Cruise budget concerns

[ActiveTraveler]

For about 2-3 months, I have been trying to plan a three-week cruise/land solo vacation based on what I want to do, not how much money is in my checking account. I thought since I have a job with direct deposit and will not quit until 2012, the same year Mom is scheduled to retire, I should have no problem finding enough money for the trip. If I have to pay in several increments, what difference does it make if I have enough money right now as long as it is all paid next year?

Of course, I know better than that because it would be like signing for one of the deadly adjustable-rate mortgages on your first house. So finally, after so many weeks of trying to cram Italy, Paris, and a two-week cruise in one vacation, I decided I need to stop the nonsense. Naturally, that is easier said than done: How do I decide where to not go on my first Europe vacation? If I am dying to visit two places, how do I choose where to go first, or even if they should be in the same trip? Or should I just worry about not always splurging on everything and how I exchange dollars for euros instead of how long I sail?

I hope nobody thinks these are stupid questions or that I act younger than 33. I am just way too excited about going on my first cruise and trip to Europe, so I lost my brain for a while.

[Susan-M]

I wouldn't worry too much about fitting everything into this first trip ... you are young, and hopefully will have a chance to return to Europe for future vacations.

 

But you will need to determine how much you can afford. You mention paying for it in advance (a good idea) .. so the easiest way to determine your budget is to multiply your vacation savings (the amount you set aside each week or month for this trip), times the number of weeks or months left until you plan to pay for it. e.g. if you save $100/week times 100 weeks, you'll have $10,000. I would work within your budget as opposed to making plans that you can't afford, unless someone else is footing the bill, and has deep pockets.

 

Paying for a vacation isn't much different than budgeting for your everyday expenses...just more fun.:)

[broberts]

Really tough questions. What you elect to skip initially will likely come down to budget. What you choose to do first will probably work itself out naturally as you develop your plans.

 

My only real advice is think carefully about the advisability of doing too much at once. You might well find yourself in sensory overload. It'll all be great but may well start to blend together to the point that you are no longer enjoying it.

 

On each trip to you'll likely develop ideas about how you might better do things. Breaking your travel into separate, easily managed pieces will allow you to incorporate this thinking into your next voyage.

[gr'aunt]

The wonderful thing about cruising is that you wake up in a new place every day. So, my advice to you is that you choose a cruiseline and itinerary that are port-intensive...that way you will have the opportunity to see LOTS of new places. Some people cruise for the experience of the ship itself, some for the ports. I've seen itineraries for western Med cruises where you could do both Italy AND France, with

Spain thrown in! Granted, you'll get just a little "taste" of each, but then you can decide where you'd like to spend time in-depth the next trip.

 

I did a two week eastern Med cruise and 1 week southern Italy land tour (on our own) last summer. We cruised on Oceania, used trains in Italy, and stayed in budget and premier hotels. The grand total for two people, including everything (air, food, hotels, cruise, excursions...you name it) was just over 18 k. We could have done it cheaper (another cruiseline) or more expensive (escorted tour in Italy), but we love Oceania and I was up for the challenge of doing it on our own in Italy. You are young and have many, many years ahead of you to save and travel. Enjoy it;)

[ActiveTraveler]

Thanks for all of the replies. :)

I will go on a cruise for both the ship and the ports so I will look for an itinerary that has several sea days and long hours in the ports of call. Right now it looks like the Serenity usually is docked from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a longer stay in one port. If 10 hours is all I have, I want to do a private guided tour with a company like Rome In Limo where there is a lot to see and do in port. So my cruise budget will definitely include guides in each country, except maybe England where I know the language.

Last poster, do you mean 18,000 euros or dollars? The euro is still worth more than the U.S. dollar, so I have to take that into account. By 2012, it might be going back up to a more respectable value. I probably have to do my land trip budget in euros because the ports will not accept dollars. Any suggestions about that?

