Thread: European Cruise - Add ons

As I reasearch European cruises I am finding lots of add-ons. A good example is Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas. They have a main dinning room which is included in the cost but they have 2 "good" dinning rooms which have "service charges" of $20 an $25 per person per meal. Will I be expected to tip in these restaurants? If I prepay gratuities will it cover the tips in these alternative restaurants?

There are additional charges for soft drinks. I can buy a card which will cost about $120 for 2 people for the entire cruise (I think this includes tip). Does this mean I will have to pay for coffee, tea, and water while on board? If so, can I bring my own soft drinks and water on board with me?

I can buy a card which will cost about $50 which will allow me to purchase 12 house drinks and includes the tip. This is a pretty good savings. Can I bring my own wine on board with me?

Thanks in advance for your time in answering my questions.

Those ships do add on a lot to generate revenue these days.

one of the most horrible examples are the freshly squeezed orange juice Royal Caribbean are pushing for $3.95 plus 15% service charge.

as to your questions:
If you prepay your gratituities it will not include the tips for the speciality restaurants.
The price you pay to dine in the alternative restaurants, Portofino and Chops, does include tips but because of the extremly good food and service I usually add a bit extra.

You dont have to pay for coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, regular orange juice, apple juice and water onboard unless you want speciality coffees (cafe latte, cappuchino, expresso etc) or bottled water.

There are coffee stations in the Windjammer cafe, the buffet restaurant, one of the coffee stations are open 24 hours a day.
In addition the Brilliance of the Seas also have a pizza, pasta and Panini outlet called Seaview cafe. The food there is really good. If you want cakes and cookies you can have them for free from the coffe shop; Latte tudes. (There is however a charge for the coffee)
These outlets are in addition to the Dinning room and the Windjammer buffet restaurant.

You can not bring your own wine, water or soft drinks onboard. You can pre book online different wine packages which include either 5 -7 -10 or 12 bottles. They also sell the packages in 3 different price levels; Diamond, gold and platinum. Soft drinks packages are available for purchase on the day of embarkation.
The ship will add on 15% service charge on all the beverages you purchase, including packages.
Also worth remembering is that if the cruise is only sailing within the EU countries they have to add on a 17.5% sales tax on everthing you purchase!!!
If you sail in a Grand Suite and above you get to use the concierge lounge with free coffees (24 hours) and free drinks (usually 530pm-830pm) plus other perks.

This information is just what I needed. I would like to thank you very much for taking the time to help me.

You welcome - anytime