Extra cost

[BLAMBKY]

I am trying to figure out how much extra money we are likely to spend above and beyond the cruise/tips/taxes itself. What other "cost" are there? Drinks, souvenirs, photos, and excursions. Am I forgetting an extras that really add to the enjoyment of the cruise? When the kids were little, we just enjoyed the cruise itself and now that they are much older I am wondering how I can expect that to change.

[uppitycats]

I am trying to figure out how much extra money we are likely to spend above and beyond the cruise/tips/taxes itself. What other "cost" are there? Drinks, souvenirs, photos, and excursions. Am I forgetting an extras that really add to the enjoyment of the cruise? When the kids were little, we just enjoyed the cruise itself and now that they are much older I am wondering how I can expect that to change.

 

Some folks tip the crew that staff the kids program, if your kids are participating in that.

 

Depending on which ship you're on, there are specialty restaurants that have a surcharge, anywhere from $10 - $25 extra for dinner (and if the kids order off the adult menu, they'll be charged too -- this will go on your sign and sail card).

 

If you use spa services, there's a gratuity added on to the bill, like what happens with liquor, soft drinks, specialty coffees, etc. The gratuity is at least 18%; on some lines as much as 20%.

 

Meals/snacks you might get when you're off the ship, in one of the ports.

 

Tips for the excursion people (not entirely necessary, but expected).

[cb at sea]

Excursions will add a TON to the bill...are you doing a bunch of those? And alcohol...that will get you everytime!

 

It's possible to do a cruise and not spend alot....but you really have to limit yourself...no gambling, no drinking, no photos, no upcharge restaurants, no souveniers....

Most folks will spend in "misc. charges" about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise.

[Carolin]

One suggestion so you know how much exactly your expenses will be for the kids. They use thier Sign and Sail for the archade as well as other things. You can limit how much is spent for your kids per day by talking to purser when you get on board and setting it up that way.

[BLAMBKY]

One suggestion so you know how much exactly your expenses will be for the kids. They use thier Sign and Sail for the archade as well as other things. You can limit how much is spent for your kids per day by talking to purser when you get on board and setting it up that way.

 

Thanks for the information! This would be a MUST if we cruise on our next vacation. Kids would know upfront what their limits are and I would not have to remind them. They would be responsible for their own spending. Love it!:cool:

[onthelake]

Also, you might consider a soda card for each of your kids. Some cruise lines have cards for fruit smoothies, etc. Also, as for spending limits, it is important to have them understand. My son would rather wait until the end of the cruise and buy something in the gift shop than use the money in the arcade or golf simulator. A lot depends on the ages of the kids, how often you travel or are you trying to save a bit here and there or is it we will spend it now and worry later.

[AddictedtoFL]

we (family of 4 2 kids 4 and 5) did the 7 nights Western Carib. on the Valor On Oct 4th. I just total up the bill and this is the damage:

Cruise = $2600

Flight = $1300

Extra = $$1900

 

Extra = Tips, additional Tips, excursions (book seperately), gifts, pictures, Duty free, 1 night hotel, food, taxi, 1 day car rental and other misc. cost.

We did not spend a single dollar on Brooze and Casino on board.

 

And my wife want to do 2 cruises a year :(

[BLAMBKY]

we (family of 4 2 kids 4 and 5) did the 7 nights Western Carib. on the Valor On Oct 4th. I just total up the bill and this is the damage:

Cruise = $2600

Flight = $1300

Extra = $$1900

 

Extra = Tips, additional Tips, excursions (book seperately), gifts, pictures, Duty free, 1 night hotel, food, taxi, 1 day car rental and other misc. cost.

We did not spend a single dollar on Brooze and Casino on board.

 

And my wife want to do 2 cruises a year :(

 

:eek: YIKES! Thanks for sharing your numbers. It is close to what I was looking @ dates/destination/family size. I know that it is a MUST to keep it well under what you spent. I really thought that a cruise would be less. Again, thanks for posting. I am going to have to think a little longer on this one.

[boulders]

Our numbers work out very similar to addicted's numbers for a family of 4. We might even spend a little more. I spend $100 in the casino, almost nothing - maybe $20? total for alcohol. Keep in mind that gratuities are pretty much a compulsory item and will cost at a minimum approximately $70 per person for a 7 night cruise.

[A&Jfamily]

If we are booking excursions through the cruise line, I try to do them in advance, so I can absorb the cost in my monthly budget. Then that amount shows up as a credit on the bill. I also have bought the drink tickets that CCL as another way to pre-pay that expense.

 

We average with these prepaid things we average less than $100 per day on the S&S account.