Let's be realistic on money matters

[bplazo]

So, now everyone is suggesting that we watch what we say on Cruise Critic because someone might not be able to afford a certain cabin, or the specialty restraunts etc. Sorry, do not agree. Sounds like our government now.

[Aluvendale]

I apologize. I do agree that stating weather you thought you got your money's worth is a valid form of review.


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[wwcruisers]

Yes Jim, you do see a lot of folks on here discussing "splurges" and what various "extras" are worth (or not) to them. But, you also see lots of great tips for saving money -- like alerts on various cruise lines OBC specials, savings certificates, price drops, etc. There are more folks out there cruising (and doing it well) on a tight budget than you might imagine. I've met lots of retirees (living on a fixed income) who cruise many more times per year than we do. How do they manage it? By sailing in the more economical cabins, watching the "extras" and planning their own shore excursions. Most of them have long ago figured out what's important to them, and what isn't. For the most part, they have a great time, and are not bothered by what anyone else is spending or doing. :cool:

[TravelDiva88]

[quote name='spookwife']...nothing worse than being told sorry, no you cant have that glass of wine....

what's the point in being on a cruise if you cannot relax and indulge in a little bit of extra? How can you have fun if you are counting every single expenditure?[/QUOTE]

Pretty sure that the majority of folks have to count every expenditure- the exception being those who are extremely wealthy.

We normally cruise inside cabins. We may only buy one drink the entire trip. We have never paid for a shore excursion through the ship, nor have we ever paid for a guided tour.

On the last day of the cruise, not including tips, our onboard account is usually less than $100.

Guess what- we have a great time. We would rather have two nice cruises than one extravagant cruise.

[calliopecruiser]

[quote name='TravelDiva88']We would rather have two nice cruises than one extravagant cruise.[/quote]

And it's all about what choices you make. That attitude works for you, something different works for someone else. Vive la difference.

[notentirelynormal]

Pretty sure that the majority of folks have to count every expenditure- the exception being those who are extremely wealthy.

 

I don't think you have to be extremely wealthy and I don't think most are. I know I'm not. I save and choose what I want to spend my money on at home so that when we do cruise I can have the wine, the bungalow and the snorkeling adventures. Everyone has to make the decision on "is it worth it" based on personal choices and desires.

 

My DD asked me the other day, "Which would you do? Spend 2 nights in a studio hotel room or 1 night in a 1 bedroom hotel room?" I said, I'd take the 1 bedroom/night choice over the studio. Why? Because to me the value is in the relaxing. You can't relax in the studio with 2 kids and 3 adults because when they go to bed, you have to go to bed. That and you are in too close quarters. With the 1 bedroom, you can put the kids to bed and stay up in the other room. That's what is "worth it" to me.

 

Some people never buy the pictures. I do, because it is worth it to me. I know they are expensive but every time I look at them I see my family together and having a wonderful time. Getting everyone together and dressed up is of great value to me.

 

I don't go to the charge restaurants because I don't think they are worth it. I'm happy with the food and service in the MDR.

 

These are all personal choices that we make. I'm sorry if someone else on board is bothered that I can afford the pictures, bungalow and excursions and they can't. I just don't feel I need to feel bad about your personal finances and I really don't see how mine are anyone else's business.

 

I also would prefer to not cruise in an inside cabin. I'd rather go half as much and stay in a mini suite. Don't get me wrong. I've sailed in an inside, but now I prefer not to.

 

Am I rich? NO. I just have different priorities than others and don't feel I need to nickle and dime myself while on vacation. I do that while I'm at home.

[TravelDiva88]

I don't think you have to be extremely wealthy and I don't think most are.

 

So you are saying you have no budget on a cruise? You have no limit on how much you will spend?

 

My point is unless you are extremely wealthy, EVERYONE has to make value choices on vacation- for some it may be between the owners suite or a new piece of art, or $10k gambling budget or a private tour, but EVERYONE makes decisions, and it as long as someone can afford the cruise fare, tax and gratuity, it is absurd to say "well if you clearly can't afford x,y,and z add ons, you have no business cruising"

[notentirelynormal]

So you are saying you have no budget on a cruise? You have no limit on how much you will spend?

 

Pretty sure that the majority of folks have to count every expenditure- the exception being those who are extremely wealthy.

