If you were mega rich...

[babsee101]

Funny question. Not trying to brag but I have been very lucky. I am very, very well off. We still cruise Carnival and 95% of the time we get an inside cabin. Everyone spends their money differently. We like Carnival. We are very rarely in our rooms. We have 4 kids so we mostly get 2 connecting inside rooms. Now as far as flying to the ship. We only fly first class. I am 6 foot 2 and about 300 pounds. I like the extra leg room.

 

I am also the guy in shorts and a Tshirt in the MDR (not on formal night). We are just casual people. We can afford to buy a yacht or our own jet plane. But we are just regular people. Everyone is different. It makes the world an interesting place.

 

I am pretty sure we would do the same, Rhino Mike. We are all about being comfy, casual and laid back. I too would splurge for first class though. Flying coach blows!

[FireEater]

I guess I am rich in my own way. I have traveled and lived in the Far East (Japan), Europe (Sicily Italy), and Hawaii (Oahu), visited Spain, 40 different states, lived in 6 of those states, had a death wish in my 20's by doing sky diving and scuba diving. Cruise at least once a year. Fly off for little weekend getaways to see snow or the fall foliage. Live in a nice home in Florida, and have a pool for the hot days.

 

Guess winning the lotto will just quicken up the pace for more...LOL

[rhinomike]

I am pretty sure we would do the same, Rhino Mike. We are all about being comfy, casual and laid back. I too would splurge for first class though. Flying coach blows!

 

 

Yes. We are very casual and love to be comfy. My kids get mad because i want to wear sweat pants in public. Lol.

 

We really don't waste money other than flying firs class. We are traveling to Europe this summer and spent over $31k on airfare to fly first class. Seems like a waste but it is the only way I will sit on a plane for 12 hours. I wanted to charter a private jet but my wife won't fly on the small jets. My friend actually owns his own jet but my wife won't fly on it.

 

We are not really frugle either. We like to have fun and aren't scared to spend money to have fun.

Edited November 24, 2013 by rhinomike

[larkz]

Not sure why being mega rich should mean turning to a life of excess ownership and burning money for fun. Doesn't seem like a rewarding value system.

 

I would do exactly what I did when I was in poverty, and when I was struggling to pay my bills, and when I was finally making a living, and now that I have some money to spare for vacations and fun -- live frugally. (And to be honest, living frugally in the U.S. is still excessive compared to most of the rest of the world.)

 

I'd try any cruise line that came within range of Carnival's reasonably priced cruises. In a moment of madness, I might stretch for an extra $100 or so to try another line. I would still shop by itinerary, accommodations, and most importantly, price.

[Blk_Amish]

Not sure why being mega rich should mean turning to a life of excess ownership and burning money for fun. Doesn't seem like a rewarding value system.

 

I would do exactly what I did when I was in poverty, and when I was struggling to pay my bills, and when I was finally making a living, and now that I have some money to spare for vacations and fun -- live frugally. (And to be honest, living frugally in the U.S. is still excessive compared to most of the rest of the world.)

 

I'd try any cruise line that came within range of Carnival's reasonably priced cruises. In a moment of madness, I might stretch for an extra $100 or so to try another line. I would still shop by itinerary, accommodations, and most importantly, price.

 

Because it's money and you can't take it with you so better to have fun with it. Nothing wrong with living frugal but also nothing wrong with living high on the hog, if one so desires and has the means. I could see American in a regular trailer but no, custom Class A RV with all kind of slide outs, wine bar, fire place, and kegertor for beer on tap.

 

Yes, I grew up poor in a Third World country so doing what I did when I did not have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it through, would be a nightmare, even without being rich.

Edited November 24, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[kazbar]

Pfffffft!

 

I'd be on Regent going to Tahiti.

 

Y'all remind me of the guy from Maine that won a huge powerball (tens of millions) and said that he was gonna go buy himself a new pickup truck. :p

 

 

Don't bother. Tahiti is hugely overrated

[bambidrummer]

$500,000 you could rent your own yatch and all around for a week.

