Info from those who have been on a cruise.

Schatze1975

What should you bring.. What are the hidden cost.. Is a balcony room that much better...

What food or alcohol can you bring?
How much luggage can you bring?
What is amount of spending money you advise to bring besides casino money?

Anyone been on a cruise from California to Alaska ? If so what was it like?

Actually what were your experience on cruises? Please tell cruise name, what type room and all the hidden fees:)

Thank you

themommie

Bump

Schatze1975

Bump

You lost me lol

links_slayer

I've been on 4 cruises (certainly not a veteran).

Biggest "hidden" cost is booze. It's ridiculously expensive, imo.

I've sailed on Princess (2), Norwegian (1), and Royal Caribbean (1). None of them allow you to bring alcohol on board. But...what we've done on all of our cruises is buy some the night before (we always arrive in our port city at least one day in advance) and buy whatever booze we want. Then we buy water bottles and fill them with vodka or white rum and buy ginger ale and fill those bottles with dark rum. We put these in plastic bags in our luggage and have never had an issue. Every(?) cruise we've been on offers an unlimited Pepsi/Coke pass for like $50 for the week. Sure you have to go back to your room for every refill but it beats $18 for a "double" rum and coke.

It depends on the cruise line (and duration?) but I think you are allowed a certain number of bags but I can't remember. My wife and I have always packed one big suitcase each along with a carry-on type sized bag.

It depends on where you are going. Everything on board can be charged right to your account which is very convenient but it can add up in a hurry. We always bring cash to tip our head waiter (if we do assigned-time dining) and cabin steward. Almost everything done at ports of call can be done with credit (it's 2013....) but there might be some local mom and pop places that don't take plastic - again, it depends where you are going, what you want to buy, etc.

Alaska is absolutely magnificent. I would highly recommend either a balcony or a mini-suite room for Alaska, especially if you are going to stay on the ship (as opposed to doing an excursion) during the scenic cruising through the glaciers. We've only done balcony rooms and it's worth it, imo. On our last cruise we were upgraded to a mini-suite for free. The extra room was really nice and my wife said she's not sure if she would go back to a balcony again.

The excursions in Alaska are relatively pricey compared to Caribbean excursions but they are well worth it. I went on a 4 hour salmon fishing trip while wifey did a high ropes course, we did a glacier excursion where we got on a smaller boat and zoomed in front of the cruse ship and got much closer to the glaciers than the cruise ship, and we did the White Pass railway tour. All of them exceeded our expectations and are memories that neither of us will ever forget.

janupshaw

I went to Alaska on Norweigan. It was very laid back, no need for a bunch of fancy clothes. No need to bring food, it's all included while on the ship. Alcohol is not included but isn't much more expensive than a nice club. "Hidden fees" are when you check out, they charge you like $7 per day per person for tips. Excursions are extra, obviously. My hubby & I went to see the Iditerod sled dogs & got a sled ride from them for about $110 per person.

NaughtyinCali

We have plans to take one soon, going out of Texas to the Carribean. I checked out cruise critic to find all the specials for our cruise. Yes drinks are expensive, but our cruise offers a special inclusive package on alcohol. We are doing a balcony and the spa, but we need to able to have quiet time alone, (5 kids)

Maine2

I don't have much more to add. I have taken Norweigen twice and both times to Alaska. The cruise line is very good imo. Alaska is so beautiful. If you don't mind a little wind and possible cold, my husband and I spent some time on the top deck just watching everything go by. You may see whales while taking in the scenery too! We did. The first time I went we took a helicopter to the Mendenhall Glacier and were able to walk around on the glacier, I will forever remember that.

scrapbooklady

Hubby & I have only been on 2 cruises. One with Carnival and one with Celebrity. On both we were allowed to bring whatever food and drink we wanted. I brought some sodas because I only drink one per day and if they let me bring them, well I knew that would be cheaper! They allowed one bottle of wine per person but no beer or hard liquor. We went with another couple so that was 4 bottles of wine and was enough for us! They did check all the bags to see how much and what alcohol everyone brought.

I highly recommend the balcony. We spent a lot of time out there and it was so nice to have privacy and sit and chat and relax. We ordered room service a few times(at no charge!) and had breakfast out there a few times.

The rest of your spending would depend on how much casino money you need, land excursions, alcohol (which yes can add up quickly- they REALLY push the alcohol on cruises, constantly offering it to you at the pool, etc), shopping and photos. They have photographers on the ship and take pictures at meals and they have studio sessions set up around the ship, Their photos are ridiculously priced in my opinion especially since most people don't even do anything with them once they get them home. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and want to buy every single photo. The tipping should not come as a surprise, they do charge a flat fee per person per day but we were more than happy to pay it (and add more to it in fact!) as our service was always exceptional.

