Jewel of the Seas to Canada/New England - Can I do this cheap?

[smltwngrl76]

I'll be going on the Jewel of the Seas to Canada/New England in October. Just my mom and I, to relax and see the fall foliage, and because we've both always wanted to go on a cruise and nobody else wants to. I've got my cruise paid in full and am now saving for spending money. I am wondering, what is the cheapest you have ever had the final balance of your onboard expense account be? Here are the things I know I need to budget for:

 

- $50 for airline baggage fees

- Approx. $80 to pay the tips at the end of the cruise

- Probably eat in each specialty restaurant 1x each so about $60 for that

 

We do not plan on booking any shore excursions, as we would prefer to go off on our own in the ports, OR take advantage of a less-populated ship on those days and hang out in the solarium. I am not a big soda drinker, so the soda package is not right for me. IF I drink one a day, I will be surprised--I will be quite happy with the water, tea and lemonade that is free. I might "splurge" on the alcoholic "drink of the day" when it sounds good though. I also don't do the casino, so I'm certainly not budgeting any money for donating to it. ;)

 

Sooo....do I have my bases covered? Or is there anything glaring that is going to pop up and cost me money that I'm not considering? Probably need to have some money for spending in ports...I definitely want to see the Maritime museum in Halifax.

 

I know I probably sound boring, and who wants to cruise on a budget!? LOL. But honestly, I just love the water and could care less if I just sit on the deck all 7 days and watch the water go by. I can't wait! Also, I've worked quite hard over the past couple of years to lose 65 pounds and I am NOT looking to gain it back on this cruise. LOL. I do plan to indulge, of course! But I'm not going broke over any food that isn't "free."

 

Thanks for any and all suggestions, I appreciate it much! :)

[PantherFan]

Other than taxi & tip, porter tips, and food while traveling from home to departure port and back home I think you have it covered.

[DonnaK]

Skip the specialty restaurant - totally unnecessary and will save you $60.

 

It is possible to spend very little money onboard. Our sea pass bill is always less than $100 for a family of 4 (including two teenagers) - not counting tips. We are satisfied with the included drinks and food (we don't drink alcohol), don't shop or buy photos (well, maybe one photo of our daughters on formal night to use for our Christmas Card), don't gamble or play arcade games or use the internet, etc.

 

What are your ports? In Halifax, the ship docked at the beginning of the Harbor Walk boardwalk, and it's free to just walk and take in all the local culture, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was well worth it. I wouldn't bother to get off the ship in St. John NB, or just walk around the port area - not much to see elsewhere, and the reversing falls was very underwhelming. In Bar Harbor, you might wish to take a tour of Acadia National Park (www.acadiatours.com) or Ollie's trolley - it's worth it!

[cb at sea]

As long as you stick to your plan, those occassional drinks shouldn't be more than $15 per day, if that.....you should be fine!

 

No need to apologize for not spending a bunch of money on things you don't want to do!

 

Wish this country could get into your mindset!!!!

[smltwngrl76]

Wow, great! Thanks folks! I have to admit, I was a bit worried I would get a lot of "You're nuts! You can't afford to cruise!" LOL. But these are very encouraging responses. Especially the $100 for a family of 4? Love that!

 

You got it Donna.... leaving out of Boston, will hit Portland, Halifax, St. John, Bar Harbor, and back to Boston. I've read that alot, about Acacia National Park. We'll be sure to see that!

 

OK now I'm even more excited! haha. Thanks all! :)

[Cruisin MarcnFran]

I have a self imposed budget for each trip we take. We've taken cruises and have never gotten off the ship, which I love. I agree with the PP about the specialty restaurant, limit the alcohol, forgo the spa and watch your per-day casino donation. I also limit my souvenir shopping.

 

We, too, have come off the ship with our cc at less then $100 for a week when we're alone - but we have also had in excess of $1,000 when with family and friends.

 

Have a wonderful vacation.

 

Fran

[smltwngrl76]

Thanks Fran! Oh and we did buy the transfers to/from pier from Royal Caribbean so we won't have a taxi to pay for--the transfer is pre-paid as part of our cruise. Porter tips, I will add to my list.

[shopper77]

We did this cruise last year on a budget and had no problems. You may want to book the tour for Acadia National park before you go. There were many people who did not book ahead of time, and the were sold out. We use the green bus, you may want to check them out. Enjoy your trip. :)

National Park Tours and Transport, Inc.

207.288.0300

www.acadiatours.com

[Cruisin MarcnFran]

Thanks Fran! Oh and we did buy the transfers to/from pier from Royal Caribbean so we won't have a taxi to pay for--the transfer is pre-paid as part of our cruise. Porter tips, I will add to my list.

 

When even possible, we also try to book tours privately. We find they're far less expensive then the ships. You can try going to the ports section of this board, do research there, ask questions and get some less expensive suggestions for excursions.

