Diamond Princess fees not covered in cost of Cruise ??

K

Kathysum

Guest
I am hoping to gather as much advance info on fees not included in the initial cost of the cruise - so I will know just how much money we will need to have available for check-out time at cruise end.

This is crucial for us as my husband does not believe in credit cards and the only card we will have is our bank card. To make matters worse we are traveling with a family group of 13 and will have our 4 teens spread out between 6 cabins - I have made it clear that any use of the cruise card other than meals will have to be ok'd by their Dad or I.

So far I know that a $10.00 gratuity will be charged per day per passenger. I know that our shore excursions fees are extra and the there is the $20.00 fee for the soda sticker and refillable cup for a week of soft drinks. I am also aware of the fees for group photos, boutiques, spas, internet access, extra fees for Sabatini's and Sterling restaurants, and satelite phone call fees.

What are other costs are there?

Is there cost of the teen arcade games?

Is there a charge for the entertainment and ship board movies?

I am just trying to get a handle on how much to plan for. I have night mares about us having to swab the deck! LOL

I was disappointed in the lack of information on the subject in the pre-cruise packet we received from Princess.

Anything you could tell me would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Kathy
 
B

Beryl

Guest
Bingo, Haagen Daz Ice Cream, any photos taken by the ship's photographer that you choose to purchase, the extra tips that you give your server if you order room service as well as tips you give to tour guides, cappuccino and other special coffees are a few that come immediately to mind.

I think most folks also extend a tip to their servers in the restaurants that have an extra fee. I have read that they do not share in the pooled tips but don't know if that is accurate or not.

Hope this helps.
 
K

Kathysum

Guest
Thanks Beryl and "Q"!

I thought of another question.

On the cruise personalizer - it asks whether you want a bath robe to use for the week. It does not specify a cost for this service.

It this extra?

I noticed you can purchase one to take home in the gift section of the Princess Cruise Answer Book.

Thanks again,

Kathy
 
C

Capt Data

Guest
Any alcoholic drinks, wine, beer, the tip is added automatically. Some gym classes. They do have free ice cream in the Horizon Court in the afternoon.
 
B

Beryl

Guest
No extra charge for the use of the bathrobe for the duration of the cruise. Sometimes it isn't in the cabin when you arrive....if that's the case just ask your room steward. He will be happy to supply you with a bowl of fresh fruit as well. Just ask for it to be replenished as needed.

edited to add...There is a charge for bottled water as well!



Post Edited (05-12-04 21:58)
 
D

dalwhitt

Guest
I can appreciate anyone who doesn't use a credit card. They can really get you in trouble.

I have an American Express card that I use all the time for things that I would normally pay cash for, and then pay when the bill is due so there is no interest. I get membership miles for each dollar I spend, and so far I have gotten two free nights at a lovely hotel in Hawaii, two free airline tickets to Hawaii, and discount coupons for rental cars three times. I'm going to use another car rental coupon again when I go to Hawaii in August.

I figure I may as well get something for nothing when I pay my hard earned cash. All it cost me is annual fee for Membership Miles.

But again, anyone who doesn't have a credit card and is able to function, I respect that. Two of our best friends do it that way and they never seem to be short of cash when we go places. They will be on our Adventure of the Seas cruise in July.

Enjoy your cruise ... and it sounds like you are teaching your teens the value of a dollar.
 
C

cruiser56

Guest
Will you be putting cash up front or using a debit card. I found out when you use a debit card they tie up your bank account with enough money, estimated to cover your charges and that money is not released for a period of time. So you could have cash in your account and not have access to it because it is still tied up with Prnincess.
 
P

Princess Pat

Guest
Star Princess did not have the ice cream treat hour in the afternoon. The Horizon Court Maitre'd said ice cream was only served at night, but we never came upon it.

If you're going to Venice, they add a $10 per person water taxi fee automatically but you can get it removed if you turn in the card as specified.

Pat
 
Top