What to consider not skimping on?

[Marian Paroo]

Don't skimp on anything you really want. Life is too short.

[tweakes]

Our upcoming cruise is our honeymoon. I sure hope there are some worthwhile memories focused on our balcony room!

 

:D:D:D

 

Hopefully just for you two and not the bridge or nearby balconies (unless they're into that??)! :-P

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

[Ours91]

We book inside cabins to save money. We don't use our cabin much anyway. Also , we don't shop much on the cruise. Just a few cute things to bring back for friends.

[Wishful Cruiser]

Our first two cruises were balcony cabins. Then we tried a window cabin. Less cost and ALMOST as comfortable. The loss of square footage was definitely noticeable. But this upcoming cruise is window cabin again --to allow for a couple of excursions. Thought it was worth the trade-off. So I suppose it comes down to what's important to you.

[simplelife]

Sometimes the OV cabins are actually larger than balcony ones, since the balcony space is part of the room square footage. Check out the deck plans carefully -- cabins vary from ship to ship

[MauiLvrs]

... wouldn't ever buy myself jewellery (thats my husbands job anyway haha).

That explains things ;)

 

If you want to run back to your cabin every time you want a soda, or schlep cans around with you, more power to you. ...

Exactly.... DW drinks enough that it is cost effective.

 

I don't like waking up in the dark so a room with a window is a must. ...

So, we were thinking there is the bridge cam on the TV which is kind of like a window out the front. For our first time in an inside, thought we'd try it on a 3 or 4 day. We spend so much time out and about that we seem to not spend much time in the room.

 

We don't go to specialty restaurants. Looking at the breakfast menu ... wonder why folks pay extra for that breakfast. The food in MDR is plenty fancy and edible for us.

 

We try and limit ship photos to 0, but they seem to always come up with a few that we can't pass up. We don't have time or need for the spas. We go to a few of the art auctions, but don't buy unless it is like one we had to buy. That piece cost 5x more on shore.

 

We don't do excursions at all ports. In ports where we can, we just like to wander around and explore on our own. Any excursions where there is any doubt at all that we wouldn't be back on ship significantly before "all aboard" we ALWAYS book through the cruise line. What little you might save is not worth the hassle and $$$ trying to get back to the ship after it leaves port without you :eek: We have always booked our dives through the cruise line, even though it cost a little more. Princess is first class with a 5 star PADI shop and PADI instructor on board, worth the little extra $.

 

DW spends some time in the casino limited around $20 or so/week (funded by recycling fund). We do spend on some necessaries, a few trinkets, and it seems there is always a nice shirt or something on sale.

 

We don't drink much but do seem to have a habit of a drink or two a day especially at sunset.

 

If we fly, we fly in a day before the cruise and stay at a hotel somewhere close. Sometimes packaged through the line with transfers. It cost more, but we don't take a chance on something going wrong and missing the ship because of problems with a flight.

 

If every one saves too much onboard all of the time ... fares will go up. So what we book and drink, helps keep the fares down.

[attilamom1217]

We always stay in a balcony - we love sitting on the balcony and watch the water go by! However, we are somewhat flexible in the week we choose. Therefore, we look for the less expensive week with the itinerary we want.

 

We book with a TA who gives us OBC which can usually be combined with a special the cruiseline is running. Therefore, we get some value to the cruise we choose.

 

We are not heavy drinkers, but we do indulge a little - we know there is a cost to this upfront. We usually will dine in a specialty restaurant once during the cruise (and only once did not care for it), so again, we plan for it.

 

Excursions - depends on the port and what interests us. However, if we spend alot on one excursion, we do try to spend less on others or just walk around town, go to the beach, etc.

 

We do spend time in the casino, but we bring only so much gambling dollars with us - do not use the sign and sail card as you can't track your gambling easily.

 

to save $ we avoid the art auctions (guilty - we have bought at the art auctions), don't do bingo; buy stuff only if there is something we really want. Our kids are grown, they don't need souvenirs of places they have not been to. Exception would be if we saw something that was perfect as a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gift for a particular kid.

