Onboard "nickel and diming" to avoid?

[asmith19]

I noticed lots of experienced Celebrity cruisers talking about unexpected charges or getting "nickel and dimed" on things. Would you please share things to watch out for? Conversely, would you share the surcees that people might not know about?

 

I'm sailing the Celebrity Reflection in January 2015, CC, so any specifics related to that ship/ Caribbean itinerary are especially helpful.

 

As always, I really appreciate everyone's information and advice!

[wallie5446]

We sailed the Reflection in Nov and had no extra cost. Well, except for shore excursions, photos, and a few speciality dinners. Just like any other ship in any other fleet.

[kevinyork]

We were on Eclipse last July and May this year. Very relaxed attitude to selling extras. The speciality restaurants were most active with desks outside the buffet but they were not pushy. The photographers are pretty laid back and dont try and push you into having a photo taken.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[fleckle]

I noticed lots of experienced Celebrity cruisers talking about unexpected charges or getting "nickel and dimed" on things. Would you please share things to watch out for? Conversely, would you share the surcees that people might not know about?

 

I'm sailing the Celebrity Reflection in January 2015, CC, so any specifics related to that ship/ Caribbean itinerary are especially helpful.

 

As always, I really appreciate everyone's information and advice!

It really is not bad at all once you know which are free items and which are extra cost items, but it can be confusing for a newcomer.

 

If in doubt, the best thing to do is just ask each time before accepting anything that is offered.

After a few days, you will know what is free and what isn't and will no longer need to ask.

 

As a general rule, whenever they give you something and ask you to sign a slip for it, that means there will be a charge.

 

In your cabin, you will usually find a large bottle of drinking water. Iif you drink that water or eat or drink anything from the minibar, there will be a charge for it.

 

Take a look at what is in the minibar on the first day.

If you know that you will not want anything in it, you can ask your stateroom attendant to empty it out and have the space available to store your own medications or beverages, or whatever.

 

You can ask them to remove the big water bottle also, as well as anything else in the cabin you don't want that is just sitting there taking up space you would rather use for something else, especially if you are in a small cabin where space is tight.

(Well, I guess not the furniture.)

 

You can ask for an an ice bucket and water pitcher in your room, and your stateroom attendant will refill them for you twice each day at no charge.

But you now need to ask for them, whereas previously they were provided to everyone automatically.

 

Also, there is no charge to have bathroom items (e.g., shampoo, lotion, tissues), replenished as they start running low or are used up. They usually do that automatically, but sometimes you need to ask.

 

Room service is available at no charge (but not for breakfast on the final morning).

There are some fee items, denoted on the menu as such.

You can order from the interactive room service menu on the TV screen, or by phone, and the usual breakfast room service door hanger can be found in the cabin. It should be in the blue book on the desk.

Just ask your stateroom attendant if you don't see it.

It is typical to give a tip for room service delivery, although not required..

 

At the Cafe al Bacio (however it is spelled) where they serve specialty coffees, teas and snacks, all the food is free, but they charge for the beverages.

There will be tempting looking goodies on display in their big glass case each day. Most are very tasty, so just ask for anything that looks appealing. You can get it either to go or to eat right there.

 

The nearby gelato is a charge item (except for a free scoop with a Captain's Club coupon), but the ice-cream up at the buffet is always free.

 

In the Caribbean, you will be greeted with a cold towel and cold drink, either water or some type of punch, as you are welcomed back upon your return to the ship at each port. Those are free.

 

If you have one of the upper end staterooms or a suite and they give you the heavy, bulky terrycloth bathrobes, you can ask to exchange them for lightweight waffle robes instead if you wish.

 

On embarkation day, the first "welcome aboard" beverage offered to you as you board the ship is free.

The ones offered to you later that day are not, (unless you have a beverage package).

 

In the gym, the use of the equipment is free, while some of the classes or informational talks are free and others have a charge. The ones with a charge are denoted on the list of activities with an asterisk or two.

 

Any activities listed on the daily schedule that have a charge usually have asterisks as well.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise. You will be on a beautiful ship.

 

[DebbieMacG]

It really is not bad at all once you know which are free items and which are extra cost items, but it can be confusing for a newcomer.

 

If in doubt, the best thing to do is just ask each time before accepting anything that is offered.

After a few days, you will know what is free and what isn't and will no longer need to ask.

 

As a general rule, whenever they give you something and ask you to sign a slip for it, that means there will be a charge.

 

In your cabin, you will usually find a large bottle of drinking water. Iif you drink that water or eat or drink anything from the minibar, there will be a charge for it.

 

Take a look at what is in the minibar on the first day.

If you know that you will not want anything in it, you can ask your stateroom attendant to empty it out and have the space available to store your own medications or beverages, or whatever.

 

You can ask them to remove the big water bottle also, as well as anything else in the cabin you don't want that is just sitting there taking up space you would rather use for something else, especially if you are in a small cabin where space is tight.

