Money Question

[pylant]

We do not use credit cards and I am trying to budget out money for the trip so we can have a good time without going broke. There are 4 of us myself, hubby and 2 teen sons 15 & 17. I have heard to many bad things happen with people using their bank debit card- bank freezing your account, etc. so I am trying to find out what in your opinion is the best method of currency to use? We prepaid the taxes and gratuity so that is taken care of. We have prepaid our Excursions already. I want to buy drink cards for 1 son and myself and hubby, our other son likes tea and doesn't drink soda. I am thinking of carrying a travelers check for $600.00 for the cruise. Do you think that would be enough? We are not heavy drinkers, I like a couple of fruity drinks and hubby likes a beer on occasion so maybe $100.00 for alcholol, $75.00 for soda cards, $100 photos, $100 bingo/casino That still leaves $225 for misc. We will not do the spa on the boat. I plan to also take $300 cash for the ports and misc. things there like a beach massage, not really into shopping so nothing big. Do you think that is enough money or I am missing something that I really need to look into. The boys also will have $100 of their money each for misc. video games, etc.Please advise if I am way off.I know my sister and brother in laws sign and sail was $1,700 Big Drinkers and I do not want to end up not having enough money! I want to plan ahead so I know how to budget and where to have a great time without going broke.

[3boysvus]

It sounds fine to me; looks like you really thought this out, and nobody knows your spending habits like you do. Is this 7 days? How many ports? Which ports? Kinda hard to make more than a general observation without the details though.

 

Have fun -

[pylant]

It's 5 Days, going to Cozumel and Progresso.

[Wennfred]

If you stick to your guns and don't buy stuff, you will be ok. I would say forget the drink cards and bring your own drinks.

 

 

Fred

[pylant]

When you bring your own drinks do you have to carry them around with you to the dining room, to the bars, etc. That is where I think the soda cards would be better.

[3boysvus]

Grab a couple of twelve packs of your favorite soda and either put them in a suitcase or cooler as baggage or carry them on. Then just carry them with you. No problem.

[Carolinamamasita]

I agree about bringing your own soda

Believe you are allowed a 12 pack per person

soda cards are convenient but there are so many free drinks onboard

like coffee, tea and various juices!

fruit punch , iced tea

milk & chocolate milk

 

photos are kind of pricey onboard ,

but they are so nice and beautiful

if you have them take photos

you are going to wind up buying them

at like $20something per 8X10

 

I easily spent hundreds of dollars on photos my first 2 cruises:o

 

BINGO will be $20 each time for one set of 3 cards

 

The ports are where you also spend a lot of money

Food is going to be pricey off the ship

just so you know

it may be Mexico , but they know you are on Vacation;)

 

I do the same as you do for my cruises &

prepay as much as I possibly can

right down to drink coupons & photo coupons ...

as I earn the extra money

I am paying for things weekly onboard

LOL

 

HAVE A GREAT TIME !!:cool:

[ssantow]

Remember the old addage "bring half the clothing you think you will need and twice the money". Travelers checks spend just like cash and are protected from loss or theft so even if you take more than you need you can use them when you get home or save them for your next cruise.