Budget

[Vianky]

Hello everyone!

 

I am shopping around and budgeting our first cruise for this July. The one that I'm pretty sure we are going on is the Carnival Valor. Its a 7 day cruise and leaves from Miami. The ports are Cayman islands, Cozumel, Isla Roatan and Belize.

 

It will be me and my husband with our 2 boys (7 and 11) my mother and my brother with his family.

 

Now that I got all that out of the way my question is this, How much should I budget for expenses? This is considering that the cruise and plane tickets are paid for.

 

I think we will be wanting to do only 2 excursions. Both are around $50 to $75 per person. I want to be able to not worry about the budget while I'm there so I may want to plan for a good amount but not huge.

 

For a family of 4 how much do you think? If you have a family my size how much do you budget for?

 

Also, I am planning on only 2 excursions but is that to little? Will I still be able to enjoy this without having an excursion?

 

Thanks so much for your help guys!

[paul929207]

Budgeting is difficult because each person will spend differently.

 

Excursions will be about $50/person.

Sodas - if you drink many sodas, you can get a soda sticker for $4.2/day plus tip.

Gambling, souvineers, etc are extra.

[sparky-elpaso]

I don't know about other lines but HAL puts a hold on your credit card of $60 a day pp - so $120 a day for on-board expenses is my "budget". That includes the $11 pp "hotel charge" (gratuities). For our upcoming Caribbean cruise I've budgeted around $75 a day in cash for port days and $20 for at sea days (for room service tips, etc.) Most of our port days are beach type stuff so I don't think I'll spend too much.

 

If we book shore excursions I usually do that before we sail so that's already paid for and if I've just had to put a deposit down then I budget the amount remaining.

 

Remember to budget for hotel, meals while traveling and things like that. We fly to the port a day ahead so we don't have to stress about delayed flights, etc.

 

This is for DH and myself. I know we won't spend that much - we're not drinkers (an occasional glass of wine at dinner, etc.) and we might drop $20 at the casino. I prefer to budget on the high end so if I see something little doodad I like I can get it without going over my budget.

[cb at sea]

Most folks end up spending about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise on misc. expenses! Plan for that, and you'll be ok. It is possible to do it for less, but 1st timers do spend more than seasoned cruisers--its just a fact!

 

Research your ports...many things require NO excursions at all. The cruiselines offer them (at exhorbinant prices) because so few people know anything about where they're going, and feel they MUST do excursions to have fun! WRONG! A bit of research (get a guidebook on your ports and read it!!!) will save you a bundle!

[uppitycats]

You really need to carefully read through the Carnival website and determine what on-board costs are NOT part of your cruise fare! Newcomers to cruising often think that once they've paid their fare, they've paid for everything,

 

and don't realize that things like soda will cost extra, specialty coffees, alcohol (including beer), spa services, child care services, on some ships and some itineraries on-board sports and some entertainment come with a fee, there are specialty restaurants that have a surcharge, etc. Not to mention tips -- which I think these days you can pay in a lump sum either at the end of the cruise or before -- which included tips for each child.

 

There are lots of opportunities at the ports you're going to where you don't need excursions at all, but can simply get off the ship, go to the beach yourself and have a good time. There are boards here that tallk about all the ports, and also a family cruising board where you might get some ideas, too.

 

So be sure you know about all that or your bill at the end of the cruise will bowl you over!

[GORDONCHICK]

The extras that are easy to forget but add up quickly:

 

tips/gratuities (on board and before you even board)

excursions

alcohol

pop

gambling & bingo

photos

spa treatments

specials like wine tastings, martini clinics, etc

specialty dining

specialty coffees/pastries

shopping (on the ship and in port)

 

And most cruisers will always suggest flying in at least the day before your cruise to help cut down your chances of missing the ship, so there'd be hotel, meals, and possibly transportation to your port and to the hotel from the airport.

 

The most difficult thing is for someone to tell you how much they spent and assume you'd spend the same. To me, that's like saying because I liked _______________, you'll like it too. I don't know you or if your tastes or lifestyle are similar to mine.

 

One thought is that you give each child a set amount for souveenirs and when they've spent that, they're done. This would be a harder concept for your 7yo without a little help from you, but it's a great way for them to figure out how much they really like something.

[clackey]

We did this ship and itinerary last month. You have made a good choice. The only port that screams for an organized tour is Belize. Cavetubing is great. There are several beach/snorkel tours that are available, plus some good ruins tours. You can book these 30%-50% less by booking with independant tour operators. We figure an extra $100 pp per day and usually bring money home. Research your Ports of call boards.

 

The new Mahogany Bay facility is pretty nice on Roatan if you just want to shop and veg on the beach. I've seen some great snorkel tours for less than $50.

 

Cozumel beaches can be had by taxi. A day on the beach can run as little as $20 pp. Add another $10 for food. Shopping is everywhere.

 

Grand Cayman is gorgeous. You can grab public transportation (van) for a couple of bucks. Seven mile beach is close by, cemetary beach is maybe a 15 minute ride and it isn't much farther to Hell or the turtle farm. The Stingray trips have a big following here.

