Minimizing costs

[MelBlue]

My gf and I booked this cruise months ago, then both lost our jobs.

 

Still plan on going, but we need to minimize costs as much as possible.

 

Any idea how much extra things might cost?

 

We are local to the port, so we didn't have to fly or anything, and neither of us plan on drinking.

 

Thanks!

 

DBB

[cb at sea]

Aside from the tips, as long as you're not drinking soda or alcohol, you really don't need to spend any extra money! The food and drink that's included in your fare is more than ample.

The tips will run you about $10 per person per day. If you use room service (the food is included), a tip for the delivery person is sort of expected---$1-5 depending on how much they have to carry.

Porters should be tipped about $1-2 per bag.

Sodas will cost you, but you can bring some aboard with you...most local folks will do that.

Gambling is an added expense.

You may want some $$ for when you go ashore...for taxis or a snack....

If you don't plan on drinking, gambling, purchasing photos or souveniers...you really won't need THAT much extra money.....You could probably get by on $25 per day....

[Essiesmom]

If you don't buy pictures, don't gamble (including bingo), don't use the internet (including cellphone...that could get you a BIG, EXPENSIVE surprise when you get home), don't eat at the SteakHouse, you should be able to get away with only the expected $10/pp/day tips. EM

[chasinraynbowz]

I suspect a lot of people are in the same boat as you and your GF. First and foremost... HAVE FUN!!! You don't have to spend a fortune to go on a cruise.

 

If you are soda drinkers, bring your own. DH and I bring a 6 pack each and usually have some left over at the end of the cruise.

 

Stay away from the casino.. lol.. and don't do shore excursions. You can get off the ship and check out the port, but you don't have to do a planned excursion.

 

I am sure others will have more ideas...

 

Enjoy your cruise!!! :D

[kcroxyoursox]

Bring zipper baggies. The night before port days, grab some sandwiches, fruit, etc. from the deli/buffet. Then enjoy your picnic lunch at the spot of your choosing!

 

If that idea makes you feel uncomfortable, then just jump back on the ship for lunch before heading back out for the afternoon. Either way you already paid for the food, why pay for more food?

[finoky]

Eat all your meals on the ship in the main dining room or up on lido at the buffet. Drink only the free juices, tea, water, and coffee. Absolutely avoid the casino and don't have any pictures taken so you won't be tempted. At most of the ports you can just wander around on your own and not spend a dime. You really can go on this cruise and have a blast without spending anything over an additional $150.

[firefly333]

Bring zipper baggies. The night before port days, grab some sandwiches, fruit, etc. from the deli/buffet. Then enjoy your picnic lunch at the spot of your choosing!

 

If that idea makes you feel uncomfortable, then just jump back on the ship for lunch before heading back out for the afternoon. Either way you already paid for the food, why pay for more food?

 

Its against most countries laws to bring food off the ship into the ports. Only sealed food is allowed. Id be carefull suggesting this or you could get into trouble.

 

OP you can always window shop and go back on the ship and have lunch and then get back off, we have done that when we shop around.

 

If the internet cafe is $1 or $2 for an hour, I will go there and spend time catching up on my emails and emailing my folks.

[T. Advisor King]

I agree with the poster who mentioned that you can choose not to take any organized shore excursions. That should be fine in most ports. However, I would suggest you research your ports just to make sure you know what to expect. Some ports are not really set up for tourists to walk off the ship and wander around (i.e., they are set in industrial areas, a good distance from any tourist or commercial areas). And a very small number of destinations are known for having problems with crime (Jamaica comes to mind).

 

There is at least one long and bitter thread discussing the rules around taking ship's food into port. As the poster above said, most (perhaps all?) countries have restrictions on importing food. However, it is more complicated than simply saying, "Only sealed food is allowed". I'm sure the poster above was simply being succinct in providing information that would apply to the greatest number of ports, which is fine. I don't believe Carnival itself has any rules against taking buffet food ashort (other than wanting to ensure that its passengers aren't violating local import rules). If there is a Carnival policy on this, I'm sure someone will quote it or provide a link. You could try researching local import restrictions in advance. Or you could wait until the time comes. Carnival usually posts signs at the exit doors with instructions about local restrictions. Or you could simply ask the local authorities when you land at each port (e.g., "I have two muffins, some banana bread and some pancakes, is it OK that I brought this ashore").

