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Cruising on a Budget?


GoatMouthB
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We purchased our cruise tickets last spring when we anticipated our finances would be much different than they panned out to be. We don't want to cancel. We have our cruise paid for, with a drink package (MSC Divina). Any suggestions on how to do this on a tight budget, or even if that's possible to do? I know we will be charged the tip fee when we embark, but anything else, or any tips would be appreciated. This is our first cruise!

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You can post on the MSC Cruises Forum for more info on other incidental expenses onboard not included in cruise fare. You should also join your Roll Call for info on shared shore excursion for lesser expense.

Cruise Lines “A – O”

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?9https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?9

 

 

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Apart from the tipping, you could get by with spending very little on board- it's what you'll spend ashore which will add up- are you planning excursions, or eating out a lot?

We've recently returned from a cruise where we had a drink package and our excursions had been paid in advance, and our end of cruise bill was small- and mainly for duty free items bought on board plus the daily gratuities. No photos or select dining, and just a few items which were outside the drink package such as special cocktails.

Search the ports for ideas about what you'll be doing there, and look on this site for what others have done.

Enjoy!

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We purchased our cruise tickets last spring when we anticipated our finances would be much different than they panned out to be. We don't want to cancel. We have our cruise paid for, with a drink package (MSC Divina). Any suggestions on how to do this on a tight budget, or even if that's possible to do? I know we will be charged the tip fee when we embark, but anything else, or any tips would be appreciated. This is our first cruise!

 

 

Really there is nothing else you must have.

 

Our lowest ever final account was just over $8. Had drink package for me, not Mrs Gut, the $8 was a couple of specialty hot drinks for her. In port we just did our own thing.

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To keep on board expenses down, aside from the gratuities, don't gamble, don't play bingo, don't use any of the spa services, don't book any shore excursions through the ship - do them on your own, don't buy any of the ship photographers pictures, don't eat at any of the specialty restaurants, and don't shop at the on board stores or gift shops. Other than the cost of getting you to the ship and what you elect to do in your ports of call, you don't need to spend any more.

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It’s really not difficult to spend very little on top of what you already have other than daily gratuities but as previously stated, go look at the Ports of Call boards for ideas on what can be done. You should be able to find plenty of low to no cost things to do in port

 

 

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You need to discipline yourself and not get sucked into spending money onboard. No need...since you have a drink package. Just stick with drinks covered by your package, eat in the included (free) dining venues, do not buy photos, don't shop in the shops, don't gamble, don't play Bingo, etc. And most important is avoid booking the cruise line excursions. Do homework on each of your ports (you can get a lot of info here on Cruise Critics Ports of Calls Boards) and take advantage of public transportation (when possible). If you want to go to a beach...just get there by public transit, walking, or sharing a taxi. If you really want to save money...do not rent loungers/umbrellas on beaches....which can easily cost you $25 - $50 per day. Take some beach towels...spread them on the sand...and enjoy.

 

Hank

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Check you will actually save with your drinks package. Not that I know if you are able to convert it to OBC if you change your mind. For some levels of drinking you may be over indulging to make it pay, which you might prefer to be spending on other things.

 

 

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You to your local library and get a guidebook on your ports. Rarely are excursions needed to have fun ashore! The more you know about your ports, the more fun you can have, and many things are pretty cheap, if not free, depending on how far what you want to do is from your ship.

You don't need "specialty" restaurants, or bingo games, spa treatments, any of the many things they will entice you to spend more to do! Just say, "No"!

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We purchased our cruise tickets last spring when we anticipated our finances would be much different than they panned out to be. We don't want to cancel. We have our cruise paid for, with a drink package (MSC Divina). Any suggestions on how to do this on a tight budget, or even if that's possible to do? I know we will be charged the tip fee when we embark, but anything else, or any tips would be appreciated. This is our first cruise!

 

 

 

Since this is your first cruise you may want some type of souvenir. If we are in a new port we now buy magnets...pretty cheap and easy to carry.

 

 

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You to your local library and get a guidebook on your ports. Rarely are excursions needed to have fun ashore! The more you know about your ports, the more fun you can have, and many things are pretty cheap, if not free, depending on how far what you want to do is from your ship.

 

Also, spend some time on Trip Advisor for your ports. Also great info, and lots of cheap/free things.

 

And cheap places to eat if you want to eat off the ship.

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As others have said, you need not spend a penny while onboard if you don't choose/want to.

 

Simply have the discipline to do that, and you'll be fine. Don't fall into the trap of upcharge dining, photos, the casino, and all the other nickel and dime options.

 

As for ports, there are plenty of free things to do - simply investigate it here.

 

If funds are critically tight you could inquire about cancelling the drink package and using those funds to pay the gratuities instead.

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Been on 3 cruises so far and have never spent over available obc. So far the ships we have been on had your account available to view on your cabin tv. Like everyone mentioned you have control over what you spend after gratuities are paid. I am sure you will still have a great time even on budget

 

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It sounds like you have the big ticket items covered. A couple of additional ideas:

 

1. Watch you bill daily. Things can add up quickly.

2. If you have kids going, turn off their ability to charge to their room card.

3. Parking can be costly. You can save money by parking remote or having some drop you off.

4. You don't need to do any excursions. Most ports have a tourist area or you can walk to one.

5. Take over the counter meds with you. Expense onboard.

 

 

Good luck!

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Looks like you're going to St Martin, San Juan, and Nassau. I've done budget things in all those ports. In St Martin you can easily walk to the beach downtown for free. $25 or less should get you chairs and an umbrella. All day water taxi is also inexpensive. Look at Bernard's tour for a good value independent tour.

 

For San Juan take the free shuttle. El Morro Fort is run by the National Park Service and is $5. Wander back down to the port - find the gate to the city and walk the waterfront esplanade back to the dock area.

 

For Nassau I've walked to the Beach beyond the Hilton and I've done a self guided walking tour - https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1z0pKUFtyYA1D0nd8O4dC9Q3pJSE&hl=en&ll=25.076535288191415%2C-77.33998131725411&z=18

 

Do your research, print out maps, and you're good to go.

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I assume you did the math on the drink package. We get by with one or 2 drinks during the day on a sea day, and usually a glass of wine with dinner, maybe one more after. Don't bother with the pictures, and stay away from the casino and spa. You will have a great time just enjoying all there is to do and in the ports you are going to you can just get off the ship and walk to everything, including a public beach.

Whatever you do, don't skimp on the tips. I have seen on here where sometimes people "adjust" their tips down from the suggested amount- I think that is a terrible thing to do- the crew members rely on that money and they work very hard.

I promise you will have a great time!

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