first timer but last minute, help?

[flnursemichelle]

I'm considering purchasing a cruise as a last minute thing, my other vacation plans had to be canceled & I've got the time off, use it or loose it this late in the year. My question is, how much extra do I need in addition to the cost of the cruise? I'm considering RCL, Sept 23 sailing from port canaveral as I'm about 2 hrs drive from there. Tampa is closer but prices are higher. So I've got a limited budget & realized that "total" prices are about double advertised in this case. So realistically, how much extra do I bring? I'm not a drinker but do you pay for sodas & water? I'm not planning any extras, I just want to get my feet wet, so to speak. I am getting an ocean view as I'm slightly claustrophobic sometimes & it's not that much more. Thanks everyone!

[flnursemichelle]

Me again! I wondered about the credit card situation. I don't use them AT ALL & therefore don't have one. I keep a small limit card through

my bank & wondered how much of a hold it will have? I usually use my debit but going out of the country I think I'll skip that. Any suggestions here are welcome! Thanks

[Ehpride]

This is going to depend somewhat on the ship. You can count on tips being extra. Alcohol, pop, bottled water are extra. Pictures are extra. Shore excursions/port activities are extra. Specialty coffees are extra. Specialty dining may be extra.

 

If all you do is eat provided food and drink and free activities, you should be able to get away with cruise, taxes and tips!

[Ehpride]

And you should be able to set up your onboard account with cash if you don't want to use a card.

[xxoocruiser]

I'm considering purchasing a cruise as a last minute thing, my other vacation plans had to be canceled & I've got the time off, use it or loose it this late in the year. My question is, how much extra do I need in addition to the cost of the cruise? I'm considering RCL, Sept 23 sailing from port canaveral as I'm about 2 hrs drive from there. Tampa is closer but prices are higher. So I've got a limited budget & realized that "total" prices are about double advertised in this case. So realistically, how much extra do I bring? I'm not a drinker but do you pay for sodas & water? I'm not planning any extras, I just want to get my feet wet, so to speak. I am getting an ocean view as I'm slightly claustrophobic sometimes & it's not that much more. Thanks everyone!

 

Not able to give you a $ amount but can list items that you might need to plan for whether it would be charge to your Sea Pass card or require cash :

• If you have not prepaid your tips than you need to budget for that. RCCL will add it daily to your On-Board Account if not prepaid.
  
• Additional cash if you plan to tip extra than the recommended amount.
  
• Tips for Porters at Port
  
• Room service tips
  
• Room service charge ($3.95) between Midnight and 5:00 AM ( Added to your On-Board Account)
  
• Drinks on board. You mentioned that you only drink soda and water. if you drink more than 3 sodas per day than it's probably more cost effective to purchase the Soda Package. ( Note free lemonade is available in the Windjammer and other venues such as Sorrento's, Promenade Café, Park Café and Wipe Out Café if on your ship)
  
• Specialty Dining
  
• Excursions
  
• Spending money while in Port
  
• If taking an excursion than tip money for driver and guide.
  
• Casino ( only accepts cash)
  
• On board purchases in the shops
  
• Parking
  
• Taxi if needed to/from parking garage to pier
  
• 15% gratuity will be added all drink and spa purchases
  
• Bingo
  
• Photos
  
• Specialty Coffees
  
• Spa Services
  
• Ben& Jerry's Ice Cream ( Self Served Soft Ice Cream is available either in the WIndjammer or somewhere on the pool deck)
  

[kitty9]

Me again! I wondered about the credit card situation. I don't use them AT ALL & therefore don't have one. I keep a small limit card through

my bank & wondered how much of a hold it will have? I usually use my debit but going out of the country I think I'll skip that. Any suggestions here are welcome! Thanks

 

Unless you raise your daily limit on your debit card, you'll have problems using that. We've all heard a few horror stories about how long, and how much they hold. Some have reported not having access to your funds for a week, occasionally even longer.

 

Depending on the cruise line and length of cruise, you'll have to put anywhere from $250 to $300 in cash when you open your on board account at check in.

 

As for other extras, soft drinks, bottled water, juices ordered from a bar or lounge, specialty coffees and teas are all extra.

[Scrapnana]

Usually, a hold is only on a debit card. If you don't do any extras, you can get by easily with $100 per person once you've paid for the cruise (with fees and taxes), gas and parking.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Not able to give you a $ amount but can list items that you might need to plan for whether it would be charge to your Sea Pass card or require cash :

• If you have not prepaid your tips than you need to budget for that. RCCL will add it daily to your On-Board Account if not prepaid.
  
