Current Events > Cruises- How do excursions work?

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Never been on one. Im looking to book one with Royal Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas (so the more modern Quantum class). Some things Im not sure how it works-

1. How do I book excursions? Or am I on my own for that?
2. How do I get from the ship to where the excursions are at (and then back to the ship)?
3. How do the ship entertainment work? Do I pay for tickets to shows or reserve them, or is it first come first serve at time of show?
4. How do personal services work, like spas? Are there added fees for this?
5. What are some hidden fees? Like do I have free Wi-Fi? Free drinks and food? Etc.

1. Just look on the website. Some are free and included (but you may need to book) and some are additional costs

2. Most start and end at the boat

5. Usually meals are free but not always ones in the special dining rooms. This varies by boat. Maybe book a couple nice meals.

Wifi I think differs too and may depend on how much data you use. Best advice is to just tell everyone that you will be moatly incommunicado and only occasionally text. Just ignore the phone!

If you like alcohol, the drink packages are highly recommended. Usually like $20 a day for all you can drink and only the highest priced wines and liquors are excluded.

IdiotMachine posted...

Never been on one. Im looking to book one with Royal Caribbean on the Oasis of the Seas (so the more modern Quantum class). Some things Im not sure how it works-
1. How do I book excursions? Or am I on my own for that?

While you can venture off on your own in the various ports, it's often not recommended. Some ports aren't safe for tourists to just jump into a random taxi. I would recommend booking before you get onto the ship, otherwise many of your options will be sold out.

2. How do I get from the ship to where the excursions are at (and then back to the ship)?

The cruise staff will guide you through all of this. It's very easy.

3. How do the ship entertainment work? Do I pay for tickets to shows or reserve them, or is it first come first serve at time of show?

Shows are all free, but it's general seating.

4. How do personal services work, like spas? Are there added fees for this?

Spa services are extra, but use of the gym is free.

5. What are some hidden fees? Like do I have free Wi-Fi? Free drinks and food? Etc.

Wi-Fi is rarely free on cruise ships, and the Wi-Fi packages aren't fast enough to do any streaming or video calling. Basic dining room and deck food is free, but booze, specialty coffees, and specialty restaurants are a la carte. Everything gets charged to your room, and you pay the bill at the end (so it's easy to lose track of how much you're spending).

There are gratuities expected for your cabin staff, which you can either pay up front or at the end.

How do you contact your family if separated? Since no cell phone service do we need to bring walkie-talkies?

IdiotMachine posted...

How do you contact your family if separated? Since no cell phone service do we need to bring walkie-talkies?

Depending on the country, this is one of those situations where people need to be smart. Stay with the group, stay with each other, and if separated, know how to get back to the ship on time.

Usually, I have been in places where we could text out and about. Just notify your carrier and get on an international plan for that timeframe. This is crucial.

Also, call your credit card companies and say where you will be, so they won't deny your purchases because of suspecting fraud.

Your best bet is asking the salesperson since a lot of it is cruise line dependent.

If you just want personal anecdotes, based on the cruise that I participated in:
1) They have a person on the boat itself who helps you book things and provides information. They had a dedicated office because they make money off booking these things so it's very easy to set up.
2) The boat takes care of getting your from the boat to shore and vice versa
3) All shows were included, first come first served
4) Certain facilities have extra fees but they will tell you up front
5) Wifi wasn't included, alcohol isn't included, some of the onboard dining isn't included, though they're pretty upfront about these. The only hidden fee I experienced was a "service" charge which went towards the employees (allegedly) which they tacked on per day which you could remove if you wanted, but you had to talk to customer service to do so.

IdiotMachine posted...

How do you contact your family if separated? Since no cell phone service do we need to bring walkie-talkies?

Your cell phone carrier might offer a roaming travel plan if you inquire.