(Well, I guess not the furniture.)

 

You can ask for an an ice bucket and water pitcher in your room, and your stateroom attendant will refill them for you twice each day at no charge.

But you now need to ask for them, whereas previously they were provided to everyone automatically.

 

Also, there is no charge to have bathroom items (e.g., shampoo, lotion, tissues), replenished as they start running low or are used up. They usually do that automatically, but sometimes you need to ask.

 

Room service is available at no charge (but not for breakfast on the final morning).

There are some fee items, denoted on the menu as such.

You can order from the interactive room service menu on the TV screen, or by phone, and the usual breakfast room service door hanger can be found in the cabin. It should be in the blue book on the desk.

Just ask your stateroom attendant if you don't see it.

It is typical to give a tip for room service delivery, although not required..

 

At the Cafe al Bacio (however it is spelled) where they serve specialty coffees, teas and snacks, all the food is free, but they charge for the beverages.

There will be tempting looking goodies on display in their big glass case each day. Most are very tasty, so just ask for anything that looks appealing. You can get it either to go or to eat right there.

 

The nearby gelato is a charge item (except for a free scoop with a Captain's Club coupon), but the ice-cream up at the buffet is always free.

 

In the Caribbean, you will be greeted with a cold towel and cold drink, either water or some type of punch, as you are welcomed back upon your return to the ship at each port. Those are free.

 

If you have one of the upper end staterooms or a suite and they give you the heavy, bulky terrycloth bathrobes, you can ask to exchange them for lightweight waffle robes instead if you wish.

 

On embarkation day, the first "welcome aboard" beverage offered to you as you board the ship is free.

The ones offered to you later that day are not, (unless you have a beverage package).

 

In the gym, the use of the equipment is free, while some of the classes or informational talks are free and others have a charge. The ones with a charge are denoted on the list of activities with an asterisk or two.

 

Any activities listed on the daily schedule that have a charge usually have asterisks as well.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise. You will be on a beautiful ship.

 

 

Nice post :)

[vulcan1971]

I noticed lots of experienced Celebrity cruisers talking about unexpected charges or getting "nickel and dimed" on things. Would you please share things to watch out for? Conversely, would you share the surcees that people might not know about?

 

I'm sailing the Celebrity Reflection in January 2015, CC, so any specifics related to that ship/ Caribbean itinerary are especially helpful.

 

As always, I really appreciate everyone's information and advice!

 

Honestly, I wouldn't say there are any more issues about being nicked and dimed on board the ship than there would be at a nice hotel.

 

Yes, there are options for you to enjoy your vacation. Some are free and some come with a charge. Only you can decide if there is value for you in the charge to which ever choice you make. What's expensive to one person is pocket change to someone else. A cruise can be all inclusive if you are happy with what's included.

 

I always recommend to plan for unexpected costs along the way and if you don't have any or go home without paying for any extras, then you leave your vacation satisfied and a little richer.

 

Go with an open mind and look for discounts while on board. If specialty restaurants or spa services are not selling well, there will be discounts offered to you. The Reflection is a magnificent ship, enjoy your cruise!

 

Sent from my Samsung Note 2 on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network

[suntan]

It really is not bad at all once you know which are free items and which are extra cost items, but it can be confusing for a newcomer.

 

Fleckle, great post. Even though I'm not a newbie there was information in your post that I was unaware of such as asking to have the mini bar items removed and storing our own items.

[Mistymya]

Beware of the sail away special that is served in a special designed glass (in plastic for you to keep) is not included in any beverage package.

[BSinPNS]

You are offered a glass of sparkling wine at the theatre for the Captain's Toast - usually held before the first production show. It's free.

[Hotel CA]

I echo previous sentiments Fleckle-- that was a great post. I am no newbie but as stated before "..even I learned something new.." I am always moving items around in the fridge to make room.... Thanks for that tip

[miched]

There is nothing hidden. They let you know that there is a charge, so it is easy don't buy anything. If you give them your card and have to sign a slip you are getting charged.

 

 

On our last cruise that was 14 days we had the drink pack, and prepaid gratuities thru promos and TA. Our charges were zero plus our folio had a credit for over charged port fees that were refunded.

 

 

Happy cruisng 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

Edited August 21, 2014 by miched

[Tommy3putts]

As stated above, we noticed no "nickel and diming" issues on our June Reflection cruise. However, I recommend you thoroughly review Celebrity's webpage addressing "onboard" amenities and activities so you are prepared for what is and is not covered. That way there are no surprises when you get your final bill. We had a great cruise and can't wait to sail on Celebrity again.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Tommy3putts

[Sloop-JohnB]

Great post by FLECKLE.

