Average final bill? No idea what to expect

[TLCOhio]

Just back from our first time sailing with Celebrity and the billings were what we expected and knew were coming based on what we bought and ordered. It was easy for us to go to the TV screen for seeing those billings. Many excellent points are made by fleckle on how things vary based on your personal spending plans/habits. Just think and plan accordingly.

 

I also wanted to note that we were very impressed by the staff on our experience. Many of the staff have been with Celebrity for a good period of time, very dedicated, focused, etc. You can see more on our Med sailing on the Solstice from below. Hope all of your upcoming cruises work well.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Just back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. These postings are now at 16,025 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2011, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 45,250 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

Appreciate those who have “tuned in” for these two posts. Don’t be shy and feel free to comment and/or ask any questions of interest.

[Minoushka]

I find I get TEMPTED a lot on ships .I somehow always buy a designer watch What can I say I like watches I need to bring back gifts so the USUAl T shirts and ties

Most Cruise companies have SALES of something every day On Princess it is the LASt seaday .I usually get a lot of souvenirs

Casinos on CELEBRITY are VERY VERY TIGHT I have yet to see a slot pay out ...I enjoy slots but I do expect them to give me some baxck ....no luck yetso pace yourself ...THose machines are VERY hungry!!!

I do not really drink so I do not spend on that I do private excursions and read up on HERE to find the best places to experienceSometimes I cruise for the ship itself other times for the destination

I got hooked on cruising 11 years ago with my 2 kids aged 5 and 8 I still travel with my older son who now protects me!!!I'm sure you will enjoy the atmospher of the ship I DO

Bon Voyage

 

Once again depending on your desires a cruise can be as expensive as you make it But calculate 100$ per day per person to be comfy Have a good one

 

Michele

[tophatgirl]

Thanks for all the wonderful replies! LOVE this board! :D

[digital_curator]

We found that we didn't have as many "extra" expenses on Celebrity as we have had on other ships. We didn't do bingo or other extra fee activities- there weren't as many as there were on other ships (though there weren't as many activities period as there were on other lines).

 

We were in a Concierge Class cabin and, as mentioned, we paid $12 pp/pd for tips. We brought cash for room service tips ($1-2 per delivery).

 

We didn't find the service to be outstanding on our Celebrity cruise, so we didn't tip anyone extra. However, on past RCI cruises we have tipped our waiter, assistant waiter, and cabin attendant $25 each extra for excellent service (we bring cash for this too).

 

The casino will have some $5 tables (as well as higher amounts) and $1, 25 cent, nickle, and penny slots. We spent about $20 at a time in the casino but found the machines to be tight, so it didn't last long. Celebrity had a few times when they would open the slots for free. Look for this in the daily program.

 

We had a port-intensive cruise, so we weren't onboard as much as we have been on other cruise ships. We book excursions independently and generally pay about 1/2 of what it costs through the cruiseline. Check your rollcall and the ports boards for suggestions.

 

We don't shop onboard. We don't drink soda (Celebrity has a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks available at the buffet).

 

The spa is more expensive on a cruise ship than on land. Think about $150 for a one-hour massage. We usually get a couple's massage (look for a port-day special) but didn't on Celebrity- they had free "taster" sessions on a few afternoons in the adults-only pool area.

 

We didn't buy any photos because all of ours were awful (we are NOT a photogenic couple;)). They normally run about $20 each.

 

Despite all of that, we found that we spent about $50 pp/pd on our 10-day cruise, which represents tips and alcohol: about $5-6 for a beer, $8-10 for a glass of wine, $7-9 for a cocktail, $10 for a martini. We would often have a drink in the afternoon or the evening, a martini before dinner and 1-2 glasses of wine (me) or beers (DH) with dinner. One night we had a boozy coffee in the coffee bar. We did not buy water or lattes.

 

We also did the martini flight once ($15 for six small martinis) and my husband did the spirits tastings in Michael's Club ($24 for about a 45-minute presentation on 4 whiskeys- one night each for scotch, Irish whiskey, and bourbon). The buffet/aft bar also offers a small carafe of certain wines for $10.

 

We had free pressing from the laundry but items would normally cost about $5 each to wash and press.

 

We got an internet package which was about $25 before our 25% discount. Normally we wouldn't do this but I had to check in with school.

 

We had $400 OBC and our final bill was about $550. If your husband will have a few drinks a day in addition to wine/beer with dinner, a classic package will be a good choice, as it also includes water, coffee, soda, etc. I wish that I had gotten one (probably the premium because I like those martinis) but my husband wouldn't have gotten his money's worth.

 

Hope that helps.

[Fixit2010]

The most important point you are over looking is that you are invoiced at the end and can pass that to someone else to pay off. You dont have to pay it there and then

[TravelerThom]

The most important point you are over looking is that you are invoiced at the end and can pass that to someone else to pay off. You dont have to pay it there and then

:confused::confused: Are you saying that because your SeaPass bill is forwarded to your Credit Card it is not "real" and you don't have to worry about it?

 

Merchants, Credit Card companies and Bankruptcy Lawyers love this line of thought.

 

Thom

[dogsrule]

Bring cash-LOTS of it!!!!:D

[Jo and Rob]

A cruise can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. You can drink the complementary coffee, tea, water, and lemonade, eat in the MDR, buffet or have room service all within the price of your cruise.

 

I have absolutely no idea how anyone could spend the price of the cruise while on holiday. :eek: Personally, I'd rather spend that on another cruise in the future!

 

As this is your first cruise can I offer a couple of tips?

 

1. Turn off your mobile phone at sea. It will cost you a small fortune, particularly if you have a smart phone as the ship's roaming charges are extortionate. When in port, your phone will then operate on normal foreign tariff which is much cheaper.
   
