Cheap or Frugal?

[che5904]

We rarely will ship do excursions as there just way over priced and we hate the cattle herding. If you do your homework there are always legit tour companies out there to do the tours much cheaper.

 

We have done 6 excursions through NCL on 2 cruises. Sorry but I really don't understand the "cattle herding" comment. Neither time were we herded anywhere or remotely felt that way. We did have 2 that we took on modern tour buses but we knew that was what we were doing before we chose it and chose it accordingly.

 

I'm figuring that some people have had some pretty bad experiences with the excursions they chose, or perhaps didn't research enough to know what they were getting.

 

We've had fantastic experiences with NCL sponsored excursions and actually the exact same excursion we chose for LA on disembarkation was $20 cheaper than what other tour companies were charging. So the "much cheaper" does not always apply.

[slidergirl]

No, I don't subscribe to that total definition of sheeple. When I see the group of 30 people walking behind the person with the flag in the air, I think "sheeple" - it looks to me like a group of sheep being herded. I don't like to be "herded" onto a bus with 30 other people, either. I really like to strike out on my own. I'm a cultural geography person. I like to wander, looking, observing life in a new area, how it changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's hard for me to do that on a regimented excursion or tour.

Nothing against people who enjoy taking excursions or tours - it just isn't me.

[SilentHill]

No, I don't subscribe to that total definition of sheeple. When I see the group of 30 people walking behind the person with the flag in the air, I think "sheeple" - it looks to me like a group of sheep being herded. I don't like to be "herded" onto a bus with 30 other people, either. I really like to strike out on my own. I'm a cultural geography person. I like to wander, looking, observing life in a new area, how it changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's hard for me to do that on a regimented excursion or tour.

Nothing against people who enjoy taking excursions or tours - it just isn't me.

 

Last year in Port Canaveral there was immense herding going on. When disembarking, there were a ton of rude people trying to push there way to the front, you would have thought the ship was on fire. For some reason they tried to scan my room key and they were having problems with it, there was a mother and her extremely RUDE daughter behind me and when I didn't immediately move the daughter started making snide comments in her best spoiled NYC girl accent. I'm a pretty big guy, and most people would choose to not upset me on a regular basis. All it took was a nice glare and a few comments in her direction to get her to shut it, but I do see where people can get rather annoyed with the herding. Especially in a port like Canaveral where there is no option to just walk around.

[DMH15]

Last year in Port Canaveral there was immense herding going on. When disembarking, there were a ton of rude people trying to push there way to the front, you would have thought the ship was on fire. For some reason they tried to scan my room key and they were having problems with it, there was a mother and her extremely RUDE daughter behind me and when I didn't immediately move the daughter started making snide comments in her best spoiled NYC girl accent. I'm a pretty big guy, and most people would choose to not upset me on a regular basis. All it took was a nice glare and a few comments in her direction to get her to shut it, but I do see where people can get rather annoyed with the herding. Especially in a port like Canaveral where there is no option to just walk around.

 

Sometimes it is nice to just let the people go and stay on board. I did not care about Valdez, AK. I am not big on Private Island beach parties. There is something nice about walking off the ship a few hours after porting and just self-touring.

[bonvoyagie]

To me frugal is spending your hard earned money on things of value and not wasting it.

 

Cheap is not spending an extra penny on anything - even if it has value.

 

Excursions are one of the items that people seem to feel are a huge rip off. I have been to both Hi and AK on cruises and used the ship excursions and felt I recieved a good value. We like to learn about where we are visiting - history and culture etc. We choose tours that allow us to see as much of the place in the time allowed. We also do some things that just sound fun to do - horseback riding in Skagway, Tubing the caves on Lanai, panning for gold etc. To that end I have been looking on line for alt tour providers - NCL does not offer one tour that I really want (BTW Princess does and I am looking at going through their provider) I compared my price as quoted by the company to the one on Princess there was a 10.00/pp difference - I do not call that a rip off and is probably much less than it costs to process the credit card and the expense of running the shore ex desk.

 

Now I know that I am looking at one of the most expensive places to cruise - AK. I am sure that the ports in the Caribb are much cheaper as they tend to get more year round business AK as just a few months to make a years worth of $$

[newjerseygeorge]

I consider myself frugal and DH is definitely cheap. We usually have a balcony (though an inside for our upcoming Baltic cruise) and will eat in at least one specialty restaurant and take some excursions (ship or private) - those are definitely all me. He would choose inside (though he seems to love MY balcony), never eat specialty (again, he gripes, but eats well), never take an excursion (but he sure has a lot of fun), and heaven forbid buying a ship photo (it has to be spectacular for me to get this by him!) So as with everything in our 33 year marriage we compromise - and he secretly likes loosing his cheap battles;)

 

Though my DW was writing this.:D I save up money by being frugal I help to afford the trips and vacations we go on a few times a year. I also work a side job to put money away so we can enjoy ourselves. I always have a great time but I would not say I am a demanding person. I like simple things but good food and if I can spend less, even better. I think my DW should be a TA as she is always finding great deals on trips. As the song goes "she's a little country and I'm a little rock and roll". We do make a good pair even if I am a little cheap sometimes but I want to think I am frugal most of the time.:rolleyes:

[Countrygirl44]

To me frugal is spending your hard earned money on things of value and not wasting it.

 

Cheap is not spending an extra penny on anything - even if it has value.

 

Excursions are one of the items that people seem to feel are a huge rip off. I have been to both Hi and AK on cruises and used the ship excursions and felt I recieved a good value. We like to learn about where we are visiting - history and culture etc. We choose tours that allow us to see as much of the place in the time allowed. We also do some things that just sound fun to do - horseback riding in Skagway, Tubing the caves on Lanai, panning for gold etc. To that end I have been looking on line for alt tour providers - NCL does not offer one tour that I really want (BTW Princess does and I am looking at going through their provider) I compared my price as quoted by the company to the one on Princess there was a 10.00/pp difference - I do not call that a rip off and is probably much less than it costs to process the credit card and the expense of running the shore ex desk.

 

Now I know that I am looking at one of the most expensive places to cruise - AK. I am sure that the ports in the Caribb are much cheaper as they tend to get more year round business AK as just a few months to make a years worth of $$

 

Excellent summary of cheap/frugal.

There was a comment thread similiar to this on the "How To Save Money On Cruises"

I have enjoyed reading this thread and I think the answer is mostly what I posted before...it is ALL ABOUT CHOICES.

DH has some helath issues so now it is important that we have a balcony cabin so he is able to sit there and enjoy...ok, I do too. It really is better at our point in life now than on the open deck. Thirty to fourty years younger, we probably would go for the insides (well ten years ago our first cruises were in insides) We ar now just a little shy of 70, We only cruise about once a year. Could we afford to cruise more? Well it depends.

(a) We always fly to a port...hard to get a cruise ship on the creeks and rivers of Southwest Virginia. We could possibly drive to Norfolk or Florida, however it does seem easier to drive to the airport in Charlotte.

(b) I book most of the time at least a year out and save during our "cruise booked period" so that by the time we walk out the door, everything is paid up front or at least enough money in the checking account to write the check for our sign and sale bill and any purchases made on ship or port. During a cruise booked period, I may even be more frugal that normal. We have always been more on the frugal side. (example) I just last month traded vehicles, my old car was ten years old and had 188,000 miles on it. HOW I HATE MAKING CAR PAYMENTS AGAIN! I will buy a few t-shirts on board. I find usually they are on sale the first day and are really a good quality. Price is as good as in port. The boys all like the Harley Davidson Collector T-shirts so I have to find a Harley shop.

© We take ship excursions...I am just more comfortable that way..AGAIN CHOICES

(D) Prefer not to "dip" into savings for a cruise. Emergencies do happen. AGAIN CHOICES.

Cruises today make wonderful vacations affordable for so many people (and I am one of those). I would not have been able to afford cruising in the early days.

I think how you spend on the cruise may be in direct relationship with your level of income. I guess we might be labeled "middle income" and we are retirees.

We do not drink or gamble at home so we do not on the ship. We eat in the MDR (always found plenty of food there). Maybe in the buffet, but not that much. Will order room service (always tip the delivery person). I have always had great servers and stewarts on the ships. I tip extra above the standard charged to the card. I always try to tip appropriately for the excursions.

