Ways to save money....

This will be out 2nd cruise on carnival and I was just looking for any money saving tips. I know last time we spent more in the shops and in the casino than we should have. As well as on pictures. Any suggestions or programs I might not know about. Thanks!!

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Not sure what you mean by "programs." Are you talking about drink packages?

Definitely read up on the FAQs on the Carnival website.

In terms of saving money, if you think you may have spent too much in the casino, maybe just stay out of it. If you go to the activities that are free, you might have so much fun, that you don't miss the casino.

What do you buy in the ship stores? If you're buying a lot of logo wear, consider waiting until the last day of the cruise. Often there are sales of the tees, etc. Look at the prices at the beginning of the cruise and then compare on the last day. Then pick out one item. On my last cruise, there was a "sale" of some items in the dining room one day and looking at the clothing (wasn't even logo wear) and thought I could find similar items back at home for less money. Supposed there was a better sale later on in the cruise, but the prices were the same. Didn't buy any of it.

Are you buying things like candy, aspirin, that kind of thing? Just remember that these would tend to be above retail, especially medicine. I try to remember to bring the basics from my medicine cabinet, even though on the last cruise, I hurt the big toe on one foot and ran out of bandaids before our first port (which was on the sixth day of our 14 day cruise), so I had to buy a package of five. Brought more plus Sudafed (had underestimated this time -- usually I bring enough) in a Walmart at the first port.

Usually you can go to the passenger services or pursers' desk and get a printout of your folio (the day by day accounting of what you've spent). Some ships will have a way of viewing this on your in-cabin TV. Princess now has kiosks near the passenger services desk that you swipe your cabin card and you'll see what was charged to that card so far (just your card...anyone else in your cabin needs to swipe their cards too). Then if you bought too many drinks or anything else, you'll see. Some people will also keep all their receipts together and keep a running total.

We don't tend to spend a lot on our cruises. My hubby might buy a glass of wine every once in a while or our teen might get a soda. On our last cruise we had a box o'wine in our cabin so that cut down on wine purchases. We also brought some bottles of Mountain Dew for me as well as some other soft drinks.

Hubby also bought a few of the photos taken of us by ship's photographers so that can run into some money. You aren't obligated to buy any of the photos that the ship's photogs take at the gangway in port or any where on the ship. Sometimes there may be a special package deal on the photos, which would be mentioned in the ship's daily newsletter as well as other deals (spa, etc.).

We also try touring on our own in ports, based on my research (guidebooks, tourism sites), but every once in a while we'll buy a tour through the ship.

We don't do the specialty restaurants, even though on the last cruise we were given a complimentary dinner because I had done a favor for an aspiring ship designer, and the cruise line's headquarters knew about it.

There are many optional extra-charge things you can spend money on (known as secondary on-board revenue), but again, optional. The one thing I feel is mandatory is keeping the auto-gratuities on. Anything else would be up to you.

Auto gratuities are the only thing you really have to pay. They are about $12 per day per person. Anything else is up to you. You can get a copy of your statement everyday at the customer service desk Then you can keep track of what you are spending.

Get a guidebook on your ports, and do your day's ashore ON YOUR OWN... much cheaper than paying a guide for an "excursion".

Don't go to the "shops" at all...there is really nothing special in there! Take your own pictures. Don't do the specialty restaurants. If you drink, do cocktails or beer...wine is waaaay overpriced!

And, plan on your expenses....so you aren't spending what you don't have!

This will be out 2nd cruise on carnival and I was just looking for any money saving tips. I know last time we spent more in the shops and in the casino than we should have. As well as on pictures. Any suggestions or programs I might not know about. Thanks!!

 

 

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We only buy one photo as a cruise memento.

We decide ahead of time how much we'll spend in casino and stick to that budget.

I don't buy anything in the shops. I buy small souvenirs ashore.

We buy very few drinks, one a day at the most, usually less than that.

If you make a budget ahead of time it is easier to stick to it.

Not sure what you mean by "programs." Are you talking about drink packages?