[gr'aunt]

Thanks for all of the replies. :)

 

I will go on a cruise for both the ship and the ports so I will look for an itinerary that has several sea days and long hours in the ports of call. Right now it looks like the Serenity usually is docked from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a longer stay in one port. If 10 hours is all I have, I want to do a private guided tour with a company like Rome In Limo where there is a lot to see and do in port. So my cruise budget will definitely include guides in each country, except maybe England where I know the language.

 

Last poster, do you mean 18,000 euros or dollars? The euro is still worth more than the U.S. dollar, so I have to take that into account. By 2012, it might be going back up to a more respectable value. I probably have to do my land trip budget in euros because the ports will not accept dollars. Any suggestions about that?

 

$18,00 US Dollars. I kept a log/journal each day re: where we went, what we ate, where we stayed, how much we spent. It's a great reminder of the trip, because the memories fade quickly. After we got home, I sat down with my calculator and figured out what we spent in euros and British pounds (in the London airport en route to Rome...very expensive food that was awful!) and did the currency conversion. I did all of the planning for the land part of the trip online. I checked other websites like TripAdvisor for hotels and insider tips. After a week in Italy, we boarded our ship and then mostly went on excursions with other Cruise Critic members that I met on our Roll Call. Once your cruise is paid for, the biggest part of your expense is covered. You'll be eating breakfast and dinner onboard, and in some cases you can even return for lunch and then resume sightseeing. Food is very expensive in Europe (in restaurants) compared to what we're used to paying in the US. But eating at a sidewalk cafe or interesting bistro is part of the magic of the trip. Whatever you do, don't spend alot of money on useless "souvenirs". Alot of the stuff is made in China. You can get similar items at Cost Plus sometimes for less than you'd pay abroad.

 

If money is really going to be an issue, save for an additional year so that you will have the trip of your dreams. I didn't go on my first cruise until I was 48. We stayed in a Penthouse Suite. We stayed in a Penthouse on the 2nd cruise, a concierge cabin on the 3rd cruise, and now we're booked in a regular cabin for our 4th cruise next summer. We kind of did it backwards (going from glamourous to ordinary) but we took way too much stuff the first time and needed the bigger space...there were no luggage restrictions like there are now. Now it's all about taking only what we absolutely need and acknowledging that we can always buy things there if we run out of something. In fact, coming home with Italian lotion, German toothpaste, a French backpack, and Austrian kleenex was the best souvenirs ever!

 

As far as the ports or anyone else accepting US dollars, of course they don't! Just like we don't accept Canadian or Mexican money here. My best advice to you is to get a Capital One credit card. Charge everything you can while overseas, which will minimize your need to exchange currency. Capital One does not charge a conversion fee like most other credit card companies. Also, minimize withdrawals at ATM's as there is a transaction fee each time you use it. Take out the maximum and keep you money in a waist belt or neck pouch, under your clothing. While on the ship, utilize the room safe. Read tips here on CC and also travel guides from people like Rick Steves.

 

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, go with the flow, and have the time of your life.

[whciv]

We are Americans and lived in England for several years. We've been on 3 Med cruises and a Baltic Cruise. I agree with the others. Don't try to put everything into one trip. It will overwhelm you and also cost you a fortune. You need to prioritize your destinations. If you want to do England, then I suggest picking a cruise that leaves from South Hampton or Dover. There are Baltic cruises that leave from England and visit Germany, Russia, Estonia, Finland, Swenden and Norway. VERY NICE!! We have also done the Med from England. Its a longer trip around Iberia (Spain and Portugal) but quite nice. You can go as far as Rome.

 

What I really recommend is leaving from Rome and going to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and back. Its a great cruise with some very unique stops.

 

We have a reference site for review.

 

Reference Site:

www.*****

[EGG]

Did you say you are solo? If so, be aware that you will spend almost double on most cruiselines. In that case, I think there are only a few cruise lines, and a few cabins that will accomidate a solo cruiser at a single rate. If you are traveling with someone, this is not an issue.

 

I would look for a cruise that starts and ends in different ports, both of which you would like to see. Then plan to stay several days pre, and several days post cruise in the port cities.

