Can we afford this?!?!?

[crzycick]

I forgot to mention this in my previous post but another cruiser briefly referenced it. Amtrak.

 

We are actually taking Amtrak to Charleston for our cruise in 2 weeks. To drive our car with a hotel cost (hotel with free parking) would have been approx $300. To fly would have been a minimum of $600. And Amtrak was right around $300. The drive would be 9-12 hours, train is 9 hours but could be delayed. So no time savings like the 2 hour flight but at least we don't have to do the driving. We also board at 8 pm and arrive at 5 am so we'll be able to sleep during the trip and arrive with PLENTY of time to spare if there are delays.

[SunSeeker27]

One thing I haven't seen posted here is to make sure you budget to park your car while your gone. Parking rates in NYC just went up.

[kayhold]

We're driving,doing a 5 day and our total should be under $1500. We don't drink, gamble, or care about excursions. We plan to do self-assisted tours and attractions, if any and we are bringing soda for my husband.

[preschool teacher]

Good luck.. May the force be with you!

[bonsai3s]

Perhaps you should be congratulated for using Cruise Critic. Wished we had known about Cruise Critic sooner...we could've saved a lot of money. We have learned so much from so many people and hopefully we can help others as well.

* We used to play the casino...now we simply walk past it.

* We used to buy cruise photos...now we are happy with our own photos from our cameras.

* We used the ship's shore excursions...now we do everything DIY. Planning and research are part of the fun and the experience...memorable and priceless.

* We used to buy a lot of alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and sodas...we have cut down considerably.

* We used to play bingo, used the spa, purchased from overpriced ship stores, ate at specialty restaurants onboard...it was simply too easy to use that "cruise card"...now we don't.

Note: There is a thread specifically on "how to save on cruises"...we have learned so much from it.

We discovered that cruising can be fun and affordable even without the costly stuff. For us, the most important thing is to meet new friends. Hope you find an affordable cruise and happy cruising!:)