How will you spend the money you are not spending on cruising with Princess?

[Reader0108598]

1 hour ago, npcl said:

What is jet blue doing to their card holders?

Making us pay for luggage when it was included before I believe it is 35.00 a bag now! So hubby has a bag I have one there is 70.00 bucks! For one! Fee to get a seat or you board last..they can keep it! I guess no more picking your seat when you book and pay!

 

Edited May 14, 2020 by Reader0108598

[pompeii]

On 5/13/2020 at 9:57 AM, voljeep said:

to all the posters doing home renovations … does this mean that if you had gone on the cruise(s) these home improvements would not have been done ??

Regarding our new concrete driveway and future replacement windows, we would have done them eventually but with our budget windfall, we pulled the trigger on the driveway and we'll start on the windows in phases.  When we go back to travelling, then at least these two big expenditures will be done.  We also renovated a basement bathroom, but that was really  a function of having free time and energy, not extra money.  We always do what needs to be done; we're not going to let our home fall down around us so we can go on a cruise, but it's nice to do the things we've been wanting to do.

[MJSailors]

    Some have posted about future vacation plans,some have written about home improvements. For us, it will go for purchases at our local market.

     We only have a refundable deposit of $200.00 for a November cruise invested.

When I call to cancel the cruise, the deposit will be refunded to my credit card. That refund will offset our grocery bill. But,not all of it. So far ,for the month of May ,we have paid close to $800.00 for groceries and household supplies. 

      Nothing glamorous, but necessary.

 

[Thrak]

24 minutes ago, MJSailors said:

So far ,for the month of May ,we have paid close to $800.00 for groceries and household supplies. 

      Nothing glamorous, but necessary.

 

Holy crap! $800 and the month is just "almost" half over. We tend to spend around $450 for an entire month for groceries and supplies.

[d9704011]

13 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Holy crap! $800 and the month is just "almost" half over. We tend to spend around $450 for an entire month for groceries and supplies.

Well, if you’re dining as though you’re sitting in a specialty restaurant on a luxury cruise ship what do you expect?

[MJSailors]

True, Thrak.

     We have noticed increase prices for grocery items. For example, today, we paid $18.00  for a pack of three Perdue chicken cutlets.

 There was a no-name bleach that was $9. 59 for a gallon. We bought the chicken,but not the bleach.  We are not buying filet mignon ,shrimp,lobster or champagne.  No way are we dining in a specialty restaurant on a luxury cruise ship. We try to keep to a healthy diet. We shop the perimeter of the store for produce,meat and dairy products. Unfortunately, these foods come with a premium price.

        When we are eating our homemade French bread pizzas and tossed salads for dinner tonight,no way will we think we are dining at Sabatinis.

    We live in a small community. Markets are limited. 

We feel comfortable going to the local market in that, during early morning hours, there are very few customers in the store. We are in the group that is considered most vulnerable- over 65. I have asthma and have had several bouts of pneumonia. We are also fortunate that financially, we can afford those grocery bills. I am not sure how large families or those who have lost their income can afford such bills.

     So, we choose this store for for convenience. However, we do see the increased item pricing. Is the store taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation? Probably so.

 

 

[dockman]

2 hours ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

 

I believe what they are thinking is that CCL stock will go to zero on bankruptcy, they will lose all of their investment, then they will have to join a cruise line (one which includes world cruise itineraries) as a full fledged crew member.

 

I am up about 50% in a month and was up almost 100% a couple of weeks ago when it hit 16.  I wish all my investment jumped like that.  I remain optimistic that CCL will weather this major storm and return to profitability in a few years.  Could i be wrong?  Yes.  And so could all the naysayers predicting bankruptcy. 

 

I don't invest more than  I can afford to lose and I am in for the relative long term.  No plans to apply for a crew job as i doubt they would hire an old guy like me anyway.  

