Where do you splurge vs. scrimp?

Hey all! Was just talking to my MIL (who I absolutely adore) about our upcoming family cruise, and our conversation seemed like it would also make a fun thread topic!

We were talking about how we each want to spend our vacation dollars on our upcoming trip. My MIL, for example, will not cruise without a balcony cabin. I feel like that's just not worth it and we always book an inside. On the other hand, she would be content if she never did a shore excursion and just camped out on a beach in every port, while DH and I often spend more on excursions than we did on the cruise fare!

So, with that in mind, what things do you think are worth scrimping on, and where do you like to splurge? I'll be candid and admit that cruising in general is a scrimp for me, because it's not my favorite method of travel (that's the main reason I cruise with Carnival, it's a good deal!) But I know others like to go all out on a cruise because they love it! Here's my list:

Splurge

Shore excursions - we book at least one in each port (though we often book our own instead of going through Carnival because there is more variety)

Food in port - we love finding great restaurants in every port and enjoying a good meal of local food

FTTF - This is our first time doing it, but I think it will be worth it to have our cabin ready so the kiddos can take a nap. Also looking forward to priority for tenders in Cabo, where we are spending two days

After-hours babysitting/Camp Carnival activities - I also haven't used this yet, but my girls are very excited for the Night Owls programs, and we'll probably do some of the additional for-fee activities

Tips - I love to give extra tips, especially to the crew members we become close to over the week. They take such good care of us, and I love to show them I appreciate it!

Scrimp/Save

Cabin - We always book an inside, because we just don't spend time in the room. We're always out doing activities

Drink packages - we have an occasional drink or soda, but we're just not big drinkers, so these don't make sense for us

Specialty dining - we have always had great service and food in the MDR, so we usually just stick with that. We may change that a bit this trip and try the steakhouse one night as well as the Seuss at Sea breakfast, but for the most part, we don't spend a ton on extra dining while on board

Cruising in general - I love a fabulous hotel and great food, but when it comes to cruising, I tend to go the cheap route so that I can splurge on my land-based trips. So I haven't ventured off to other cruise lines yet. Maybe someday when there is a little more "fun money" in our budget, but for now the good value of Carnival works for us.

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks! Clearly there isn't just one way to cruise!

Splurge:

Cheers worth every penny to me.

Balcony have to have it.

Scrimp

Excursions I'm an adventurer and like to fund things to do in port.

Willing to spurge on FOOD! The MDR is not always the one we go with. (and never eat in the lido) Will always do the Steak house at least once, this time we are adding the chef's table.

Trying FTTF ourselves this next trip. We will see.

Would never do an inside, must have some view of the water, even if obstructed but don't have to have a balcony either.

Agree on the drinks package, would never be cost effective for us.

Hey all! Was just talking to my MIL (who I absolutely adore) about our upcoming family cruise, and our conversation seemed like it would also make a fun thread topic!

 

We were talking about how we each want to spend our vacation dollars on our upcoming trip. My MIL, for example, will not cruise without a balcony cabin. I feel like that's just not worth it and we always book an inside. On the other hand, she would be content if she never did a shore excursion and just camped out on a beach in every port, while DH and I often spend more on excursions than we did on the cruise fare!

 

So, with that in mind, what things do you think are worth scrimping on, and where do you like to splurge? I'll be candid and admit that cruising in general is a scrimp for me, because it's not my favorite method of travel (that's the main reason I cruise with Carnival, it's a good deal!) But I know others like to go all out on a cruise because they love it! Here's my list:

 

Splurge

 

Shore excursions - we book at least one in each port (though we often book our own instead of going through Carnival because there is more variety)

 

Food in port - we love finding great restaurants in every port and enjoying a good meal of local food

 

FTTF - This is our first time doing it, but I think it will be worth it to have our cabin ready so the kiddos can take a nap. Also looking forward to priority for tenders in Cabo, where we are spending two days

 

After-hours babysitting/Camp Carnival activities - I also haven't used this yet, but my girls are very excited for the Night Owls programs, and we'll probably do some of the additional for-fee activities

 

Tips - I love to give extra tips, especially to the crew members we become close to over the week. They take such good care of us, and I love to show them I appreciate it!

