Am I alone-is cruising the best option?

[IandY]

My wife and I just completed our 6th cruise (second cruise with our two young children) and I find myself pondering if cruising is the right holiday for us in the future.

Firstly, I realize that everyone seeks a different experience from their holidays. Secondly, I'm aware everyone’s budget and financial situation is obviously different. We are comfortable, not rich, and only travel when we can afford to. A vacation for us is a privilege, not a right, and is a decision my wife and I make with considerable thought.

So here’s my dilemma. Totaling things up, one week on the Serenade (balcony cabin), including airfare, drinks, wine packages, excursions, multiple taxi’s, tips/gratuities and extra charges, the amount comes to a figure close to $9,000. This leaves me in a conundrum. I’m certain I can get an equally enjoyable land based vacation at a resort for much, much less.

We love cruising and most probably will again, I’m just wondering if anyone else is conflicted with the numbers as I am?

[cruiseguy1016]

My wife and I just completed our 6th cruise (second cruise with our two young children) and I find myself pondering if cruising is the right holiday for us in the future.

Firstly, I realize that everyone seeks a different experience from their holidays. Secondly, I'm aware everyone’s budget and financial situation is obviously different. We are comfortable, not rich, and only travel when we can afford to. A vacation for us is a privilege, not a right, and is a decision my wife and I make with considerable thought.

So here’s my dilemma. Totaling things up, one week on the Serenade (balcony cabin), including airfare, drinks, wine packages, excursions, multiple taxi’s, tips/gratuities and extra charges, the amount comes to a figure close to $9,000. This leaves me in a conundrum. I’m certain I can get an equally enjoyable land based vacation at a resort for much, much less.

We love cruising and most probably will again, I’m just wondering if anyone else is conflicted with the numbers as I am?

 

Are you sure about that? I have priced land based vacations and have found that cruising is cheaper. When pricing the land based cruise you need to figure in everything that get from the cruise line; lodging, food, entertainment, activities etc. You will still need to fly to your destination. You will probably need to rent a car to get around. Unless you are staying at an all inclusive, the cost of your meals will be astronomical. Do some research and price a land based vacation including everything you will actually need to spend money on. You might be surprised.

[NorbertsNiece]

You have no idea how your post reflects the conversation I just had with my

DH. Next year is a special birthday for me and I would like to take my 3 DDs and their partners on a cruise. The cabins I can afford... but the airfare.... as we say in the UK..... you're having a laugh..... so I'm resolved to try and find something out of the UK for 5/7 nights which is not easy.... at least not with RCCL....

[galavant3]

Coincidentally, I just tallied up our expenses for an upcoming 7 day cruise for our family of 5. I needed the total for trip insurance pricing.

 

Our cruise, airfare, taxes will cost about 4500. Does not include excursions or bar bill. That works out to 900.00 per person which I thought was quite a bargain. I priced an all inclusive for a week and it was much, much more. (4 of our 5 are over 18 and the all inclusive did include alcohol).

 

My boys are young adults and just feeding them can bankrupt us.

 

So, for us, it is a bargain. For those with smaller children that are not big eaters or those that travel during peak times or those that because of where they live don't get airfare bargains, it might not be the case.

 

I agree that 9000 is steep.

[ntengwall]

I really think it just depends on the land trip you choose. I know me, my husband (now ex) and our 3 boys went to Cancun 2 years ago for 1 week. It was an all inclusive (all food and alcohol) and we never had a need to leave the hotel. It totaled $6500 for all of us including airfare.

 

My parents are paying for our upcoming cruise and I know that they are paying $5500 for me and my boys to have a family stateroom and we don't need airfare because we are leaving from NJ (a 3 hour trip for us from MD). So I would say it would be close to even when compared to our Cancun trip.

[cb at sea]

Certainly, airfare can really add to the bottom line....

 

No--you do NOT have to do a cruise to have a wonderful vacation! We enjoy cruises, but there are also lots of "land" vacations that we enjoy just as much--usually with much more spacious rooms and better food, too, in any cases.

[IandY]

Are you sure about that? I have priced land based vacations and have found that cruising is cheaper. When pricing the land based cruise you need to figure in everything that get from the cruise line; lodging, food, entertainment, activities etc. You will still need to fly to your destination. You will probably need to rent a car to get around. Unless you are staying at an all inclusive, the cost of your meals will be astronomical. Do some research and price a land based vacation including everything you will actually need to spend money on. You might be surprised.

