How do you cruise so often?

[Nezmo]

It has nothing to do with "what you get" its about when you go.

 

I paid less than $400 for cruises out of New Orleans earlier this year that this week are currently in the $800-900 range for the exact same room.

 

I have been on over 25 cruises and have never been on one where I would have "rather stayed at home".

 

But whatever floats your boat or in this case does not. :D

And that's where we are different, and that's fine.

 

It has a lot to do with what you get for me. I would prefer not to stay in the kind of room you get for $800-900 even if it is $400 in off season. That does not get me what I want. If that's all I could afford then I would stay at home where at least I can swing a cat in the bathroom.

 

I too have never been on a cruise where I would rather have stayed at home because I pay for the accommodations that suit me.

[alreadypacked]

:( For the life of me I cannot figure out how everyone here can cruise so much? I am an average person from Ohio. Not rich by any means but we have money for a trip or two. I see some taking 5 or more cruises a year. I just don't get it.

 

 

We are not rich either, but...

 

We have no kids, don't spend on extravagant cars, electronics, etc.; DH is a super hard worker and takes advantage of lucrative overtime.

 

We bought a nice house that is below our means--mortgage is less than what we paid in rent, I shop clearance racks in order to get quality clothing--never pay full price, except for shoes because I have problem feet (shoes I buy are expensive but excellent quality, so they last quite a few years); we live close to 2 major ports, so we never have to fly to cruise....

 

And lastly, we make vacations/cruises a priority in our lives, so while others may spend on the latest cars, electronics, or clothing, we spend our money on travel! :):)

[popsec]

How about FROT's (Fiscally Responsible Old-Timers)? We fall into that category.

 

Love it!:D

[alreadypacked]

We can fly non-rev as well, but don't do it for cruises. I'm afraid of missing the ship.

 

Have you ever missed the ship flying non-rev?

 

I hear ya--I worked for an airline for a number of years and non-revved only when I was flying home to visit my parents, because if I didn't make it on the flight it wasn't a big deal. I would just tell my parents I wasn't coming and would try again next week--it wasn't like I had paid for a hotel or a cruise or something. If I really had to be someplace, I paid for a ticket.

 

Once, I was trying to non-rev home on my own airline and there was only one seat left--the extra F/A jumpseat. There was another non-rev from another airline trying to get on the flight, but the seat would have gone to me since I worked for this airline--I readily gave up my seat to him, since I was merely flying home to see family I had only just seen the week before--he was very grateful.

 

I was never very adventurous with non-revving. My good friend, who still flies, has non-revved from FL to Australia, Australia to FL via Long Beach, CA (with just 12 hours to spare before having to show for her next trip:eek:), FL to India, FL to Brazil just to name a few places--and sometimes by the skin of her teeth. I say she has the best non-rev luck I have ever seen! Too stressful. Vacation to me is reeelaxaaation--I don't want to worry about IF I'm going to get there OR back!:D

[path145]

I don't cruise often enough! Dreaming of the days when I can cruise 2+ times every year.

[Counsel]

I work a second job doing car repairs, and that is our "cruise fund". I was working on a difficult car today - and thinking about our next cruise:D! We also don't have flat screen TV's or the other toys - hence no consumer debt!

 

Bruce

[dasmonkey]

And that's where we are different, and that's fine.

 

It has a lot to do with what you get for me. I would prefer not to stay in the kind of room you get for $800-900 even if it is $400 in off season. That does not get me what I want. If that's all I could afford then I would stay at home where at least I can swing a cat in the bathroom.

 

I too have never been on a cruise where I would rather have stayed at home because I pay for the accommodations that suit me.

 

 

I wouldn't be so quick to "assume" what someone else could or could not afford.

I have never had cause nor interest in swinging a cat around in my cabin bathroom on a cruise but if that is a requirement for you then by all means spend more.

[mosiegirl]

good luck

[BaconIsGood]

we try to do 1 a year... But it would not be possible if we didn't live within a day’s drive of 4 different ports. Saving on that airfare, hotel, transfer, etc helps ALLOT.

[Nezmo]

I wouldn't be so quick to "assume" what someone else could or could not afford.

I have never had cause nor interest in swinging a cat around in my cabin bathroom on a cruise but if that is a requirement for you then by all means spend more.

