Onboard arcades question

Nan · #1 (**permalink**) March 12th, 2003, 10:47 AM

Can someone tell me if the arcade games on the Princess ships take real money or are there tokens you can buy from "your account?" How does this work? And have any of you experienced parent cruisers set limits on $ amounts for the kids?

#2 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2003, 09:07 AM

Dear Nan:
I'm the family cruise editor here. I can ask my contacts at Princess regarding the arcades tokens vs. real money, etc.
I would definitely set a limit with your child/teen prior to the cruise. If he/she thinks the limit is too low, maybe your child will want to do extra chores prior to the cruise to earn $ or take an advance on their weekly allowance. We let our daughter collect our change during the year and then cash it in prior to a trip for spending money.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor

LisaK · #3 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2003, 10:25 AM

i am so glad that this question came up i was wondering the same thing, we are sailing on the Golden with 3 kids, 17,16, 14 and i know that the 2 boys especially will want some premium arcade time. Can the kids get their own "expense" (sign & sail cards) account so its not tied into ours??

Nan · #4 (**permalink**) March 13th, 2003, 12:34 PM

Good idea Luisa. We did actually start a special fund with quarters for our boys. Each time one does something nice for the other a quarter is added to a can. It can be as simple as carrying the other's glass up to the kitchen or saying a nice thing to them. I actually put their first initial on the quarter with a Sharpie. We will divide them up before the cruise and see who has been more helpful (I'm sure we will have to add to the fund too). Anyway, I think I need to remind them of this (even I had forgot!). Too few quarters have been accumulating lately. Like none.
Please let us know what you find out for how they pay for the games on ship.
Thanks!

#5 (**permalink**) March 17th, 2003, 10:13 AM

HI Nan:
I got some details from Princess Cruises. Games on all ships (except Grand and Golden) take cash/coins. The Grand and Golden have virtual reality centers which use special debit cards that are purchased in the arcade areas. They are dispensed by a machine the accepts cash.
I hope this helps. I liked your idea of getting a quarter for doing a family good deed!
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor

#6 (**permalink**) March 31st, 2003, 01:06 PM

We are also on the Golden (28th July) with four kids (two girls 11 & 12 - boys 16 and 18). Things may have changed since 2001 but then you paid $20 (or thereabouts) and the kids were given a special card that only worked in the arcade. So far as personal allowances.... we bought them each a soda card and gave them a 'daily allowance' (I think it was $10). We were able to go to the pursers desk to keep tabs on their expenditure. They had been warned beforehand that if they overly abused it, we would remove the privilege completely. Thankfully, none did!!

Have a great holiday.

Laura (UK)

Nan · #7 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2003, 09:23 AM

Thanks for the information, Laura & Luisa! We'll be on the Coral Princess July 19 and I know the games in the kids areas will sure get a work out with our 11 and 17 yr old boys. And I can't wait to let them go! (Just thinking seflishly about a little mom & dad alone time ; )