 

I love to pre-pay as much as I can too! Good luck!

 

Fran

[Merion_Mom]

I'll be going on the Jewel of the Seas to Canada/New England in October. Just my mom and I, to relax and see the fall foliage, and because we've both always wanted to go on a cruise and nobody else wants to. I've got my cruise paid in full and am now saving for spending money. I am wondering, what is the cheapest you have ever had the final balance of your onboard expense account be? Here are the things I know I need to budget for:

 

- $50 for airline baggage fees

- Approx. $80 to pay the tips at the end of the cruise

- Probably eat in each specialty restaurant 1x each so about $60 for that

 

We do not plan on booking any shore excursions, as we would prefer to go off on our own in the ports, OR take advantage of a less-populated ship on those days and hang out in the solarium. I am not a big soda drinker, so the soda package is not right for me. IF I drink one a day, I will be surprised--I will be quite happy with the water, tea and lemonade that is free. I might "splurge" on the alcoholic "drink of the day" when it sounds good though. I also don't do the casino, so I'm certainly not budgeting any money for donating to it. ;)

 

Sooo....do I have my bases covered? Or is there anything glaring that is going to pop up and cost me money that I'm not considering? Probably need to have some money for spending in ports...I definitely want to see the Maritime museum in Halifax.

 

I know I probably sound boring, and who wants to cruise on a budget!? LOL. But honestly, I just love the water and could care less if I just sit on the deck all 7 days and watch the water go by. I can't wait! Also, I've worked quite hard over the past couple of years to lose 65 pounds and I am NOT looking to gain it back on this cruise. LOL. I do plan to indulge, of course! But I'm not going broke over any food that isn't "free."

 

Thanks for any and all suggestions, I appreciate it much! :)

 

Skip the specialty restaurant - totally unnecessary and will save you $60.

 

It is possible to spend very little money onboard. Our sea pass bill is always less than $100 for a family of 4 (including two teenagers) - not counting tips. We are satisfied with the included drinks and food (we don't drink alcohol), don't shop or buy photos (well, maybe one photo of our daughters on formal night to use for our Christmas Card), don't gamble or play arcade games or use the internet, etc.

 

What are your ports? In Halifax, the ship docked at the beginning of the Harbor Walk boardwalk, and it's free to just walk and take in all the local culture, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic was well worth it. I wouldn't bother to get off the ship in St. John NB, or just walk around the port area - not much to see elsewhere, and the reversing falls was very underwhelming. In Bar Harbor, you might wish to take a tour of Acadia National Park (www.acadiatours.com) or Ollie's trolley - it's worth it!

 

Donna gave you a great suggestion, and I'll try to "improve" it:

 

Save the money for Chops and Portofino and spend it on a lobster meal in Portland and in Bar Harbor!

[Barnaby100]

We never buy any of the overpriced tat (sorry wonderful bijou goods) for sale on the ship.

 

No casino or bingo, no spa (so so overpriced for the price of 1 massage I could spend a day at a top British spa)

 

No Internet. No Ben and jerrys

 

The children get 10- 20 usd game credit, they both have soda cards, we do speciality restaurants and Johnny rockets but don't really drink other than in cl lounge.

 

We pre pay tips. We had 6 people (4 adults) of a 4 nighter. Bill was less than 300 usd ( portofinos, Johnny rockets for children, 3 soda cards, 2 arcadecredits, 2 bottles wine) and 2 photos (with coupon).

 

For a family of 4 on a 4 nighter it was 200 usd. 4 soda cards and 2 bottles of wine (no speciality restaurant on ship) and 2 photos.

 

If we hadn't done portofinos or jr (both easily avoidable but I think worth it ) it would have been half that and without the wine less than 100 usd but we do go to the cl for free booze. If we paid it would be an extra 20 usd per adult per day (2 drinks).

 

I really am amazed at all of the junk available on the ship and how many people buy it. There are some decent items don't get me wrong but most of it is the stuff that people would walk past in a shop but the pile it into the baskets on the ship. I imagine most of it goes to the thrift shop or in the bin when it breaks when they get home. You don't need to shop on a ship- there is so much else to do.

 

I am always just amazed at how much some people seem to spend on ships.

[smltwngrl76]

I feel so much better now. Way less stressed about the money end of things. Unfortunately, Mom and I aren't seafood people at all. Plus we are thinking, with so much free food available on the ship, we can't imagine going off in port and spending money on more food. LOL. So I'm thinking as a splurge we will at least try Portofinos. We love italian food...even if I can't pronounce anything on the menus I have seen online, all of the ingredients look pretty normal! haha. I'm actually most excited to check out the Seaview Cafe since most of the reviews I've read seem to indicate it's one of the ship's best kept secrets!

