BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???

Subject: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 12:00 PM

Well, seems that the P-Vine has squirreled away a little dough from our landscaping contracts and so we got this off from Obitz for a 7 day sea cruise on the "Celebrity Mercury" cruise ship outta Baltimore that goes to S.C. and then the Bahamas... It's 7 days and the cost is $599 a person (with free balcony update)... The food is included in that price so...

1. How much do they charge for like a beer???

2. Waht other costs are there other than tips and just who gets tipped and how much and fir what???

3. Do they look thru yer stuff when yer boarding??? I mean, could I sneak in a bottle or two of moonshine, ahhhhhh, vodka???

4. How about taking a geetar??? They gonna say "No", 'er what???

5. Anything I forgot to ask that needed asking??? Cruise related, gol danged it...

Sho nuff appreciate any info related to sea cruises...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 01:21 PM

ARgh, me hearty, there be PIRATES in them waters! Ye'll need a good gun with ye, like this 'un. She'll keep the pirates from ye right enough.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 01:29 PM

I've been on other 'celebrity' ships. Surprising, cruise lines don't really take advantage of captive market and beer/wine prices are very similar to on-shore.
They do often have restrictions on what you can take on board as carry-ons, but at the worst they put it in the hold and give it back to you ay the end

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 01:38 PM

A relative of mine runs the bars on one a them big tubs and he told me they charge a reasonable price fer alcohol and services on accouta they want passengers.

As far as bringing shine, I don't imagine that they would allow any type of incendiary bomb.

And, if they don't check luggage, I wouldn't wanna go.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 01:42 PM

I can't imagine a worse fate than stuck on a floating island with 2,000 strangers. Bingo, shuffleboard.....NO THANK YOU!

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: MMario
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:01 PM

The shine I'm pretty sure would not be allowed....it's a customs thing since you will be leaving the country.

Tips were included in my package when I went on a cruise, but I added some etra for
1) cabin steward
2) waiter
3) bus-person
4) headwaiter

check re: dress code for dinner - different lines have different standards. On some "formal" means neat, clean, preferably a tie with dress shirt slacks (and no shorts or t-shirts); on others "formal" mean tuxedo

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:18 PM

They are hot hot hot for wife swapping, so go prepared.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: artbrooks
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:18 PM

Just finished a Holland-America cruise to Alaska, so this is fairly current, and I think that most lines are consistent.

Beer is $4-5 each, depending on what you drink. It costs the same at the bar and in the restaurants.

Plan to pay for internet, if you need it, and for anything in the health club other than exercise machine access. There may also be port fees of about $10 each, depending on where you stop. Just about everything else was included. They give you a ship credit card rather than use cash on board, and whatever you spend goes on whatever piece of real plastic you give them. H-A added $11 per day for tips.

No indication that our bags were checked in any way, but you surrender them on the pier (or before) and they are delivered to your room. Can't say about a guitar - Seamus Kennedy certainly had one when we took his Irish music cruise a few years ago, but he was on board as a pro.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:19 PM

MMario... "Tips were included in my package when I went on a cruise, but I added some etra for 1) cabin steward..."

You bet, that's where you want to tip WELL. Make that first tip a good one, but make sure you have no problem leaving the same amount every day if a good job is done.

Heck... what am I saying... anyone who has ever stayed in hotels knows that. >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:22 PM

I cant see any problem taking a guitar on with you mate ! You may even get a few free beers for entertaining the passengers in the bar ! Most Important ! HAVE FUN !!!

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 02:26 PM

That there shuffle board... are you allowed bodychecking?... can you block shots?... can you hold a stick with your stick or take the puck away?

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 05:39 PM

You can take onboard bottles of your favorite corn squeezings on Holland America. No hassle. I don't know about musical(?) instruments, the hired musicians may throw them overboard. A dentist I once had played piano on cruises.

Apply for a job as gigalo, to entertain single women on board. A friend of ours did that for cheap fare on a world cruise. Don't know the qualifications. Or would your wife object?

At one port stop (Caribbean) I bought tax free 151 proof rum (disclaimer- my wife uses it in some recipes).

Artbrooks has it right on H-A tips, etc. We also took that Alaska cruise. Some interesting stops and very enjoyable.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: DougR
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 05:50 PM

As a former owner of a travel agency I only have one word of advice for you, Bobert my friend, where tips are concerned be "liberal." :>)

DougR

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:16 PM

Bobert - Artbrooks has it right with a couple of additions.

Shots of booze are $4-$5 each as well, so if you have a frou-frou-umbrella drink with more than one shot, it will cost you accordingly.

Most cruise lines figure all the tips into your price, but you'll earn the undying love of the waitstaff if you give 'em a little extra.

Cruise lines don't want you to bring your own booze on board - that's where they make their money - but you can sneak a bottle of "vodka"
on board if it's wrapped up and hidden in your checked luggage.
Absolutely verboten in your hand-luggage. They will take it and return it to you at the end of the cruise. The same with booze purchased in ports of call.