 

It certainly raises an interesting question whether it would be unreasonable to adjust tips based on your ability to pay. Most posters here would say you should never adjust the auto-tips (unless service is so poor that you have to report it to management). They would suggest that you shouldn't go on a cruise if you're not able to pay for the auto tips. However, in the case of two unemployed cruisers, some may feel there is some leeway here. It's not like you booked the trip knowing you would be unemployed. You wouldn't expect starving students to pay the same tip at a restaurant that a well-paid family would pay, so I'm not sure it is unreasonable for uneployed passengers to pay a similarly lower tip. It may come down to how bad a situation you are in (i.e., are you going to have problems buying groceries when you get back home if you're paying the $10 auto-tip on the cruise?). I'd be interested in other views on this.

 

You can also avoid tipping the portside porters by carrying your bags on (as long as they fit the size limitations -- check Carnival's website for details). It is a bit of a hassle, but there is a notable advantage in having access to all your stuff hours before other passengers receive their bags.

 

I think enough other people have listed the other obvious ways to avoid extra costs. Basically it comes down to common sense: don't buy things. My only thought there is to be prepared. We got gauged on a can of sunscreen in the ship's gift shop because the six spray-bottles we brought with us weren't enough for a family of four for a week. So make sure you bring everything you'll need.

 

If you like going on cruises, you will have fun without buying drinks or photos or gambling or paying for expensive shore excursions.

[Iluvmypuggle]

Part of keeping expenses down is agreeing what to spend your money on prior to getting on the ship. And I don't mean count every single penny, but we have our certain things that we do to save money.. We don't purchase alcoholic beverages during the day.. The cost adds up and when you're sitting at the pool, etc., you tend to not realize what you're spending. My boyfriend and I usually agree not to go out to eat when we're off the ship unless there's somewhere special we want to go. So we typically have a big breakfast or get off the ship a little bit later after having lunch so we're not looking for somewhere to eat. I also sometimes like to purchase onboard credit for myself ahead of time.. This way when it comes time to pay the bill, I've already paid for some of it.

 

I've heard people save their change and cash it in prior to going as spending money too.

[DallasCruisers]

I've heard people save their change and cash it in prior to going as spending money too.

 

Much to my surprise, my "little" change holder added up to right at $400 on my first cruise. It was a lovely surprise not only to myself, by my SO. Woo Hoo! :D

[ehfl]

Don't do extras.

[salty dingo]

Aside from tips for people who give you service, you don't really need to plan on spending any money at all. I assume you have considered parking expense, etc.

 

You can do very well on the food and drink the ship provides. On shore, many towns are within walking distance, but do your research to be sure.

 

Just take your own camera, don't buy souveniers and don't do excursions.

 

If you want to do some extra things, just set a budget before you leave and stick with it.

 

Once easy decision, if you decide to do an excursion - do not book a ship-sponsored excursion. You will almost always find a better price, and a higher-quality experience if you research over in the ports of call section, and find a reputable private tour. You will save and have more fun as well.

[Essiesmom]

Take along a sports bottle, preferably one with a wide mouth. Fill it with ice and water in the buffet area before leaving the ship. Carnival will be pushing bottled water on the way to the gangway, but that adds up. If you like flavored drinks, the single serve packets of Crystal Light (or generic) taste pretty good. I had seen them recommended as an alternative drink for kids and tried them for myself. I love Carnival's lemonade, but it is too much sugar...You don't say which ship you are sailing on, but all of them have a large bottle of water on your desk, and if there is a minibar, it will be stocked with things you will need to pay for. there will be a list, of course...But it is so tempting when you are thirsty...EM

[muffin]

could also be bottled for a trip to shore as well as being a wonderfully decadent drink at the pool. Use a wide mouthed water bottle. Fill it 2/3 with ice at the lido station. Add hot coffee, reg or decaf, to make the coffee up to the 1/2 way mark. Then add milk up to the top. Iced Cappacino....MMMmmmm. Have to drink it within an hour or so on land to be happy about the milk being fresh, but it is awfully good. Suppose you could add a dash of sugar if you feel the need...I like it as is. Could also make this in a plastic glass if you feel funny about filling your bottle, and transfer it at a table. Just PLEASE be careful to not put the lip of your bottle anywhere near the ice shute....people will be rightfully horrified to see your "germs" so clsoe to the ice machine.

[BlueJacketsFan1]

My wife and I always carry on some soda when we board. If we start running low, we simply buy more in the islands and bring it on the ship. There is plenty of other things to drink on the ship that won't cost you anything. Tips are $20 a day for the two of you and a few dollars for a taxi on some island is a good idea. You don't always dock right where everything is at in the islands. The most important thing to do is to simply have a great time and relax.

