60 days till our cruise and i've just lost my job

[GeorgiaMomof4]

Hey everyone!

 

We planned a Thanksgiving cruise for our family many months ago - 13 of us going and everyone was so excited.

 

We have 2 daughters in college who haven't been able to cruise since 2012 because of school schedules, 1 in middle school and the youngest still in elementary school and other friends/family going as well.

 

I was told last week (9 days after final payment) that my job of 13 1/2 years was being eliminated - we were owned by 3 local guys who sold in May, 2014 to a large corporation with over 20,000 employees. We were told not to worry - no one would lose their job. So much for that I guess.

 

Also, my husband had a heart attack in 2013 and has experienced some additional health issues and hasn't been able to go back to work so this cruise was really a leap of faith anyway!

 

My question is - if we decide to bite the bullet and still go - I need some great ideas on how to keep this cruise cheap, cheap, cheap as far as on board charges, excursions, etc.

 

Our ship is the Sunshine and our ports are San Juan, St. Marteen and Grand Turk.

 

You guys have always been a wealth of information for me so I'm asking again!

 

Thanks in advance!

[BenjiRodney]

You each can carry on a 12 pack cans of soda. San Juan has a free trolley around Old San Juan. Great free beach area at Grand Turk so no excursion needed to a beach, St Maarten has a free beach right at the shopping area, you can walk or take the water taxi.

 

 

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[GeorgiaMomof4]

You each can carry on a 12 pack cans of soda. San Juan has a free trolley around Old San Juan. Great free beach area at Grand Turk so no excursion needed to a beach, St Maarten has a free beach right at the shopping area, you can walk or take the water taxi.

 

 

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Thanks so much!

 

We were hoping to go to Maho to see the planes come in but I've heard we probably don't want to spend your entire day there - any ideas for after we see the planes?

 

Would love to have a driver for the day if we could find one that was reasonable but I haven't been able to find anything so far. This would probably be our only stop that we would actually "do" something.

[BenjiRodney]

We love just walking in and out of the shops along front street. Never made it out to see the planes. We did do the excursion that takes you to both sides of the island, really enjoyed the French side. The excursions was through Carnival so we did not hire our own driver. I do know that over on the ports of call thread there are some recommendations for St Marten private tours.

 

 

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[Elaine5715]

You can easily walk into town in. St. Maarten. It costs just $5 to see both forts in San Juan with the free trolley or it's a beautiful seawall walk.

[joeyancho]

You know the routine. No pictures, bring your camera. Smuggle some booze or drink in port. Cheapo souvenirs bought on shore. Try to find some tours online. Bring your own soda. No gambling. No specialty restaurants. Keep the kids away from the video games. Instead of buying soda the kids can drink lemonade or iced tea. We hardly spend any money on board but still have a wonderful time. Sorry about your job, you will find another. Have fun.

Edited September 23, 2015 by joeyancho

[pjinaz]

I am so sorry for you. I still would go since you already paid. You will need to pay tips that are about 90 dollars per person but can cruise without spending a whole lot more. Bring soda on board for sure. St. Marten has a beach close to the cruise terminal. The water taxi is a few dollars but not too bad. They rent chairs and umbrellas there as we'll but you can negotiate a cheaper price or just take your towels. The beach where the airplanes fly over is a lot of fun. We spent a whole day there, but it can get crowded and is a distance from the cruise terminal and so you need to take into account taxi costs. It is a fun beach though and glad we went. We sat in a bar/restaurant half the day and had drinks and some appetizers.

 

I think you can do your ports pretty economically if you plan ahead. Have a wonderful cruise and good luck to you on your job search.

[poolreader]

I hope you can still take the cruise,getting the family all together is so difficult and I am sure you will have a great time.

 

Because there is still time maybe you can talk to your family and come up with some ways to raise some spending money. A big garage sale, baby sitting, pet sitting, and helping elderly people with odd jobs (for less than they would normally have to pay), are just some ideas on how your family can pull together and contribute to the cruise fund.

Edited September 23, 2015 by poolreader

[Gr8DanesMom]

I am so sorry to hear about this. Boy do I feel your pain! My DH found out a couple of months ago that he was laid off as well. He worked for the same company for over 15 years. We are scheduled to sail the week after you. After much debate, we have decided to go on the cruise. Everything is paid for, including tips, one excursion, parking, and nearly $800 in either OBC or gift cards from AARP.

 

We are taking our sodas, we prepaid for 2 packs of water already, we will be going to a "free" beach for our 2nd excursion. We will also limit the picture temptation. LOL

 

If your kids need a new bathing suit, find one now. Amazon has great prices right now. That works for you too! Also, we plan on going back on the ship for lunch while in port. Oh, and don't forget to block your kids S&S cards. [emoji4]

 

Good luck!!!! I hope you find a job soon! I hope my DH does too!

