How Much Do Your Cruises Cost?

[RevNeal]

Ok ... since we're "talking turkey" these days ....

How much do you spend, per-person, on cruising per-year?

Please include cruise fare, taxes and port fees, travel insurance, shipboard expenses, airfare, hotel and transfer costs
Please do NOT include luggage, pre-cruise purchased clothing, medications, etc


The Poll is anonymous, so feel free to be honest. If you want to post particulars on the thread, also feel free to do so ... but please don't feel compelled. I'm just curious as to average ball-park figures.

[RevNeal]

Let me add to my above question with a few remarks. I don't intend this to be a judgmental poll or thread. What one person considers a lot of money, another may not. If one is blessed to be able to afford to spend $10,000+ per-person, per-year, on cruising, that's GREAT! If one only affords $1000, that's okay too ... no judgments are being made in asking this question, and I ask -- PLEASE -- don't start passing judgments on people by their responses.

In this time of thanksgiving, let us truly give thanks for the wonderful opportunities we have to travel and see the world and meet many wonderful people. Be we once a year cruisers in inside cabins, or suite-only passengers 4 and 5 times a year, we are ALL truly blessed.

[SHayesShip]

My vote was 3k-4k BUT that usually includes one 7 day from L.A. (no airfare) and one 7-10 day cruise (but I usually get free airfare) per year and MAYBE a 3 day coastal thrown in for good measure.

Steve Hayes


Ok ... since we're "talking turkey" these days ....

How much do you spend, per-person, on cruising per-year?

Please include cruise fare, taxes and port fees, travel insurance, shipboard expenses, airfare, hotel and transfer costs
Please do NOT include luggage, pre-cruise purchased clothing, medications, etc


The Poll is anonymous, so feel free to be honest. If you want to post particulars on the thread, also feel free to do so ... but please don't feel compelled. I'm just curious as to average ball-park figures.

[cruisinjudy]

Oh my gosh, that was not a pretty sight figuring that one out! Guess we could have almost bought a new car this year with what we spent on cruises. And I just did a quick estimate! This was for balcony cabins and I really want to move up to something bigger, oh dear! It didn't seem like so much at the time for each of the three cruises since payments for all aspects are spread out.
Greg that wasn't at all nice to make us think about that! :D
Do you suppose we are addicted?

[jhannah]

Greg that wasn't at all nice to make us think about that! :D
Do you suppose we are addicted?Um ... uh ... yeah! No doubt! I heartily agree with Greg that whether we can afford once per year or 5 times -- it matters not. It's a true blessing for each of us either way. And when I occasionally stop and reflect on the places we've been and the sights we've seen while cruising, it truly boggles my mind. And it humbles me, too. I consider us so fortunate to be able to enjoy this pleasure of life that many simply aren't able to do ... whether for health or financial reasons, or both.

[sail7seas]

No Thanks. Why would you ask?

[localady]

Um ... uh ... yeah! No doubt! I heartily agree with Greg that whether we can afford once per year or 5 times -- it matters not. It's a true blessing for each of us either way. And when I occasionally stop and reflect on the places we've been and the sights we've seen while cruising, it truly boggles my mind. And it humbles me, too. I consider us so fortunate to be able to enjoy this pleasure of life that many simply aren't able to do ... whether for health or financial reasons, or both.
Jim- You said it much better than I ever could have. Those are exactly my thoughts too. We are so blessed to be able to experience this.:)
Thank you for expressing them with such eloquence.
:cool:

[lipoppop]

One of the joys of cruising is that people aren't concerned with what your salary is (was), what you do (did) for a living, what you spend on your cabin etc. We are all mixed together on the ship, the baggage is left at home, and we enjoy each others company. So what we spend per year is a number, nothing more than that. Some of us cruise once; others cruise five times or more a year. Some pay for business class air; others use frequent flier miles in coach.

I think Rev. Neal that your posting was worth while in that the statistics will show the complete spectrum of dollars and bear out that we spend what we want individually and we probably all enjoy the cruises as much as the other person. The numbers are statistics, nothing more, nothing more to be read into.

:cool:

[saltydog28]

revneal-Because cruise lengths vary, I prefer to calculate my cruise on a per-diem bases. Air fare-$150rt / 1nt hotel-$70 / shipboard expenses-$100 casino-$30photo I don't do ship excurtions. / travel ins.-$100. Then $100 a day or less for the ship. These are the prices I get on line and look for. I'm not counting tips. They are added in with the cruise.
AND Yes I know I am blessed. I have my husband, my children and my dogs. I have food on the table, a fine mattress to sleep on, and the roof doesn't leak. I have a computer and the bills are paid. I am thankful.
Take care,
Pat.

[RuthC]

That's the honest answer. :o
For the first several cruises after my husband died I treated myself very well. I booked a cabin to myself; if there was to be a long flight I went first class; I hired a limo if there was no flying involved. :)

I took more out of savings than I put in. :eek:

It's probably not a good idea to do that anymore. Taking a look at this for the poll has made that crystal clear. :(

[Aussie Gal]

We do have to spend quite a bit as our airfares are so high getting from one part of the earth to the other. That is the only disadvantage of living in this wonderful country.

By the same token we are so fortunate to be able to do the cruises we want, where we want and to have a wonderful life style here, great weather, good health, loving family and terrific friends. We do consider ourselves to be truly blessed.

Jennie

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes, we spend BIG bocks each year on our cruises. BUT, at least one of the cruises each year is either a re-positioning cruise, or some other special cruise that is offered only once a year and those prices tend to be much higher than cruises to the Caribbean.

Also we fly first class, stay at hotels before and after our cruises.

It all adds up.

Right now we are fortunate to be in relatively good health so we travel as much as we can. Who knows what our health may be in a year or two?

[ger_77]

We live in the frozen tundra called western Canada, plus we have to travel during peak seasons due to the fact that we're both involved in education, thus our costs are quite high. That being said, however, I work at 2 jobs and put the second small paycheque away each month to pay for the wonderful experiences we have when we cruise. I don't feel bad about it, but I do wish we wouldn't have to travel during peak periods. It would be great to be able to take advantage of the "last minute" cruises or "flash sales" that are offered. I think I can retire in 2025, so that's something I can look forward to!:D

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[Druke I]

Had to stop and think about this one, before making my choice.

Actually, I prefer not to discuss price, etc, but that is a personal thing.

[CrazyforCruisin]

We are novice cruisers. Our first cruise was to Alaska, so of course it was more spendy than a Caribbean. We had a balcony cabin. The trip was worth every penny! A trip of a lifetime. Our cruise coming up is to get out of the dreary Oregon winter for a week. Once having the balcony cabin, we of course could not imagine going w/o. My DH is retired, and our traveling is our treat to ourselves. I work and save part to pay for our trips. The cruise in Feb is our Christmas present to each other. I am already planning the next one, maybe the Canal or a 10 day Caribbean. Right now we are blessed with good health and able to travel. Who knows from day to day. Grab life while you can, and go for it!. Happy Cruising!
Jodie

[Krazy Kruizers]

What is there to hide?

Many of us are old timers on this board and others know our habits. And you can keep a mental track of what people spend by reading what cruise they have taken (or will be taking). And many of the cc'ers here know how some of us travel as well as what hotels we stay at and if we use price line, etc.

[sail7seas]

KK....


You are correct.

Anyone who hangs around here knows that you and I always have an "S"; always cruise at least 4x per year; always do a pre-cruise (me at Hyatt Pier 66 if cruising from FLL); f ly first class etc etc

My point is, why would anyone ask the question to begin with?
What is the reason for wanting to know what anyone else spends; how they choose to spend their funds; how much money they may or may not have. That is what I find unpleasant and uncomfortable.

[CaptData]

$5000.00-$7500.00. This is Airfare from the middle of Canada for 10 day cruises and pre-night hotel. I travel by myself so I pay double most people per person.

[gizmo]

I don't see any difference between this thread and Heather's since both are on how much a person spends.

If people want to talk about how much they spend, fine. You don't have to participate or question why. Obiviously it is of interest to some, and they have choose to particpate in the discussion.

[sail7seas]

I didn't like that one either.


Am I not entitled to an opinion? It is just mine and no one else's that I express. Do I, too, have the right to express my opinion?

[gizmo]

The Poll is anonymous, so feel free to be honest. If you want to post particulars on the thread, also feel free to do so ... but please don't feel compelled. I'm just curious as to average ball-park figures.I think the Rev already explained WHY he asked in the initial post. He said he was curious as to what the ball park figures were.

[sail7seas]

Whether or not I choose to voice my opinion on every thread is not the issue. This subject has now diverted from OP's subject.

[hank1968]

KK....


You are correct.

Anyone who hangs around here knows that you and I always have an "S"; always cruise at least 4x per year; always do a pre-cruise (me at Hyatt Pier 66 if cruising from FLL); f ly first class etc etc

My point is, why would anyone ask the question to begin with?
What is the reason for wanting to know what anyone else spends; how they choose to spend their funds; how much money they may or may not have. That is what I find unpleasant and uncomfortable.
I think you remind us every time how much you spend on each cruise by the way you post!

[sail7seas]

Thank you for bringing that to my attention. I shall try to be more careful in the future.

[ANSalberg]

I just clicked on the highest figure -but for PROBABLY different reasons.
1. We are retired; we now cruise somewhere between 6-10 weeks per year
2. We live in LANDlocked Colorado and must fly -NO MATTER what -to ANY port
3. We seldom cruise in the Caribbean or from California to Mexico any more -We are cruising more and more in Europe/far east.
That said; I still think cruising is the BIGGEST bargain around, I still think its the EASIEST way to see "the world" and I still- after 20+ cruises -think its the BEST adventure you could find; and I LOVE to be cossetted and treated the way I have been on EVERY cruise I've EVER taken!!!!! "Calgon -Take me AWAY!"

[marybeach]

Rev,

Your initial question was not meant to give a way to brag and boast, but I'm sure to get some honest opinions. You have indicated that you travel on a budget, as do many of us who are still working, raising families, putting kids through school, taking care of aging parents, etc. and we are just trying to budget our expenses to get the best value for our hard earned dollars.

Regardless of what I spend, I consider my desire and subsequent ability to travel and see the world priceless.

[iluvcruzin]

I'm sure you are interested RevNeal. However, I was taught it was bad manners to ask or discuss financial expenditures with others.

[debsea]

Given the source, I think this thread was started with the very best of intentions. If it makes you uncomfortable, or if you perceive it to be in bad taste, just don't participate.

[JohnR49er]

Somehow I knew that even a "lets be nice" plea from a man of the cloth at Thanksgiving time wouldn't mean much here............

[RevNeal]

Greg that wasn't at all nice to make us think about that!
Do you suppose we are addicted?

:)
I KNOW I'm addicted!!!!! :D
As for it not being nice ... I found it a painful exercise myself, but also very instructive and very fruitful. In this time of Thanksgiving and celebration, as we come to the close of another year, I found it to be enlightening as to what I have to be thankful for by looking at how I have the FREEDOM and the resources to spend time and money on cruise-travel. This wasn't always true, and I haven't always been blessed with congregations which have been understanding of my need for time off and away from the pressures of the 24-hour-a-day/7-days-a-week grind of the ministry.

Truly, we are all blessed, no matter how many times we cruise or what categories we book.

[RevNeal]

No Thanks. Why would you ask?

If you don't wish to participate, Sail, it's entirely up to you. I only asked the question for TWO reasons:

1. In order to get an idea of the general cross section of what people (in general, not anyone specifically) spend on cruises per year.

2. In order to help people, myself included, think about what we spend on these wonderful experiences, to recognize how precious they are, and to encourage us to give thanks for all of it.

If anyone wants to participate, that's great. If anyone doesn't, that's also fine.

Blessings and peace to all.

[sail7seas]

Happy Sailing, Rev.


Blessing and Peace to you as well.

[RevNeal]

My point is, why would anyone ask the question to begin with?
What is the reason for wanting to know what anyone else spends; how they choose to spend their funds; how much money they may or may not have. That is what I find unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Sail, I'm sorry you find the question unpleasant and uncomfortable; that was not my intention, and I am sorry about that. Frankly, I don't want to know what any one specific person, or persons, or you, spends. My question is a general one: what do ALL OF US, as a broad spectrum distribution, spend in any given year. If one wants to vote and not identify their vote or share what they voted, that is not only understood and accepted, it is expected. You may note that I haven't outlined my total, and I have not intention of doing so. But what KK said is true ... most know that I cruise about twice a year, that I usually book inside cabins, and that I like longer cruises.

Again, I'm sorry if anyone -- particularly Sail -- has been made to feel uncomfortable by the question. I didn't intend to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

[RevNeal]

Regardless of what I spend, I consider my desire and subsequent ability to travel and see the world priceless.

Amen and AMEN. I agree entirely. It's also how I view it myself. I find the data we're collecting on the anonymous poll interesting, but also entirely what I expected.

[RevNeal]

I'm sure you are interested RevNeal. However, I was taught it was bad manners to ask or discuss financial expenditures with others.

Dear Maureen,

Again, I'm not interested in asking you are any other SPECIFIC person to share what they spend with the board. One can, if they so desire, respond to the question by voting on the poll and that poll will remain totally anonymous. Or, one can choose to not participate at all ... my feelings are not hurt, one way or another.

I am sorry you interpret my question as being bad manners. Perhaps it was.

[RevNeal]

Given the source, I think this thread was started with the very best of intentions.

Thank you very much ... I appreciate that recognition, lack of negative expectation, and vote of confidence. :)

[RevNeal]

Somehow I knew that even a "lets be nice" plea from a man of the cloth at Thanksgiving time wouldn't mean much here............

Now, now ... John ... no need to say that. Some people mistook my canvass personally. I'm sorry that happened, but I'm sure those who misunderstood or took my question the wrong way didn't mean anything personal by it either.

[RevNeal]

Happy Sailing, Rev.


Blessing and Peace to you as well.

Thank you so much Sail. And, to you as well. I'm already counting the days for my next cruise ... this time on the Oosterdam. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control, it looks like I'm going to have to change my booking on the Veendam next year ... but that's not 100% certain yet.

[saltydog28]

Thank you so much Sail. And, to you as well. I'm already counting the days for my next cruise ... this time on the Oosterdam. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond my control, it looks like I'm going to have to change my booking on the Veendam next year ... but that's not 100% certain yet.


Oh...No... Are you refering to Nov.26? I was so looking forward to sailing with you. When will you be leaving on the Oosterdam? I love reading your reports.
Take care,
Pat.

[RevNeal]

Dear Pat,

Yes ... I mean the Nov 26, 2005 sailing of the Veendam. I'm currently booked on her, but I may have to change my booking due to a scheduling conflict that, if it comes to pass, I cannot otherwise resolve.

IF this happens, then I may book a b2b cruise on the Westerdam (Nov 6 & 13) East and West Caribbean, or a 10-day southern Caribbean on "my" Volendam (Nov 25). I'm leaning toward the Westerdam, as is Christopher and Mom. We'll see.

I'm bummed about probably not being able to make the Veendam, but my Bishop has asked me to hold myself available to preach the keynote sermon at the North Texas Clergy Advent retreat the first week of December, 2005. One doesn't tell the Bishop "no." :D

[RevNeal]

As for the Oosterdam, I'll be on her Feb 5, 2005, Cruise. Just a quickie!

[JohnR49er]

Hey Rev,

An anonymous poll on the internet being taken personally? Well I guess there is a first time for everything.

Too bad about your cancelled cruise. Everything happens for a reason.

[Krazy Kruizers]

RevNeal

So sorry to hear that you may not be able to make the Veendam next year.

We were looking forward to meeting you.

[RevNeal]

So sorry to hear that you may not be able to make the Veendam next year.

We were looking forward to meeting you.

Ditto ... however, given how often we all cruise I assume there will be many other opportunities in the future. :) For 2006 Christopher an I are looking at a european cruise -- Baltic or Med or Baltic to Med. I'd like to do another crossing, but that's not in the cards any time soon.

[saltydog28]

I'm bummed about probably not being able to make the Veendam, but my Bishop has asked me to hold myself available to preach the keynote sermon at the North Texas Clergy Advent retreat the first week of December, 2005. One doesn't tell the Bishop "no." :D[/QUOTE]


Isn't that an honor? Besides there are plenty of other cruises. And with Christopher and Mom along I'm sure which ever cruise is chosen, it will be a good one.
Take care,
Pat.

[RevNeal]

Isn't that an honor? Besides there are plenty of other cruises. And with Christopher and Mom along I'm sure which ever cruise is chosen, it will be a good one.

Yes, Pat, it IS a great honor. I'm not sure why this Bishop is offering it to me the opportunity, but it appears he is and I just cannot turn it down. And, yes, whichever cruise we chose for 2005 will be fun. GREAT fun.

[JohnR49er]

Of all the times to be honored...............

[ruthiegirl]

You ask how much Too Much! but worth it. My husband is also a minister I heard that some cruise lines offer passage for services rendered any truth to this? I would appreciate any info ypu might have. Thanks

[jhannah]

... my Bishop has asked me to hold myself available to preach the keynote sermon at the North Texas Clergy Advent retreat the first week of December, 2005.H-m-m-m, Might this be a precursor of a promotion to a larger congregation, or to a district office? :cool:

[RevNeal]

You ask how much Too Much! but worth it. My husband is also a minister I heard that some cruise lines offer passage for services rendered any truth to this? I would appreciate any info ypu might have. Thanks

Yes, they do. Or, at least, HAL does. On HAL clergy are considered Entertainment ... to get information, go to this webpage:

http://www.hollandamericaentertainment.com/enrichment.asp

The agent HAL uses for their clergy placements is:

Helen Kelly
Lectures International
PO Box 180830
Coronado, CA 92178
Ph: 619-423-3076
Fax: 619-423-3840

Hope that helps. :)

[RevNeal]

H-m-m-m, Might this be a precursor of a promotion to a larger congregation, or to a district office?

Probably not. I've been at my current appointment, now, for 4 years. It's been good, and I've got a lot more to do here. If the bishop were to move me in June of 05 it would not be a good move for this church or for me. And, to put it frankly, I cannot expect that I will be appointed much above where I am now. I'm single. Churches are, sadly, paranoid about single clergy. So ... when I DO move it will be to a church of roughly the same size as this one.

I'm not cut out for the District Superintendency. That's a big administrative NIGHTMARE, not something I would ever relish doing. I love teaching and preaching, not doing administrative work and calming the ruffled feathers of upset churches -- i.e., keeping them off the Bishop's back. Nor am I ever likely to be honored to put on the purple shirt of a Bishop. Being elected to the Episcopacy is a difficult, political process, and involves lobbying all over the Jurisdiction; I'm a low-grade personage when it comes to such things. Let me have a parish where I can enjoy my ministry, teach and preach, write and go on cruise vacations, and I'm happy. The "purple shirt" of the episcopacy is too much trouble and way too much work.

As for why the Bishop has asked me to preach at this retreat -- well, he just finished reading my latest book. Perhaps that has something to do with it??

[Slinkiecat]

I answered the poll, but have reservations about your thinking this kind of poll represents a cross-section of cruisers. Actually, when you consider how few people even answer roll calls (ours had no replies with a full ship going to Nassau, and four on a world cruise). No cross-section is going to be legitimate, but just for the purposes of your poll, I voted.

Now to qualify my vote, just because we chose a world cruise this year doesn't mean we are going to spend that kind of money every year. We just don't know.

Slinkie

[Grumpy1]

Probably not. I've been at my current appointment, now, for 4 years. It's been good, and I've got a lot more to do here. If the bishop were to move me in June of 05 it would not be a good move for this church or for me. And, to put it frankly, I cannot expect that I will be appointed much above where I am now. I'm single. Churches are, sadly, paranoid about single clergy. So ... when I DO move it will be to a church of roughly the same size as this one.

I'm not cut out for the District Superintendency. That's a big administrative NIGHTMARE, not something I would ever relish doing. I love teaching and preaching, not doing administrative work and calming the ruffled feathers of upset churches -- i.e., keeping them off the Bishop's back. Nor am I ever likely to be honored to put on the purple shirt of a Bishop. Being elected to the Episcopacy is a difficult, political process, and involves lobbying all over the Jurisdiction; I'm a low-grade personage when it comes to such things. Let me have a parish where I can enjoy my ministry, teach and preach, write and go on cruise vacations, and I'm happy. The "purple shirt" of the episcopacy is too much trouble and way too much work.

As for why the Bishop has asked me to preach at this retreat -- well, he just finished reading my latest book. Perhaps that has something to do with it??
My brother recently retired from the same demomination as you. He told about the time, years ago, when Clarence Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court and Anita Hill was making accusations about sexual harassment. My brother told his church secretary that if he had ever done anything that offended her, he would appreciate it if she would tell him and not wait to bring it up when he was nominated for Bishop. Her reply was "Oh, you don't have to worry about that". It took awhile before he realized that she was referring to the nomination to Bishop and not to any offense toward her.:D Turns out, she was right.:)

Grumpy

[RuthC]

On HAL clergy are considered EntertainmentO.K. Now that's funny.
(No offence.)

[RevNeal]

None taken. I thought it was funny too. :D

[lknick]

If the assumption is a 7 day Caribbean or Alaska cruise, I would say $3K to $7K. If the assumption is the maximum amount ever paid, I would say $K27. Now which is it?

[RevNeal]

Re-read the question, for it is clear:

"How much do you spend, per-person, on cruising per-year?"

Be it 1 cruise or 25 cruises ... the question is NOT how much do you spend on A cruise but, rather, how much do you spend on cruising PER-YEAR.

For example: in the year 2000 I cruised twice and, between those two cruises I spent about $3000 pp. Had I cruised three times the total would have been higher.

In other words ... I don't assume any length of cruise. It could be one 7-day cruise, or three 10-day cruises, or one 100-day cruise. That's beside the point. Just how much do spend, on average, any any given year (or in a specific year, if you prefer) cruising.

[cruisinjudy]

Lknick, you do need to read again what the poll asks. It is how much per year. Of course years may vary, but it doesn't matter how long the cruise is or how many cruises in this poll. That wasn't the question!

[lknick]

OK, you got me. I goofed.

Now, what's the significance of this?

[RevNeal]

Now, what's the significance of this?

The significance will vary from person to person. I will tell you what the significance was FOR ME.

In tabulating how much I spent on cruises in a given year (specifically, 2002), I was surprised at the total, and this sparked in me a further realization of how much I am blessed to be able to take that much money and spend it on cruise-vacations. In other words, it enhanced my appreciation for all that I've received.

As for the significance of the results of the poll? I could care less. Other than to glance at the distribution of results, I've not paid any attention to it because, for me, the significance is in the QUESTION. The question was simply an interesting one FOR ME to consider, and being a generous type of guy I decided to offer the question for OTHERS to consider FOR THEMSELVES. Had there been a way to post the question to the board without allowing any responses at all, I might have done that instead. Given how some people (whom I thought were friends) seem to mistrust my motives in asking the question, that might have been the more prudent course (if it had been possible). As it is, one might say that I've learned several things from the KINDS of responses I've received: particularly, I've discovered those with whom I wish to cruise and, as important, those whom I'd rather not meet in the dark on the Sky Deck. :o

[JohnR49er]

Ah, so there was a hidden agenda...... sorting out future cruise mates.................... LOL

[sail7seas]

As for the significance of the results of the poll? I could care less. Other than to glance at the distribution of results, I've not paid any attention to it because, for me, the significance is in the QUESTION. The question was simply an interesting one FOR ME to consider, and being a generous type of guy I decided to offer the question for OTHERS to consider FOR THEMSELVES. Had there been a way to post the question to the board without allowing any responses at all, I might have done that instead. Given how some people (whom I thought were friends) seem to mistrust my motives in asking the question, that might have been the more prudent course (if it had been possible). As it is, one might say that I've learned several things from the KINDS of responses I've received: particularly, I've discovered those with whom I wish to cruise and, as important, those whom I'd rather not meet in the dark on the Sky Deck. :o



I was not going to respond to your last post, Rev, but it bothered me a bit and want to be sure I understand it properly. You know.....one of those cases when the written word here does not always reflect exactly what the poster meant or the way they meant it. :)

[JohnR49er]

I've gone round and round with you for years Sail........ But I'd still like to bump into you and Bob sometime on a dam ship.

[sail7seas]

It would be my pleasure, John. I am very sure we would enjoy your company. :)

BTW....;) Of those who know him well, very few call him "Bob". :) That isn't his name.

[RevNeal]

Ah, so there was a hidden agenda...... sorting out future cruise mates.................... LOL


LOL ... well ... call that an unintentional consequence. :D

[RevNeal]

I was not going to respond to your last post, Rev, but it bothered me a bit and want to be sure I understand it properly. You know.....one of those cases when the written word here does not always reflect exactly what the poster meant or the way they meant it.

Sail, your response was a surprise but you didn't send me a self-righteous vicious E-mail castigating me for posting the poll.

The one who did knows about whom I am writing. I don't hold grudges -- they're too expensive -- I'm just sorry they felt the need to shoot such an e-mail at me.

As for you, and most others, I look forward to the day when I get to "bump" into you and yours on a dam ship. I won't even ask you how much you paid for you super-deluxe suite.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for explaining, Rev. :) It would have been easy for me to 'jump to conclusions' and I did not want to do that. I would never have sent a nasty e-mail .....not my style at all!!

I'm glad I asked. Thanks for responding.