 

[Thrak]

Bought a gun safe. I have my grandfather's long guns and have had them in a glass-fronted case he bought many years ago. My wife stacked a fan on top of other stuff in the closet and it fell over and shattered the glass in the door. D'Oh! I haven't shot the guns in many years but agreed to never sell them. My kids will get them when I'm gone. Meanwhile, I need a secure spot for them and for the ammo so... It's supposed to arrive "at the curb" between 1:00 and 5:00 today. Getting it into the house and into the closet where I want it to hide is another story. My son-in-law is still pretty feeble from his surgery so it will be up to me and my daughter to get the job done. Fortunately, she's pretty strong. As long as we don't bang up the walls and door frames or scratch up the hardwood in the hall and the office where the thing is going we'll be good. Guess this will provide a place for other valuables as well such as passports, Rolex, $5k in Princess gift cards... (I always find it hard to believe I have a Rolex but it was left to me by a good friend. It's not something that would ever make it on the radar of our budget. It's not a snazzy Submariner like Tony has for his rowboat but still kind of boggles me anyway. It surprised me how many crew members comment on it when we sail. Its not real flashy and I didn't think it was that noticeable. My friend wore it as his "everyday" watch but I actually prefer the Citizen Eco-Drive my wife bought me many years ago. I'm not a real "fancy" kind of guy. 😉)

[Daniel A]

5 hours ago, Reader0108598 said:

Can you believe I live in Western Ma never been to cape Cod,Main, Vermont.

If you don't mind some suggestions for road trips:  We bought gift cards from the Red Lion Inn on a special where you get $120 for each $100 you buy.  You'd need to call them to see if they're still being offered, we got ours at the end of March.  If you've never been to Cooperstown, it's only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Great Barrington and there are lots more things to do than just the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Another more adventurous trip would be a 6 hour drive from Great Barrington to Niagara Falls if you've never been.  If you like wine, it's a four hour drive to the Finger Lakes in NY.  DW & I think the Finger Lakes Region is one of the most scenic and beautiful places to be in the Summer - forget Winter!

 

I hope this gives you some good ideas for road trips.  We have enjoyed them on multiple occasions.  🙂

[Linsifer]

On 5/13/2020 at 6:14 AM, PrincessLuver said:

 

That is the direction we are going in also.....our friends and neighbors love all aspects of Viking River and Ocean cruising.

 

No matter what we will not be on a Princess cruise again whether they survive or not...

Time to change your user name! 😉 

[npcl]

5 hours ago, Reader0108598 said:

Making us pay for luggage when it was included before I believe it is 35.00 a bag now! So hubby has a bag I have one there is 70.00 bucks! For one! Fee to get a seat or you board last..they can keep it! I guess no more picking your seat when you book and pay!

 

Thanks I will need to check my cards benefits.  If they made that change no real reason to hold onto the card.

[npcl]

5 hours ago, Reader0108598 said:

Making us pay for luggage when it was included before I believe it is 35.00 a bag now! So hubby has a bag I have one there is 70.00 bucks! For one! Fee to get a seat or you board last..they can keep it! I guess no more picking your seat when you book and pay!

 

Mine still says first checked bag free. 

[Reader0108598]

1 hour ago, npcl said:

Mine still says first checked bag free. 

Really when doing a pretend booking they are charging. May be when you booked!  I will keep looking. TY Just tried different dates still get fee for any checked bags! your right no reason to keep this card I charged everything on it...no more!

 

Edited May 14, 2020 by Reader0108598

[Pressinger]

Every time I go to the grocery store I give the cashier and bag person $10 each.  Every time I get gas I give the cashier $10.  Other than groceries and gas I haven't spent money in a store since this whole thing started.  Probably given $400 - $500 to date though I haven't kept up with it.  They provide me an essential service for very low pay.  This is my thank you.

 

Got a Christmas cruise scheduled that I doubt we take and a "Casino offer" cruise in March that I'm waiting to see.  May cancel the Christmas cruise for a warm spot in south Florida we can drive to.

[d9704011]

8 hours ago, Pressinger said:

Every time I go to the grocery store I give the cashier and bag person $10 each.  Every time I get gas I give the cashier $10.  Other than groceries and gas I haven't spent money in a store since this whole thing started.  Probably given $400 - $500 to date though I haven't kept up with it.  They provide me an essential service for very low pay.  This is my thank you.

