Cruising on a Budget - Free, Discounts & Splurges

[Lena B]

What is the Beer 411 in Rhoatan? Did I read something about a Honduran beer in a green can? Give us the hookup on the cut rate price in port on that one too, Luddite. Thanks for the tips, and the smiles.;)

 

Luddite is unavailable right now, but he once mentioned to me that he found the beer in Roatan unremarkable.

[2FLGuys]

Luddite is unavailable right now, but he once mentioned to me that he found the beer in Roatan unremarkable.

 

Thanks for the info... Seems that we share beer tastes so I won't go with High Hopes...

 

What a great posting topic this was lots of info I never knew. Any other tips/tricks and discounts/budget friendly ideas for Cruising?

[wastingawayagain]

When you order a drink on NCl there is a 15% autotip added to the bill, so you have already tipped on your room key. if you would like to tip above & beyond the 15%, there is a line for "extra tip" or I'd assume they won't refuse cash :>....but I wanted to be sure people are aware that they have already tipped 15%!

 

 

I've been a server for ten years and I'll tell ya, a dollar or two extra, goes a long way for good service!! It's always appreciated by the server/bartender and you will be remembered for that reputation :)

[Wanna_Cruize]

I've been a server for ten years and I'll tell ya, a dollar or two extra, goes a long way for good service!! It's always appreciated by the server/bartender and you will be remembered for that reputation :)

 

That's how we do it on a cruise. I know that there is an autograt added to the drink, but when I go up to the bar to order, I first put down my card with a dollar or two (per drink) under it and then order my drink. I usually get pretty nice drinks that way (especially my 2nd or 3rd). Yes, it's not a great tip amount, but it's in addition to the to 15% and the bartender gets to put it in his own pocket and not have to report it. Once you start doing it consistently, you get better service and stronger drinks.

[erdoran]

I've been a server for ten years and I'll tell ya, a dollar or two extra, goes a long way for good service!! It's always appreciated by the server/bartender and you will be remembered for that reputation :)

Hey, just to be clear I wasn't telling people NOT to tip more (or whether or not to tip more). I've seen where folks are unaware of the autograt and I think it's fair that they know it exists, and they can decide what they want to do from there. Fair is fair.

 

I get the message about the extra dollar or two, may well start doing that! And for those (like me) who tend not to carry cash around the ship, there is that "extra tip" line....does that get noticed as well as cash does?

[commission1]

Well sometimes we go to the art auction to get free champaigne, on one embarkation i kept going to the entrance and getting free chamaigne until the told me to stop, so i waited for a shift change and got more.

 

On the hawaiin cruise, (it was pretty empty back when ncl had three ships there) we went to the theatre to see the shopping presentation a second time because we knew what to answer to get free gifts. All I can think of for now, I will get back to you

[Wanna_Cruize]

And for those (like me) who tend not to carry cash around the ship, there is that "extra tip" line....does that get noticed as well as cash does?

 

From what I've heard, I think that goes more into the 'tip' kitty and maybe not specifically to the bartender/waiter, although I don't know for sure.

 

DH takes what I call his 'stripper' roll with him all around the ship, $10 in ones, all rolled up with a rubber band around it. Of course, he's a tipping fool, stopping random people walking by and tipping them also. I'm only exaggerating a little (think Rodney Dangerfield in Back To School). He gets very well known by the staff after a couple of days.

[amy feigen-pilott]

Steal: If you enjoy your drinks... and a good time... do the Pub Crawl. It was maybe $25pp (tops) and include a drink in every bar on the ship with fun activities. It was a great night... we drank WAY more than $25 worth and walked away with souvenir cups too!

 

Splurge: The specialty restaurants are worth every penny. The service is incredible and the food is delicious.

 

THANKS so much for the savings certificate link... I will absolutely be using those on my 1/29/11 cruise!!!

[amy feigen-pilott]

Yes! Printed them in color and used them last May. Will do it again this May and hope they accept them.:D

 

Has anyone tried printing the coupons more than once? Ex: If I dine in three specialty restaurants and print (in color) the 15% off wine coupon, can I use it three times? Cagneys, LeBistro and the (get one free) Italian Restaurant here I come!!!:p

[erdoran]

Can someone please tell me what types of drinks they serve at the pub crawl, or can you order whatever you want? and can you share?

[4guysatsea]

Well sometimes we go to the art auction to get free champaigne, on one embarkation i kept going to the entrance and getting free chamaigne until the told me to stop, so i waited for a shift change and got more.

 

On the hawaiin cruise, (it was pretty empty back when ncl had three ships there) we went to the theatre to see the shopping presentation a second time because we knew what to answer to get free gifts. All I can think of for now, I will get back to you

Thank you for your hilarious:D, but truly useful tips. Please keep them coming!!

[DEL67]

On the Jade there were a number of drawings including:

 

- In the Spa the first night for about 5 treatments

- In the Casino several nights for everything from free entry into the tournamaents,

dinners at speciality restauarnts, spa treatments, etc. (I won a free pass to the

thermal suite.)