Rev....I would be delighted to bump into you on any 'dam' ship and hope you would honor us by having a drink (or two :)) on our ultra-delux 'dam' balcony. ;) But I won't be telling you what we paid for it. :D

[~Nereus~]

I wish I could add my two cents, but that would put me over budget...

There is not much difference in asking "how often do you cruise?" and "how much do you spend on cruising"

If you don't like the question... there are other topics to flame..

Like Judy I'm addicted... 6 or 7 cruises a year... and still not sated... The difference about this addiction.. unlike tobacco, alcohol or sex... it's unlikely to kill you :D

Simple math... 10+10+14+10+10+10+15=79 days at a minimum of $100 per day * 2 plus travel expenses... gives a pretty good idea of minimum expenditure per year.. So if you then go for balconies and suites I can pretty well figure out how much this addiction costs other people...

[JohnR49er]

Sorry Sail,
I must have been given the wrong information. I had mentioned to D.J. in the Neptune that I knew Miss Judy Maasdam. She said oh yes Judy and Bob, you are in one of their favorite suites.Thats what I get for assuming. Well you and "whatever" his name is have a Great Thanksgiving.

[lknick]

The significance will vary from person to person. I will tell you what the significance was FOR ME. As it is, one might say that I've learned several things from the KINDS of responses I've received: particularly, I've discovered those with whom I wish to cruise and, as important, those whom I'd rather not meet in the dark on the Sky Deck.Rev, you've jumped to conclusions here. My question had to do with the significance of 3 hours after you pointed out my error another poster just had to yell 'gotcha.'

[RevNeal]

Rev, you've jumped to conclusions here. My question had to do with the significance of 3 hours after you pointed out my error another poster just had to yell 'gotcha.'

Gosh, I'm sorry. How was I supposed to know that from what you wrote and when/where you wrote it? You wrote:

OK, you got me. I goofed.

This was directed to me ... right? I mean, it followed my post (with only one intervening post that simply echoed what I wrote) pointing out the specificity of my original poll-question. Immediately after saying this, you then wrote (in the same post):

Now, what's the significance of this?

What does the word "this" reference in the above sentence? Given the prior statement, the logical referent would appear to be the significance of my original poll-question.

If you were writing to/about someone else, then I'm sorry. But, you gave no other indication that your post was written to anyone other than me (I had just answered your question). Hence, while a jump it might have been ... it was a very TINY one. :)

[lknick]

Rev, a while ago you became upset with me when I misconstrued one of your posts. Your argument was I should have known as we have both been on the board for a while.

Why am I not entitled to the same consideration?

[RevNeal]

lknick, I never said otherwise. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[~Nereus~]

I am amazed that as many people spend the max as the minimum...

[RevNeal]

I am amazed that as many people spend the max as the minimum...

... and all of the distribution in-between.

I'm not in the least bit surprised. What this demonstrates is precisely what I expected. At least on this board, of those who wished to respond, we see that there is a VERY BROAD diversity of people who enjoy cruising as a form of vacation travel. This shouldn't be much of a surprise, given the kinds of people I've had the joy of meeting while on cruises. We are a VERY diverse crowd. We come from all over the planet, from every ethnicity, from every socio-economic, religious, and political grouping one can imagine. And this is a GOOD thing. Not only does cruising introduce us to new countries and peoples in the ports we visit, it also introduces us to people of every possible kind imaginable at our dinner tables, lunch tables, beside the pool, and next to us at the bar.

I love it.

[tommy]

Too Much but we cant help ourselves. TOM7deb

[HeatherInFlorida]

I honestly don't mean to "beat a dead horse", but I only just got the opportunity to read some of last week's postings on this thread and I really am confused.

I could be wrong, but it always seems to be the same people who question the reason for a poll or a subject or a comment. And it's usually done in a chastising and demeaning manner. I've been asked to explain myself more than once and I always wonder why. And when I'm stupid enough to try to offer an explanation, I am then told I'm on the defensive. HellOOOOoo.....:o

I still believe that everyone has a right to post whatever question, issue, poll they wish and everyone else has the right to answer or simply move past and on to subjects they find more palatable or interesting to their individual tastes.

And I really don't think any of us need to explain why we found a subject interesting enough to post.

[tommy]

Heather,Couldnt agree more.Its just a poll if you dont like it dont participate.I have also noticed a couple who if you dont agree with them they come back with a demeaning reply or question your honesty. TOM

[Cruiseoften]

Ok ... since we're "talking turkey" these days ....

How much do you spend, per-person, on cruising per-year?

Please include cruise fare, taxes and port fees, travel insurance, shipboard expenses, airfare, hotel and transfer costs
Please do NOT include luggage, pre-cruise purchased clothing, medications, etc


The Poll is anonymous, so feel free to be honest. If you want to post particulars on the thread, also feel free to do so ... but please don't feel compelled. I'm just curious as to average ball-park figures.

Can't believe that several people went into detail as to number of cruises, cabin class, how they fly, where they stay, etc. etc.- the question was so simple.

I've come to the conclusion that there are people who like to see their name in print and add to their number of postings.

For goodness sake, if you don't like the question, don't respond to it! I responded. Our cost per year is relatively high because we live in Canada and air fares cost a bundle. We travel in the winter months and always fly to the departure port a day early so require hotel accommodation which ups our cost but takes care of the fact that we may be snowed in and miss some if not all of our hard earned vacation.

Its good that new cruisers may well have been enlightened as to the 'actual/real' cost of a cruise. Too often the 'all inclusive' tag is taken too literally. TA's are blamed for not explaining things - but if you don't ask questions you won't get answers and you can't ask questions if you don't read the fine print!!!

Today we appreciate the TA who booked our first cruise - we thought him a real pain at that time - he insisted we read the fine print before he made the booking - he's still our TA! We save and budget for our cruises.

Just MHO!

[tlmlb]

We are a VERY diverse crowd. We come from all over the planet, from every ethnicity, from every socio-economic, religious, and political grouping one can imagine.

Maybe in your imagination the group is diverse......don't think so....

[Kiwi Kruzer]

I've come to the conclusion that there are people who like to see their name in print and add to their number of postings.



What a load of nonsense


I am coming up to cruise No 30
and have never heard such crap as on this thread.......

On any cruise ,there will be folk who will book the Penthouse Suite,
and will be invited to dine at the Captains Table every night.
Others who love cruising,will book an inside cabin and share with 4 ,on the lowest deck ,and enjoy all the ship has to offer.

One gets what one pays for,,,,,,,

What I enjoy about cruising, is that that through the day ,we all get the chance to mingle ,relax,and enjoy......

A cruise ship is a microcopism of life.

[RevNeal]

Maybe in your imagination the group is diverse......don't think so....

Yes, those who cruise make up a very diverse group of people. In terms of geographical distribution, economic means, ethnicity, employment, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age, political affiliation, and many other factors, it's absolutely a diverse group.

I've sat at dinner tables with 3 other couples coming from 3 different countries. I've sat at dinner tables with a Jewish Rabbi and his wife, a Japanese couple, a gay couple, and an African American couple. I've eaten dinner with a school teacher on my left who came from the middle of Iowa and earned just shy of $27,500 a year, and on my right a New York-based CEO of a major corporation who made several million dollars a year. I've enjoyed meals with movie stars (Olivia De Havilland) and politicians (a US Senator), trash collectors from Seattle and construction workers from Florida (all at the same table). I've danced with retired hair dressers and retired nurses, widows of bankers and of candle stick makers (so to speak). I've been on shore excursions with Veterans of WWII -- from BOTH sides of the conflict -- and with peace activists and hawks alike. I've enjoyed conversation over drinks in a lounge with a writer, a zoo keeper, a travel agent, a house wife, and a bartender. I've sat at the Blackjack table and chatted with Brits, French, Poles, Germans, Russians Italians, Jews, Arabs, Asians, Africans (Northern and Sub-Saharan), Brazilians, Australians, Canadians, and Dutch.

Yes, those who enjoy cruising area a diverse lot.

[JohnR49er]

Well my spelling is terrible , but would that make us all a part of a microcasm?:rolleyes:

[DoctorFeelgood]

it's the airport parking that kills me.:eek:

[bank1]

I don't think a cruise is a microcosm of life at all. I think cruising cuts out a lot of people in the lower end of the income scale, single parents etc.. Inner city urban people and people involved in drugs and gangs tend to stay off of cruises (at least I've never met anyone who was a gang type person on a cruise - darn, maybe I'm just missing the best ones).

Most people I've met have been (please forgive me if I don't know the correct words) have been like your regular kinda slightly above average people. Society in general usually has more extremes at both ends of the spectrum.

