Can we afford this?!?!?

[susquehannaretriever]

First time possible cruisers here. My wife & I are contemplating a caribbean cruise, 7-8 days in length, for our son's graduation in 2013. It would be 4 of us (2 kids, 2 adults). We want to drive to the embarkation port so since we live in PA that would probably mean Ny, NY, NJ, or Baltimore. We would be satisfied with inside cabins for our first cruise. I am concerned however that the costs above and beyond the actual cruise pricing would be beyond what we can spend. I planned on a budget between $4,000-$5,000. Is this realistic? I have no idea what to expect, altho' I am reading on here and elsewhere as I am the chief vacation planner in the family. Thanks for any comments, ideas, suggestions, etc.

[montekat]

You probably could do that and stay well within your limits, esp. as you are planning on an inside cabin and driving to port. If you go to www.carnival.com, or www.rccl.com or whatever cruiseline you choose, and input your dates you will be able to see what prices are. Prices will be higher for the summer, seems they jump considerably when the kids are out of school for the summer.

 

I see you can do the Carnival Splendor out of NY, 8 nights, on 6/10/13 and get 2 inside cabins and stay around $3,500, not bad! Prices are not out for Baltimore cruises for June of 2013 yet.

[paul929207]

Before you book, you will know the cost of the cruise. You will be expect to pay the gratuities - about $10 to 12 per person per day. Everything else will be optional. You can spend a lot of money if you want or you can get by with little extra spending.

[cb at sea]

Most first-timers will spend about 1/2 of the cost of the cruise in excursions, alcohol, sodas, photos and other "extras".... The excursions (especially for a family of 4) will run you a bit of $$. You can decrease that cost by doing your homework...a guidebook is a must if you want to do your own thing in the ports. Almost everything is doable on your own, but you DO need the information! So, study up on the places you'll be going, decide what you want to do, and the guidebook will tell you about transportation options/costs.

[SewMuch]

Not having to fly saves a ton of money. The other big money-eaters are the bar bill (including soda) and excursions. Then there's souvenirs and gambling.

However, all your meals and some things to drink (ice tea, lemonade) are included. Some people take great pride in taking a cruise and not paying a penny extra. There's plenty of food, you don't have to pay for specialty restaurants. There's plenty to do on board and you can walk around the ports for free so you don't have to pay for excursions. Gambling and a huge bar bill are costs that can be controlled. Same with souvenirs.

It all depends on how good you are about sticking to a budget.

And remember, you will need to budget for tips for the crew. Its not included in the price but its not something you can dodge and its going to add a couple of hundred dollars.

Bottom line, yes I think it can be done.

[deladypilot]

You can also look at ships that leave Boston.

 

I think a nice vacation can be had on a budget. Each ship has their daily paper that tells you what is going on onboard. You will get it the night before, so you can spend a few minutes looking to see what everyone wants to do.

 

You can also get off the ship at any port and just walk around. If you are going to a beach destination, you can always head to the local beach or even stay on the ship.

 

Have fun looking around

[donaldsc]

First time possible cruisers here. My wife & I are contemplating a caribbean cruise, 7-8 days in length, for our son's graduation in 2013. It would be 4 of us (2 kids, 2 adults). We want to drive to the embarkation port so since we live in PA that would probably mean Ny, NY, NJ, or Baltimore. We would be satisfied with inside cabins for our first cruise. I am concerned however that the costs above and beyond the actual cruise pricing would be beyond what we can spend. I planned on a budget between $4,000-$5,000. Is this realistic? I have no idea what to expect, altho' I am reading on here and elsewhere as I am the chief vacation planner in the family. Thanks for any comments, ideas, suggestions, etc.

 

Don't forget tips - that will be $384 at $12 per person per day. Don't shortchange the crew. They work very hard and tips are most of their salary.

