Pride on the cheap

[palmtre2]

I really wish those that choose NOT to eat in the MDR and who did get an assigned dining time would stop at some point in the trip to let the maitre'd know they will not be there. They could also just pick up a house phone and call. There is nothing worse than sitting at a huge table and waiting, waiting only to realize that it just the 2 of you and you have waited for nothing and no one. If my DH and I know we will not be using the MDR on a particular evening we DO let the staff know.

[Sue Do-Over]

There are smarter (and kinder) ways to save money than remove the tips. I say, instead, enjoy the best of the MDR, eat two lobster tails, and savor the dessert.

 

Save money by packing smart so you don't have to buy sunscreen or a sweatshirt at the gift shop, skip the photos and fancy coffees, and enjoy your shore days walking around the port.

[rednose83]

I really wish those that choose NOT to eat in the MDR and who did get an assigned dining time would stop at some point in the trip to let the maitre'd know they will not be there. They could also just pick up a house phone and call. There is nothing worse than sitting at a huge table and waiting, waiting only to realize that it just the 2 of you and you have waited for nothing and no one. If my DH and I know we will not be using the MDR on a particular evening we DO let the staff know.

 

I think Carnival should allow you to opt out of the MDR.

 

We generally do anytime dining so nobody is waiting on us.

[Ocean Dancer]

I think Carnival should allow you to opt out of the MDR.

 

We generally do anytime dining so nobody is waiting on us.

 

Actually opting out of any of the MDR evening meals is a good idea, but to remove your tips because you "think" you got no service is not right. Someone filled the iced tea/juice/coffee dispensers. Someone cooked your Lido deck food and cleaned your table/plates/silverware. Someone made your omlette/pizza/deli sandwich to order. You are "stiffing" these hard workers.

Of course you will be off the ship and they will not know it. Enjoy that $49.00 per couple, savings on a 7 day cruise. I highly suggest you never do a B2B on the same ship.

[luvtrips]

Things I don't buy:

Photos... my hubby takes great pictures!

 

Casino....we don't gamble and the smoke smell kills us, anyway.

 

Carnival overpriced shore excursions...we either walk around and sightsee on our own, or use trolleys/busses when warranted, or just hang out on a beach and swim or snorkel, or book local port excursions. They are by far cheaper, longer, more fun. Check the port boards or tripadvisor for reputable tour guides.

 

Spa services. Enjoy the free whirlpools and saunas, and free unlimited sunshine. Also free gym.

 

Shopping in the gift shops. We only buy one suvenier magnet from the cruise and each port. Our fridge is full of our travels! Maybe a tshirt occasionally.

 

We drink moderately. Bring on our bottle of wine per person. We do enjoy a beer or fancy drink or two each day. Yep, it costs a bit, but we usually have some money on OBC from carefully watching price drops of our cruise to more than cover the drinks.

 

I like to prepay my tips just so I don't have the balance to pay at the end of the cruise. I never, ever, remove tips. Don't forget to keep some 1's available to tip room service, baggage handlers, and whatever.

 

Over all, on my sign and sail card, is just our drinks and magnet or tshirt.

Onboard credit always covers it just fine, so we rarely disembark with a bill to pay. Actually, it's a fun game I like to play.

 

I enjoy everything I want to, and don't spend on what I don't need to.

Just tailor it to fit what you find enjoyable, but make sure you have fun, it's your vacation, after all!