 

For the most part, once we pick our cruise, we choose those activities that will enhance our vacation and don't worry about the cost of a glass of wine.

 

Enjoy and relaxation is the purpose of the cruise. :D

[Mandy923]

THis is a great question, and I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses!

 

Like most people, we choose to Skimp some places, and splurge others.

 

We are a family of 5, so airfare can be a killer for us. I actually consider flying vs driving a spluge- but a completly neccasary one! Because we are NOT road trippers!

But I do shop around extensivly- to get the cheapest airfare possible. Even if that means driving 3.5hrs to fly out of one of DC's airports. Which we have often done. It's not the most convientant option, but I will go with whatever the cheapest option is, for us. That will often include discount airlines too- such as frontier, Jetblue, Allegiant, Southwest, ect.

 

We cruise primarily out of FL, and live in Va. It is always my goal to not spend more than $850 on airfare- for all 5 of us. And 95% of the time I can do this.

 

Something we never Skimp on, is the cabin. We always book at least 1 balcony. THat's just really important to my family- to be able to sit out there when coming into port, or relax at night with a drink and some quiet time. We also always get 2 cabins. I know that there are some ships that have "family" cabins that will fit 5. But that would just add stress to our vacation, and it's something I chose not to scrimp on. I will add, that my kids are 16, 7, 4

 

We have no problem forgoing the specialty resturants, and never book them- instead dine in the free venues.

 

We rarely buy many photos, but we always buy at least 1-2.

 

We never book excursions through the ship, but I don't really consider this scrimping- just smart shopping.

 

We don't skimp on drinks on the ship. Niether my husband or I are heavy drinkers, but if I feel like having 3-4-5-6 drinks one day, I certainly will! Somedays, I'll have none. Just depending on what I feel like.

Same for the kids- we always let them buy smoothies or milkshakes and we'll buy specialty coffee's if we're in the mood too.

Edited May 13, 2013 by Mandy923

[Mandy923]

And I can't believe I forgot one of the most important "skimp" things!

 

The TIME that we cruise!

 

We cruise in Dec/ Jan 2 of the cheapest months, I've found. And that's usually when NCL run their Kids sail free promos too.

 

We are currently booked on the EPIC for DEc. 2013 under this promotion, and it really does save some $$

Edited May 13, 2013 by Mandy923

[5326jan]

THis is a great question, and I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses!

 

Like most people, we choose to Scrimp some places, and splurge others.

 

We are a family of 5, so airfare can be a killer for us. I actually consider flying vs driving a spluge- but a completly neccasary one! Because we are NOT road trippers!

But I do shop around extensivly- to get the cheapest airfare possible. Even if that means driving 3.5hrs to fly out of one of DC's airports. Which we have often done. It's not the most convientant option, but I will go with whatever the cheapest option is, for us. That will often include discount airlines too- such as frontier, Jetblue, Allegiant, Southwest, ect.

 

We cruise primarily out of FL, and live in Va. It is always my goal to not spend more than $850 on airfare- for all 5 of us. And 95% of the time I can do this.

 

Something we never Scrimp on, is the cabin. We always book at least 1 balcony. THat's just really important to my family- to be able to sit out there when coming into port, or relax at night with a drink and some quiet time. We also always get 2 cabins. I know that there are some ships that have "family" cabins that will fit 5. But that would just add stress to our vacation, and it's something I chose not to scrimp on. I will add, that my kids are 16, 7, 4

 

We have no problems scrimping on specialty resturants, and never book them- instead dine in the free venues.

 

We rarely buy many photos, but we always buy at least 1-2.

 

We never book excursions through the ship, but I don't really consider this scrimping- just smart shopping.

 

We don't scrimp on drinks on the ship. Niether my husband or I are heavy drinkers, but if I feel like having 3-4-5-6 drinks one day, I certainly will! Somedays, I'll have none. Just depending on what I feel like.