 

DON

[mrsfuzzmo]

You should have no problem finding a cruise for that budget for 7 nights. In VERY general terms, if you book with a mainstream cruise line (RCI, Carnival, NCL, Princess) you should easily be able to get a balcony for 4 adults for around $1000 pp. Especially if you don't have to fly to the port. In addition to that, with shore excursions and extras, if you don't drink like fish or gamble a lot, you should easily be able to keep your onboard account to under $1000 (or less, just depends on what you spend on extras). So the say I see it, you can do it within your budget. Especially if you do an inside or Oceanview, you will have no problem. Heck, you might even be able to get two insides for that price. Of course, time of year, holidays, etc. will be a factor.

 

I just quickly went and priced out an 8 night Balcony guarantee on Carnival Miracle out of NY NY and for 4 people in the cabin it was $2500. That leaves a lot of cushion for tips, souvenirs and excursions.

[isujim]

I think for inside cabins you can do that cruise easily on the budget you have.

 

As others have mentioned don't forget the cost of the TIPS.........for three people that can add up quickly.

 

also budget for any excursions you might take.......those can be costly especially if you book through the cruise line and take their excursions.

[Hlitner]

It is relatively easy to control your expenses during a cruise by following a few simply rules. 1. Do not spend any money in the casino! 2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. 3. Drink few soft drinks but satisfy your thirst with the free water, ice tea, and lemonade (on some lines). 4. Do not book any of the overpriced ship excursions (in ports). Do some pre-trip homework and handle the ports on your own using your feet and inexpensive public transportation. 5. Avoid the alternative restaurants (where you pay a supplement which can be as much as $40 per person). 6. Do not play Bingo. 7. Have fun browsing the shops on the ship and land but do not buy anything!

 

If you follow these basic rules your cost (beyond the cost of the cruise, tips, and getting to and from the port) will be minimal!

 

Hank

[bbwex]

One big dollar figure would be a bunch of excursions for four people, but in the Caribbean you can do it yourself in just about everywhere. You might not see ALL of the sights, but you will be able to see most, and eliminate the cost of the excursions. In a lot of places, you are going to go to the beach, and you can do that on your own.

 

Another thing a lot of families do is get one veranda cabin and an inside cabin directly across the passageway. Everyone can enjoy the veranda at least part of the time.

 

Also, if you use a travel agent instead of dealing directly with the cruise line, sometimes you get a little on board credit (OBC) which is an indirect way of giving a discount which they cannot do outright.

[SheilaNC]

I would add that if you are planning your own port excursions, there is excellent information and recommendations from members who have been there on our Ports of Call boards. Once you have made a decision re: cruise line and ship, go to the Roll Call boards to join the roll call for your cruise. It's a great way to meet some of those who will cruise with you and, perhaps, to join them for some shore excursions. Good luck..certainly doable and a great family vacation.

[trish1c]

It should be possible but as others have said, there are "extras"

I did a quick search of cruises leaving NY/NJ in June & July of 2013 -- prime vacation time. You will pay at least $800 for the 1st two people in the cabin. I'm guess that the third & fourth passangers may be half price. So conversatively . . . $900 * 3 = $2,700. That gets you 1 inside cabin, port charges & taxes. As others have pointed out you are looking at service charges of roughtly $400. (yes, I keep rounding up). I'm going to assume you can drive to the port & pay about $100 in gas each way. You'll need another $200 to park in NY & tip the stevedores for your bag.

You are at $3,500 & you haven't spent a dime on board yet.

CW says budget at least $100 per day per person in spending money but you can probably cut that in half for the kids b/c you have already paid your gratuities & they won't be drinking or gambling. Many people spend less; others spend more. This estimate includes everything else -- drinks, specialty restaurnats, excursions, spa, souveniers, etc. N.B. a gratuity of 18.5% is authomatically added to your bill for any alcohol you purchase on board. My math recommends at least $2,100 in spending money but your $5,000 budget allows $1,500 in spending money for extras.

You know your habits & your family. Does this sound like something you can do? Are you spendy or thrifty on vacation?

Overall though I think $5,000 should be enough. It's up to you.