 

Definitely read up on the FAQs on the Carnival website.

 

In terms of saving money' date=' if you think you may have spent too much in the casino, maybe just stay out of it. If you go to the activities that are free, you might have so much fun, that you don't miss the casino.

 

What do you buy in the ship stores? If you're buying a lot of logo wear, consider waiting until the last day of the cruise. Often there are sales of the tees, etc. Look at the prices at the beginning of the cruise and then compare on the last day. Then pick out one item. On my last cruise, there was a "sale" of some items in the dining room one day and looking at the clothing (wasn't even logo wear) and thought I could find similar items back at home for less money. Supposed there was a better sale later on in the cruise, but the prices were the same. Didn't buy any of it.

 

Are you buying things like candy, aspirin, that kind of thing? Just remember that these would tend to be above retail, especially medicine. I try to remember to bring the basics from my medicine cabinet, even though on the last cruise, I hurt the big toe on one foot and ran out of bandaids before our first port (which was on the sixth day of our 14 day cruise), so I had to buy a package of five. Brought more plus Sudafed (had underestimated this time -- usually I bring enough) in a Walmart at the first port.

 

Usually you can go to the passenger services or pursers' desk and get a printout of your folio (the day by day accounting of what you've spent). Some ships will have a way of viewing this on your in-cabin TV. Princess now has kiosks near the passenger services desk that you swipe your cabin card and you'll see what was charged to that card so far (just your card...anyone else in your cabin needs to swipe their cards too). Then if you bought too many drinks or anything else, you'll see. Some people will also keep all their receipts together and keep a running total.

 

We don't tend to spend a lot on our cruises. My hubby might buy a glass of wine every once in a while or our teen might get a soda. On our last cruise we had a box o'wine in our cabin so that cut down on wine purchases. We also brought some bottles of Mountain Dew for me as well as some other soft drinks.

 

Hubby also bought a few of the photos taken of us by ship's photographers so that can run into some money. You aren't obligated to buy any of the photos that the ship's photogs take at the gangway in port or any where on the ship. Sometimes there may be a special package deal on the photos, which would be mentioned in the ship's daily newsletter as well as other deals (spa, etc.).

 

We also try touring on our own in ports, based on my research (guidebooks, tourism sites), but every once in a while we'll buy a tour through the ship.

 

We don't do the specialty restaurants, even though on the last cruise we were given a complimentary dinner because I had done a favor for an aspiring ship designer, and the cruise line's headquarters knew about it.

 

There are many optional extra-charge things you can spend money on (known as secondary on-board revenue), but again, optional. The one thing I feel is mandatory is keeping the auto-gratuities on. Anything else would be up to you.[/quote']

Very well said .....

Do you have a camera? Ask the waiter take your photo. Ask other passengers take your photo - on the ship and on shore. If you don't have a camera, you can borrow one from a friend, and download photos to your computer.

If you like photos on paper, they are easy to order on-line. Even the most expensive prints at 20 cents each are much cheaper than ship photos at $20 each.

Mostly on the pictures, which I know are optional, some of the family on formal night were just to good to pass up. Somebody told me that for $100 up front you received every picture they took, but I haven't been able to verify that anywhere. The other suggestions are great, thank you. Any tips or secrets on how to get more upgrades or free stuff? And is it better to book through the website or travel agent. I've heard both?

Thanks

If you own 100 shares of Carnival Corporation stock, you get OBC every time you cruise on any of their ships (Carnival, Princess, HAL, Cunard and others) The amount depends on the length of the cruise.

Auto gratuities are the only thing you really have to pay. They are about $12 per day per person. Anything else is up to you. You can get a copy of your statement everyday at the customer service desk Then you can keep track of what you are spending.

I believe in paying them as cruise service is good and it is a big portion of how service staff earns money but you do not HAVE to pay them. They can be removed if you wish. You make it sound like it is mandatory. The reality is it is optional and one can opt out. Let's provide facts, let OP decide.

And is it better to book through the website or travel agent. I've heard both?