Have a great time! I've never been to Alaska but heard it is amazing!

lavaughan69

We've just signed on for our first family cruise out of New Orleans. We decided to purchase the alcohol package at 49.99 a day per person. That gives us 15 drinks a day. I didn't want to bother with smuggling and mixing drinks in my room, I wanted the freedom to stop at the many bars and try the variety of drinks offered. The drinks run around 6-9$ each so I only need to drink 6-8 drinks to break even...not a problem for me :-)

We are allowed to bring a bottle each of wine on our carry-on luggage so I will be doing this as well. I have to look it up, but I think you can bring some pop and bottled water in your carry-on as well. I will be buying the pop package for the kids.

I won't be logging my food on this vacation!!!

alliemarie77

My husband and I went on a 7 day Carribean. Our first one EVER last Spring! We are going on another this coming Summer!!

We did not buy the drink special! We bought sodas in port and took them on the ship, so we never paid for a soda on the ship.

Then we bought a couple bottles of booze in port and took them on board in a bag. They told my husband to take the bag to the table, but instead he turned down the hall and got on the elevator. No one said anything to us. So we got to drink without paying the ships prices.

Luggage: We each took our own carry on bag. Take Tylenol, and motion sickness medication in your carry on. That way you will have something on hand. Those medications can get pricey at the medic. It is 90 dollars to be be seen and then Dr's fee's for testing, and medication will be added on.

We packed one large suitcase together, and each had a smaller one. I think the rule is 6 pieces of luggage though. You can check cruise critic. Pack extra bags!! You will need bags to carry you souvenirs home in.

Most importantly!! Relax and have a wonderful time!!

I took things like duct tape in case the drawers wouldn't stay closed, and a power strip for extra plugins. We didn't need any of that!
Since it was our first cruise, and we were supposed to go with friends that cancelled on us last minute, we stayed in an ocean view room. It was awesome!! I sat in the window a lot! Next time depending on the number in our group I may get a balcony.

Have a great time!

Reevsie123

We are booked in the QM2 in November.
Cunard do not have a maximum luggage allowance just no single case over 22 kg
You can pay for tips up front which we find better than keep faffing around with tipping, they also do a drinks package, you need to be a serious drinker to get your money's worth. We don't drink that much so the cost of drink is not something that bothers us too much we have always found drinks comparable with London pub prices so not too bad.
We have booked a balcony state room, it is worth it especially on summer destinations, just be careful which level your on because some look straight into the side of a lifeboat !
You can view your account via the tv in your room.
Have a great trip whatever you decide

ElliottTN

Booze...seriously. Out bar bill by the end of the trip was 3x the total cost of the cruise tickets the first time we took a cruise. I know it sounds juvenile but we learned for the next time to sneak alcohol on board with us. Vodka or rum goes in water bottles and neatly placed back into the case so it looks like it never was open. Whiskey goes pre-mixed in coke and re-sealed. Buy a drink every once in awhile as purchase a beverage card on ship (basically one price for cokes/sprites/whatever during your trip instead of paying as you go)

You won't spend too much time in your cabin either and they all kinda suck unless you are dropping some serious cash.

fleetzz

Been on over 12 cruises, one on the Oosterdam 7 years ago, and the rest on the Disney ships (every one).



What should you bring.. What are the hidden cost.. Is a balcony room that much better... --

Lots of hidden costs depending on the cruise line---alcohol, starbucks like drinks, sodas, spa treatments, shore excursions, purchases, tips, taxes.

Balcony is better if you like quiet - on the disney ships there is music blaring everywhere. If you don't care then you don't need a balcony unless there is a scenic area for miles that you want to sit and relax and enjoy (i.e. the Alaskan cruises a balcony is a must). Otherwise you really don't spend much time in your room.



What food or alcohol can you bring?
--depends on the cruise line. On Disney you can bring anything you want, but alcohol has to be carried on board your carry on luggage. Any you purchase on the ship or during a shore excursion is held for you for when you disembark at the last port.

How much luggage can you bring?
--Lots, your entire wardrobe if you want. There is no place to put it though. Don't pack much and you can walk around your stateroom. Bring lots of suitcases onboard and you won't. Limits depend on the line.


What is amount of spending money you advise to bring besides casino money?
--I bring credit cards and everything on board the ship is charged to the room. I don't bring much cash except to tip the longshoremen and cab drivers.



