Additional upcharge items

TinkSassy

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 16, 2009
Messages
1,109
Hi all! I am looking at my first Disney cruise. I have only done one other cruise many years ago with another line. I had a hard time with all the add ons on that ship (seemed like anything that was included was in the one smoking lounge and soooo many simple activities had a fee - ugh). I have already been encouraged by the research I’ve done but curious on the daily activities- looking at some of the old Navigators that people have posted there are some basic yoga and stretching classes, crafts, etc only seeing a few items that say (nom fee) behind them. Does that mean all these classes are actually included? Sorry but I was shocked on my last cruise and want to be sure I have correct expectations. (I expect to pay to signature dining, alcohol, shore excursions, spa services, etc - I understand not everything is included).
 
Hi all! I am looking at my first Disney cruise. I have only done one other cruise many years ago with another line. I had a hard time with all the add ons on that ship (seemed like anything that was included was in the one smoking lounge and soooo many simple activities had a fee - ugh). I have already been encouraged by the research I’ve done but curious on the daily activities- looking at some of the old Navigators that people have posted there are some basic yoga and stretching classes, crafts, etc only seeing a few items that say (nom fee) behind them. Does that mean all these classes are actually included? Sorry but I was shocked on my last cruise and want to be sure I have correct expectations. (I expect to pay to signature dining, alcohol, shore excursions, spa services, etc - I understand not everything is included).
When are you going? Christmas has a few $ crafts. But can’t think of any otherwise.
Princess meet and greet $$ lunch is a cost. You CAN $$ upgrade a dinner but no kids. Fancy hair and princess dress $$ optional. All Mixed drinks $ no packaging. (Beer or wine available for a package)
 
You have to pay for bingo cards if you do bingo.

I colored with supplied coloring sheets and markers, towel folding class, tried to make a 3d paper Chip and Dale on my cruise- all free.

They do animation classes where you learn to draw a character that’s free. There’s a Princess meet and greet that’s free but you have to book it when you do your online check in- Royal Gathering. You get 3 -4 Princesses in the atrium

Don’t miss Jack Jack Diaper Dash - it’s baby racing and very hysterical.

Food wise - stuff like specialty coffee/smoothies are upcharge but coffee bar depending on your ship will have a selection of pastries/treats that are free. The soft serve on pool deck is free but stuff like Dole whips aren’t. The concession stand by theaters have popcorn and snacks for a fee.

Room service is free. You can get Mickey ice cream bars via room service.
 
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Popcorn, canned beverages (water, etc), candy, sweet treats in the candy shop.

Other items- Spa, Excursions, Bingo, Photos, Character Tea (or Picnic depending on ship), BBB, Salon, Group Fitness classes & Personal training, drink tastings, alcohol, smoothies, speciality coffees, adult extra dining, gratuities (if not prepaid and add in extra for porters, room service, and maybe additional for your team), and shopping
 
You get regular drinks- soda, ice tea, regular coffee included at your meals and there’s drink stations up on the pool deck. Bring a big tumbler that you can use instead of the supplied little cups.
 
Actually, if you're going to use your own mug, they would prefer that you use a clean disposible cup to fill your mug to lower the spread of germs.
If you order soda from a bar or from room service, there is a charge. Bar purchases have an automatic 18% gratuitity added.

Don't be afraid ask onboard if there's a charge for something. They are happy to explain.
 
These are all the things which are an optional extra charge on Disney cruise. Everything else listed on the personal navigators / daily plans are free.
  1. Spa Treatments
  2. One to One Personal Training in the gym
  3. Rainforest Room in the Spa
  4. Alcohol in Bars and Restaurants
  5. Alcohol Tasting Classes
  6. Adult Specialty Dining = Palo and Remy
  7. Bingo
  8. Shops
  9. Packaged Snacks like Popcorn at Preludes
  10. Packaged Snacks like M&Ms on Room Service
  11. Canned Drinks like Coke on Room Service
  12. Bottled Water / Canned Water on Room Service
  13. Royal Court Tea with Princesses
  14. Coffee in Cove Cafe and Vista Cafe
  15. Popcorn Buckets
  16. Drink of the Day Souvenir Glass
  17. Beer Souvenir Mug
  18. Souvenir Drinks Sippers
  19. All items , ice-cream, snacks in Vanellope's Sweets and Treats
  20. Soda like Coke from Bars
  21. Its A Small World Nursery
  22. Art Purchases
  23. Internet Packages
  24. Hair and Nail Salon
  25. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
  26. Photo Packages and Individual Photos
  27. Disney Port Excursions
  28. Disney Transport to and from the cruise
There are also things before the cruise you can buy and have delivered to your room on embarkation day
  • Bottled / Canned Water
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Room Decorations
  • Spa Robes
  • Cakes
  • Flowers
  • Merchandise
 
You can bring either 2 bottles of wine or a 6 pack if beer onto the ship, at every port, if you want. On a one week cruise I only spent around $100 - a couple things from the shop, a fancy coffee or two, and some gelato. You can have a really nice time without spending too much extra - depends on what you want to do. I am always entertained just watching people, walking a couple loops on Deck 4, and being unplugged.

You can pay for WiFi but it’s not cheap. What’s App and iMessage work well for a lot of people, without buying a Wifi package.
 
Bottom line, yes, they’re included in your cruise fare. Unless, as you noticed, if “(nom. fee)” is listed.

IMG_8670.jpeg

Although BINGO costs to play, you can go to the venue and watch it for “entertainment.”

Ticketed events, usually with a $ charge (Tastings and Royal Tea Party) may not show up on the Navigator.

