cruises

Cruise Ship Drink Packages

January 24, 2020 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Are Cruise Ship Drink Packages Worth It?

One of the best part of a cruise (besides boarding the ship) is when you finish paying and start exploring add-ons and extras. You know things like shore excursions, specialty restaurants and of course drink packages. If you are a drinker, you may quickly decide to make a drink package a part of your budget. No worries if you don’t drink alcohol, they have drink packages for sodas and juices too. Yet, before you whip out that debit/credit card let’s examine some things and make sure that the drink package will be worth the money you are going to spend. Let’s dive deep into Cruise Ship Drink Packages!

What do Packages Include?

Most cruise lines have 2-3 package types available.

Sodas and/or Juice Only. These packages allow you to get unlimited sodas and juices anytime of day or night. It also includes ordering from bars, and in the dining room.
Sodas, Juice and Mocktails. These packages include unlimited soda, juice and non-alcoholic drinks (i.e daiquiris, etc.). Some packages also include coffees as well.
Alcohol package. This package includes all of the above plus alcoholic drinks. Most cruise lines limit the alcoholic drinks to between 12-15 drinks per day. Remember this number it becomes important later.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cruise lines all charge about the same amounts for their drink packages. The prices differ according to whether or not you are cruising on a mass-market, premium or luxury cruise line. The only cruise line that does not offer a drink package is Disney Cruise Line; they instead have a discount on wine and beer bundles.

In general, the prices for packages are charged by the day. You will simply take the cost of the drink package and multiply it by the amount of days your cruise lasts. Soda packages cost around $8-9 per day. If the cruise line offers a secondary package for sodas, juices and mocktails it will cost around $18-22 a day. Finally, alcoholic packages cost $50-90 a day. A few lines like Princess offer a coffee only package which gets you 15 specialty coffees (i.e Starbucks) for a flat fee of $35.

It’s an All or Nothing Deal?

You can not buy a drink package for part or some of your cruise. You will need to pay for everyday of your cruise. The only exception to this rule is if your ship leaves from New York or Galveston. These two cities do not allow the use of unlimited drink packages while in port. So, your package will start the second day of your cruise. You will also have to pay for any drinks you purchase on the first day of your cruise.

Related: Cruise Ship Drink Calculator

Do You Still Need to Pay Tips?

The price of the drink package does not include tips or gratuity. You will be charged an additional 15-18% gratuity when you purchase the package. This means when you buy the drink you won’t need to pay extra for a tip.

Is It Worth It?

In order for a cruise ship drink package to be worth the money you have to consider how much you will drink during your cruise.

For example, if you buy a soda/juice package you will need to consider the following:

Cost of Soda on Cruise $2-3 each

If you drink 3-4 sodas a day then you will break even quickly on the soda package. In order for it to be worth your money you will need to order at least 5-6 sodas per day.

If you purchase an alcoholic drink package you will need to consider the following:

Cost of a beer on a cruise $ 6-8 for 12-16oz.

In order to break even you will need to drink 8 beers a day. If you want to get your money’s worth you will need to drink around 10 beers a day.

If cocktails or shots are more your preference, then you will need to consider the following:

Cost of average cocktail or shot $8-12.

In order to break even you need to drink 5-6 cocktails/shots a day. In order to get your money’s worth, you need to drink 7+ drinks a day.

Also, don’t forget that every adult (21+) in the cabin must buy the cruise ship drink package (unless it’s the soda package). The only exception to this is pregnant/nursing women. So that means if you are a couple you must meet the above requirements times two!

Bottom line really think long and hard about your beverage intake. If you are not going to indulge to the max, you may want to skip the cruise ship drink packages and buy a la cart instead. There is nothing worse than knowing you paid for something you really didn’t use.

Related: 30 Carnival Cruise Tips

If you are interested in more tips, and destination info please sign up for my newsletter below.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

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Cruising to Alaska

November 15, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Cruising to Alaska

Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Many travelers have Alaska on their bucket list whether it be by land or cruise. We are going to explore why cruising to Alaska may be the best way to explore the area.

A Once In A Lifetime Trip

Alaska is considered to be one of the last frontiers of the world and the 49^th state in the union is a gem of the world. It is a land of ice, bald eagles, mountains, grizzly bears, and the epitome of the American spirit. One of the best ways to see Alaska is by cruise and there are a couple of different ways to see this land. The variations include the type of ship and whether you want to tour the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska.

Related: Explore Alaska

Large Ship vs. Small Ship

Cruise ships are cashless societies. This means that you will need to apply a form of payment to your cabin (sometimes called staterooms). This will be in the form of a debit card/credit card or you can add cash when you board the ship. This will allow you to use your cabin key to make purchases all over the ship and have them charged to your room. Just make sure you keep track of your spending.