 

Here is link to a review of a cruise my husband and I did years back. We flew into Rome, toured for a few days, took a train to Venice, 12 day cruise to Barcelona, took the train to Madrid and flew home from Madrid. I included a list of what I spent towards the end of the review, however it was reformatted and not very easy to follow. Most people spend twice as much, but this will give you an idea of the bare basics.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=16755

 

You will not be able to see all of Europe on one vacation. A cruise is a good way to see many different places and decide if you want to come back to any of them for an extended vacation.

[ActiveTraveler]

Did you say you are solo? If so, be aware that you will spend almost double on most cruiselines. In that case, I think there are only a few cruise lines, and a few cabins that will accomidate a solo cruiser at a single rate. If you are traveling with someone, this is not an issue.

 

Crystal charges only 25% extra for solo cruisers, so it is not that bad. More money out of my pocket, yes, but in past talks with my mom, I got the impression she would only want to sail half as many days. Whether she goes with me or not depends on if she, at age 65, is willing to spend two weeks in Europe, mostly on a cruise ship. Right now I'm assuming she will say no way and I have to cruise solo in the Mediterranean. :(

[ActiveTraveler]

Gr'aunt, I have good news for you: Recently I got a Capital One MasterCard. :D In fact, I have two - one with my name, one with Mom's name - so she can buy things like litter and food for the cats while I am at work (my shift ends at 8:30 p.m.) and they will all be billed to my account. On a cruise with her, which certainly will happen someday, I plan to bring both cards as insurance in case mine gets stolen or lost. :) Later, I will select a high-quality photograph to put on a new card because this is not going to be my last. Thanks for letting me know about the dollar/euro conversion being free with Capital One credit cards. :D

[Le3]

You mentioned you are traveling with your Mom? I've now been to Europe 3 times, but the first time I took my husband, (my 2nd trip) I originally planned to see at least 3 countries. Then I looked at how often and how much time I would spend going from place to place...Cruising makes that easier of course, but not the land part. I decided not to have to pack up and move more than 1 day in a row, reduced the time frame down, and focused on 1 country. Then when I checked out the rail option for the land---1 country is decidedly cheaper and allow me to spend more money on hotel rooms and food.

 

I still want to go back, particularly to that 1 country. Even to most of the same cities.

[KCcruisin07]

For about 2-3 months, I have been trying to plan a three-week cruise/land solo vacation based on what I want to do, not how much money is in my checking account. I thought since I have a job with direct deposit and will not quit until 2012, the same year Mom is scheduled to retire, I should have no problem finding enough money for the trip. If I have to pay in several increments, what difference does it make if I have enough money right now as long as it is all paid next year?

 

Of course, I know better than that because it would be like signing for one of the deadly adjustable-rate mortgages on your first house. So finally, after so many weeks of trying to cram Italy, Paris, and a two-week cruise in one vacation, I decided I need to stop the nonsense. Naturally, that is easier said than done: How do I decide where to not go on my first Europe vacation? If I am dying to visit two places, how do I choose where to go first, or even if they should be in the same trip? Or should I just worry about not always splurging on everything and how I exchange dollars for euros instead of how long I sail?

 

I hope nobody thinks these are stupid questions or that I act younger than 33. I am just way too excited about going on my first cruise and trip to Europe, so I lost my brain for a while.

 

You are wise to start saving now for your cruise rather than going first and paying later. I agree that if you choose a cruise that starts in one port and ends in another, you can spend more time in those ports and get to see things in more depth.

 

Going to Europe involves extra planning for a passport, and adjusting to different currency, and cultural and language differences. This adjustment from country to country seems easier if I am on a ship or riverboat because I am not having to handle accommodations or (as much) transportation.

 

Do you know what country or adjacent countries you would like to visit? It sounds like you are interested in Italy, where you could find some Mediterranean cruises that are port intensive. Since Paris is not on the ocean, I think a sea cruise is out (unless you leave the ship early), but there are some river cruises that start there.

 

I think half the fun is the planning and anticipation. Doing research ahead of time will make your experience even richer and more meaningful, and it is great that you and your mother are doing this together!