Trying to plan ahead

[saved4ever1]

We are taking on first cruise in just 23 days (but who's counting) =)

I am trying to plan ahead for my budget, so how much extra do you usually spend on board?

 

What are some things that cost extra, that a new cruiser like myself would not know about?

 

I've already prepaid for tips and a spa treatment. We don't drink alcohol or soda, so I don't need the drink package, but hubby does drink coffee and tea.

 

Thanks everyone for your help!

Shannon

[mander_44]

On board they have specialty dinning that cost extra then according to what ship you are selling on they have for example Johnny Rockets that is I think 4.95 per person if u choose to eat there. Then there is also shops on board if u like to shop. Then they have professional photographers on board and u can choose to purchase photos of u have them take. There are several packages u can choose from. I usually only get a few pics and they are about 20.00 each for a 8 by 10

There is also a Casino on board if u like to do that and also bingo.

 

Then of course in ports there is ships and excursions. So it really all depends on what u like to do and how much you like to shop. U can actually go and not spend any money. Just up to each person!

 

Hope u enjoy your first cruise. I love cruising!

 

 

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[Ocean View]

Welcome to cruising! Hope you enjoy it. Not being drinkers that is a huge savings. Watch you don't get carried away with the pictures then you get them home and are like ok now where do I put them. I'm sure you will

take some yourself anyway. If you are flying to and from the ship remember your weight restrictions when buying souvenirs. If you need there is a pay laundry service a bit pricy but worth it if you need it. Hope you have a wonderful time. :)

 

 

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[Clarea]

Drinks included in the price of the cruise: coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, milk, juices at breakfast. Sometimes you are offered fresh squeezed OJ at breakfast and that is extra cost.

[mrobstad]

The biggest expense for me is if I book ship excursions, which I rarely do....but make sure you go yo the speciality restaurant..l

 

 

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[Badfinger]

For our family of 4, I budget about 50% of the cost of the cruise. Last year we paid $3600 for a week on the Carnival Magic (Cloud 9 Spa Balcony...nice!). Once on-board we spent about $1800 which included excursions, a nice watch, some souvenirs both on shore and on the ship, a few snacks and gratuities.

Edited May 28, 2014 by Badfinger

[LizC]

Make sure you keep in mind excursions and taxis. Transportation to and from Airport. Hotels stay in flying in before or after.

 

Pictures can add up but we love them. Rarely do we have professional photos than on the cruises so we do buy some each trip and I am happy we do.

 

Bottled water is extra, but you can get water anywhere.

 

I think 50% is way high. You already pre-paid for so much. I have a feeling you will be around $300 at most unless you shop on board.

[Badfinger]

50% is not high IMO. We paid about $1000 for shore excursions. Family of four doing three excursions. Gratuities were about $300. Watch/jewelry/tee shirts about $300. Plus a few other things.

[bigque]

I would cancel the Spa treatment and then book it on board. There are always specials that you can get it for cheaper than booking it in advance. :cool:

[Grandma Dazzles]

I also think 50% is kind of high, but everyone is different and likes to do different things.

 

As far as shore excursions, you can pre-book and so you can look at them on line and know how much they will cost. Many people prefer to do private excursions (not booked with the cruise line), and they can be cheaper; however, you need to be careful regarding timing. If you book with RC and for some reason the trip is delayed (flat tire, accident, etc.) the ship will normally wait for their own excursion. They will not do that for a private excursion and you could be stranded and have to fly to the next port at your expense. For a first time cruiser I think it is safer to stick with the ship's excursions.

 

Also, bear in mind you don't have to do an excursion in every port. Some times it is nice just to get off the ship for an hour or so, walk around, take pictures, etc. The ship can be so relaxing when it is empty! If you try to do something in every port you can end up tired and rushed! Safe some tjhings for your NEXT cruise!

 

Also take a water bottle along - easy to fill with water/lemonade on the ship (no charge), you just have to use a glass to fill, not put your bottle to the machine.

 

Enjoy your first cruise - relax and look forward to your next cruise!

[SharkCruiser24]

Agree with Bigque on the spa treatments, I never book those before. But I do precook everything else cutting down the cost I will have to pay once on vacation! For our honeymoon this weekend we pre paid speciality restaurants and all excursions. We only have to worry about taxis food and drink in Puerto Rico for 3 days and alcohol on the ship, but since it's port intensive I can't see us drinking that much. But you can definitely cruise without spending a fortune usually we only spend $200 on the two of us for a 4 day.

 

 

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[saved4ever1]

Thanks everyone for all the tips! I did book our excursions separately from the cruise already, and our hotel rooms before and after. Also reserved our car rentals.

I've been daily stalking these boards, which have been extremely helpful.

Can't wait to share my experience here once we come home!

 

Shannon

[xxoocruiser]

We are taking on first cruise in just 23 days (but who's counting) =)

I am trying to plan ahead for my budget, so how much extra do you usually spend on board?

 

What are some things that cost extra, that a new cruiser like myself would not know about?

 

I've already prepaid for tips and a spa treatment. We don't drink alcohol or soda, so I don't need the drink package, but hubby does drink coffee and tea.

 

Thanks everyone for your help!

Shannon

 

 

• Casino
  
• Flowrider Lessions ( If ship has a flowrider)
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  
• Non- Alcoholic Specialty Drinks
  
• Sodas
  
• Bottled Water
  
• Specialty Coffees & Teas
  
• Milk Shakes ( if ship has Johnny Rockets)
  
• Starbucks ( if on ship)
  
• Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
  
• Specialty Restaurants
  
• Up charge food items in MDR at dinner
  
• Photos taken by ship photographer
  
• Bingo
  
• Spa
  
• Hotels Pre or post cruise
  
• Car rental
  
• Airfare if flying to port
  
• On-Board Shopping
  
• On-Shore shopping , dining
  
• Shore excursions (If booked through RCCL on board ship it will be charged to your Sea Pass account )
  
• Tips for Cabin Attendant, Waiter, Asst. Waiter and Matre'D will be charged daily to your Sea Pass Account. If you have selected MTD they have to be prepaid. Tips for any beverage or service on board ship will be added to the purchase.
  
• Late night room service charge Hour can vary by ship but typically it's between Midnight and 5:00 PM
  
• Additional Tips - ex. Porters, Taxi Drivers, Excursion Driver & Guide, Room service and or any additional tips you may want to give .
  
• Certain on-board activities such as specialty exercise classes, jewelry making class, cupcake decorating ( if ship has a Cup Cake Cupboard )
  

 

Drinks included are : Tap Water, Lemonade, Tea (Iced/Hot), Coffee ( Iced/Hot), Milk, Hot Chocolate ( Nestlé's Packets), Flavored Waters ( Availability and selection varies by ship), Juices at Breakfast only from concentrate) . There will also be free drinks available at the Captain's Party and the ART Auctions.

Edited May 28, 2014 by xxoocruiser