Gulf Of Alaska

These cruises go through south-central Alaska. There are 3 different start points for these cruises, Steward, Whittier (both are near Anchorage), or Vancouver. You will go through most of the same ports as you would if you were touring the Inside Passage, but these cruises are one way. They travel north or south depending on where you start your trip.

Some of the stops on these cruises include:

A few days before the cruise or after it in, either, Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula
College Fjord- which is dotted with amazing glaciers
A few days in Denali National Park

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Inside Passage

When a cruise is going along this path it will run from the narrow strip near the Canadian border all the way to the Panhandle (which is the beginning of the Gulf of Alaska). This option runs round trip out of either Vancouver or Seattle. This cruise option is the most popular and many of the sights that you will see on this cruise are going to be very similar to the ones that are included for the Gulf of Alaska option. Sights that may be seen include:

Juneau- the capital of Alaska
Ketchikan is a great location for fishing and a look into the life of Native Alaskans
Glacier Bay National Park
Skagway- a gold rush town with a lot of history

Alaska should be on your list of possible cruises. There are amazing sights, beautiful landscapes, and experiences that you will not see anywhere else in the world. It comes down to taking your time to figure out which one of these itineraries is right for you. Figure out what type of excursions you want and the experience you would like to have on the ship. These will be the factors that will help to determine which is best for you.

Don’t hestitate to call or email me if you have more questions. I would love to help.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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5 Things to Know Before Planning a Cruise Wedding

September 13, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

5 Things to Know Before Planning a Cruise Wedding

Cruise weddings are very underrated, and I think it is a travesty! With a cruise wedding there are so many options and so many destinations that are not always available when you consider a traditional wedding. Not to mention cruise weddings are affordable and give you a lot of bang for your buck. Let’s take a journey down the aisle to destination: cruise wedding! I know it was cheesy, but I couldn’t resist.

There are several things you should know before you start planning a cruise wedding. In this blog post I will focus on the top five things. This will give you a strong foundation if you decide this type of wedding is right for you.

Book Your Cruise First

You will need to have your cruise booked and deposited before you can start planning your cruise wedding. The weddings department will not assist you unless you have a booked cruise. So, handle that first. If you are overwhelmed by the cruise line options then contact a travel professional (like myself) and they can help you navigate those murky waters.

Related: 10 First Time Cruise Questions

Know Your Guest List

In the world of a cruise wedding there are two types of guests: sailing and non-sailing. Sailing guests are guests who will not only attend the wedding but will be sailing with you on the cruise. Of course, non-sailing guests are guest who will attend your wedding but not be sailing on the cruise. You are not limited in the amount of sailing guests you can invite but you are limited in the amount of non-sailing guests so keep track of who is on what list.

Be Prepared to Pay Upfront and In Full

Remember the part where I said keep track of your guests. This is where that part comes into play. Cruise wedding packages are based on guest count. Each package includes a base number of guests and if you go over it you will have to pay an additional fee. After you have chosen your wedding package and given your guest count you will be required to pay that amount in full. Your wedding will not be booked if you do not pay the full balance.

Related: International Wedding Information

Cruise Weddings are Quick and to the Point

If you want your wedding to have a lot of glitz and glam then a cruise wedding is not for you. Cruise ship weddings are simple, elegant and QUICK! There is no playing around on the cruise ship. Everything will start and stop on time. There is no waiting for your cousin who is always late: they will miss your wedding. Cruise weddings are great for the couple who wants to do something special but the glam and the glitz is really not necessary.

Types of Cruise Weddings

There are three types of cruise weddings. Depending on the cruise line you chose they may have all three choices or just one choice.

Embarkation Wedding– This is the most popular cruise wedding choice. It is the most popular because non-sailing guests can attend this wedding type. This wedding will take place the day the ship leaves the port (also known as embarkation) a few hours before the ship leaves. The wedding party is allowed to board the ship early in order to prepare for the wedding.
Sea Day Wedding– This wedding will take place during the cruise on a day that the ship is not at a port (also called sea days). The wedding will take place on selected private areas of the ship. For obvious reasons only sailing guests can attend this wedding type.
Port Weddings– This type of wedding will take place at a destination during the cruise, other wise known as a port. In this case the wedding will be handled by a local planner in that destination. The wedding party will be allowed to exit the ship early to travel to the wedding location.