No problem whatsoever with bringing your guitar on. You may need proof of purchase if you bring it, so that customs won't think you bought it in one of the ports.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 06:23 PM

Hmmm.
Looks like some cruise lines allow you to bring some booze on board, others don't. We had no problems with Holland America.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:02 PM

They will encourage you to run a tab for drinks so that you'll drink more. You might have an ugly suprise waiting at the end of the cruise. A hangover too. You may want to consider paying as you go.

You'll be on the ocean. Don't take your guitar. It could fall overboard or get stolen. Get a uke. If it's stolen you won't care.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:09 PM

Okay, who are some of these people???

Wahts the difference between the waiter and the head waiter??? And what is a "liberal" tip...

Bus boy??? Ain't he the guy who just cleans up the tables??? If so. how do you tip him and how much...

What is a cabin steward??? That the person who cleans up while yer our shuffleboardin'??? If so, do you tip daily or at the end of the trip??? How much...

$5 fir a beer seems outrageous... That's why I was gonna sneal some shine in... Hey, if it's in my suit case in a flask don't ya'll think it will make it to the cabin??? I mean, it's just shine... Ain't no friggin' M-16...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: JennieG
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:37 PM

Bobert, I am sending you a PM - we have cruised once, so as a cruising newby I'll tell you our experiences! But we enjoyed it and would go again.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Amergin
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:42 PM

Don't forget to give a good tip to the dumb waiter, too.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 10:34 PM

Dinner wine is a bit pricey by the bottle. Take all the booze you want aboard in your luggage or carry on. They search bags in ports where customs is an issue but not going aboard an American boat from America.

Shore trips can be expensive but many are a lot of fun. I always expect to spend an extra $350 on booze, souvenirs, trips ashore, tips, and on board store stuff. Take your instrument. I never had a problem and I've done several music cruises. Had four instruments one time and didn't play them all.

Gambling is a waste of money. I've been on several Holland America boats and a big Carnival boat. Not sure about Celebrity. I think cruising is a great vacation. You can eat all your meals in your stateroom if you want. It is possible to take a cruise and to avoid the throngs. But I love boats. Getting a balcony upgrade outside in the middle or upper tier and in the center of the boat is a good idea.
hg

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:33 PM

I've only cruised on little boats -- Chicago to N'awlins, coast of Maine, Erie Canal, so I don't know about the big boats. The ones I travel on require you to BYOB to avoid problems with the laws of different states/Canada/Caribbean. Never having cruised in the Caribbean, I can't speak for that. We tipped at the end of the cruise and the crew split the total take up evenly. They didn't check the bags for "contraband." But as I say, that was on a boat that took no more that 100 passengers total -- and you made your own fun, usually standing or sitting (in our case) on the bow and watching the scenery go by.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 07:41 AM

Thanks, hg... Not to worry about the casino... I don't gamble... It's nice to know they don't search yer bags gettin' on the boat... Mine will look more like something they pulled out of a ridge-runners trunk...lol...

I just hope that if we do this the P-Vione doesn't get bored after a couple hours 'cause she ain't the shuffleboard type... lol... And having performed in theater and musicals most of her adult life she ain't into the entertainment... So what's left, you ask??? I donno... Oughtta be interestin' seein' as their ain't no gardens to mess with on the boat... Or is there??? Please say "no" to gardens on the boat, ya'll... I don't think I could stand it...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 12:21 PM

Bobert... "What is a cabin steward???"

The person who cleans your cabin... bedding... towels...

When I was working on the road, I got to know the staff in a lot of hotels and they got to "know" me so my room was picture perfect - even fresh bedding every day during long stays. I had an allowance for tips and gratuities and I not only claimed it, I passed it along... fresh sheets and pillow slips everyday is a luxury I very much enjoyed.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 01:20 PM

>>So what's left, you ask???<<

As I said Bobert, wife swapping :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 02:15 PM

But, Arty... she's got the tickets.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 07:54 PM

Listen, ya'll...maybe if after gamblin' and shuffleboard the only thing left is wife swapin' then maybe this ain't a good idea afterall... Ya' know, wives is hard to share... Think that's in a song somewhere...

Okay, so now I know waht a steward is...

Now, who's the head waiter v the waiter???

Plus, now the P-Vine thinks she wants to do a "history cruise"... I donno... Sound boring with alot of folks sittin' around at night comparing their Civil War stories???

Maybe we seperate cruises???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 08:10 PM

The head waiter is the usher. If you want a good seat, s/he's the wo/man. That's the person at the door and that is the person in charge of the wait staff. No need to tip unless you want to swap wives with someone in particular.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 08:54 PM

What if ya' ain't into that wife swappin' an' all ya want is atable that ain't next to the men's room??? How much that gonna cost??? $2??? $3??? Hey, if I give 'um too big a tip than maybe they be thinkin' that I'm into that wife swappin' stuff and want pimp tips... I donno???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 09:04 PM

Ain't gonna cost ya nuthin. Only thing that really costs is pussy.

