Cruise vs All Inclusive

[Lesa Murray]

I have a upcoming Cruise in February 2023. I have cruised with Royal Caribbean February of this year. My issues are that it fells alittle descrimative that Smokers only have 2 places to Smoke. Somkers like to attend the shows and entertainment just like everyone else. The non Smokers Always fill the smoking section seats. The drinking packages are getting outrageously  to High. There's some many more un for seen charges after the Cruise is booked. Travelers do not like other expences when the prices are so high anyways. The food needs to be fresh all the time. Do not serve dried out food. The salad bars need to be cooler temperatures. Better Quility in looks of the food. Thats the waist. Better food Less waiste. And others things to make Cruising like years ago.   Now All Inclusive is what it says. No extra Cost for drinkers to drink Alcohol. No extra cost for Room services. No discrimination against Somkers. Excellent locations just for Smokers and you feel included with the schedule of events. Shows are Amazing and interesting for all Guest. Again there is no hidden fees.

[DeanneB]

@Lesa Murray  I hear you.  I was a smoker the last time I cruises in Royal, I think that was 5-6 years ago.  There are fewer and less spaces for smokers.  We cannot do it indoors , in shows.  You can smoke however in casinos. The cigarette price I think was 3 times more expensive.  Cruises are all-inclusive, but for extra service, there will be an additional fee.  Like for example if you request room service from 11pm to 5am they will charge you a room service fee.  Specialty drinks and specialty restaurants do have extra charges and gratuities.   

[CruiseCaptain]

Hey @Lesa Murray, It really does depends on the guest. many guests don't drink that much or smoke and many of the packages would not matter to them. It's also about the smoke being inhaled by non-smokers, especially children. many aspects Royal Caribbean would have to get right, which would not please everyone.

[DeanneB]

I stopped smoking eventually, I have to since I got pregnant.  After that, I did not feel like I have to smoke again.  No I am a non-smoker, I am more sensitive to secondhand smoke and I feel suffocated.  I think it is just right that Royal limits the areas where people can smoke.  

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@Lesa Murray You have some valid points! I personally try to avoid the smokers section because I don't smoke, but I think it's important the larger ships attract a more diverse crowd. Maybe cruising with another smaller cruise line could more accurately meet some of these expectations! Have you considered cruising with another cruise line in the past? 

[PaulB]

As a non smoker, it doesn't personally bother me but I'm surprised to hear that there are limited spaces on board 

[PaulB]

Are all inclusive on cruises for both dining and drinks? I've heard that you have to pay for your drinks on cruises family have been on?

[3Sisters]

@PaulB Usually that is correct! The all inclusive prices are higher but they encompass much more than the average cruise fare. Some of the all inclusive prices even include airfare and hotels! 

Princess Cruises offers more conservative cruise packages and some newer all inclusive options. It's new Princess Premier option even includes top-shelf drinks!

[PaulB]

@3Sistersand they give you money back to spend on board?

[3Sisters]

@PaulBIt depends on the package and cruise line. Usually you get added cruise credit (money to spend onboard), but it all depends on the booking package. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@3Sisters and @PaulB Depending on the cruise line, the cruise credit can even be used for gratuities at the end of the sailing! I love when the onboard cruise credit can go towards that! 

[3Sisters]

@Kendall James-Vargas You could also use the credit for a little onboard shopping! 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

You can't go wrong with a little duty-free shopping.

Here are some tips for onboard shopping.

https://www.cruisehive.com/how-to-shop-while-on-a-cruise-ship/1160

[LukeJ]

It would pay for the end of the night bar bill I think

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@LukeJ It absolutely could. Here are some great tips on using your cruise credit. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-onboard-credit/85430

I have also received a cruise voucher before. Have you received one of those before? 

[LukeJ]

No I've never used them before

[3Sisters]

I have received both cruise credit and cruise vouchers before. They vary per cruise line. Oftentimes the vouchers need to be redeemed within a certain timeframe; while the credit usually has a longer time period until expiration. I prefer a cruise credit over a cruise voucher, but some cruise lines treat them almost interchangeably. 

Cruise vouchers could also have restrictive use such as a specified drink voucher. Top tier loyalty guests for Royal Caribbean often receive free drink vouchers. The line's drink vouchers have recently expanded their usage timeframe. This change became effective about two months ago, in mid December 2022. https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-shifts-timing-of-a-popular-loyalty-benefit/90600

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Lesa Murray Keep us posted on how the February 2023 Royal Caribbean cruise goes! Hopefully you have a really relaxing getaway. I'm curious if you decided to get the drink package with the prices being so high. Which ship did you end up choosing to cruise on?