Same for the kids- we always let them buy smoothies or milkshakes and we'll buy specialty coffee's if we're in the mood too.

 

 

Hi Neighbor!

Now you can take Amtrak for around $50 per person from Norfolk to DC. The downside is getting to the station at 4am! :eek: We considered it for a Canadian cruise out of NYC, but haven't decided yet. If you consider gas and cost of parking for 1-2 weeks, it's a good deal!

[SSs]

Never skip on at least a catamaran excursion. I always book with an independant, prices are usually a lot less, and less crowed. We always fly in a day before, so we will not miss one minute of our cruise. I always choose, if available an hotel with a free shuttle and breakfast included.

 

Do not indulge in a balcony, unless pricing is reasonnable. Usually i travel in december, therefore, we can afford a balcony. I have been this year in an inside cabin after at least 5 year of balcony, frankly, i did not miss the balcony that much, i would even say i didn t miss it at all. I was travelling with my son, and kept a simular schedule.

[OCruisers]

Don't skimp on anything you really want. Life is too short.

 

:D Totally Agree! :D

 

LuLu

~~~~

[mkailene]

We avoid the specialty coffee/ice cream and use what's included. Pretty much the same for all food type items.

 

I won't say what we do for alcohol, let's just leave it at we save a lot by not purchasing many drinks on board.

 

We bring our own soda and wine.

 

We do buy 1 or 2 pictures on board. This is a savings for us and less of a hassle than going to a portrait studio for a family picture. We pick the best ones at the end of the cruise when they have specials.

 

For the kids, we give them a daily cash allowance to load their cards with. Don't give the kids access to charge anything! We also confiscate their phones at departure time so there are no mystery phone charges incurred. We bring candy for them too since it's pricey on the ship.

 

Hope this helps!

[herbanrenewal]

I have two different types of experiences.

 

DH will take a cruise once every few years. These are usually Caribbean cruises and staying in balcony cabins.

Since his idea of a really great vacation is to go fly fishing near home, my usual travel buddy is my best friend

 

Since cabins don't rate high in our plans, we book interiors at shoulder seasons like spring and fall. Then if sales offer opportunity to upgrade we can upgrade, if not we enjoy the cruise and don't worry about the room. Since we have done longer trips and explored Europe and TAs big splurges are port excursions with CC roll call new friends. Next trip is January South America. Booked very early and with a good amount of OBC we will be able to have some extras. We are both Celebrity elite and Royal diamond, so we'll indulge in wine before dinner at no cost. We were lucky to upgrade to oceanview and pick up prepaid gratuities at a cost less than current interior prices. By tightly budgeting we will be able to do a tour at each port - important since this may be my only opportunity to visit these ports.

 

Bottom line, as I read posts i kept thinking how we all find what is important to us at the price we can afford

[Ambiguous Puzuma]

Ok, well, I've only taken two cruises so far, and the last one was ten years ago. This (combined with general holiday experiences) is enough for me to make some decisions about what I can and cannot go without.

 

The must-haves:

1) An outside view. First cruise was an inside cabin, and I suffered from significant claustrophobia most mornings. I don't need to be able to feel the wind on my face, but I do need to be able to look out of the window and see the horizon. Second cruise had an unobstructed window, and this was fine. My third cruise is on Eclipse next year and I've got a balcony. Not essential, but the price was such that I felt it was worth the experiment. I am now (happily!) single, and enjoy my privacy, so the idea of sitting on a relatively private balcony, staring at the ocean, a nice drink in one hand, an audio book in my ear, appeals mightily.

2) Booze! I don't generally drink very much alcohol - 3 or 4 pints of beer once or twice a week, in general - sometimes less, rarely more. Sometimes wine with dinner on the rare occasions when I dine out. A long G&T on a warm summer evening in the garden. However, I do drink more on vacation, and my tastes run to the adventurous and (sadly) expensive. Looking forward to the Molecular Bar!

3) Coffee! The staff of life. I like my coffee - lattes, mochas, espressos. Frequently, and in large mugs. I also like green tea in the morning.

