Possibly Going On A Tropical Cruise . . .?

Question

I'm 90 percent sure I wanna do it, but I haven't ordered it yet. These questions won't effect my decision to go on the cruise but I am still interested to know how much things cost on the ship. I know that when you eat it's all paid for, including non-alchoholic drinks.

Could you give me a general idea of the prices of things like:

-having my hair styled professional

-having photos done before we go to the formal dinner

-massage

-and anything else that is not included in the base price...

I am sure that the prices would be different through different cruise lines, buy I am just asking for ballpark figures.

Thanks!

Answer 1

The cruise price covers food in the dining room or grill or room service and non-alcoholic beverages.  Soda normally costs extra.  Some cruise lines have specialty food, Starbucks-esque coffee, etc. that are also not included.

Spa treatments range from $30-40 for manicures or pedicures, through $250-300 for longer massages and packages.  Get stuff done on days when the ship is in port to save money on spa treatments.  You can often get prices from the Cruise line's website.

Formal Pictures usually cost ~$10.

Shore excursions cost about $50-120 per person (half day vs. full day) and often can be done much cheaper on your own.  You should be able to get prices and excursions from the cruise line's website.

They add ~$5 per person per day for tips for the crew.

Check out cruisecompete.com or vacationstogo.com for better prices.  Check the ship and determine what cabin you want first.  Inside cabins can be much cheaper, not much to see out the window most of the time anyway.  When you purchase can make a huge difference in price.  Watch the prices for a while on different cruises to get a sense for when the prices drop.

Answer 2

Though others have answered many costs, they did not mention.

It is not 5 but 10 dollars a day for gratuities that will be charged to your account.  Per person.

This covers cabin stewart, bus boy, waiter, etc.

If you purchase drinks they add 15 percent to the bill.

You can get ice tea, water, coffee, tea, etc from the buffet area on the top of the ship 24 hours a day. Soda is extra no matter when and where you get it.

The specialty shops like Ben and Jerrys ice cream, starbucks, etc. are as pricy as they are on land and are not included. There are still some self serve soft icecream stations on Carnival. They are usually hard to find because they want people to get use to the purchaed stuff.

Photos are now running 15 to 20 for a average size photo.  

Get your hair styled before you go on the cruise. Not only is it pricy, but they hustle you to purchase all kinds of extra things and you could end up spending hundreds of dollars. The spa people know how to sell.

If you take a massage which will cost a hundred an hour. They spend half the time selling you skin care products.  

The cruise lines have learned to sell low and hustle high once they get you on board.

Compare an upscale line like Crystal. You pay more in the beginning, but they don't hustle you later.

Other lines like Windstar still have the liquor included. They are a really pricy, upscale line.

I would tell you to average 500 per person to have a good time in spending money on top of the above mentioned tips and so forth.

Shore excursions, drinks, massage, meal in the specialty restaurant (they charge from 15 to 30 per person depending on ship).

Book with a travel agent. The cruise lines do not allow discounting.  You will not find it cheaper from a non service oriented web site. Go to an expert and have them guide you.

Don't forget a passport.

Answer 3

The price of the spa items will cost you more than on land. My spa treatmnent was 120.00 for 1 hour and not worth the money. Foe a manicure and pedicure it was around 100.00. way to much..... Any alcohol you want will cost extra. The photos can also be epensive $15-30+ each, but many time you will be given a discount coupon. The casino of course will cost and also, playing bingo. Don't forget that you will be charged the daily tip for your servers and  room captain.

The excercise classes are additional. Don't know about hair styling beacuse I didn't do that. If you get sick and need to see the Dr. theres also a charge. Sea sick meds are free and usually available at the infirmary however if you call to have some delivered to your room we were charged for that.

Don't forget your  parking needs to be paid when you arrive at the parking lot prior to boarding the ship.

Hope this helps. Have fun!! I love to cruise....

Answer 4

For your hair your looking at anywhere from 30-100 dollars based on the type of service you desire. Photos will cost you from 9.95 for small to anywhere form 49.99 very large photos with frames. It really depends on the type of photos, they will have a large selections of styles and types of photos while on your cruise. Your cruise will include all your food and entertainment and room, you need to be aware that beverages will cost you extra, juices are usuly included with breakfast. Sodas your looking to spend about 2.50 per can, check with the cruise line, you might have a soda card for sale that gets you unlimited soda's at the bar. Booze will cost you from 4.95 for a beer to 6 bucks for a premium pour of liquor. Be aware do not tip the bar tender, your drink cost includes the tip.  Enjoy your cruise    

Chris Brito CTC/MCC

Time To Travel

562-252-8153