On Royal Caribbean’s ships, Starbucks drinks are not included in any drink package, while hand-crafted beverages from Café Promenade (which use Starbucks coffee) are. Plus, the beverages sold at Starbucks are significantly more expensive than comparable drinks served at the alternative.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers share special celebration tips. Some of these optional extras seem like cruise essentials to some passengers, but their costs can make cru

And for those who want to celebrate their special day with family and friends, a cruise can be the ultimate birthday party. Even if you don’t want a party, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself on a birthday cruise — from pampering yourself at the spa and indulging in a specialty dining experience to embarking on a bucket-list shore excursion.

Cruise lines are no exception, with QR codes now commonly found on dining tables and no paper menus provided unless there is a specific request. To be fair, there is a lot to like about using QR codes and app-based menus when in Carnival’s main dining room.