[mykindaparty]

We hired a cab driver when we got off the boat in St. Martin and told him we wanted a tour around the island and to see the planes at maho beach and it was 20.00 per person. We went to bikini beach by orient beach, then rode on both sides of the island and saw landmarks, went to the center shopping center then to maho, he made sure we were there to see the big planes land as they all know the flight schedule. We never buy stuff on the boat, take our own pics, carry on snacks and drinks, eat buffet breakfast, lunch. Main dining for brunch and dinner. See the shows and comedians, play trivia as a group. Donate 10.00 to groove for st Jude and get a carnival groove t shirt. There is plenty to do that is free just get creative. Sorry about your job, but when one door closes another one opens. Have a great cruise and make family memories that will last a life time.

[CrimsonTideGal]

Thanks so much!

 

We were hoping to go to Maho to see the planes come in but I've heard we probably don't want to spend your entire day there - any ideas for after we see the planes?

 

Would love to have a driver for the day if we could find one that was reasonable but I haven't been able to find anything so far. This would probably be our only stop that we would actually "do" something.

 

 

You will want to be on Maho Beach in the early afternoon. Most of the really big planes come in between 12 to 4 Island time. Around 2 seemed to be the best time.

[Tapi]

I was in a similar situation back in 2005, when I had recently been furloughed, we moved, and my wife couldn't find a new job. First of all, relax, everything will be fine. Whatever you do, take your cruise. It will do wonders to help you clear your mind, regroup, and plan the next stage in your life. At least that's what my experience was. [emoji4]

 

You can literally go on the cruise and not spend an extra dime. We have taken cruises and returned home with a zero balance on our sail and sign account. It's completely doable, just takes a bit of discipline.

 

The beauty of your itinerary is that all 3 offer things do either right by the port or in close proximity. The ship docks right in Old San Juan, so you can walk right off the ship and explore the entire old town without spending a dime. Grand Turk's Welcome Center, with beaches and a pool, is right there as you debark the ship so that's free as well, and St. Maarten has Phillipsburg's downtown area and beaches a short water taxi ride away.

 

Once again, enjoy your cruise.

[RuthlessBoss]

I hope you can still take the cruise,getting the family all together is so difficult and I am sure you will have a great time.

 

Because there is still time maybe you can talk to your family and come up with some ways to raise some spending money. A big garage sale, baby sitting, pet sitting, and helping elderly people with odd jobs (for less than they would normally have to pay), are just some ideas on how your family can pull together and contribute to the cruise fund.

 

I agree, it's time to have the family meeting. DSC will eat up a bunch, but any money earned will offset that.

[Drazil65]

Everyone has given you great and cheap idea's but I will have to bring up one that has not been mentioned.

 

You are saying a lot to justify why you should still go, great if it works out but me being a realist you have also said a lot to justify why you maybe shouldn't go. So I have to bring up travel insurance, do you have it in case you have to/should cancel?

 

Life happens and you also have health issues and the possibly that maybe DH gets new job offer and cant go or (god forbid) he has continuing health obstacles. There is no flying by the seat of your pants here and hoping it all turns out ok, you may have to think about alternatives.

 

It happens, but that is a lot of money to lose if you need to cancel for any reason. Think carefully about it as it is in your control right now and you still have a chance to prepare financially just in case.

[ConshyCrock]

You can literally go on the cruise and not spend an extra dime. We have taken cruises and returned home with a zero balance on our sail and sign account. It's completely doable, just takes a bit of discipline.

 

The beauty of your itinerary is that all 3 offer things do either right by the port or in close proximity. The ship docks right in Old San Juan, so you can walk right off the ship and explore the entire old town without spending a dime. Grand Turk's Welcome Center, with beaches and a pool, is right there as you debark the ship so that's free as well, and St. Maarten has Phillipsburg's downtown area and beaches a short water taxi ride away.

 

Once again, enjoy your cruise.

 

 

Yes, this. In addition to not doing excursions and taking advantage of free activities, cut out all food and drinks onboard that you have to pay for and don't buy and souvenirs or photos.

[love my grandkids]

I would go and explain to all you have to do it on the cheap.

 

GT nice pool at margaritaville no pressure to buy anything and short walk to ship for lunch.

 

San Juan take a walk thru old city.

 

St Martin nice free beach a walk away. Dont see the need to go to a beach and watch planes go in and out. It is a difficult airport for pilots and afraid someday disaster will strike.

 

Forget drinks and soda on the ship. Casino is out.

 

Just end the cruise with tips on your sign and sail card and you can still have a great time.

[Oppalopa]

You can use that 800 in OBC for christmas gifts for family.

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Thanks so much!

 

We were hoping to go to Maho to see the planes come in but I've heard we probably don't want to spend your entire day there - any ideas for after we see the planes?

 

Would love to have a driver for the day if we could find one that was reasonable but I haven't been able to find anything so far. This would probably be our only stop that we would actually "do" something.

