Do all the "upscale" lines upcharge you for activities?

We just got back from Holland and was rather disappointed. Carnival has activities have it all day long--be it 2pm or 3pm--from Murder Mysteries, to Bingo, Art Auctions, etc.



Holland had very minimal things and most charged you which they don't inform you of in the Daily Planner. Wine Tasting when you get there is $20. Culinary Arts events are $30. Classes at the gym (like yoga) an extra $12. Everything offered was an extra cost. They mention in the restaurant section which restaurants were extra, why not mention which activities?



I've never done Celebrity, Princess, and many other lines that are upscale. I've stuck with Carnival and RCCL. But do all the lines that aren't "budget" mean they upcharge you for ever activity?



I was shocked at how few activities happened during the day on Holland that were just included--after all, if wine tasting had been you would have bought the bottle. But few people would be willing to pay $50 for a bottle of wine with no description of what it will taste like.Do all the "upscale" lines upcharge you for activities?
Princess has many free activities from Martini demo's to craft classes. The do charge for wine tasting and specialty restaurants and painting on ceramics. But what I found is there is so much free stuff, there is no need to spend extra on anything. The one thing I do indulge in is the chefs dinner. It is $75 extra but is an extraordinary experience which includes wine, and a cook book and a behind the scenes tour that you don't get otherwise. Plus the food is some of the best dinning I have ever had. For your next cruise, just go to cruise critic and read reviews and anything that they have about your particular cruise. You would not believe all the great tips you can get from this web site.
You could have found out "exactly" what was and what was not included by through your travel agent or whomever you booked your cruise through. I've been on many cruises and always find out before hand what is and isn't included. You should have bought an "all inclusive" band or had a "tab" which entitles you to cheaper rates on activities. Your travel agent should have told you about these things before you went.

Peace, Love %26amp; HappinessDo all the "upscale" lines upcharge you for activities?
HAL does offer all the activities that you mention plus: Poolside Games, Karaoke, Talent Contests, Trivia games, Arts %26amp; Crafts, all free. Btw, Bingo is not free anywhere.

All cruises have special activities where there is separate charge. The Culinary Center is free for observers and wine tastings and special classes are not free on all lines. The prices are mentioned in the daily newsletter.

The Cruise Director and staff have several daily activities all day long, even while in port, all free. HAL awards what they call Dam Dollars for participating in certain activities that can be redeemed for ship mdse.

Last cruise I came home with a sweatshirt, overnight bag, beach towel and a thermos.

You will find that the cruise lines that you mentioned are similar when it comes to activities and may be geared to what time of the year you cruise and the age group of those sailing.