• Additional cash if you plan to tip extra than the recommended amount.
  
• Tips for Porters at Port
  

Definitely budget in money for tips. You can check the cruiseline's website for the amount that will go on your folio and whether or not you'll have to prepaid them. Not something to skip as the crew members will be working hard for you (you'll actually be plotting how to stuff one or two of them in your suitcase to take home:D). Many will give an extra tip above the guidelines for excellence, but you can also fill out a made a difference kind of card and give to the front desk if the cruiseline has this.

And you'll want to give any porters a tip for handling your luggage. If you go on a tour, consider giving your guide a tip too.

 

 

• Room service tips
  
• Room service charge ($3.95) between Midnight and 5:00 AM ( Added to your On-Board Account)
  

Of course, this is if you use room service. Some people don't (we haven't in our last 18 years or so). So consider this in the optional category.

 

 

• Drinks on board. You mentioned that you only drink soda and water. if you drink more than 3 sodas per day than it's probably more cost effective to purchase the Soda Package. ( Note free lemonade is available in the Windjammer and other venues such as Sorrento's, Promenade Café, Park Café and Wipe Out Café if on your ship)
  
• Specialty Dining
  

Specialty dining is another notch in the optional column. Some people (like us) are satisfied with the included options.

 

 

• Excursions
  

Up to you, once again. Some people will research ports ahead of time (google your ports and read some guidebooks) and decide to go out on their own. Just make sure you have the ship's newsletter with you (will tell you when to be back on board, which is usually an half hour before sailaway time -- we always try to be back on board an hour ahead to be sure) and a dependable watch set to ship's time. Sometimes you can just spend money on a taxi, a few souvenirs, a lunch. If you're new to the port (especially if you feel it might be dicey), then a tour booked through the ship might be in order. Others will research to find a reliable independent operator.

 

 

• Spending money while in Port
  
• If taking an excursion than tip money for driver and guide.
  
• Casino ( only accepts cash)
  

Again, up to you.

 

 

• On board purchases in the shops
  

Another optional expense. Sometimes we like to buy a tee shirt with the cruiseline logo on it. These are often on sale the last day or so of the cruise. Some people will buy duty-free items.

 

 

• Parking
  
• Taxi if needed to/from parking garage to pier
  

The ports all have parking lots. Often not too much more than finding a far off parking lot and then paying for a taxi. Some people will get a stay-and-park deal at the pre-cruise hotel.

 

 

• 15% gratuity will be added all drink and spa purchases
  

pretty standard

 

 

• Bingo
  
• Photos
  
• Specialty Coffees
  
• Spa Services
  
• Ben& Jerry's Ice Cream ( Self Served Soft Ice Cream is available either in the WIndjammer or somewhere on the pool deck)
  

the last five items, again optional. There will be ship's photographers taking pictures before you board, while on the ship, when getting off in a port. Completely free to take the picture. You can check the photos to see if you want to buy them or not. Sometimes there are package deals.

 

 

I noted down the optional expenses just in case you are watching your budget. The one thing I wouldn't scrimp on == for many people == that wasn't mentioned in this post was staying pre-cruise for a night or more in the embarkation port. You may be okay with driving in the morning before, but think about whether there could be a lot of traffic or what happens if you have a problem with your car. Have a plan B. Definitely consider a pre-cruise stay whenever a flight is involved.

[paul929207]

You see a pretty big list of extra charges up above. Remember you do NOT have to incur all or even most of them. We have a small on board account at the end of any cruise. You can go at anytime to the front desk and check your bill to be sure you are not going overboard.

[spookwife]

I get the impression you are looking to sail alone. if that is the case, double the cost except taxes, fees and the gratuities. if the cabin is listed at $500, you will pay $1000 for it. all cabins are sold with a minimum of 2 berths, even if only one is sailing.

 

figure about $12-15 per day for gratuities per person. other than a couple dollars for the porters at the pier, parking at the pier if applicable and a few extra dollars for unexpected need, it is possible to not spend another dime on board.

 

however everything that does cost extra( soda, alcohol, specialty coffee, etc) automatically incurs a 15% service charge.

 

at Breakfast, coffee, tea, tap water and from concentrate juice is included( Fresh squeeze dOJ is extra)

 

Lunch and dinner, again, (plain) coffee, tea( hot and cold) and tap water is included. there will also be a selection of non carbonated extras where the juice used to be in the park cafe and buffet. usually a lemonade and maybe a fruit punch type thing.

[cb at sea]

Most folks, especially 1st timers, will spend about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise.

