Just how much is this cruise going to cost?.....Adding up the extras.

If you live in Seattle (i.e., no travel costs to get to the port), and are retired, (i.e. flexible with schedule), then a great way to save money is wait until close to the cruise dates to book. You may have to have a little flexibility, but if you can do your trip with just a few weeks notice and be flexible on dates, you can get some GREAT deals on cruise pricing. As an example, go to the HAL website and look at prices for Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle in the next couple of weeks. You might just be tempted to go now!

For example, 7-day Alaska RT out of Seattle on Oosterdam, 8/13/17 departure. Ocean view $899, Verandah $1359.

Alaska is the USA, so talk with your phone carrier about using wifi in port. If you don't buy the ship wifi, just turn on airplane mode while not in port. We typically don't use phones/tablets on cruises at all. If you don't drink alcohol, just drink the included beverages. You really don't need to spend anything beyond cruise and tips. I recommend the ship's excursions if you want to do that as they guarantee your return to the ship. We usually choose moderately priced ones, and not one in each port. We take our own pictures and usually just buy the embarkation one for $20. You can spend a whole lot if you want. On the last cruise I had $200 in ship credit (cash back from a Royal Caribbean card). I spent $199 and change. And I had a great time!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

Good recommendations and suggestions.

If you are splurging on a suite, good for you! Just remember, it will be hard to "downgrade" on your NEXT cruise. ☺

Ask your travel agent for an inclusion package and "free" extras! Gratuities, beverages (even if you don't drink alcohol), on board spending money and such. These freebies are there and available for those who ask.

Don't forget to get a good travel insurance (And specify that you will go on a cruise)!!!!

As mentioned in this thread already, shore excursions can be expensive, especially when bought through the cruise line. BUT as a first timer you may like the safety net that you will be taken care of. Personally I would wait and book excursions on board. Perhaps you meet nice table mates in the restaurant you'd like to team up for an excursion. UNLESS there is a very special tour you really, really want to do. That one i would pre book.

Totally avoidable costs: spa and beauty salon treatments. These are absolutely ridiculously priced.

Ships photographer. Let them take the pictures. Let them print the photos. That won't cost you a cent. You do not have to buy ANY if you don't like the photo. In 20+cruises we bougth TWO photos. (My wife never thinks she looks pretty in the pictures)

On board shopping: pffffff! Nothing one really Needs. Watches, jewelry, perfumes, "art work " ???

Casino gambling. Will it even be open ?

ENJOY your cruise and go and SKI (Spend the Kid's Inheritance)

Alaska is the USA, so talk with your phone carrier about using wifi in port.

In 20+cruises we bougth TWO photos. (My wife never thinks she looks pretty in the pictures)...

I can testify that a girl always wants a pretty picture of herself. We are often harder on ourselves than you guys are. ;)

.

It's pretty much a goal of ours to not spend anything onboard, and use the cruise itself as just a great way to get to visit a variety of really interesting places. We usually end up spending a few dollars, but often less than $100 onboard.

Not sure if anyone mentioned much about food, but first-timers may not be fully aware that you can have a great cruise experience without spending a dime for food. The buffet is always free (B/L/D), and the main dining room is also free for very nice dinners every night and lunches on some days (usually days not in port). I think room service is free too (although we've never used it). There's no need to spend extra for upcharge specialty restaurants unless you really want to.

Coffee, tea, water, and sometimes lemonade (plus orange juice in the buffet at breakfast) are typically the free drinks you can get at restaurants and bars. If you prefer anything other than that, you'll pay extra for it, either ala carte or you can purchase a drink package. Alcohol gets pricey fast. But always look for cruise line promos that may offer free drink packages, onboard credit, or other perks. They tend to rotate promos around throughout the year.

What to do onshore in each port has already been covered pretty well in the thread.

Just wanted to chime in and say that it's very possible to have a good cruise experience without spending a dime beyond the cruise fares + port fees/taxes, and required gratuities. Other than maybe a drink package unless you're happy with just coffee/tea/water.