I could go on and on, however, I think the bottom line is MAKE CHOICES THAT MAKE THE VACATION MEMORABLE. If you spend, spend, spend and then take months to pay off the sign and sale card, then is it a memorable vacation? Would not be for me, but again, that is MY CHOICE.

[spacewoman]

My DH put it to me this way once: if you make $30,000 a year you will live by those means, if you make a million you will live by it.

 

What is frugal to some is cheap to others. You see it right here on the boards. Some people have the incomes to be able to afford the garden villas while others have to scrimp and save for quite some time for an inside. So you're on board spending reflects not only your income but your accustomed lifestyle.

 

That said some people are just plain CHEAP. So cheap they don't enjoy anything in life. My mother and stepfather's first cruise --- he talked himself into getting seasick (yes our minds will do that to us), once the Dramamine kicked in and he was fine he still was in bed before 8 p.m., spent all his time in the adult pool (deck 11, Dawn), never went to any of the shows and bragged about how he was spending no money on the cruise. Had someone told him he could removed the daily service charges, I believe he would have done so. He had no problem helping himself the to beer my husband was purchasing. One fella who knows him told me he still has the dollar he got for his communion:D He made my Mom very self-conscious about spending a dime. She now travels without him!! She does not go crazy purchasing things but, if she wants to have her nails done in the spa she does it, if she wants to buy a martini or participate in a tasting she does it.

 

Unlike our government I think most of us spend within our means, a lot for some, not so much for others. Be frugal where you want to!!!

[4774Papa]

We have done 6 excursions through NCL on 2 cruises. Sorry but I really don't understand the "cattle herding" comment. Neither time were we herded anywhere or remotely felt that way. We did have 2 that we took on modern tour buses but we knew that was what we were doing before we chose it and chose it accordingly.

 

I'm figuring that some people have had some pretty bad experiences with the excursions they chose, or perhaps didn't research enough to know what they were getting.

 

We've had fantastic experiences with NCL sponsored excursions and actually the exact same excursion we chose for LA on disembarkation was $20 cheaper than what other tour companies were charging. So the "much cheaper" does not always apply.

I agree. I research each port and compare private tours with the NCL or in some cased dty.

Sometimes the NCL tours are the best, sometimes they are not. I have enjoyed every NCL tour that I have been on.

On the other hand, sometimes a private tour fits the situation, especially if the NCL tour is too expensive or just not what we want.

Several ports we do it ourselves. Ports like Dubrovnik, Athens, Naphilon, Mykonos, we did great on our own.

[cathep]

When I see the group of 30 people walking behind the person with the flag in the air, I think "sheeple" - it looks to me like a group of sheep being herded. I don't like to be "herded" onto a bus with 30 other people, either. I really like to strike out on my own. I'm a cultural geography person. I like to wander, looking, observing life in a new area, how it changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. It's hard for me to do that on a regimented excursion or tour.

 

slidergirl, let me know if you want a traveling partner! ;)

 

I love "sheeple". I've never heard that before.

[swedish weave]

Common strategies of frugality include the reduction of waste, curbing costly habits, suppressing instant gratification by means of fiscal self-restraint, seeking efficiency, avoiding traps, defying expensive social norms, embracing cost-free options, using barter, and staying well-informed about local circumstances and both market and product/service realities. Frugal living is practiced by those who aim to cut expenses, have more money, and get the most they possibly can from their money.[6]

 

I guess I am frugal !!

[midnightblue]

If people want to be cheap, that is their business. What really Irks me is when you are with someone cheap who spends almost every minute asking how much does it cost and they are constantly looking for ways to beat the system. We once traveled with friends who complained about the price of everything and were constantly plotting ways to do it cheaper or free. We are not extravagant or wasteful but we try not to put a price tag on fun. If there is something that we know we will both enjoy very much, then we just pay the price and cry later when we get home. We don't do specialty restaurants because we feel that the more people patronize them the less that will be included. We don't drink as much on a Cruise as we do going out at home. So some may call us cheap. There are some things that bother me to spend money on, but there are others that we have paid a fortune for and not regretted it one bit. Some of the activities and excursions that we have done on shore have cost a lot of money, but doing them was fantastic, so that makes everything OK. I would never pay $100 for a stupid bottle of wine but would pay twice that to Zip Line through the rain forest. Everybody has their priorities. Just my opinion.