[SuiteTraveler]

You could also spend a bit extra on an NCL cruise out of New York and get, for example, a 2 bedroom suite priced from $2499 per person for guests 1 and 2, plus $499 per person for guests 3 and 4. (Yeah, I know this puts you $1000 over budget, but then on the other hand, you get a lot for your money.) For that you get 1 master bedroom, 1 master bathroom (it has double sinks, seperate tub and huge walk in shower), living room, dining room, second bedroom with it's own bath (includes a shower only) There are 4 TV's and 2 DVD players in these rooms. Plus butler service and breakfast and lunch in Cagneys (a great perk.) plus concierge service and also special seating at shows.

 

OR even do 2 connecting balcony cabins for $1109 for each guest.

 

What I'm trying to point out to you is that you need to consider all available options, shop around and figure out what would be best for your family. Sometimes you can get amazing deals on suites and it makes your cruise that much better! So, do shop around and consider different alternatives.

[crzycick]

Don't rule out Florida. Often it's MUCH cheaper to cruise from Florida and even driving down there and getting a hotel it can sometimes be a better deal and sometimes more desirable itinerary. Also parking will be cheaper there too. For example, we rented a hotel for less than $100 in Miami which included parking for the duration of the cruise, breakfast in the morning, and a shuttle to the port. Return taxi was less than $25 with tip. Parking would cost more than that plus you get to feed your family and get a restful sleep the night before.

 

We've never ever taken a cruise excursion. We either walk around port, take a taxi to a beach, or find independent excursions, I do all of my research here on cruise critic. For example our cruise in 2 weeks we'll be taking a local bus for $1.25 each and going to hotel for a day pass $25 per person. Our other plan was to walk to a local free beach but decided we liked the amenities of the hotel. Much cheaper than doing something through the cruise line. In the other port we'll take a $10 per person, round trip shuttle to a free beach and market since there is nothing at the port.

 

 

We get less than 1 drink a day on board, we're just not big drinkers and we're cheap. Aside from tips our bill on board is usually less than $50 for the 2 of us. You can take 12 non alcoholic drinks per person on board Carnival and 1 bottle of wine per person of age. We take those and don't buy soda on board ($2! My 12 pack is almost that price).

[alcpa1]

I hate to add to your guesstimates but there is always the chance that a fuel surcharge will be tacked on. We have paid one in the past. Most of the mainstream lines are anticipating a surcharge of $9-$10 per passenger per day with a cap. I hope it doesn't come to that but it could potentially become another financial add on.

Also consider the cost of parking at a port vs bus, train or even limo to your port of embarkation.

I think you can work through the costs and find a cruise your family will enjoy.

[alcpa1]

OOPS, I forgot another one.

If you are going to Canada or Bermuda, two popular itineraries from northern ports, you will need a passport.

Passports are recommended for all foreign travel but can be avoided (with misgivings) on a closed loop Bahama or Caribbean cruise.

Sorry, I'm just trying to help, not make this an insurmountable dream.

[maryred]

I don't know your spending habits, just your general stated budget so I can't tell you how much to budget for on board expenses or even what cruise to take out of which port. I can tell you that the most expensive time to cruise is during school vacations (spring break, Easter week, and Christmas holiday), then again in June and July. So during those times you may need to adjust down to a 4-5 day cruise instead of a 7/8 day cruise to stay in budget. You can save a surprising amount by delaying your cruise till mid to late August, but the least expensive months to cruise are May and October.

 

Additionally I can give you a breakdown of this spring's onboard costs for the Carnival ships. Be warned it's likely that some of these prices will increase by 2013.

 

Include with each passengers fare price:

All food and snacks from the buffet, room service, and main dining room.

 

Coffee, hot tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, and water are free at the Lido deck buffet 24/7, with boxed milk available at meal times and juices are available during breakfast gratis. There are also water fountains near the public areas for tap water. Iced tea and water are also served without a charge in the MDR during meals.

 

Camp Carnival for the kids, during normal operation hours, though it is customary to tip the counselors. A few kids activities will have a charge like the build-a-bear workshop and after-hours babysitting but they will give you the costs upfront.

 

All the lounge shows and entertainers, including the comedy shows. Though there are a few activities that do have a participation fee (like the martini tasting, these will be noted in the FunTimes schedule delivered to you cabin daily) most actvities are free to join in.

