How do you SPEND on a cruise?

[luvs2travl]

For us (after the itinerary) the most important thing is our cabin. We cruise in an S/SA category because we LOVE the large cabin and the huge balcony. We also like the bigger bathroom and the dressing area. The perks associated with the deluxe suites have (unfortunately) spoiled us totally, from the complimentary laundry/dry-cleaning to the wonderful concierges in the Neptune Lounge.

 

We really enjoy our sea days, and feel that part of the whole cruise experience is taking in the wonder and expanse of the sea or ocean, and we so enjoy doing this from the privacy of our balcony. We enjoy reading, relaxing, and even having a meal out there; watching the sunrises with a cup of coffee, or the sunsets with a glass of wine. Yes - this can be done out on deck as well, but we like our private moments and we always get the seat and table we want! ;)

 

We book our shore excursions ahead of time and we love the fact that HAL allows us to pay for them ahead of time, unlike other cruise lines that make those excursions part of your on-board account. We don't do Bingo, or spa or salon treatments - we can do those MUCH cheaper at home. We don't do the art auctions and spend very little time in the casino; we browse the shops on board, but seldom buy. I can't even tell you the last time we purchased photos on board - w-a-y too expensive. We do enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and an after dinner brandy or cognac. We LOVE the Pinnacle Grill and visit there at least twice (if not more) for lunch and probably twice for dinner. We try to do at least one wine tasting as that is something we enjoy and we usually manange to learn something fascinating about wines along the way.

 

Everyone's cruising experience is unique to them, as it should be, and the individual preferences and priorities dictate how each passenger chooses to spend on board. Happy cruising to all! :)

[travelmatron]

Isn't it interesting how we all seem to individualize our cruises? Some of us spend for privacy, others for activity. Some of us for (what I call) luxuries, like spas and deluxe cabins, and others are much more interested in itineraries. We have different ideas about what will make our cruise special.

As I've read the responses I've realized that we spend some of our cruise dollars for quiet. We always choose our cabin, as opposed to using a guaranty. We care what's directly above and below us, and how much will be going on, like elevators or service areas, close to our door. So the upgrade fairy never visits, and we're somewhat more limited when prices drop if re-booking is required. It's worth it to us, a total waste of money to others.

I've noticed that several have pointed out that by choosing a smaller and/or interior cabin they are able to enjoy longer or more frequent cruises. That’s another interesting choice. For us, a week or two is the longest we’re comfortable being away from home right now, but maybe later...

[serendipity1499]

Hi There,

 

Fortunately, Karen and I were full time RVers for ten years after we retired, so a smallish room is just fine for us. We always stay in an inside cabin which, BTW, is somewhat larger than the inside of the RV we lived in for ten years. Also as RVers, we have learned to live outside of our room and only nap, sleep, bathe, and watch TV and read in bed in the room. The rest of our time is spent out and about the ship or on shore.

 

The tens of thousands of dollars this saves us over the cost of a veranda cabin on each cruise (or literally the hundred thousand dollars on the World Cruises) holds the total cost of our cruises to a reasonable level.

 

<SNIP>

 

All in all, I think our cruising experiences are well worth the dollars they cost us.

 

Scott & Karen

 

We agree! We often take two (this year it will be three in 9 months) cruises a year..We normally book the longer ones..Although we took a 16 day land/sea combo in Alaska, on HAL in 2008..The 7 day to Bermuda is the shortest one since 2003 & we have to fly, which DH hates..He's spoiled!;)

We were Sailboaters for over 18 years & like Scott & Karen are very comfortable with our smaller outside cabins...As They do, we spend more time out & about the ship..Had an inside on our first cruise, & decided we did not like it..We enjoy seeing the water from our cabin..

Although, for our Bermuda cruise, advised our TA we might be interested if HAL has a good up sell, on one of those new lanai cabins..We enjoy people watching, & being close to the water so our Sea Days & many times some of our Port days are spent out on the Promenade Deck..Don't need a pool, beach, or Sun as we have it year round in Fla..

We enjoy having a drink or two in the Crows Nest at Happy Hour & sometimes enjoy an after dinner drink in the Piano Bar or one of the lounges..DH will usually have wine with dinner, but I've been getting headaches from red wine, which I enjoy, so I often don't have it..

DH does not enjoy playing in the casino..When we cruise with our good Friends, I enjoy playing a few $$ in the Casino..I'll also play Bingo when they're cruising with us...I set aside a few $$$ just for fun money to play the slots..When that's gone I'm finished..I seldom win, but my Friend is the lucky one....;)

We don't go on very many ships tours, unless we've never been there before & even then we might book private tours..Since we cruise so often, we've "been there, done that" many times..

We often purchase Birthday or Christmas gifts for our Grandkids if we see something different.. If I happen to see an unusual figurine or Parrot from S.A., we might purchase it..We've purchased things from all over the world & DH says I have to stop now that we're downsizing & selling our house...:eek: Rats

Fortunately, we both worked very hard & are comfortable in our retirement, but we don't go haywire on our vacation spending..

Cheers.....:)Betty