 

Mom will be doing the casino, but that's her thing. I'll be on the promenade deck taking in the views.

 

I did think about a massage, but my goodness you're right! Easily triple the price I'd pay around here, and I've yet to meet a massage I was truly impressed by. I'd just die to pay that much and not really enjoy it. So will probably talk myself out of that.

 

And thanks very much for all the helpful information about the tours! :)

[LiftLockCouple]

With respect to Saint John, take a look at the OP on this thread. There is lots to do that is interesting and free in Saint John. When I was there last I made a point of learning more of the history of the city and area.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1367592&page=3

[teajak]

All of these suggestions are great,we broke down last cruise and used a 1/2 off coupon for Chops, sure wasn't worth it, the DR is fine and a lot more fun. One thing no one has mentioned is forget the ships photographer, take your camera, the crew or other passengers are is always happy to take your picture and the ships pictures are very expensive. Eat a lobster for me in Halifax.

[mjldvlks]

With respect to Saint John, take a look at the OP on this thread. There is lots to do that is interesting and free in Saint John. When I was there last I made a point of learning more of the history of the city and area.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1367592&page=3

I agree -- St John is a great port of call. When we booked this cruise, I remembered from 6th grade geography, that the Bay of Fundy had the largest tides in the world, a little bit of trivia that has stayed with me over the [many] years since. So I was fascinated to actually see it. We took a bus tour that took us out to a place where you could see and walk on the bare rocks and see the caves when the tide was out. WE also went through a small fishing village with two covered bridges Adan the boats on dry ground when the tide was out. I don't recall how much it was, but we were trying to keep expenses down as well so I know it was reasonable. The reversing falls are near the port -- probably walking distance in good weather. Even if you don't want to take a tour, I think it is worth going to the falls. It is not a Niagara Falls or Grand Canyon sort of thing, but it is worth seeing. Find out the schedule of the tides and try to see it going each way. We saw two bald eagles flying around there. There is also a nice downtown area within walking distance if you just want to look around.

 

At Halifax, we got a tour included with the cruise since it was a members cruise. We went out to Peggy's Cove among other places and I would recommend that, but there is plenty to see within walking distance if you don't want to take a tour. The Maritime Museum and other things are a short distance away. There is also the HMCS Sackville which was interesting to me, and may be to you if you have any interest in the Battle of the Atlantic from WWII, or if you have read the book or seen the movie "The Cruel Sea." I also recommend a ride through the forest at Bar Harbor. I saw on another thread a recommendation for renting bikes and riding through. That might be an good idea for a family if the weather is good.

 

I liked all of the ports on this cruise. In that respect, it is among my favorites. We did a tour at each port relatively inexpensively. But in each port, there are things to do within walking distance. I encourage you to get off and see at least a little of the ports. If nothing else, there are great places to eat in each port. I agree with someone else above, instead of spending money in the specialty restaurants, pick a nice place in one of the ports and have a great seafood dinner. I was somewhat [massively] disappointed in Jewel after all the hype I had heard, but I loved this itinerary -- one of my favorites.

 

I made a summary of what to do sheet for this cruise. I took the information from RCI's ports of call pages and added other things I thought were interesting. I will try to post it this afternoon when I get home if I remember.

[smltwngrl76]

I'll bring this back to life since I'm down to 23 days!!!! :D :D :D

 

I feel really prepared! And I appreciate all of your feedback here, it was helpful! We are indeed skipping the specialty restaurants. I read both menus (Chops and Portofino), and honestly nothing looks appetizing to my "simple" palate. Neither of us eat seafood, and much of it seems to include that in one way or another. Not a big steak eater either. So there's $50-$60 in my pocket! haha. Lucky for my wallet AND waistline, there is no Ben & Jerry's on the Jewel. :D

 

We did go ahead and reserve the Oli's Trolley 2.5 hour tour of Acadia. The price is very reasonable, and I wasn't quite sure how else we would (easily) make it up to Cadillac Mountain, which we definitely want to see. So this will be our only pre-reserved shore excursion. In Halifax, definitely walking to the Maritime Museum, and made a few notes on each of the other ports as well.

 

Mom bought herself a soda card, but I still don't think I would get the value out of it. I'll just buy an individual can if I'm craving it that bad.

