Favorite money saving/thrifty tip?

[wework2play]

1. Book in off-season. With my oldest going to high school next year, this will be much harder to do. I'm letting my kids miss a week of school for a cruise this month. However, they are excellent students and already most of the work made up, and their teachers are supportive. Not all schools/teachers are.

 

2. Stay out of the casino. Give yourself a casino budget (mine is 50) and when it's gone, it's gone.

 

3. Buy only 1 photo. I have went crazy and spent hundreds and it wasn't worth it. Although, I did pay 80 for a huge canvas of my kids in their suits. It is still on my wall and I'm glad I did. But you will know if a photo is "that good".

 

4. I'm not much of a drinker. I limit myself to 1 fufu drink a day.

 

5. I've learned from previous experience, resist to buy clothes etc on the ship. I didn't love anything I bought...in fact I don't have any of it anymore. I still have lots of things I bought from port though.

 

6. I never book excursions through carnival. Thanks to CC:)

[happy cruzer]

Yes, but some of us want to save on the cabin AND extras :) I can't imagine spending more than I have to on something for no other reason than "I paid less for the room!"

 

I mean no offense, but the thing with thrifty people isn't that we don't have the money to spend. It's that we don't WANT to spend it unless we have to. We can manage to spend 1 or 2 hundred dollars on a cruise (after tips) for a whole family without feeling like we've skipped everything!

 

To me, it's almost like a game, and I am willing to bet most people on this thread will agree :D

 

I was saying if you save upfront you have more money to spend on anything that you chose such as your sodas that you want to carry on, your tips, anything you choose any way you choose including how you want to be thrifty (some want to be thrifty with dollars and cents only, others want to be thrifty with their time and energy, I go for value i.e. a blend of dollars and time). To each their own, that whats so great about sharing advice, take what you want, leave the rest, but some will be a fit for others.

[Rob&Bonnie]

We try to save in a couple of ways

 

Pre cruise - I use coupons and store loyalty cards and every dollar saved is deposited to a special savings account. For 2012 I have over $500 in the account :)

 

Priceline/Hotwire - we bid on pre cruise hotels and typically save 1/2 off the room rates.

 

If you have a couple days pre or post cruise and are renting a car, try to rent AWAY from the airport to save the airport fees that are added.

 

Stay away from cruise line transfers - booking private shuttles is usually 1/2 the price of cruise line transfers.

 

Future Cruise Certificates - if you plan to cruise again, look at what the cruise line offers for booking on board or FCC's.

 

On board - we order a bottle from Bon Voyage. Less expensive to make our own LEGAL drinks in our room without the hassle of trying to sneak it on board. I bring crystal light lemonade to mix with Vodka.

 

I'll echo the 'set and stick to' a casino budget! It's way to easy to get carried away thinking you will hit a winning streak.

 

Unless a picture is amazing, we don't buy them. We avoid the 'walk of shame' they call the photo shop to avoid temptation :)

 

And just to clarify - we have no problem spending when it's something we really want. I just don't like to throw away money on things that aren't that important or can be done more cost effectivly.

[kayhold]

Where are you staying - we are on the same ship at the same time and since we are driving down from Ontario, would love to save on parking and shuttle costs :)

 

We are staying here:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60805-d88395-r46025486-La_Quinta_Inn_Jacksonville_Airport_North-Jacksonville_Florida.html

 

A lot of people who do reviews for Fascination stay here and I've not seen any complaints from CC members.

I used a promo code and got the room for $40, and then parking is $5 a day with free shuttle, so the total will be $65, instead of $75 at port, AND the room is included.

 

Make sure Varsity(http://www.thevarsity.com/history.php) is on your list if you pass through Atlanta if you're into the greasy chili dog/burger thing. They have the best onion rings, ever but if you're not used to a greasy meal occasionally, be prepared to stop at a rest area soon :\

[shipty2]

One way to get many ideas on this same subject is to visit this message board that is right here on cruise critic,see below

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71

[kayhold]

I was saying if you save upfront you have more money to spend on anything that you chose such as your sodas that you want to carry on, your tips, anything you choose any way you choose including how you want to be thrifty (some want to be thrifty with dollars and cents only, others want to be thrifty with their time and energy, I go for value i.e. a blend of dollars and time). To each their own, that whats so great about sharing advice, take what you want, leave the rest, but some will be a fit for others.

 

Sorry, I understood what you meant. I wanted to be clear that most people who are thrifty won't be tossing and turning over whether or not they have gas money to get home, or stressing over a photo :) We just want to save where others don't think about saving.

[boowaaccaa]

Yes, but some of us want to save on the cabin AND extras :) I can't imagine spending more than I have to on something for no other reason than "I paid less for the room!"