[Budget Queen]

Not sure why being mega rich should mean turning to a life of excess ownership and burning money for fun. Doesn't seem like a rewarding value system.

 

I would do exactly what I did when I was in poverty, and when I was struggling to pay my bills, and when I was finally making a living, and now that I have some money to spare for vacations and fun -- live frugally. (And to be honest, living frugally in the U.S. is still excessive compared to most of the rest of the world.)

 

I'd try any cruise line that came within range of Carnival's reasonably priced cruises. In a moment of madness, I might stretch for an extra $100 or so to try another line. I would still shop by itinerary, accommodations, and most importantly, price.

 

You make a very valid point in my case. :) I think I would be the same.

[Tapi]

Not sure why being mega rich should mean turning to a life of excess ownership and burning money for fun.

 

I would do exactly what I did when I was in poverty, and when I was struggling to pay my bills, and when I was finally making a living, and now that I have some money to spare for vacations and fun -- live frugally.

 

Spending more because you're making more doesn't necessarily mean turning to a life of excess.

 

Take this example. For the sake of argument, let's say that you make $50,000 a year and you allocate 5% of that for your annual vacation budget (or $2,500).

 

Now let's say that you become mega-rich and you're now making $10,000,000 a year (just chose that amount because that's what Jennifer Lawrence is getting paid to appear on Catching Fire :o). If you allocate 5% of that, now you have $500,000 to spend on vacation.

 

You are still allocating the same percentage for vacation that you did before you started making more money. You're still living your life according to your means and previous budgeting plans.

 

Now, I don't know about you, but if I had $500,000 a year to spend on vacation, you can be sure that I'd be looking at something a bit nicer than a Carnival cruise!

 

As someone said above, you can't take your money to the grave. Spend it wisely here on earth, donate some, leave some for your kids, but by all means, don't save it for the sake of frugality. If you have $500,000 to spend on vacation but only spend $2,500, what would you do with the rest? :confused:

Edited November 24, 2013 by Tapi

[halos]

Don't bother. Tahiti is hugely overrated

You know what? I believe you. I felt that way about Hawaii.

 

OK, change of plans. World cruise on Regent ;)

[rhinomike]

$500,000 you could rent your own yatch and all around for a week.

 

We have done that. It is actually less than half that amount.... The first day or two was ok. After that we got bored. You need other people around.

 

Most of our friends don't have money. We usually pay for everything but most can't get time off work.

[Spaniel Lover]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking about the private yacht, too. That could get boring pretty fast. I think a cruise ship would be better... you can go to a comedy show, or to hear the various musical entertainers. Plus, you have the opportunity to people watch, and also to chat with people.

[Almost Packed]

Would you still sail Carnival, a more upscale line or rent/buy a yacht?

 

I'd still sail Carnival and branch out to some of the higher end lines because I like what the mass lines offer in terms of activities, live bands, and meeting new people. At least once I'd try a private yacht. Though it seems that it would be kinda lonely without all the hubbub of larger ship.

 

One thing I have learned over the years...money does not buy happiness. I'll stay with my low rent friends. I've dealt enough with the money folks.

 

Now that's not saying all people with money are not fun, or all "low rent" people are more fun...because I have friends that come from both categories.

 

I'm not a high maintenance kind of a girl. I've always said, just because you have money doesn't mean you have to waste money. Wealthy people didn't become wealthy by throwing away money. They were/are wise with it.

 

I'll leave the snobs and the people who believe they are better than others, or have something to prove to the high end lines. I'll stay with my friends in low places. :p

[cjknox]

Would you still sail Carnival, a more upscale line or rent/buy a yacht?

 

I'd still sail Carnival and branch out to some of the higher end lines because I like what the mass lines offer in terms of activities, live bands, and meeting new people. At least once I'd try a private yacht. Though it seems that it would be kinda lonely without all the hubbub of larger ship.

 

I still would but would definitely try a wider array of vacation options which would include purchasing my own yacht and perhaps even staying for extended periods of time at a land based resort.

 

I just could never see myself giving up on Carnival entirely; there are just too many good memories.

