Extra costs are, as always, optional. I usually break them down into two categories:
The Usual Suspects (things you've probably seen on
DCL and that you'll see on most of the "family" cruise lines)
- Gratuities
- Porters/Baggage "Handlers" (you know, the guys that take your tips while someone else loads the bags onto a cart)
- Excursions
- Alcoholic Drinks (you can get drink packages for this)
- "Premium" coffee/espresso drinks (you can get non-alcoholic drink packages for this))
- Games Room
- Specialty dining (you can get dining packages for this)
- Popcorn/cotton candy
- Photo Packages
- wifi (per day charge)
- Spa services
- Time (if you go to one of those "shopping seminars" run by that "shopping expert" that always seems to steer you to Diamonds International)
The Not-So Usual Suspects
- Non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks, bottled water and premium juices
- Hard ice cream (i.e. Ben and Jerry's)
- Shops on the Promenade
- Babysitting/Nursery
- After hours (10pm and beyond) child care
- Room service (excluding continental breakfast)
- If one person purchases the Ultimate drink package everyone over 21 must purchase one as well (although stories abound regarding purchasing a non-alcoholic package instead)
- Candy store (do not recommend allowing the kids into this one)
- Sanity (when watching the "feature performer")
- Laundry (there are no machines on board, but they do offer wash and press service for $$$)
- Art (if you go to one of their art auctions for the free booze and raise your hand at the wrong time...)
I think I covered most of the extra costs.