 

Scrimp/Save

 

Cabin - We always book an inside, because we just don't spend time in the room. We're always out doing activities

 

Drink packages - we have an occasional drink or soda, but we're just not big drinkers, so these don't make sense for us

 

Specialty dining - we have always had great service and food in the MDR, so we usually just stick with that. We may change that a bit this trip and try the steakhouse one night as well as the Seuss at Sea breakfast, but for the most part, we don't spend a ton on extra dining while on board

 

Cruising in general - I love a fabulous hotel and great food, but when it comes to cruising, I tend to go the cheap route so that I can splurge on my land-based trips. So I haven't ventured off to other cruise lines yet. Maybe someday when there is a little more "fun money" in our budget, but for now the good value of Carnival works for us.

 

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks! Clearly there isn't just one way to cruise!

I scrimp on the cabin, always an inside, porthole, or OV at the most. I also scrimp on shore excursions because I have been to most places in the Caribbean now, so unless it is totally new, I just wing it on my own. I have never gone to the steakhouse because I find the food in the dining room is adequate. I never buy the photos that they take on boarding and in ports, in fact I avoid having those taken at all. I also rarely buy anything in the gift shops on board anymore.

I splurge on Fttf, when I need it. I splurge in the casino because this is great fun to me, and I splurge on "adult beverages":D Though I do not drink enough for cheers to be a benefit. I think I would be tempted to spurge on the steakhouse, but I dont eat much meat, and the menu does not appeal much to me enough. That is it for me:)

I also tip the daily recommended amount and usually tip extra for excellent service, which I usually get, though I dont consider this a splurge, just an extra token of my appreciation.

Hey all! Was just talking to my MIL (who I absolutely adore) about our upcoming family cruise, and our conversation seemed like it would also make a fun thread topic!

 

 

 

We were talking about how we each want to spend our vacation dollars on our upcoming trip. My MIL, for example, will not cruise without a balcony cabin. I feel like that's just not worth it and we always book an inside. On the other hand, she would be content if she never did a shore excursion and just camped out on a beach in every port, while DH and I often spend more on excursions than we did on the cruise fare!

 

 

 

So, with that in mind, what things do you think are worth scrimping on, and where do you like to splurge? I'll be candid and admit that cruising in general is a scrimp for me, because it's not my favorite method of travel (that's the main reason I cruise with Carnival, it's a good deal!) But I know others like to go all out on a cruise because they love it! Here's my list:

 

 

 

Splurge

 

 

 

Shore excursions - we book at least one in each port (though we often book our own instead of going through Carnival because there is more variety)

 

 

 

Food in port - we love finding great restaurants in every port and enjoying a good meal of local food

 

 

 

FTTF - This is our first time doing it, but I think it will be worth it to have our cabin ready so the kiddos can take a nap. Also looking forward to priority for tenders in Cabo, where we are spending two days

 

 

 

After-hours babysitting/Camp Carnival activities - I also haven't used this yet, but my girls are very excited for the Night Owls programs, and we'll probably do some of the additional for-fee activities

 

 

 

Tips - I love to give extra tips, especially to the crew members we become close to over the week. They take such good care of us, and I love to show them I appreciate it!

 

 

 

Scrimp/Save

 

 

 

Cabin - We always book an inside, because we just don't spend time in the room. We're always out doing activities

 

 

 

Drink packages - we have an occasional drink or soda, but we're just not big drinkers, so these don't make sense for us

 

 

 

Specialty dining - we have always had great service and food in the MDR, so we usually just stick with that. We may change that a bit this trip and try the steakhouse one night as well as the Seuss at Sea breakfast, but for the most part, we don't spend a ton on extra dining while on board

 

 

 

Cruising in general - I love a fabulous hotel and great food, but when it comes to cruising, I tend to go the cheap route so that I can splurge on my land-based trips. So I haven't ventured off to other cruise lines yet. Maybe someday when there is a little more "fun money" in our budget, but for now the good value of Carnival works for us.