 

You're right, I used the word "certain" which is not accurate. I wonder might have been a better phrase. Still, I think next time I will look at an all-inclusive a bit closer. Typically the airfare is included when a price is stated and as Norbertsniece has stated, the flying is an expensive start to a vacation. We've never done the all-inclusive, i'm only thinking it may require a closer look even though we do love cruising.

[cruiseguy1016]

It is certainly possible to do a land based vacation for less depending on where you want to go and what you want to do once you are there. One of the down sides to a land based vacation is you are "stuck" in one location. We enjoy cruising because it allows us to see many different places in one trip. If we find some place while cruising that we really like, we can back again another time and stay there.

[andrzej5914]

One of the down sides to a land based vacation is you are "stuck" in one location.

 

really? perhaps you, but not me. I like cruises, but I'll take land based vacation anytime over a cruise.

 

I like to do a regions, meaning I'll plan 2-3-4 weeks in South America or in Asia or Australia/New Zealand or Europe or Middle East, Africa. I'll spend at least few days in the more popular places but I will take the time to visit the less known spots as well. If planned right, I'll spend ~$3000 to $4000 per trip, get to ACTUALLY see and experience the different cultures, hop around a continent, etc.

 

Please tell me who gets more out of their trips, your 1 day stops in foreign ports or me discovering the inner parts of the countries, the real historical sites, the adventures of the deep jungles, the safaris, exotic locations in Asia with it's rich history?

 

All for a lot less than a cruise if you consider that I'm traveling for 3-4 weeks at a time.

[StormingtheCastle]

Interesting that you bring this up-- I am trying to convince DH that we should go on the FOS end of August with our 2 DD's (10 and 14) He wants a complete cost breakdown of everything to get there, during and back.

 

He wants to know if there is some other option (land based) that we would enjoy just as much and would cost less. We love Disney and could probably do that for half (if they offer free dining), but my girls first request is to go to a beach and go snorkeling I have looked at several AIs and other options but the cost really is about the same. And I love that we can have great family time together but there are also lots of options for individual and couple time. 7 days together for 24 hours a day gets to be a bit much for anyone!

 

Is this practical? Well, probably not since we have one starting college in a little over 4 years, but then again this is exactly why I want to go. I am seeing them get older and starting to slip away to their independence. I know we have a few long years ahead of us with one in high school and one one hitting middle school. Our chances for a full family vacation are going to be a lot less because of their schedules and even just the expense of their activities that seem to be more and more each year.

 

Yes, there are less expensive options-- but I don't think there is anything else that will provide the activities to make everyone happy. Now to convince DH that it is worth the expense.

[Havingfun2010]

I spend no more than $4,000.00 for a family of 4. Here is the catches. Yes we drink, tip, gamble, go on excursions, and buy stuff. However, we never fly. We have flown on vacation, but never to a cruise ship. Yes, we live in FL, but we have left from NYC and MD also. The ship you were on leaves San Juan, which is expensive to leave from. Next, unless you live in MT, ND, SD, MN, or WY, you are within 1100 miles of a cruise ship, which amounts to 16 hours of driving at considerable less cost. Gas and extra hotel stay is $500.00. I have no idea how a cruise cost $9,000.00

[twoputt.plusone]

I have no doubt that your cost estimate is spot on. Especially if you are flying out of a Canadian departure city. The cost of flights are not something to take lightly.

 

There have been many discussions on this board over the years about the pros and cons of cruising vs land-based vacations. It's a very personal decision and for me, an all-inclusive doesn't cut it. I want to be out and about to enjoy new territory and discover other cultures. If I'm already paying for my food and beverages in a resort, I'd be much less likely to venture outside the gates. That's why A.I.s don't work for me. That's not to say that I think cruising is all that either. It has it's place. You just have to decide which way you want to go but I completely understand your comments.

[twoputt.plusone]

I spend no more than $4,000.00 for a family of 4. Here is the catches. Yes we drink, tip, gamble, go on excursions, and buy stuff. However, we never fly. We have flown on vacation, but never to a cruise ship. Yes, we live in FL, but we have left from NYC and MD also. The ship you were on leaves San Juan, which is expensive to leave from. Next, unless you live in MT, ND, SD, MN, or WY, you are within 1100 miles of a cruise ship, which amounts to 16 hours of driving at considerable less cost. Gas and extra hotel stay is $500.00. I have no idea how a cruise cost $9,000.00

 

You're right - you have no idea how easy it is to get your travel bill up to $9K if you're leaving from Canada and driving to the port is not a reasonable choice. Let me give you an example what I faced 3 years ago. We were travelling to Florida with me, DH, DD, 1 DGS and 2 DGDs. I booked our flights out of Buffalo for a total cost of approx. $1200. Just for the fun of it, I also priced flights out of Toronto Ontario for the exact same dates and times. The cost was over $32K. And now you know.

[debshomespun]

An AI land vacation is a totally different type of vacation than a cruise. On a cruise, you will get the entertainment each night, the casino (unless you vacation at a resort w/a casino), the daily activities the ship has to offer (compared to the very mediocre types of activities at the AI resorts), and the bonus of all the ports you go to. The alcohol is not included on a cruise, but I drink very little. I also enjoy going to many different places on vacation. On a land AI vacation, what comes to mind is the beach, sitting all day, and doing very little but relaxing. We are the type of vacation people that like to pack each day with lots of things to do. We have found this to be very easy on a cruise. While on our land based AI vacations, we were somewhat bored after a couple days, and didn't enjoy them near as much as our cruises. It all depends on what type of vacation you are looking for.

[robtulipe]

You're right - you have no idea how easy it is to get your travel bill up to $9K if you're leaving from Canada and driving to the port is not a reasonable choice. Let me give you an example what I faced 3 years ago. We were traveling to Florida with me, DH, DD, 1 DGS and 2 DGDs. I booked our flights out of Buffalo for a total cost of approx. $1200. Just for the fun of it, I also priced flights out of Toronto Ontario for the exact same dates and times. The cost was over $32K. And now you know.

I know typically Toronto's Pearson airport is more expensive than BUF to go to Florida and most mainland US destinations but I suspect it was $3200 not $32K for similar flights and class of service . We flew out of BUF to San Diego for our last month's Radiance cruise and YYZ priced out at over double the price. The taxes and fees are high now and now the Cdn. federal government want to increase them further. Occasionally we have found overseas flights to be competitive out of Pearson which was the case for our last Spring flight to Chile to do the Radiance repositioning from there to San Diego and our flights to/from Rome in 2007 for our Legend cruise. The other advantage with Pearson for overseas flights is that it being a major airport you can often get direct flights whereas with BUF you will always connect to go overseas.

[stompy]

we'd love to do an all-inclusive resort someplace but I've never been able to find one that beats the price of a cruise.

 

Our upcoming Transatlantic works out to a little over $200/day. A hotel that gives a "free" breakfast would cost me that in any major city in the US.

[mlk58]

My husband and I have done the math, and for the two of us, there's no question that we get MUCH more bang for the buck on a cruise. We really enjoy being pampered and having luxurious surroundings, and we can get an OS on the Mariner for less than the cost of a waterfront luxury suite in a hotel here in California -- and that's before any meals or entertainment. However, we can drive to port and we don't travel with children, so maybe that makes a difference.

[bigtoeswim'n]

IandY: what a thought provoking question. You made me pause and think. You raise many important points. The price of vacation vs cruising. When my two kids were young, DH and I drove to National Parks with the ultimate destination being granparents. We did all this on the cheap. As the sands of time passed through the hourglass, DH now travel but only after we were fortunate enough to pay off our home, live within humble means, put the kids thru college on partial scholarships.

 

Thru a series of crummy part-time jobs, I learned about FFM (frequent flyer miles), so airfare is just about paid for. Thru message boards such as this one, I learned about next-cruise OBC and other big saving tips like booking excursions via local vendors.

 

DH and I flew from Alabama, did RT Alaskan tour on Serenade for around a total of $3000 for the two of it. Dang good deal. (Plus the cruise line dropped prices last year bc of the sagging economy.)

 

So, I say cruising is the best deal if you know how to work the system in your favor. Sailing price includes lodging, food, entertainment and arriving at wonderful POC.

 

Having said that, however, I will think twice about big-ticket cruises to Hawaii, Europe, South America. We might just do repeat cruises from ports near us. Perhaps you are getting bored with cruising. It also seems more threatening to me to leave the states. So, try Amtrak or RV? Just some suggestions. I did enjoy your post.

[beachnative]

I love to cruise because of the ships and the relaxation. However the real joy is in land vacations in Europe. These are exciting because of the musical quality of the languages, the thrill of possibly getting lost, the beauty of the architecture, the seediness of riding on city busses with the locals, and the endless changes in stimulus by new foods. If you have not taken a European cruise try one...it will be a gentle step into that magical world. You will then find yourself wanting a landed vacation so that you can find yourself in cities or towns AFTER the day cruisers have departed...nights in a foreign country can be amazingly romantic.

[kleo30]

I think it depends on what you like to do. If you enjoy cruising and have the funds to do so, then spend the money doing what you like. If you need a less expensive vacation and don't mind not cruising, then do that.

