Cost of cruise extras

K

Kathysum

Guest
As a first time cruiser here doing the Alaska cruise on the Diamond Princess 7/10/04, I have nightmares worrying about the bill the last day of the cruise. I have visions of them asking us to swab the deck! LOL

How much should we be prepared to pay at cruise end? Considering we are non-drinkers, and don't do the casino scene, what might our check-out bill be like?

I am aware of the 10% per day gratuity, the cost of our shore excursions, internet access, spa fees, specialty coffees, Hagen Daz Ice Cream, surcharges for some restaurants, soda stickers, etc. I guess I am just curious if anyone was caught unawares at the end by anything.

We are traveling with teens and I have been made aware of the arcade costs as well.

My husband is the pay-cash-for-everything type, so we will be using our bank card to pay for everything. I am just trying to figure out how much we need to prepare for.

Your experience is invaluable.

Thanks for all your help!

Kathy
 
P

PEB

Guest
The gratuity is $10.00 per day not 10%. A 15% gratuity is added to beverages. The gratuity is already included in a soda sticker.

What you spend depends on your spending habits and it is hard for someone else to tell you how much money you need. You will be given a receipt for everything you purchase onboard the ship. I would suggest that you figure out what you are willing to spend and can afford to spend and keep within your budget.

I would also suggest you check your account during your cruise. If the bill is getting to high than you know to ease up on the spending. You can check your bill at the pursers desk as often as you like.
 
R

runner15km

Guest
You can check your balance on your sign&sail card each day via your interactive tv or stop buy the pursar's desk and ask for a update.
 
C

Cruise cutie

Guest
DH and I average at the end of the cuise approx $100.00/ day..we do some onboard shopping...cruise line t-shirts,loose gemstones for my Uncle the jeweler to set..:grin..etc...we are light drinkers,some ship excursions.etc..we do go to the casino,but cash there,tips for staff etc..that's just a ball park average for us and we usually are low at that and don't go over by any means..DH drinks soda and we buy him the soda sticker..basically we cruise fairly cheap..good luck..:)..Joanne
 
C

cruiser56

Guest
If using your debit card, it is not a pay as you go. The cruise lines freezes a certain amount of money to be sure there is money at the end to cover all of your charges.
This can be a problem, if you plan to use the debit card for other purchases. Your
balance has to be completely off the books before they free up their designated hold
on your funds. I am not sure what that exact amount is but I am sure other travelers
would know. If paying with credit card, best to take two with you, one to pay for the on board costs and the other to take on shore for shopping and such.

Cruiser56
 
K

Kathysum

Guest
Thanks everyone for all the information.

I certainly didn't know that about debit cards. I will call Princess and see what information they can give me regarding the hold amount.

Thanks again!

Kathy
 
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