Drelix Posted September 16, 2011 #1 Share Posted September 16, 2011 do you put money aside what are your tips and tricks? I have a money box with no opening and i also put $40-50 a side each pay to go towards it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonicked Posted September 16, 2011 #2 Share Posted September 16, 2011 For the cruise I'm going on in November, which is the first holiday that me and my partner are going on without our families, we've been saving for quite a few years. Pretty much all our savings is going towards this holiday, and we're super excited. Next year when we're both out of uni and working, I'm planning on setting a certain amount each week into a savings account that we can't withdraw from easily. Who knows, maybe after a year we'll have enough for America =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandielle Posted September 16, 2011 #3 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Being retired, we have learned to live very frugally (but do eat healthily) and chase the 'specials' which also gives us exercise........! Luckily, our various interests do not cost heaps of money. We don't eat out much, and are not fussed about going to movies, which helps. We put all of our change in a special tin and bank it in a designated account - it's surprising how quickly it mounts up. Having said that, we can't afford to do long cruises, but we are very happy and thankful that we have done as many as we have. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobhsv Posted September 16, 2011 #4 Share Posted September 16, 2011 I have a brightly coloured fat ceramic chicken money 'box', called Cyril. Every spare gold coin feeds Cyril throughout the year, which gives us quite a few hundred dollars for onboard luxuries that we normally wouldn't buy. It is amazing how it mounts up. Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rekkie Posted September 16, 2011 #5 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Having never cruised and awaiting our first in February I guess we go by the plan of paying the deposit then panic when the time comes :) This seems to have been what Ive done.. So guess its a successful method that I will use again :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjm66 Posted September 16, 2011 #6 Share Posted September 16, 2011 We are also retirees who do not so much save up from a regular income as spend less on other activities. E.g. land based holidays. I am also learning to suggest books for the library to buy instead of adding to my own collection - saves on new shelving too. We patronise op shops and follow the guidelined of Mrs Pinchpenny's Guide to Household Management. Cannot give up going to the theatre or ballet or good wine - that's taking economy too far. Colleen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fox Posted September 16, 2011 #7 Share Posted September 16, 2011 do you put money aside what are your tips and tricks? I have a money box with no opening and i also put $40-50 a side each pay to go towards it? Hi, We save 100.00 per week for cruises.we dont have personal debt other than mortgage....never use credit cards to pay for a cruise....you have to pay that back before the next one and beside its not your money......save until you can pay for the entire cruise....book it and continue to save.we also have 2 money boxes 1 for silver 1 for gold coins.we empty our wallet/purse each night and put the change into either one....you will be suprised how quickly you have around 1000.00...nice spending money.Alternatively if you want to cruise book 12 mths in advance a set up a weekly payment deduction straight to the agent.soon you will be cruising twice a year.....hope that helps Col & Di:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debsta Posted September 16, 2011 #8 Share Posted September 16, 2011 I'm dodging the debt collectors :eek: :D :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjm66 Posted September 16, 2011 #9 Share Posted September 16, 2011 I'm dodging the debt collectors :eek: :D :p Cruise more often and give false clues about your movements in your signature on CC. This should put them off the track. Colleen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thied Posted September 16, 2011 #10 Share Posted September 16, 2011 we have cruise account that we pay into every month as one works and one is self retired at 48 and we own every thing so no dets only running costs.This works for us and we pay more in then we need so the exess is used for more cruises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oskarNZ Posted September 16, 2011 #11 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Travel is my passion, so I am happy to go without a lot of luxuries in life in order to see the world. I would much rather put money into a travel savings account then spend money on expensive clothing etc. The downside to this is that when it comes time to pack, I realise that I have nothing nice to wear. Darn Formal nights. :) I must admit that it's quite reassuring to read about others that need to make financial sacrifices in order to cruise. I've been doing quite a bit of research into oceanview cabins recently and have lost count of the number of unhelpful responses I've read that go something like the following "I would never cruise in anything less than a balcony or suite". Or alternatively the posts that begin like the following, because I'm Elite/Diamond/some sort of VIP I'm eligible for ......" I know that everyone is on CC to share their enthusiasm for cruising, but it does also feel like some are trying to rub their wealth and cruising status in everyone elses faces. Or maybe I'm just jealous ...:rolleyes: :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Kinkacruiser Posted September 16, 2011 #12 Share Posted September 16, 2011 do you put money aside what are your tips and tricks? I have a money box with no opening and i also put $40-50 a side each pay to go towards it? I like the idea of a non-opening money box, but how do you know how much is in there Drelix? That takes me back to the "Which Bank" moneyboxes and trying to raid it for 20c :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandielle Posted September 16, 2011 #13 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Travel is my passion, so I am happy to go without a lot of luxuries in life in