2. Internet charges. We like going online while away. If you plan to do this to send emails etc it is cheaper to bring your laptop so you can compose emails etc off line and just pay to send them. When in port, look out for free wi-fi hot spots which will save you a fortune!
   
3. Ports - it is very easy to do DIY ports and the Caribbean often has tour operators waiting at port offering deals. Do some research before you go. If it is just a trip to the beach you are after a local bus will cost peanuts compared to some taxis, shuttle buses etc. BEWARE - THE SHIP WON'T WAIT SO BE BACK IN GOOD TIME! (We always get back an hour before we have to in case there are problems). Take the ship's information sheet as it will have contact info if you miss the boat.
   
4. Roll call - you will find loads of help and advice on your roll call which could also offer opportunities for private excursions.
   
5. Towels - no need to pack towels for the cabin, pool or beach.
   
6. Drinks packages - have a look on line to see if these are worth while for you (remember you can get complementary soft drinks but for me the non-alcoholic premium is still worth it)
   
7. Packing - you won't be able to take an iron and there is no self service laundry or ironing facilities. The ship has its own laundry service however just like hotels. Your cases will fit under the bed. On the last night you have to pack your cases and put them out so make sure you also have a carry on for disembarkation.
   
8. Embarkation - You are allowed to bring on two bottles of wine per cabin and unlimited water and soft drinks.
   
9. Plug sockets - we take a four bar extension lead as we have lots of things to charge.
   
10. Post it notes are good to leave messages to your cabin steward and a highlighter pen is handy for the daily activity information sheet.
    
11. Air conditioning - it can be quite cool in the MDR in the evening.
    
12. Money - the cruise is cashless so you just use your sea pass for everything from buying drinks to getting on and off the ship. Check your account on the TV to keep track of spending.
    
13. Spa - always expensive on ships. Look out for daily specials.
    
14. On Board Credit - you may get a pleasant surprise when you check your account as they often give free on board credit when booking (which you wouldn't know about). Not all passengers get it but I would say most do. ;)
    

I hope this helps!

 

Jo

[ORCRUISER]

Internet charges. We like going online while away. If you plan to do this to send emails etc it is cheaper to bring your laptop so you can compose emails etc off line and just pay to send them. When in port, look out for free wi-fi hot spots which will save you a fortune!

We sis not take a laptop but used internet cafes in several places. Much cheaper than on the ship...also used the ship's computers some.

[ORCRUISER]

sis=did...fingers on the wrong keys and not previewing what I wrote.

[Fixit2010]

:confused::confused: Are you saying that because your SeaPass bill is forwarded to your Credit Card it is not "real" and you don't have to worry about it?

 

Merchants, Credit Card companies and Bankruptcy Lawyers love this line of thought.

 

Thom

 

No, not at all. I am saying that you have the choice to settle on your cruise or you can pay your account when your credit card bill arrives.

 

A lot of credit savvy people take out a credit card that has foreign exchange handling fee waivers. This means that you don't have to take bundles of cash with you. If you are expecting a large bill, perhaps as a family or group of people then you may not want/have the cash or want to pay it off in monthly installments.

 

All I wanted to do was to highlight an option that nobody had mentioned.

[TravelerThom]

No, not at all. I am saying that you have the choice to settle on your cruise or you can pay your account when your credit card bill arrives.

 

A lot of credit savvy people take out a credit card that has foreign exchange handling fee waivers. This means that you don't have to take bundles of cash with you. If you are expecting a large bill, perhaps as a family or group of people then you may not want/have the cash or want to pay it off in monthly installments.

 

All I wanted to do was to highlight an option that nobody had mentioned.

Okay; options are good:).

 

I am from the US, and when I charge in foreign countries or currencies I do, in fact, use my Cap One credit card, because this is one of the few [perhaps only] non-fee, non-affiliation credit card available in the US that does not have a foreign transaction fee. [i do NOT have any ownership in Cap One - this info is to the best of my knowledge, and is not guaranteed.]

 

Thom

[Tenn4ever]

We sis not take a laptop but used internet cafes in several places. Much cheaper than on the ship...also used the ship's computers some.

 

Thumbs up on this. We do this when we travel. This way you don't have to carry a lap top as one of your carry ons or small personal item on the plane. The only time we take our lap top is when we are not flying and traveling completly by auto.

[germanyboy]

17 night cruise

tips for 2

a small wine package 5 bottles

small photo package

cappucinos

martini bar

 

total for 2 $1600

[TravelerThom]

17 night cruise

tips for 2

a small wine package 5 bottles

small photo package

cappucinos

martini bar

 

total for 2 $1600

Many people aim for an advertised price pp less than $100/day. I have on ocassion gotten a price about as low as you quote [less than $50pp/day including tips etc] but if you can get that price I consider it outstanding!

 

Congratulations! to a fellow member of the FTC (Frugal {note: not cheap} Travelers Club).

 

I cast no stones in the direction of those that wish to indulge on a cruise, but my choice is for 10-12 weeks a year, with an inexpensive cabin.

 

Thom

[germanyboy]

TravelerThom

 

In case I misled you--That wasn't the cost of the cruise. That was our onboard bill costs, which is what I thought the op wanted to know.

[boogs]

Our bill usually averages about $150 per day for both of us, not including prepaid excursions, specialty restaurant reservations and gratuities. Much depends on a person's budget and approach towards vacations. For us, we prefer to take one big vacation per year, allowing ourselves to splurge and really making it special, rather than a couple of smaller vacations where we watch our budget and resist spending on extras. Neither way is right nor wrong, just different. Simply put, if we were in your shoes, we'd save up by budgeting at home if necessary and really do it up big while on the cruise. After all, it IS a vacation, so we do things much different than at home! :D