Leaving next weekend, stressed!

[HazelSmrf]

First cruise coming up on sunday! So very very excited and so very very stressed! As you can probably tell by my registered date, I have been planning and looking forward to doing a cruise for YEARS. I've read so much on these boards, and I figure I couldn't be any more prepared than I am right now. I have everything (minus clothes) sitting in a suitcase in my closet waiting for me to start packing on thursday. I bought a nice formal dress for myself and a suit for hubby (I'm not usually very dressy!). Pre-stay hotel is booked and paid for, car rental is confirmed.

 

But I've just been worrying about everything! I have 2000$ credit on my credit card which I'm hoping will cover ship expenses. (It's a canadian credit card, so that's not 2000$ american but anyways). I figure it should! But who knows, I have no clue what OUR spending habits are going to be on this vacation. I figure maybe 200$ for the casino, 200$ for pictures, 250$ for shore excursions and the rest for alcohol and tips and anything else that costs money on board (I'm getting my hair done for formal night, but I'm not planning on massages or any other spa services, and not planning on going to the supper club, not interested in art auctions). I rationalize that this is more than enough money, I'd have to drink ALOT of alcohol to fill up the rest of my credit card, I really don't see myself drinking 10+ drinks a day (I hope!).

 

I was going to bring about 500$ for the rest (other misc tips, shopping in miami pre-cruise (need to buy some shorts!), spending in ports. This is really the max that I can afford though, that will deplete my accounts and the mortgage and bills still need to be paid when I get back!

 

Ugh, I guess I'll be stressed out about "will I have enough money" no matter what anyone says. Hopefully this will stop as soon as I get on the ship :)

 

Also, is cash really recommended for the casino, or is charging to S&S possible? I really don't want to bring that much cash with me, and I'd like to save whatever cash I do have for the ports, who knows if ATMs will be easy to find in a strange port?

[hipquest]

Congrats, you will love it!

 

The biggest thing that pops out from your post is about casino money. I know they charge a surcharge if you use S&S, I THINK 3-5%.

 

My DH and I spent about $3000(US) extra BUT he was at the spa A LOT, it was my sisters wedding and we bought drinks for the various members in the wedding, we did do the supper club, excursions, goodies for me in the shops, etc. The only thing we did not do was gamble, it was way more much fun to watch my brother lose (yes, I know I'm evil:p).

 

Soooo, I think you will be fine (based on your details).

 

Have fun, let us know how it went.

 

Happy sails to you...

[rgreenpc]

I found a good rule of thumb for me was $100 per person per day.

 

If you are gonna hit the spa more than once... maybe bump that to $150, as the Steiner girls make used car salespeople seem like pussy cats.

[dbookman1]

Yep, That should cover things nicely. But pay in cash at the casino and save the surcharge. Also if you haven't pre-paid tips that will go on the sail and sign card too, like 78 per person. Just go and have fun.

 

David

[hipquest]

If you are gonna hit the spa more than once... maybe bump that to $150, as the Steiner girls make used car salespeople seem like pussy cats.

 

So true!:D Only my DH told his masseuse (his 1st visit) if you push me to buy product it will reflect in your (cash) tip. Those girls loved him and he got a message from the spa when a special came up. He's in sales, too.;)

[BlueHerons]

Honey, what you have is very common. It is called Travel Anxiety and is tied into separation anxiety.

 

Having any dreams that you are running late and can't find your suitcase? Anything along those lines?

 

You'll be fine and $2500 is plenty of money for two people.

[coolestwife]

.....Having any dreams that you are running late and can't find your suitcase? Anything along those lines?

 

I have that dream even when we're NOT booked on a cruise! :eek:

[HazelSmrf]

Honey, what you have is very common. It is called Travel Anxiety and is tied into separation anxiety.

 

Having any dreams that you are running late and can't find your suitcase? Anything along those lines?

 

You'll be fine and $2500 is plenty of money for two people.

 

 

Bah no not yet, probably will tonight now that you've plugged the idea into my head :)

[Mikey3w11]

Hey, relax and enjoy. In fact we will be on the boat with you. There is an ATM on board. They tell you to get any money that you may need early in the week so the machine doesn't run out. The pursers desk will also let you cash a personal check for about $200. There are some good shopping oppertunities in Cozumel and Grand Cayman. You may find some stuff to spend money on there. Belize and Roatan are pretty much third world there aren't many places to shop except for trinkets there. There are some great deals on the ship with no duty and no tax. The other big savings oppertunity is to book shore tours off the boat. You can find the same tours on the shore for about half the price that you pay on the ship. The groups will be alot smaller and you will have alot more fun. If you have any questions or need help my e-mail is mikebleak@hotmail.com Have fun and maybe we'll see ya on board.