World cruise, apporx cost over and above basics??

[KirkNC]

Kirk

 

Unless I mistaken the gratuities are prepaid for OV staterooms C-F Check the Cruise Atlas Page 172.

 

Janet

 

You are correct, my bad. It is even better though as it is all categories from F higher. You can tell we are in a lower cabin category :cool:

Edited February 11, 2016 by KirkNC

[markf]

This is a great topic!

How realistic is it to be in an inside cabin for 4 months??

At least for me, I would need to look at a balcony cabin --

I have asked people on the Crystal board, but no one gives a clear answer.

It is obvious that there are many variables, and no one should figure the price of Jewelry into the equation.

I was thinking it would cost close to 100,000, for booking reasonable tours, tips and other on board necessities

Private tours are not inexpensive, they just give you the flexibility to see what you want and stay for as long as you want within reason

[KirkNC]

This is a great topic!

How realistic is it to be in an inside cabin for 4 months??At least for me, I would need to look at a balcony cabin --

I have asked people on the Crystal board, but no one gives a clear answer.

It is obvious that there are many variables, and no one should figure the price of Jewelry into the equation.

I was thinking it would cost close to 100,000, for booking reasonable tours, tips and other on board necessities

Private tours are not inexpensive, they just give you the flexibility to see what you want and stay for as long as you want within reason

 

We will let you know when we get back. We actually prefer inside cabins, economical and nice and dark at night. We will occasional book a veranda but the cost difference can be significant. We have been in an inside for 28 days before and were fine.

[Tampa Girl]

Kirk

 

Unless I mistaken the gratuities are prepaid for OV staterooms C-F Check the Cruise Atlas Page 172.

 

Janet

 

Is this only for the early bookings?

[Tampa Girl]

This is a great topic!

How realistic is it to be in an inside cabin for 4 months??

At least for me, I would need to look at a balcony cabin --

I have asked people on the Crystal board, but no one gives a clear answer.

It is obvious that there are many variables, and no one should figure the price of Jewelry into the equation.

I was thinking it would cost close to 100,000, for booking reasonable tours, tips and other on board necessities

Private tours are not inexpensive, they just give you the flexibility to see what you want and stay for as long as you want within reason

 

I think you are probably right as it pertains to a balcony cabin. I submitted some requests for prices, and the lowest verandah I could come up with was a little under $32,000.

 

Using one of the other poster's methods (count in a third party for extra expenses), it would come somewhere in the low 90's. But if gratuities are pre-paid and if you don't pay for HAL tours in each port . . .??

 

A present world cruiser estimated $125/day for off-ship expenses like excursions. 118 days = $14,750 for such expenses. Subtracting this from $32,000 (the hypothetical third person) leaves $17,250. Dividing that by 17 weeks results in $1,015 a week for alcohol, laundry (unless a 4-star mariner), Pinnacle dinners, internet, etc. Although there won't be 118 days of touring, some days will be more; some less.

 

Doable?

[StartrainDD]

I think you are probably right as it pertains to a balcony cabin. I submitted some requests for prices, and the lowest verandah I could come up with was a little under $32,000.

 

Using one of the other poster's methods (count in a third party for extra expenses), it would come somewhere in the low 90's. But if gratuities are pre-paid and if you don't pay for HAL tours in each port . . .??

 

A present world cruiser estimated $125/day for off-ship expenses like excursions. 118 days = $14,750 for such expenses. Subtracting this from $32,000 (the hypothetical third person) leaves $17,250. Dividing that by 17 weeks results in $1,015 a week for alcohol, laundry (unless a 4-star mariner), Pinnacle dinners, internet, etc. Although there won't be 118 days of touring, some days will be more; some less.

 

Doable?

 

Unless you are doing a long or costly 'side trip' (like China) remember that on a 118 day WC you are in port less than 60 days. So (and I agree with the $125/day estimate) it's really $125 * 60 or $7500/pp.

[Tampa Girl]

Unless you are doing a long or costly 'side trip' (like China) remember that on a 118 day WC you are in port less than 60 days. So (and I agree with the $125/day estimate) it's really $125 * 60 or $7500/pp.