 

I mean no offense, but the thing with thrifty people isn't that we don't have the money to spend. It's that we don't WANT to spend it unless we have to. We can manage to spend 1 or 2 hundred dollars on a cruise (after tips) for a whole family without feeling like we've skipped everything!

 

To me, it's almost like a game, and I am willing to bet most people on this thread will agree :D

 

Couldn't agree more!

 

So, here one of the big ways to save money. LOTS of research! Check out (if you haven't already) the ports boards right here on Cruise Critic. Of course as many have stated you can book private tours and that can save money but the big savings come when you are the leader of your own excursion. Yes, I know this can come with risks etc but so can many things. Here are 2 examples:

1. In Grand Caymen there are 2 excellent snorkling places within walking distance of where the ship docks and both are free (one is a shipwreck and one is a lot of fish)! I found photo direction of where to go on the boards. Others pay to go on a boat that takes you to the shipwreck one but if you are an ok swimmer then its FREE!

2. In Barbados I wanted to swim with the Sea Turtles - the excursion was at the time I think $50 or $60 per person for the bus, boat and the snorkle with the turtles. On the boards I found directions taking the city bus ($1 pp each way) to the beach where the turtles are. Then you look out to where the other snorklers are and you can swim up and see the turtles.

No, it wasn't free but we spent less then $5 for the two of us plus we spent time lazing on the beach after we snorkled for free (we brought our own towels).

 

Good luck!

[momonthego17]

We order from Bon Voyage (through Carnival) bottles of vodka and rum to be delivered to our room before we get on board. I think you need to order at least a week before your cruise. This plus the juices/mixers we bring on board in our carry on and juice from room service, brings our cost per drink down significantly. Plus, it's nice to be able to mix yourself a cocktail when you want it, rather than walk around trying to find a bar.

[Loveland2Disney]

Rumrunners.com:cool:

[KingKong2610]

I just saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico :)

[INTERLINER13]

Make sure you pack everything you need. Buying stuff on the ship is very expensive. ($7.00 for deodorant)

 

Bring bottled water, coke, and alcohol if you drink.

 

Always eat on the ship.

 

Never do the ships excursions. I will either do them on my own, or hire a private company. Even on European cruises the only excursion I did through the ship was in Rome. In Russia we did a 2 day tour which was cheap for our own private bus, and tour guide. Every other European port we did research and was able to do on our own.

 

If you gamble only allow a certain amount before you stop. And do not take the money off your sail and sign card.

 

The only thing I put on my sail and sign is the tips. The only cash I spend is the money I allow my self to lose on in the casino. Generally I do pretty well in the casino. By that I mean I dont lose much. Last time I won 9 dollars, before that was 160ish, and the cruise before that I won enough to pay for my vacation. But I do allow myself to lose 200.00 and after that, thats it.

[RTRMom]

They say not to do it but we have done it every cruise for 21 years. Take some plastic baggies and pack yourself a lunch so you don't have to buy lunches off the ship. Many people on this board are apparently outraged by this but it saves tons of money especially for families. The one thing I never forget to pack is zip lock baggies.

 

The way we do it, is never eat off the ship.. We just go back to the ship to eat then go back out after lunch.

 

You eat a big breakfast on the ship anyway, then you won't be hungry till lunch. So we just plan half day excursions, eat lunch in the ship and go shopping in the afternoon at port.

 

With small kids, you can bring the packaged cereals and such off the ship for snacks.

[kayhold]

One way to get many ideas on this same subject is to visit this message board that is right here on cruise critic,see below

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71

 

Thanks. I read there, but it's pretty dead and this board gets so much more traffic, so I put it here. I also thought it would be helpful to have Carnival specific tips since they all have different rules.

[kayhold]

The way we do it, is never eat off the ship.. We just go back to the ship to eat then go back out after lunch.

 

You eat a big breakfast on the ship anyway, then you won't be hungry till lunch. So we just plan half day excursions, eat lunch in the ship and go shopping in the afternoon at port.

 

With small kids, you can bring the packaged cereals and such off the ship for snacks.

 

This is something else we will do - we will try some foods that come highly recommended, (Like the Key Lime pie in KW) but we already paid for the food on the ship. We won't carry food off for snacks unless it's prepackaged. Don't want to risk local agriculture.

[chadsjewel]

We smuggle in a little bit of booze for variety, bring our allotted wine and champagne, as well as order a bottle from BV. We always bring some back with us (we drive to ports so not an issue) and just put it on the bar at home. We are finishing some vodka this week from our March cruise lol. We bring Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and a couple water bottles as well.

 

Attend the past guest party if you are eligible. Our first was on board the Spirit and WOW. Drinks were plenty strong and flowing VERY freely. We each polished off 5 or so in the 45 minutes and had to hit dinner within the hour lol.

 

Research excursions and book outside of the ship when you can. Saves LOTS of $$.

