Originally Posted by
pinniped
- One big thing we want to avoid is nickel-and-diming once we're on board. We don't need ultrapremium liquor or a 5-star dinner every night, but I don't want to be relegated to Miller Lite, cheap wine, and buffet food either. Some of the references to drink credits or numbers of meals permitted in certain restaurants leads me to believe that some ships lure you in with low rates and then every is extra onboard. I'd probably pay a higher base rate and accept a 1-2 day shorter cruise to have a more truly all-inclusive price.
Let's be real: it's not nickel-and-diming if you prepare/budget pre-cruise for expected on-board costs.
I think the biggest source of "nickel-and-diming" will be with drinks. Many cruise blogs have done break-even analyses on adult drink packages. In short, you're going to have to drink. A lot. Like 7-8 drinks a day (beer, wine, cocktails). If you're up for the challenge, then by all means go nuts with it. My recommendation is that you either pre-purchase a drink package (sometimes there are discounts if you purchase in advance), or simply budget that amount (don't forget to add 18% to the cost) per person in your cost calculations. If you drink less, you've saved some money. Soda packages for kids are also pricey, but break-even is a bit lower. Another warning: espresso-based coffees like lattes and cappuccinos also cost extra and may or may not be included with drink packages. High-end cruiselines typically include everything listed in this paragraph in the base fare except maybe very high-end liquors and wines.
Would any of the ladies want to go to the spa? You can find the pricelist on the cruiseline's website. Maybe budget for each adult female to have one or two spa treatments. No high-end cruiseline I'm aware of includes spa services.
Buffet food is good for a quick breakfast or lunch, especially on port days. If you want a slightly better (and more relaxing) meal, then eat in the main dining room for breakfast or lunch. Almost all cruiselines have "specialty restaurants" where they serve more upscale meals compared to the dining room. Again, it won't be 5-star, but it will be better food. The typical upcharge is $25/person. Whether you want to bring the kids is another question. If you don't, then feed them at the buffet then drop them off at the kid's club before heading to dinner. If you so choose, budget one or two nights in a specialty restaurant. Some mainstream cruiselines also have other specialty restaurants such as Johnny Rocket's--smaller upcharge. High-end cruiselines don't have specialty restaurants because, hey, you're paying good money for good food.
If you do room service, you are expected to tip the server a few dollars upon delivery. Probably n/a on high-end cruiselines.
Since this will be a large family affair, perhaps you want to take family pictures on-board? Photographers will be around especially before dinner. Some will even have prepared backdrops. It's always free to get your picture taken; naturally, it costs money to buy them. Not sure of prices. I'm sure high-end cruiselines also have photographers, but unsure if they charge extra (they probably do).
Casino. 'nuff said.
Gift shop and on-board duty free. 'nuff said.
You can also budget for shore excursions by looking up prices on-line. Heck, you can even budget for per-person taxi fares at each port--there is plenty of information available on-line, especially on Cruise Critic.
Edited to add: already mentioned, but don't forget to budget for gratuities. High-end cruiselines incorporate gratuities into the base fare; and the employees are not allowed to accept cash from guests (at least, officially).