 

I think the cruiser was counting in side trips.

 

However, your post made me realize that I made a major mathematical error. I was counting $125/day for 2 people for 118 days. Your estimate of $7,500 would mean $15,000 for two people, a little more than my $14,750. However, I got the impression that the cruiser was not confining the $125 to just excusion days because the figure was for all off-ship expenses. That would include tours that cost more than $125 pp.; meals off ship; gifts, etc.

 

Depressing.

[JR42]

Is this only for the early bookings?[/QUOT

 

Yes for the 2017 world cruise have to book by June 1, 2016 for the prepaid Hotel Service Charges

 

 

 

Janet

[lidojohnny]

We have been on two world cruises. One on Princess and one on Hal. I do not

know what your age is, but if it is up there, your insurance is going to hit

you real hard. On both occasions we had ocean view cabin, close to the

center, which is more money. No over land tours, which could be double

if not triple normal costs. I think it best to get into or establish your own

non Hal tours, which are of course cheaper. If you book early, you may

get the gratuities paid, which is a big chunk. We watched the small ports

which we thought were not big enough for a tour there. We just took

a cab or worked around, if its small, like Chuuk or Yap.

 

You can also save money if you have been to a port before, no need to

double up. A world cruise is somewhat expensive, but it can get into

your blood, and can be dangerous as when you come back their is a big

hole in your bank account, but what a way to go:p

[Tampa Girl]

We have been on two world cruises. One on Princess and one on Hal. I do not

know what your age is, but if it is up there, your insurance is going to hit

you real hard. On both occasions we had ocean view cabin, close to the

center, which is more money. No over land tours, which could be double

if not triple normal costs. I think it best to get into or establish your own

non Hal tours, which are of course cheaper. If you book early, you may

get the gratuities paid, which is a big chunk. We watched the small ports

which we thought were not big enough for a tour there. We just took

a cab or worked around, if its small, like Chuuk or Yap.

 

You can also save money if you have been to a port before, no need to

double up. A world cruise is somewhat expensive, but it can get into

your blood, and can be dangerous as when you come back their is a big

hole in your bank account, but what a way to go:p

 

Thank you. You makes some very good points. I had forgotten about the insurance. (And, yes, we are "up there.") Since you have been on two world cruises, can you suggest a way to estimate a realistic daily, weekly, or monthly amount for these off-shore expenses? Is $125/day, pp. a good approximate, if many of the excursions are done independently?

[lidojohnny]

Again, a lot depends on your travel style. Keep in mind, that you may have

60 days or better at sea. You might spring for the pinnacle from time to

Time or a daily wine for two, don't forget to go when the wine is second

Drink is a dollar. Perhaps for you, a basic rule for your budget would be on land

$150 pp per day, give or take for 54 days. Some days your under, some days

Over. The countries can be tricky. Australia is super expensive, as is Europe,

Asia not so. We always buy money at B of A for each country we think we

Will spend in. Again, it varies from Egypt to Greece to Cape Town. I hope

This help's some what. If you can, go for it. As they say, "life is short",

And if you spend more than you wanted, you can bypass the next trip

Until you made up the difference:p:p

[Tampa Girl]

Again, a lot depends on your travel style. Keep in mind, that you may have

60 days or better at sea. You might spring for the pinnacle from time to

Time or a daily wine for two, don't forget to go when the wine is second

Drink is a dollar. Perhaps for you, a basic rule for your budget would be on land

$150 pp per day, give or take for 54 days. Some days your under, some days

Over. The countries can be tricky. Australia is super expensive, as is Europe,

Asia not so. We always buy money at B of A for each country we think we

Will spend in. Again, it varies from Egypt to Greece to Cape Town. I hope

This help's some what. If you can, go for it. As they say, "life is short",

And if you spend more than you wanted, you can bypass the next trip

Until you made up the difference:p:p

 

I like your attitude! The grandchildren are on their own!