Sorry Mudwomenz... Saturday night n all eh. I am not reprehensible fer my actions on Saturday night... well, most all the time I s'pose. Deal with it if you feel the need.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Rapparee
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 09:08 PM

Bobert, there are swimming pools, fitness rooms, spas (so you can get your nails done), libraries, even chaplains. On a history cruise you'll probably have lectures (not the boring kind) by people who actually know something about the area. If nothing else you can sleep all the time. You gotta have swimming suit to use the pool -- none of that hillbilly swimmin'. Hell, I've even heard of cruises where they shot skeet off the back of the boat.

Just don't get too far from your life jacket...and be sure to get one for your geetar iffen you bring it.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: MickyMan
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 10:52 PM

Cruises are a great way to go on vacay and actually know what the cost will be beforehand if you follow a few basic rules ...
.... keep "excursions" to a minimum. the absolute best time I ever had was when I filled my backpack with stolen breakfast goodies from the ship and hit the town with a native guy in Aruba that I met on the beach. I had the food and he knew the town. We had a great time just hanging out together.
.... kareoke is fun on a cruise. Get up and do it!
.... sometimes it is best to just stay on board, especially if you just want to chill by the pool and read ... etc.
.... enjoy the meals.
.... walk the deck for a good 20minutes after every meal listening to the ipod. You will actually come home with weight lost!

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 11:00 PM

Pick up a book like this one. There are also ones that are specific to the region (i.e., eastern v. western Caribbean. Try the public library - doesn't make any difference if it is the 2008 edition. The book will compare cruise lines and answer a lot of pretty basic questions.

Our experience with seat assignments in the main restaurant was that you have 2 basic choices..."assigned seating", in which case you have the same seatmates for the entire trip, or "open seating", where the host assigns you to a different seat for every meal. Then there is buffet-style, where you line up, eat entirely too much food, but to get to pick your own seat. I didn't have any opportunity to pay anybody off to get a better seat.

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 11:09 PM

Man, thanks, ya'll... Lotta good info...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: bubblyrat
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 12:43 PM

I went on a cruise once ; 112,000 miles,visiting Capetown (twice)The Maldives,Singapore (twice),Aden,Hong Kong ,Australia,The Cocos Islands,Gibraltar ,Edinburgh,and The Arctic. Beer (mainly Tiger or San Miguel) was VERY cheap,and the Rum was free !! Food was excellent (and also free) but there were NO womenz ,'cept in said Singapore,Hong Kong and (oddly) Edinburgh ! Would I do it again ?? Yep, tomorrow if I could !
      PS it was a bit noisy sometimes ,as aeroplanes kept landing on the promenade deck !

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 02:42 PM

You know, you should have just waved those airplanes off. They have no right to land on the promenade deck, and if one did you and the others should have just shoved it overboard. The nerve of those people!

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 03:29 PM

bubblyrat... heheheee

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 04:17 PM

Evening dinners are usually two seatings at 6PM and 8:30pm. You generally choose your seating time at the time of booking. Excursions can be pricey. I like renting a moped ashore and exploring the itineraries. I also like the early dinner and enjoy dressing up for the formal dining room. But there are many ways to get meals aboard that don't require dressing up. Lots of shows, lectures, music cruises, piano bars, libraries, internet rooms, three or four pools, workout and spas, and shopping aboard as noted by other cruisers. Moonlit nights are the best. Have fun!

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Phot
Date: 20 Jun 10 - 05:36 PM

If your travel agent recommends Grey Funnel Line, run! But the choice of weapons for popping off at the odd clay pidgon is quite good..................*g*

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: Sea Cruises??? Questions???
From: Allan C.
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 06:23 AM

Small wonder you have these questions. I just checked the FAQ for Celebrity Cruises and found it less than helpful. The FAQ for Carnival Cruises is considerably more detailed and helpful. What is clear to me from what I have read and from what has been said above is that there are many differences among cruise lines with regard to what can or cannot be brought aboard. Carnival, for instance, does not allow medical marijuana, musical instruments, (unless you are a scheduled performer,) and no alcoholic beverages (sealed or unsealed) other than a limited amount of wine. Carnival's FAQ does contain a valuable breakdown of how much to tip who. Here is what they have to say:

Service Gratuities

For your convenience, we automatically charge the gratuities for dining and stateroom staff to your onboard Sail & Sign account. The total amount is $10.00 per guest, per day (our recommended guideline) as follows:

$ 3.50 Per Day Stateroom Services            

$ 5.50 Per Day Dining Room Services      

$ 1.00 Per Day Alternative Services: distributed to other kitchen and hotel service staff

For Cruises-To-Nowhere, gratuities of $10 per guest, per day must be prepaid.

Our Staff is totally committed to exceed your expectations in every way possible. If you are not satisfied with the service you receive, we encourage you to contact the Guest Services desk while onboard. This will allow us to address your concerns in a timely and appropriate fashion. At your discretion, you may adjust the gratuities at any time while onboard. Gratuities will be deemed undisputed unless a request to modify is received prior to disembarking the ship.

For beverage purchases, fifteen percent of the bill is automatically added to the Sail & Sign charge. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered. Tipping your Maître d' is at your discretion, based upon the service you receive.

NOTE: BARBADOS CRUISES
All gratuities are pre-paid and automatically added during the booking process for Barbados itineraries.