Budgeting for a cruise...?

Question

Im thinking about taking a small 5 day cruise. I notice a lot of ammenities on board, but im trying figure out what costs money and what doesnt. Im kind of in the mindset of the person taking an airline. Food may be included on a long trip, but alcohol is extra.

Are there any fees for the following...

Food, is the dinning included?

Dancing in the club, is there a cover charge?

Exercise room, is there a fee?

Pool use, is there a fee?

I assume that alcohol must be purchased, onboard shopping (of course), massage services (if one is available), rockwall climbing (possibly but not sure).

Please give me an idea of extra expenses on board the ship. Thank you in advance for your info.

Answer 1

Everything on a cruise ship is included in your cruise booking, except for:-

Dining in the specialty restaurants.

Alcohol (beer wine cocktails, spirits etc:)  bottled water and soda's.

Specialty coffee (there is free coffee and tea available in the buffet area).

Gratuities are expected and can be pre-paid or added to your shipboard account ($10 per day per person)

Some of the on--board activities may involve a charge (wine tasting).

Massage and Spa treatments.

Photographs from the on-board photographers.

I have sailed with RCCL twice, unfortunately without the rock wall, so like you, I am not sure if there is a charge or not.

Answer 2

I have been on about 8 Royal Caribbean cruises among my 20 cruises and here's what I advise.

Cruises are all pretty much "all inclusive". When you purchase a cruise it includes your cabin, all meals on ship including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and 24/7 free room service.  You will not have to worry about spending one dime on food unless you want a meal in the specialty restaurant where there is a fee.

The price of your cruise also includes all entertainment on ship and free use of all facilities on ship except the spa. You can use the pools hot tubs, gymnasium, sports equipment and all other facilities like the rock climbing wall, mini-golf, and equipment free of charge.

All ships charge for spa service like massages, hair and nail appointments, and yoga lessons. You have to pay for internet service if you want it and its really expensive, like about $50 an hour.  Ships also charge a fee for  special restaurants not included in your normal cruise price (there may be a $10 to $20 per person gratuity/service fee).

Coffee, tea, milk, juices, punch, iced teas are included but you must pay for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and a 15% gratuity will be added to each check each time you order a drink.

Then you will have to pay for anything you buy on ship like photos or souvenirs and any tours you book from the ship. You can  book tour OR just get off the ship (as much as you want) in port stops and do whatever you want;  you are not required to buy tours.  

And lastly you will pay a $10 per day per per gratuity at the end of the cruise. The only mandatory of all of these charges I mentioned above is the gratuity.

Answer 3

Looks like all your answers are right. I've only been on carnival however.

Food, Exercise, Dancing, & pool are all free.

Note that soda, special coffees, smoothies, shakes, some special desserts are not free. I personnally can live without all those things for a few days. I like to take 30 bucks to the blackjack table, make 15 bucks, and leave when i do want to buy some of those silly items. Hope u have fun!