 

 

 

No, I'm not saying that at all. I'm responding to your comment above that the majority of folks have to count every expenditure except those that are extremely wealthy. I don't nickle and dime it every time I make a decision on what to do or buy. I make some cruise impulse buys when on vacation. I wouldn't normally spend $200 for a few hours in a bungalow but I do when on a cruise. Heck, I don't even go to the beach except when on a cruise. I have an overall budget that I can live with. Sometimes I go over it, some times I don't but either way, I don't sweat it....and I don't think I'm in a minority on this - nor am I wealthy, let alone extremely wealthy.

[Suzieanna]

I know how this is going to come across, but I will write it anyway. I dont have a limit on what I spend, no.

 

If I want something I will get it. If I wanted a 10K painting or the grand suite, then that is exactly what I would get. Of course the fact that I am in a position buy such a painting or a fancy suite is entirely down to the fact that I wouldnt dream of doing such a thing!!! On the 48 weeks of the year that I am not on vacation I am tighter than a duck's A&se underwater! Most people we perceive of as being "wealthy" probably live quite frugally on a day to day basis.

 

Looking back, I have had times where money has been hard to find especially when you first start off in life and most of your wages are eaten up for your house and bringing up your family and there have been times when we have had to forgo a vacation for years because there just hasnt been the money to do one.

 

I am now going to run away and hide from the arrows that are surely to come flying my way - but before anyone says "go away to a luxury cruise you snob" - think on! In the words of Jessie J - its not about the money!

[madelinerose]

We would rather have two nice cruises than one extravagant cruise.

 

We choose quality over quantity. ;)

 

And it's all about what choices you make.

 

As with everything in life. ;)

[jasbo49]

I know how this is going to come across, but I will write it anyway. I dont have a limit on what I spend, no.

 

If I want something I will get it. If I wanted a 10K painting or the grand suite, then that is exactly what I would get. Of course the fact that I am in a position buy such a painting or a fancy suite is entirely down to the fact that I wouldnt dream of doing such a thing!!!

Makes perfect sense to me.

 

Jim

[Friend100]

We choose quality over quantity. ;)

 

 

 

As with everything in life. ;)

 

Agreed, quantity is easy to measure, but quality is subjective and everyone's definition can be different, so to me this really goes back to the discussion about individual's "worth it", or how you prioritize things that are of value to you, which can be different from someone else. And to me, this fundemental difference in people is what makes life so fascinating, isn't it? :)

 

I always enjoy discussion with my DD and DS about hypothetically choosing between 2 cruises .... like a 7-day on a HAL cruise vs a 4-day on the Disney cruise, inside cabin here vs balcony cabin there, or choosing between 2 things in general (doesn't have to be cruise). I will listen to their rationale and thinking process, and simultaneously sharing my thoughts. I find it is a fun way for a family discussion.

[wwcruisers]

I know how this is going to come across, but I will write it anyway. I dont have a limit on what I spend, no.

 

If I want something I will get it. If I wanted a 10K painting or the grand suite, then that is exactly what I would get. Of course the fact that I am in a position buy such a painting or a fancy suite is entirely down to the fact that I wouldnt dream of doing such a thing!!! On the 48 weeks of the year that I am not on vacation I am tighter than a duck's A&se underwater! Most people we perceive of as being "wealthy" probably live quite frugally on a day to day basis.

 

Looking back, I have had times where money has been hard to find especially when you first start off in life and most of your wages are eaten up for your house and bringing up your family and there have been times when we have had to forgo a vacation for years because there just hasnt been the money to do one.

 

I am now going to run away and hide from the arrows that are surely to come flying my way - but before anyone says "go away to a luxury cruise you snob" - think on! In the words of Jessie J - its not about the money!

 

You go, girl (no flames here)! :p

[HImom]

We are coming to Seattle a few days before the cruise to spend time with other cruisers. Anyone with suggestions of pros & cons of staying a night at the hotel vs. just catching a flight back that day? We dock on Saturday & am debating which makes more sense. Thanks--no relatives or family in Seattle. We plan to do our Seattle sightseeing pre-cruise. We return to work on Monday.

[Suzieanna]

My dance teachers were disembarking the brilliance of the seas the other day, and because it was so late docking in Amsterdam they missed their flight to the uk, and that had the knock on effect that they missed their flight to here! Had to pay for 4 new flights. Unsure if they can claim this on insurance. I think usually coming home on the same day isn't so bad though if you make sure you leave yourself LOTS of time! Sometimes it's difficult to get an extra day off work too!