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

These are the basics you need to know before starting your cruise wedding planning journey. Did you have a cruise wedding? Are you planning a cruise wedding? I would love to hear about it in the comments. Most importantly if you need help planning a cruise wedding, I would love to be a part of your team. Feel free to contact me.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Room

August 23, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Room

Have you ever started planning your cruise and clicked to choose your cruise ship room and instantly became overwhelmed? Whether you are a first-time cruiser of even if you have a few cruises under your belt room choice can be a huge hurdle to overcome. The average cruise line has anywhere between 20-30 room categories available. Yikes, talk about overwhelm.

There are so many types, levels and even perks to cruise ship rooms it can be difficult to understand which room is best for you. No worries travel addict I am here to help. We will explore the types of room categories, and how to choose the best one for your next cruise.

4 Basic Cabin Types

All cruise ship rooms include a private bathroom and basics such as televisions, phones, closets and lamps. After that things begin to change depending on cruise line and room category.

Interior Room

This is the lowest category and is simplistic and doesn’t have any windows.

Ocean View Room

The next category up is ocean view and this room has a bit more space than an interior. It will also have a window or a port hole depending on the cruise line.

Balcony Room

The balcony is usually a bit larger than the ocean view and has an actual balcony you can sit on and enjoy the view.

Suite Room

Suites are the largest rooms available. They are also the most varied. They can include private bedrooms, two bathrooms, butler service, and upstairs lofts. The options at suite level are endless.

Related: 10 First Time Cruise Questions

Other Factors to Consider

How do you view your room? Is it just a place to rest, sleep and change clothes? If so an interior or ocean view may work for you.
On the other hand, if your room is the center of your cruise experience and you see it as your private sanctuary then you may want a balcony or a suite.
Maybe you have a fear of heights but still want to see the scenery? Then an Oceanview may be the perfect fit for you.
Also, think about cruise length. If you are going on a short cruise you may want to chose a lower priced room because you really may not fully enjoy a balcony.

Where are you travelling to?

This becomes a huge factor when going on scenic cruises such as Alaska, Hawaii or Mediterranean cruises. These cruises are all about the view and a balcony will cost more but be worth it because of the view.

Location, Location, Location

There are things to think about before clicking that number for your room choice. I call these location factors.

Are you concerned about noise? Then you will want to avoid floors above or below the theaters, restaurants and pool. The best choice may be a room at the end of the hallway.
Worried about motion sickness? Then choose a cruise ship room on a low deck (3 or below) and is in the middle of the ship. You won’t feel the boat’s movement as much at this level.
Do you have mobility issues? You definitely want to choose a room close to the elevators. Remember to book early because those rooms go fast.

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Learn Your Views

Lastly, in order to choose the best cruise ship room, you need to know about views. There are two types of basic views when it comes to cruise ships.

Obstructed view- This means the window or balcony’s view is blocked by something. In most cases it will be a wall, a life boat or part of another room.

Deck views- This means that instead of the view being of an area outside of the ship you will see an area inside the ship. These views are usually of the pool deck, the atrium or other areas in the center of the ship.

I hope you are completely prepared for choosing your best cruise ship room. Share with me in the comments when is your next cruise vacation.

Related: Cruise Ship Deck Plans

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. If you want more amazing travel tips and destination info sign up for my newsletter.

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10 First Time Cruise Questions

July 24, 2019 by Kavonda Rogers Leave a Comment

10 First Time Cruise Questions

Cruising is the fastest growing travel segment in the United States. Why? Mainly because of the enormous amount of bang you get for your buck and because you unpack once and see several destinations. Veteran cruisers will tell you there is a learning curve for cruising and sometimes it can take a while to go from newbie to savvy. But no worries; I am here to help. Today I will answer 10 First Time Cruise Questions.

Do I need a passport?

This is a yes and no question. There are two types of cruises: Open looped and closed looped. Let me briefly explain.

Open looped- When a cruise begins at one port and ends at a different port. For example a cruise starts in Seattle, Washington but ends in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Closed looped- When a cruise starts and ends at the same port.

If you are traveling on a closed looped cruise you DO NOT need a passport. You will need a copy of your birth certificate and a state issued id if you are over 16 years of age.

If you are traveling open looped you WILL be required to have a passport. In either case a passport is highly recommended.

What time should I arrive at the cruise port?

Most cruise lines require you to choose an arrival time so they can expedite their check in process. Most cruise lines close check-in anywhere from 1-2 hours before the cruise is scheduled to depart. SO, take your check in time seriously and don’t miss the boat!

Prefer Video: Click Here for the Video Version

What about paying for items on board?

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

This is another yes and no question. It is also one of the most common first time cruise questions I get asked. If you are speaking in terms of liquors and spirits such as rum, gin etc. the answer is no. If you are a wine drinker most cruise lines will allow you to bring at least one bottle of wine per person on board. If you want to open it on your own, then don’t forget your wine bottle opener. Most cruise lines charge a corkage fee of at least $25 if thy open it.

