[John-Tucson]

Bob B. All of the cruise ships that I have been on do charge for alcahol and soft drinks. I have never been charged for the food, which is available about 21 hours a day. The basic price per person of $499 includes all the food that you can eat. Additional costs are the $9 per day per person charge for the room-attendant, waiter, etc. AND it is up to you to decide if you want to pay this. The port stops are up to you. Options are to book a ship tour, get off the ship and get your own taxi/tour to do the same route, or do the tour on your own. Right now many ships allow you to take your own alcahol on board in your bag when you initially board but not when you buy some at a port and bring it on board. We have found that most of the trinkets that we purchased on board were actually worth the price that we paid. Bob, I hate to tell you this but your Cobra doen't know when you are gone. Perhaps your son could come over and talk to it. John