Couple of newbie cruise questions...

[SRF]

Very helpful, thank you! Again, never would have thought of bringing so much for tips with the built in gratuity charge but glad I know now. Also good point on the card as well, my hubby is very anxious about fraud as well. Thank you again!

 

OTOH, I travel internationally a LOT for work. I have used my work and/or personal card in over 140 countries.

 

The ONLY times a card has been compromised, it has been IN THE US. Several times I have arrived off an international flight and gotten a fraud alert. Once was a bunch of charges on a card I had not used overseas, and all the charges were in the US.

 

And if it happens, it is really no big deal. You call them, tell them the charges that are fraud, and they remove them. They cancel your card, and send you a new one. Most times, they contact me with seemingly fraudulent charges, and if I say they are, they don't approve them, and start the card replacement procedure.

 

If you are traveling and need the card, they can turn off all transactions except those where the card is physically inserted or swiped.

 

I have had this happen maybe 5 - 6 times, and again, it is not a big deal.

[SRF]

You do NOT have to bring a lot of $$ for extra tips. Extra tips are NOT necessary. There are SO many posters here that either lie about what they do or just brag about how much they tip. For anyone to give $1 - $2 ADDITIONAL on each drink from a bar is just excessive.

 

You do NOT have to feel awkward about not tipping additional money, either. It is the norm to not tip additional. It is the exception TO tip additional.

 

Agreed, but I do tip a bit. And on drinks, it depends on how much you drink. :D

 

And as I stated in another post, I tip extra for extra service, not normal service, that is covered by the grats.

[mjkacmom]

So reservations a must for us, thank you! We did book an oceanview room so that is great to hear! Mostly as my daughter/husband sometimes get overwhelmed with crowds so I thought this would be a nice way to just get away from a bit but still get fresh air/and beautiful views!

I don’t think the window opens, you need a balcony for that.

[gerif]

I don’t think the window opens, you need a balcony for that.

No, the windows do not open.

[gerif]

You need someone who's 21 in each cabin anyway, though you can get extra keys.

Not true. Children can be in their own cabin as long as it is next to or directly across from their parents.

[gerif]

Don't bring cash you only use your seapass card to make everything easier. only place credit cards excepted is next cruise. Only complimentary,no-reservations required places open late night are cafe promenade and sorrentos. everything else closes before 9. The best place to find liquor on the ship would probably the shops on the royal promenade. On this ship if you didn't book an oceanview cabin you won't feel like your on cruise ship.

If you want to tip extra you need cash, if you want to use the casino you need cash, if you plan to get off the ship you probably need cash. Liquor purchased in the shop onboard may not be taken back to your cabin - they deliver it the last night.

[arinie17]

You do NOT have to bring a lot of $$ for extra tips. Extra tips are NOT necessary. There are SO many posters here that either lie about what they do or just brag about how much they tip. For anyone to give $1 - $2 ADDITIONAL on each drink from a bar is just excessive.

 

You do NOT have to feel awkward about not tipping additional money, either. It is the norm to not tip additional. It is the exception TO tip additional.

 

Oh good, thank you so much for clarifying! I was starting to wonder why we pay the gratuities and then have to tip above and beyond. This helps me feel better about not tipping everywhere!

[arinie17]

I don’t think the window opens, you need a balcony for that.

 

Woops, my bad. We do have a room with a balcony. Just double checked!

[LeeW]

Other posters haven't mentioned room service. Except for continental breakfast there is now a $7.95 charge that most folks consider covering a delivery tip. Other folks give the delivery person a few dollars.

 

And if you run short of dollars the change machines in the casino will convert a $20 to four $5, and a $5 to five $1.

 

OP is on Oasis, so there are Freestyle machines for those with the cup provided with the soda package. Includes a lot of waters, stuff like Powerade as well. We don't drink much alcohol on the ship but we buy the soda package even if the ship doesn't have the Freestyle machines. About 3 1/2 sodas is the break-even point. Note you don't get bottled water with this. Freestyle machines also dispense water and ice without the special cup.

[Grandma Dazzles]

. About 3 1/2 sodas is the break-even point. Note you don't get bottled water with this. Freestyle machines also dispense water and ice without the special cup.

 

If you are a soda drinker you should buy the soda package. It’s $8.50 plus 18% gratuity. A can of soda with gratuity is approximately $4. Only takes two cans to break even!

[OCVTSGIRL]

FYI...if you don't want to use your credit card for onboard purchases, you can go to Guest Services and give them cash and replenish as needed. If you haven't used all your cash, you can go get a refund for the unused amount. We did this on the Oasis.

[Giantfan13]

You have gotten some great advice, even some you didn't ask for.

 

But, you know what, regardless of what you do, tip or not tip, drink or not drink, just sit back and enjoy the ride, oops, I mean cruise. You will love cruising as we all do.

 

Cheers

Len

[arinie17]

Thank you so much everyone for all of the great advice! I know (ok, really hope) that we will have a great time. I mean come on, we are in the Caribbean in January and we live in WI! That alone is worth it!

 

I tend to get overwhelmed with all of the information and details but I'm trying to pull what I can from these boards and then we just have to choose to make it fun and relax! Again, GREAT advice from so many, thank you!! We are already counting down!