I believe you misunderstood my comment. I am saying that if that is all I could afford then I would stay home. I agree, I would never assume what anyone else can afford, nor do I care.

 

As for my sarcastic comment about swinging the cat; I just prefer space. Many folks state they couldn't care less if they were in a closet, they just want to be on a ship. For me, I like comfortable accommodation and space as well as being on the ship/cruise in general. My life does not revolve around my next cruise so if I can't go on a cruise that suits those needs I'll enjoy many of the other things at home ;).

[popsec]

I believe you misunderstood my comment. I am saying that if that is all I could afford then I would stay home. I agree, I would never assume what anyone else can afford, nor do I care.

 

As for my sarcastic comment about swinging the cat; I just prefer space. Many folks state they couldn't care less if they were in a closet, they just want to be on a ship. For me, I like comfortable accommodation and space as well as being on the ship/cruise in general. My life does not revolve around my next cruise so if I can't go on a cruise that suits those needs I'll enjoy many of the other things at home ;).

 

We don't care about cabin size since we spend very little time in the cabin (tho we do get balconies). Once I'm in the cabin I'm usually zonked out in the bed and the size of the cabin around that bed makes no difference :p. We'd rather be up on deck meeting people and making new friends, not hanging out in the cabin....just our preference....

[spacewoman]

We don't care about cabin size since we spend very little time in the cabin (tho we do get balconies). Once I'm in the cabin I'm usually zonked out in the bed and the size of the cabin around that bed makes no difference :p. We'd rather be up on deck meeting people and making new friends, not hanging out in the cabin....just our preference....

 

 

Hey Popsec --

 

see in your signature getting a suite on Miracle. You're going to be spoiled......................

 

Our very first cruise on Pride they upgraded us to a Junior Suite - what a cabin!!!!

 

Enjoy your cruises this year!!!!!

[mitsguy2001]

Not everyone here cruises often. I am currently booked on only my 3rd cruise in my life (my past ones were in 2006 and 2007). It's just that the board is going to be primarily dominated by the people who go on multiple cruises per year. People like myself tend to only post when I am planning a cruise, which I've only done 3 times in a 6 year period.

[mitsguy2001]

We did 6, seven day cruises last year. It's far easier for us because we live within easy driving distance of 5 cruise posts, so don't have to pay for air travel, or motels before and after our cruise. We do, however have to pay for parking, which can get a little bit expensive, but nothing like your travel costs to, and from the port. We also book inside cabins, almost exclusively, and for the last few years, we've done Carnival almost exclusively, which in my opinion, offers the most cruise for the money. We've been to almost all the Caribbean ports many, many times, so rarely leave the ship, so don't pay for tours, and excursions. We drink a bit, but nowhere near as much as most people on a cruise, so we don't have that extra added cost. All in all, we cruise, we enjoy the ship, and the entertainment, and we relax while aboard. To me, it's a win-win situation!

 

"SKY"

 

How do you have enough vacation time to go on that many cruises? Vacation time (and kids' school schedules) can be an even tougher constraint than money.

[Nezmo]

We don't care about cabin size since we spend very little time in the cabin (tho we do get balconies). Once I'm in the cabin I'm usually zonked out in the bed and the size of the cabin around that bed makes no difference :p. We'd rather be up on deck meeting people and making new friends, not hanging out in the cabin....just our preference....

I fully respect that view. It seems some folks think I'm attacking those that simply want to cruise and don't care about the cabin, etc. I'm really not. I'm just offering-up my view on how I like to cruise and saying that for me it's not a case of 'any day at sea is better than one at home' as is the mantra of many. So, I'm not one who searches out the $300 7-day cruises just to cruise.

 

BTW, I'm also on deck enjoying the sun and people. Also in the bars, restaurants, shops. I spend hours on deck at night when most are in bed too :). But I also love going back to a large, nice room :). Same with hotels. But that's just me :).

[popsec]

I fully respect that view. It seems some folks think I'm attacking those that simply want to cruise and don't care about the cabin, etc. I'm really not. I'm just offering-up my view on how I like to cruise and saying that for me it's not a case of 'any day at sea is better than one at home' as is the mantra of many. So, I'm not one who searches out the $300 7-day cruises just to cruise.

