Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.
>>> Reader Reviews >>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery >>> Join Our Cruise Club.
Latest News...Disney Cruise Line announced today that the honorary role of "godparent" for its new ship, the Disney Treasure, will be held by The Walt Disney Company cast, crew, Imagineers and employees around the world. The profound declaration is a heartfelt tribute to the more than 200,000 dreamers and doers who make every Disney entertainment, vacation and at-home experience possible. Disney Cruise Line is proud to celebrate...
Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line is adding to its line-up of 2026/27 deployment with sailings from New York City on Carnival Venezia, and more Long Beach sailings on Carnival Firenze and Carnival Radiance. “Our two Carnival Fun Italian Style ships offer great options from the east and west coasts, conveniently connecting New York and Long Beach to popular destinations, while delivering unique experiences on board...
Latest News...Vacationers are in for more ways to make memories across Royal Caribbean’s latest combination of tropical and Northeast 2026-27 getaways. The lineup of 12 Royal Caribbean ships rounds out a variety of adventures across Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Northeast for every type of family and vacationer to get away any time of year. Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members...
How much do you spend onboard a cruise?
Conversely, my onboard account for the Galaxy(another 7 night loop out of San Juan) was $714.00!! This included two shore-ex, all liquor, cappuccino in the dining room, and spa services plus gratuities in the spa. Then I tipped out an additional $175.00 in gratuities. A little bit higher than norm as we were in a Royal Suite and had the butler (useless on Celebrity as far as I am concerned since English is not their strong suit and they have not been well trained).
QE2 transat, I think the final bill was somewhere around $67.00!! Gratuities were included in the fare.
I must say the excursions do hike up the price!
One aspect that was hard to understand was the need to deposit funds in advance to all cruise accounts. At embarkation we were given the usual cruise card to be used for all purchases aboard. However, with an initial $100 credited to the account it was necessary within 48 hours to repay any of that amount spent plus add further funds. All purchase dockets showed the remaining credit balance. Since this "cash up front" was invariably paid for by credit card it was hard to see the need for this system, especially since everyone had to collect their unspent balances in cash from the Pursers office on the last night. Maybe it might have helped some people overspending, but seemed an unduly complex system compared with the usual "settle account at conclusion of cruise" method.
We have been on many criuses and this was the first time we were asked for cash up front.They accepted Credit cards, but only for a cash advance, which of course attracts a bank fee ,and in some cases interest.Is this a new trend in the industry...?We were also amazed at the fact that several people at our table spent over A$1,200 just on water,pizza's,coffee, burgers,photo's,hairdressing, etc.etc....
This is the first I've heard of the Cash-Up-Front via credit card.
I am just wondering if the cruiseline was afraid of people overspending the limits of their cards and getting charge-backs from the banks?????
I have noticed that my onboard charges have always been posted the day of debarkation. You always hear those pages for passengers to report to the purser's desk the morning of debarkation.
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3
More Vacation & Cruise Specials...