 

Thanks

I can't tell you if one way is better or not FOR YOU and YOUR SITUATION, but I have always gotten perks like onboard credit, free specialty dining, etc. when booking with a travel agent and the "cost" is exactly the same as advertised by the cruise lines.

Now, how much in perks you get depends on how long the sailing is and cost of the sailing but the minimum that booking with a T/A has netted me has been $90 on board credit; often more.

I have found to get any perks or OBC you must book balcony or above.....we usually go with an inside and we don't get any extras for our cabin choice .....

Has anyone else found that to be true?

This will be out 2nd cruise on carnival and I was just looking for any money saving tips. I know last time we spent more in the shops and in the casino than we should have. As well as on pictures. Any suggestions or programs I might not know about. Thanks!!

 

 

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I would think when going on your first cruise, most people spend more then they planned. You feel like you have to do it all and it is easy to get caught up in it an just hand over that card. So you have done that. The more cruises you go on, you learn ways to save.

Alcoholic drinks is the number one cost and as you know, that is where the lines make a ton of money. So if you don't drink, you are saving money. Most people will not win in the casino. If you have to go, set your limit.

The shops, you just need to control yourself. :)

Mostly on the pictures, which I know are optional, some of the family on formal night were just to good to pass up. Somebody told me that for $100 up front you received every picture they took, but I haven't been able to verify that anywhere. The other suggestions are great, thank you. Any tips or secrets on how to get more upgrades or free stuff? And is it better to book through the website or travel agent. I've heard both?

 

Thanks

Very rarely is there an offer to get all the photos for a flat rate. And if the offer is available it is for a lot more than $100.

If you find a TA that gives you OBC or other perks it could be better to book that way if they also don't charge change fees or cancellation fees. But know then that all questions must be directed to them, not to the cruise line.

If you want to be sure to keep control of your spending, ask for a printout of your bill every few days and you can see how much you have spent and decide whether you need to become more cautious in the remaining days of your cruise.

I don't sail Carnival so don't know if you can check your bill on the cabin TV but that is possible on some cruise lines.

I have found to get any perks or OBC you must book balcony or above.....we usually go with an inside and we don't get any extras for our cabin choice .....

Has anyone else found that to be true?

I always book an inside and receive perks. I upgrade via price drops when possible.

Booked inside - $100 OBC, TA sent bottle of wine, specialty dinner, upgraded to balcony via price drops.

Booked inside - $100 OBC, TA sent bottle of wine

Booked inside - $90 OBC (3 night cruise!) upgraded twice to large oceanview via price drops

Booked inside - $50 OBC...but that cruise is still 5 months away so always looking for upgrade options via price drops.

The wine has always been a surprise, not something advertised, so a little bonus bonus

I always book an inside and receive perks. I upgrade via price drops when possible.

 

Booked inside - $100 OBC, TA sent bottle of wine, specialty dinner, upgraded to balcony via price drops.

Booked inside - $100 OBC, TA sent bottle of wine

Booked inside - $90 OBC (3 night cruise!) upgraded twice to large oceanview via price drops

Booked inside - $50 OBC...but that cruise is still 5 months away so always looking for upgrade options via price drops.

 

The wine has always been a surprise, not something advertised, so a little bonus bonus

Interesting.....thanks for the info on the insides...I'll have to keep shopping for a good TA.....

We don't go on cruises/trips to shop, don't need more stuff.

We don't go to drink. We may have a drink or two in the evening but that's it.

We have zero interest in buying photos.

Our memories and photos we take are the only souvenirs we need.

We don't feel the need to go on a ship excursion at every port. We've traveled all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and of course the US without a guide, so why would we need a guide on ship tours. We will occasionally take one but most are DIY.

We check shipboard account frequently. It's amazing how strange charges pop up. Out last cruise for example, $299. for photos, ummm no, we didn't have any photos taken.

We never, ever gamble in ship's casinos. The ship has a captive audience and no competition.

We book MTD so tips are added up front. We would never dream of taking tips off, the crew works very hard and deserve to be tipped for their service. We also give additional amount the last night to those we feel gave us special outstanding service.

