Well, the answer to that question is yes there can be... and no, there does not have to be.

So what kinds of things can cost you more money on the cruise?

First, you need to know that booze is not included. There will be many opportunities for you to spend money on booze... alcoholic drinks... but the choice is entirely yours. To drink, or not to drink... that is the question. Plus, every time you order a drink (and they are expensive), you will automatically be charged a 15% tip.

Non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade, coffee, hot or cold tea are always available for free. The on-board tap water has been super-heated so by the time it reaches you it is basically distilled water...drink up! Although not specifically mentioned in the literature, during breakfast and lunch, juices are generally available. You will find a bottle of water in your stateroom. If you drink it, your on-board Sign and Sail account will be charged around $4.00.

Soda is not included, however, if you want soda, you can pay $6-$7 per day for a "soda card" which allows you unlimited soda from a server.

You are allowed to bring small, reasonable quantities of non-alcoholic drinks on-board. Official Carnival policy prohibits bringing bottles of booze on-board with you. All we can say is that some people have been known to sneak small quantities of liquor in with their luggage, and they either never are detected, or Carnival looks the other way when your bags go through the security x-ray machines. If it is determined that you are bringing on an improper amount of liquor, or someone decides to enforce the rules, it will be confiscated and you will NOT be reimbursed, nor will it be returned to you. So if you decide to bring a bottle in with you to enjoy in your stateroom before dinner, be cool about it.

Carnival is concerned about their bottom line to be sure, but they also have security concerns, and that is where you may have problems if you drink to excess and act in a manner that disturbs other guests or guest safety.

TIPPING: Your account will be charged $10 per day for tips, and that is why we include it in our calculations. NO surprises! Other than the 15% added to alcoholic beverages, you are not obligated to tip anyone else, and for any reason. However, you may find that your service at the fine dining room is exceptional, or they bring you an extra dessert and you may want to give an additional tip. Your cabin steward may do such an exceptional job... make you feel special every day... leave folded towel animals on your bed... and you may decide you want to tip extra. It is not required, and the decision is entirely yours. If you choose to give additional tips, it is appropriate, but not required.

ON SHORE: Once you leave the ship, of course nothing is included and you are charged extra for shore excursions etc., or you pay directly in cash while off the ship.

OIL PRICES: You may not have had reason to watch the commodities market, but we should know that Carnival reserves the right to add a per day charge if oil prices rise above $70 per barrel. That is not a guarantee... they want to be competitive. Gas prices at the pump have risen lately, but the price per barrel has not, and today is around $34 per barrel, so it does not look imminent. The cruise lines have added the fuel surcharge only once in history, and the price got up to over $100 a barrel.

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