Dogs&Ponies

STAY OUT OF THE SPA if you are on a budget!!! Oh yes - it is lovey to pamper yourself - but be prepared to spend LOTS of money if you go to the SPA. Not only are the treatments more expensive than at home (and not much better or different) they will try their very best to sell you additional creams, body oils, health pills etc. - none of which you need and are a GIANT pain to drag back home (most likely never to be opened).

Be careful with the alternative dining if you are on a tight budget. Check the menu before going in, sometimes it is worth the extra cost as opposed to what you would pay at home. But it is an extra cost.

Shore excursions can often be booked privately (see the different Roll Calls for your cruise) with others on your cruise. You will see more and pay less - you just have to be sure about getting back in time! Or just enjoy the port by walking around the town and trying local food for lunch instead of returning to the ship. A local restaurant is cheaper than a shore excursion and you can get to interact with the locals.

DO NOT BUY "stuff" in port or on the ship!!!! Obvious - but remember you have to drag it home and it eats into your budget. Also in port, hire a taxi to take you to the beach - just arrange for the taxi to come back an pick you up on time.

Know your limits and stick to them! There is plenty to do for free or low cost. Do your research before leaving for your cruise and you will be amazed at how much you can do on a limited budget and have fun!

Having cruised 15 times - starting with an inside (student rate) on the QE2 transatlantic - no, can't go there ever again. The lack of natural light made me sleep in - forever - missed so much. The second cruise I moved up to an ocean view - much better. Third cruise was a balcony - never looked back. Love to sleep with the drapes open. Love walking out on the deck in the middle of the night and just sitting there listening to the surf. Love using the deck during the day as my private sanctuary. Loved seeing dolphins and whales (in the Atlantic on the way to Bermuda) and flying fish and other ships. I just budget for a balcony and that's it. Tried suites twice - loved the extra room - but unless the price is right (which it rarely is) I pass on that category.

Honestly the only two cruises I felt the balcony was wasted were Alaska and Canada/New England - too cold, damp and found better views behind glass elsewhere on the ship. But there's something for everyone and no single choice is the definitive choice.