 

Got a Christmas cruise scheduled that I doubt we take and a "Casino offer" cruise in March that I'm waiting to see.  May cancel the Christmas cruise for a warm spot in south Florida we can drive to.

Goodness, this thread could devolve into a ‘tipping thread’.  Does anybody know how Exxon distributes the money you’ve paid for a gallon of gas?

[MJSailors]

17 hours ago, d9704011 said:

Well, if you’re dining as though you’re sitting in a specialty restaurant on a luxury cruise ship what do you expect?

       Pressnger

 Very kind of you to help those helping you.

We are having delivery provided by our local,family owned pharmacy.  I tip the fellow $10.00 every time he makes a delivery- about two or three times a month. We are very glad for the service. 

       Not a tipping thread per se, just posting about how we can show kindness during these times. Spending money in a good way !

Edited May 15, 2020 by MJSailors
Needed to change a word due to spell check.

[USCcruisecrazy]

20 hours ago, MJSailors said:

True, Thrak.

     We have noticed increase prices for grocery items. For example, today, we paid $18.00  for a pack of three Perdue chicken cutlets.

 There was a no-name bleach that was $9. 59 for a gallon. We bought the chicken,but not the bleach.  We are not buying filet mignon ,shrimp,lobster or champagne.  No way are we dining in a specialty restaurant on a luxury cruise ship. We try to keep to a healthy diet. We shop the perimeter of the store for produce,meat and dairy products. Unfortunately, these foods come with a premium price.

        When we are eating our homemade French bread pizzas and tossed salads for dinner tonight,no way will we think we are dining at Sabatinis.

    We live in a small community. Markets are limited. 

We feel comfortable going to the local market in that, during early morning hours, there are very few customers in the store. We are in the group that is considered most vulnerable- over 65. I have asthma and have had several bouts of pneumonia. We are also fortunate that financially, we can afford those grocery bills. I am not sure how large families or those who have lost their income can afford such bills.

     So, we choose this store for for convenience. However, we do see the increased item pricing. Is the store taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation? Probably so.

 

 

Isn't it crazy that trying to eat healthy is more costly than eating junk?  Our #1 daughter got us buying along the perimeter a few years ago and it sure makes one feel better and look better...but hits the pocket book much more.

[MJSailors]

      Thank you,USC cruisecrazy-

 Buying along the perimeter has always been more expensive ,but the prices for such items have truly increased since the Covid-19.:

We need to persevere  though as I am pre-diabetic and DH has kidney issues.

Hope you stay well and safe. 👍😀

[Ombud]

23 hours ago, MJSailors said:

True, Thrak.

     We have noticed increase prices for grocery items. For example, today, we paid $18.00  for a pack of three Perdue chicken cutlets.

 There was a no-name bleach that was $9. 59 for a gallon. We bought the chicken,but not the bleach.  We are not buying filet mignon ,shrimp,lobster or champagne.  No way are we dining in a specialty restaurant on a luxury cruise ship. We try to keep to a healthy diet. We shop the perimeter of the store for produce,meat and dairy products. Unfortunately, these foods come with a premium price.

        When we are eating our homemade French bread pizzas and tossed salads for dinner tonight,no way will we think we are dining at Sabatinis.

    We live in a small community. Markets are limited. 

We feel comfortable going to the local market in that, during early morning hours, there are very few customers in the store. We are in the group that is considered most vulnerable- over 65. I have asthma and have had several bouts of pneumonia. We are also fortunate that financially, we can afford those grocery bills. I am not sure how large families or those who have lost their income can afford such bills.

     So, we choose this store for for convenience. However, we do see the increased item pricing. Is the store taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation? Probably so.

 

 

Typo? I pay $1. Just bought groceries for a week and spent $34.09 at Trader Joes. But we're vegetarians. Meat must be really expensive. Making naan today and that'll round it out

Edited May 15, 2020 by Ombud

[MJSailors]

  That’s right Ombud, $9.95 for the bleach. I know the usual price is about a dollar and change. We happen to live in a lovely,desirable part of Long Island where prices tend to be a bit higher than other LI locations. It is the price we pay for living in our area,I guess.