 

Priceline for rental cars and pre cruise rooms. We save a lot this way.

 

Dont buy every single photo. Wait a few days into the cruise, then take some time to find your photos and judge them next to each other. Or buy from that one port you just HAVE to have. We spent $22 on an elegant night photo and it is framed next to our bed. Love it.

[RTRMom]

This is something else we will do - we will try some foods that come highly recommended, (Like the Key Lime pie in KW) but we already paid for the food on the ship. We won't carry food off for snacks unless it's prepackaged. Don't want to risk local agriculture.

 

 

True, and usually the full day excursions are very expensive, so we don't do them. I have no desire to eat in Nassau coming up, so we will definitely eat on the ship. I will much rather have a tasty free hamburger on board. :)

[RTRMom]

Dont buy every single photo. Wait a few days into the cruise, then take some time to find your photos and judge them next to each other. Or buy from that one port you just HAVE to have. We spent $22 on an elegant night photo and it is framed next to our bed. Love it.

 

 

This was hard for us, since we had our son with us and every picture was so cute! It was hard to not buy some. So I say have a set amount before your trip that you will spend on pictures.

[aggiejade]

I made a choice at the beginning of the year to be very frugal. I will share these tips with you.

 

Year-round:

Pack my breakfast and lunch to take to work, no more Starbucks, fast food.

 

Gave up my high price hair stylist, I now use one of the $13 haircut places.

 

Color my own hair.

 

Stopped participating in most of the potlucks, lotto pools, football pools at work. Also stopped buying fundraising items from co-workers children.

 

No day trips to the local Indian casinos.

 

Head straight to the bargain bins at the back of the grocery store. Day old bread is great for toast, french toast, grilled cheese and homemade stuffing.

 

Since I am a family of two, I rarely go to Costco, Sam's Club anymore. I tend to spend too much and I don't need to buy in bulk.

 

Cut down on entertainment outside the home: movies, food truck festivals, amusement parks.

 

My being frugal has paid off. I now put $100 ea month into savings.

 

Cruising:

Recycle alum cans and plastic every month, money is put into savings

 

I have $100 deducted monthly from pay and goes into Summer Savings acct and then in August every year it rolls over into checking acct and voila I have $1200 to put towards a cruise or whatever else I need or want.

 

No photos.

 

Hubby and I give up soda on cruise lines that don't allow you to bring own.

 

Enjoy an occasional cocktail but also take advantage of past guest free drink party.

 

No specialty restaurants.

 

We set a low limit, usually $20 on how much is spent in Casino or bingo. If money is really tight we just don't gamble.

 

Book ES if on Carnival and usually inside rooms. Always shop for cheapest sailings.

 

Usually pick the lowest price excursions. Explore on our own if not doing an excursion. Or forego an excursion to enjoy the pool while most others are off the ship.

 

Eat on the ship.

 

If needing airfare, I wait for a sale. If needing hotel I use one of the bidding sites or bookit site.

 

I bring my first aid kit which should have everything I need for a small injury or sunburn, headache, tummy ache, cold etc. I try not to buy anything onboard unless it is at the $10 sale.

 

Don't forget the sunscreen!!

 

Happy Cruising to all!

[sharecruises]

I usually cruise from nearby, but for my upcoming Alaska cruise I had to do some real "freebiequeen" magic

 

1) Found a good rate at a medium/lower priced hotel with decent reviews, nearby the Space Needle (Quality Inn and Suites)...then found price drops and rebooked for lower rate (had to cancel first booking)

 

as I travel with a group, priceline is NOT do-able

 

Our hotel has $10 shuttle from airport and $6 shuttle to cruiseport

 

2) Got a restaurant.com coupon to use at a local Dueling Piano bar near our hotel (night one)

 

3) got a groupon for an Eithiopian Restaurant (I love them and we no longer have one where I live)

 

4) Do the math....ride up the Space Needle is $19....but if you eat lunch, minimum order $25 you ride needle elevator for free plus have up to 2 hours to sit enjoy the view while eat lunch....I have lunch reservation for 12

 

5.) 2 for 1 Coupon for The Fisherman's Restaurant in Seattle for precruise dinner

 

I also have some other coupons for Seattle found a "cheese festival" at Pike Place with wine tastings 5 pours for 10, free cheese samples that is the weekend we are there

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~I also jumped on a great deal for air...watched it on Kayak....$361 r/t from Ft lauderdale

 

I have NO winter clothes...but thrift shops....slim pickings till I found a like new lined rain jacket with hood, drawstring....$9.99....on Wed 1/2 off so I have MY coat for $4.50.....wheeeee

