first cruise

[wmdhnep]

This will be my first cruise and i'm a little worried because there are so many things that are new for me, like the bill at the end of the trip...i have always had my trips paid for long before i ever leave, so i'm concerned as to how much this final bill is going to be...should we book excursions through the ship or should we just wait until we get there....these are things that i need to know( yes, i'm a controll freak)

[Taf]

Hi - and welcome!

You have come to the right place - this board is full of great people who share thier experiences, offer advice and answers!

Extras to consider are tips (although Costa add around €6 pppd to cover the tips, on your cabin account. You can change this if you want) excusions, and drinks mainly. Other expenses are photos, gifts, bingo etc.

What do you usually spend during a "hotel" week? Try to think of it like that.

As for excusions - I have used ship tours and also done it alone, it depends on the ports.

Which cruise are you on and where are you going?

[joetrizeo]

taf's advice is sound.

to add to what taf said... read up here on these forums. you will feel like an expert before stepping your first step on the ship.

 

ask questions, you'll get answers. or do a forum search, but we really don't mind answering :)

 

your bill at the end of the cruise will vary so much depending on the type of person you are that no one can tell you what it will be (becase we don't know you ;) )

 

it can vary from 0$ to 1000$ thoes are extremes but judging from a carnival forum poll, most are 200-300 per person.

 

again this includes what taf mentioned, tips, drinks, excursions (booked thru costa) and anything else you've bought on board (alcohol, jewelery, personal items at the convienent shop on board).

 

assuming you are cruiseing the caribbean costas tips are 8.50 per person per day, times 7 day cruise thats $59.50. this will be on there unless you remove them.

 

with respect to excursions you can either book them thru costa prior to your trip (tickets will show up the night before in your state room mail basket) or book them onboard (this isnt recommended becase excursions normally get booked full before).

 

you can also head over to the excursion forum for a ton of money saving information about how to book excursions on your own and not to go thru the cruise company. most of these on your own are reserved in advance but there are people at the ports wanting to sell you day trips if you wanted to wing it.

 

on a first cruise i might be enclined to book thru the cruise line for the convience, but thats just my opinion.

 

-Joe