Mariner of the Seas Extra Fees?

Question

I am going on a cruise on the mariner of the seas on spring break. if anyone has gone, can you tell me what isn't included in the price (what food, activities, etc)

Answer 1

Tinkertoy pretty much covered it - only things I can think of to add are:  Bingo, wine tastings, special classes in the gym [yoga, Pilates, etc].

Answer 2

There are two specialty restaurants on the ship that have an extra charge. I think it's like $25 per person. I say try it out though. Also not included are gratuities. It's actually easier to name what is included....

1. Cabin

2. Meals (except specialty)

3. Non alcoholic beverages

4. Entertainment

Answer 3

We just cruised on the Mariner 2 weeks ago.  Here's my recommendation based on that and about 20 other cruises.  The price of your cruise includes your cabin, all meals (except the specialty restaurants), all shows and entertainment, and use of all facilities on ship.   You can use free the gym, the pools and hot tubs, the rock climbing wall, the ice skating rink, the roller blade track, the mini-golf, and there is also a free ice show.  The things that you will have to pay for are:

Gratuities: They will amount to about $10 per person in your cabin per day; about $70 each for the week. When you check in at the pier they will set up an on-board charge account for you to cover any and everything you may buy on ship. They will issue you a "cruise card" which will also serve as your room key and pass to get on and off the ship. At the end of the cruise they will add the gratuity to your tab and you can pay with a credit card or cash, your choice.

Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks: Coffee, tea, milk, juice, and lemonade and punch will be provided free but you must pay for drinks (alcoholic beverages) and they will add a 15% gratuity to each drink of soft drink order. You can save on drinks by ordering them in a plain glass rather than the souvenir glasses they often use. You can also save money if you can by taking a six-pack of bottled water and soft drinks with you in your carry on. Since you cannot take these through airport security you would have to get them after leaving the airport.

Photographs: Cruise lines will take plenty of photographs of you all over the ship, in the dining room, and as you exit the ship in ports. These will cost a lot, like $15 to $20 for most. Skip them and save yourself a lot of money. Take your own camera and have the other passengers photograph you on and off the ship.

Tours/Excursions: These are listed on your cruise line web site and you can reserve them well before the cruise and pay for them also. If you wait until you are on ship to book tours they will be charged to your on board account (then you can pay cash to settle your account on the last day)

Souvenirs: Anything you buy on ship from a gift shop or duty free shop goes on your on board account. Things that you buy on shore you pay cash or credit card for.

Casino: If you plan to gamble on ship you will need cash for that.

Other: most cruise lines have what they call "specialty" restaurants where there is a gratuity/service charge. For example, the fee at Johnny Rockets is $3.95 per person per visit.  At Chops and Portofino its $20 a person a visit.  All other food on board is free and its not really necessary to budget for food; you cannot eat all that will be available.

If you want/need to have your hair done, get a massage or wrap, or any services from the spa, you will have to pay for them. You can use the gym free but the spa stuff cost big bucks.

The ship has an  internet cafe and  WiFi but the there is a fee for internet access and it is very expensive . You cabin will likely have a minibar with soft drinks and munchies; you have to pay for them (but there is free room service 24/7).