[CorvetteLady]

I agree with the poster who mentioned that you can choose not to take any organized shore excursions. That should be fine in most ports. However, I would suggest you research your ports just to make sure you know what to expect. Some ports are not really set up for tourists to walk off the ship and wander around (i.e., they are set in industrial areas, a good distance from any tourist or commercial areas). And a very small number of destinations are known for having problems with crime (Jamaica comes to mind).

 

There is at least one long and bitter thread discussing the rules around taking ship's food into port. As the poster above said, most (perhaps all?) countries have restrictions on importing food. However, it is more complicated than simply saying, "Only sealed food is allowed". I'm sure the poster above was simply being succinct in providing information that would apply to the greatest number of ports, which is fine. I don't believe Carnival itself has any rules against taking buffet food ashort (other than wanting to ensure that its passengers aren't violating local import rules). If there is a Carnival policy on this, I'm sure someone will quote it or provide a link. You could try researching local import restrictions in advance. Or you could wait until the time comes. Carnival usually posts signs at the exit doors with instructions about local restrictions. Or you could simply ask the local authorities when you land at each port (e.g., "I have two muffins, some banana bread and some pancakes, is it OK that I brought this ashore").

 

It certainly raises an interesting question whether it would be unreasonable to adjust tips based on your ability to pay. Most posters here would say you should never adjust the auto-tips (unless service is so poor that you have to report it to management). They would suggest that you shouldn't go on a cruise if you're not able to pay for the auto tips. However, in the case of two unemployed cruisers, some may feel there is some leeway here. It's not like you booked the trip knowing you would be unemployed. You wouldn't expect starving students to pay the same tip at a restaurant that a well-paid family would pay, so I'm not sure it is unreasonable for uneployed passengers to pay a similarly lower tip. It may come down to how bad a situation you are in (i.e., are you going to have problems buying groceries when you get back home if you're paying the $10 auto-tip on the cruise?). I'd be interested in other views on this.

 

You can also avoid tipping the portside porters by carrying your bags on (as long as they fit the size limitations -- check Carnival's website for details). It is a bit of a hassle, but there is a notable advantage in having access to all your stuff hours before other passengers receive their bags.

 

I think enough other people have listed the other obvious ways to avoid extra costs. Basically it comes down to common sense: don't buy things. My only thought there is to be prepared. We got gauged on a can of sunscreen in the ship's gift shop because the six spray-bottles we brought with us weren't enough for a family of four for a week. So make sure you bring everything you'll need.

 

If you like going on cruises, you will have fun without buying drinks or photos or gambling or paying for expensive shore excursions.

 

I can understand if they can't afford extra tips, but they should not remove the auto tips. They will receive the same service as everyone else. Starving students don't go to the same restaurants as well to do people. If they go out to eat they should tip, if they can't afford the cost of the meal and a tip then they should stay home. There are a lot of ways to save money on a cruise, stiffing the staff shouldn't be one of them.

[luckycruzer]

dont spend anything !

[luckycruzer]

could also be bottled for a trip to shore as well as being a wonderfully decadent drink at the pool. Use a wide mouthed water bottle. Fill it 2/3 with ice at the lido station. Add hot coffee, reg or decaf, to make the coffee up to the 1/2 way mark. Then add milk up to the top. Iced Cappacino....MMMmmmm. Have to drink it within an hour or so on land to be happy about the milk being fresh, but it is awfully good. Suppose you could add a dash of sugar if you feel the need...I like it as is. Could also make this in a plastic glass if you feel funny about filling your bottle, and transfer it at a table. Just PLEASE be careful to not put the lip of your bottle anywhere near the ice shute....people will be rightfully horrified to see your "germs" so clsoe to the ice machine.

 

I fill a glass with ice from the clean stack, and pour into my own BubbaKeg..then leave that glass at the dirty dish station. I used it, so it is soiled.

[mississauga]

We are local to the port, so we didn't have to fly or anything,

 

 

Have someone drop you off and pick you up at the port. That way you won't have to pay the $10+ per day parking fees.

 

I agree with others that it is very easy to have just the auto-tips as your only expense on the ship.

 

Most ports require a bus or taxi to go to a beach. If you need to take a taxi, share with an other couple. Even if they charge per person, it'll still be less pp than if it is just for the 2 of you. You can just use your ship's towels at the beach instead of paying $5-$10 for chair/umbrella rentals at the beach. Don't miss out just by walking around the port. Some ports you can do that and still enjoy yourselves but some you will need a bus or taxi to get to enjoy the island.

 

Most of all, rnjoy yourselves!

[steveaaaaa]

My gf and I booked this cruise months ago, then both lost our jobs.

 

Still plan on going, but we need to minimize costs as much as possible.

 

Any idea how much extra things might cost?

