Hello All!  Okay, I have an question about dining.  Now, I have a friend that recently went on her first cruise with a cruise line that is known for having Daisy Fuentes as their spokesperson or whatever.  Ok, so when she found out that I was going on a cruise in February, my first, she begin telling me about some of the things to expect on the cruise.  She begin telling me about her dining experience on her cruise line and that some things that she wanted she had to pay for out of pocket.  She told me about how her sister became upset with her niece because instead of eating in the dining rooms where the food was free, she ate at places where their room was charged for whatever she ordered. And they were simple things like a hamburger, a specialty pizza and simple things like that, not like going to the Supper Club or other restaurants where you know you will have to pay. 

Well, I told her she must have been mistaken, because it was my understanding that food was all inclusive no matter what you had or where you ate unless it was one of the specialty restaurants or coffee places or gift shop. But she insisted that it was like this on all cruises and Carnival would be the same way. 

So was it just her particular cruise line or is she right?  If I just randomly want a slice of pizza will I have to pay for it out of pocket?

Thanks to all that reply!

For the dining room you have to pay for your drinks, except for ice tea, water, an coffee.

The supper club is $30 a person and is an optional dining experience.

Room service is free, except for the non-manatory tip.

You get the pizza on the lido deck.

For the most part the food on Carnival is all included in the price.... they do have a supper club on some of the ships that you have to pay extra for.  and they do have the specialty coffee shop that is extra along with the fancy desserts.  but the pizza and burgers and soft serve ice cream are all part of the fare you pay. 

I know on lines like Royal and NCL they have a lot of extra places that you have to pay to eat at.  but they also have a lot of places that are included.

Thanks everybody for your quick responses!  I know that places like the supper club and some other specialty shops would cost you, but I just couldn't understand why I would have to pay for something simple like a slice of pizza when it should be included in the price of admission, so to speak.

Carmelicious:

a slice of pizza

VA_Cruiser:

.  and they do have the specialty coffee shop that is extra along with the fancy desserts.

I

I forgot about the coffee shop. I went there every morning after the 3rd day of free coffee. At least it cured me from drinking alot of coffee at work when I got back. The woman at the coffee shop gave me little danish with my coffee too.

I have learned with the free coffee that I bring my own flavored creamers... it is the only way that I can drink it.

4bolts:

VA_Cruiser:

.  and they do have the specialty coffee shop that is extra along with the fancy desserts.

I

I forgot about the coffee shop. I went there every morning after the 3rd day of free coffee. At least it cured me from drinking alot of coffee at work when I got back. The woman at the coffee shop gave me little danish with my coffee too.

I like mine strong and black. Not as strong as the stuff in the buffet though. I had to add 1/2 cup of hot water to drink with breakfast.

Then the coffee shop for my walk the ship to see what we could get into. I'd pay for the option to have a coffee pot in the room and I'd bring my own Kona coffee.

Carmelicious,

Not sure what cruise line your friend was on but don't listen to her....Guess I have never paid attention to those comercials.  I know who does Princess Cruise Lines tho.  You should almost always be able to find something to eat and yes, all food is free except the Supper Clubs and Speciality Places.  Room Service does not have a full menu but it is 24/7.  I have called them many times on both our cruises for things to eat while in our stateroom.  I was pleased with all the things I ordered too.  This board s a good place to get answers and help with any questions. 

Another good place is a website a fellow cruiser took a lot of time to create that you can check out is full of helpful tips and info.  It's www.seauonboard.com and it's a great site for 1st time cruisers and we all enjoy it.  

I am thinking she was probably on NCL where the ONLY free place to eat is the buffet, the dining room or the cafe...they had 11 dining options and you had to pay for all of the others. 

Hey SuzyQ!  I absolutely love this board! I have found out so many different things I need to know before I go on my cruise in February.  I kinda figured that something wasn't right when my friend was saying this and that's why I wanted to post it on the Carnival fourums because there are so many experienced cruisers here I knew I would get right answers.  Thanks again!

Wow! Really?  I was looking at taking NCL before I ended up going with Carnival.  My friend went on the Bahamas-Celebration cruise line.  I guess they offer bargain(low bargains) for 2 or 3 night cruises. 

tracyanns:

I am thinking she was probably on NCL where the ONLY free place to eat is the buffet, the dining room or the cafe...they had 11 dining options and you had to pay for all of the others. 

As the others have said I would guess you friend went on ncl where they are not All Inclusive.  I been on 4 and leaving in 10day for num 5, and never paid for any food except tipping when the bring room service.   Yes you can pay $30 pp to eat in the Supper club, but realy the food is great in the dinning room..    Farm girl from neb can live on the free food there is more then enuff to pick from.