 

 

 

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks! Clearly there isn't just one way to cruise!

This is a good topic!

Cabin: splurge. Bigger is better, I have to have a balcony too. My only gripe concerning Carnival suites are the lack of amenities but the price is great compared to other lines.

Excursions: I go either way. If its something I have on a bucket list I'll spend but otherwise I'm happy checking out the local flavor.

Dining: I'm happy in the MDR usually.

Drink packages: Torn, but won't buy one on Carnival. IF it included speciality coffees and stuff I would. I would probably save money by purchasing one but my mom wouldn't .. It wouldn't be worth $100 a day.

I'm going to add another one: Cruiseline. I'm not loyal to one line and can't wait to try others. I love the prices on Carnival but the service on HAL is amazing. Of course it's much more money. So sometimes I splurge.

No matter what we give extra tips for great service.

I'm like you , I prefer land vacations and would rather go to Paris every year. That's just not in the cards.

Scrimp- cruise photos- i take my own pix

Food- only eat in mdr, no steakhouse

Salon/massage- too expensive on ship

All out

Excursions- that why we cruise to see places

Casino- that is our fun haha

Splurge - balcony, FTTF, beer

Scrimp - book excursions myself and not through Carnival, casino (I don't gamble), no photos from Carnival other than embarkation, frozen drinks (way too watered down), no specialty restaurants.

Cabin - Our biggest splurge by far. With a family of 5 and the kids getting older, we now get two cabins. We also only cruise during the summer & school breaks so cost tends to be higher.

Food - We scrimp on. We find the MD more than adequate and with the exception of a maybe a drink, we always eat on the ship. My husband & I have tossed around the idea of trying the steak house on our next trip though.

Excursions - We usually only do one per cruise and with a reputable company mentioned here and not Carnival.

Drinks - I would consider this a splurge. We are not big drinkers and really don't have to worry about this expense too much. Would never purchase the Carnival package because it just wouldn't be worth it for us.

Photos - We never purchase the pictures.

Splurge-

our cabin! We actually do spend time in it, and the private balcony to escape from the crowded pool decks can be at times to me the best part of cruising!

FTTF. 100% worth it to me. Early on the ship, early in my room, early on my balcony, and earlier unpacked and in vacation mode. Yep worth it.

Skimp

Excursions-- unless we find an excursion we 100% have to book, we really don't book them. We really enjoy walking around and shopping, buying local food, getting lunch and drinks and just exploring. We really aren't the outdoorsy types at home either that would go zip lining or anything like that so a cruise isn't any different.

Speciality Restaurants--we don't really go to them. I have never been and honestly, I am interested in the steak house because I have heard how good it is, but honestly, so is the MDR. We have always had good meals in the MDR, slow maybe but good meals. But I do have to say we are considering going to the steak house on our next cruise.

Splurge:

The room. We have done a grand suite, balcony, extended aft balcony and ocean view. I would not want an inside room. I like to see the ocean.

Cabana at Half Moon Cay. I love being able to have some shade and the amenities.

A Hot Stone Massage (if it is on special, but it is still a splurge)

Scrimp:

We mainly drink tea, lemonade, coffee, ice water, etc. We don't get the Bottomless bubbles any more.

We usually don't drink more than one alcoholic beverage a day, and it is usually a DOD or other discounted drink.

We don't buy the photos any more.

We don't gamble or play bingo.

Splurge: airfare, balcony cabin, excursions at every port (usually private) for a family of 4. While we don't buy the drink package, we enjoy a drink when we want one.

Scrimp: I will buy the odd ship photo (especially when we travel with the kids), we rarely eat in the specialty restaurants (except on the Epic). We don't buy jewellery, watches, etc. on board. We don't gamble much, or play bingo.

Great topic. For the most part we agree with the OP.

FTTF - nope - not worth the extra $.

Food - we never do the specialty dining. We love the MDR.

Cruise line - We stick exclusively with Carnival or RCCL newer ships.

Cabin - always go with inside cabin unless on the RCCL Allure or Oasis when we book Boardwalk balcony.

Shore excursions - depends on the port. If its a new port we typically do an excursion on our own, but now just transportation to the beach is often fine.

Drink package - No. We'll have a few drinks not nearly enough to pay for the package.

Food in port - We love to grab a Margarita and Chips & salsa in Caribbean ports.

Spa - a few times I've gotten a massage on the cruise ship, but after this last massage on the beach in Costa Maya, I'll never get a cruise ship massage anymore. Much better experience on the beach for a lot less money too.

* One thing I would do on Carnival is book a cruise that has one of those bands like Styx, Journey, or REO Speedwagon playing. We've seen them several times but it would be cool to see them play on the ship.

As you can see we do not splurge on a lot of things. We'd prefer to be a little more conservative in order to be able to cruise more frequently.

I primarily scrimp to be able to cruise more often, so. . .

Scrimps:

-Food included in the fare is plenty good enough.

-No more balconies. I just don't find it consistently "peaceful" on them. Plenty of deck space to enjoy the outdoors.

-Never spend anything in the casino. For the most part, it is a money giveaway.

-No cruise line excursions. I like the beaches and towns. When I take an excursion, I arrange it privately. (Juneau, Halifax, St. John, Bar Harbor) I will use local transportation when available.

-No real shopping. For me, it's not part of a vacation.

-Select the better priced cruises that are either drive to's or a reasonable airfare.

-I'm willing to risk same day arrival flights if they are non-stop. We have access to Southwest.

-If in a port that sells soda (like Key West or Puerto Rico), I'll buy cans to bring back to the cabin.

-NEVER play bingo.

-No photos; we take our own.

Neither scrimp or splurge:

-If I want a drink, I get one.

-Extra tips if service is good.

Splurge:

-The ability to cruise more than once a year.

-FTTF if available.

-I see a cabana on Half Moon Cay in my future! A one-time splurge.

-I see an all-inclusive beach day (privately booked) in the future (in Cozumel).

-I booked an on-ship cabana when cruising HAL once. It was worth it!

Love this topic!

Splurge -

balcony cabin - for us it is a must - we do spend a lot of quiet time reading, talking, meditating, looking at the night sky as we sail, fresh air in our cabin.

Cloud9 Spa - we LOVE the Cloud9 spa and will splurge of a spa balcony cabin if the ship has a Cloud9 spa.

SOME excursions - this is a variable - we weigh & measure - if we consider the trip to be a "once in a lifetime" (Alaska for example) we splurge on excursions (helicopter flight that lands

MUST have a balcony and are trying a suite in the fall.

MUST have FTTF

Sometimes we do Carnival excursions, sometimes our own thing and no excursion, sometimes private driver.

It all depends on the port.

We also tip extra in the dining room and for the room steward if we like them.

Splurge:

FTTF

Balcony stateroom (always)

Steakhouse

Italian Restaurant

Alcoholic Beverages

Scrimp:

Photos on the ship. I refuse to pay the prices they charge.:D

We don't do excursions, as we are beach people. We will just take a taxi to a highly recommended beach and enjoy it.

Love reading these so will add ours too :D

Splurge: Airfare, Lido balcony, at least one night of specialty dining, casino, FTTF, Cheers, extra tips, 3-5 photos and usually a watch for DH.

Skimp: Spa, candy store............um, no wonder we can only do this once a year! :rolleyes:

Splurge

-Aft wrap balcony - a must have

-FTTF

-Steakhouse at least once

Scrimp

- Drinks, bring our own wine, water & pop

- Excursions- We like to wander, not go with the group

-On board shopping- always wait for the last night sales

Splurge: Balcony, Steakhouse at least one night, Food and drinks in port, wine and cocktails on board. We don't do cheers, we just add cash to our account. Excursions we try to do something in each port, we never stay on there ship. Typically book myself unless it's a port we aren't comfortable with, then we book through ship. New clothes for the cruise.