order to see the world. I would much rather put money into a travel savings account then spend money on expensive clothing etc. The downside to this is that when it comes time to pack, I realise that I have nothing nice to wear. Darn Formal nights. :) I must admit that it's quite reassuring to read about others that need to make financial sacrifices in order to cruise. I've been doing quite a bit of research into oceanview cabins recently and have lost count of the number of unhelpful responses I've read that go something like the following "I would never cruise in anything less than a balcony or suite". Or alternatively the posts that begin like the following, because I'm Elite/Diamond/some sort of VIP I'm eligible for ......" I know that everyone is on CC to share their enthusiasm for cruising, but it does also feel like some are trying to rub their wealth and cruising status in everyone elses faces. Or maybe I'm just jealous ...:rolleyes: :) LOL, I know what you mean. :rolleyes: Sometimes, I think I would love a mini suite, but then wonder if I would enjoy it any more than an oceanview. Have only been in Pac Dawn o/views so far and they are very roomy, comfortable and QUIET! The one balcony we've had (due to the fact that a guarantee balcony was cheaper than our previous o/v) was practically unusable because it rained most of the cruise or was too cold and windy. In the long run, I don't think it makes much difference in the cruise experience as a whole and when I feel envious, :rolleyes: I just remember that I am so lucky to have had so much more than my parents, and indeed, many more people. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johndon Posted September 16, 2011 #14 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Being retired and having come through the period of living frugally we find it manageable to save for a 12 to 14 day cruise once every 18 months. We were "Grey Nomads" motorhoming around Australia until 4 years ago when we re-discovered cruising. We sold the motorhome, put that money into a fixed deposit scheme that stays in a dedicated separate account for cruising only and the interest pays for a cruise every 18 months. We rarely eat out or go to the movies, shop where all the specials are, dont buy flash clothes and book inside cabins on the cruises. We really lap up the pampered luxury for the two weeks on the cruise and reckon it is well worth the frugal living for the eighteen months between. If it wasnt for our fixed deposit it would be very hard to manage on a pension to save this money and it is getting harder. One bonus this year was me cracking a job of Census Collector which provided just under $3000 for our next cruise. We may even be able to afford to "lash out" and get a balcony. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold Coast Cruisers Posted September 17, 2011 #15 Share Posted September 17, 2011 What an interesting thread. We are retired too, like everyone else, we love to cruise too. However, in order to do that we must be very frugal with our spending inbetween our cruises. We supermarket shop with a budget and stock up on specials, and by the time you run out the special is usally back on again. We don't go to the movies, we watch them when they come out on our T-Box for $5.99, and even then we're selective.:rolleyes: We don't dine out unless it's a special occasion. We buy clothes whilst we're away on a cruise somewhere as generally it's cheaper. I buy on Ebay as well. We pay for everything on our credit card, bills, groceries, rates etc., but we ALWAYS pay the full amount owing when the bill comes in. We do this to get our Frequent Flyer points which enables both of us to take our flights overseas on FF points...a big saving in itself. I never use FF points for domestic flights. Doing things this way rapidly builds up our FF points. I see all our bills as FF points not the dollar value...;) Just add up your monthly bills and multiply them by, say, 2 and you'll see how quickly the points would add up.:) When you're retired you have to balance the books well to keep doing the things you want to do, and for us that's cruising. When we're on a cruise we really enjoy ourselves, and, at the end of the day, it's always well worth waiting and budgeting for. :) Jilly:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSWP Posted September 17, 2011 #16 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Here is how I (we) have done it. When I retired in 2003, aged 55, I got paid out 2 years long service leave and accrued annual leave in cash, plus my superannuation of course. I never took one day of long service leave in 37 years working for NSW State Govt. I said 'This cash payout for leave is our 'cruise fund.' When we are aboard the ships we live on our fortnightly income, just like home, ample $ for drinkies, shorex etc. The ship's casino does not get one cent from this litte black duck. Getting low now, but crikey we have enjoyed it. Big cruises next couple of months and big one next year. After that might have to settle for the Manly Ferry at $2.50 for seniors, LOL. We live like most have reported on here, no extravagance. I owe no bugger anything, I hope it stays that way until I go to the big cruise terminal in the sky LOL. Remember our saying guys..SKI - Spend Kids Inheritance ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rasa Sayang Posted September 17, 2011 #17 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I'm dodging the debt collectors :eek: :D :p Ah - crisis management. Ya just gotta luv it :D:p;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resordanis Posted September 17, 2011 #18 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Hi all, I have enjoyed reading everyones thoughts on how to fund cruises. I have always thought that everyone had a lot more disposable cash than us! It is pleasing to see that all of us have the same idea "live frugally and cruise often!" Most of our friends and family think that we have a lot of cash (since retirement) but we live for our cruises and watch all our cash all the time. I have the money boxes also and from our DVA pensions a certain amount instantly goes into a holiday fund! My husband retired at 57 (because of bad health) and me in 2006 and we watch every cent so we can cruise. Yes, after these years, I have now tried oceanview view cabins vs mini suites and balconies, but guess what I think I am enjoying cruising in the oceanviews just as much and wish I had not insisted on the balcony as I could have had several more cruises. My day consists of "researching" and reading cruise critic, just to see if we can find a bargain! Thanks for all the hints!