We do however book the cabin we want. For us that would never be a cabin that did not have at least a balcony.

It's all about choices, what is important to you and what can you do without. Have a budget and stick to it.

I know some people do not have the luxury of scheduling a cruise a year and a half or two years out, but if you do have that ability as soon as you book that cruise start paying for it. Have a cruise or vacation account, plan for that expense, don't just let it go and then be blindsided by the credit card bills. Even if you can't book ahead, start saving ahead, have a budget and stick to it.

If you have your sign and sail from your last cruise, review it again. I always find it helps me set a budget for the next trip. I set a budget for each trip so I'm prepared for what I spend, and I can relax and enjoy it.

Good luck!

Prepaid photo packages will save you some money. We take rum and wine in our suitcases. Avoid the casino at all costs. Have a fun cruise. ;)

I don't use ANY money on the cruise because my mom doesn't give me any. I still live. Well actually I beg for money to buy cookies from the cafe occasionally but other than that I don't use any money. You're an adult so these tips may not help you but oh well:

-Bring drinks (I'm talking about soda and stuff) from home

-DON'T GO IN THE SHOPS!!! I know it's hard but if you cruise with someone tell them to help remind you not to go in the shops

-Bring a camera to take your own pictures. You can still buy some pictures but you'll buy less if you take your own

-I can't help you with the casino but my parents have never stepped foot in the casino so it's possible to not go there.

last time we spent more in the shops and in the casino than we should have.

 

Uuummmm... don't do that this time.

Look for a cruise that has good free beaches or other attractions within walking distance of ports. Book Early Saver and keep checking for price drops. Use Early Saver OBC for discretionary spending. Go on the cruise with high expectations of doing all the great free things. Sit in the sun or shade if that's your thing. Enjoy the daily activities, shows, music in the bars, and try all the great food offerings. Take part in the parties up on the lido deck. Go to the Captain's party for free drinks and entertainment. Take lots of pictures with your own camera. Go to the gym.

On our last cruise we had an absolutely wonderful time. Our end of cruise statement was $29. OBC paid for gratuities and one drink at shows most evenings.

Limit the time that you spend in the casino, and set a daily limit for yourself. I budget for $20/night for the slots...Once it's gone, it's gone...I just get up and leave. Also, don't buy anything from the shops unless there's something that REALLY REALLY want. But even then, don't buy it right away...Think about it, and then come back in a day or two...As far as drinking goes, just limit yourself...I'll usually have a drink of the day or 2, but that's it for the most part. Maybe a cocktail at night. Also, take advantage of your carry on allowance for beverages...I'm not sure about Carnival in particular, but most cruise lines allow you a few bottles of wine and soda/water to be taken on board. Why pay $2.50 for a can of soda when you can carry on a 12 pack for $5? Charges for specialty restaurants can add up rather quick, so pick 1 or 2 that you want to try, and stick with that. Don't book excursions through the ship, but do some research ahead of time and book them on your own. You'll almost always save quite a bit of money...

I believe in paying them as cruise service is good and it is a big portion of how service staff earns money but you do not HAVE to pay them. They can be removed if you wish. You make it sound like it is mandatory. The reality is it is optional and one can opt out. Let's provide facts, let OP decide.

I would never remove the auto-tips. Would you go to a restaurant in the US and decide that since tipping is optional, you're not going to give one? Better to wait until you can afford to pay the cost of the cruise (which to me includes the tips, port taxes, government fees, any transportation to/from the port) than to stiff the hard working staff. Yes, you can opt out, but I would be bothered by that Golden Rule thing of doing unto others as you would have done to yourself.

Prepaid photo packages will save you some money. We take rum and wine in our suitcases. Avoid the casino at all costs. Have a fun cruise. ;)

Of course, if the rum shows up in your suitcase on an x-ray scan, you would be ordered to open your suitcase and the alcohol will be taken away and tossed. To me, that's not a good way to start your vacation. Again, if you can't afford to pay for booze on board, either don't drink or wait until you save up more $.