Scrimp: Nothing, we're on vacation!

Love this topic!

Splurge -

balcony cabin - for us it is a must - we do spend a lot of quiet time reading, talking, meditating, looking at the night sky as we sail, fresh air in our cabin.

Cloud9 Spa - we LOVE the Cloud9 spa and will splurge of a spa balcony cabin if the ship has a Cloud9 spa.

SOME excursions - this is a variable - we weigh & measure - if we consider the trip to be a "once in a lifetime" (Alaska for example) we splurge on excursions (helicopter flight that lands on 2 different glaciers; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef)

Hey! Where'd the rest of my post go?

Oh well -

Additional splurge-

Extra tips

Scrimp -

No drinks package - it doesn't pay for us

No cruise line pictures

No specialty restaurant - though we may try the Italian one one the Magic

No chefs table

No cruise line spa treatment

No behind the scenes tour - although we did it when it was included and it was very interesting - just not worth $100 p/p

Scrimp:

Airfare.. We have a local airport that is $$ to fly from. Driving 5 hours and using a park and fly is still way cheaper. For our next cruise is would be $800 pp from home and $500 for both for us to drive!

Food.. We only go with what's included

Excursions.. We are still new at this so we like to do one in most ports so we book privately to save $

Packing.. I overpack lots of little nit-picky things and meds, but I don't want to shell out money for something I could have brought with me.

Room.. We go for a 4J. Let's us see water without paying the $ for a balcony

Splurge

I am realizing we don't really splurge lol. I am frugal by nature.

I bought one photo on our last cruise because it was the night Chris proposed. We don't drink very much.

This next honeymoon cruise might see us splurging a bit more than normal. ;)

It changes with whom I am traveling...

But, splurge:

FTTF

Balcony (if with significant other or my mom)

Excursions (always, but if I am with my son and friend, I stick with Carnival...just in case!! Probably with my mom as well!)

Scrimp:

Pictures (I hate pics anyway)

Cabin (when with son and friend...although in the future, I may get my own cabin...so splurge! LOL)

Clothes - at first I would spend a lot of money on a whole new wardrobe, but I now I have what I need and wear what makes me comfortable!

Spa - never enjoyed them and get my nails done before I go!!

We are pretty much full on scrimp. Cheapest inside cabin we can find, we plan no excursions, very few drinks, maybe a photo or two.

We spend money in ports on souvenir s and those are ofteN the most of our spending.

Splurge-

our cabin! We actually do spend time in it, and the private balcony to escape from the crowded pool decks can be at times to me the best part of cruising!

FTTF. 100% worth it to me. Early on the ship, early in my room, early on my balcony, and earlier unpacked and in vacation mode. Yep worth it.

 

Skimp

Excursions-- unless we find an excursion we 100% have to book, we really don't book them. We really enjoy walking around and shopping, buying local food, getting lunch and drinks and just exploring. We really aren't the outdoorsy types at home either that would go zip lining or anything like that so a cruise isn't any different.

Speciality Restaurants--we don't really go to them. I have never been and honestly, I am interested in the steak house because I have heard how good it is, but honestly, so is the MDR. We have always had good meals in the MDR, slow maybe but good meals. But I do have to say we are considering going to the steak house on our next cruise.

BTW Kelkel how about those Kitty Cats this year:D:D:D:D:D

Love everyone's ideas of what makes their vacation perfect!

Splurge:

Balcony cabin

nice hotel for pre- or post-cruise stay

Pictures of the kids

Scrimp:

Bring our own soda

walking around or taxi to a beach or a local excursion versus expensive ship sponsored days

Bring our own snack foods/water so we don't have to eat in port

drive to port

we drink very little so just a couple of fruity beverages for the week

no extra pay meals the MDR and buffet are fine for us