What is included?

[ShannonMB]

OP, sounds like this will be your first cruise. I just booked our first, too, and this thread is sorta boggling my mind. I'm used to the dining plan, too, and keep thinking "If DD and I decide we want to try escargot as an appetizer, of course that will be extra", etc, etc.

I like to think I have some semblance of self-control, but really cookies everywhere you turn, for free? Better get out the fat pants and plan some very active port excursions!!

 

[binab]

Better get out the fat pants and plan some very active port excursions!!

Oh yeah, the Castaway Cay 5K is also free. (For now anyway!)

 

[NAB]

OP, sounds like this will be your first cruise. I just booked our first, too, and this thread is sorta boggling my mind. I'm used to the dining plan, too, and keep thinking "If DD and I decide we want to try escargot as an appetizer, of course that will be extra", etc, etc.

I like to think I have some semblance of self-control, but really cookies everywhere you turn, for free? Better get out the fat pants and plan some very active port excursions!!

Just use the stairs to run up and down to the food.

They do have a gym by the spa or a walking/jogging track on deck 4. Me I sit on the comfy padded deck chairs and watch them go by.

 

[Feisty Fairy]

Just use the stairs to run up and down to the food. They do have a gym by the spa or a walking/jogging track on deck 4. Me I sit on the comfy padded deck chairs and watch them go by.

.

That's what I do too why work out on vacation I am there to relax. Not knocking people that do just not for me. Love the padded chairs on deck 4 the only thing that makes it better is a coffee from cove cafe before heading there.

 

[jimsubry]

My son was just amazed at that Flo's Café near the pool area - just being able to walk up and get a slice of pizza, chips, cookies, fruit, sodas, any time he wanted! At first he'd ask the servers, "Really? This is all free?" And they'd laugh and say yes, anything you want! I think that was one of his favorite parts of the cruise, and he still talks longingly about being able to do that!

 

[thepops]

and while the alcohol is not free, a) the prices are reasonable and b) you can bring your own on without having to "smuggle it on". But it has to be in your carry on, and it's only for consumption in your own room(s)

 

[Qball]

OP, sounds like this will be your first cruise. I just booked our first, too, and this thread is sorta boggling my mind. I'm used to the dining plan, too, and keep thinking "If DD and I decide we want to try escargot as an appetizer, of course that will be extra", etc, etc.

I like to think I have some semblance of self-control, but really cookies everywhere you turn, for free? Better get out the fat pants and plan some very active port excursions!!

some of these posts are so funny!!! I think we should now read the "how many pounds did you gain on your cruise.." thread!!!

Yes bring your fat pants!! only if you don't plan to have self-control. i personally do not have self control. this is my week of no meal planning and no cooking!!

 

[JAMWDW]

My son was just amazed at that Flo's Café near the pool area - just being able to walk up and get a slice of pizza, chips, cookies, fruit, sodas, any time he wanted! At first he'd ask the servers, "Really? This is all free?" And they'd laugh and say yes, anything you want! I think that was one of his favorite parts of the cruise, and he still talks longingly about being able to do that!

Ours too!! Especially after an evening of midnight dodgeball. Nothing like a hotdog and soda to follow up all that fun!

 

[princesspiglet]

My son was just amazed at that Flo's Café near the pool area - just being able to walk up and get a slice of pizza, chips, cookies, fruit, sodas, any time he wanted! At first he'd ask the servers, "Really? This is all free?" And they'd laugh and say yes, anything you want! I think that was one of his favorite parts of the cruise, and he still talks longingly about being able to do that!

This is my DD11 favorite part of cruising also! She loves to be able to get the soft-serve ice cream anytime she wants- for free! And eating in the MDR's is even better, 5 desserts at one sitting- why not!