 

Remember to figure in port fees, taxes and tips when you budget Some of the best advice that I have gotten from these boards is, "take half as many clothes and twice the money that you think that you will need.";)

[bjs323x]

It really does vary based on individua choices and you can find lots of tips on ways to save on these boards. Alcohol and the casino are the two fastest ways to run up your bill. Also, art auction and buying photos can be expensive. We ususally book our excursions through an independent tour company to save some cash and we bought our own snorkle gear years ago. We usually plan for $100/day for 2 adults. At sea days will be cheaper, port days more expensive.

[cruiserbryce]

Excursions will be about $50/person.

 

depending on the excursion they could be much more...many are in the $80 range...the ones in the $50 field are your city or shopping tours...

[AlanAllyn]

Hello everyone!

 

I am shopping around and budgeting our first cruise for this July. The one that I'm pretty sure we are going on is the Carnival Valor. Its a 7 day cruise and leaves from Miami. The ports are Cayman islands, Cozumel, Isla Roatan and Belize.

 

It will be me and my husband with our 2 boys (7 and 11) my mother and my brother with his family.

 

Now that I got all that out of the way my question is this, How much should I budget for expenses? This is considering that the cruise and plane tickets are paid for.

 

I think we will be wanting to do only 2 excursions. Both are around $50 to $75 per person. I want to be able to not worry about the budget while I'm there so I may want to plan for a good amount but not huge.

 

For a family of 4 how much do you think? If you have a family my size how much do you budget for?

 

Also, I am planning on only 2 excursions but is that to little? Will I still be able to enjoy this without having an excursion?

 

Thanks so much for your help guys!

Since you apparently haven't booked yet, know that fares go up and down. Do not forget to include gratuities of about $10-11 per person per day. They can be prepaid. You should also have trip insurance. Even with insurance, you should arrive in Miami the day before the cruise and thus need to include the hotel and food and transportation between the airport and the hotel and the ship, plus tips.

 

Once on the ship, if you have prepaid gratuities, you don't have to spend any money. But sodas are not free. Others have talked about what you might spend on board.

 

This can be a great cruise without a lot of extra expenses.

[thego6girl]

You, your DH, mom and the other adults might be happy to just stay on the boat while in port, or you might even enjoy simply walking around "in town". However, it is unlikely your 7 and 11 year olds will be entertained with that plan. Keep in mind, a mother is only as happy as her least happy child. While at sea, your children will find tons of kids their own age and cruise programs that are age appropriate to entertain them. However, in port, we have found that most kids go off-ship with their families (and so does your children's entertainment). That said, even going to the beach costs $. (transpoortation fees, beach entry, chairs, food, etc). I would plan to do at least one excursion in each port. Think about good ways to have your kids "earn" their excursions. Taking out the trash, walking the dog, etc. Since the holidays have passed, you can't give them "excursion coupons" in leu of gifts...but how about birthdays? Are the kids birthdays before you sail? All of that said, if you do your homework, you should be able to plan this within your budget.:)

[Vianky]

We did this ship and itinerary last month. You have made a good choice. The only port that screams for an organized tour is Belize. Cavetubing is great. There are several beach/snorkel tours that are available, plus some good ruins tours. You can book these 30%-50% less by booking with independant tour operators. We figure an extra $100 pp per day and usually bring money home. Research your Ports of call boards.

 

The new Mahogany Bay facility is pretty nice on Roatan if you just want to shop and veg on the beach. I've seen some great snorkel tours for less than $50.

 

Cozumel beaches can be had by taxi. A day on the beach can run as little as $20 pp. Add another $10 for food. Shopping is everywhere.

 

Grand Cayman is gorgeous. You can grab public transportation (van) for a couple of bucks. Seven mile beach is close by, cemetary beach is maybe a 15 minute ride and it isn't much farther to Hell or the turtle farm. The Stingray trips have a big following here.

 

Remember to figure in port fees, taxes and tips when you budget Some of the best advice that I have gotten from these boards is, "take half as many clothes and twice the money that you think that you will need.";)

 

 

where did you find the independent tour operators? I'm worried that I will just such online and find people that are not professional or legit.

[Vianky]

Since you apparently haven't booked yet, know that fares go up and down. Do not forget to include gratuities of about $10-11 per person per day. They can be prepaid. You should also have trip insurance. Even with insurance, you should arrive in Miami the day before the cruise and thus need to include the hotel and food and transportation between the airport and the hotel and the ship, plus tips.

 

Once on the ship, if you have prepaid gratuities, you don't have to spend any money. But sodas are not free. Others have talked about what you might spend on board.

 

This can be a great cruise without a lot of extra expenses.

 

This is something that I have been battling with. I know the one I want and was told that if I book now with the non refundable deposit it would be the best deal but I cant do that since it will have to be paid this week and I am just now getting everything for our passports. My son's passport might give me problems so I don't think it would be a good idea to take this deal. I'm scared that something will go wrong with the passport and I will not be able to get that $1000 back.