Do I have to pay extra to exit the ship?

I always chuckle when I am asked this question. So, for that reason alone it had to make my common cruise questions list.

You do not need to pay any fees to exit the ship at a port. You have already paid for that right when you paid for the cruise. Now if you chose to take a shore excursion then those have an additional cost. I think that may be where some of the confusion arises. Please note that shore excursions are optional.

Related: 6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise

Do I have to get off the ship at the port?

No, you do not. Many times, you may go on a cruise and one of the ports is a place you have visited many times before. For me that port is Nassau, Bahamas. If I am out of my fave facial products I may jump off and go to Tresor Rare and other times I just hang out on the ship. If you stay onboard it is a great tie to enjoy a spa treatment or hang out by the nearly empty pool.

Do I have to eat in the main dining room?

The main dining room is also called the MDR. It is the main hub for dinner. You are not required to eat in the main dining room because there are so may options around the ship. Mainly there is a buffet available on the pool deck. If you are a first-time cruiser, then check out the main dining room once because it is a unique experience.

Do I have to follow the dress code in the Main Dining Room?

If this was ten years ago, I would have said a resounding yes. Now, the times have changed, and we have new generations who are not big on dressing up. So, to say the least the rules for dress in the MDR are lax or just overlooked. As long as you don’t walk in with your bath suit or swim trunks you might pass muster. Yet, most guests stick with business casual as the standard.

What are gratuities?

Out of all my first-time cruise questions this is the most controversial. Gratuities are the tips that are given to the people who clean and service your cabin, who serve you food whether at the buffet or in the Main Dining Room. The gratuity charges are based on your room category and the length of your cruise. The longer the cruise the larger the gratuity naturally. Lower room categories (interior, ocean view, and balcony) have the same gratuity rate and suites have a higher rate. Each cruise lines charges a different amount, but they all start at 13.99 per day per person and go up from there.

Should I use a travel agent or travel advisor?

If you have been a part of any travel forum you can see that this is a first-time cruise question that really sparks hot conversation. As a travel professional I urge people to use travel agents. Why? Because travel agents spend a lot of time, energy, and money to learn about travel and specific destination to be of service to their clients. We know the best resorts in an area. We know the best cruise ships for kids, we know the best cruise destination for honeymooners. We also know the best prices and the best ties to travel. We are like google but for travel. We go above and beyond to give our clients the best value for their money. Of course, you can book your own travel but if you have never cruised before or never visited the Bahamas; why not call a professional to help guide the way. I do not charge fees to my clients so there is no additional cost to you. #travelagentsrock

Wrap Up

I hope that by now you are well prepared to embark on the process of your first cruise or maybe the first cruise in a long time. If you are a first timer tell when your cruise is leaving and what cruise line you chose in the comments below. If you are a veteran cruiser tell me the first ship you ever cruised on. I can’t wait to hear from you.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

cruises

Are Cruise Ship Drink Packages Worth It?

By Kavonda L. Rogers

What do Packages Include?

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s an All or Nothing Deal?

Do You Still Need to Pay Tips?

Is It Worth It?

If you are interested in more tips, and destination info please sign up for my newsletter below. I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

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Cruising to Alaska

By Kavonda L. Rogers

A Once In A Lifetime Trip

Large Ship vs. Small Ship

Gulf Of Alaska

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Inside Passage

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

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5 Things to Know Before Planning a Cruise Wedding

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Book Your Cruise First

Know Your Guest List

Be Prepared to Pay Upfront and In Full

Cruise Weddings are Quick and to the Point

Types of Cruise Weddings

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

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Tips for Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Room

By Kavonda L. Rogers

4 Basic Cabin Types

Interior Room

Ocean View Room

Balcony Room

Suite Room

Other Factors to Consider

Where are you travelling to?

Location, Location, Location

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

Lists*

Learn Your Views

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. If you want more amazing travel tips and destination info sign up for my newsletter.

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

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10 First Time Cruise Questions

By Kavonda L. Rogers

Do I need a passport?

What time should I arrive at the cruise port?

What about paying for items on board?

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Do I have to pay extra to exit the ship?

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

Lists*

Do I have to get off the ship at the port?

Do I have to eat in the main dining room?

Do I have to follow the dress code in the Main Dining Room?

What are gratuities?

Should I use a travel agent or travel advisor?

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Join the Travel Tips by Vonda Club!

Lists*

Spread the Word!

If you are interested in more tips, and destination info please sign up for my newsletter below.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.