GROUPS

You get a bigger discount if you are a part of a group. When you reserve, you tell them you are in a group and you will get a discount. Each person in the group has to be listed in order for it to count.

Internet, text and voice

Verizon has no service out to sea. You will not be able to call, text or get on the internet. I do not know if Sprint or the others are the same way or not. Do not use your phone to determine time. The time will fluctuate and can be numerous hours off.

Staterooms

They have no clocks so if you want to know the time, bring a clock or wear a watch.

Excursions

When the ships go to a place, they offer excursions. If the ship is moored to the pier it doesn't matter if you take an excursion sponsored by the ship or one the place offers.

However if the ship is anchored, I highly recommend taking one that the ship offers. It takes awhile to get to shore because you have to ride water taxis to shore. The people with excursions offered by the ship goes first. If you are doing an excursion not offered by the ship, you may not have time to do it.

Drinks

Sodas are expensive. They have a frig in the stateroom with sodas and bottled water. They count them every day. You will be charged for the ones you drink (unless you have a drink package which I will explain later).

You can drink water (in a glass and not bottled water), coffee, tea and lemonade for free any time of the day.

Restaurants

Dining room is open for dinner. This is included in the cruise cost. You do not have to eat there if you don't want to but I highly suggest it. The menu changes everyday and you get Lamb, Lobster, and numerous other things. The dress code changes each day. There is a formal, smart casual, casual and so forth (however if you don't have the clothes for formal, they won't turn you away)

There is a buffet style cafeteria that serves numerous items for breakfast, lunch and supper. It is open the entire day (I do not know what time they close) This is free to eat and it included in the cruise cost.

Pizza shop is free to eat at anytime of the day.

Desert shop is free to eat at anytime of the day.

There are some eating places that does charge.  

There is ice cream at the pool deck that is free.

Drinks

I may off some on the prices. I didn't drink sodas on the cruise and only had one beer so I am going by what I heard.

unlimited sodas - $6.50 a day

Unlimited alcoholic beverages (don't know if it includes all types of alcohol or specific ones) - $60 a day

Tips

When you pay for your cruise, I recommend including the tip as well. If you don't, they will add it to your bill and can cost more than tipping in advance. However you will probably want to tip them more because they do a great job.

Carry-ons

In your carry-on put a change of clothes, bathing suit or items you feel you may need before your luggage arrives to your room. It can take a couple hours for your luggage to show up.

Travel

Airlines is expensive to use. However driving can be costly as well. When you add up all the costs of driving, it might be cheaper or the same cost to fly. If you drive, you will probably get there a day early which means getting a motel. Unless you book way in advance, you may not get a cheap room and have to stay at a place very high.  You also have to add in gas money, time to drive down there, eating and any other expense that may come up.

Paying for the Cruise

Can reserve a cruise over a year out (maybe even farther out). You can make payments to it till the deadline exists.

Check this page periodically. I have only had one cruise so others may provide tips as well.