Less than a week to we sale going on a tight budget

[bc0508]

We are leaving out on the 26th and on a tight budget.

Taking 500 cash and 250 on the card that the ship has.

I have already taking out for all the expense to get to the ship and back.

 

Can this be done?

 

Not going to drink.

Maybe do 10 each at the Casio may get lucky and win some $$ to help with the trip.

 

Have a booked excursion in Roatan its 80 for the guide already paid 20 so I figure 60 out on it

Figured doing the bus in grand cayman to see the island.

Cozumel going to do paradise beach.

 

Which port has the best shopping I know we want to bring back something for the kids.

[firefly333]

I could do it for that easily, but Id just cut down on shopping.

[paul929207]

I would suggest you pre-pay your tips. That way youdon't worry about running out of money.

[bc0508]

The lady said the tips are 21 a day that is 10.50 for each I figured that in already even thou I havent paid yet. Do you get the open to pay when you check in for that? or do I need to call the lady from the cruise and have it done now?

[suezyq50]

I have prepaid before getting on the ship, using the TA for the tranaction.

[zoncom]

For on land,I usually bring a plastic sandwich container with a sandwich from breakfast buffet. Another $ saving tip is most islands do have a bus system. Get some travel books out of library for this and other island details. Do not rely on the cruise ship desk for reliable info. Their job is to sell pricey tours.

[EGG]

Just enjoy the things that are free on the ship. Avoid the things you have to pay for. You can do the paying activities on your next cruise when you have more money. Many of us spend very little extra with the exception of tips and independent tours and entrance fees/buses/taxis/water in port.

 

Check out the thread welcome to tightwad cruising and you will see what I am talking about. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=785229

 

Here are some examples:

Skip the spa and enjoy the whirlpool.

 

Skip the specialty restaurant, there is more than enough food in the dining room/buffet and it is more than anyone can eat. Drink the water, iced tea, lemonade, kool aid or whatever drinks are available for free.

 

Skip the casino and bingo - it is addictive and you will probably lose.

 

Play trivia, dance lessons, tan, read a book, swim arts and crafts, lectures, tours, exercise, walk the promenade deck, miniature golf and a host of other free things. Every day you will get a sheet with a list of all the activities.

 

Enjoy the free entertainment everynight. If you like dancing, go dancing. No one says you have to drink. You can go to any bar and just enjoy ice water and watch the entertainment. Just smile and say no thank you to drinks.

 

Avoid the expensive pictures and just take your own. With the great pictures you get with your digital camera who needs to buy expensive pictures.

 

Do not plan to take food off the ship as previously suggested. That is frowned upon and illegal in certain ports. We might refill a plastic water bottle with ice water and bring that. I always bring granola bars (sealed packages) with me to take off the ship in case I get hungry. We have a big breakfast and we are usually back on the ship for a midafternoon snack anyway, so water is all we really need.

 

It is amazing what a great cruise you can have without spending any additional money on the ship.

[luckycruzer]

We are leaving out on the 26th and on a tight budget.

Taking 500 cash and 250 on the card that the ship has.

I have already taking out for all the expense to get to the ship and back.

 

Can this be done?

 

Not going to drink.

Maybe do 10 each at the Casio may get lucky and win some $$ to help with the trip.

 

Have a booked excursion in Roatan its 80 for the guide already paid 20 so I figure 60 out on it

Figured doing the bus in grand cayman to see the island.

Cozumel going to do paradise beach.

 

Which port has the best shopping I know we want to bring back something for the kids.

 

if you give your sign n sail card..you are spending $$$...of course you will G'tee as you check in..cash or CC..on land it is up to you

[cb at sea]

all of the beaches on GC are public....a bus to the beach is only about $4 or so...that might be a good beach day.

 

Get a guidebook at your library...and you might be able to do everything on your own without a "guide" or excursion!

 

As long as you aren't drinking, that will really cut down on your expenses. I would skip the casino, too....that $10 per day is most likely going to be lost!

 

It's doable, but you just have to not give in to temptations!

[MrsPete]

We are leaving out on the 26th and on a tight budget.

Taking 500 cash and 250 on the card that the ship has.

I have already taking out for all the expense to get to the ship and back.

 

Can this be done?

 

Not going to drink.

Maybe do 10 each at the Casio may get lucky and win some $$ to help with the trip.

 

Have a booked excursion in Roatan its 80 for the guide already paid 20 so I figure 60 out on it

Figured doing the bus in grand cayman to see the island.

Cozumel going to do paradise beach.

 

Which port has the best shopping I know we want to bring back something for the kids.

You've already paid for the cruise and transportation . . . so you have $750 for two people over the course of a week?

 

You're obligated to pay tips and $60 for the excursion. The bus and Paradise Beach are low-budget options. So roughly $300 is "used". That leaves you about $65/day for two people.

 

That doesn't sound "budget" to me -- not for people who aren't going to drink and are going to gamble lightly. I see no problem staying within that "budget".