 

All the pools, hot tubs, loungers, gym equipment, and sports equipment are free to use. Some things may require a "deposit" on your S&S card to ensure equipment return (like the mini golf equipment). Some things are popular so there may be a wait to get the equipment or time on the sports area.

 

 

Items that must go on your S&S card once onboard, no cash accepted. A few maybe Pre-paid prior to boarding so you final S&S bill does not seem large.

Auto- gratuities are $11.50 per person per day, this will be charge on the children as well. These can be pre-paid or added to your S&S account.

 

Excursions (perhaps the biggest non-included expense) = Once you book a cabin excursion for that cruise date wiil be listed for pre-purchase on the web and you can decise if these are worth it or investigate independant private tour companies. A thrid options is to arrive in port and go with the flow and just see what's available to do with in your budget for the day.

 

Sodas and basic bottled water = $2.24

Powerade & Vitamin water= $3.39

Imported & sparkling water = $3.73 -$5.46

Espresso = $2.01 - $2.30 + flavor shots @ $0.58 each

Iced coffees, Lattes, Cappuccino, and Chai = $2.88 - $3.74 + flavor shots @ $0.58 each

Liquored Coffee = $5.17

Milkshakes = $4.54

Smoothies = $5.46

Beer = $4.54 - $7.76 per can/bottle you can save $2 off buy purchasing a bucket of 4 at a time (mix and matching allowed)

Cordials & Shots = $5.68 - 11.44

Mixed drinks normal glass = $8.34 - $11.44

Souvenir glass DODs = $8.62 - $16.04, the 2.0 upgrade ships have speciality bars that have their own souvenir glasses & I've heard that the first drink in them can go as much as $24.00.

Wine per glass= $6.33 - $12.08

Wine per bottle = ther are many choices but they tend to start at around $30 per bottle

The steakhouse (if available) = $30 per person (and well worth IMHO for a special occassion or romantic evening)

Snacks and sweets from the coffee shop, the Funshops, and Formalities = $1 (a big cookie) to $65 (canapes & wine in cabin)

 

Photos:

5x7 = $9.99

6x9 = $11.99

8x10 = $19.99

Portraits 8x10 = 21.99

Reprints = $9.99 after buying the original picture

Touch-ups and special effects are available at an extra charge as well as special photos like a 16x20 canvased portrait. Also you can have you own film printed from your camera (sorry don't have the prices for these other services).

Frames and other photo equipment is available for purchase at various prices, the novelty frames& disposible cameras cost as much as any other resort area shop and scrapbooking supplies are not too badly priced but sometimes they have good deals on the electronic equipment. Scrapbooking classes are also offered through the gallery for a fee.

 

Spa and Salon: Any where from $45 - $345, and they will pester you when having certain treatments (and afterwards) to buy the (overpriced) products they just used. I've used some of the services here since the on board price is double or triple what I pay near home but they will run specials while in port.

Exercise classes, instructor lead = $5 - $20, but use of the gym equipment on your own is free. The sauna & steam rooms are also free to use.

 

Bingo = a 3 board card $20, and I have heard there are 1 board cards available for $10 but have yet to attend any game when this was offered.

 

The "Fun Shops" = These are the onboard stores and many times the prices are better than in the USA and Canada, but not always as inexpensive as in port (especial the Caribbean islands). A few things are outrageously price like toileties ($15 for aloe) and sundry goods (packaged snacks) w/ souvenir prices are about what you would expect them to be ($20 graphic tees), but you can find decent buys on jewelry, liquor, and tobacco. They do run sales and specials while at sea so look for them in the Funtimes and any cabin flyers you receive.

 

Places you could spend cash (sometimes you have the option of using your S&S card):

Casino Slots = Start at a penny per play and go upto $5 machines. Remember to insert your S&S card because even though you can pay cash for this the pay out is cashless and tallied as a Player's Bank. You will need the S&S card to withdraw any funds from the Player's Bank from the casino cage cashier. (open only while at sea)

Casino Tables = Some start at a $5 minimum, but like w/ roulette you can spread the bet around (inside #s only). You purchase the chips at the table and cash them out at the casino cage. If you pull money from the S&S account for the tables will will be charged a 3% premium. (open only while at sea)

 

The arcade = like many land based arcades they use tokens and most games are 2 to 4 tokens per play. A machine will exchange cash for the tokens for 4 for $1, but there are bonus token deals for higher amounts. Not refunds given for unused tokens.

