splurge/skimp

[MISSSNOOPYGIRL]

what do you splurge on/ skimp on while cruising?

 

For me the splurges are alchohol and photographers pictures (a good picture to me is pricesless!)

 

Skimp: spa or steakhouse. The spa treatments seem like such a luxury when I would rather spend my money on... you guessed it- alchohol. The steakhouse- don't get me wrong I am SUCH a foodie but I'm also a cheapie- I just CAN'T see paying for food when it's free and all around me 24/7!:)

[Simplertimes]

I do splurge on the alcohol. Also have gone to the steakhouse, but don't plan to on my next cruise. Haven't done any spa treatments. Have bought some pictures, but haven't gone overboard.

 

A few things in the gift shop.

 

Majority of my S & S bill is alcohol.

[michelle1836]

skimp- spa, pictures (we take a ton), steakhouse ( we go if we have OBC)

dont really splurge on anything

[krdougan]

skimp: steakhouse, pictures

splurge: excursions, although not through the cruiseline, alcohol (well DW does, I don't really drink)

[SuzanneH]

I splurge on shore excursions--especially if it is the first time I have visited a port. They are usually booked independently, but sometimes through the ship. I skimp on some of the same things mentioned-- specialty restaurants & spa treatments are things I tend to skip-- there is already great food free and spa treatments I can get at home :).

[Smithkids5521]

what do you splurge on/ skimp on while cruising?

 

For me the splurges are alchohol and photographers pictures (a good picture to me is pricesless!)

 

Skimp: spa or steakhouse. The spa treatments seem like such a luxury when I would rather spend my money on... you guessed it- alchohol. The steakhouse- don't get me wrong I am SUCH a foodie but I'm also a cheapie- I just CAN'T see paying for food when it's free and all around me 24/7!:)

 

I agree- personally I skip the spa (I get my mani/pedi done before I board) and the Steakhouse is another pass for me (unless it was a major event like celebrating my anniversary- then I *might* consider it).

 

I usually splurge on excursions- since I haven't cruised very much, every port is a new experience for me and my family. I want to go experience the "best of the best" and if that costs a little bit extra, then so be it. Maybe after I have been to a port multiple times, I may get a little cheap- LOL!! ;)

 

I think one of our biggest splurges (aside from photos and drinks) would be paying for after hours childcare. I love the fact that I can have a date night every evening with my DH while my kids have fun at camp...

[blondietink]

skimp: spa, excursions, alcohol, steakhouse

 

splurge: pictures, free drink parties (past guest, fun farewell), duty-free alcohol to take home

[Cruise-Crazy]

Splurge on alcohol and steakhouse, occasionally some pictures....

Skimp... Spa, never done it.

[MemphisFan]

We splurge on the pictures only b/c the wife loves to. I'm slowly weaning her off buying so many (before we were married she'd been known to drop $200-$400 on photos).

 

That's really all we splurge on. drinks are too expensive so I do my own

 

Definitely skimp on the spa. So not worth it. Prices back home are at a minimum half the price.

[JennLuvs2Cruise]

Splurge: Alcohol, casino, steakhouse, some shopping (love the designer watches & sunglasses)

 

Skimp: Spa treatments, photography (we buy a few photos but don't spend $100's on them), excursions (we book on our own for the most part), Bon Voyage gifts (I redeem my FunPoints for that & call the Player's Club), & duty free alcohol (always breaks in our luggage)

[cdamion]

Skimp: Spa, Steakhouse (not a fan of pay per eat on cruises), ship's shore excursions, pictures

 

Splurge: Casino, alcohol, independent shore excursions if unique, extra nights in hotel before and after cruise.

[Snowball]

Splurge: cabin type (always a balcony or suite), steakhouse reservations, pre-cruise stay (1-3 days), and sometimes the casino (depending on how tight it is).

 

Skimp: photos, cruise line excursions, jewelry purchases, and spa.

[golfadj]

Free booze

[nodogkisses]

I'm actually surprised how many skimp on the Steakhouse. It's such a great meal and a special atmosphere.

[tassycatt]

This time I think I am going to splurge on the Behind the Fun tour. Its something that I dont the DH will ever want to do and Ill have DD with me this time. I think she will enjoy it.

 

 

Also splurging on the steak house. Yummmm...:p

[kroozers]

Alcohol and tips are nearly 100% of my S & S bill. I don't shop or gamble at all but may buy a photo.

[crusinpsychRN]

Excursions.

[loveJake]

spulge: balcony cabin and excursions, we cruise for the ports and to enjoy our balcony

 

skimp: everything else, have never been to a steakhouse, do not drink and do not buy pictures

[DaveRRT]

After all these questions I hope you give a review to see what we got right;)

[richstowe]

Great topic!:)

 

Since it hasn't been mentioned, I splurge on the cruise itself :D!

 

Each cruise is different. Our Med cruise had well over a thousand spent on excursions while

our Bahamian cruises involved no organized trips although $'s were spent.

 

Depends on the cruise BUT am sure we will always skimp on booze and pix.

[cat26]

skimp on photos and paying full price at the spa

 

 

Splurge on alcohol, casino, some excursions, steak house, cabin and some items at the gift shops.

[JKJG3]

Skimp: Spa (love it but over-priced) and photography. I don't think we've ever bought a picture from a cruise.

 

Splurge: Steakhouse once a cruise; one excursion per trip, and definitely alcohol. 90% of our S&S is booze.

[ibcnusoon]

skimp: steakhouse, casino. bar drinks (buy bottle from bon voyage and mix ourselves), pictures, onboard shopping

 

splurge: balcony cabin, spa discounts, excursion in every port, port shopping, pre-cruise stay, wine package, duty-free alchohol

[MISSSNOOPYGIRL]

This is why I always "skimp" and never get a balcony, just a cheapie inside room- I'd rather spend the money on alcohol! ;)

[shonuf]

We splurge on our cabin, usually a suite. It's so nice to spend time on the balcony, also DH has difficulty standing for long periods so preferred boarding is a big plus! If possible, I love to spend a pre-cruise night or two in a hotel where I am right at the port/pier so I can see my ship come in!

 

Moderate alcohol consumption, a few $$ in the casino, maybe an excursion if we've never been to the port.

 

Most of our experiences in the specialty restaurants have left us underwhelmed. Have never felt the need for any spa or salon service. Have more "pashminas" and watches than I really need, usually buy a T-shirt or two. Last cruise splurged on a souvenir jacket from the Elutian Ballad (Deadliest Catch) excursion.