 

~~~~~~~~~~ Plan to buy a bottle Washington state wine to carry on

putting (empty) rum runners in luggage..LOL>>> shop in Seattle :p

 

Will buy sodas and h20 to carry on in Seattle

 

am plannning to buy some heavy clothes on ship (or in Seattle)? Prices are high here (ski shops/dept stores) for stuff like gloves or cold weather hats

I plan to buy a sweatshirt or "hoodie' that says Alaska as a sort of "sovenier"

 

~~~~~~~~ Jumped on a Groupon for a whale watch ....2 for $119

have been in touch with Captain, so cool....:) Bought it in Dec

Can't wait....that is $60 per person for whale watch, smaller boat, snacks, hot drinks...our Captain is native Alaskian and really nice guy to talk to

 

~~~~~~ Hired number 1 tour guide in Skagway to take us to Yukon, Emerald Lake, Sled dog camp, private van, 1/2 cost of ship tour

 

~~ Booked Horse/carriage for group in Victoria...$25 each...reasonable and fun

 

I also plan to >>> ship back stuff, buy ulu knives, etc..ship back from UPS store or post office ?? in Ketchican

 

I may leave some heavy clothes there if I can find a place to donate them

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

On every cruise, I don't gamble....I don't buy the ship photos anymore

I always buy/use a future cruise cert with Carnival

I don't bring on snacks...order some chips/pretzels or veggie/dip from room service....or grab a plate of nachos, salsa, sour cream from the buffet <grin>

[arby70]

I book early on every cruise I have taken. So far this has proven to be the best rate for me on every cruise. I also watch the cruise site like a hawk after I book so if there's a drop in the rate, I jump on it. You just have to make sure you do you research so when you book initially, it allows you to take advantage of any price drops.

[Mel1322]

We bring wine on board (2 bottles, 2 adults). This works out since only I drink the wine. Then for DH we get the drink coupons. It's not a huge money saver, but keeps us on budget.

 

No specialty dining, no soda (our kids like the lemonade and water), no pictures, no spa.

 

This time no excursion. Our cruise is only part of our vacation, so we will only shop a little in port and enjoy the beach at Half Moon Cay.

 

But our biggest savings is driving to the ports. Flights are expensive for 4 during school breaks. So our last two and this cruise will include a car ride to the port. And this time we are staying with my mother in law the night before and driving to Port Canaveral which is only about an hour from her house.

[patrice1]

Have never seen this one:

We live in Key West, a 4 hour drive to port, BUT... it's only one road in or out, so if there's an accident, you could miss the ship (we've lived here 11 years and it happens more than you might think!). So, we always go the day before. It's actually less for us to rent a car for @ 6 hours than it is to park our car at the port. Also saves wear & tear on our (somewhat) ratty car! Also, we use Avis because I get a discount & if I pay in advance it's even more savings. We use loyalty programs for hotels, too. By paying in advance we get a good discount.

As to the casino, DH and I have an established protocol! We each have $20/day to play the slots. If we win more than $100 we stop, cash in, and put in cabin safe. If we only win tiny amounts, we keep playing. Only on 2 cruises we have not come away with extra money! And we have hours of entertainment.

We prepay our S&S by adding money to it every paycheck and we have always had a check under our door every cruise.

We always book early saver and also get insurance from USAA, as DH is a vet.

We always get a Future Cruise Credit.

We use our CCL Mastercard for cruise bookings & payments and use the reward points to credit the S&S.

We never buy pictures.

We book our own excursions.

At least one port day every cruise we stay on the ship.

IF we use the spa, it's on a port day when it's discounted.

We always order Bon Voyage.

For us, cruising is about relaxing and we always enjoy ourselves without feeling we have to do everything. That's why we love to cruise.:D

[patrice1]

"I usually cruise from nearby, but for my upcoming Alaska cruise I had to do some real "freebiequeen" magic"

Sharecruises:

I totally agree! We're doing our first Alaska in 2013, so I've copied your tips to use! TIA!:)

[Twibbs]

Twibbs, I am sorry, you are the type traveler I hate. Bin Hog! I only carry on my camera case and a "stuff for the flight" / "Oh Sheet, they lost my luggage" bag.

 

Although it won't matter soon. The airlines are starting to charge for carry-ons now... Two airlines do now, the rest will shortly follow.

 

Don't look at me, mine can fit under the seat! I actually just ordered a bag (the Sherpani Sojourn) that fits the carry-on limits for the most restrictive airline, which require it to fit under the seat and be under 7kg...and I am going to try using it as my main bag!

[funinthesun1964]

I remove my auto-tips :eek: OK, just kidding.

 

I never buy photos! Because I am not photo-friendly!

I TRY to limit my drinks :eek:

 

I do try to book excursions on my own, but my last cruise the only ziplining we could do in St. Kitts HAD to be booked through Carnival, so we paid $91 pp :eek:

 

But, we had a wonderful time:D:D