[jaclync324]

Reading all the time about prices going up. Sushi going ala carte. All the new Up restraunts costing money. I was wondering what is the least anyone has paid for their cruise after you paid for the room?

 

My daughter and I have taken an inside cabin. Paid for no pictures, drinks or meals. We still had a great time, only paying for the tips and some of that was covered by our on board credit. We ate in the MDR or buffets. Did not go hungry or go home much poorer. I did have drinks (beer) off the ship for a buck or two. I would do the frugal way again. My DW would have an outside cabin so not saving as much money. How did you do to save money? Are you cheap or frugal?

 

My first two cruises were outside, then inside cabins. My DH sailed on the Norway his first cruise and had a suite. Our first cruise together, we agreed on the balcony. We did the suite for this past cruise and now will never go back.

 

Our last cruise was spur of the moment. We brought $600 total to spend. We spent $600 cash and $1500 on the sea pass. Don't know how we did it. It just happened.

 

We try to be frugal but our lifestyle makes it a bit hard. We both work long hours. I don't think throwing away money excessively is admirable. We know we should not spend a lot. We try to save, but it's hard. I guess I will just be working until I am 99. If I'm lucky. :D

[DrFootball]

Last year in Port Canaveral there was immense herding going on. When disembarking, there were a ton of rude people trying to push there way to the front, you would have thought the ship was on fire. For some reason they tried to scan my room key and they were having problems with it, there was a mother and her extremely RUDE daughter behind me and when I didn't immediately move the daughter started making snide comments in her best spoiled NYC girl accent. I'm a pretty big guy, and most people would choose to not upset me on a regular basis. All it took was a nice glare and a few comments in her direction to get her to shut it, but I do see where people can get rather annoyed with the herding. Especially in a port like Canaveral where there is no option to just walk around.

 

I'm Your Back-up Evil! Almost no one EVER messes with the DAV with the Metal Cane(that can very quickly be employed as a cugil stick if needed!!)

"I Pity the Fool"

 

Bill(DrFootball)

"Just Me, Col. Colt, and 8 rounds……"

Bill's Brainiac Random Quote Generator V0.95 final beta for Mac

[rmartin1286]

I'm cheap, I could try and call it another name but that's what it is. We might go for sushi one day at lunch and buy a drink or two a day, maybe one fancy dress night photo, but that's about it. I try to curb my spending on board as much as possible so when I get home I don't have to sell a kidney to pay off my mastercard bill. :/

[leekel619]

We like the balconies. We don't spend in the casino. Don't buy the art. We don't go to the specialty restaurants. We don't buy souvenirs or tshirts, because we don't need them from every vacation. We don't buy the drinks of the day. Unless its two for one martinis at a happy hour!:) We buy a couple buckets of beer during the week. I've been known to bring some home in my suitcase. Have our customary bottle of wine at embarkation, usually while still docked at Black Falcon. One or two bottles during the week. We used to buy the wine package at the beginning but this turned out to be too much for us, we were just greedy at first.

We don't buy photos...anymore:) I have soooo many vacation and cruise pictures. Geez. I hardly take my camera out of the safe anymore. Some of the exact same scenic shots I've taken are all on the internet anyhow, when I'm in the mood for a cruise fix. I look at them often!

 

But we have the BEST vacations! We love to cruise and look forward to it all year. That one week on a cruise is over in a blink of an eye. We're fine without a suite, we have a wonderful and spacious (mortgage free :)) home to return to. We wander all over the ship and enjoy every part of our experience. Find exciting hopping places and quiet nooks and crannies. Depending on our mood at the moment. Dance or read. Go to a show or go for a walk.

 

We do enjoy shore excursions. We have a couple we love...a 5 hour bus tour and a boat tour exploring the beautiful scenery and hideaways. All low key, relaxing, friendly, calm. Learn different things each time.

No herding. The absolute only line is when we meet on the pier and wait for the tour guide/bus/boat to arrive. Simple. Get there early.....you wait in line a little longer....

