1. BUYING ART
When you jump on a cruise you’ll get one of these Art flyers saying you’ll get a free piece of art just for showing up. This is true, but it’s only a picture of a painting. The real hook is when you go to the actual auctions. At the beginning of these auctions they have pieces out for all to see. They tell you to place a numbered sticker/card that represents you, on the art piece you’re interested in. This will let them know that someone is interested in that piece so they can bring it out for the auction. They also speak to you directly to give you the price of the piece before hand. At that point you’ll have an idea if you’re going to spend the money or not. Unless it is a truly amazing piece that catches many eyes, the art piece will be just for you. Thus no real auction will take place because you’ll be the only one raising your number card. It is pretty much a sale for one person, and not a real auction. As for the art work itself, 99% of the time they’re not selling orginals. What you will most likely get is a glazed piece that I can be signed by the artist and limited. Glazed pieces are transparent layers of paint over a dried layer/picture. It will look real because of the texture. For the most part it is real, but not exactly an original. In the end, it really boils down to what you love and how much you want to pay for it. Art is subjective. It all depends on you.
2. CONVENIENCE STORE
IF you forget your toothpaste, be ready to spend an obscene amount of money on a tube. You are on a ship, miles away from shore. You’re not going to be able to walk a few blocks to a convenient store to grab some toothpaste. You are pretty much at the mercy of the ship. There are plenty of things you can buy at the convenience store. If you need toiletries, clothing or any other necessities, the store is always waiting for you to spend the extras.
3. SOUVENIRS
If you’re a first time cruiser I get it. You’re super happy to be on that cruise and you want to remember it. Well, you’ll surely remember how much money you spend after you get a tank top with the cruise logo on it. Or how about that mug that’s 1 week of Starbucks? I get it. It’s about the memories. Just be conscious of the costs. It will def break the bank in the end, if you’re not careful.
4. SPA PRODUCTS & PACKAGES
Ok, this one is a tricky one. I must admit that after 11 cruises under my belt, I decided to take family portraits. It was my niece’s birthday, and my sister wanted to take portrait shots. For the record, the cost of the 1 printed shot wasn’t exactly expensive, but it wasn’t cheap either. It ran us about $35 for a printed picture. This also depends on the ship. We took portraits aboard the Carnival Sunrise. There weren’t many glamour spots. Thus, photographers taking shots with a picture background. It wasn’t exactly bad. It just wasn’t what I’d expect when I think “Professional” photos. On the other hand, aboard the NCL Bliss, Getaway, Escape & Breakaway the ship offered plenty of amazing spots for photos. Guess what those prices were. $300+. That’s a no for me. Doesn’t mean that you feel you’re not worth it. This is a cruise now. How many times will you cruise? This really depends on what you’re looking to spend, and if it’s with the price.
5. PHOTO PACKAGES
When you jump on a cruise you’ll get one of these Art flyers saying you’ll get a free piece of art just for showing up. This is true, but it’s only a picture of a painting. The real hook is when you go to the actual auctions. At the beginning of these auctions they have pieces out for all to see. They tell you to place a numbered sticker/card that represents you, on the art piece you’re interested in. This will let them know that someone is interested in that piece so they can bring it out for the auction. They also speak to you directly to give you the price of the piece before hand. At that point you’ll have an idea if you’re going to spend the money or not. Unless it is a truly amazing piece that catches many eyes, the art piece will be just for you. Thus no real auction will take place because you’ll be the only one raising your number card. It is pretty much a sale for one person, and not a real auction. As for the art work itself, 99% of the time they’re not selling orginals. What you will most likely get is a glazed piece that I can be signed by the artist and limited. Glazed pieces are transparent layers of paint over a dried layer/picture. It will look real because of the texture. For the most part it is real, but not exactly an original. In the end, it really boils down to what you love and how much you want to pay for it. Art is subjective. It all depends on you.
Do NOT waste your money on the art work, unless you know what you’re getting and ok with it.