 

Now you say they go up and down, do you think I should just book it now the regular way without the early savers discount just to lock it in or should I wait and see if the price goes down? I'm also not sure if I should book it with Carnival or with an agent. Do some travel agents give better deals?

[Vianky]

Ok so the number I have been throwing around for on and off ship expenses AND hotel and food for the night before is around $3000. Is this to little or does it sound just about right? For a family of 4

 

Like I said I dont want to be tight but we are also paying for this cash so if we dont really dont need more then even better

[GORDONCHICK]

Ok so the number I have been throwing around for on and off ship expenses AND hotel and food for the night before is around $3000. Is this to little or does it sound just about right? For a family of 4

 

Like I said I dont want to be tight but we are also paying for this cash so if we dont really dont need more then even better

 

Does this include the actual cruise, or is this just for expenses after the cruise and airfare are booked and paid for? If it's after, that should be plenty for a family of 4 for most people. But you can pre-pay your tips and have that out of the way. Then monitor the cash you bring (always bring mostly small bills - we usually bring $100 in ones alone, you can break larger ones in the casino).

[Vianky]

Does this include the actual cruise, or is this just for expenses after the cruise and airfare are booked and paid for? If it's after, that should be plenty for a family of 4 for most people. But you can pre-pay your tips and have that out of the way. Then monitor the cash you bring (always bring mostly small bills - we usually bring $100 in ones alone, you can break larger ones in the casino).

 

yes this would be after the price of the cruise AND airfare. I would also have to use it for hotel and food for the day before we sail. Thats a good idea. If I pay for the tips ahead I really dont have to worry about chanrging things and I can just keep track of the cash. I wonder if they only take room charge on ship? Like if you buy something at a store or sodas. Can I pay cash if I want to and not charge it to my room?

 

So do you take the cash with you on the ship or do you take cash out ON the ship like from an ATM? Do they even have ATMs on the ship?

[clackey]

where did you find the independent tour operators? I'm worried that I will just such online and find people that are not professional or legit.

Go to the ports of call boards. You will find all kinds of reviews, questions and answers on about any subject that you want to research. If that is not enough, Google. I have found some really nice tours by this method.;)

 

If I had $1000 dollars to cover everything for 4 people after paying for cruise, air and gratuaties I would probably bring most of it home. But I'm cheap.:D

 

When you board they will access your credit card to cover onboard purchases. Everything that you purchase on the ship is charged to your room card and is paid for automatically at the end of the cruise. You will be given a statement on the last night.

 

We have taken travelers checks and/or large bills on every cruise. When we need small bills or a check cashed we do it at the Pursers Office.

 

Like Gordon said, take small bills onshore for cab fares, small purchases and tips. Most of your cab drivers never have the proper change.:rolleyes:

[BroncosFan2010]

Most folks end up spending about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise on misc. expenses! Plan for that, and you'll be ok. It is possible to do it for less, but 1st timers do spend more than seasoned cruisers--its just a fact!

 

Research your ports...many things require NO excursions at all. The cruiselines offer them (at exhorbinant prices) because so few people know anything about where they're going, and feel they MUST do excursions to have fun! WRONG! A bit of research (get a guidebook on your ports and read it!!!) will save you a bundle!

 

 

1/2 of the cost is a great estimate.

Remember tips are per person, drinks are extra, specialty dining is extra, shopping, taking a taxi to a beach is extra, excursions are extra, as is pop/specialty coffee.

[BroncosFan2010]

One thing that is echoed numerous times on this board....

 

Bring twice as much cash as you think you will need, and pack half as many clothes.

[GORDONCHICK]

I wonder if they only take room charge on ship? Like if you buy something at a store or sodas. Can I pay cash if I want to and not charge it to my room?

 

So do you take the cash with you on the ship or do you take cash out ON the ship like from an ATM? Do they even have ATMs on the ship?

 

No, you cannot pay for anything on the ship with cash except tips, extra tips, casino, and I think I remember one ship or more took cash for bingo cards and pull tabs.

 

There is an ATM on the ship, but I've never used it. Small bills are great for buying small trinkets in ports (many small vendors - think kiosk or beachy hut) do not take credit cards. And when we've booked excursions independently, some like payment when you book (credit card) and some just take cash when you get there.

[uppitycats]

yes this would be after the price of the cruise AND airfare. I would also have to use it for hotel and food for the day before we sail. Thats a good idea. If I pay for the tips ahead I really dont have to worry about chanrging things and I can just keep track of the cash. I wonder if they only take room charge on ship? Like if you buy something at a store or sodas. Can I pay cash if I want to and not charge it to my room?

 

So do you take the cash with you on the ship or do you take cash out ON the ship like from an ATM? Do they even have ATMs on the ship?

 

No, you can't pay for anything with cash on the ship. Everything you buy extra will be charged to your account, payable at the end of your cruise. You can go to the purser's desk each day, ask for your bill, and check to see if the charges match the receipts you'll be given -- and pay cash then to pay off your charges to date.

 

Some ships do have ATM's, and the people at the purser's desk will cash checks for you -- but you don't really need cash on board, only in ports if you leave the ship.