 

Room service and scattered tips = it's unclear if the room service people receive any of the auto-gratuities so we always tip a $1-$2 per plate of food delivered and $1 per included drinks. At fee drinks will have the normal 15% added to their bill. On occassion we receive (or want to receive) extra service so we will tip drink waiters and some other assorted crew members an extra $1 or $2 as we travel (especially at the free drink events/parties).

 

We also tip the cabin steward and the MDR wait staff extra in cash near the end of the cruise based on how much, we feel, they pampered us beyond the amount they receive from the auto-gratuities.

 

There are cost cutting measures to be taken but they will depend on the cruiseline booked and their rules.

[pokerbob]

This can be done for sure.... also look at 6 day cruises if money is that big of a factor.

 

I just booked a Carnival 6 day on Valor (4 people in one balcony room) and have come in just under $4,000 so far, but that includes airfare from Chicago.... which was about $1700 of it. If you can avoid airfare, you should be able to fit that budget with no problem.

 

If you drink, see threads about sneaking booze onboard.

 

Skip the cruiseline booked excursions and do things on your own or look outside of the onboard bookings.

 

Don't eat at the "upcharge" places.

 

If you are planning on a single room, I see no reason you cant fit that budget. If you want to go to inside cabins and get 2, you can probably still get within budget.

[fleckle]

First time possible cruisers here. My wife & I are contemplating a caribbean cruise, 7-8 days in length, for our son's graduation in 2013. It would be 4 of us (2 kids, 2 adults). We want to drive to the embarkation port so since we live in PA that would probably mean Ny, NY, NJ, or Baltimore. We would be satisfied with inside cabins for our first cruise. I am concerned however that the costs above and beyond the actual cruise pricing would be beyond what we can spend. I planned on a budget between $4,000-$5,000. Is this realistic? I have no idea what to expect, altho' I am reading on here and elsewhere as I am the chief vacation planner in the family. Thanks for any comments, ideas, suggestions, etc.

Be very sure that "the actual cruise pricing" you are considering is really the true total cost of the cruise including taxes, port charges and gratuities.

 

The cruise prices that are advertised can be misleading because they are often only the base price before the other charges are added.

 

If you are purchasing travel insurance for the cruise, that would also add to the cost

 

If driving your own car to the embarkation port, another cost to consider is the cost of parking the car for the duration of the cruise.

Compare that to the cost of a one day one-way rental car in each direction.

 

The biggest advantage of renting a car from a major rental car company instead of driving your own car to the port is that in case of car trouble, you just call their 800 number, they bring you out another car, and you continue on your merry way.

 

If it is your own car that develops a problem, you are stuck with finding a place to repair it and waiting around while they do so.

 

Most people like to arrive at the port city a day early to be sure they don't miss the ship just in case of unexpected weather or road delays. If you do that, there would also be the cost of a hotel for one night.

 

But often you can find a hotel near the port that lets you park your car in their lot for the duration of your cruise at no cost, so the hotel room cost may offset the parking charges you would otherwise incur if you drive your own car.

 

Maryred has given you a good list for approximating other optional costs, which would be close enough for estimating costs on other cruise lines besides Carnival. Remember that all those additional items really are optional. It is entirely possible to have a good time without spending money on any of them. The choice is yours.

 

While it is possible to save money by cramming all four people into one cabin, the cruise will be a lot more enjoyable for everyone if you get two cabins.

[griffy116]

Remember parking fees at the port. We can drive to Port Canaveral, but we always book a hotel near the port and arrive a day early. By booking at a hotel that offers Park 'n Cruise rate, with free shuttle to the ship, we are able to spend the night at the hotel, have the free breakfast and park the car for the duration of the cruise. The cost is the same as our 7-day parking...maybe even less. We get to the hotel, order pizza delivered to the hotel, relax by the pool and get a good night's sleep. Our car is safe and the shuttle is very quick and efficient and drops us and our bags right into the area with the porter's taking our bags. Perfect way to strt the cruise.

