Help me decide if it's worth it to cruise or not for a graduation

[MMitchell29]

Hello everyone, I have a kid that's graduating from college on May 16th. I asked him what he wants for a graduation present and he mentioned possibly taking a short 4- or 5-day cruise. Now let me just mentioned that he's also a kid that will go with the flow meaning if the cruise is a little too expensive for our budget, he doesn't mind doing something different. We are a family of 4 with another kid that is a freshman in college. We are a dry family with none of us drinking alcohol and limited amounts of soda. We mostly prefer tea, water and juice. I do have a few questions:

When I keep reading about drink packages does mean I have to pay extra for water tea or juice?

I'm also reading about tipping every day, is this a huge added expense? Is that not covered in your fare?

Is it better to go through a travel agent vs booking it yourself even if there is no incentive going through a TA?

I notice most ships have their own private island does that mean you have to pay extra to eat lunch on the island or can you go back to the ship to eat or possibly take snacks off the ship?


My other option if the cruise become too expensive is to drive down go to Universal (We are passholders) then spend a day at a lovely beach and have a nice dinner. Please give me your thoughts

 

[mamapenguin]

Tips are not included in cruise fare they are $18.50 per person per day ( more if you’re in a suite). There is included water, tea and juice from dispensers. Bottled water is not included.

 

[sam_gordon]

Hello everyone, I have a kid that's graduating from college on May 16th. I asked him what he wants for a graduation present and he mentioned possibly taking a short 4- or 5-day cruise. Now let me just mentioned that he's also a kid that will go with the flow meaning if the cruise is a little too expensive for our budget, he doesn't mind doing something different. We are a family of 4 with another kid that is a freshman in college. We are a dry family with none of us drinking alcohol and limited amounts of soda. We mostly prefer tea, water and juice. I do have a few questions:

I'll answer to the best of my knowledge...

When I keep reading about drink packages does mean I have to pay extra for water tea or juice?

Water, coffee, tea (unsweetened), lemonade, milk, and juice (not fresh squeezed) are all free. If you want an occasional soda, mocktail, or alcoholic drink, you can pay for them. Soda's I think are ~$4, beer ~$7-8, mocktails $7-10, cocktail $10-12 (going off memory, but should be close).

I'm also reading about tipping every day, is this a huge added expense? Is that not covered in your fare?

It is not included in the base fare, but can be paid before you board (we do so as not to worry about it). If you're not in a suite, the "suggested"* tip amount is $18.50/passenger/day. If you're in a suite it's $21pppd. Some do this AND give additional cash to some staff (usually room steward and head/assistant waiters).

If you don't pay this in advance, your onboard account will be charged this daily UNLESS you go to guest services and ask them to remove the tips. Some people do this and simply give cash (however much they feel is appropriate) to who they feel is appropriate. Some do this and don't tip at all.

Is it better to go through a travel agent vs booking it yourself even if there is no incentive going through a TA?

We have always (not that we've done a lot of cruising) gone through a TA, simply for the benefits. Often they can get a lower rate or provide on board credit. I would not use a TA that had no incentive for using them.

I notice most ships have their own private island does that mean you have to pay extra to eat lunch on the island or can you go back to the ship to eat or possibly take snacks off the ship?

No. The lunches on the private islands (there are two, but I don't think they've resumed going to Labadee, Haiti yet) are complimentary (and all you can eat). I'm not sure on taking snacks off the ship on the private islands. At some ports you're only allowed to bring pre-packaged snacks.

My other option if the cruise become too expensive is to drive down go to Universal (We are passholders) then spend a day at a lovely beach and have a nice dinner. Please give me your thoughts

Are your boys "active"? Do they make friends fairly easily? There's a lot to do on the ship (at least Freedom Class and above), or, of course you can do nothing. They'll be too old for the kids club, but there's "open play" of many sports (basketball, soccer, pickleball, water & land volleyball, etc), trivia, shows, movies, etc.

