RockyMtnMama Posted October 12, 2006 #1 Share Posted October 12, 2006 I am trying to figure out how much a cruise would cost. My husband and I are considering taking one next summer, but cost is our biggest consideration. I have a good handle on what airfare and the actual cruise will cost, but by the time you transfer to and from the airport, hotel, tips, etc. We would be budget conscious, but will want to do some excursions. I doubt we will have more than a couple of drinks max, and won't spend much on souvenirs. TIA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planopearl Posted October 13, 2006 #2 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Ever consider going in the fall? Just got off the Conquest...Family of four $1650 for a week. Besides cruise and air $1 / bag tip to porter / sky capt. etc. $10 / day per person onboard tips Possible extra tip onboard if you want. Excursions can be costly, The prices are posted on most websites. I'd figure $50 pp average. You don't have to take them. Research your ports and do it yourself. (In many places it is easy). Drinks $5.50 including tips. We brought enough pop, water for the week on carnival. We also brought a couple bottles of wine. Sometimes you are charged a corkage fee. We were not. PICTURES. They take your picture everyewhere you turn around. $7.50 to $22. Formal night pics can be very nice. Many people say they are a good deal since you don't pay a setting fee for a photographer....You don't ever have to buy them. Bingo: $10 -$20 bucks a game my addiction :) I'm sure there are other costs, like the casino or purchases, but all-in-all I don't believe there is a better vacation value for your dollar. Be smart and look for deals! Have fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockyMtnMama Posted October 13, 2006 Author #3 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Wow! That is a great price for a family! We took our children to Disneyworld this fall, so can't do another expensive vacation again this coming year. Unfortunately it will need to be summer (at least the second half of Aug. is somewhat cheaper) because dh's parents will be watching our 4 children. They work as a teacher/principal so other times just aren't an option. This trip will be to celebrate our 15th anniversary. Thanks for your reply. It is nice to know that the extras don't have to add up to major amounts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fredr Posted October 13, 2006 #4 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Hello, Shore excursions can be expensive but you do not have to use them. If you do your research you can have a wonderful time in each port and really not spend very much at all. About a year ago I saw much of Mazatlan, Mexico using public transportation for about $6.00 US while my wife and brother and sister in law went on a ship excursion. In many ports you can walk places or use taxis ( make absolutely sure you get a firm price before you get in the taxi - drivers are friendly and helpful but they have to make a living). You will also meet people on the ship who are willing to share the cost of a taxi. Soft drinks can be expensive but there is free iced tea and cold water available on ships. You must, however, provide gratuties for the cabin and dining room staff. As a general rule, the cruise line suggests $10.50 per passenger per day. This means that you and your husband would pay $21.00 per day total for gratuties (the cabin steward receives $7.00, dining room waiter $7.00, Assistant waiter $4.00 and others split $3.00 - others are the chief cabin steward and Maitre D but only if they provide you with special services. A seven day cruise means that if you tip the suggested amount, it will cost you $147.00 above the cost of the cruise itself. Do not hesitate to write to this board as there are hundreds of experienced cruisers who will gladly make suggestions on ports/ ways to save money so that you and your husband will have a great vacation. Fred Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribbean dreams Posted October 13, 2006 #5 Share Posted October 13, 2006 I always figure $200 a day, that would include shore excursions, taxi's (my biggest expense) drinks, a little gambling, souvenirs, staff tips ect.. and we never spend it all but i would rather plan on spending more money than not having enough money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockyMtnMama Posted October 13, 2006 Author #6 Share Posted October 13, 2006 Trust me, we would NEVER skimp on tipping! I'd feel really bad if I was supposed to tip, and didn't find out til later. How about tipping during the shore time? Sometimes a tour guide gets some sort of tip at the end of a tour. Is that the norm for the caribbean and if so, how much? Plus we can assume lunches and bottled water while on shore, right?? Overall this isn't sounding too bad, as long as we avoid the casino (don't gamble or smoke anyways) or drink much. I assumed there would be lots of extras that require $$ and open hands wanting more tips everywhere you went. caribbean dreams, at $200 a day I'd be staying home, but it sure does sound fun!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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