[CFD130]

Be very sure that "the actual cruise pricing" you are considering is really the true total cost of the cruise including taxes, port charges and gratuities.

 

The cruise prices that are advertised can be misleading because they are often only the base price before the other charges are added.

 

If you are purchasing travel insurance for the cruise, that would also add to the cost

 

If driving your own car to the embarkation port, another cost to consider is the cost of parking the car for the duration of the cruise.

Compare that to the cost of a one day one-way rental car in each direction.

 

The biggest advantage of renting a car from a major rental car company instead of driving your own car to the port is that in case of car trouble, you just call their 800 number, they bring you out another car, and you continue on your merry way.

 

If it is your own car that develops a problem, you are stuck with finding a place to repair it and waiting around while they do so.

 

Most people like to arrive at the port city a day early to be sure they don't miss the ship just in case of unexpected weather or road delays. If you do that, there would also be the cost of a hotel for one night.

 

But often you can find a hotel near the port that lets you park your car in their lot for the duration of your cruise at no cost, so the hotel room cost may offset the parking charges you would otherwise incur if you drive your own car.

 

Maryred has given you a good list for approximating other optional costs, which would be close enough for estimating costs on other cruise lines besides Carnival. Remember that all those additional items really are optional. It is entirely possible to have a good time without spending money on any of them. The choice is yours.

 

While it is possible to save money by cramming all four people into one cabin, the cruise will be a lot more enjoyable for everyone if you get two cabins.

It has been awhile since I checked but if memory serves me right its not alot less to have two people in two cabins than it is to have all four in one. You will definatly have a better time with two cabins as even my wife and I feel a little cramped from time to timeAlso-check with a reputable travel agent in your area-they can be invaluable in finding deals and cruises within your budget

PS dont exclude and inside cabin and a balcony for you and your wife- A great place for all to see the sites from and your wife will love it and it can be a little privacy as well

[trish1c]

Flying to another port will add 4 airfares to your costs & destroy any pp savings on the cruise price.

There are no stay & park packages anywhere in the NYC area. Parking also just went up to $35 per day, so that cost is now $245. It is still The Cheapest place to park in Manhatten.

I suppose if you rent a car & drop it off near the port then rent another one for the trip back you may save money but you will have to do those calculations; any savings may be destroyed if you have to pay an extra fee to drop off & pick up at a different location.

[Jimnbigd]

Sure it is do-able. When is the earliest you can go? Prices in May are usually cheaper than June. From the New York area, try the Norwegian Gem May 25 or June 1. (May has the advantage of including Memorial Day -- usually one less vacation day required then). Or the May 25 or June 2 Carnival Splendor (8 days). RCI prices are not available yet, but I think the RCI Explorer of the Seas might be out of your price range, based on 2012 prices. Too bad -- it is a great ship. Anyhow, you are only about 200 miles from New York -- less than the drive I make to Galveston (300 miles). You could drive down the day of the cruise, but allow plenty of time for traffic and car problems. Plan to arrive around 11:00am or so. How old are the kids? You might want two connecting cabins. This gives you much more room, and often is not that much more. Putting 4 in one cabin will be crowded. Connecting cabins book up fast, so don't wait much longer than this April or May to book for next May or June.

 

I see you have cruised Carnival before. Did you like it? This means on Carnival you get the past guest party (free drinks) and sometimes discounted rates for past guests.

 

RCI should have their 2013 schedule available in April.

[shipgeeks]

I highly recommend Baltimore as a departure port, plus driving down the day before and staying in a motel/hotel that will shuttle you to and from the port and let you leave your car at the hotel for the week. Check both RCI and Carnival for cruises.

As stated above, beyond tips, it is quite possible to not spend anything beyond the cruise price. Depending on your priorities, you can certainly research ports and plan your own walking/shared transportation tours, drink only the free beverages aboard the ship, etc. Once you've found a cruise, you can read about the ports here, too, for recommendations and tips.