We don't find them to be expensive either. I agree with one of the other statements on this thread that they view the little bit of extra money spent, as insurance. We feel that way too, and also, we consider them hassle free and trustworthy. Its a slight sense of security we feel. (In our opinion)

 

One bonus is we DON'T have to wait at bus stops for the city bus or on piers for the ferry, like when we travel around on our own. We've done that many times too, and it was fun for us at the time.

But then again, I wait in line at concerts, stores, banks etc at home once in a while. Its only for a couple minutes.

 

Every single thing about cruise ports of call is geared to the cruiser/tourist anyhow. Its not like we're someone extra special to them in a 'personal' you're my best friend so far, kind of way. They tell everyone the same story all day every day. That's how they make their living and they best be good at it or no one will use their services. Its all good. We make our own memories and love them all. Each and everyone of us will make our own memories.

 

But I guess I'd say we're frugal? We're totally happy and budget our money very well. We're not afraid to splurge, we can if we want to. :rolleyes:

 

I heard that now some regular city bus drivers would like a tip because they point out some things on the way to the next stop. (I read it on a thread on CC and I know I shouldn't say it without proof but I have no idea where it is now)

 

I'd guess a large portion of travelers tell the cab drivers or the private tour guides..."take me to where the locals go" "take me where the other passengers don't go" I have friends who have told me this same thing. "Oh I don't take shore excursions from the ship! We hire a cab and have him bring us to all the places the locals go, our own private *wink wink* tour!!!"

What do they go see if it isn't the places of interest? Regular neighborhoods? That's very nice too I suppose. We used to enjoy walking all over St George neighborhoods when we docked there.

 

Can't wait for my cruise in April!!

~Cindy

[che5904]

I love "sheeple". I've never heard that before.

 

The definition for "sheeple" is in post #7. If you use it in the right context, it will make sense to all. If you use it having your own meaning it makes sense to no one but you.

[gelo7]

I am frugal and have never paid for anything extra on board. I don't drink, gamble or shop.

[slidergirl]

slidergirl, let me know if you want a traveling partner! ;)

 

I love "sheeple". I've never heard that before.

 

Well, since I just lost my job 3 weeks ago, I won't be cruising (or any other vacation) for awhile :-)

 

I'm just not a tour person. The group trips I've taken have had no more than 15 people to the group and were to places that I would not consider doing alone but really wanted to visit (Egypt, Kenya). I read up on what I want to see when I go someplace so I really don't feel the need to have a guide. Like I said, to each her own.

 

When I see those groups of people being "shepherded" through streets, lead by the "shepherd" with that flag or umbrella up in the air, sometimes I expect to see the Australian sheepdog coming along side, nipping at those who start to stray. Sorry - totally in jest - it was just too funny to me :-)

[Luv Cruising Land or Sea]

But I guess I'd say we're frugal? We're totally happy and budget our money very well. We're not afraid to splurge, we can if we want to. :rolleyes:

 

~Cindy

 

Must be the name! I'm a Cindi also and consider myself a smart consumer. Not cheap, but possibly frugral.

 

We also tend to spend what we want on a cruise, but don't feel the need to "overspend' and do things we wouldn't do at home. We are social drinkers and will indulge in a good wine when out to dinner with friends, but don't care if we drink or not.

 

We visit the local casinos once in a while, but don't expect to retire from our winnings nor will we ever go broke from gambling.

 

Our next cruise will be an inside cabin because it was affordable and we wanted to experience a "big" ship so this one is more about the ship and less about our "cabin".

 

We have booked ship excursions and also gone off on our "own" and grabbed a tour guide on shore..usually we research what there is to see on a specific island and then find a tour to do what we want - of course there have been places where we just felt "safer" booking with the ship and always look to the guidance of CC members for safety issues.

 

At the end of the trip you have to be able to say you had a great time, did what you expected or maybe got pleasantly surprised and did something you didn't expect, but you should go home feeling relaxed and revitalized, and NOT broke. If you have to spend the next year paying off your bill, was it really worth it?

 

I get to enjoy all the entertainment and amenities that the "high rollers" do and have always found that what's "included" is enough for me.

 

I'm just happy to be able to go with out worrying what I will have to sacrifice to get there.

 

just my thoughts....happy sailing!

[cruisingberger]

Depends on what kind of vacation I take. If I am sailing with the kids I stay away from spending money on anything that isn't included. If it is just my DH and I, then we upgrade the cabin and spend more money on the cruise in general.

