  The staff will collect your luggage from you when you embark; they search it for alcohol, weapons, etc. and return it to your stateroom.  If you have alcohol, they will throw it away, so don't bring it.  You can buy plenty of it on the ship, but it does cost an arm and a leg.  

Tip: if you don't already have one, get a passport!  Passport laws for cruises are changing this year, and you definitely don't want to be without one at the last minute!

Have fun!

Answer 2

it will be an experience..and you will enjoy it. you cannot bring alcohol on board. they do warn that if your caught with it that it will be taken and you could be asked to leave the ship.

we went on a cruise this year that was paid for but still ended up spending 500. 00. it was not all inclusive though... everything is very expensive. if it truly is all inclusive you shouldnt have to pay for anything.

have fun

Answer 3

Congrats on booking your first cruise!! You are in for a wonderful time.

What is included? All meals, entertainment, accommodations, ship transportation.  You will have to pay for gratuities (at end of cruise); alcoholic beverages, sodas ( depending on the cruise line, you will be able to purchase a soda package that will allow you to all the soda, juice etc while on board); shore excursions; shopping at duty free shops; If you go to the website of what ever cruise line you are going on, it too, will give you all the details of the cruise and all answers to frequently asked questions.

As for taking something special in your luggage, I don't see why not.

Get to the terminal in plenty of time the day of embarkation. If you get there early enough you'll be the first to get checked in and will have time to relax. When you do get on board, there will be a  buffet set up on the pool deck so GO HUNGRY!! If you board before noon, you will probably not be able to go to your cabin yet, so walk the ship, get to know the ship. It will help you when it comes time for the muster drill.

Last tip......HAVE FUN AND ENJOY!!

Answer 4

It depends on which cruise company you are going with as to if you can bring alcohol or not. Princess allows you to bring a bottle of wine or champagne on board in your checked luggage. You have to read your do's and don't's that your cruise company sends you about this. I just know about Princess. They charge a $15 corkage fee too. Some cruise ships include soda, but most do not. You can purchase a soda card on the first day of your cruise if you wish. Princess also has a coffee card that you can get for specialty coffee's like latte's, but they don't advertise it. You just go to the main coffee and pastry bar to inquire about this. Pack a change of clothes with your carry-on as you may want to change before the rest of your luggage arrives. Sometimes it doesn't arrive till around dinnertime. Your first cruise is so exciting. If you want to chat with other cruisers on your ship beforehand, you can do so by going to the cruise critic web site. Then you go to roll call, find your ship and day you are leaving. You can get lots of tips and know some of the people you are going to cruise with this way. I've already done this for my Hawaiian cruise I'm taking this fall on the golden princess. Hope you have a great cruise.

Answer 5

Alcohol is not included and if you want to go on special shore excursions they charge for tours sometimes.You can bring a bottle of alcohol on board but they charge a $15.00 corking fee on most cruise lines.It is probably a good idea to book you cruise with a cruise specialist and they can answer all your questions.A good site I know where you can look for deals is:

www.cruiseasy.joystar.com  happy sailing

Answer 6

I'd recommend getting a book from your library or bookstore about cruising and reading up on what's involved.

You could also go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards" and then go to your favorite topic and get valuable, reliable info from experienced cruisers or ask a question of your own.  [You'll need to join to ask a question, but it's free.]  You might be especially interested in "Ports of Call", "First Time Cruisers", "Money-Saving Tips", info on your departure port [suggestions for hotels for your pre-cruise night], and, of course, the board for your cruise line.

Some cruise lines allow you to bring wine, but none allow liquor.  That doesn't mean people don't "sneak" it on, but it's at your own risk.  Hint:  to avoid the corkage fee, ask your room steward for some wine glasses and pour your wine in your room, then take it to dinner!  You can keep the bottle in your fridge [if there is one] or on ice in the room.  Buy your wine the night before or the morning of your cruise at a local wine shop [the "departures" board will have info] and take it with you - the same board will have hints for how to do that.

Tips for "newbies":  

Stay at your departure port the night before, especially if you are flying in and especially in winter.  Don't use the cruise line's air, unless you have different departure/return ports - it's always more expensive, less-convenient [unless you pay a fee to change it] and you can't fly in the day before.  Don't plan to fly back before Noon on the day you return.

Take a travel clock [there are none in the rooms] and an extension cord [there's only one outlet in the room] and perhaps one of those tiny flashlights for trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night [nightlights won't work].

Get to the pier early [usually about 11 a.m.] and enjoy the public areas of the ship and lunch before most of the passengers board.  Don't use the cruise line's transfers unless you want to be "herded" with everyone else [and wait for the bus to fill up].  Your hotel may have a shuttle or you can take a cab - much easier.  When you return you definitely want a cab or shuttle, unless you like waiting.

Don't overpack.  You'll be wearing your bathing suit a lot and thus won't get your other clothes "dirty".  For formal night, women can wear a long black skirt or pants with two different dressy tops.  Be sure and bring/wear sneakers or good walking shoes.  Put your bathing suit and a change of clothes, along with your passport, essential toiletries, meds, etc, in your carry-on.  Your luggage may not get to your cabin until after dinner.

Most of all, have a great time!!