 

Excursions are a big cost...so do your research with a guidebook, and find things that you can do on your own. There's seldom a real need to pay a guide to have a good time! Research is key!

 

Do NOT use your debit card...simply bring cash...if you don't spend it, you can redeposit it when you get home! There is no "hold" or "fee" for using cash!!!

[grandmakd]

I'm considering purchasing a cruise as a last minute thing, my other vacation plans had to be canceled & I've got the time off, use it or loose it this late in the year. My question is, how much extra do I need in addition to the cost of the cruise? I'm considering RCL, Sept 23 sailing from port canaveral as I'm about 2 hrs drive from there. Tampa is closer but prices are higher. So I've got a limited budget & realized that "total" prices are about double advertised in this case. So realistically, how much extra do I bring? I'm not a drinker but do you pay for sodas & water? I'm not planning any extras, I just want to get my feet wet, so to speak. I am getting an ocean view as I'm slightly claustrophobic sometimes & it's not that much more. Thanks everyone!

 

I have not cruised on RCL, but lots on Princess. You can bring your own soda, beer or bottled water on board. We do this especially when not flying in to port. You can put a few in your room frig as needed. We always research the port on "things to do" on tripadvisor.com. You can save a lot by doing your own thing in port as some excursions from the ship can be expensive. Usually our only expense on our ship board account is gratitudes which are about $12. A day per person. We are not drinkers and we can do a casino any time so do not bother to do that on a cruise. Enjoy, there is plenty to do and see without spending a ton of money.

[cruiseaholic777]

xxoocruiser has it all covered. But the saying is (take double the cash and half of the clothes) when packing for a cruise. ;)

[flnursemichelle]

I had been planning to go alone but price was the same so I paid for 2 people and a friend wanted to go so I paid for the cruise and she is putting her card on the room. Luckily I'm trustworthy and will NOT be incurring expenses I can't pay for but I'll still need tip cash money. we chose the prepaid tip package that RC offered and we are still considering the soda package since I only drink 2 sodas a day and she only drinks 1 per day. I am not sure what we are going to do about that.

We are considering snorkeling, cococay said it was reef snorkeling which seems less dangerous for a first time snorkeler and I know we could do it for cheap ourselves but my mom offered to pay for my excursion if I wanted one so I am taking her up on her offer. :) She said it was a birthday gift for me, last month but I will still accept it!

We have decided to invest in a hotel room nearby, offers the stay & park. 85 for room or 75 to park, seems like a good 10 spent. & if for some reason we did need to drive back home, we would have time. (forgotten documents, etc)

Thanks everyone for all your help! I appreciate it.

[gerif]

Sounds like a great plan. If you don't drink at least 3 sodas a day, you might be better off buying by the can but that's your decision. Have a wonderful trip. You should check the roll call for your sailing to meet others who will be going with you. I can't post a link from my phone but it's easy to find.

[spookwife]

just understand that you cannot share any packages, so if you each want sodas you each need to buy the package.. and the break even point seems to be between 3-5 per day. so if you drink less than that, it's not worth the money.

 

the iced tea, lemonade and other freebies are free flowing and if you attend a few of the receptions you can get mimosas and other simple alcoholic drinks free as well.

[SMerritt]

Documentation - Passport or Original Birth Certificate

[grrl2grrl]

Xxoocruiser gave a very complete list!

I'm also in Tampa and my first cruise was out of Port Canaveral. My in-laws paid for the cruise, and then we ended up spending the same amount as the price of the cruise, on the cruise. We booked 2 excursions of the 4 ports, brought home a few souvineers, tipped over the recommended amount because of awesome service from both our room steward and wait staff and excursion guides. I think I might have even brought home a giant bottle of Absolute for $12.

 

I drank soda at the time, but didn't buy the soda card, & just drank water and the free coffee on board. I purchased a shirley temple once from the bar when I felt the need for soda. You have to drink 3 sodas a day to break even on the amount of the card. It's hot, you're going to be active, and if you're looking to save money, the ship's water is fine, it's even filtered. If you have to have soda, or bottled water bring your own 12 pack on board in your luggage (per your cruise lines rules). If you don't want to run back to your room, the buy one at a time at the bar - still cheaper than the soda card.

 

This tip's not about money, but for Floridians, it's a need to know for first timers. Bring a light jacket. Yes, Florida is still sweltering in September, but the top of the ship is windy, and it can get quite chilly, especially for our "thin blood". Most of all have fun! After my first "freebie" I was hooked like an addict - headed on my 5th one this December & can't wait!