Anyone been on a cruise from California to Alaska ? If so what was it like?
--been on two from Vancouver to Alaska, does that count? Cold, beautiful, rainy. Saw great wildlife. Next time we go I want to do one of the shore excursions in Skagway where a train takes you to the top of the mountain, then there is a 5 mile hike, then we ride bikes down the mountain. Did helicopter and plane rides in Juneau, dogsledding (cold!!), horseback rides, zip lining. It was great! Remember to bring good binoculars and a really good camera. Forgot both on the last trip and regretted it.


Actually what were your experience on cruises? Please tell cruise name, what type room and all the hidden fees:)
--I love them. Too many cruises to list. Mostly rooms with Verandas, once had a concierge room which was just "wow"! No real hidden fees--but please tip the hostess, stateroom host, waiters, etc, as they get paid next to nothing, rely on tips, and generally are supporting family back home. What you may come up with are taxes, don't know if they are included on your cruise ticket.



Things I do regularly:
Limit what I bring on board, there is limited storage and closet space. Bring a surge suppressor with multiple outlets so I can plug in all of my chargers. Bring headphones, and a white noise app. Bring an empty luggage bag or bags for souvenirs because I always come home with more than I leave with. Bring duct tape, address labels (for last day of cruise, when they take our luggage to deliver for us on dock the next morning), put passports and wallets plus keys in the safe in the room immediately upon arrival, bring something to hold my stateroom key because they don't always provide a lanyard and women's clothes don't have pockets the majority of the time.
I don't bring shampoo--they have that and soap.




Thank you
--You are welcome, have a great time!

spearfox

I've sailed Royal Caribbean and Carnival over the years.
Planning a Hawaii or Western Caribbean cruise for next year.

There are plans on some cruises to have the tips already accounted for.
There are also the soda and alcohol plans available. Sometimes the drink plans drop in price the second day of the cruise.
There are plenty of free things on board but there are MANY upgrades that will cost. Choose wisely.

Every cruise I have been on so far there are drinks in the room. CHECK THE PRICE SHEET WITH THESE DRINKS!
They are typically charged to your room based on what is used and are expensive. Some people don't look, just grab and then get charged for it. We have always had the drink cards which was unlimited refills at the many drink stations around the ship.
My teens used them frequently.

Room service food can be had most anytime. You will have to check your individual ship for what is free, what is charged and times of service.
Ice cream and pizza could be found 24 hours a day in one certain "cafeteria" type area.

Typically there is a gym and it will cost to get into it.
I used a free track to run and met several other people running and doing body weight exercises. Normally around sunrise.
Bring your camera if you run on deck at sunrise. It is a spectacular sight and a rather inspiring run.

There are typically one or two "formal nights" in a designated dining room. The cruise would "threaten" to not serve under dressed patrons. The reality is that under dressed people still showed up and were served. It's fun to dress nice for an evening or two.

Shore excursions can be pricey. It's also a kind of cattle call. Transportation and times are normally handled very well since these places are in with the cruise companies.
You can also do your research and find your own excursions to do. Possibly even cheaper. You have to be mindful of your times and transportation to get back on ship before it departs port.
I've done excursions with Mayan pyramids, swimming with dolphins, submarine rides, snorkeling and snuba.
We have also done on our own on-shore exploring, shopping, snorkeling, drinking and eating.

Check with cruise message boards and tripadvisor.com for more detailed info.
Google is your friend.

melaniecheeks

I think if you looked on cruise critic.com or similar forums you'd get more answers.

Schatze1975

I've been on 4 cruises (certainly not a veteran).

Biggest "hidden" cost is booze. It's ridiculously expensive, imo.

I've sailed on Princess (2), Norwegian (1), and Royal Caribbean (1). None of them allow you to bring alcohol on board. But...what we've done on all of our cruises is buy some the night before (we always arrive in our port city at least one day in advance) and buy whatever booze we want. Then we buy water bottles and fill them with vodka or white rum and buy ginger ale and fill those bottles with dark rum. We put these in plastic bags in our luggage and have never had an issue. Every(?) cruise we've been on offers an unlimited Pepsi/Coke pass for like $50 for the week. Sure you have to go back to your room for every refill but it beats $18 for a "double" rum and coke.

It depends on the cruise line (and duration?) but I think you are allowed a certain number of bags but I can't remember. My wife and I have always packed one big suitcase each along with a carry-on type sized bag.

It depends on where you are going. Everything on board can be charged right to your account which is very convenient but it can add up in a hurry. We always bring cash to tip our head waiter (if we do assigned-time dining) and cabin steward. Almost everything done at ports of call can be done with credit (it's 2013....) but there might be some local mom and pop places that don't take plastic - again, it depends where you are going, what you want to buy, etc.