[cruznut1111]

We are always Frugal - "careful with our money, not spending recklessly"

 

but we would never be Cheap- ie- "stingy toward others."

 

I may choose to only have one small drink - because I am frugal (and don't need any more calories, but that is another issue:o) I would always kick in an extra tip, because I am not cheap.

 

I may upgrade from a balcony to a suite- if it is a good value - because I am frugal, but not cheap. (If it is a good value, I want my DH to have the extra treat.)

 

I choose to cruise because I am frugal. I don't try to shave nickles and dimes off my bill because I am not cheap.

 

We often choose NCL over premium lines because we are frugal. We never bitch or deprive ourselves of the wonderful extras that make our cruise super special, because we aren't cheap.

 

Frugal -smart! good for you! Cheap - shame! Hang your head and rethink your behaviors.:D

[chipsmom]

Donna, I know what you mean about MOM. I travel with mine 86 yo (and son 19 yo). Love it but it can take away from our enjoyment if we are not careful.:rolleyes:

[NMLady]

Reading all the time about prices going up. Sushi going ala carte. All the new Up restraunts costing money. I was wondering what is the least anyone has paid for their cruise after you paid for the room?

 

My daughter and I have taken an inside cabin. Paid for no pictures, drinks or meals. We still had a great time, only paying for the tips and some of that was covered by our on board credit. We ate in the MDR or buffets. Did not go hungry or go home much poorer. I did have drinks (beer) off the ship for a buck or two. I would do the frugal way again. My DW would have an outside cabin so not saving as much money. How did you do to save money? Are you cheap or frugal?

 

There have been cruises when we haven't had drinks other than the free ones, haven't eaten in the specialty restaurans, had an inside room, and have used local transportation in port rather than taken tours.

Except for the DSC I don't think we paid even $100 each for everything and none of that was billed to our shipboard account.

 

There have been other cruises where we had cheapest ov room or porthole, had a few drinks during the cruise, took part in some tournaments in the casino, and took an NCL tour in port. Not including the DSC our final tab on our shipboard account was about $400, most of it the tour.

 

It is possible to spend nothing except the DSC and still have a great cruise. What we do depends on how long the cruise is and what our budget allows.

[catnanny]

As a retired teacher, I am on a pretty strict schedule when we need to be cheap or frugal. We are retired teachers. We dont earn a full weeks of what they can work when they are following all the rules.Most of the time before cruising, we figure our who will be with whom in the cabins and then hope for the best.

In the classroom, we follow some pretty ordered, consectutive orders that must be followed.

 

We have always booked a balcony cabin that is handicapped accessible. We try to do it as soon as we possibly can, as we don' t want all the handicapped accessible cabins to be already taken.

Having a handicapped person sailing with you can be different.I always worry about her, such as will she speak up when people for the second or third time push ahead of her to get into an elevator first.

We also rest in the room quite a bit and maybe even fall asleep for an hour or so in the lste afternoon. I think we are both used to doing that at home.

 

As for cheap or frugal? I am very frugal forever at home, just so I can save enough money to take a cruise. I pay the on board required fees, eat in an extra cost for dinner one night.

I only have one alcohol beverage and I bring special dollar bills that is the only money that I allow myself to use in the casino.

 

It doesn't cost anything to just watch people, most of whom are very entertaining. I've earned all of my money in past years and I choose to spend some every other year on what I want to do with it. Retired teachers aren't very wealthy. When I'm in the mood for a cruise, I start getting frugal, cheap, take freebies that are offered, etc.. A cruise is a real treat for me.It ususally takes 1 1/2 to 2 years for me to save for a cruise.

While I am on board, I am not cheap. I buy things that I want and can afford, but I only allow myself to use cash. I don't want a big bill waiting for me at home. I very frugally pick out something I would really like to have and look at it for several days. At the end of the cruise and I still like it and still have money left to buy it, I may go there to make the purchase. Sometimes, the item has already been sold, so that's that.

I fuss a little about it for a short while, but then In realize how much money I will be taking home!

I think another word needs to be added in with frugal or cheap. Perhaps relieved could be one when you've finally talked yourself out of it and you are so happy you did. Also,

"No, I've made my decision. Let's go now."