I also misread the question (hate when that happens) and answered per cruise, not per year.

Someone had mentioned that this exercise was interesting....it was for me because I never really realized what all of the costs add up to. I mentally took the cost of a cruise as the cost paid to the cruise line, and on a good day when 2 brain cells were working, I would add the flights as well.

banker

[HeatherInFlorida]

For some poor sad creatures like sad little me, the per cruise cost is the per year cost:( ............

[tlmlb]

I don't think a cruise is a microcosm of life at all. I think cruising cuts out a lot of people in the lower end of the income scale, single parents etc.. banker

My point exactly; pretty much a white bread crowd from middle to upper middle income. People who want to take their "home" with them types. Not travelers.

[DrivesLikeMario]

We have a family of four, do about 2-3 cruises a year and spend about $26,000 annually for everything - flights, cruise, shipboard expenses, shore excursions, limos to/from port & airports, etc. As you can see, vacations are our priority!

[Swice]

Rather than being crammed into one cabin, we usually split into two (cheaper) cabins so we have two showers, storage space, tv's, etc.

[bank1]

storage space being the big one! You just can't fit clothes (and my wife's shoes) for 4 people into one closet and a couple of drawers!! Our kids are 6 and 7 and too young for their own cabin, but we can't wait until they're old enough

banker

[RevNeal]

My point exactly; pretty much a white bread crowd from middle to upper middle income. People who want to take their "home" with them types. Not travelers.

Yeesh, how does one respond to a statement like this??

"White bread"???

You DO know the racial connotations of that term, don't you?

[bank1]

What did that person mean? What is the racial connotation of that term (well, I guess you can't spell it out but just an idea of what it means) - I haven't heard it before.

It somehow doesn't sound like a nice thing to say........and if it meant what I think it might mean, then that is not what I meant to say. I simply meant that I've never encountered the extreme's on a ship, ususally a good chunk of mainstream society, which includes all types of people.

banker

PS - revneal, my picture looks better than yours - haha!

[tlmlb]

Yeesh, how does one respond to a statement like this??

"White bread"???

You DO know the racial connotations of that term, don't you?


Why is it racial?? Because it is an expression containing the word white? You are off base and its frankly insulting to play the race card.

The expression was used to describe the homogeneous nature of the crowd that cruises to emphasize the fact you probably won't find anyone or anything remotely exotic, edgy or that interesting. Face it, it is not a world micocosm.

Here is a definition...

white bread adj 1. bland, uninspired, boring, or insipid. Especially used to describe "middle-American" mores, people, etc. Derogatory description of things that are naively wholesome, suburban, and middle class.

[RevNeal]

Why is it racial?? Because it is an expression containing the word white? You are off base and its frankly insulting to play the race card.

"white-bread" used as an idiom: "adj : of or belonging to or representative of the white middle class; "white-bread America"; "a white-bread college student""

This is a racial-pejorative term, often used in a derogatory fashion for a member of a certain ethnic group. By your own admission, you meant it in a negative fashion, though perhaps not in it's racially-charged idiomatic sense. Note: I'm not playing a race card, simply drawing your attention to your use of idiom. If you don't want to be misunderstood, it might behoove you to be careful of your use of idiom.

The expression was used to describe the homogeneous nature of the crowd that cruises to emphasize the fact you probably won't find anyone or anything remotely exotic, edgy or that interesting. Face it, it is not a world micocosm.

Sorry, but I disagree. See my post from December 9th for a short, incomplete catalog of some of the different people, from different walks of life, nations, cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups which I have met on Cruises. Are the people I've met "exotic, edgy or that interesting"? Hmmmm ... that all depends upon what one considers "exotic," "edgy," or "interesting." I've met a lot of "ordinary" people on cruises, but I've also met a lot of interesting, unusual, and perhaps even "exotic" people on Cruises. Indeed, some have said that I fit that description! :)

Here is a definition...

white bread adj 1. bland, uninspired, boring, or insipid. Especially used to describe "middle-American" mores, people, etc. Derogatory description of things that are naively wholesome, suburban, and middle class.

Gee ... you're not helping yourself any. Do you think it's winsome to sling around such derogatory terms, or are you trying to antagonize your cruising readers?

[RevNeal]

I simply meant that I've never encountered the extreme's on a ship, ususally a good chunk of mainstream society, which includes all types of people.

I would agree that most passengers reflect a "good chunk of mainstream society," though I would rather say that it's something of a cross-section of society. While the cross-section is heavily weighted toward "mainstream people," it is nevertheless also true that there are people who are decided outside the "mainstream" of society. That is ... unless you consider gay, lesbian, and transgendered couples as being a part of "mainstream," or people from the Hollywood set, or people from the "Hallowed Halls of Government," or minor-league (and sometimes not so minor league) Royalty, foreign dignitaries, retired US Presidents, or the cofounder of Microsoft. Are all of these part of society's "Mainstream?" I'd like it if some of them were, but given the prejudices and attitudes of our culture, that's simply not the case.

Looking to the other "extreme," you do sometimes run into people who come from a cultural and socioeconomic background that one would not readily identify as being part of the "cruising set" -- like the 25 year old single mother with a 7 year old boy who works as a telephone receptionist for a law firm.

PS - revneal, my picture looks better than yours - haha!

LOL ... you might want to investigate your options with a dermatologist. :eek:

[tlmlb]

Sorry, but I disagree. See my post from December 9th for a short, incomplete catalog of some of the different people, from different walks of life, nations, cultures, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups which I have met on Cruises. Are the people I've met "exotic, edgy or that interesting"? Hmmmm ... that all depends upon what one considers "exotic," "edgy," or "interesting." I've met a lot of "ordinary" people on cruises, but I've also met a lot of interesting, unusual, and perhaps even "exotic" people on Cruises. Indeed, some have said that I fit that description! :)



Gee ... you're not helping yourself any. Do you think it's winsome to sling around such derogatory terms, or are you trying to antagonize your cruising readers?

Only trying to antagonize you :) The term is derogatory in that it describes limits to your opinion. And frankly, you are not very tolerant when someone disagrees.

Cruising, while amusing, is not condusive to experiencing a microcosm of the world as some here claim they have experienced. Perhaps those think that are very sheltered and should consider graduating from cruising to real travel. Perhaps my post should be considered antagonistic to those who preach that cruising is the end all multi-cultural experience. Face it, it is akin to taking the RV out to the campground at the lake rather than backpacking the Sierra Nevada.

btw, charming in a naive childlike manner?? ....no, that certainly doesn't fit your accusation. Come on, winsome one

[RevNeal]

Only trying to antagonize you :) The term is derogatory in that it describes limits to your opinion. And frankly, you are not very tolerant when someone disagrees.

Perhaps you're right. Generally, however, I'm usually only intolerant of people who behave intolerably. :D

If you wish to consider those who cruise to be a homogeneous group of like-minded, undifferentiated people, reflecting a narrow sliver of national, cultural, social, economic, ethnic, religious, and political persuasions -- a dull and uninteresting lot -- then you're more than welcome to your opinion. I simply don't share it because it doesn't match my experience. Perhaps I'm provincial?

Cruising, while amusing, is not condusive to experiencing a microcosm of the world as some here claim they have experienced. Perhaps those think that are very sheltered and should consider graduating from cruising to real travel.

Interesting. When did we shift from talking about the make-up of passenger compliment to the value of cruising as a method of "real travel," or of "experiencing a microcosm of the world"? If that is what you've been talking about, then I'm sorry that I misunderstood your earlier remarks. Cruising can be a nice way of taking tiny little samples of ports and the surrounding regions, seeing a few cultural, historic, and natural sites in the process. It's "hit-and-run tourism." This is even true even for the "off the beaten path" exploration cruises, like my Antarctic cruise on the Marco Polo, which was far more "feet-on-the-ground" exploration, with zodiac excursions, etc., than the other cruises/excursions I've taken.

Would you like to share what you consider to be "real travel"?

[bank1]

[QUOTE]- revneal:
LOL ... you might want to investigate your options with a dermatologist. :eek:


My determotologist gave me some bad news on my skin condition and I had to use the blue lightening stuff, and besides, I had foreseen it........

banker

[RevNeal]

My determotologist gave me some bad news on my skin condition and I had to use the blue lightening stuff, and besides, I had foreseen it.

LOL :D

[Vicar]

I have to admit that I never thought of the term white bread as a racial term. I just thought it meant kind of bland or average , nothing exciting.

Like the diffrence between Wonder bread and a French Bagutte. Some people like a ham sandwich on wonder bread, some people like Champagne and caviar.

Some people just have simple ordinary tastes, and that is not a bad thing its just the way they are.

