Hi Cruisers...my wife and i will be heading to Alaska on the RCCL Serenade of the Seas for a one week cruise this coming August.

This being our first trip on a ship. We were wondering if we might get some input from others that have made this trip before on what i might expect to pay for on board expenses.

We will want to try the 2 pay for dining rooms and will probaly consume(wine and cocktails) about 7 drinks a day each. (we're on holidays) http://bestsmileys.com/happy/7.gif We have the casino, shopping, off ship, and tip expenses figured.

Anyone done about the same dining and drink we want to do that can give us a idea of a ballpark cost.

Thank you in advance.

I don't know specifically about Serenade; but the alternative dining rooms have a "service charge" of $15 to $25 dollars. Drinks and wine by the glass are in the $7 to $9 range. Wine by the bottle starts at around $22.

Chops is $25 pp and Portofino's $20-$25. Both prices includes gratuities.

Welcome to cruise-chat.

To add one more to the list, beer is in the $3.50 to $5 range. Bear in mind that all bar orders carry an automatic 15% tip added to the tab, so a $6 rum and coke will actually be $6.90. These tips are separate from those given to your dining room staff and cabin attendant.

Hi fastblackca, welcome to Cruise-Chat. We normally budget $100/pp per day for our extras. If the casino is not kind to me, which lately it hasn't been, you can add more from there. Hope you have a fantastic adventure. Best wishes!