[seannyice81]

I'd see myself trying a Cunard cruise. How much does the captain's suite cost on the QM2?.. Who cares! A cruise on a tall ship would be awesome too. As far as Carnival is concerned, I probably wouldn't sail them if I was Scrooge McDuck rich. Unless, I have enough money to buy a ton of stock/become a beard and do some "restructuring."

 

I'd see myself flying more. One of the main reasons I like cruising as much as I do, is to island hop the Caribbean. Flying would be great for that.

[kazbar]

You know what? I believe you. I felt that way about Hawaii.

 

OK, change of plans. World cruise on Regent ;)

 

 

I agree with you about Hawaii :)

[Budget Queen]

I agree with you about Hawaii :)

 

Hawaii is a favorite of mine, going every year for at least 3 weeks. :) It greatly depends on where you are, as I avoid Oahu for most of my trip, but, I'm a week on Hawaii and Maui every trip. :)

 

Something for everyone, and everyone is different.

[susie8862]

Don't bother. Tahiti is hugely overrated

Agreed. We were very disappointed. Hawaii was a big let down for us.

Edited November 25, 2013 by susie8862
xxx

[Blk_Amish]

Hawaii is a favorite of mine, going every year for at least 3 weeks. :) It greatly depends on where you are, as I avoid Oahu for most of my trip, but, I'm a week on Hawaii and Maui every trip. :)

 

Something for everyone, and everyone is different.

 

This year we were in Maui and Kauai with Kauai being one of the most beautiful places I have seen. The Road to Hana was breathtaking but long. The surfing, beaches, and snorkeling, were unforgettable. Last year we visited the Big Island and loved Hilo but truly enjoyed the rest. I am blown away by the sheer beauty of the place so planning to return. When it comes to places of real interest, a ship is not my mode of transportation, so a Hawaiian or Mediterranean cruise is out. Two summers ago we spent a month in Europe visiting Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Austria. Amazing yes, but still would rather see more of the US, so Florida Everglades next.

 

No, money doesn't buy happiness but it pays for a lot of things on the bucket list before you kick the bucket, which can be sheer joy.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[falkcor]

this. i would buy this:

 

 

that said, yes, i probably would still cruise carnival. i'd just probably do it a little differently, like in the captain's suite, and having paid to bring along a bunch of friends / family, perhaps. and i'd probably cruise more often! :)

[rhinomike]

Money can't buy happiness but it makes a hell of a down payment. Lol. :)

[deetrayn]

Would you still sail Carnival, a more upscale line or rent/buy a yacht?

 

I'd still sail Carnival and branch out to some of the higher end lines because I like what the mass lines offer in terms of activities, live bands, and meeting new people. At least once I'd try a private yacht. Though it seems that it would be kinda lonely without all the hubbub of larger ship.

 

I would try more upscale lines for the experience, but would still continue to sail with Carnival. When I want to enjoy pampering, and being catered to, the upscale experience would be nice. I would not want to be stuck on a barbershop quartet, ballroom style, bedtime at 10:00pm ect... type ship for very long though. No matter how much money I have, that would bore me to death. Lol

 

I would still sail Carnival and pay for all my family and friends to join me.

[rtap23]

If I was mega rich I would buy the yacht Turmoil which is for sale. I saw her at the marina in charleston this weekend. Pretty amazing how she towered over all the yachts in port.

[miataman19]

Is it still sailing on Carnival when I would sail Seaborn. Carnival owns them ;)

[MissKIA]

We have done that. It is actually less than half that amount.... The first day or two was ok. After that we got bored. You need other people around.

 

Most of our friends don't have money. We usually pay for everything but most can't get time off work.

 

 

That's what I would think too. A private yacht would be great and all, but there would be no MDR, Comedy shows, Casino, Trivia Games... you get my drift. I don't really want to just sit on a boat, no matter how big it is, all by myself.

 

I cruise because I love all of things it offers. I can relax if I want, I can party if I want, I can go to the steakhouse for dinner or have a sandwich if I feel like it. I love that there are is always something to do no matter what your interests are.