I just always thought the term "white" in this instance referred to the bread , and not a persons skin color. Thats just my take on it

[glrounds]

I have to admit that I never thought of the term white bread as a racial term. I just thought it meant kind of bland or average , nothing exciting.

Like the diffrence between Wonder bread and a French Bagutte. Some people like a ham sandwich on wonder bread, some people like Champagne and caviar.

Some people just have simple ordinary tastes, and that is not a bad thing its just the way they are.

I just always thought the term "white" in this instance referred to the bread , and not a persons skin color. Thats just my take on itThis quote says it all for me. Precisely the meaning I got from the statement also. There's Wonder Bread (white bread made for the masses) or a specialty bread for twice or thrice the price. :D

I would also agree with RevNeal that a span of movie star, thru construction worker to the lowly politician :D also represents a wide socioeconomic swath. However, when a weeks vacation costs, at least, $700 to $1000 per person this precludes the inclusion of a large segment of our society. So, I wouldn't agree with "microcosm" at all.

Interesting that "gangs" were mentioned. At the airport bar watching a Lakers basketball game over a year ago, awaiting my flight to Orlando to board the GLORY, I noticed 2 Asian-Americans sitting across the aisle from me, drinking their beer and gleefully going over there HAL documents. As they were dressed in their "beachcomber" shorts with thongs for footwear, I could easily distinguish the gang "tats" on the calves of their legs. The 22nd street gang, one of the most notorious and brutal Vietnamese gangs in Orange County. Heeding my son's advice I was careful not to make eye contact with them, but couldn't help but feel a smile come across my face as I conjured up a dinner setting with them seated with S7S, Peaches, and RevNeal. You had to be there . . . . :D

Now, that would be a microcosm. :)

[RevNeal]

I have to admit that I never thought of the term white bread as a racial term.

What about "white-cracker"?

[RevNeal]

However, when a weeks vacation costs, at least, $700 to $1000 per person this precludes the inclusion of a large segment of our society.

Check the Carnival Triumph, departing out of Miami, on November 26, 2005. A couple of days before New Years my brother booked it (against my advice, but he likes a "party atmosphere," wet t-shirt contests and the like). It's costing him:

$589.87 including Taxes and port fees.

My brother installs Home security systems; his girlfriend is a waitress at a restaurant. They're saving for this cruise ... $75 a month, each ... between now and September 12th, when they will make their final payments. Between that, and other minor savings over the next several months, they should have enough left over by sailing date to pay their on-board expenses and have a little bit of spending money for the ports.

Does that widen the spectrum of cruisers any further?

[RevNeal]

Interesting that "gangs" were mentioned. At the airport bar watching a Lakers basketball game over a year ago, awaiting my flight to Orlando to board the GLORY, I noticed 2 Asian-Americans sitting across the aisle from me, drinking their beer and gleefully going over there HAL documents. As they were dressed in their "beachcomber" shorts with thongs for footwear, I could easily distinguish the gang "tats" on the calves of their legs. The 22nd street gang, one of the most notorious and brutal Vietnamese gangs in Orange County. Heeding my son's advice I was careful not to make eye contact with them, but couldn't help but feel a smile come across my face as I conjured up a dinner setting with them seated with S7S, Peaches, and RevNeal. You had to be there .

FOFLMHO ... imagine THAT!

My point, all along, is that many people (myself included) have some rather pervasive stereotypes as to the kinds of people who take cruises. Those stereotypes are WRONG. Those who choose cruise vacations (at last once in their life) come from a far greater spectrum of our society than many expect. You've illustrated it; my brother and his girl friend taking a cruise illustrate it; the auto-mechanic member of my church who took his wife on a Princess Cruise for their 10th anniversary last year also illustrate it. It's NOT just middle/upper-middle/wealthy white people from the east-coast/ivy league or west-coast/ritz districts, who cruise. It's not just the white-collared, highly-educated, cotillion-bread, older-than-average people who board cruise ships these days. It's a very diverse group; NOT all-inclusive, mind you -- I never said that -- but diverse nevertheless.

[tlmlb]

What about "white-cracker"?

That is a very different term from white bread. Now you are not helping yourself.


You asked for examples of real travel.... you can do it anywhere....

Here are a couple of anecdotal characteristics: local rather than tourist oriented lodging (a small pensione rather than the hilton), going to a restaurant where you think you know what you have ordered (based on that high school or Berlitz course) and when it shows up it surprises you, using public transportation (perhaps simply asking a local for directions) rather than a packaged tour, actually spending your travel dollars locally at the destination (Mexico has done a study and raised port charges due to the fact not enough dollars are being spent by cruise passengers).

Just can't really do it on a cruise effectively, time in port usually does not permit it....and many cruisers don't even try. In fact, look at the fear many people have in getting off the ship in a different culture. For example, I can't believe the people who are terrified of getting off the ship in various ports.

Cruising by its nature is very limiting in the range of guests they attrract and the "travel" experience they provide. I am not saying its not nice but don't limit one's world by thinking its the entire apple.

[Tatka]

I don't have amount of money set for particular year.

In 2003 I cruised once with my son..so it was only 2 people from my family.

In 2004 we cruised twice. Once my DH and I and second time all three of us.

In 2005 it will probably be only 1 cruise , but for 3 of us..So there is no way I can give you an average.

I can say only one thing for sure... We are trying to book lowest posible category (except guarantee as I still want to avoid noisy spots).

We also usually don't stay pre- or after- cruise, as I have very limited vacation time.


So this year we spent between $7,000 and 8,000 on our 2 cruises..can't average it as it was 2 people and then 3 people..also tours on our Med cruise
were more expensive than cruisefare itself.

Next year it will be around $900 per person.

[RevNeal]

That is a very different term from white bread. Now you are not helping yourself.

Actually, it's NOT that much different from "white bread." The two terms are becoming interchangeable among various youth today to describe European Americans ... at least, that's how I've heard it used when it's been used about and at ME.

Here are a couple of anecdotal characteristics: local rather than tourist oriented lodging (a small pensione rather than the hilton), going to a restaurant where you think you know what you have ordered (based on that high school or Berlitz course) and when it shows up it surprises you, using public transportation (perhaps simply asking a local for directions) rather than a packaged tour, actually spending your travel dollars locally at the destination

I've done that a bunch of times ... in Europe, particularly. In the past I've taken a cruise which allowed me to sample a port of two of a country; then, a few months or a year later, I've gone back to that country and stayed a week or so. In short, it is possible to use cruises like "samplings," which can be followed up later by more extensive stays. Additionally, when you combine a cruise with an on-shore extended stay -- as in, cruising around New Zealand, followed by self-directed tours and guided tours on land -- you can maximize how much you sample and see in a limited amount of time. In Hawaii, we sampled the islands with a HAL cruise; then, based upon what we learned and what we saw on shore-excursions, we planned a land-based return visit.

Just can't really do it on a cruise effectively, time in port usually does not permit it....and many cruisers don't even try. In fact, look at the fear many people have in getting off the ship in a different culture. For example, I can't believe the people who are terrified of getting off the ship in various ports.

Agreed. Never said otherwise.

Cruising by its nature is very limiting in the range of guests they attrract and the "travel" experience they provide. I am not saying its not nice but don't limit one's world by thinking its the entire apple.

I don't see anyone here saying it's the "entire apple." What I'm objecting to is your continual assertion that the "range of guests" that are attracted to cruising is "very" limited. While that was almost certainly true 25 years ago, it is significantly LESS true today. You DO meet people from all sorts of places and many many different walks of life on cruises, including folk who might not travel otherwise; that -- in and of itself -- can be an eye-opener to some people. Indeed, in some ways cruising is becoming a way by which folk, who otherwise would not or could not travel, actually DO get to get their toes wet in other countries and among other peoples. After all, the safety zone the ship provides a bit of security for those who might otherwise be afraid of venturing out of their homeland. Once they've done it, however, they sometimes discover an interest in learning more and actually spending time in one of the countries they've just "sampled" by ship.

In short, please don't pooh-pooh cruise travel with an arrogant "it's not real travel" attitude simply because you've outgrown the experience as a way of seeing new things. There are many people who have NEVER traveled before, or who would probably NOT travel, or who physically cannot easily travel and see the world, who find it a viable way of "getting started," or of actually getting to see a few things.

[CanadianMAG]

Geez, I am on another forum its a Bridal one, and have found myself coming here more lately. For one reason: People ruining a thread and getting way off topic, and ruining the enjoyment for others.