 

We're planning our first cruise and I am beyond excited. We're going without kids. This is our first real vacation since our honeymoon 20 years ago. We tent camp, which is a very nice family vacation, but really not a vacation for the mom. I'm already planning our 2nd cruise, and our first one isn't for 13 1/2 months ;)

[Desert Cruizers]

I might add, that when we each take our trips, we don't all spend the same amount. Some will spend more on booze then others or photos etc. I did a comparison in what we would have spent, two weeks in Honolulu, factoring in food, no entertainment, for 2 weeks and no drinks and was abt $5100. The cruise for my DH & I with insurance for a D-1 Balcony and all fees came total, of $5360, we had all the food we could possibly eat, entertainment nightly plus all the other activities we could do. This is only comparing a hotel stay with food to a cruise, and no extras, like tours purchases & car rentals. As mentioned already and speaking for myself, I am far more relaxed at the end of a cruise then a land vacation.

[nsmith]

there are many kinds of vacations to take, cruising is just one. when our children were small we went 2-3 nights to amusement parks with other families, and down the shore for a week, day trips to Washington, DC and NYC as they got a little older, we have been to Wilmingsburg VA (colonial wilmingsburg, water country, busch gardens), and Disney 2 times, once with a cruise.

 

now that they are teens we really have to find vacations they will allow us to take them on. last year we went to CA for the XGames in LA and Disney. this year the cruise seems like a good idea as they will have some freedom and we can have some adult time.

 

don't limit yourself to one kind of vacation. there is a whole world out there.

[138east]

Have you looked into cruising from New York? What time of year are you considering?

[CruiseLover15]

Interesting that you bring this up-- I am trying to convince DH that we should go on the FOS end of August with our 2 DD's (10 and 14) He wants a complete cost breakdown of everything to get there, during and back.

 

He wants to know if there is some other option (land based) that we would enjoy just as much and would cost less. We love Disney and could probably do that for half (if they offer free dining), but my girls first request is to go to a beach and go snorkeling I have looked at several AIs and other options but the cost really is about the same. And I love that we can have great family time together but there are also lots of options for individual and couple time. 7 days together for 24 hours a day gets to be a bit much for anyone!

 

Is this practical? Well, probably not since we have one starting college in a little over 4 years, but then again this is exactly why I want to go. I am seeing them get older and starting to slip away to their independence. I know we have a few long years ahead of us with one in high school and one one hitting middle school. Our chances for a full family vacation are going to be a lot less because of their schedules and even just the expense of their activities that seem to be more and more each year.

 

Yes, there are less expensive options-- but I don't think there is anything else that will provide the activities to make everyone happy. Now to convince DH that it is worth the expense.

 

Your kids would love the Freedom. If you could all 4 share a room and if you could go in September or October you would save a lot of money. I have heard of other parents going during that time by going at Labor Day holiday and then getting and having the kids to complete the school work ahead of time.

[chipmaster]

Everyone is different, what works for you going forward with children may be very different from others in the same situation. Crusing is fun, but there are a lot of other "fun" vacations besides crusing too ;) Much depends on your interests, your family's age, vacation style and somewhat your location. We find like you when we add up everything it really isn't the deal it appears and we are way cheaper than you and go inside ( hope for upgrade ), don't drink, gamble, nor buy trinkets but those are frugal habits we carry whether we cruise or land or other. Others might look at us and think good god what big vacationers they are, others what cheapskate but I can tell you our vacations have changed a great deal from when our kids were young, tweens, and now span the tweens to teens. For us we took a long break from cruising and are back to doing them but only everyother year or so ( for us couldn't imagine making cruise the only vacation ). There is just so little vacation time but so much vacationing to do :mad:

 

My wife and I just completed our 6th cruise (second cruise with our two young children) and I find myself pondering if cruising is the right holiday for us in the future.

Firstly, I realize that everyone seeks a different experience from their holidays. Secondly, I'm aware everyone’s budget and financial situation is obviously different. We are comfortable, not rich, and only travel when we can afford to. A vacation for us is a privilege, not a right, and is a decision my wife and I make with considerable thought.

So here’s my dilemma. Totaling things up, one week on the Serenade (balcony cabin), including airfare, drinks, wine packages, excursions, multiple taxi’s, tips/gratuities and extra charges, the amount comes to a figure close to $9,000. This leaves me in a conundrum. I’m certain I can get an equally enjoyable land based vacation at a resort for much, much less.

We love cruising and most probably will again, I’m just wondering if anyone else is conflicted with the numbers as I am?