n2cruisin2

Generally, we don't cruise very often--though we would like to, so we don't have any "points or status" with any ONE cruise line. I'm envious of those who have the coupons, the free upgrades, the perks and I also applaud you for having them.

We always have a good time on our cruises even though we don't spend a "lot" of money on the ship itself. Our last cruise was a long one where we paid a hefty amount for the trip and we splurged for a simple balcony--I wasn't going to go through the Canal with anything less--.

Our list of savings include:

1. No art auctions

2. No soda cards--the tea, punch, lemonade, and water are just fine

3. Book independent excursions away from the ship as much as reasonably possible, though some ports-of-call warrant the protection of booking with them.

4. At one port-of-call, we stayed on the ship and just enjoyed the quiet.

5. If I use the spa treatments at all, it's on a special.

6. Speciality occasions and Daily Specials for the extra drinks.

7. Bring on water (12 pack) for excursions

8. Bingo--ah, maybe once (for the big money or free cruise)

9. Not a big gambler or slot machine person. Want to spend my money on something else.

10. Laundry can wait until I get home. I purchase new undergarments before we leave and toss the old undergarments along the way.

11. Avoid the "mall" onboard. The prices aren't that much of a savings to what? save on the taxes? The shirts, blouses, purses, shoes, even the suntan lotion are inflated to name a few items. And most of the clothing they do have onboard for sale are in sizes I haven't seen in a VERY, very long time. LOL

12. Purchase a photo or two, if it's exceptionally good. Most aren't.

13. Speciality restaurant - last cruise we got talked into going to one and we'll do that again at least once on our next trip.

14. Don't really need to purchase any of the way-too-caffeinated coffee; the coffee provided around the ship is just fine.

15. Ice cream--my downfall, though I do limit how much I eat of it.

16. Always tip the staff especially for anyone who isn't someone we've been assigned to tip. This last cruise, we ate almost everyday up where the buffets are, had the same server who went the extra mile for us, made coffee the way my hubby wanted, knew our name, and watched over us. He never solicitated for the tip, not once. However, he did earn it.

17. Purchased the internet package that would be most economical to us. When we left the ship, we had 4 minutes left after starting with over 4 hours. I would blog daily our trip and answer personal emails (typed beforehand on the personal computer, then cut/pasted to site)-from our children only, then downloaded pictures to MySpace that would be of interest to the family, which took the most time.

Note: We are set to private on our MySpace page so no one but who we are familiar will be able to peek at us. The kids really got excited about our communication and pictures. Well worth it. The kids often remarked they felt like they were on the cruise with us.

Our last ship/sail card was just over a grand--included prepaid tips for the assigned wait service, which totalled 1/3 of the statement, a few drinks, speciality dinner for two, internet package, a spa special, bingo, couple "mall" specials that were indeed a very good price, a couple ship excursions, and photos including the dvd of trip--no way to photo lapse the Panama Canal like they could. 15 days, $1030 on ship....not bad.

Thanks for the quick reply. Good to know about the anchors or lack thereof so... check... one potential problem solved.

The view (tv show) I don't watch so no, that's not what I was referring to.......LOL. So, I take it the view from the front of the ship is pretty awesome.

Now I wonder about the ship movement and the staterooms being so far forward, but the Caribbean is known for mostly calm waters so I don't think this will be a problem plus the stablizers will help keep the ship pretty even as far as excessive movement. Most of our cruises have been starboard aft and we didn't experience too much rolling.....well, maybe once, but so did everyone else.

I'd like to thank all the posters on this thread. It's taken me days to read with all the messages, pictures, and information given, I really feel I know what to expect on the ship. Wow!! I can't wait. We are booked on the Liberty for Oct 18 Western Caribbean and it's nice to know what to look for.

I do have a few questions about staterooms in the very front of the ship. These are the ocean view rooms I've seen on the many pictures that has been posted.

1. If anyone has a stateroom like I described, do you have any noise problems with the anchor when it goes up/down at ports?

2. How is the view?

3. If you could change your ocean view room to one of the rooms on a lower level, would you? why or why not? Thanks in advance.

Didn't realize that there are two threads for this topic.

As posted on the other site, we had our first cruise on the Star/Ship Royale and it only gave us a huge hunger for more cruises.

Great experience for my DH and me.

A friend of mine wants to include the Island Princess, Room 324 because the view is completely obstructed and the bar noise (i forgot is either above or below) is really loud.:mad: