Welcome to Tightwad Cruising - What Do You Do?

[irukandjisting]

I throw all my change into 2l empty clean Just Juice containers:cool: literally save hundreds of dollars every few months - great way to provide your spending money by the time you are ready to go;)

 

I always buy 3 or 4 new clothing items, mix n match type before the cruise

 

I am a non-alcohol drinker and limit Bingo and Pokies to 2 or 3 times during the cruise - they can really suck your money away:rolleyes:

 

Souvenirs from around the world are magnets - I have a large magnetic whiteboard and it is covered with magnets - T shirts too - good and cheap souvenirs for family and friends (in New York - 10 for 10 dollars!!!) and great to sleep in

 

Try and pick 1 or 2 professional pics

 

I can s-t-r-e-t-c-h my dollars and still have a great time away

 

(Wonder how much you would have to allow for a World Cruise??)

Edited October 25, 2011 by irukandjisting

[Happy ks]

With tip, the corking fee (which is charged up front at the table) is almost $20. If you're going to bring a $15-20 bottle of wine on board to take to the table, it's not a winning situation. There are plenty of bottles priced from $24 to $35 available from the wine list. So why bother. BUT, if you're going to drink it in your cabin, it's a winning situation. OR, if you're bringing a relatively expensive wine on board, it's a winner.

.)

 

 

Yes, but those $24-35 wines on cruise ships are almost non drinkable, most of them you can get for $2-5 on land. On lines that allow wine to be brought aboard, a better value is a more expensive bottle of wine with a corkage fee. We spend maybe $20-40 on a nicer bottles, with a $15 corkage fee (we have never had a gratuity added to this charge) we have a bottle of wine that would probably be $70++ or more on a ship. One of our favorites for special occasions is $40 to purchase at our local wine store, we've seen it for as much as $125 in a restaurant, triple markup is quite normal.

 

Value is perception. I don't spend a lot of money on excursions, we don't gamble, I rarely shop on vacation. But a nice bottle of wine at dinner is a must, a bottle of icky wine can ruin the dinner.

[CanWeGoYet?]

I agree on the cheaper wines offered by the cruise lines. A $25 bottle of a bottle with "beujolais" on the label - I'm not a connoisseur but you could have stripped wallpaper with it. Hideous.

[Pepperlint]

Admittedly, I did not read through all the previous posts, so these tips may have been mentioned before, but these are a couple of my favorites:

 

1) Ask your cabin steward or waiter/waitress about the ports. They know where to find cheap food/drinks. They know about transportation. Even if they've never been there before, they know because word spreads.

 

2) Unless you have a DSL cable tied around your wrist, you don't need to pay the ridiculous prices for internet on the ship. Either bring your laptop and find a wifi spot off the ship, or find a cheap internet cafe in port. They always exist very close to the ship, and they're usually about $1 an hour. To find out where they are, see tip #1.

 

3) Make friends with your tablemates/tendermates. In many ports it is cheaper to grab a taxi if you have enough people. Strike up a deal and travel together with your new friends. Even if you hate each other and get a taxi separate on the way home, you saved some money.

[Pepperlint]

Oh man, I forgot one of my REALLY REALLY tightwad things, something that will make anyone who sees you roll their eyes and mutter under their breath, "Cheapskate!"

 

For long days in port, I order room service the night before (usually a sandwich) and put it in the fridge (which of course I asked the steward to empty at the beginning of the cruise). The next morning, I take out the Ziploc bags that I brought with me, pack up my lunch, and away we go!

 

See? I told you it was really cheap!

[Happy ks]

Oh man, I forgot one of my REALLY REALLY tightwad things, something that will make anyone who sees you roll their eyes and mutter under their breath, "Cheapskate!"

 

For long days in port, I order room service the night before (usually a sandwich) and put it in the fridge (which of course I asked the steward to empty at the beginning of the cruise). The next morning, I take out the Ziploc bags that I brought with me, pack up my lunch, and away we go!

 

See? I told you it was really cheap!

 

There are ports that don't allow food to be brought on land, so check first there can be a fine imposed. I've gotten off more than one ship with trash cans full of fruit, wrapped sandwiches, cookies and other foods from the buffet or room service.

 

That there are multiple announcements and written signs at the disembarkation area it's amazing to stll see all the food that goes wasted into the garbage.

 

If you don't want to eat the local flavors and want to save money, a person can always return to the ship and eat at the buffet.

[mmckm]

We do Bon voyage for rye, beer and mix. Usually bring 2 bottles of a nice wine on board. We have never been charged a corkage fee in the dinning room or specialty resturants. We do a spa treatment of some kind. Also we like the atmosphere and the food in the specialty resturants and do them usually at least 3 times on a 8 day cruise plus the chefs dinner. I think the food in the dinning rooms suck most nights. if the specialty resturants had a bigger menue with more selections (there mostly steak on CCL) we would dine there almost every night. any shore trips we will book through CCL have heard to many stories of people showing up late and missing the boat. We buy drinks on board at the various bars. Bye a few pictures if we like them. Never go to the previous ships reception or the captains reception. Seems there other things to do and for a couple free drinks not worth my time. We can't cruise on the how cheap can we make it plan, that would not be any fun to be on vaction for a week and worry about how to get a free drink. If its free drinks somewhere on the ship we stay away, been there a couple times and find its to crowded we find a lot of people just downing drinks and seeing how many freebees they can get.

[PunkinsDad]

I think we fall somewhere in the middle as far as cruise $$ are concerned.

 

Where we splurge:

 

We usually book a Balcony or Suite. why?? We like it. I'm not anti-social but I really love the solitude of sitting out on the balcony and reading, or just watching the ocean go by. It's worth it to us. When we can, we get a small suite, the extra space is very nice to have. Our upcoming 5-day Thanksgiving cruise will be my first in an inside cabin.....to be honest, I'm a little bit nervous about it. Unlike a lot of people I DO spend a lot of time in my cabin (well....on the balcony actually....)

 

Excursions: If it sounds interesting we do it. We do tend to book a lot of independant tours however. But only after careful research. Some of the independant operators are really outstanding, Cabe-tubing.com in Belieze, Victor Bodden in Roatan, and Sonny Liston in St. Thomas for example.

 

Specialty Resturant: Once a cruise. Great food, and service and a more "private" dining experience than the MDR. My DW and I usually go, but on our Legend cruise in April 2011 my DD (12) and I went for a father-daughter date. It was really nice. She's been a steak-lover since she got enough teeth to chew it, and the look on her face when she took her first bite of that thick, tender Fillet (medium-rare of course) was PRICELESS!!

 

Soda cards for the kids. DW and I just drink lemonade and tea, and I bring those little Crystal Light drink packets.

 

Where we save:

 

We book early....usually close to a year in advance. Departure port and itenerary are important factors to us.

 

We always drive to the departure port. Living on the AL Gulf Cost puts several ports within easy driving distance. With a family of 4, it's a huge money-saver. This also allows us more freedom in packing, eliminating the whole laundry thing.

 

Pre-Cruise hotel: I don't need to stay at an expensive hotel for just one night. Just a safe comfortable place to catch some sleep. We always drive in the day before, mainly to keep my stress-level down pre-cruise. :D We look for one that has a park and cruise option. This makes the hotel stay almost pay for itself.

 

Drinks: In the past, I was a huge booze smuggler. Now that I no longer drink alcohol, that's one less thing to worry about. DW isn't a big drinker, one or 2 per cruise, sometimes not at all.

 

Spa: We're just not "spa people" :) I'm sure some really love it, but it's just not our thing. DW and DD usually get their nails done before we leave home.

 

Trinkets: 'Fridge magnets and cheap t-shirts. I also usually buy a hat or 2.

 

Casino: Again, not as big draw for us. If we want to gamble, we have plenty of Casinos close to home. (we don't go to them either)

 

Connectivity: No cell-phone, no Internet. I'm in the IT field, the LAST thing I want to do on my vacation is be online or have people call me on my phone. My iPhone goes into "Airplane Mode" shortly after departure and I just use it for music.

 

We also always pre-pay our gratuities before sailing. Doesn't save money really, but it's one less thing to deal with on vacation.

 

We take a common-sense approach to spending while on any vacation. We know what's important to us, and spend the bulk of our $$ on those things.

[Taxguy77]

Oh man, I forgot one of my REALLY REALLY tightwad things, something that will make anyone who sees you roll their eyes and mutter under their breath, "Cheapskate!"

 

For long days in port, I order room service the night before (usually a sandwich) and put it in the fridge (which of course I asked the steward to empty at the beginning of the cruise). The next morning, I take out the Ziploc bags that I brought with me, pack up my lunch, and away we go!

 

See? I told you it was really cheap!

 

Yes, and breaking the law in many ports! Depending on the ingrediants in the sandwich, possibly endangering the economy of an entire island to save $5.00. :eek:

[travelite]

I think we fall somewhere in the middle as far as cruise $$ are concerned.

 

Where we splurge:

 

We usually book a Balcony or Suite. why?? We like it. I'm not anti-social but I really love the solitude of sitting out on the balcony and reading, or just watching the ocean go by. It's worth it to us. When we can, we get a small suite, the extra space is very nice to have. Our upcoming 5-day Thanksgiving cruise will be my first in an inside cabin.....to be honest, I'm a little bit nervous about it. Unlike a lot of people I DO spend a lot of time in my cabin (well....on the balcony actually....)

 

Excursions: If it sounds interesting we do it. We do tend to book a lot of independant tours however. But only after careful research. Some of the independant operators are really outstanding, Cabe-tubing.com in Belieze, Victor Bodden in Roatan, and Sonny Liston in St. Thomas for example.

 

Specialty Resturant: Once a cruise. Great food, and service and a more "private" dining experience than the MDR. My DW and I usually go, but on our Legend cruise in April 2011 my DD (12) and I went for a father-daughter date. It was really nice. She's been a steak-lover since she got enough teeth to chew it, and the look on her face when she took her first bite of that thick, tender Fillet (medium-rare of course) was PRICELESS!!

 

Soda cards for the kids. DW and I just drink lemonade and tea, and I bring those little Crystal Light drink packets.

 

Where we save:

 

We book early....usually close to a year in advance. Departure port and itenerary are important factors to us.

 

We always drive to the departure port. Living on the AL Gulf Cost puts several ports within easy driving distance. With a family of 4, it's a huge money-saver. This also allows us more freedom in packing, eliminating the whole laundry thing.

 

Pre-Cruise hotel: I don't need to stay at an expensive hotel for just one night. Just a safe comfortable place to catch some sleep. We always drive in the day before, mainly to keep my stress-level down pre-cruise. :D We look for one that has a park and cruise option. This makes the hotel stay almost pay for itself.

 

Drinks: In the past, I was a huge booze smuggler. Now that I no longer drink alcohol, that's one less thing to worry about. DW isn't a big drinker, one or 2 per cruise, sometimes not at all.

 

Spa: We're just not "spa people" :) I'm sure some really love it, but it's just not our thing. DW and DD usually get their nails done before we leave home.

 

Trinkets: 'Fridge magnets and cheap t-shirts. I also usually buy a hat or 2.

 

Casino: Again, not as big draw for us. If we want to gamble, we have plenty of Casinos close to home. (we don't go to them either)

 

Connectivity: No cell-phone, no Internet. I'm in the IT field, the LAST thing I want to do on my vacation is be online or have people call me on my phone. My iPhone goes into "Airplane Mode" shortly after departure and I just use it for music.

 

We also always pre-pay our gratuities before sailing. Doesn't save money really, but it's one less thing to deal with on vacation.

 

We take a common-sense approach to spending while on any vacation. We know what's important to us, and spend the bulk of our $$ on those things.

 

Do you have a contact for Sonny Liston on St.Thomas?

[PunkinsDad]

Do you have a contact for Sonny Liston on St.Thomas?

 

http://sunnylistonfuntours.com/

[travelite]

http://sunnylistonfuntours.com/

 

Thank you

[simplelife]

Where we save:

 

We book early....usually close to a year in advance. Departure port and itenerary are important factors to us.

 

We always drive to the departure port. Living on the AL Gulf Cost puts several ports within easy driving distance. With a family of 4, it's a huge money-saver. This also allows us more freedom in packing, eliminating the whole laundry thing.

 

Pre-Cruise hotel: I don't need to stay at an expensive hotel for just one night. Just a safe comfortable place to catch some sleep. We always drive in the day before, mainly to keep my stress-level down pre-cruise. :D We look for one that has a park and cruise option. This makes the hotel stay almost pay for itself.

 

 

Trinkets: 'Fridge magnets and cheap t-shirts. I also usually buy a hat or 2.

 

Casino: Again, not as big draw for us. If we want to gamble, we have plenty of Casinos close to home. (we don't go to them either)

 

Connectivity: No cell-phone, no Internet. I'm in the IT field, the LAST thing I want to do on my vacation is be online or have people call me on my phone. My iPhone goes into "Airplane Mode" shortly after departure and I just use it for music.

 

We also always pre-pay our gratuities before sailing. Doesn't save money really, but it's one less thing to deal with on vacation.

 

.

Totally agree with these suggestions - booking early (and we get the dining option we prefer); driving to port; no expensive souvenirs or casino; and definitely agree with the "no connectivity" policy (One of the beauties of cruising is truly getting away from the stresses of daily living).

In addition to prepaying gratuities, we like to have some credit prepaid on our Sign & Sail - nice not to have that big bill at the end.

 

For the pre-cruise hotel I have try to use hotel club points to get a freebie. Also, we do not spend money in the photo gallery. With the modern digital cameras, we get better candid shots (and no waiting in line!)

 

We're not exactly tightwads, but we do want/need to spend wisely when we travel - I guess it would be nice to be able to travel without money being a concern, but if "if were a skiff. . .":)

[Magoo618]

We sign up for the past guest rewards and reap the benefits. Recently earned 20% off onboard charges with our NCL Latitudes membership. We thoroughly enjoyed HAL trip to Bermuda on the Veendam. Our Mariner status entitled us to the welcome back luncheon which provided us with free drinks...ditto with the Captain's party. We usually buy one photo each cruise ($19.95) to add to our collection. I splurge on a few bottles of wine. In the end our cruise bill for the week is usually no more than $120.00. My partner doesn't drink and usually we have OBC prior to cruise and consequently his bill on the Veendam was $22.00. Better yet he left the ship with $850.00 winnings from Blackjack! We always stay in balcony or mini suites. We have found that if we wait to book our cruise within 2 months departure the fares are incredibly cheap. Never book ship excursions! We easily find local tours/transportation with little effort for half the price of ship excursions. Plus we aren't obligated should the weather turn ugly at the last minute. We DO tip generously esp. since we seem to get lucky and have incredible service. We have learned its cheaper to cruise than to stay home. We've sailed the seven seas 5 times in the last 18 months. Try it because it works! (yes we do have careers):D

[Palm Trees]

Oh man, I forgot one of my REALLY REALLY tightwad things, something that will make anyone who sees you roll their eyes and mutter under their breath, "Cheapskate!"

 

For long days in port, I order room service the night before (usually a sandwich) and put it in the fridge (which of course I asked the steward to empty at the beginning of the cruise). The next morning, I take out the Ziploc bags that I brought with me, pack up my lunch, and away we go!

 

See? I told you it was really cheap!

 

I think this is a great idea and not cheap at all, just requires forethought. I'll use this on my next cruise. Thanks!

[ByByeAmericanPie]

On Carnival, or any other cruise line that uses Ocean Players Club listen up...my last cruise (September) I spent a lot of time in the casino...and ended up a good bit ahead. My last day there, the Pit Boss told me that he had been rating me, bought me free drinks, plus gave me some very nice comp gifts. Fast Forward...called OPC to see if I could get some comps on my next cruise in February and they will be giving me a sail away gift basket in my cabin PLUS free $100 cash to play with. All I have to do is stop at the Casino Cashier, give them my name and I get free cash! I love free...especially cash! :D

[dorisis]

Not because the economy is "weak" or gas prices have "skyrocketed" - most of which has been conjured up by the left-wing media - but we tend to cruise on the cheap. We search for off-season or repositioning cruises and then set our sights on a balcony stateroom with the cruise fare saved. We book the next cruise while on-board the current cruise for an OBC, use our C&A benefits for a discount, and use our RCCL stockholder benefits for an additonal OBC. When we have enough RCCL Visa card points accumulated, we cash them in for another OBC. Then, while on-board:

 

We don't buy the over-priced weak drinks in the smokey bars - but once in a while we'll order the drink of the day - or two - before the show.

 

We do not buy the art at the auctions - but do sign up and drink the free champaigne.

 

We don't buy a soda card - but do drink coffee, tea, and juices for free and even make our own "Cafe' Diablo" using their hot cocoa mix, coffee, and creamer.

 

We don't buy a wine package - but do use our C&A coupon for a free wine tasting.

 

We don't use any spa "treatments" but do occasionally sign up for a free lecture/sales pitch.

 

We don't use the laundry service - but do wash out our own quick-dry travel clothing in our cabin.

 

We don't use the high priced/low speed internet service on-board - but do use our own mobile web service when in port and cell phone service is available.

 

We seldom use specialty dining - but do order room service dinners or breakfasts and eat on our balcony where it is much quieter.