I actually had to stop her one time as she was getting a little ridiculous. DH and I were getting ready in our cabin for the show (second seating) and she stated she was hungry so we let her go up to TopSiders to grab a snack by herself. She came back with a grilled chicken wrap, chicken strips, french fries, a slice of pizza, ice cream in a cup and 2 chocolate chip cookies, plus a pile of fruit on a tray! I just looked at her and said- "How are you going to eat all of that"? And she just smiled and said' "but its free!"

 

[Sonja99]

Love to read all of this and the some funny answers

 

[dbarker]

Also.........(as if that is not enough)......there is a Smoothie Hour in the Vibe when the smoothies are.....free. (They have to be paid for the rest of the time). The Smoothie Hour times are posted on the Personal Navigators.

In the Vibe....sometimes the CMs send the kids on scavenger hunts, missions, etc. (not sure what they call it) to bring whole pizzas, etc. back to the Vibe. DH14 had a blast.

In the Vibe and Edge....there are video games.

Foosball, putt-putt, basketball, ping pong are on the Sport Deck of the newer ships.

 

[dsneygirl]

This is my DD11 favorite part of cruising also! She loves to be able to get the soft-serve ice cream anytime she wants- for free! And eating in the MDR's is even better, 5 desserts at one sitting- why not!

I actually had to stop her one time as she was getting a little ridiculous. DH and I were getting ready in our cabin for the show (second seating) and she stated she was hungry so we let her go up to TopSiders to grab a snack by herself. She came back with a grilled chicken wrap, chicken strips, french fries, a slice of pizza, ice cream in a cup and 2 chocolate chip cookies, plus a pile of fruit on a tray! I just looked at her and said- "How are you going to eat all of that"? And she just smiled and said' "but its free!"

Every time I turned around my DS was eating ice cream! like 4-5/day, lol.

 

[MichaelColey]

What are some workarounds for things that normally cost extra?

If you bring your own cups, I'm assuming you call fill them at the soda fountain before you go to dinner (where soda would be extra?)?

What about snacks at the movies? What's good to pick up and bring there rather than paying for snacks?

Any other money-saving tips?

 

[Dug720]

What are some workarounds for things that normally cost extra? If you bring your own cups, I'm assuming you call fill them at the soda fountain before you go to dinner (where soda would be extra?)? What about snacks at the movies? What's good to pick up and bring there rather than paying for snacks? Any other money-saving tips?

Pretty sure soda at dinner is included. I don't recall us being charged for it.

 

[MichaelColey]

What are some workarounds for things that normally cost extra?

If you bring your own cups, I'm assuming you call fill them at the soda fountain before you go to dinner or if you order room service (where soda would be extra?)?

What about snacks at the movies? What's good to pick up and bring there rather than paying for snacks?

Any other money-saving tips?

 

[rentayenta]

Are virgin drinks like piña coladas free with dinner? My son is a piña colada junkie.

 

[Dug720]

Are virgin drinks like piña coladas free with dinner? My son is a piña colada junkie.

No. Sorry.

 

[rentayenta]

No. Sorry.

Good to know, thanks! What about chocolate milk? Orange juice?

 

[Dug720]

Good to know, thanks! What about chocolate milk? Orange juice?

Probably? I'm not sure. I know juice is available at Cabanas at lunch and breakfast. No charge there.

 

[antlawn]

What are some workarounds for things that normally cost extra? Specialty coffees are extra. Regular/decaf is FREE. Can soda is extra, fountain sodas FREE. Yummy desserts at coffee areas are also FREE, even though the special coffees aren't.

If you bring your own cups, I'm assuming you call fill them at the soda fountain before you go to dinner or if you order room service (where soda would be extra?)? Sodas at dinner are FREE. Cans from room service & bar areas cost. Virgin drinks cost, as do mixed drinks.

What about snacks at the movies? What's good to pick up and bring there rather than paying for snacks? You can take plates of food into shows/movies if you want. Look around on pool deck, there are several different food areas. Chicken, burgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, wraps of all kinds, fresh fruit, ice cream... Bring STRETCHY pants!!!

Any other money-saving tips?

I can honestly say, on 4 different cruises, I've NOT charged anything extra.