4) Memories: whenever I go on vacation, I take literally hundreds of photographs. I have tens of thousands of photographs on DVDs, and I can load up any one of them and be transported instantly to the place where they were taken.

 

Thinks that I'm not overly fussed about:

1) Speciality restaurants - I love my food (you can tell, alas :o) but unless there is something special that I want to try that is only available in a speciality restaurant, or unless I meet up with a group of people and we all decide to visit a speciality restaurant (Qsine sounds interesting), then the MDR will be quite enough for me.

2) Entertainment. I am a bookworm to the Nth degree: I make my own entertainment. I will look at the daily news to see what is going on - and the hot glass show on Eclipse sounds absolutely fascinating - but you generally won't find me watching a circus or a comedian. You might find me with my nose in a book listening to a jazz or classical quartet, though.

3) Excursions. My first two cruises were the Scandinavian countries. I went on several excursions (cruise-organised and private) but these were decided upon after researching the ports and finding things that I really wanted to see. If there was nothing that appealed to me, I was happy to stay on board with (yet another) book. On my second cruise, this led to me striking up a friendship with one of the bar staff, which lasts to this day (he's now a teacher).

 

Things I'm not interested in:

1) Spa treatments. I look like a potato. I've always looked like a potato. I am happy in my potato-ness.

2) Shopping. This is a chore and a horror to me. Why on earth would I want to do it on a cruise?

3) Casino. I don't gamble. Simple as.

4) Art auctions. Seriously, what?

[cirman52]

Luv your sense of humor !

[Ocean Air]

Everyone on these boards are right, it is important to skimp on what isn't important to you but to enjoy what you do enjoy. Everyone is different.

 

Things I wouldn't skimp on:

1) The cabin (OV, POV, balcony - love a balcony but sometimes price is a factor). I work in a windowless office, a vacation without a window isn't a vacation to me.

2) Room service for breakfast. Tipping for that luxury is worth it.

3) Excursions - I am there to see something new and to enjoy it.

 

Moderation:

1) Drinks. But I don't need to purchase a drink in a blinking light cup :eek:

2) Casino. $20 in those silly coin dozers is entertaining to me.

 

Things I don't splurge on:

1) Specialty restaurants.

2) Over-the-top priced excursions.

3) Shopping onboard or on the islands.

4) Pictures onboard.

5) Spa treatments

6) Internet onboard.

7) Art auctions.

8) Bingo.

 

Things that make me groan, lol. Forgetting something like suntan lotion and having to purchase a $20 bottle that I could have gotten at home for $8

[Neotericisis]

Do not skimp on anything that is important to you. You are on a vacation, a special one.

 

I didn't go to the spa, but I don't do that in real life, either.

 

I like my whisky, so I liked it on the cruise, too, even if it cost more.

 

My questions before I swiped my cruise card was; Would I do it at home? if so, yes.

 

Would I not do it at home? if so, no.

 

See, I'm the opposite. I like to do things I normally don't/cant do at home. I live in NJ so Atlantic City and 15+ casinos are a car ride away, that means no casino for me, but I never play bingo at home so I want to try my luck this cruise. We do specialty restaurants often in NYC so we will use the money we save on the steakhouse to get an authentic Puerto Rican dinner in Puerto Rico. I skimp on the room since I am only in it from 1-2am to 6-7am. After that I'm up on deck! I may get a spa treatment on this upcoming cruise as it is leaving from NYC and the first two and last two days may be a bit cold- this ship has a nice spa area I could spend a few hours in.

[dread_pirate]

See, I'm the opposite. I like to do things I normally don't/cant do at home. I live in NJ so Atlantic City and 15+ casinos are a car ride away, that means no casino for me, but I never play bingo at home so I want to try my luck this cruise. We do specialty restaurants often in NYC so we will use the money we save on the steakhouse to get an authentic Puerto Rican dinner in Puerto Rico. I skimp on the room since I am only in it from 1-2am to 6-7am. After that I'm up on deck! I may get a spa treatment on this upcoming cruise as it is leaving from NYC and the first two and last two days may be a bit cold- this ship has a nice spa area I could spend a few hours in.