 

We DO try to book an excursion or two on-board so that it'll be charged to our sea pass - the one already front loaded with a bunch of OBCs.

 

The result? Most cruises we have a very small balance on our sea pass at the end of the cruise, and sometimes even have a credit.

 

Are you a tightwad cruiser too? If so, what do you do

 

 

We don't gamble!!!

 

~Doris~

[RazorbackBelle08]

I am amazed ow many people claim to drink nothing alcoholic .... Wow. We need an "I'm not worthy!" bow down icon here because if I'm going on vacation I'm going to drink. Everyone keeps saying not drinking will save soooo much money.... But there MUST be other ways to save! I know that personally I will be bringing rum runners and red bull on board as well as some Hawaiian punch packets. I will not do spa, casino or art whatever. I do not plan on shopping on the ship. I have enough junk at home from vacations gathering dust. I am only doing two excursions both of which have been prepaid and were only $50 apiece. I have 6 free drink coupons from my TA and will try to not buy more than 2 drinks per day from the ship. I will be buying a soda card so I have access to mixers for my rum runners.

 

I would think hat since my only expenses on the ship will be a couple drinks a day, a soda card and tips... I should be just fine. :) if my calculations are correct, 3 drinks a day (over budgeting my alcohol consumption) , soda card and tips will total less than $300. So I should be fine and still have a great time!

 

 

Sent from my Commodore 64 using MS/DOS

Edited January 16, 2012 by RazorbackBelle08

[tip]

I am amazed how many people claim to drink nothing alcoholic .... Wow.

 

I hope that you are not passing judgment here. I choose to drink nothing alcoholic because I came from a family of alcoholics. I have no problems with those who choose to drink. When we cruise my wife has a drink or two each day and wine with her meal.

[RazorbackBelle08]

I hope that you are not passing judgment here. I choose to drink nothing alcoholic because I came from a family of alcoholics. I have no problems with those who choose to drink. When we cruise my wife has a drink or two each day and wine with her meal.

 

I was in no way passing judgment, at all. To each their own.

 

What I was saying was that I was amazed 90% of the repliers to this post have said that they don't drink-- it's just a little unbelievable. Get all of these people on a cruise and the line wouldn't make a cent :D

[summer_girl]

I love to drink socially, and on my last ship was concerned that my Sign and Sail account would be enormous so I preordered a bottle of rum for my room and I brought the allowed bottle of wine.

 

HOWEVER, to my surprise I was so busy having fun that I really didn't drink near what I would have socially at home. I would have a couple laying out in the sun, and maybe 1 in the evening, but after filling up on the great food in the MDR and being exhausted from the fun dancing/and/or activities I just didn't drink as much.

 

I am not a spa girl...I will get my toes and fingers done before I leave...

I use independant excursion folks...way cheaper...

I used my personal digital camera and got great photos on my own...

I am not big on the casino...I can take it or leave it...

 

Cruising is quite affordable unless you just throw your money around for lots of extras without thinking!

[quicklabs]

We never book the ship's excursions; they're so much less expensive when going with a small group with a private tour operator (who has been well reviewed on the Boards, of course!)

We look for a deal: Last sailing, (New england and Canada), we got $100 Spa credit, pre-paid gratuitites, and dinner in a speciality restaurant.

We purchase one bottle of wine for a special dinner, and use 2 for 1 coupon for wine on another night.

No spa treatments (unless on an OBC); no buying the ships's photos, stay out of the gift shop. No casino or bingo--not our thing anyway.

Last cruise, we had one bottle of wine (10% discount coupon); I bought a pass to the thermal spa and we had a 2 for 1 glass of wine. My end of cruise bill was $98! (My goal was to stay under 100). We had the time of our lives without all the extras

[jertom]

 

Sent from my Commodore 64 using MS/DOS

 

I like your choice of computer and op system !!! :D

[RazorbackBelle08]

I like your choice of computer and op system !!! :D

 

:D my first computer. Then a 128. They were my dad's and then mine :D does this betray my age?

 

 

Sent from my Commodore 64 using MS/DOS

[jertom]

:D my first computer. Then a 128. They were my dad's and then mine :D does this betray my age?

 

 

Sent from my Commodore 64 using MS/DOS

 

RazorbackBelle,

Since a lot of people probably have no clue about these old computers, let's not give them any ammunition to guess our ages. :D

Let other people be happy with "Sent from my iPad".:cool:

OK now back to money saving tips.