     Bleach has not been available since early April. Then it appeared on the shelf this past Monday.

   Is this market taking advantage of the situation now? I certainly think so !

[npcl]

On 5/14/2020 at 1:38 PM, Daniel A said:

If you don't mind some suggestions for road trips:  We bought gift cards from the Red Lion Inn on a special where you get $120 for each $100 you buy.  You'd need to call them to see if they're still being offered, we got ours at the end of March.  If you've never been to Cooperstown, it's only a 2 1/2 hour drive from Great Barrington and there are lots more things to do than just the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Another more adventurous trip would be a 6 hour drive from Great Barrington to Niagara Falls if you've never been.  If you like wine, it's a four hour drive to the Finger Lakes in NY.  DW & I think the Finger Lakes Region is one of the most scenic and beautiful places to be in the Summer - forget Winter!

 

I hope this gives you some good ideas for road trips.  We have enjoyed them on multiple occasions.  🙂

We tend to stay at IHG owned hotels when doing road trips (for example Hoilday Inn Express).  Clean, cheap,  comfortable enough.  The main reason is that we get enough points (using an IHG credit card for our stay) that we use the point for free stays in Intercontinental Hotels in somewhat expensive cities such as Paris, London, Sydney, etc.

 

Our road trips usually involve going to national parks in various areas.

Edited May 16, 2020 by npcl

[RoadTripFanatic]

Well....The money I am saving just went for a cruise in January with my fingers crossed. LOL!  On Princess by the way.  As for Groceries, it is getting very expensive here.  We have 3 adults and at 2 meals sometimes 3 meals a day it adds up.  My coffee budget has tripled since my daughter came home from college.  🙂  I'd say we are spending between 600-800 a month on groceries and we are not eating steak.  I haven't had a good steak in weeks!  That doesn't even start on the alcohol budget.  LOL!

[Thrak]

8 hours ago, MJSailors said:

Bleach has not been available since early April.

 

Was everybody drinking it? 😵

[Thrak]

1 hour ago, npcl said:

We tend to stay at IHG owned hotels when doing road trips (for example Hoilday Inn Express).  Clean, cheap,  comfortable enough.  The main reason is that we get enough points (using an IHG credit card for our stay) that we use the point for free stays in Intercontinental Hotels in somewhat expensive cities such as Paris, London, Sydney, etc.

 

Our road trips usually involve going to national parks in various areas.

 

Wow. Sounds very familiar... 😁  I always stayed at Holiday Inn Express when I traveled for work. I got the points and they provided breakfast. Not a "fabulous" breakfast but good enough. I collect the HIE points and also the "miles" from my credit card. The last few times we have traveled domestically I just went onto the credit card site, looked at my "travel related" expenses, and used points to wipe out the hotel bills. Any travel related expenses are eligible to simply wipe out. Works well for us. I was actually looking to stay at HIE in Melbourne this winter but I guess that won't be happening. As for the National Parks... My wife has half of them or so and we intend to keep visiting more. I bought her a shirt with all of them listed on the front and she checks them off as we visit. Given the state of cruising these days it's good that we already got the one on American Samoa and the one in the Virgin Islands.

[npcl]

33 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Wow. Sounds very familiar... 😁  I always stayed at Holiday Inn Express when I traveled for work. I got the points and they provided breakfast. Not a "fabulous" breakfast but good enough. I collect the HIE points and also the "miles" from my credit card. The last few times we have traveled domestically I just went onto the credit card site, looked at my "travel related" expenses, and used points to wipe out the hotel bills. Any travel related expenses are eligible to simply wipe out. Works well for us. I was actually looking to stay at HIE in Melbourne this winter but I guess that won't be happening. As for the National Parks... My wife has half of them or so and we intend to keep visiting more. I bought her a shirt with all of them listed on the front and she checks them off as we visit. Given the state of cruising these days it's good that we already got the one on American Samoa and the one in the Virgin Islands.

We have tried to stay at as many of the historic lodges as we can get reservations for.