[pdmlynek]

We are coming to Seattle a few days before the cruise to spend time with other cruisers. Anyone with suggestions of pros & cons of staying a night at the hotel vs. just catching a flight back that day? We dock on Saturday & am debating which makes more sense. Thanks--no relatives or family in Seattle. We plan to do our Seattle sightseeing pre-cruise. We return to work on Monday.

 

If you dock on Saturday am, it might make sense to take the flight home that day. That way you'll be home on Saturday night, and have the whole Sunday to get ready for Monday. If you fly on Sunday morning, you'll be home at Sunday night, so the only thing that you'll do is sleep.

The extra day at home is nice to catch up on your e-mail, sort the regular mail, wash up, mow the lawn, unpack, etc.

[CheckersMidwest]

I agree totally with "worth" being a matter of personal taste. I do like finer things when on vacation BUT I do have a specific vacation budget.

 

When I first came to these forums, I read about how cheap cruises are. We, personally, did not find it to be cheap.

 

We are a family of 4...15 and 20 yr old children. We could have saved money and crammed us all into one cabin. Not sure if my 6'4" son could fit on a trundle bed or extra cot, but could have tried.

 

We paid for 2 cabins.....boom...already over $2000 and that was on the Paradise. (one of the smallest & oldest Carnival ships). We compared the cost of driving from northern Missouri and flying. By the time you add up gas, hotels along the way, food, and the extra days off work (without pay) it was cheaper to fly. Add in another $1200.

 

Now....add the mandatory tips......cab to/from airport.....night before hotel (yes, optional but didn't want to miss the ship...we flew home the afternoon of disembarking).....$50 airport parking...$50 gas to/from airport that is 2 hours away........ That's just what we HAD to do. We chose optional stuff too.....soda card x3, a small amount of shopping, and excursions.

 

I am looking at the Liberty for next summer. The price so far for the necessities and without excursions is already the same price as an all inclusive 8 day DisneyWorld vacation. If I add on board credit, soda, and anything else....then I'm looking at about $7000. that's the same as a nice Atlantis vacation for a week in the Bahamas. That's where I question if I want to spend that on a CRUISE or a land vacation. We certainly get more out of a land vacation.

 

My point is, Even though "worth" is a personal thing, I totally understand the OP's point. the cruise was fun and I'm glad it's an experience we had, but not sure we'll take another as long as we're traveling as a family when there are so many more things we could do with the same money.

[calliopecruiser]

When I first came to these forums, I read about how cheap cruises are. We, personally, did not find it to be cheap.

 

I think they are truly only cheap if you live in a major port city, and/or close enough to drive and have family to stay with in that port city.

[onebzemom]

Hello Jim, fellow Oregonian here! It's not very often I see someone from Oregon posting.

 

I'd like to give my 2 cents.

 

First I'd like to say, Great job on your post Jim. It sure did bring up many issues and points of view.

 

I don't post much, but I read a lot. I am all over on these boards. I like to read about everyone's experiences and choices and advice. I agree with some and read past on others. I appreciate all the comments and take with me what I can use.

 

I have traveled a lot whether by air, land or sea all on a shoestring budget. My family of four (added an extra passenger mid way) traveled all over Europe. With backpacks in tow and staying in very inexpensive hotels and hostels. Allowing no souvenirs and only 1 meal a day we were able to spend five weeks. Was it worth it? You bet! Would I do it again the same way. No. I wouldn't try to see 7 countries and 28 cities at once. But we did and it was worth it! It ended up being the big splurge family vacation. Went back to camping after that! :)

 

Every cruise we take we watch our pennies. I haven't paid extra for my dinner. We've never had a balcony. And so far have no desire for one. I complained when I was forced to spend $100.00 on the slot machines. (My brother in law had won $1,700. the night before and gave everyone $100. with one condition. It had to be spent in the casino with him.) We choose our excursions wisely. But I will spend money on things that I want to do. And buy things that I want. I can do it because I counted my pennies.

 

Our friends always ask, How do you afford these trips? I afford them because I watch my pennies, and shop for deals. We have a jar for money found in the laundry, can returns and pocket change. It adds up. Memories are memories no matter what they cost. My inexpensive memories are just as good as someones else's memories in a suite.