[bra1nchild]

We took the GWV in 2015 and spent the 4 months in an inside cabin on Lower Promenade [#3340]. The fact that it was an inside cabin without a window presented no problems and afforded us extra storage space behind the curtain where the window wasn't.

 

Our cost without food and other on-shore purchases was $59050 [more or less]. The fare including taxes, etc. was $47540. Our final bill from HAL after OBC was credited was $2700 and our insurance cost $5400. We only took one HAL tour but arranged 18 days worth of private tours plus 2 tours that others organized; the total cost of the 20 days of tours [some of which included meals] was $3410 for 2 people. Again, all figures are approximate but close.

 

In addition, we saved 3% by paying early and another 3% by using a credit card which offers that rebate on travel. Thus, our NET cost was approximately $56450.

[Tampa Girl]

We took the GWV in 2015 and spent the 4 months in an inside cabin on Lower Promenade [#3340]. The fact that it was an inside cabin without a window presented no problems and afforded us extra storage space behind the curtain where the window wasn't.

 

Our cost without food and other on-shore purchases was $59050 [more or less]. The fare including taxes, etc. was $47540. Our final bill from HAL after OBC was credited was $2700 and our insurance cost $5400. We only took one HAL tour but arranged 18 days worth of private tours plus 2 tours that others organized; the total cost of the 20 days of tours [some of which included meals] was $3410 for 2 people. Again, all figures are approximate but close.

 

In addition, we saved 3% by paying early and another 3% by using a credit card which offers that rebate on travel. Thus, our NET cost was approximately $56450.

 

 

Thank you for taking the time to break down the expenses. It is most enlightening. BTW, what do you mean by a credit card which offers a rebate of travel? I am unfamiliar with such a card.

[bra1nchild]

BTW, what do you mean by a credit card which offers a rebate of travel? I am unfamiliar with such a card.

 

Just as the Capitol One card does not have a surcharge for foreign transactions, almost every credit card gives a 1% rebate on purchases. Some offer 1-1/2%; some have a sliding scale where the percentage depends on the type of purchase [food, fuel, etc.]. We have an AARP VISA card from Chase Bank which offers 3% cash back on travel-related expenses. We use it for cruises, air fare, rental cars and hotels. Playing credit-card-bingo can be a nuisance, but it does pay off.

[RocketMan275]

Thank you for taking the time to break down the expenses. It is most enlightening. BTW, what do you mean by a credit card which offers a rebate of travel? I am unfamiliar with such a card.

 

TG, There several cards that give cash back.

 

The Sam's Club Master Card also gives cash back (5% on gasoline and 3% on travel, ie, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, airlines, etc). Only 1% on other but we have other cards for other (Capital One gives 1.5%). We charge all our travel expenses on the M/C. Just received a cash back check which we're using to pay for all our cash expenses we can't charge to a card for our cruise in march. Think of it as the equivalent of a 3% discount on your cruise fare. Add that to a good TA 10-12% and you're talking real money. (We do pay off the balance up receipt of a bill.)

 

These cards are much better than the cards offered by the cruise lines. For one thing, cash back is combinable with all promotions and discounts on all cruise lines. You're not limited to one line and you don't have to choose which benefits you want to use.

[Tampa Girl]

TG, There several cards that give cash back.

 

The Sam's Club Master Card also gives cash back (5% on gasoline and 3% on travel, ie, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, airlines, etc). Only 1% on other but we have other cards for other (Capital One gives 1.5%). We charge all our travel expenses on the M/C. Just received a cash back check which we're using to pay for all our cash expenses we can't charge to a card for our cruise in march. Think of it as the equivalent of a 3% discount on your cruise fare. Add that to a good TA 10-12% and you're talking real money. (We do pay off the balance up receipt of a bill.)

 

These cards are much better than the cards offered by the cruise lines. For one thing, cash back is combinable with all promotions and discounts on all cruise lines. You're not limited to one line and you don't have to choose which benefits you want to use.

 

Thanks so much for the explanation. Now I understand. The question then for us will be - 3% cash back or FF miles. Probably the cash. Yes, definitely the cash.