- After each gem lecture and others in the shops for jewelry

- At the shoppers talk for discounts in the shops and one for jewelry

- At the art auctions

[amy feigen-pilott]

Can someone please tell me what types of drinks they serve at the pub crawl, or can you order whatever you want? and can you share?

 

There was something different at each bar... a beer in the pub, a martini at the Star Bar, I think there were shots offered at one, and a rum punch on the pool deck. I don't really know about the sharing... we were very happy to each drink our own!:D

[rpclmc]

There was something different at each bar... a beer in the pub, a martini at the Star Bar, I think there were shots offered at one, and a rum punch on the pool deck. I don't really know about the sharing... we were very happy to each drink our own!:D

 

But, what if you don't like a drink (like beer for me)? Is there a 2nd choice or do you just lose out?

[erdoran]

There was something different at each bar... a beer in the pub, a martini at the Star Bar, I think there were shots offered at one, and a rum punch on the pool deck. I don't really know about the sharing... we were very happy to each drink our own!:D

 

Can I ask a really dumb question? I'm not much of a drinker, but this sounds like a lot of fun....but do people get sick when they mix all those different types of booze?

[4guysatsea]

Can I ask a really dumb question? I'm not much of a drinker, but this sounds like a lot of fun....but do people get sick when they mix all those different types of booze?

Liquor before beer and you are in the clear. That's the mantra I live by anyway.;)

[johnql]

Can I ask a really dumb question? I'm not much of a drinker, but this sounds like a lot of fun....but do people get sick when they mix all those different types of booze?

Absolutely. However, it depends on the person. Mixing different types of booze in a short timeframe can definitely have an adverse effect on your gastro system.

[amy feigen-pilott]

But, what if you don't like a drink (like beer for me)? Is there a 2nd choice or do you just lose out?

 

 

I don't remember to be honest. At each bar the bartender already had all the drinks made up for us on a tray, but I would assume if you asked for something else they would make it... not sure though.

[4guysatsea]

I save a little before the cruise by getting up early and cooking my breakfast, then I wipe bacon grease on her mouth and when she gets up I tell her she already had breakfast. Every little bit helps !!

 

That's classic! Only 8.5 days until we load up the car and head for Miami. Woot!

[che5904]

But the regular coffee is horrible, the worst is on NCL. If you can tolerate instant, get your favorite instant and bring with - it is better than the regular ships coffee. Starbucks makes a decent instant.

 

I drink the ships regular coffee, but I doctor it up.

 

I will definately 2nd this. The coffee on the Dawn 2 years ago was the worst coffee I have ever had. I am a huge coffee drinker. We are in a balcony complete with coffee maker. I just bring my filters (to fit a 4 cup maker) and my own coffee grinds and voila DH and I have decent coffee. I also throw 2 travel mugs in so whereever I am on the ship I can take my coffee. We just wait till we are done our meal in the diningroom and have our coffee on our balcony or out on deck.

[Chazman]

On the Gem last month they were offering 2 for 1 happy hour specials on selected beers at Topsiders. No signs or any announced promotion - just look for 2 beers perched on a box on the bar (pool area) and ask. It might have been just on port days but there was no limit on number of bottles purchased so it was a good way to stock the fridge and save more than the buy 5 get 1 free bucket deal. The beers that I can recall being offered were: Dos XX, Bass, Red Stripe and surprisingly, an excellent Cooper's (AU) Pale Ale.

[mtb242]

What a fantastic thread! Many many thank you's for the coupon link!!

 

Quick question - How much would I be paying for even the lowest priced bottle of merlot or cabernet on the ship (Epic to be specific)? Curious if I will still come out ahead with some of my favorite $8/bottle reds + $15 corking fee.

[jd783]

Pub Crawl

Drink 1 Boilermaker beer and vodka/or RedBull

Drink 2 Sangria

Drink 3 Lynchburgh Lemonade

Drink 4 Cosmo

Drink 5 2 shots sex on beach/*******

 

Lots of fun 1st night about 50 people, last night about 15

played bar games at each stop lasted about 1 1/2 hrs

[luddite]

What is the Beer 411 in Rhoatan? Did I read something about a Honduran beer in a green can? Give us the hookup on the cut rate price in port on that one too, Luddite. Thanks for the tips, and the smiles.;)

 

Here goes.

Get the Port Royal or the Salva Vida. It's always fun to tell people you're goin' for a Life Saver and return with beer!

Best price is always at a store. Getting clear of mahogany bay will also help with the price.

I wasn't a fan of Barena.

Port Royal with a plate of iguans w/rice and beans......priceless.

[JimSS]

Great Idea. Thanks. Is the fridge filled with the pay soda, water, etc. Is there room for a few cans and bottles of water.

 

 

You can ask your room steward to remove the contents of your fridge. We usually bring a few bottles of water for workouts and refill them with ships water. You can bring your own soda on if you prefer.