cost of fitness center and other costs

[crackupforlaughs]

My dh will be going on his first Princess cruise with us this Feb. I've been on a couple. Somehow, he has interpreted what he has read that the fitness center costs to use (that is, treadmills, weights -- things you do on your own, not classes). I don't remember paying to use the fitness center unless I took a class or had a spa session (it's been several years). And, from what I remember, some classes are free. I even used the lotus pool resistance motor for no cost.

 

So, does it cost to use the treadmills and other "use on your own workout/time" equipment?

 

And, my understanding of the Sanctuary is that it is an adult-only place to relax and get pampered at $10pp per half day (he is also confused about this place). I never used it before as our past cruises were Alaskan ones and much too cold.

 

Other than the entry cost, the Sanctuary provides healthy foods and snacks, but additional cost? Or, is the cost a $3 delivery fee?

 

Lastly, and sorry for the longer thread, but other additional costs would be the specialty restaurants, classes, Vines, alcohol, coffee and soda cards, Ultimate dining/ship tour, casino, and obviously shore excursions and purchases (and tips)?

 

Thanks!

[windsor26]

There is no cost for you to use all the equipment in the fitness centre You may have to line up for a turn on the tread mills as they are popular but you can use the other machines while waiting. There is also a free morning fitness stretching class which is very popular people get there 15 minutes early to bag a spot on the floor. There are other classes such as yoga and etc which have a cost for (I think) about 6 sessions. These will be well advertised on your initial walk around the ship which includes a tour of the fitness centre and a chance to win something in their 'raffle'

[philv]

I've sailed on the Crown, Caribbean, and Ruby Princess ships. There is no charge for using the fitness center or the steam room or sauna on those ships. Most of the Spa services have fees. With all the wonderful food, I use the fitness center as much as I can to try and keep things under control. ;)

Edited January 7, 2014 by philv

[sally885]

There's a bunch of threads here re coffee. Basically, they use a coffee syrup for FREE coffee. You can buy a punch card [$30-35] where you get free brewed coffee, hot choc and specialty tea [NO punches]. They punch the card if you want lattes or other coffee drinks than just coffee.

 

When I boarded the first day at lunch I tried the free syrup coffee. NOT acceptable, and I'm NOT a coffee snob. So, I got the card....just for my one cup of daily black coffee. Their brewed coffee is "just ok" [to me, equivalent as Denny's or IHOP]. We are going again next month, and just purchased some starbucks Via - instant coffee. Since their brewed coffee was just ok, I'm thinking this too will be good enough and it was only $10. AND I can bring it with me to bfast and get hot water from the waiter, rather than heading down to the International Cafe [only place to get brewed] every morning.

[sally885]

I concur with others, the gym is FREE. Classes cost. Gym is VERY busy. Wish it was open all nite or something to spread the people out more.

 

We never went into the Sanctuary, so don't know anything about that.

Edited January 9, 2014 by sally885

[sally885]

Sorry for all my posts, but I always think it's easier to read a post per topic ...

 

Soda cards - there's a ton of threads here on this topic. I believe there is a card for just soda, and another one for soda, milk shakes, non alcho drinks. I think the just soda card is something like $6 -8/day.

 

Paying for soda and coffee really irks me, since it costs literally pennies a serving. We brought our own soda...you are allowed to bring all you want on board. They serve coke products.

[bonsai3s]

...the use of everything in the fitness center is free. Check your Princess Patter daily and it will tell you which classes or equipment will have a fee...i.e. the "spin cycles" has a fee but the regular stationary bike doesn't. Yes, the fitness center will be busy at certain times..................IMHO, the best time to visit is between 2pm and 4pm. Most will be napping. :D

[pseudoware]

We brought a couple boxes of Starbucks VIA packets and just asked for a cup of hot water at the Int'l Cafe each morning.

 

Another free fitness option, although not for everyone, are the daily Zumba classes. My DW went every morning. Also, if not too cold/wet, walking decks 7 or 15 are always free and available (unless restricted due to crews working).

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[SdKT]

im serioulsy floored that drip coffee is not free :( that sucks. Sure soda stopped being free a long time ago, but plain cheap coffee. my DH will die.

[crackupforlaughs]

Thanks! The VIA tips are great. We'll probably get one coffee card and then let the kids have the deluxe (or whatever it is called) soda card so they can get milkshakes and mocktails, too (and maybe share a mocktail with me!). I told my husband, I hope not erroneously, that hot water is available at the Horizon court and Intl Cafe so he can make his own coffee.

 

Princess let me know that the Sanctuary has its own menu with some items on it at no cost and some with an additional cost. For instance, I think she said the ceasar wrap is at no cost, BUT there is a $3 per person delivery charge PER DELIVERY. I used pizza slices as an example.. It would be $3 for each pizza (or other food) delivery per person whether it is one slice or a pie. So, more cost effective to order all of your food at once... if you order one slice of pizza (or something else) a one time, and then order later, you get two delivery fees.

