Onboard expenses

[cruise2cruise]

This is my husband & I's first cruise.
I have seen some postings stating people spend around $800-$1000 on on-board expenses. And I am trying to figure out how this is possible.
My husband and I don't drink or gamble, we are just going to relax. SO I trying to figure out
if we would possible spend $800???

Also, how does tipping work on RCL? Can I just pay the staff in cash?

Thank you! Lots of questions

[Riley]

If you both don't drink, that is a big savings right there. The alcoholic drinks are extra so that's where your sea pass account can get high. Also, if you purchase anything on board, pictures, toiletries, etc...those things are extra, but unless you forget something, you don't need to buy anything on board. There will be a guideline in your stateroom on how much to tip and yes quite a few do pay in cash, they provide envelopes as well. You can visit the RCL website to get the exact amounts, I forget! If you are just going to relax, then kick back and enjoy yourselves, you shouldn't have a high bill at the end of the week. Enjoy! Lynn

[tatedpd]

Hello

I have been in that spending category, but it was due to buying photos, cameras, watches, jewelery and so on while on board.

I am going to try and not buy anything but drinks on the next cruise and see how much I can save.

You can prepay tips. They will give you vouchers once you are onboard. That has always made it easy for us.

Enjoy the cruise.

[Jim1012]

Understand that almost everything that you would consider an "extra", i.e photos, souviners (sp), the casino, Chops and Portifonos, tours bought on ship for ports, ALL Booze and Pop of any kind, etc are going to run up a cruise bill. I don't buy drinks on the ship as I'm cheap. I spent $200 at the casino, and bought some little things at the shops, and we ate one night at Chops (I highly recomend that at least once) and we got off the ship for just under $400.00. Also, pre-pay tips, and you can always add cash to the envelope if service is really good.

[Jim1012]

Oh, and also, do not buy the pop stamp, unless your kids drink gallons. A can is only $1.50.

[Dwayne]

If you plan and budget the bill will be no shock to you.

If you like to gamble, take your gambling money and don't charge it on your account.

If you enjoy a libation keep track of it.

Price out your excursions ahead of time.

You can also check your account at the desk.

[Sonny V]

You can spend as much, or little, as you want. You can see what you spend on you tv screen in your cabin every day. Most people spend a lot on drinks and excursions. The last night of your cruise you will get envelopes for tips. The best way for us is to pre-pay with our seapass before the last day. If you do that, you will have vouchers to put in the envelopes. Every thing will be delivered to your cabin on the afternoon of the last night. It's a no-brainer...

Sonny