Frequently Asked Questions about Cruise Ship Housing

Q: Are gratuities included in the per night room charge?

A: Standard shipboard gratuities are included (room steward and dining room wait staff). Gratuities for personal purchases, for beverages and any other onboard services are additional and will be automatically added to your Onboard Expense Account.

Q: What meals are included in the per night room charge?

A: All meals in the main dining rooms and the informal buffet are included. Room service with a limited menu is available 24 hours a day. Late night delivery is available at a minimal extra cost. Each ship has specialty restaurants that are at an additional cost.

Q: What types of special meals are offered in the dining rooms onboard and how do I advise the ship of my dietary requirements?

A: There will be a field on the registration form to indicate any special dietary needs such as Halal, vegetarian, gluten free, etc. Each ship will make every effort to accommodate your special needs.

Q: What beverages are included?

A: Complimentary beverages include ice/hot tea, standard coffee, and some juices are available with meals. All other beverages and beverages consumed outside of meal times are at your personal expense and will be charged to your Onboard Expense Account.

Q: What type of currency is accepted onboard?

A: U.S., Canadian, British, Euro and Trinidad & Tobago (TT) currencies are accepted on both ships. Foreign currency can be exchanged on both ships but may be limited in type and amount. The following credit cards are accepted onboard both ships, Express/Optima®, Diners Club/Carte Blanche®, Discover® Network, MasterCard® and Visa® are also accepted. Traveler’s checks and debit cards with a Visa or MasterCard logo may also be used.

Q: What is an Onboard Expense Account? How does it work?

A: At check-in you will have the option of opening an Onboard Expense Account for purchases onboard the ship by either presenting a credit card or leaving a minimum cash deposit of US$100. Just as in a hotel, you will be able to charge items to your room using your room key instead of having to carry around cash or credit cards. Prior to check-out you will have a chance to review your charges. If everything is correct, your credit card will be charged or the cash deposit will be used to cover the charges. Guests using cash to pay for their expenses must visit Guest Services prior to check-out to settle their account.

If you do not have Onboard Expense account you will not be able to make purchases on board the ship.

Q: What facilities are available on the ships?

A: Here are some of the benefits to staying on the ships:

• Complimentary state of the art fitness centers, including weight and cardio machines; there is also an outside jogging track and sports court for basketball
• Rock climbing wall (Serenade of the Seas ONLY)
• Mini golf course and/or golf simulators
• Multiple pools and whirlpools with live music
• Spa facilities and hair salons (additional costs)
• Specialty coffee bars (additional charge will apply for some items)
• Various night clubs, piano bars with live music
• Art gallery
• Internet Café and Wi-Fi throughout the ship (additional costs)
• Medical center

Q: How do I get on and off the ship?

A: Once you have checked in and received your room key, this key should be kept with you at all times and will be needed to both board and disembark from the cruise ship.

Q: Am I allowed to bring anyone on to the ship?

A: Once someone is not staying on the ship or registered to an event that is on the ship, they will no be allowed on board the ship.

Q: How will I know what is planned for each day?

A: A newsletter is delivered to your room every night which lists the activities for the next day.

Q: Is there Internet access aboard the ships?

A: Wireless internet access is available ship-wide at an extra cost, not included in the room fee. Packages are available at per minute rates. Each ship also has an Internet Café with computers available for guest use, cost for minutes only.

Q: Is there telephone and cell phone service on the ships?

A: There is a phone in each room, however the “per minute” charges are typically at a much higher rate (sometimes $7 per minute and higher) than commercial rates. This also applies to local calls. Cell phone reception onboard the ships may not work well within your room. Reception tends to be more consistent on the upper outside areas. Roaming charges from your carrier may be applicable.

Q: Are there laundry and dry cleaning services aboard the ships? Can I bring an Iron?

A: Irons are not permitted onboard the ships, however there are pressing and cleaning services available on each ship at an additional cost. There are self-service laundry facilities onboard the Caribbean Princess ONLY.

Q: Is there anything that is not allowed on the ships?

A: For the safety of the guests, the cruise lines will not allow the following items onboard and will be confiscated upon being found: Bottles of Liquor, Electrical Transformers, Coffee Makers, Candles, Irons, Illegal Drugs, Flammable Liquids and Explosives, such as fireworks. For security purposes, we also recommend notpacking any valuables (such as jewelry) in your checked luggage.

Q: What is the electrical voltage on the ships?

A: North American standard, 110 volts AC is used on all of the ships. An outlet adapter is required for European standard (220 volts AC, round prongs). Room outlets can accommodate appliances up to 1500 watts.

Q: Can I smoke while onboard ship?

A: Smoking is allowed in designated areas on each ship. Please see specific ship policy for those designated areas.
To see the Princess Smoking Policy, click here
To see the Royal Caribbean Smoking Policy, click here