Approximate expenses on 7-day

[mominkaty]

This will be our first cruise as a family of 3. Trying to get some idea of what our total expenses might be for a 7-day cruise.

 

I already know what we are spending on excursions, etc. but have no idea of what to expect as far as $$ for things we'll spend on the actual ship.

 

I know everyone's "mileage varies," but was looking for a ballpark figure and suggestions on what extra expenses will be.

 

We are booked for Chef's Table one night so know we'll have that expense.

[CruiserBruce]

It is tough to say. Do you drink? How much? Do you gamble? How much? Many variables.

[paul929207]

Rather than trying to guess what you might spend money on, here are some of the things on board:

 

Beverages - Sodas ar about $2.50 each or you can get a soda sticker for unlimited fountain sodas (coke products) for about $6 per day. This is for one person.

 

Beer - about $5

Cocktails - $8 and up

 

Bingo $20 or $30 per session

 

Casino ...

Shops ...

 

Specialty restaurants $20 or so per person.

 

Tips (Charged to your account) about $11 per person per day. Covers Wait staff and cabin steward and people that help them.

 

Expenses ashore beyond excursions. Meals, beverages, any purchases.

[cb at sea]

Drinks and excursions are the main expenses. You can cut down the "excursion" costs by doing things on your own, whenever possible. A guidebook on your ports will help you determine what is available and if you can DIY!

 

Drinks are expensive (alcohol-wise)....so prepare for that! Gambling is the other unknown factor....bring what you can afford to lose...whether it's $100 or $2000!!!! (Or, nothing!) That's up to you!

 

There will be lots of spending opportunities....jewelry (ship's are always offering "bargains"), photos, flowers, special occassion stuff....they really do try to maximize your spending....but a "No, thanks" will go a long way!

[chipq]

The alcohol pricing is similar to nightclubs and bars at home. There will be plenty of pictures taken for you to putchase at about $22 if you choose, gratuities of abot $11.50 per person per day. On our last 8-day cruise, we did our own excursions but 1 and came in with almost an $800 tab. DW likes a glass of wine at dinner, we share a bucket of beer during the day. Both kids had a soda card and Dw bought a few pictures. We did one card of Bingo each evening before the show and gambled a bit in the evening. The gratuities for 4 were about $330 pf this.

 

 

http://luv2cruise.blogspot.com

[serene56]

you tip the porters when you arrive at the ship a buck a bag.

tip for room service 1-2 bucks depending on what you order.

 

we do not drink so we dont have that expense.

we prepay our tips so we dont have that expense either.

 

a family photo will cost you 22. each. (awesome spend for a first time cruise)

you will not get that kind of photo at home. there is no one pressuiring you to purchase.

 

Bingo is 20 bucks a game. (game is over in a few short calls. they actually spend more time selling the cards then the do with playing the game itself)

 

Tea time is free- sea days only about 3:30

 

Milkshakes are 4 bucks. specialty cakes cost 2.50

 

(are you all adults?)

[chipmaster]

ON almost every cruise beyond the TIPS we've spent very little, YMMV.

 

As others said drinks, photo's, souveniors, and things like gambling etc. can really suck money quickly.

[Roz]

Regarding drinks on cruise ships, I've not found them to be any more expensive than a nice restaurant here in Nashville, so I'm always surprised when people say they're expensive.

 

I've found that keeping track of what I'm spending as I go along is the key. If you've never been on a cruise, it's hard to anticipate what you're going to spend.

 

Roz

[paul929207]

You can go to the front desk and get a copy of the bill for your onboard account at any time. It is good way to keep track of your spending and also check for mistakes.

[Fredr]

You ask a very good question, that has no easy answers. Beware though that on a cruise ship that there are many ways to separate you from your hard earned money.

 

Here are some suggestions for you, hopefully without sounding cheap or as a kill joy.

 

First, the casino will be expensive so watch this carefully.

 

Second, alcoholic beverages and wine are similiar to what you will find in upscale restaurants at home.

 

Third, shore excursions are not inexpensive. However, you should research each port of call to see if you can visit these places on your own.

 

Prepay your gratuities, and have some extra cash with you for room service, porters at the port of embarkation...$1.00 for lighter bags, $2.00 for heavier bags.

 

Internet can be expensive but there should be some reasonably priced packages on the ship.

 

Alternative dining is a real treat on many cruise ships but there is usually a charge of $25-30 per person.

 

As each person is different, as a ball park estimate for a 7 day cruise, you should have a great time for about $100 per day or so, not including the gratuities. This is about $35.00 each, per day. I have spent much less but then my late wife and i went on 28 cruises and since her passing, I have been on 4 more, so the tendency for me is to spend less.

 

Hope that this helps. Remember not to stress out over things and kind of go with the flow. But do not hesitate to see Guest Relations if something needs correcting. And make sure that you are not taking on the entire burden of planning this cruise alone...get the others involved even children.

[paul929207]

While you will not be paying for it on the cruise, it may be important to know that cell phones will work while you are at sea and your carrier will be most happy if you use it. Most companies charge $2.49 per minute

[mominkaty]

Lots of good responses. It helps to know what additional expenses we might encounter.

 

None of us drink sodas, so we won't need to worry about that. We've booked our excursions privately and have already figured in tips and other expenses for the days in port as we've been to each of them many times, just not from a cruise ship.

 

Thanks for the comments.