As you're worried about budget, don't forget about the following:
* A hotel the night before the cruise (assuming you're flying and not within easy driving distance of the port)
* Any excursions you might want to participate in at ports. Royal will offer their own, but they're generally more expensive. We've done private excursions for less, and had smaller "groups" to be in. Excursion cost can be anywhere from $30pp - $200+pp.
* There are extra "pay" activities on the ship (a cupcake class immediately comes to mind).
* Do you want one room or two? You and spouse can be in a balcony/ocean view and kids can be across the hall in an interior. If your oldest is 21, you can put them on deck 2 and you and spouse on deck 10. lol

You're going to have to price out a cruise compared to Universal. If you're talking about May '26, I suggest doing so quickly.

 

[Travel60]

You can easily do a cruise without spending anything more than the fare and the tips. Please don't skip in tips, these folks work for practically nothing, are away from their families for months on end, and send most of what they make back home.

For a short cruise, skip excursions or just get off the ship and walk around to explore (depending on port - some may not be safe). You don't drink alcohol so no cost there - maybe buy the graduate a special "drink of the day" (NA) once as a special treat.

There will be more food than you can eat. All part of the fare.

 

[MMitchell29]

Tips are not included in cruise fare they are $18.50 per person per day ( more if you’re in a suite). There is included water, tea and juice from dispensers. Bottled water is not included.

Thank you kindly but do I bring my own cup for tea and juice or do they provide them?

 

[hardcorestitch]

Hello everyone, I have a kid that's graduating from college on May 16th. I asked him what he wants for a graduation present and he mentioned possibly taking a short 4- or 5-day cruise. Now let me just mentioned that he's also a kid that will go with the flow meaning if the cruise is a little too expensive for our budget, he doesn't mind doing something different. We are a family of 4 with another kid that is a freshman in college. We are a dry family with none of us drinking alcohol and limited amounts of soda. We mostly prefer tea, water and juice. I do have a few questions:

When I keep reading about drink packages does mean I have to pay extra for water tea or juice?

I'm also reading about tipping every day, is this a huge added expense? Is that not covered in your fare?

Is it better to go through a travel agent vs booking it yourself even if there is no incentive going through a TA?

I notice most ships have their own private island does that mean you have to pay extra to eat lunch on the island or can you go back to the ship to eat or possibly take snacks off the ship?


My other option if the cruise become too expensive is to drive down go to Universal (We are passholders) then spend a day at a lovely beach and have a nice dinner. Please give me your thoughts

If you’re considering a Disney cruise, you won’t have to pay extra for water, tea, non specialty coffee (ie the Joffrey’s machines) and fountain Coke products… it’s the non specialty drinks (alcoholic or not) and room service cans that they charge you for. Drink packages are the type of things that non-Disney cruises do.

If he wants a cruise… go for a Disney one! He sure won’t regret it. It’s not all princesses and fairy tales… plenty of cool activities on board for all! Some ships’ rotational dining may include Marvel themes too! The newest ship also has a huge heroes and villains theme.

 

[MMitchell29]

I'll answer to the best of my knowledge...

Water, coffee, tea (unsweetened), lemonade, milk, and juice (not fresh squeezed) are all free. If you want an occasional soda, mocktail, or alcoholic drink, you can pay for them. Soda's I think are ~$4, beer ~$7-8, mocktails $7-10, cocktail $10-12 (going off memory, but should be close).

It is not included in the base fare, but can be paid before you board (we do so as not to worry about it). If you're not in a suite, the "suggested"* tip amount is $18.50/passenger/day. If you're in a suite it's $21pppd. Some do this AND give additional cash to some staff (usually room steward and head/assistant waiters).

If you don't pay this in advance, your onboard account will be charged this daily UNLESS you go to guest services and ask them to remove the tips. Some people do this and simply give cash (however much they feel is appropriate) to who they feel is appropriate. Some do this and don't tip at all.

We have always (not that we've done a lot of cruising) gone through a TA, simply for the benefits. Often they can get a lower rate or provide on board credit. I would not use a TA that had no incentive for using them.