[RocketMan275]

Thanks so much for the explanation. Now I understand. The question then for us will be - 3% cash back or FF miles. Probably the cash. Yes, definitely the cash.

 

Glad to help. There are trade offs. Choose wisely, Grasshopper.

Edited February 14, 2016 by RocketMan275

[SLOTheta]

O

 

 

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[bet410]

We have done three grand worlds and two other grand voyages, and we're booked for two more grand voyages.

 

We have filed for an extension for income taxes - easy to do, and we usually have our taxes done in short order by the middle of May.

 

Here is a list of early booking amenities for the 2017 GWV, and staterooms Category F and up DO include the following:

Select Ocean-view Staterooms (categories C-F only)

 

 

• Shipboard Credit
  – US$500 per person, categories C-F only
  
• Prepaid Hotel Service Charges
  
• Luggage Delivery Service (2 pieces per person to/from Ft. Lauderdale only)†
  
• “Welcome On Board” Bottle of Champagne
  

The higher the category, the more early booking amenities there are. For a 111-day cruse (length of the 2017 GWV), the service charges alone would save at least 1200 pp.

 

 

 

We usually do HAL shore excursions (mainly because of my mobility issues - we are "insured" if anything happens). I keep an Excel file of excursions, and in 2012 we paid about $4000 pp. I couldn't find the 2013 list, but in 2015 we spent about $3800, but some of the ports we'd visited before and skipped excursions. Granted, we do a LOT of HAL excursions. This can be scaled down if you book with Cruise Critic groups.

 

 

 

It really depends upon how much you do beyond the basic cruise. We are not drinkers, and we don't buy many souvenirs, etc., so we save in that way. We pretty much average about $5000 pp extra (though we usually book rooms that include the hotel service charge as an early booking amenity).

 

 

 

Grand World Voyages (or any Grand Voyage) are absolutely amazing! They pull out all stops for you - food selection is better (though I do get tired of the fancy food), lots of onboard things to do - you will NOT get bored, periodic special gifts (save room in your suitcase). If you can manage to do it, take the plunge and enjoy!

[Tampa Girl]

We have done three grand worlds and two other grand voyages, and we're booked for two more grand voyages.

 

We have filed for an extension for income taxes - easy to do, and we usually have our taxes done in short order by the middle of May.

 

Here is a list of early booking amenities for the 2017 GWV, and staterooms Category F and up DO include the following:

Select Ocean-view Staterooms (categories C-F only)

 

 

• Shipboard Credit
  – US$500 per person, categories C-F only
  
• Prepaid Hotel Service Charges
  
• Luggage Delivery Service (2 pieces per person to/from Ft. Lauderdale only)†
  
• “Welcome On Board” Bottle of Champagne
  

The higher the category, the more early booking amenities there are. For a 111-day cruse (length of the 2017 GWV), the service charges alone would save at least 1200 pp.

 

 

 

We usually do HAL shore excursions (mainly because of my mobility issues - we are "insured" if anything happens). I keep an Excel file of excursions, and in 2012 we paid about $4000 pp. I couldn't find the 2013 list, but in 2015 we spent about $3800, but some of the ports we'd visited before and skipped excursions. Granted, we do a LOT of HAL excursions. This can be scaled down if you book with Cruise Critic groups.

 

 

 

It really depends upon how much you do beyond the basic cruise. We are not drinkers, and we don't buy many souvenirs, etc., so we save in that way. We pretty much average about $5000 pp extra (though we usually book rooms that include the hotel service charge as an early booking amenity).

 

 

 

Grand World Voyages (or any Grand Voyage) are absolutely amazing! They pull out all stops for you - food selection is better (though I do get tired of the fancy food), lots of onboard things to do - you will NOT get bored, periodic special gifts (save room in your suitcase). If you can manage to do it, take the plunge and enjoy!

 

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to recount your expenditures. It is a real help in determining the ffeasibility of such a cruise.

 

On another note, does anyone know if the other Grand Voyages (non-world), such as the Amsterdam's Pacific GV, also have the amenities and extraordinary service and food? HAL is resuming this GV in 2017.