It is possible to do a Disney cruise with little to no extra stated cost (other than gratuities).

I go to the movie theater, watch the shows (and no reservations required for either!) Eat at a pre-set time and place without standing in line (arrive on time, not early), drink all the soda I care to, play trivia, decorate a sling bag (not always the craft project), enjoy Pirate fireworks, enjoy the happiness of children meeting characters for photos, smile when I see characters moving about the ship. Late night FunnelVision (Jumbotron) movies on the pool while eating pizza and French Fries. There’s live music in various lounges. On 7+ night cruises, there is a Captain’s Cocktail Reception before both dinner seatings (you can go to both; it’s in the atrium and free for all). Use if the gym and equipment is free. As are the gym locker rooms - with sauna and larger showers, without needing a spa treatment or sweating on the treadmill. Walking on deck and enjoying sunsets. Waking up unusually early, catching sunrise over tropical islands. Ordering Mickey Bars and Uncrustables (those are great for excursions, as they are packaged) from Room Service.

At Bad Tink probably listed all those. I just started remembering what I actually do on a cruise. And realizing I really only do the included stuff. And don’t feel I am missing anything.

(Edit: get off the ship at ports. You should be able to walk around the port area. If it’s an industrial working port, they should transport you to an area where you can shop and/or see the area. Nassau has a new enclosed port area available to all cruise ships.)
 
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Bottom line, yes, they’re included in your cruise fare. Unless, as you noticed, if “(nom. fee)” is listed.

View attachment 899015

Although BINGO costs to play, you can go to the venue and watch it for “entertainment.”

Ticketed events, usually with a $ charge (Tastings and Royal Tea Party) may not show up on the Navigator.

It is possible to do a Disney cruise with little to no extra stated cost (other than gratuities).

I go to the movie theater, watch the shows (and no reservations required for either!) Eat at a pre-set time and place without standing in line (arrive on time, not early), drink all the soda I care to, play trivia, decorate a sling bag (not always the craft project), enjoy Pirate fireworks, enjoy the happiness of children meeting characters for photos, smile when I see characters moving about the ship. Late night FunnelVision (Jumbotron) movies on the pool while eating pizza and French Fries. There’s live music in various lounges. On 7+ night cruises, there is a Captain’s Cocktail Reception before both dinner seatings (you can go to both; it’s in the atrium and free for all). Use if the gym and equipment is free. As are the gym locker rooms - with sauna and larger showers, without needing a spa treatment or sweating on the treadmill. Walking on deck and enjoying sunsets. Waking up unusually early, catching sunrise over tropical islands. Ordering Mickey Bars and Uncrustables (those are great for excursions, as they are packaged) from Room Service.

At Bad Tink probably listed all those. I just started remembering what I actually do on a cruise. And realizing I really only do the included stuff. And don’t feel I am missing anything.

(Edit: get off the ship at ports. You should be able to walk around the port area. If it’s an industrial working port, they should transport you to an area where you can shop and/or see the area. Nassau has a new enclosed port area available to all cruise ships.)
I agree. Doing only the free stuff is still a lovely cruise. You can choose to spend very little or a LOT.
 
But I CAN spend $$ on excursions! We all have our weaknesses.

And I have cruised a lot, so my concept may not be realistic for a newer cruiser. For someone imitating my cruise experience as listed above, I stand by it. ☺️
 
We've only cruised DCL and don't regard it as expensive when it includes shows every night, fireworks, pirates party, adult events in the lounges later at night, soda, room service and allows us to bring on beer, wine and spring water beverages. The most expensive item is the placeholder for our next cruise.
 
Bottom line, yes, they’re included in your cruise fare. Unless, as you noticed, if “(nom. fee)” is listed.

View attachment 899015

Although BINGO costs to play, you can go to the venue and watch it for “entertainment.”

Ticketed events, usually with a $ charge (Tastings and Royal Tea Party) may not show up on the Navigator.

It is possible to do a Disney cruise with little to no extra stated cost (other than gratuities).

I go to the movie theater, watch the shows (and no reservations required for either!) Eat at a pre-set time and place without standing in line (arrive on time, not early), drink all the soda I care to, play trivia, decorate a sling bag (not always the craft project), enjoy Pirate fireworks, enjoy the happiness of children meeting characters for photos, smile when I see characters moving about the ship. Late night FunnelVision (Jumbotron) movies on the pool while eating pizza and French Fries. There’s live music in various lounges. On 7+ night cruises, there is a Captain’s Cocktail Reception before both dinner seatings (you can go to both; it’s in the atrium and free for all). Use if the gym and equipment is free. As are the gym locker rooms - with sauna and larger showers, without needing a spa treatment or sweating on the treadmill. Walking on deck and enjoying sunsets. Waking up unusually early, catching sunrise over tropical islands. Ordering Mickey Bars and Uncrustables (those are great for excursions, as they are packaged) from Room Service.

At Bad Tink probably listed all those. I just started remembering what I actually do on a cruise. And realizing I really only do the included stuff. And don’t feel I am missing anything.

(Edit: get off the ship at ports. You should be able to walk around the port area. If it’s an industrial working port, they should transport you to an area where you can shop and/or see the area. Nassau has a new enclosed port area available to all cruise ships.)

Does the gym area have have a steam room that's free to use? Or is that only in the Rainforest area? We will be on the Dream.
 
Does the gym area have have a steam room that's free to use? Or is that only in the Rainforest area? We will be on the Dream.
Yes, there is a small steam room in the women's (and I would guess the men's, though I haven't seen it) locker room. The locker rooms are accessible to all adult guests at no additional cost.
 


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