With all the new promos, it is virtually impossible to know. Some include everything, some charge gratuities, some don't include coffees, soda .. a real hodge-podge.

Please help!

We don't buy the over-priced weak drinks in the smokey bars - but once in a while we'll order the drink of the day - or two - before the show.

We do not buy the art at the auctions - but do sign up and drink the free champaigne.

We don't buy a soda card - but do drink coffee, tea, and juices for free and even make our own "Cafe' Diablo" using their hot cocoa mix, coffee, and creamer.

We don't buy a wine package - but do use our C&A coupon for a free wine tasting.

We don't use any spa "treatments" but do occasionally sign up for a free lecture/sales pitch.

We don't use the laundry service - but do wash out our own quick-dry travel clothing in our cabin.

We don't use the high priced/low speed internet service on-board - but do use our own mobile web service when in port and cell phone service is available.

We seldom use specialty dining - but do order room service dinners or breakfasts and eat on our balcony where it is much quieter.

We DO try to book an excursion or two on-board so that it'll be charged to our sea pass - the one already front loaded with a bunch of OBCs.

The result? Most cruises we have a very small balance on our sea pass at the end of the cruise, and sometimes even have a credit.

Are you a tightwad cruiser too? If so, what do you do

Since we're going to Europe this summer on our cruise, I've typically just always used the credit card for purchases but now realizing it's good to carry at least some Euros with me.

So far, I learned that the currency exchange at IAD's rates are better than pre-ordering foreign currency even from my own bank, and, the rates are better. 

So, what is the BEST advice on getting foreign currency before departing? At the airport? Or, just extracting it from an ATM using the card?

CCL has indicated that they are "OK" through 2021 as I understand what I have read.  

There is so much uncertainty as to what to do.

I'd appreciate learning others views.  

Charge to your chase sapphire, then get statement credit for 150% so use 5000 points ($50 cash value)  to pay a $75 grocery or Home Depot charge. Its good for prior purchases.

A-

Everytime I cruise I use the same travel agent. He does a great job in organizing the trip, but I never seem to get a special "perks" from booking with him. Have any of you recieved these perks? What are they and what is the best agent to book with?

I typically book 7 - 9 night cruises on RCCL, Canival, or Princess.

Thanks.

R

Any thoughts or advice?? Thanks.

I am putting all of my 1's and 5's and change in a jar and cashing them in just before I go. 

I am using one of my credit cards that has  a free $100 Carnival gift card for every 10000 points

I use Allstate rewards to get $100 gift card  for $90

I am going to a "travel expo" this weekend where I get 2 free plane tickets, 2 nights hotel and 1/2 price rental car for free just for sitting through their presentation...Yes I know they will try to sell me a time share....but I already have one...so I don't need another...

I am comparing excursion prices, and hoping to use Carnivals price match guarantee to get some free OBC.

What are you all doing?

I saw it somewhere on the internet but cannot find it again.

Thanx

If we just bought individual drinks (they like soda and the mocktails) would we really get our money's worth at $20 a day (plus gratuities)?

Thanks.

I very quickly noticed there are many cruises to everywhere and  noticed very quickly there are always promotions, sales and drops (often big decreases) in prices of these cruises.  What is the reason behind cruises prices continually decreasing?  It looks like the decreases are due to more than friendly competion. Is there a best time to purchase a cruise?  Also, why are customers encouraged to go through travel agents, when they may purchase from the cruise line itself?  Thanks, Sandra

To those who've taken third party tours (not through the cruise line), in your experience is a one-hour buffer for the tour to get back late enough? Or is it risky and we should cancel? The port is at Safaga, Egypt. Thanks for your help!

         Aloha

Any recommendations on cheap/safe parking for 7 day cruise out of Long Beach / San Pedro? Thank you ahead of time!

Fee changes? Uber allowed to have permits in? 

I know about the public bus (cheap), but don't want to 

spend an hour each way and another 1/2 walking the

path to get there. Seems like a waste of precious time.

Sorry to bring this topic up yet again....