How the heck did this thread turn into the colour of ones skin, and their income levels?? I thought the bridal forum was bad because its 100s of girls in one place (always a bad thing! :D :eek: ) all planning a wedding and all stressed out! I am not sure what excuse I can make for this place. Its just unfortunate that an interesting thread can turn out to be off track and people going back and forth trying to make their point.

Now the topic is HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND ON CRUISING:

We are spending we are spening $5000 for this cruise not including excursion or spending money. We normally spend this yearly depending on the vacation we selected. This year it happens to be our honeymoon but still the same amount of money we would normally spend.

[RevNeal]

Now the topic is HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND ON CRUISING

You know something ... you're absolutely right! I'm the original poster of this thread, so I should know! You're RIGHT.

Let's get back on topic.

Thanks!

[bank1]

okay, on that note, I did some math (that doesn't come easily to me). Last year was 3 cruises, with wifey, and the 2 monkeys. So the cost of the cruises, plus hotels usually 3 or 4 nts average on each cruise, plus 2 car rentals, flights, shipboard bill (excusrions), and regular spending money (regular = not including "get out of the doghouse free points" jewellery (bling bling) for my wife, and casino contributions) came to about $28,000. This year we have 2 booked and probably another so will be about the same.
Oh, and I don't know if this is relevant to revneal's original post but that was in USD and the approximate exchange rate on an annualized basis was 1.30. So we spent about 36,000 dollars for 4 of us.

The question was for a person rate, but our kids paid the 3/4th rate in each case because they always stay in our suite, so if you take their rate combined rate as roughly 30% of the total cost then the per person adult rate spent is 12,500 per year......phew

banker

[General Max]

We are spending $3850.75 per person for the October 22, 2005 transatlantic cruise on the Westerdam. This is for a 15 night cruise and the booking is for a category "S" suite. Airfare was an additional $1199.50 for two people.

Cheers

General Max

[jerfl]

$3,000 per annum inclusive (very, very inclusive) is my annual cruise budget for as much as that will buy for a 58 year old single cruiser who gladly accepted an early retirement buy out in 1997 and fled to Florida from commute grind and winter weather of NJ/NY.

I can usually take at least one min 7 Day and one min 10 Day cruise on that amount. Two cruises a year is the bare minimun to preserve GOOD Mental Health and Attitude.

To do this requires extensive and continual research (which I am always doing as I am now a Revenue/Reservations manager in a 200 room Hotel in Florida).

Along with the research, I live within a budget and do weigh my wants to my actual needs (two vastly different things I never thought much about before)to insure the Cruise Account is always being added to.

One also has to always keep in the back of their mind the escalating cost of medical care and medications for the future, but still try and enjoy all that life has to offer while one still has one's health. That was the real reason I accepted the buyout.

One does not make the salary in Florida like in New York, but life is much slower and less stressful and your needs are different. Less disposible income actually drives my creativity in living more than when I had a higher level of income, if that makes sense.

Making that $3,000 really stretch has become alot of fun !

[RuthC]

...but since you've been registered on this board for less than a month,...
Make that less than a week, Jim! He (she?) registered 2/13. True, could have been a lurker for longer, but then would/should have known Greg better than that.

[RuffinReady]

Cruising by its nature is very limiting in the range of guests they attrract and the "travel" experience they provide. I am not saying its not nice but don't limit one's world by thinking its the entire apple.

I agree, however it does let you sample a whole range of places to help you make a decision of where to return for a real visit.

Ruffin

[heyabbott]

To the poster who said no one would pay $300 a day/ suite let me say that my wife and I did pay $1000/day, plus. But not on a cruise. For a $1000.00/day you get privacy, luxury and personal service. (those were the days, before private school tuition)
You're suite is on the beach. You're neighbors are not nearby. You wake up to the sea hitting the beach. There is never a need to save a lounge chair. Where ever you want to sit, beach side, pool side, bar, your seat is always there. Where the waiters wander the beach and pass out iced beverages and take your order to be delivered to your spot.

The menu is only as limited as your imagination. The buffet is a cavier bar, followed by a raw bar follwed by grilled lobster tails, and porterhouse and baby lamb chops.

There are many places, for a price, where you are pampered beyond expectations.

For those that love to cruise and can afford it, you can charter your own yacht, sail or motor, with or without a crew.

So yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and he starts at $10K/week, plus expenses.

[RuffinReady]

To the poster who said no one would pay $300 a day/ suite let me say that my wife and I did pay $1000/day, plus. But not on a cruise. For a $1000.00/day you get privacy, luxury and personal service. (those were the days, before private school tuition)
You're suite is on the beach. You're neighbors are not nearby. You wake up to the sea hitting the beach. There is never a need to save a lounge chair. Where ever you want to sit, beach side, pool side, bar, your seat is always there. Where the waiters wander the beach and pass out iced beverages and take your order to be delivered to your spot.

heyabbott,

I don't swim or like to sit around all day in the sun. The last place I want to be is at a beach. I do want to travel in luxury with good food, privacy and personal service so that equates to a HAL cruise ship. Enjoy your beach, but as far as I am concerned you can't beat a cruise.

Ruffin

[tlmlb]

Revneal is always looking for an argument he is the most argumentative poster I have seen on CC so of course tlmlb gets into an argumnet.

Frankly, I think this post/poll is insulting, just as insulting and offensive as revneals previous religion poll. Revneal posts these polls as trolls so that he can benefit from the results and get personal gratification from the arguments that he starts. Juvenile IMO, you will not see me participating in these polls again.

Agreed. Thanks for the astute observation.

[caxxandra]

I'm spending approx. 7700 on this cruise.

But I live in Sweden and could not get it at a lower price with the schedule I put together.

This is not something I really can afford, but it started out with a really low price and went up and up...

So every penny saved, stop smoking and so on....

I dont even own a car but I'll gladly pay for this cruise...
Memory of a lifetime.
First cruise and all...

Have a good cruising everyone!

/sandra

[kryos]

I dont even own a car but I'll gladly pay for this cruise...
Memory of a lifetime.

LOL ... you sound just like me. I don't own a car either. I live in the city of Philadelphia ... very good 24/7 public transportation ... and I find that the substantial money I save by not having a car/driving allows me to enjoy some things that others at my income level can't. Those things include cruising.

I've spent about $5,000 this year on cruising ... 2 cruises, one to the Caribbean and an upcoming one to Hawaii. I'll spend about the same in 2006 on a 30-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise. Of course, since I travel solo, I do get hit for a single supplement, which drives my costs up. However, on next year's cruise I'm gonna try HAL's guaranteed share program and hope for the best. I just can't afford that cruise with the hefty single supplement it carries. $5,000 is really my absolute maximum vacation budget per year.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[MTM]

Since my husband and I like to cruise twice a year, we are always looking for true bargains....before finding out about the Auction website, we paid over $700per person per cruise, not including airfare...since then, we have not paid over $500 for 7 nite cruises, these were aboard Celebrity and Carnival and Royal Caribbean....we have gotten smarter and are saving a bundle..have one booked for Sept already and we paid $998 aboard Holland .Are looking for one in May now, but I'm sure with the prices higher for the summer months, we will really be doing some hard shopping, and Bidding....

[zdude]

Just came here since I saw a response to my post. Interesting that I no longer even see my original post and the reply from jhannah. Mysteriously deleted?

[sueb]

I did not know about Cruise Auction Sites. Can you tell us about it?

[NotADude]

My estimate was $4,200. a year ... That is also based on 3 cruises a year. I have been lucky enough to find very cheap cruises at times. I don't see that happening too much in the past year or so.

- Terry

[JT3]

I go once a year and I guess I spend about 3500 pp.I feel really guilty about it now but its amazing how when I step aboard after about 10 minutes I realize it was the best spent money of the year.

[Classynfun1]

LOL ... you sound just like me. I don't own a car either. I live in the city of Philadelphia ... very good 24/7 public transportation ... and I find that the substantial money I save by not having a car/driving allows me to enjoy some things that others at my income level can't. Those things include cruising.

I've spent about $5,000 this year on cruising ... 2 cruises, one to the Caribbean and an upcoming one to Hawaii. I'll spend about the same in 2006 on a 30-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise. Of course, since I travel solo, I do get hit for a single supplement, which drives my costs up. However, on next year's cruise I'm gonna try HAL's guaranteed share program and hope for the best. I just can't afford that cruise with the hefty single supplement it carries. $5,000 is really my absolute maximum vacation budget per year.

Blue skies ...



--rita

I'm doing HAL's single share on my B2B Mediterranean cruises this summer. I'm a little nervous, but hey, it's an adventure right? Here's the thing though. The cost for 22 days at sea inside ingle share...$4100! Yep, that's sharing a cabin. HAL will only let you do a ss in a K or F class cabin guarantee. So, while I was seeing deals all over the place for $1500-1700 for an inside, depending on the cruise, I still ended up paying much more. It's no fun paying these prices!