[bet410]

Thank you so much for taking the time to recount your expenditures. It is a real help in determining the ffeasibility of such a cruise.

 

On another note, does anyone know if the other Grand Voyages (non-world), such as the Amsterdam's Pacific GV, also have the amenities and extraordinary service and food? HAL is resuming this GV in 2017.

 

Yes, we've done the Grand South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand in 2009 and the Grand Mediterranean in 2014. We are taking the Grand South America and the Grand Mediterranean back-to-back next year as doing the two together provides a substantial discount. These cruises also have exceptional food, extra things to do during the day (I can't begin to list all the activities), gifts, and early booking amenities. As posted earlier, if you pay in full by a certain date, you get a 3% discount.

 

The only difference between the other Grands and the Grand World is that sometime during the Grand World the Holland America bigwigs (Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group, Orlando Ashford, CEO of Holland America Line) spend about a week on board for what they call Mariner Days. There's always a huge Mariner event during that time. That does NOT happen on the other grands, but other than those Mariner events, there is very little difference.

 

For people taking a full Grand Voyage, there's always a Pinnacle dinner with the Captain and officers. An officer is assigned to each table. During our voyages, we've been at the Captain's table, the Hotel Manager's, and the Chief Engineer's table, to name a few.

 

Add to that the fact that the crew is top-notch, and that the cruise is long enough to build up lasting friendships with other guests and crew on the ship, and it is a WONDERFUL experience!

Edited February 17, 2016 by bet410

[bet410]

Regarding Credit Cards, we have gotten the Barclay Holland America Card. If you do all your HAL charges on that card, you get double points for anything with HAL, and Shore Excursions booked through HAL provide triple bonus points. If you book Shore Excursions early (if you choose to book through HAL), you still get the Mariner points as long as you take the excursion.

 

We've charged enough to get back $7500 on the long cruises more than once. We save the money to help pay for the cruise rather than to spend it on a night in the Pinnacle or something.

 

On a different subject, if you change Mariner status during a Grand Voyages, the perks kick in immediately (which is huge if you roll over into the 4-star Mariner status which provides free laundry). On regular cruises you have to wait until the next cruise to get your Mariner perks.

[cruisingsherry]

I don't think they do that with gratuities any more but if you booked a F category or higher I think you got two suitcases per passenger shipped for free. I would much rather have the gratuities as that is around $2,500 per stateroom. Being cheap and also retired by the time of our WC we are renting a car to FLL, about a nine hour drive so luggage is not a issue for us. I can get a one way rental for around $125.

 

An additional way to save is to do an early final payment, May of 2016 in our case for a 3% discount. You can still cancel up to the final payment date. That's a nice savings.

 

Hi Kirk, fellow tour guide hee hee

Booked an F cabin early received free gratuities plus 2 pieces of luggage pre shipped.

Our neighbor who has done two WC, said the luggage is left in a warehouse, their things were really wrinkled, so we plan on sending winter things, shoes, toiletries down & hobby stuff. He said they spent $18 - $20,000. Also said HAL will hold your luggage on the cruise, will not return it until the end. They left with 9 suitcase's and return with 13!!! We will receive LOTS of goodies from HAL!!

[Cruise NH]

Hi Kirk, fellow tour guide hee hee

Booked an F cabin early received free gratuities plus 2 pieces of luggage pre shipped.

Our neighbor who has done two WC, said the luggage is left in a warehouse, their things were really wrinkled, so we plan on sending winter things, shoes, toiletries down & hobby stuff. He said they spent $18 - $20,000. Also said HAL will hold your luggage on the cruise, will not return it until the end. They left with 9 suitcase's and return with 13!!! We will receive LOTS of goodies from HAL!!

 

 

 

Just FYI - when we shipped our bags ahead with Cunard you could not send liquids of any kind...just in case you were thinking shampoo bottles or the like. There were other things banned, I can't remember them all but I think electronics were on the list as well.

Edited February 22, 2016 by Cruise NH