[skynight]

 

Lastly, and sorry for the longer thread, but other additional costs would be the specialty restaurants, classes, Vines, alcohol, coffee and soda cards, Ultimate dining/ship tour, casino, and obviously shore excursions and purchases (and tips)?

 

Thanks!

Dining Guide - Princess 1213.pdf

 

See attachment for Dining information.

Google Princess Cellars for Coffee Card and Soda Sticker costs.

Casino will cost nothing if you stay away. If you go it will cost whatever you spend. Shore Excursions are shown on the Cruise Personalizer once you book. If you have not yet booked go to the Princess website and select Plan a Cruise/Search Cruises. There is information there about excursions.

Princess charges $11.50/day/pp for their auto tip "hotel charge". It's $12 if you are in a suite or minisuite. Extra tips are always welcome figure about $50 to $100 per week extra.

[Thrak]

[ATTACH]298257[/ATTACH]

 

See attachment for Dining information.

Google Princess Cellars for Coffee Card and Soda Sticker costs.

Casino will cost nothing if you stay away. If you go it will cost whatever you spend. Shore Excursions are shown on the Cruise Personalizer once you book. If you have not yet booked go to the Princess website and select Plan a Cruise/Search Cruises. There is information there about excursions.

Princess charges $11.50/day/pp for their auto tip "hotel charge". It's $12 if you are in a suite or minisuite. Extra tips are always welcome figure about $50 to $100 per week extra.

 

Whoever made that guide is an idiot. What does "5:00 PM Onward" mean? Onward until when? There is definitely a closing time but it's not listed for many venues. "Onward" is an idiotic way to put it.

[skynight]

What does "5:00 PM Onward" mean?

It means that the closing time varies by ship and by itinerary. For example, the burger grill and ice cream bar may be open until 11pm in the Caribbean, but close at 9pm or sooner in the Baltic.

[1025cruise]

im serioulsy floored that drip coffee is not free :( that sucks. Sure soda stopped being free a long time ago, but plain cheap coffee. my DH will die.

 

Coffee is included. It is made from a syrup concentrate. Some people find it objectionable, others don't. Try some on the first day, if it works for you great, otherwise try a cup from the cafe.

[Thrak]

It means that the closing time varies by ship and by itinerary. For example, the burger grill and ice cream bar may be open until 11pm in the Caribbean, but close at 9pm or sooner in the Baltic.

 

It's ambiguous at best...

[Cruisin' Chick]

It means that the closing time varies by ship and by itinerary. For example, the burger grill and ice cream bar may be open until 11pm in the Caribbean, but close at 9pm or sooner in the Baltic.

 

And once you get on board your cruise, you'll see the first day's Patter in your cabin, which will list the hours of operation for all the venues on your cruise.

 

Coffee is included. It is made from a syrup concentrate. Some people find it objectionable, others don't. Try some on the first day, if it works for you great, otherwise try a cup from the cafe.

 

My hubby had been bringing on a small immersible heating element thingys (can't think of the name of the item) and yes, he is sooooo careful when using it. Last cruise, he decided to try the regular coffee for the first time in many cruises, and was surprised it wasn't so bad. He did occasionally buy a coffee from the International Cafe. I'm not a coffee drinker, but we did bring on my Mountain Dew, Dr Pepper for the girl, and Sobe for both of us. I would bring my drinking mug to the Horizon and fill it with lemonade a few times every day.

 

My daughter would often buy a soft drink (she doesn't hate Coke products as I do).

 

In terms of things we spent on during our last cruise: some photos, a couple of shore excursions (the other two ports, did on our own), a few souvenirs in the ship's store, a package of bandaids (I went through the supply I brought with). We keep our autotips on, and then give extra when we feel appropriate.

 

We don't gamble or play bingo. I'm not a spa goer nor do I need the Sanctuary. This was our first time eating at a specialty restaurant (a gift), but I don't see us spending money on future dinners. We go to the gym, but not do any of the special services or classes. We probably spent less on secondary onboard revenue during the two week cruise for the three of us than some couples do during a 7-day cruise.

[sally885]

I told my husband, I hope not erroneously, that hot water is available at the Horizon court and Intl Cafe so he can make his own coffee.

If it's like the Golden, and I'm assuming it is, you can get hot water that the International Cafe, but you need to wait in line, and also in the Horizon Cafe, where you can help yourself to drinking water, ice and hot water. Edited January 11, 2014 by sally885

[SdKT]

on the drinks topic, is milk available anytime? or do i need to save it from HC in the morning? i have a toddler, so milk is a main staple for him... :|