 

Personally I would say that there has been a decrease in "niclkle & diming" as Celebrity has moved to a more AI type experience in recent years (the Bevvy Pkgs made great inroads in this area with all the recent 123GO inclusions)

 

Once upon a time, people felt more cash strapped cause it seemed that there were so many extras to pay for at every turn... Especially Bevvys at Hotel / Resort type prices!!

 

Extras now are far more a case of not what the Customer needs (Pop / Soda / Soft Drinks comes to mind here at $ 2 a pour) ... But what they decide they want and are willing to pay extra for to enhance their vacation / cruise... be that Photos, Spa Treatments, Celebrity Life Experiences, Guided Excursions, the Casino etc.

 

I truly believe that with the 123GO promotion in place, that a vast majority of Cruisers IF they so chose, could cruise with very few extras to pay to the cruise line.

 

Lol, Mr Sloop & I we like the added extras on a cruise... So we pay for them.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

Edited August 21, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[asmith19]

Thank you to everyone for your responses!

[NLH Arizona]

I really never understand why people say they were "nickled and dimed". Some folks can cruise with just paying their cruise fare, taxes, port charges and gratuites. They eat only in the MDR, drink only those free beverages, attend only those free activites, workout in the gym, etc. It is each individuals choice whether they will pay for anything on the ship, no one is "nickle and diming" them; again, it is their choice to have dinner in a specialty restaurant, cocktails, spa treatments, play bingo, purchase photos, etc.

 

Decide before you leave how much you want to spend on "extras" and most of all, have a great cruise.

[vulcan1971]

I really never understand why people say they were "nickled and dimed". Some folks can cruise with just paying their cruise fare, taxes, port charges and gratuites. They eat only in the MDR, drink only those free beverages, attend only those free activites, workout in the gym, etc. It is each individuals choice whether they will pay for anything on the ship, no one is "nickle and diming" them; again, it is their choice to have dinner in a specialty restaurant, cocktails, spa treatments, play bingo, purchase photos, etc.

 

Decide before you leave how much you want to spend on "extras" and most of all, have a great cruise.

 

+1

 

Totally agree with that. :)

[BosoxI]

I am certainly not an apologist for Celebrity, but if you think their charge for an 8X10 picture is outrageous, try having one taken by your local photographer, but be sure to be seated when you get the tab.:eek:

[Max Circus]

I have never felt "nickle and dimed" on Celebrity - or any cruise line. Are there special experiences that cost extra that can enhance your cruise- yes. On Celebrity I have found they make it quite clear what those are and they cost extra.

 

One difference I've seen between Carnival and Celebrity is there are alot more announcements on Carnival letting you know about many of the "special experiences" - and I say that somewhat in jest since most of them are Bingo, Gold By The Inch or 2-for-1 Tshirts!! ;)

[Queen of Oakville]

Great Post Fleckle!

 

I'm a seasoned cruiser but new to Celebrity and greatly appreciated the detail of your post!

 

I don't think anyone has mentioned the spa yet. If you are so inclined, you can drop some $$$$ there.

 

This is our first time cruising with a drink package. On a normal cruise, we usually only have gratuities and a few souvenir items charged to our account. Depending on the cruise, we have a few bottles of wine, but not much more than that. Back in tha day, we used to always leave the ship with one or more duty-free specials, but now that we can't carry liquids on the place, we have to leave those specials on the ship. Everything else, we buy in port and pay cash for.

[TeaBag]

I'm wondering if the "nickle and diming" the OP read about was the increases in charges for Sp restaurants, Bistro on 5 and the charges for something that previously was free, like Zumba.

[Pushka]

The only thing I noticed was the continued push throughout the cruise to book at the specialty restaurants. We'd booked online and I just got a bit tired of being asked several times a day.

[vulcan1971]

The only thing I noticed was the continued push throughout the cruise to book at the specialty restaurants. We'd booked online and I just got a bit tired of being asked several times a day.

 

Funny you should mention that... I have a November cruise booked back in February and I bought dinner packages for the cruise in March. I have received several emails from Celebrity encouraging me to but a dinner package even though I already have.

 

Sent from my Samsung Note 2 on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network

[CHEZMARYLOU]

We've never felt that we were being "nickeled & dimed". If there is something that we want that is not included we buy it. If we don't want it we don't buy it. Much like any other vacation or venue that we frequent.

 

Mary lou

[ECCruise]

The only thing I noticed was the continued push throughout the cruise to book at the specialty restaurants. We'd booked online and I just got a bit tired of being asked several times a day.

 

Probably the most obnoxious experience we had was on Silhouette when the Specialty Restaurant staff interrupted us almost nightly at the Elite CC event.

[Pushka]

Probably the most obnoxious experience we had was on Silhouette when the Specialty Restaurant staff interrupted us almost nightly at the Elite CC event.

 

I think they need to watch that. I was on the Equinox and while I have no status to be bothered at the Elite event, as a ho hum passenger we were approached many many times. I can understand on embarkation day and maybe the next day, but every day.....several times a day....