[culinarc]

If you bring your own soda to drink as you said you were not a drinker the only real costs once your ticket is paid for is gratuity. One poster said $12-$15 dollars a day, thats about right. Other than that if you are looking to cruise on a budget you really dont need to spend anything additional if you dont want to. The list of things the member above posted are all just options should you choose to buy them. You will have food, juices, entertainment and some activities paid for. I dont know what your gas and parking expenses will be but with a little research you will know. As for what you spend on the ship (if you choose) you can start a cash account on the ship (I dont know the minimum for RCL) or give them a credit card number to secure an account but go every day to the guest services and pay in cash as you go and the card wont be charged. I've seen my brother do it this way. As for shore excursions I always check on the internet about the places I am going before I book an excursion on the ship as I feel these can be grossly overpriced. Working online with a local agency has proven to me to be better on many levels than being part of a large group of cruisers. And as I said it is often less expensive as well.

Drinks or a glass of wine with dinner are about $7-$10 by the way. ( probably the most common additional expense on a cruise)

Hope I was able to help a little and have a great time!

[flnursemichelle]

If you bring your own soda to drink as you said you were not a drinker the only real costs once your ticket is paid for is gratuity.

I thought we couldn't bring on any soda's? I would love to bring my own, one a day is all I should have anyway. :) I had planned to bring a water bottle with a wide lid/opening, a friend mentioned that would be a good pointer since she drank water or lemonade during her trip. I will probably do that once I figure out what type to use. I have several screw top glasses, from walmart with permanent straws in them but I'm not sure if that would be a good idea or not. I'm still trying to figure it out. :)

Thanks for the post!

michelle

[ferfoodle]

I thought we couldn't bring on any soda's? I would love to bring my own, one a day is all I should have anyway. :) I had planned to bring a water bottle with a wide lid/opening, a friend mentioned that would be a good pointer since she drank water or lemonade during her trip. I will probably do that once I figure out what type to use. I have several screw top glasses, from walmart with permanent straws in them but I'm not sure if that would be a good idea or not. I'm still trying to figure it out. :)

Thanks for the post!

michelle

 

Some lines do allow passengers to bring on soda and wine - but not Royal. We prefer to bring on an insulated mug as it doesn't sweat like most of the screw top tumblers (Trevis tumblers are a good option too) and is good for both hot and cold drinks. You can bring a good water bottle instead/also and that way use it on board for your drinks and fill with water to take ashore. You will want a wide mouth one as there will be signs posted to please fill it with a clean glass at the drink stations and not by placing your bottle under the dispensers. Enjoy your cruise!

[donaldsc]

I'm considering purchasing a cruise as a last minute thing, my other vacation plans had to be canceled & I've got the time off, use it or loose it this late in the year. My question is, how much extra do I need in addition to the cost of the cruise? I'm considering RCL, Sept 23 sailing from port canaveral as I'm about 2 hrs drive from there. Tampa is closer but prices are higher. So I've got a limited budget & realized that "total" prices are about double advertised in this case. So realistically, how much extra do I bring? I'm not a drinker but do you pay for sodas & water? I'm not planning any extras, I just want to get my feet wet, so to speak. I am getting an ocean view as I'm slightly claustrophobic sometimes & it's not that much more. Thanks everyone!

 

You will get all the food and all the non-alcoholic non-sparkling drinks that you wish. All your entertainment is free. If you do not gamble or go to the spa, your only costs will be for tips and any excursions you take.

 

You obviously do not need to take excursions as you can wander around by yourself at most ports.

 

So, bottom line is nowhere near the double advertised as you fear. You will pay tips of $12.50 per person per day and you do not need to tip more than that. Other than that, you can enjoy yourself with no additional expenses.

 

I have done cruises where aside from the excursions that I chose to take and the tips, my total additional cost for the entire cruise was zero.

 

DON

[Monalis]

You will get all the food and all the non-alcoholic non-sparkling drinks that you wish. All your entertainment is free. If you do not gamble or go to the spa, your only costs will be for tips and any excursions you take.

 

You obviously do not need to take excursions as you can wander around by yourself at most ports.

 

So, bottom line is nowhere near the double advertised as you fear. You will pay tips of $12.50 per person per day and you do not need to tip more than that. Other than that, you can enjoy yourself with no additional expenses.

 

I have done cruises where aside from the excursions that I chose to take and the tips, my total additional cost for the entire cruise was zero.

 

DON

 

Don, I think the double their cost, was because they were planning on cruising solo.. In which case it is twice the advertised cost.