Alaska is absolutely magnificent. I would highly recommend either a balcony or a mini-suite room for Alaska, especially if you are going to stay on the ship (as opposed to doing an excursion) during the scenic cruising through the glaciers. We've only done balcony rooms and it's worth it, imo. On our last cruise we were upgraded to a mini-suite for free. The extra room was really nice and my wife said she's not sure if she would go back to a balcony again.

The excursions in Alaska are relatively pricey compared to Caribbean excursions but they are well worth it. I went on a 4 hour salmon fishing trip while wifey did a high ropes course, we did a glacier excursion where we got on a smaller boat and zoomed in front of the cruse ship and got much closer to the glaciers than the cruise ship, and we did the White Pass railway tour. All of them exceeded our expectations and are memories that neither of us will ever forget.

Alcohol idea is awesome!

Schatze1975

Booze...seriously. Out bar bill by the end of the trip was 3x the total cost of the cruise tickets the first time we took a cruise. I know it sounds juvenile but we learned for the next time to sneak alcohol on board with us. Vodka or rum goes in water bottles and neatly placed back into the case so it looks like it never was open. Whiskey goes pre-mixed in coke and re-sealed. Buy a drink every once in awhile as purchase a beverage card on ship (basically one price for cokes/sprites/whatever during your trip instead of paying as you go)

You won't spend too much time in your cabin either and they all kinda suck unless you are dropping some serious cash.

I'll be doing the alcohol thing for sure!

Schatze1975

I've sailed Royal Caribbean and Carnival over the years.
Planning a Hawaii or Western Caribbean cruise for next year.

There are plans on some cruises to have the tips already accounted for.
There are also the soda and alcohol plans available. Sometimes the drink plans drop in price the second day of the cruise.
There are plenty of free things on board but there are MANY upgrades that will cost. Choose wisely.

Every cruise I have been on so far there are drinks in the room. CHECK THE PRICE SHEET WITH THESE DRINKS!
They are typically charged to your room based on what is used and are expensive. Some people don't look, just grab and then get charged for it. We have always had the drink cards which was unlimited refills at the many drink stations around the ship.
My teens used them frequently.

Room service food can be had most anytime. You will have to check your individual ship for what is free, what is charged and times of service.
Ice cream and pizza could be found 24 hours a day in one certain "cafeteria" type area.

Typically there is a gym and it will cost to get into it.
I used a free track to run and met several other people running and doing body weight exercises. Normally around sunrise.
Bring your camera if you run on deck at sunrise. It is a spectacular sight and a rather inspiring run.

There are typically one or two "formal nights" in a designated dining room. The cruise would "threaten" to not serve under dressed patrons. The reality is that under dressed people still showed up and were served. It's fun to dress nice for an evening or two.

Shore excursions can be pricey. It's also a kind of cattle call. Transportation and times are normally handled very well since these places are in with the cruise companies.
You can also do your research and find your own excursions to do. Possibly even cheaper. You have to be mindful of your times and transportation to get back on ship before it departs port.
I've done excursions with Mayan pyramids, swimming with dolphins, submarine rides, snorkeling and snuba.
We have also done on our own on-shore exploring, shopping, snorkeling, drinking and eating.

Check with cruise message boards and tripadvisor.com for more detailed info.
Google is your friend.

There is no mandatory excursion .. I mean you can stay on ship and relax. I hope. Gosh I can see where these trips add up fast!

Schatze1975

We've just signed on for our first family cruise out of New Orleans. We decided to purchase the alcohol package at 49.99 a day per person. That gives us 15 drinks a day. I didn't want to bother with smuggling and mixing drinks in my room, I wanted the freedom to stop at the many bars and try the variety of drinks offered. The drinks run around 6-9$ each so I only need to drink 6-8 drinks to break even...not a problem for me :-)

We are allowed to bring a bottle each of wine on our carry-on luggage so I will be doing this as well. I have to look it up, but I think you can bring some pop and bottled water in your carry-on as well. I will be buying the pop package for the kids.

I won't be logging my food on this vacation!!!

Lol I won't be logging mine either!

links_slayer

There is no mandatory excursion .. I mean you can stay on ship and relax. I hope. Gosh I can see where these trips add up fast!

Correct. This is what my grandparents used to do after they'd done dozens of cruises. They had seen everything they wanted to see at all the ports in the Caribbean so they just stayed on the ship when it was at port. The pools areas, dining areas, and lounges are (usually) MUCH less crowded since lots of people decide to get off the ship to do whatever.

benjicloverdale

bump