Now, I'd be happy with the price if only there isn't a roomie for me! LOL:p

Edit: BTW, Book ss EARLY! The HAL rep. told me that next to balcony rooms, these are the first to sell out and they aren't listed on line!

[Charliesmom]

If you are seeing prices all over the place for $1500-$1700 per person, why not invite a friend to join you and change your reservation. That way, both of you could go for $3400 instead of $4100 for just you and sharing with a stranger. Even if you paid for the whole thing, it would cost less.

Roberta

[Kathy & George]

No matter what we spend, each cruise makes us more aware of just how fortunate and blessed we truely are. :) We represent a lot of people who are adding revenue not only to the cruise industry, but to many individuals in all of the ports we visit as well. The birth of metropolitan cities, happens because of us. We do make a big difference (good or bad) in this world. I for one am glad to be on the enjoyment end of this growth. I hope that the blessings we have enjoyed, continue.

[jhannah]

I hope that the blessings we have enjoyed, continue. As do I. You are so right. I consider myself extremely blessed to cruise as we do. Some day it may have to end for any number of reasons. But for now, I'll enjoy and be grateful.

[tlmlb]

No matter what we spend, each cruise makes us more aware of just how fortunate and blessed we truely are. :) We represent a lot of people who are adding revenue not only to the cruise industry, but to many individuals in all of the ports we visit as well. The birth of metropolitan cities, happens because of us. We do make a big difference (good or bad) in this world. I for one am glad to be on the enjoyment end of this growth. I hope that the blessings we have enjoyed, continue.

Boy, its tough to equate taking a vacation with being responsible for the birth of metropolitan cities? I would hope we all do a little something else other than cruise to improve the world. Might be blessed because we can travel, but there is a little more responsibility to the position than that. Would suggest we all look for things other than cruising to do that improves the world. Heck, direct travel to a country will improve the economies of places visited more than a 6 hour port stay. Trying to pass off cruising as some kind of peace corps activity is pretentious and insulting both to residents of the country you are visiting and those that work for real improvement of our world.

[Kathy & George]

Timlb, I agree we all need to do a lot more for the people of our world. I don't believe that cruising is a "peace corp activity". I do see the impact that cruise ships have made to the ports we have visited over the years and collectively we thousands have all contributed, though you are right not nearly enough. My comment was not meant to be pretensious, I am sorry if I have offended anyone.

[Classynfun1]

Charliesmom.....thanks for the suggestion! Trust me, I tried! No one I know has enough time to take more than an extended weekend vacation until at least July (that isn't already taking a major trip with their sigificant others/families). I'm going to grad school this fall and have to move across country in July after quiting my job. I have a *very* short window of opportunity and wanted to pack in as many places as possible, hence the reason i'm taking a cruise to begin with. Once I begin my MBA program, I won't be able to travel anywhere but company offices to interview. My situation is very unusual so that's why I'm willing and ready to take the chance...

In a perfect world, all my friends and family would go with me!;)

[tlmlb]

Boy, its tough to equate taking a vacation with being responsible for the birth of metropolitan cities? I would hope we all do a little something else other than cruise to improve the world. Might be blessed because we can travel, but there is a little more responsibility to the position than that. Would suggest we all look for things other than cruising to do that improves the world. Heck, direct travel to a country will improve the economies of places visited more than a 6 hour port stay. Trying to pass off cruising as some kind of peace corps ******** is pretentious and insulting both to residents of the country you are visiting and those that work for real improvement of our world.

******** is a censored word??? a-c-t-i-v-i-t-y

[General Max]

We are spending $3850.75 per person for the October 22, 2005 transatlantic cruise on the Westerdam. This is for a 15 night cruise and the booking is for a category "S" suite. Airfare was an additional $1199.50 for two people. This was booked on the internet and none of the cruise agencies listed on this board could come close to the price. Their prices were $1700 or more above.

Cheers

General Max

[Bucky3]

I couldn't express my feelings any better than the post right above this! My sentiments exactly! We don't fly anymore, but fortunately we have our health, my husband loves to drive, and no port is too far away as long as we can drive to it! So, in addition to cruise vacations, ships have made for us the opportunities to see this great and beautiful country of ours in depth. We take our time, have fun planning, and love exploring as we cross country to get to port. We live in California and have done the Caribbean from Florida and Texas and, of course, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii (back to backs) and all without a single plane ticket!! That's what retirement has done for us. We now are fortunate to have the time to enjoy - and we do! We are blessed.

[Bucky3]

Oops! I goofed again! I meant to say I agree totally with ANSalberg's post way back on November 21st! I'm not all that computer literate, OBVIOUSLY! Thanks for understanding, I hope!

[General Max]

We are spending $3850.75 per person for the October 22, 2005 transatlantic cruise on the Westerdam. This is for a 15 night cruise and the booking is for a category "S" suite. Airfare was an additional $1199.50 for two people. This was booked on the internet and none of the cruise agencies listed on this board could come close to the price. Their prices were $1700 or more above.

Cheers

General Max

[Tarkus]

i guess i'm one of the relative cheapskates - my upcoming sailing on the zuiderdam set me back $1128 for the single; prebooked hal shore excursions (all scuba diving) are $289, plus i've independently booked another dive for $80; i'm planning on buying about $300 worth of cuban cigars and probably $40-or-so on liquor; and i'm expecting to spend about $300 on ship's account for the week - the lion's share of which will be drinks.

this being my only cruise for the year should put me just in (if i've done my math correctly) the $2001-$2005 category.

still having trouble visualizing how 34 people can spend $10,000+ per person per year... guess that's just a different vacation than the ones i enjoy.

[basildog]

We live in Ontario Canada-not exactly close to any ocean- and look at about 2500 per person per week including airfare. We thought it was a lot of money at first, but after a couple of fantantic cruises, we now think that we should treat ourselves while we can-and we do.

[Sailure]

Originally Posted by sail7seas
KK....


You are correct.

Anyone who hangs around here knows that you and I always have an "S"; always cruise at least 4x per year; always do a pre-cruise (me at Hyatt Pier 66 if cruising from FLL); f ly first class etc etc

My point is, why would anyone ask the question to begin with?
What is the reason for wanting to know what anyone else spends; how they choose to spend their funds; how much money they may or may not have. That is what I find unpleasant and uncomfortable.


I think you remind us every time how much you spend on each cruise by the way you post!

LOL, ain't that the truth! You know what they say about the ones that brag the most about how much they spend........

I'll tell ya, I cruise because I love to cruise, I travel because I love to travel. It doesn't matter how much money I spend...I'm sure it's less than some, more than others....I just go because I love it and I will go as long as I am able.

BTW, rich people don't pay retail! :D

[Sailure]

What about "white-cracker"?

What about it?Main Entry: crack·er
Pronunciation: 'kra-k&r
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : chiefly dialect : a bragging liar : BOASTER (aol://4344:1708.D0007456.40115490.672502505/)
2 : something that makes a cracking or snapping noise: as a : FIRECRACKER (aol://4344:1708.D0025428.40133462.672502917/) b : the snapping end of a whiplash : SNAPPER (aol://4344:1708.D0064886.40172920.672503929/) c : a paper holder for a party favor that pops when the ends are pulled sharply
3 : plural : NUTCRACKER (aol://4344:1708.D0046999.40155033.672503440/)
4 : a dry thin crispy baked bread product that may be leavened or unleavened
5 a : usually disparaging : a poor usually Southern white b : capitalized : a native or resident of Florida or Georgia — used as a nickname
6 : the equipment in which cracking (as of petroleum) is carried out

[Sailure]

Jeez, from a thread that started out innocently enough it turned into a thread about racisim, elite classes and a competition to see who have more money and who spends more than someone else.

Did you start this thread to get a war going Rev so you could sit back and remind everyone that that's not what you had in mind?:confused:

[General Max]

Reverand Neal has a knack for picking great topics that generate a lot of interest both positive and negative. I don't think he wants to start war here.

Cheers

General Max

[torpeedo]

I am the bargain hunter. We are retired and love to cruise.
For this year we are booked on three cruises.
Total cost (fare) per person for all three is $3,459 ( 29 days of cruising and in SS or B balcony). $3,459 MINUS $1,600 for points from our credit card so the total per person for all three cruises is $2,659. That computes to a cost of $91.68 per day for 29 days. I could have done much better if we were willing to do an oceanview or inside but life it too short and we love the balcony and spend a good deal of time there. Plus we splurged on an SS once which was a few $$ more but worth it.:D