 

So that's it! Spending money is saved and in a sealed envelope and "put up." A chunk of credit is "reserved" on my credit card for things that need charged. Set Sail Pass and cruise docs are printed, luggage tags have arrived. I'm so antsy now I can't take it! haha

 

Well thanks for listening, and thanks again for all the advice! :)

[mjldvlks]

Hope you enjoy the cruise -- it is one of my favorite itineraries. Here is a picture from our sail away from Boston to amp up your anticipation:

 

[smltwngrl76]

Aahhhhh.... so beautiful! I had forgotten that the days are getting shorter and we'll have these sorts of views much earlier now. Thank you!! :)

[DonnaK]

I'll bring this back to life since I'm down to 23 days!!!! :D :D :D

 

I feel really prepared! And I appreciate all of your feedback here, it was helpful! We are indeed skipping the specialty restaurants. I read both menus (Chops and Portofino), and honestly nothing looks appetizing to my "simple" palate. Neither of us eat seafood, and much of it seems to include that in one way or another. Not a big steak eater either. So there's $50-$60 in my pocket! haha. Lucky for my wallet AND waistline, there is no Ben & Jerry's on the Jewel. :D

 

We did go ahead and reserve the Oli's Trolley 2.5 hour tour of Acadia. The price is very reasonable, and I wasn't quite sure how else we would (easily) make it up to Cadillac Mountain, which we definitely want to see. So this will be our only pre-reserved shore excursion. In Halifax, definitely walking to the Maritime Museum, and made a few notes on each of the other ports as well.

 

Mom bought herself a soda card, but I still don't think I would get the value out of it. I'll just buy an individual can if I'm craving it that bad.

 

So that's it! Spending money is saved and in a sealed envelope and "put up." A chunk of credit is "reserved" on my credit card for things that need charged. Set Sail Pass and cruise docs are printed, luggage tags have arrived. I'm so antsy now I can't take it! haha

 

Well thanks for listening, and thanks again for all the advice! :)

 

Sounds like a great plan!

 

You're going to have a wonderful cruise!!!

 

Bon Voyage

[mjldvlks]

Aahhhhh.... so beautiful! I had forgotten that the days are getting shorter and we'll have these sorts of views much earlier now. Thank you!! :)

It was taken from the rear seating area outside the Windjammer. I saw what appeared to be a professional photographer [at least he had some pretty expensive equipment and an assistant] setting up a tripod and thought I'd stick around for a while. There is no shortage of photo ops on this itinerary. With digital photography, I figure if you don't take 1000 pictures on a 7 day cruise you're not trying. Make sure to keep you batteries charged and have a good sized media card.

 

Enjoy.

[reallyitsmema]

Make sure you book Oli's Trolley online prior to you cruise if you want to go on one of the earlier trips. My Mom is on the Jewel this week and was able to get the "long tour" that morning but some of the others after the early tour were sold out. I think her tour was $29 for a 2 1/2 hour tour. Still left plenty of time for shopping and lunch.

 

My DH and I did this cruise last fall and didn't book any excursions. We had been to 3 of the 4 ports before so we just did things on our own. In Halifax, we took a cab to the Citadel for $10, toured the fort, took a guided tour and then walked down to the boardwalk. We figured it was worth the money to not have to drag ourselves up that huge hill. We also did the Alexander Keith brewery tour. The tour is led by someone in period costume and they take you back in time to when the brewery was first opened. The tour ends with two free pints of beer in their pub with a sing a long. I think the tour cost around $20. We enjoyed it a lot.

[reallyitsmema]

It was taken from the rear seating area outside the Windjammer. I saw what appeared to be a professional photographer [at least he had some pretty expensive equipment and an assistant] setting up a tripod and thought I'd stick around for a while. There is no shortage of photo ops on this itinerary. With digital photography, I figure if you don't take 1000 pictures on a 7 day cruise you're not trying. Make sure to keep you batteries charged and have a good sized media card.

 

Enjoy.

Taken on the same cruise from our aft balcony.:)

[emilygrace]

We did this cruise (on the Jewel) in 2004 and it is still one of my favorite cruises. And St. John, NB was my favorite port. There was a free shuttle bus that took you downtown and you can walk around on your own. Check out the old marketplace across from the park.

 

In Halifax there is a free bus, the FRED bus, that stops at the pier and does a big loop through downtown, with several stops. We took it UP to the Public Gardens (because it was all uphill from the ship) and then after going through the Gardens we walked back down to the ship, stopping at the Maritime Museum along the way. Well worth the admission fee.

[reallyitsmema]

We did this cruise (on the Jewel) in 2004 and it is still one of my favorite cruises. And St. John, NB was my favorite port. There was a free shuttle bus that took you downtown and you can walk around on your own. Check out the old marketplace across from the park.

 

In Halifax there is a free bus, the FRED bus, that stops at the pier and does a big loop through downtown, with several stops. We took it UP to the Public Gardens (because it was all uphill from the ship) and then after going through the Gardens we walked back down to the ship, stopping at the Maritime Museum along the way. Well worth the admission fee.

Unfortunately, FRED lost its funding this year and no longer runs. I had looked into for my Mom since she is going to be in Halifax tomorrow. There is a new "pink bus" which is a new tour company and not free.

[mjldvlks]

Taken on the same cruise from our aft balcony.:)

It does look familiar. Hope you are doing well.