I'm with you - I do things that are rare to do at home. In fact, just laying around at the pool is something I can't do at home! :D Just as I order things at a restaurant that I can't make better myself, I do different stuff on vacation than I do at home. I do have to admit that I like the fact that when I drink in the evenings, I don't have to worry about who's the designated driver!

[Hozhoni]

We are just happy and feel blessed to be able to cruise....we do not use the spa, casino if at all limited to $20.00 or so. When we take the 4 girls they each get a specific amount of money for excursions and spending....they learn to budget their money. We normally tell them the family excusion must cost $50.00 or less(EACH). We plan it before we go. They get about $20.00 to spend or the save money and bring their own spending money....you should see them negotiate in the markets :). I buy only so many family photos usually four for my free items. DH and I attend the free Diamond events for drinks and use our coupon books...we always have a great cruise!

 

Sent from my DROID4 using Forums mobile app

[Velvetwater]

Have to have:

 

1) OV and up - I go mental in confined spaces

2) Food, drink and shopping in ports and will pay £40 and up for special cuisine

 

 

Not bothered about:

1) Casinos - a waste and smokey

2) alcohol on board - Ive usually drank quality stuff in port

3) special restaurants - dont seem too much of a leap

4) Shops on board - overpriced junk

5)Most excursions - unless its a certain activity (ie scuba)I find someone else bleating at me for hours not much of a holiday- I prefer to discover myself.The exception being Russia where we would have had to buy a visa anyway.

 

Its sorta obvious that even though I love the ship the ports are number 1 for me.

Edited November 24, 2013 by Velvetwater

[Quixotic]

We skimp on the cabin. As a PP said, you leave the room behind but the memories are forever. We spend the "difference" in cabin price on amazing excursions. So far, we've been so happy with this decision. Do I wish I could have a balcony room AND amazing excursions? Of course! Am I willing to sacrifice something else to have both? Nope.

 

We don't drink alcohol at all and at home we rarely have soda, so we splurge on the soda card as a "we're on vacation! treat". We could go without it, if we were really in a tight spot. That one is flexible.

 

We skimp on SOME excursions but rarely. We've done private drivers/experiences at the vast majority of stops thus far because we want to make our family memories and don't care to be packed like sardines on a big boat/bus/etc (the cruise ship itself not withstanding - ha!!!). Some people really enjoy the socializing that comes with a big table at dinner or a big crowd on an excursion. We enjoy the "noise" of the MDR but don't want to eat with others or travel around an island with a lot of others. We've paid dearly for that in some cases, as private tours and private drivers do not come cheap.

 

We skimp on souvenirs. We don't like to collect "stuff".

 

We splurge on photos which help us remember our experiences.

 

We skimp on supplies. We bring them from home (even if that means checking a bag due to liquids/gels) and try to avoid buying meds/watershoes/sunscreen/etc on the ship at a crazy premium. Two bottles of sunscreen on the ship equals the cost of an entire checked bag in most cases.

 

We skimp on meals. We eat in the MDR or windjammer. We don't do the specialty restaurants. Period. The food in the MDR is great most of the time.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Quixotic

[Rogueperson]

I don't like using the term skimp and splurge on vacation. The vacation is generally a splurge and you should budget what you think you will want, as oppose to skimping on something you might miss.

 

That being said, I generally over-budget and happy with the result. I hate under-budgeting, because that causes problems later.

 

So, I over budget on excursions. You never know exactly what you want to do. What you might want to do in January, come, March, you may have changed your mind, and come cruise time, it could have fluctuated. Although I do plan out my excursions, it usually doesn't get booked until about 30 - 60 days out. As you can see, I plan far ahead.

 