 

We are local to the port, so we didn't have to fly or anything, and neither of us plan on drinking.

 

Thanks!

 

DBB

 

 

You are not required to put up a credit card or put up a cash deposit when you check in.So you won't be tempted

 

SO don't and you will not be responsible for nothing,not even tips but do those in cash at what ever you can afford.The suggested amount is $10

Steve

[stargate fan]

It certainly raises an interesting question whether it would be unreasonable to adjust tips based on your ability to pay. Most posters here would say you should never adjust the auto-tips (unless service is so poor that you have to report it to management). They would suggest that you shouldn't go on a cruise if you're not able to pay for the auto tips. However, in the case of two unemployed cruisers, some may feel there is some leeway here. It's not like you booked the trip knowing you would be unemployed. You wouldn't expect starving students to pay the same tip at a restaurant that a well-paid family would pay, so I'm not sure it is unreasonable for uneployed passengers to pay a similarly lower tip. It may come down to how bad a situation you are in (i.e., are you going to have problems buying groceries when you get back home if you're paying the $10 auto-tip on the cruise?). I'd be interested in other views on this.

 

I respectfully disagree with these statements:

 

If $10pp/day is that much of a hardship for unemployed people, like whether or not they can buy groceries, then they should be more concerned about things other than cruising.

 

The people who work on the cruise ships work as hard for the employed as for the unemployed. They should not be penalized from their tips because some passengers are out of work.

 

Our "starving students" either go to lower priced restaurants so their tips are lower, or eat their meals in their college cafeterias. I am talking from our own sons' experiences. My DH and I eat at more expensive restaurants, so we tip accordingly.

[MelBlue]

We plan on tipping, so that isnt a big deal

 

might not tip much extra though, at least not on this cruise.

 

:o

[tea4ular]

MelBlue - if it helps to know this, we don't induldge in the extras (alcohol, gambling, excursions). we enjoy the relaxation, the views, the (included) meals, the gym, pool, steamroom, sauna, shows, dancing, games, music, relaxation (oh I already said that, but that's my personal favorite part).

 

My husband & I bring Scrabble and magazines we've been holding on to but haven't had a chance to read yet, a good book, our iPods, and simply ENJOY being away. At shore we take long walks, maybe hop a bus. More often than not we just wander nearby. The ports that are far from a "center" of town will have a cheap (or free) shuttle. Take it and just enjoy the local culture. Also, being by the pool when everyone else is on shore is a treat. Quiet and ultra relaxing. Finally get a pick of the deck lounge chairs!

 

We bring some bottled water, and I adore making iced coffee as recommended above, so I too suggest bringing a large (plastic or metal) drinking cup/thermos type thing. The only beverage you cannot bring onboard is liquor - although each adult passenger may bring 2 bottles of wine per, if that appeals to you, and you can have it at the dinner table, and your server will cork it and save the rest for your next dinner! Got a Trader Joe's nearby? You can buy a couple bottles of 2 Buck Chuck for fancy dress night if that would appeal to you.

 

By the way, we're not cheap, we just simply don't get caught up in the hype of spend, spend, spend. There's no reason to, there's so very much to see and do without spending another dime.

 

But do be generous to your cabin steward/ess and food server/s. They work hard to make your trip special, and you will grow to love them (really).

 

So this sounds like a great vacation for you and your love to just enjoy each other and the cruise. Another time you can do it again (and rest assured, there WILL be another time!) and spring for some extras.

[littlesnit]

Ship souveniers, like T-shirts, usually go on sale the last day of the cruise. I know, sometimes you just HAVE to bring something for someone at home, and you can save a little there.

 

Or you can have some extra fun and try to win a "ship on a stick" at the contests as a souvenier. :D Have any talents? Sign up for the talent show. That's a sure "ship," and possibly a bottle of champagne. Plus a little ego boost, cuz you'll be a mini celebrity for the rest of the cruise.

 

I truly hope you have a good time, and best of luck with your job searches.

[Scott_F]

This isn't difficult...

 

1. Get a friend to drop you at the terminal and pick up a week later.

2. don't drink alcohol that you didn't smuggle in your bag. I always bring a bottle or two of booze with me. Carnival nor Royal Car. have ever taken it.

3. stay out of the casino.

4. bring your own camera and ask a friendly passerby to snap a couple photo by the pool or up on the high decks or maybe in the atrium lobby area. Lots of great free photo ops all over the boat.

 

On tipping, the auto tip is the suggestion. Just follow your heart. If you followed my 1-4 above, you'll have enough money to tip your waiter and your room steward.

 

The good news is you are going on a cruise. :)