WHAT'S INCLUDED? CHART HAS THE DETAILS

Anyone who has cruised knows the how jarring it can be when that final bill is slipped under your stateroom door on the last night of the cruise. For those who spent most of their time at the bars, in the casino or shopping, the bill should probably come with some smelling salts.

To help passengers keep track of what's included and what's not included by the various cruise lines, the folks at AllThingsCruise have developed a handy chart that details the offerings from 33 different cruise lines. Why the chart? “I frequently sail on smaller ships that include some, but not all, amenities and I am often confused by what I will be paying for and what not,” explains Cynthia Boal Janssens, editor of AllThingsCruise in their press release. “So it was obvious that this kind of reference was needed, both for consumers and for travel agents.”

The chart also includes details such as: "Cunard – 'Stocked in-cabin mini-bar and butler service for Queens Grill guests only. Liquor and wine from mini-bar will be replenished with a charge to guest’s accounts at their request. All standard items replenished daily. QG butler service includes in-room party coordination.' Disney – 'Specialty drinks limited to complimentary soft drinks in dining rooms and 24/7 drink station. Specialty coffees available to concierge guests on Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Butler service is included for Concierge guests on all ships.'"

Great idea. You'll want to bookmark this one. -- Gerry