No. The lunches on the private islands (there are two, but I don't think they've resumed going to Labadee, Haiti yet) are complimentary (and all you can eat). I'm not sure on taking snacks off the ship on the private islands. At some ports you're only allowed to bring pre-packaged snacks.

Are your boys "active"? Do they make friends fairly easily? There's a lot to do on the ship (at least Freedom Class and above), or, of course you can do nothing. They'll be too old for the kids club, but there's "open play" of many sports (basketball, soccer, pickleball, water & land volleyball, etc), trivia, shows, movies, etc.

As you're worried about budget, don't forget about the following:
* A hotel the night before the cruise (assuming you're flying and not within easy driving distance of the port)
* Any excursions you might want to participate in at ports. Royal will offer their own, but they're generally more expensive. We've done private excursions for less, and had smaller "groups" to be in. Excursion cost can be anywhere from $30pp - $200+pp.
* There are extra "pay" activities on the ship (a cupcake class immediately comes to mind).
* Do you want one room or two? You and spouse can be in a balcony/ocean view and kids can be across the hall in an interior. If your oldest is 21, you can put them on deck 2 and you and spouse on deck 10. lol

You're going to have to price out a cruise compared to Universal. If you're talking about May '26, I suggest doing so quickly.

Thank you so much for this very detailed reply. I truly appreciate it.

So sweet tea is extra? I find that odd

I think i'll do my own tipping. I'll just ask guest services for some envelopes

I was looking at a balcony room for the 4 of us since we're not one to stay in the room all day but I'll compare 2 separate rooms and see if it's about the same price

I think I'll do my own excursions as well once I narrow down the ship and itinerary. I'm looking at the Freedom of the Seas ship but found a great rate for Radiance of the Seas ship.

I'm definitely in the process of looking for a good TA but only if she can get me an incentive or two.

Thank you kindly for all your advice

 

[MMitchell29]

You can easily do a cruise without spending anything more than the fare and the tips. Please don't skip in tips, these folks work for practically nothing, are away from their families for months on end, and send most of what they make back home.

For a short cruise, skip excursions or just get off the ship and walk around to explore (depending on port - some may not be safe). You don't drink alcohol so no cost there - maybe buy the graduate a special "drink of the day" (NA) once as a special treat.

There will be more food than you can eat. All part of the fare.

Thank you kindly, I'll do my own tipping

Do you consider a 5-day cruise short?

 

[sam_gordon]

If you’re considering a Disney cruise, you won’t have to pay extra for water, tea, non specialty coffee (ie the Joffrey’s machines) and fountain Coke products… it’s the non specialty drinks (alcoholic or not) and room service cans that they charge you for. Drink packages are the type of things that non-Disney cruises do.

If he wants a cruise… go for a Disney one! He sure won’t regret it. It’s not all princesses and fairy tales… plenty of cool activities on board for all! Some ships’ rotational dining may include Marvel themes too! The newest ship also has a huge heroes and villains theme.

Just my opinion, but if price is an issue (and it sounds like it is), I don't think Disney is a good choice.

So sweet tea is extra? I find that odd

I'm not sure sweet tea is offered on the ship. It might be, and if so, I'm pretty sure it's would be included. Answering anothe question I forgot to quote, no, you don't need to carry your own cup around. The only folks that need to do that are those who get one of the drink packages and want to take advantage of the Coke Freestyle machines.

I was looking at a balcony room for the 4 of us since we're not one to stay in the room all day but I'll compare 2 separate rooms and see if it's about the same price

It's not just price, but space in the room. If you're thinking "we do fine with four of us in a hotel room", Keep in mind Freedom of the Seas balcony rooms are ~188 square feet. Google says a typical Hampton Inn hotel room is 300-350 sq ft. So a cruise cabin is ~60% the size of a normal hotel room. If your kids were younger, I'd say it's tight but doable, and if it was only three, ok, but I think four will be very crowded.

And if someone is staying out until the bars close down and/or someone is an early sleeper, that could affect things. Just trying to give you things to think about.