Food. We're foodies. MDR has made us happy, but you can't dangle a new restaurant in front of us and not expect us to try it. However, once we have tried it, it must wow us for us to try it again. On my upcoming Independence, I'm going to hit both Giovanni's and Chops. I was not impressed with Chops or Portofinos on my last and only RC cruise, but my girlfriend has never tried it, so I have to go again. If it was just up to me, I would not go back to those. However, Carnival's Steakhouse has consistently surprised me and I would keep going back. Also, something I recently found out. Carnival's Chef's table knocked me down, picked me up and knocked me down again. Its a splurge, but I will definitely pay the high $75.00/per person plus tips on that each and every time I'm on a carnival ship. I would do the same for RC, but unfrotunately, Independence does not have a Chef's table (yeah, first thing i checked). Alcohol is a non-issue for me as I do not metabolize alcohol well. My drink of choice is Iced Tea, which fortunately for me, is almost always offered free of charge. Normal coffee is my morning drink of choice and that too is offered free of charge. I rarely get specialty coffees even at home, but may do so onboard if the craving hits. I'm on vacation, it might hit.

 

Cabin. I've never had a suite before, but i've had a balcony. I liked it, but never enough for any kind of upcharge. I always feel the need to get out of my room regardless, so having a nice room with a premium is never a priority for me.

 

Souveniers. The only thing I get really, is a T-shirt from my ports, if i don't have one. I also would like to get a t-shirt of my ship, not just a generic company t-shirt.

 

Excursions. Even with 10 cruises in my belt, there are places I haven't gone, or haven't gone in quite some time. If i haven't been there in a while, I prefer a tour of the city or some culture exposure. Those tours are generally fairly inexpensive in my opinion. I actually budget $100/person/per port which is high, but gives me a lot of leeway. You're in a place where you've never been before, you should be free to try things, like a restaurant, or some activity. If I've been to the port before, then I will probably make my way to a beach or something and relax. I'm not a big shopper and rarely buy anything unless something wows me, and souvenirs do not wow me in general.

 

Spas. I don't like strangers touching me. I will never use their services, and probably never will.

 

Casinos and Bingo. Don't do it. I get no enjoyment out of it gambling. My upcoming cruise is my first cruise i"m involved in a Slot Pull. I will give that a shot. My mind is too logical to get any enjoyment out of gambling.

 

That being said, I also budget an miscellaneous fund to include non-excursion, on board expenses such as the chef's table, specialty restaurants, wine tasting or any other activities i might want to try. Again, this is on the high end and I usually end up with more than i need.

 

You're on vacation. You shouldn't have to worry about overspending, and you don't have to if you budget accordingly. Stress is something you should also be taking a vacation from, and if you cause yourself stress by poor planning, then you're not really going to enjoy yourself. This is another reason i don't gamble. It stresses me out and winning actually doesn't help.

[Widebay]

I have a belief, that we are all here on this planet for a "short time" so lets make it "a good time"

 

I often read where people skimp & save all year long to go on a cruise of a lifetime, then low & behold, they skimp on things like, shore excursions, drink packages. I have heard about people who go on cruises, but never get off at ports to sightsee, WHAT A SHAME, to travel all that distance & not see what's so special in those countries.

 

Try not purchasing a drink package, who needs all that soft drink/soda etc, its not good for you. Stick to good old water, that's what your body needs, not soft drinks. Try purchasing only one bottle of wine per night, and if you don't consume the whole bottle, get your wine waiter to put away for the next night. A tip on reducing the amount of alcohol you consume....ask the waiter for a glass of ice & spoon. Make a point of placing ice into your wine glass (white wines only), it helps keep the wine cool, and tends to dilute the wine.

[Velvetwater]

I have a belief, that we are all here on this planet for a "short time" so lets make it "a good time"

 

. A tip on reducing the amount of alcohol you consume....ask the waiter for a glass of ice & spoon. Make a point of placing ice into your wine glass (white wines only), it helps keep the wine cool, and tends to dilute the wine.

 

I like to save on a lot of things but I could never add ice (or lemonade) to any wine. Wine should be left pure as it is beautiful (except Sangria). :)

 

You'll have a crowd of sommeliers after your blood. ;)