 

We will be doing a B2B on our next cruise. It's been a dream to be able to do this. But I was willing to eat my words and book an inside cabin in order to do another cruise. I might regret it later. We were going to spend 3 days before cruise to visit the area. The cost of hotels ended up being more than our 4 day first cruise. But what was more important, an ocean view or a second cruise or visiting a new area or a second cruise???

 

My last comment. Most of the posts I read are about people commenting on things that do cost more money. I see people posting about their balconies, and wrap arounds. Very rarely do you read about the inside cabins. Lots of talk about the specialty restaurants The nice 4/5 star hotels precruise. Rarely do people post on the lower end hotels. Which is what I use. Sure you see posts about how to save money on excursions done outside of the cruise ships.. I've done both. In my experiences, more people on the ship excursions. So I choose to find independent operators.

 

What I would like to see is a Thread, listed in the section of 'New Cruisers' tilted, "Cruising on a budget". To me that would be a very valuable category. I'm sure you would see more people posting there who probably would not post alongside someone posting about their more expensive experiences.

 

I don't mean to offend anyone. This is my opinion and don't expect everyone to agree with me. But I've never been one to just sit back and not say anything. Okay, now I will hit the button.

 

denise

[NoobCruise]

What I would like to see is a Thread, listed in the section of 'New Cruisers' tilted, "Cruising on a budget". To me that would be a very valuable category. I'm sure you would see more people posting there who probably would not post alongside someone posting about their more expensive experiences.

denise

 

Just an FYI There's a whole board devoted to ways to save money while cruising.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71

[pdmlynek]

Just an FYI There's a whole board devoted to ways to save money while cruising.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71

 

 

Good catch, Noob'!

[jasbo49]

Hello Jim, fellow Oregonian here! It's not very often I see someone from Oregon posting.

 

I'd like to give my 2 cents. ...

 

Every cruise we take we watch our pennies. I haven't paid extra for my dinner. We've never had a balcony. And so far have no desire for one. ...

 

Our friends always ask, How do you afford these trips? I afford them because I watch my pennies, and shop for deals. We have a jar for money found in the laundry, can returns and pocket change. It adds up. Memories are memories no matter what they cost. My inexpensive memories are just as good as someones else's memories in a suite.

 

denise

Denise, thanks for your contributition. I'm actually thinking about taking a non-balcony cruise just to remind myself how lucky we are to be cruising at all. Ever since I was a smoker (quit 5 years ago, thank God) I've felt like I needed access to the outdoors, but that's no longer an issue.

 

Next time regular people feel discouraged by posts like this one:

 

"We stayed in the Deluxe Suites (do this no matter what) where we had a room attendant." ...

 

I hope they'll read your post and realize that enjoyment has little to do with money.

 

Jim

[Friend100]

If people will feel discouraged by this ....

 

"We stayed in the Deluxe Suites (do this no matter what) where we had a room attendant." ...

 

... very likely they can also be discouraged by this too.

 

I have traveled a lot whether by air, land or sea all on a shoestring budget. My family of four (added an extra passenger mid way) traveled all over Europe.

 

For the same amount of $x,xxx (insert whatever is applicable here), "regular" people can choose to do one or the other or something else.

 

I have not done a deluxe suites, nor having a room attendant, nor have traveled a lot by air, land or sea, nor all over Europe. But personally I don't feel discouraged nor encouraged when people share on this forum what they enjoy about their vacation.

[Suzieanna]

I suppose the reason we dont hear so much about those travelling in inside cabins is because by and large they have exactly the same experiences as those in balconys and suites. Except there is an absence of some things -which if you haven't had you dont miss! Maybe this board is also skewed towards people who have cruising as a very high priority in life, and are thus more inclined to fork out for stuff?

 

The one thing that puts me off the suite life is actually the being attended to. I am quite a blue collar type of girl and like to do things myself. I don't like people even folding my nightgown away for me! If I could have that big room and then be left alone that would be my ideal!

 

But I can appreciate that others do value this service, and I like that they can get what they want too! Isnt that just the best thing about cruising - you really can do it your way.

[indiana123]

Just a personal opinion, but I prefer a balcony, if it can be afforded, I like the feeling of space and being able to open a door to fresh air, and just sit and watch the sea.

 

As for personal attendant (called Butler on P an O).. this service is purely optional and one I probably would not use very much. I wouldn't like my case unpacked by someone.. rather like someone going through your knicker drawer.

 

Everything is personal choice or subject to finances.