How much to Budget ?

[jeckstein]

My daughter and I are on the same cruise. Have you joined the roll call yet? The group is planning a meet and greet, cabin crawl, and slot pull.

My daughter and I did the same itinerary last year on the Spirit. Our final bill was about $900, which included a the service charge, a future cruise credit, 4 specialty restaurants, a drink a day apiece, and a spa treatment for each of us. We didn't do any excursions with the ship.

Hope that helps.

[SteveH2508]

BTW - there is a Cruise Critic mantra - pack half as much as you need and budget twice as much as you think you need!

 

We work on the principle that we are on holiday so we do not want to be counting the pennies and possibly denying ourselves because of it. We are fortunate that we are not on a tight budget - you may be in a different situation. It is difficult for anyone to advise you because we do not know your situation or preferences.

 

There are value for money deals to be had - and there are rip offs as well. Personally, we find the $15 Martini tastings to be a good deal - the bingo sounds like a complete rip.

 

With a bit of research and networking (go to your Roll Call), you can save a bundle on excursions.

 

Photos are generally vastly overpriced (you have your own camera after all).

 

Do build in a 'buffer' into your budget - I suspect almost everyone on CC will testify to the fact that your bill on the last night will be more than you expect! :eek:

[CeeCee59]

I was wondering if anyone has ever been surprised by having the fuel supplement surcharge added after you have already paid for the cruise? I just checked my booking, and so far it shows "N/A" but there is fine print saying that NCL reserves the right to add up to $10 per passenger per day if the price of crude goes up to $65 per barrel. This could really add up!

[hladygirl]

For us ( 2 people ) Bermuda 7 night=$1000, Caribbean 15 night $2200 and Caribbean 11 night=$1400. We also spent a lot in the casino in cash each trip. This years Caribbean 14 night we will probably spend $1500 -$2000. We only go on a vacation every 1-2 years so we budget very high for the cruise so we don't have to worry about how much we're.spending onboard.

[Cruzface]

Our final bill for 4 on Epic was $1500 after using $600 in OBC.

 

$220 was spa, $150 was future cruise credit, $150 was pictures, $160 was cirque, we also did La Cucina and Moderno (paid for 5 people at each restaurant) and $50ish for soda package. The rest would be cocktails and gift shop. No excursions.

 

MB! We spent more on alcohol than you!!! LOL!

 

Seriously though, take twice as much money as you think and half the clothes.

[hladygirl]

Fyi- I do not believe they offer the alcohol drink package during the first two weeks of April due to college spring break.