On Board Costs

[CrystalBeachGal]

Thanks for your quick replys about bringing beer on board. I am not a wine drinker so I was really hoping I could bring on beer.

 

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[Jesse1179]

Just got off the Magic on Sunday. I'm single and I had $1300.00 set aside to spend on the ship (overkill, I know). I spent a total of $388.00, that's with gambling, alcohol, a souvenir watch and almost $40 in candy for my Godchild. Keep in mind I brought $400 in cash for extra gratuities for exceptional service (I did prepaid gratuities) and port spending, and I spent all of that. I know everyone is different, but that might give you an idea.

[Sailor_Sally]

Even thought you've pre paid for your gratuities, you can still have them taken off your bill and then you personally leave tips for your room steward, dining room, ect. that's up to you! It will save $$, because even children are charged per day with gratuities also.

 

!

Do not do this ! Skimping on the tips is not a way to save money .

[Me76]

First - "Hi Neighbors" to the Dacula folks! I'm on the other side of Winder toward Athens, about 20 mins away from you.

 

Second - One thing to consider with for kids and the soda card... if your kids spend a lot of time going in the pools/waterslides or going from activity to activity, I would recommend buying them the soda card if they would even be close to breaking even. <Overprotective Mom Hat on here> If my kids leave their drink unattended at all, I tell them to go get a new one. It may take them a few minutes to get noticed at the bar for a new soda, but I'd rather them be safe than sorry. Ultimately, there are thousands of "strangers" on the ship, and while the chances are low someone may drop something into their drink (whether it be accidental, something spilled/splashed, or purposeful), there's not enough justification for them to take that chance.

 

I am one of the most frugal people you will find when cruising. I budget and pre-pay everything I can, and for all of my cruises, my final tab for our family of 4 has been less than $20, most times we get a refund. The soda pass is something I consider an expense of the cruise, for safety purposes alone. But, they can also use it to get juices too, not just soda (unless that has changed in the past year).

[Jenhem31]

We just got back from a 5 day on the Paradise and it was our first cruise. Our total on board account was $350. We both got beach towels, and I spent about $40 in the gift shop. We bought 2 photos. The rest was casino and cocktails. We didn't spend nearly the about I thought we would. If you are heavy drinkers get the cheers package. If not, be prepared, the cocktails will run you about $10. The souvenir drinks of the day about $17.

 

We didn't even bother with the soda package. Just bring a couple 12 packs on board. The soda they serve is also from a warm can.

 

Have a great cruise! ⚓️

 

 

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[Nyghtdreamers]

My first cruise is in Oct. but one of the money saving tips I heard was that for the signature cocktails you only have to buy the souvenir glass once. You can use the same glass for all the different signature drinks and they cost less.

[Gamecock_Cruiser]

My opion on sodas. I say buy the drink card. The wait at the bar is never that long, maybe a minute. Make sure you stop and get a drink before going in the main dining room, the wait may be long waiting for the bar service there. I think it would get tiring making a trip back to the cabin everytime someone got thirsty.