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Kinkacruiser Posted September 17, 2011 #19 Share Posted September 17, 2011 We have a separate cruise savings account, like the old "Christmas Club" ones that accrue reasonable interest, providing you take nothing out for 12 months. I use internet banking which is so convenient and deposit a regular amount each month. The cruise and spending money will be there ready to enjoy (providing I get my usual allocation of relief teaching days throughout the year). My advice would be to work out how much you need, how much time to have to reach your cruise savings goal and budget accordingly. If it means going without some 'luxuries' during the year, so be it. The cruise reward is more than enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oskarNZ Posted September 17, 2011 #20 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Hi Sandielle and Resordanis How wonderful to hear that there are others out there perfectly happy with their oceanview. I read a thread a few days back where at least 3 posters said that they would honestly rather stay home than cruise without a balcony :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinph Posted September 17, 2011 #21 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Hi Sandielle and Resordanis How wonderful to hear that there are others out there perfectly happy with their oceanview. I read a thread a few days back where at least 3 posters said that they would honestly rather stay home than cruise without a balcony :eek: OMG!:eek: These people obviously have way to much money, I will happily settle for an inside cabin, if it means I am going to be on the ship, I get the same service,meals ,entertainment etc in my inside cabin as these particular w...... in there suites or balcony cabins. If it means no cooking cleaning, washing , ironing etc,and being treated like royalty for a while,I would travel in the storage cupboard! The cheaper the fare the more often I can cruise! I have travelled in all cabins except a suite and have found the 2 balcony cabins we have had nice, but a waste of money as we don't spend much time in them anyway, I do enjoy an oceanview cabin, it's nice to wake up and see where you are and what the weather is like,and have some natural light in the room, but unless I can get an oceanview for reasonable money, I will settle for an inside happily. Robin:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topaz_M Posted September 17, 2011 #22 Share Posted September 17, 2011 As with many here, I choose to live frugally to supplement the cruising and holiday fund. I do a budget every time my income and outgoings change in some way. The Holiday Fund is part of my budget too so it doesn't matter if there are ups and downs during the year as I know what the limit is for the time being. Interestingly enough, I added the Radiance cruise, with an Inside cabin to make it affordable, when I had a little windfall by way of a very nice bonus from work this month. Thank you cruising fairies :) :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itachi Posted September 17, 2011 #23 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Being retired, we have learned to live very frugally (but do eat healthily) and chase the 'specials' which also gives us exercise........! Luckily, our various interests do not cost heaps of money. We don't eat out much, and are not fussed about going to movies, which helps. We put all of our change in a special tin and bank it in a designated account - it's surprising how quickly it mounts up. Having said that, we can't afford to do long cruises, but we are very happy and thankful that we have done as many as we have. :) Have to agree with the part about spare change. I have been doing it for pretty much this year and I made a habit of emptying my pockets in to a bucket each day (saves me buying junk from vending machines at work, too). I babysat my little cousins about 3 weeks ago and they saw it all so I said, lets play a game with all the money lol. I sorted it into little towers (according to what the bank needed for it to be bagged in). Then took down two buckets of bagged coins and had about $500 which has gone straight in to the cruise fund. That and saving each week has worked really well. I find when I have money sitting in my account I will have a big purchase and it doesn't work, so I withdraw $50 each week and put it in a money box Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NSWP Posted September 17, 2011 #24 Share Posted September 17, 2011 Hi Sandielle and Resordanis How wonderful to hear that there are others out there perfectly happy with their oceanview. I read a thread a few days back where at least 3 posters said that they would honestly rather stay home than cruise without a balcony :eek: I agree..balcony cabins way too pricey, although we have booked our first balcony on the Coral Princess through Panama Canal in November. All the rest of our 14 cruises have been in insides, obstructed oceanview and oceanview. Go for the best deal. Spend very little time in the cabin anyway, just a place for a sleep and shower and maybe a couple of other matters, LOL. Always out and about the ship, mix and mingle. Most of us look for a cruise bargain. Sure if you have $ go for the balconies, mini suites etc. We don't and never will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wotaripper Posted September 17, 2011 #25 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I like the idea of a non-opening money box, but how do you know how much is in there Drelix? That takes me back to the "Which Bank" moneyboxes and trying to raid it for 20c :eek: thats half the fun of the money tin in our case the anticipation of how much when you open it we always have one on the go for a cruise or a land trip it is our extra spending money and makes a big difference we are hoping to have around 2 thousand when we open up for our next cruise which isnt untill 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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