I think I'll do my own excursions as well once I narrow down the ship and itinerary. I'm looking at the Freedom of the Seas ship but found a great rate for Radiance of the Seas ship.

I know it's old, but I do have a video from a trip we did on Freedom back in 2014 in my signature.

I'm definitely in the process of looking for a good TA but only if she can get me an incentive or two.

I don't think we can post TA names here, we've used two and both have gotten us hundreds off the cruise fare vs Royal's website. I think Dreams Unlimited will do cruises.

Thank you kindly for all your advice

Glad to help! Ask as many questions as you'd like. I also suggest going to cruise critic forums. They have specific forums for each cruise line and those folks are TRUE experts.

Do you consider a 5-day cruise short?

Five day would be about the shortest I would be willing to do, we've done 6, 7, and 8 day cruises.

 

[Travel60]

Thank you kindly, I'll do my own tipping

Do you consider a 5-day cruise short?

Our first cruise was 5 days and that is the shortest I would do today ... The first day is just getting on board, finding your way around and eating dinner so very short day. I like to have a day or so to enjoy all the ship's venues and activities and read by the pool. A day at a private island and maybe a day in a port. Everyone has different expectations and interests.

 

[MMitchell29]

Just my opinion, but if price is an issue (and it sounds like it is), I don't think Disney is a good choice.

I'm not sure sweet tea is offered on the ship. It might be, and if so, I'm pretty sure it's would be included. Answering anothe question I forgot to quote, no, you don't need to carry your own cup around. The only folks that need to do that are those who get one of the drink packages and want to take advantage of the Coke Freestyle machines.

It's not just price, but space in the room. If you're thinking "we do fine with four of us in a hotel room", Keep in mind Freedom of the Seas balcony rooms are ~188 square feet. Google says a typical Hampton Inn hotel room is 300-350 sq ft. So a cruise cabin is ~60% the size of a normal hotel room. If your kids were younger, I'd say it's tight but doable, and if it was only three, ok, but I think four will be very crowded.

And if someone is staying out until the bars close down and/or someone is an early sleeper, that could affect things. Just trying to give you things to think about.

I know it's old, but I do have a video from a trip we did on Freedom back in 2014 in my signature.

I don't think we can post TA names here, we've used two and both have gotten us hundreds off the cruise fare vs Royal's website. I think Dreams Unlimited will do cruises.

Glad to help! Ask as many questions as you'd like. I also suggest going to cruise critic forums. They have specific forums for each cruise line and those folks are TRUE experts.

Five day would be about the shortest I would be willing to do, we've done 6, 7, and 8 day cruises.

Hi again, don't worry Disney cruise was NEVER on my list or an option. I barely can get them to go to the parks so definitely not dragging them to an expensive cruise at their big age.

I just watched your Freedom of the Seas cruise from 2014 and it was so adorable. Ok I watched it twice but it looked like so much fun.

I tried to watch your 2024 cruise but it's not available

If you would like to pm me one of your TA I wouldn't mind

I will start stalking the cruise critic forum to see what those folks are talking about over there.

Once again Thank you for all your input, it has been extremely helpful. Have a Happy New Year!

 

[sam_gordon]

Hi again, don't worry Disney cruise was NEVER on my list or an option. I barely can get them to go to the parks so definitely not dragging them to an expensive cruise at their big age.

I just watched your Freedom of the Seas cruise from 2014 and it was so adorable. Ok I watched it twice but it looked like so much fun.

I tried to watch your 2024 cruise but it's not available

If you would like to pm me one of your TA I wouldn't mind

I will start stalking the cruise critic forum to see what those folks are talking about over there.

Once again Thank you for all your input, it has been extremely helpful. Have a Happy New Year!

Fixed the 2024 cruise video link. I had uploaded a "version 2", deleted "version 1", but forgot that was the one I linked here. lol

PM'd you the TA info.

ETA: I think I included contact information for the private excursions we went on at the end of the videos. If you can't find them and something seems interesting, let me know.

