Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages

[Forever_frost]

I don't think I could ever do a cruise. My fear of the ocean and dislike of people would probably make me go crazy.

I'm a control freak. I couldn't do it because I couldn't go armed, with my own raft, coms gear and survival equipment.

[Captain Crawfish]

F

Which option keeps you from getting diarrhea when the ship breaks down and do you get to bring your own raft?

They had some decent sized rafts on the side. They were actually enclosed boats. I bet the triumph got some nice new engines after that stunt. I cruised on the magic and would definitely go again. The crew on that ship are top notch

[Mike69]

Do you guys take cash are travelers checks with you? I don't have any credit cards and wondering what is best to take. I really don't like taking a lot of cash with me on vacations. But I've never been on a cruise so not sure if it would be best.

[Chili]

Do you guys take cash are travelers checks with you? I don't have any credit cards and wondering what is best to take. I really don't like taking a lot of cash with me on vacations. But I've never been on a cruise so not sure if it would be best.

You typically don't use cash on the boat (with exception of the casino), everything goes on your ship account that is settled when you return.. That includes excursions purchased through the cruise line. The only money you would need would be when in port, and I have always just taken cash. I believe all of the boats I have been on did have ATM's on board with USD. You can also usually get cash in the casino, taken from your ship account. FYI, many ports will have ATMs but they may screw you on exchange rates (usually dispenses in local currency) and whatnot. You are usually better off taking some cash with you.

[BP]

I take cash and a credit card, I haven't used traveler's checks in 20+ years. Every where in any of those ports will accept US dollars and if you need more the ship has a pursers desk which is basically their bank, they'll usually cash checks no problem.

Your cabin will have a safe so I wouldn't worry about leaving cash on board. The problem with using cash though is that they'll screw you on the exchange rate. In Cozumel for example the exchange rate is 15.99:1 right now, meaning it's almost 16 pesos per US dollar. However all of the stores will have a sign saying it's 9.5:1 or worse. If you pay with a credit card they convert the sale to pesos.

I never really spent any money in Belize but they are at 2:1 and Honduras is 22:1. Most of the places here aren't going to accept credit cards because they know you'll overpay in dollars and not even realize it or care.

[dee]

My wife and I just got back Sunday from a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Magic. With them a drink plan had to be purchased for each cabin member over 21.

We stopped in Cozumel, Belize and Honduras. In Cozumel we went to the Mayan ruins as I'm more interested in history than a beach. If you go that route try to get a guy named Jesus he was absolutely awesome. In Belize we went snorkeling about 2 miles out on a little island. Then zip lining in Honduras and stayed at Mahogany Bay both were a blast.

I took cash and paid my ship card off the night before porting back in Galveston. Like stated above there is a safe in the room for it so no worries.

[CWO]

My wife and I just got back Sunday from a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Magic. With them a drink plan had to be purchased for each cabin member over 21.

I hate that they do it like that. Luckily RC doesn't require that.

[dee]

I hate that they do it like that. Luckily RC doesn't require that.

If we go on another it won't be with carnival. Partially for that reason and I would prefer a more laid back mature atmosphere. This one seemed like it catered to families or partiers.

[mardyn]

Credit Cards automatically factor in the exchange rate when used outside of the US. When we were in Belieze recently, Our group stopped at a local bar for drinks and it was like $30.00 (in Belize $$) for two drinks, I used my CC and was charged $15.00US.

If I had handed over 30.00 US, that bartender would have enjoyed a helluva tip for two pretty shitty drinks....and I'm sure would have never said a word.

mardyn

[Mike69]

How much cash do you guys usually take? I do plan on hitting the casino to play some craps.

Are the excursions more expensive if you book through RC compared to booking at the local port?

[BP]

I usually have $200 in small bills and another $300 or so in twenties. Most of which goes directly into the ship account. Locals will almost never have change so the small bills are important. A $100 bill is basically useless.

If you book with the cruise line you are dealing with their trusted vendor and can be assured that if it gets cancelled you'll be refunded immediately. That and the ship will wait if something happens. It's almost always cheaper to book direct since the cruise lines do markup everything but it's not a huge amount. You are talking about $80-$100 excursions typically so even a 25% markup isn't that bad for the assurance of knowing you won't miss the ship. The really expensive ones though like golf, fishing and Harley rentals are going to be worth booking yourself.

[Mike69]

Do you guys book excursions at all the ports? Is there anything to do at the ports if I don't do an excursion at each one?

[BP]

Do you guys book excursions at all the ports? Is there anything to do at the ports if I don't do an excursion at each one?

I'd definitely book one for Belize. The "port" isn't really in a touristy area. There are a couple of bars there but that's about all you can walk to. It's on the outskirts of a big city but it's not really setup for tourists at all.

In Roatan I probably wouldn't unless you went with that Vic Bodden one I mentioned. People love his tours. Roatan is a small island off the coast of Honduras, it's way cleaner and nicer than anything on the mainland. If you want to hang out on the beach this is where you'd do that. You can walk half a mile or so from the ship to the beach or ride their chair lift deal. Once you go to the beach there is a cordoned off area for their beach party but you can buy everything else they offer direct and save some money. If you don't want to do a beach day then you need to book an excursion. There is a zip line deal right outside the gates but you can't really go anywhere else.

Cozumel depends on what you really want to do. There are some really nice beaches but you'd need to take an excursion to get to them. Some people book the booze bus which isn't through a cruise ship. A lot go to the Money Bar or Mr. Sanchos which are all inclusive clubs attached to resorts, not through the cruise line either. Personally the next time I go to Cozumel I'll probably do the booze bus deal since I've never been to the other side of the island.

[Baron Von Crowder]

Cozumel : jeep tour to the ruins, and snorkeling. we had an absolute blast on that excursion.

[CWO]

For excursions we browsed what was available through the cruise line, and after we found what we liked, Googled the name of it and booked on their website. Same exact excursion at less cost, prices are less if booked off the cruise but you also have all the risk if something happens. You are protected by the cruise line if you book through them.

Cave Tubing in Belize was awesome, buy your own water shoes unless your feet look like Fred Flinstone or Samwise Gamgee.