 

BTW, I'm also on deck enjoying the sun and people. Also in the bars, restaurants, shops. I spend hours on deck at night when most are in bed too :). But I also love going back to a large, nice room :). Same with hotels. But that's just me :).

 

That's what makes the world so great....we don't all have to be alike :) ....if we were they'd have a hard time filling those inside cabins :p

[near the beach]

I hate it when people think I’m rich because we do a few cruises. We live in Florida and cruise whenever we can. Time permitting. The cabins have always been the same size weather it is an ocean view or balcony. Except the one time we had a suite. We always feel comfortable and have never felt crowded. We don’t pay airfare or hotels which can run as much as the cruise itself. Sometime we only drive twenty five minutes to the port. We plan in advance and book early saver to get the best price. We pay as much as possible in advance so we don’t have much expense once on the ship. We don’t use the spa, don’t drink much at all and don’t eat in the steak house. I may use the casino once a cruise or play bingo once. We make a budget to have a good cruise. However if something comes up while on the cruise it goes on the sail and sign card or we charge it and pay it later. Driving to a theme park in Orlando for a two day weekend will cost as much as a three or four day cruise. We love Disney. It depends on what you want to spend your money on.

[maggie cruises]

I think that it's the little choices that you make.

Last weekend we went to a movie in the theater, we usually don't but I couldn't wait for hangover2. We were a party of four. Four tix= $48.00, four popcorns/drink= $52.00.

$100.00 total,right? If we did this every weekend that's $5,200./year. That's some serious DOD money!

you bought popcorn and drinks!!!:eek:

 

Pop your own, baby...and bring a bottle of water for everyone...and buy $ dollar candies at Target or wherever...that's how we do it...for the 2X a year we go out to a movie...maybe!

 

And no..they do not check your bags for food....just don't put it in a Target bag!

[Vettebuf]

you bought popcorn and drinks!!!:eek:

 

Pop your own, baby...and bring a bottle of water for everyone...and buy $ dollar candies at Target or wherever...that's how we do it...for the 2X a year we go out to a movie...maybe!

 

And no..they do not check your bags for food....just don't put it in a Target bag!

 

Wait until you get the senior discount. We have a great movie house that serves capaccino, lattes, shows art films and the regular ones. Tickets are $7.50. Cheap date!

[forwardcabin]

We belong to the SKI club--Spend our Kids' Inheritance...it's harder to do than you think but we need to do this before they find out!

[popsec]

We belong to the SKI club--Spend our Kids' Inheritance...it's harder to do than you think but we need to do this before they find out!

 

That's funny......and we're working on that also :D

[kbmeow]

WE vacation every year and when all is said and dine they average at least 5k. Cruising keeps us around 3 k so we get off cheep. We book the cheapmroom as we are barely in it. Do what ever we want and do not worry about bills. Could we do more vacations if we were more frugal yes. We vacation tom get away and not worry about money. But we do have a condo and 2 high end car payments but the incomeis well into 6 figures. So we save for vacation and we save the same if not more in the 401k. .

[maggie cruises]

Wait until you get the senior discount. We have a great movie house that serves capaccino, lattes, shows art films and the regular ones. Tickets are $7.50. Cheap date!

Dh already gets it at 62...and on Tuesdays everyone pays only $6...only thing is we are still chaufferring and raising our kids and have no time to go!!!

 

It is great having a child or 4 after age 40.....it is keeping DH very very young.....drop off..pick up..repeat..15 times a day..he loves it!!!

 

so what it costs us a little more on cruises....:D

[sharkey001]

I'm still trying to figure out what a DOD is! :rolleyes:

[masspector]

Just getting back into cruising, have been on two and this is my third coming up. This is an interesting thread to read. I just skimmed it but it appears that most of the people that cruise often have some common traits: no kids, appear to be older (retired), and live in Fl. That makes sense. No kids and close to port means you have more money to spend and being retired means you do not have to ask off at work.

 

I hope when I retire to be fortunate enough to cruise more often. It is definately the most bang for your vacation buck.

 

A question for frequent CCL cruisers. Aren't the shows and stuff the same on each ship or if people cruise the same ship over and over? Do you get bored with the shows and the ports