 

[mamapenguin]

Thank you kindly but do I bring my own cup for tea and juice or do they provide them?

There are cups. If you bring your own cup there are signs that ask you to fill one of their cups and pour it into your personal cup. They don’t want personal cups filled from the spigot.

 

[pjacobi]

Thank you kindly, I'll do my own tipping

"For your convenience", the recommended tips are already added to your bill. You have to specifically remove them if you want a different amount.

Just forget the word "tip" and consider the amount a part of the cruise fair. It's all part of the cruise "game" that you need to learn.


-Paul

 

[MMitchell29]

Fixed the 2024 cruise video link. I had uploaded a "version 2", deleted "version 1", but forgot that was the one I linked here. lol

PM'd you the TA info.

ETA: I think I included contact information for the private excursions we went on at the end of the videos. If you can't find them and something seems interesting, let me know.

Oh my goodness your babies are not babies anymore in your 2024 cruise video. They are still adorable, and I loved the video it also seems like you brought more people.

Thanks for the message I will call Ms. Gibbons on Monday morning in case her office is closed for the holiday.

I believe you guys did a western cruise in 2014 correct? I'll go back and re look at the video for the excursions.

 

[MMitchell29]

There are cups. If you bring your own cup there are signs that ask you to fill one of their cups and pour it into your personal cup. They don’t want personal cups filled from the spigot.

Thanks for this info because I assume the cups are very small so I'll bring my mug

 

[MMitchell29]

"For your convenience", the recommended tips are already added to your bill. You have to specifically remove them if you want a different amount.

Just forget the word "tip" and consider the amount a part of the cruise fair. It's all part of the cruise "game" that you need to learn.


-Paul

I'll "tip" and learn as I please but thanks for your reply

 

[sam_gordon]

Oh my goodness your babies are not babies anymore in your 2024 cruise video. They are still adorable, and I loved the video it also seems like you brought more people.

In 2014, it was just DW, myself and the three kids. 2016 (I didn't do a video for), we allowed older DD (her graduation cruise) to bring a friend. 2022 (DS grad cruise), older DD's fiancé wasn't available, DS brought then GF (now fiancé), and younger DD brought a friend. 2024, older DD had husband, DS had fiancé, and younger DD had a friend.

Thanks for the message I will call Ms. Gibbons on Monday morning in case her office is closed for the holiday.

You can drop my name as a former client who recommended her. I don't know if we'll get anything, or even the next time we're going to cruise, but can't hurt. lol

I believe you guys did a western cruise in 2014 correct? I'll go back and re look at the video for the excursions.

Yes, we also did a western in 2013 for DW & my first cruise. Link to the review (with lots of pictures) is in the signature too.

 

[MMitchell29]

In 2014, it was just DW, myself and the three kids. 2016 (I didn't do a video for), we allowed older DD (her graduation cruise) to bring a friend. 2022 (DS grad cruise), older DD's fiancé wasn't available, DS brought then GF (now fiancé), and younger DD brought a friend. 2024, older DD had husband, DS had fiancé, and younger DD had a friend.

You can drop my name as a former client who recommended her. I don't know if we'll get anything, or even the next time we're going to cruise, but can't hurt. lol

Yes, we also did a western in 2013 for DW & my first cruise. Link to the review (with lots of pictures) is in the signature too.

Were the graduations from High School?

Most definitely I'm name dropping. You have been extremely helpful, we're practically family now. Should I use Samuel Gordon or just Sam?

Ok I'll go look at the 2013 review and pics now. I love that you spaced your cruises out

 

[sam_gordon]

Were the graduations from High School?

Most definitely I'm name dropping. You have been extremely helpful, we're practically family now. Should I use Samuel Gordon or just Sam?

Ok I'll go look at the 2013 review and pics now. I love that you spaced your cruises out

Yes, they were all HS graduations.

Just Sam should be fine.

We'd love to cruise more, and are in awe of those who can do so multiple times a year (some folks on cruise critic are saying they have 10-17 cruises booked for 2026!