 

We did a similar itinerary recently. If you don't gamble and drink you don't need to spend anything on board. GT like mentioned, a beach right at the port. St. Maarten we hired a taxi for $50 an hour. We went to the airport watched several landings and takeoffs and got a nice tour of the island in the 2 hours. If you do that you can have the guy drop you off at the open air market, only a short walk back to the ship. Puetri Rico we just rode from the airport to the pier but most places you can hire a driver for $50 an hour for 4 people...Sorry for all your troubles. I had a rough patch and lost my job around 30 years ago, had a kid in trouble with the economy in the tank and like you I was worried, BUT I landed on my feet and I'll bet you do too.

[jimbo5544]

I was in a similar situation back in 2005, when I had recently been furloughed, we moved, and my wife couldn't find a new job. First of all, relax, everything will be fine. Whatever you do, take your cruise. It will do wonders to help you clear your mind, regroup, and plan the next stage in your life. At least that's what my experience was. [emoji4]

 

You can literally go on the cruise and not spend an extra dime. We have taken cruises and returned home with a zero balance on our sail and sign account. It's completely doable, just takes a bit of discipline.

 

The beauty of your itinerary is that all 3 offer things do either right by the port or in close proximity. The ship docks right in Old San Juan, so you can walk right off the ship and explore the entire old town without spending a dime. Grand Turk's Welcome Center, with beaches and a pool, is right there as you debark the ship so that's free as well, and St. Maarten has Phillipsburg's downtown area and beaches a short water taxi ride away.

 

Once again, enjoy your cruise.

 

Nice post good advice, been there and done that also. Op, relax take breath and enjoy your cruise.

[packedandready]

We hired a cab driver when we got off the boat in St. Martin and told him we wanted a tour around the island and to see the planes at maho beach and it was 20.00 per person. We went to bikini beach by orient beach, then rode on both sides of the island and saw landmarks, went to the center shopping center then to maho, he made sure we were there to see the big planes land as they all know the flight schedule. We never buy stuff on the boat, take our own pics, carry on snacks and drinks, eat buffet breakfast, lunch. Main dining for brunch and dinner. See the shows and comedians, play trivia as a group. Donate 10.00 to groove for st Jude and get a carnival groove t shirt. There is plenty to do that is free just get creative. Sorry about your job, but when one door closes another one opens. Have a great cruise and make family memories that will last a life time.

 

This is something we'd like to do. Was the $20pp a flat fee or was it for a certain amount of people? (There would only be 2 of us) How long did you have the driver? Did you just speak with a driver when you got to port or did you pre-arrange it? Thanks

[RuthlessBoss]

You say your position will be eliminated. Will you get a compensation package or will you be moving somewhere within the company. I don't see how they can just put you out. Will you a least be able to draw unemployment?

 

I see you have insurance with a cancel for work reasons clause.

Edited September 23, 2015 by RuthlessBoss
insurance

[Xyla]

We didn't do any excursions in San Juan. We walked to the visitor's center from the pier and got one of their walking tour maps. Then we just followed the map to explore the town. Zero cost.

In Grand Turk, you can sit by the pool in Margaritaville for free, or spend a nominal amount to rent a chair/umbrella on the beach. If you get hungry, go back to the ship to eat, it's right there.

Our last carnival cruise, aside from the tips, we only had a few drinks on our S&S account and a couple low cost items from the gift shop like $5 tshirts at the end of the cruise. We didn't buy any pictures, gamble or go to a specialty restaurant. We did carry on sodas and had our room steward put ice in our soft side cooler each day. So the additional costs can really be minimal if you want them to be.

[realjd]

Thanks so much!

 

We were hoping to go to Maho to see the planes come in but I've heard we probably don't want to spend your entire day there - any ideas for after we see the planes?

 

Would love to have a driver for the day if we could find one that was reasonable but I haven't been able to find anything so far. This would probably be our only stop that we would actually "do" something.

 

There's a Hertz at the cruise port in St Martin. A rental car is $100 for the day. That lets you go where you want, when you want, and is much cheaper than hiring a driver for the day. Go see the planes, then the fort and lunch in Marigot on the French side. Finish the day by driving the rest of the way around the island enjoying the scenery.

 

San Juan - go explore the forts, both walking distance from the ship. Wander old San Juan and get empanadas or mofongo for lunch from a food truck or food court to save some cash.

 

Grand Turk - just walk off the boat and go to the beach. A short walk up the beach leads to Jacks Shack with excellent jerk chicken and cheap beer, much cheaper (and better tasting!) than margaritaville.

Edited September 23, 2015 by realjd

[StolidCruiser]

You say your position will be eliminated. Will you get a compensation package or will you be moving somewhere within the company. I don't see how they can just put you out. Will you a least be able to draw unemployment?

 

I see you have insurance with a cancel for work reasons clause.

 

A truly ruthless boss would understand precisely how this is absolutely possible.

[diane.in.ny]

One thing you might look into is putting a block on the cruise cards of family members who are on your account ... i.e. credit card. That way they can't buy anything on board and you won't have any unpleasant surprises.

 

If you'll be ashore during lunch, make sandwiches at the breakfast buffet to take with you. Just throw a bunch of Ziploc bags into your suitcase. You might even be able to make a snack mix, depending on what is on the buffet, such as raisins or other dried fruit and nuts