Help/Suggestions??

[eyesduke]

We (3 families 4 adults 7 boys ages 17-10) will be going on our first 7-day Carnival western carribbean cruise out of New Orleans in November 20-27. I am very overwhelmed:confused: with all the information for first time cruisers. So if anyone could give me information that would help us I would appreciate it. We don't drink--so alcohol is not a concern. I think from my previous readings we will plan to go to that all inclusive resort when we go to Jamaica-the boys can enjoy all the free watersports and food? Are there any other really good cheap deals we would be able to enjoy for Grand Cayman, or Cozumel. I am already a little panicky:eek: about the 100.00/day thing I read from one cruiser, I thought when we booked our cruise that all the money we would have to bring would be for souvenirs and visiting the islands. The boys are not dependant soda drinkers so we will pack water!!! So what other reasons do we need soooo much money onboard?? I look forward to hearing from all of you.

[eyesduke]

Have fun!!

[TheWog]

Grand Cayman definitely look into booking a Stingray City tour on your own. Check the GC boards for names and trip reports to decide. Moby Dick's is a new one that seems to get great reviews. Capt. Bryan, Marvin, Soto's Nativeways are all there.

 

Money onboard is for what you want it to be. Souveniers, drinks, photos, etc. They are not "all-inclusive", but you don't have to spend a fortune if you don't want to. Some people love room service, specialty restaurants, alcohol, etc. But if you choose not to do that you will be fine.

 

If you are going to Ocho Rios you should really consider climbing Dunns River Falls prior to the all-inclusive. Check out the ports of call boards and read up. Have fun planning and ask away.

[celbercrz333]

We found out when we did Carnival Fascination last year that they automatically tack on the tip for all of your services on your bill on the last day. It's a standard practice. That's what we liked about our other cruise--Celebrity Zenith. On Zenith, we found a paper on our last night that let us tip all of those concerned with the amount of tips we decided on. Then the only extra tipping we might have done was if someone brought some room service food to us or some other task. You might want to ask people on the Carnival boards on this site about your particular cruise. I wouldn't be surprised to find that they do standardized tipping on your bill on the cruise you will do in November. I hope I'm wrong, but be prepared.

[serene56]

So what other reasons do we need soooo much money onboard?? .

 

 

People are have different spending habits. Last cruise we spend a total of less then 300 for a 7 day cruise for two adults. Some people go on a cruise which is their vacationsof a lifetime.

first cruise I spend a lot of $$ on onbaord photos. Now I limit myself to 2. One getting onboard which will have the name of the ship date and time. Makes a wonderful sovernier. I also buy only one formal night photo. We take a sitting at every backdrop and make a choice on the last night. There is no obligation and no hard sales pitch for you to buy them.

We are not drinkers so --- no bill for that. We limit ourselves to a daily casino fun. Excursions we buy ahead of time before we sail.

 

Dunns River falls is too far a trip from Montego bay. But swimming witht he stingrays is a very cheap excursion if you do it using a private vendor. You can find tons of information about the ports of call located here on cruise critic.

[Cotton]

Hi. Go over to the Cruise Critic Carnival Board: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=215&page=1&sort=lastpost&order=&pp=25&daysprune=-1

 

All the information you could ever ask can be answered there.:)

 

QUOTE=eyesduke]I am already a little panicky:eek: about the 100.00/day thing I read from one cruiser, I thought when we booked our cruise that all the money we would have to bring would be for souvenirs and visiting the islands.

 

That's true. The folks who use the $100/day figure are including alcoholic beverages. You may want to purchase some of the many photos they will take of you while on the cruise. I always buy ONE, and take whatever photos I want otherwise.

 

The boys are not dependant soda drinkers so we will pack water!!!

 

There's also comp lemonade and fruit punch, juices, etc. available every day.

 

Someone above mentioned room service as an extra cost. NOT SO on Carnival ships. All included in the price of your cruise - just tip the delivery person. I tip $1 for just coffee & Danish - $2 if I order more items. (I'm a solo cruiser, so maybe you should tip a bit more for a family.)

 

And yes - the automatic tipping on Carnival is the first thing that will appear on your Sail & Sign account. It breaks down, per person, per day, as follows:

 

$3.50 cabin steward

$5.50 dining room waiter

$1.00 Lido Deck dining personnel

 

I'm sure your booking agent explained the auto tipping.

 

I probably cruise for less than anyone could imagine. I take my own photographs, don't drink a whole lot, and I don't book any excursions - as I've found I get by for much less by going off on my own in the ports. I also don't buy many souveniers, just what I see that I particularly like. Also - I take my own Cokes on board....as Carnival allows a 'reasonable' amount to be brought onto the ship.

 

Hope to see you at the Carnival board!:)

[CaptData]

In Coz hope a cab and go to Paridise Beach. It may cost to get in but you get about 1/2 back in coupons for food and drink. Grand Cayman go Native way or the other's list on Port of Call board. It will be about $35.00 per person but while worth it.

[mrsfuzzmo]

Additional possible spends on a cruise:

BINGO!!! (This can be addicting and fun....but expensive)

PHOTOS (some you may LOVE and really need to purchase)

TIPS (can run quite high with a full family, as tipping is per person/per day -NOT per cabin)

SODAs and those ever loving SMOOTHIES!! (It's just plain hard to resist a Pina Colada or a Bahama Mama...even if they are virgins.) Who can go home without at least one souviner glass.

ARCADE....if you have kids that like to game.

SOUVINERS....again, depends on what you like, from inexpensive to outrageous.

TOURS/SHORE EXCURSIONS: The ships excursions generally run quite a bit more money than doing it on your own...but being a first timer, and if you are not familiar with the island or getting back to the ship on time....they are a great bet for cruise beginners.

FOOD/DRINKS while onshore. Many people run back to the ship for every meal, I like to experience the island and all it has to offer and try to catch a bite to eat onshore....generally a local specialty.

HAIR BRAIDING: Every woman has to have it done at least once in their travel lives.

TAXIs/TRANSPORTATION: You may think you can make the walk back to the ship, but after a full day of beaching or sailing or shopping....a taxi can sometimes come in handy.

SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS: Depending on the cruise line, there will be one or two specialty restaurants onboard that are smaller and usually better quality and more intimate than the regular dining...we've encountered prices from $5.00 per person to $40.00 per person (always been worth every penny).

ROOM SERVICE: Some ships charge for room service. Some do not.

SPA SERVICES: Generally all spa services are an additional charge (in addition to the product sales after the treatment).

SALON/BARBER: These are additional charges as well.

MEDICAL: Once again depending on the line...many medical needs that require a doctors service will be added to your bill. You can often get seasick meds free of charge.

CHAMPAGNE BAR/CIGAR BAR: Some ships have champagne/wine/cigar/caviar bars that will generally charge an additional fee.

CASINO: No explanation necessary.

ART AUCTIONS: Again No explanation necessary.

 

The biggest expenditure you can encounter while on a cruise.....not getting back to the ship ontime.......VERY EXPENSIVE!

 

So, that is all that I can think of now. That being said you can forgo most of the above if you choose, but I think doing so, could lessen your cruise experience. Plan on some extra money so that you can experience anything that may arise that would make your trip extra special. You don't need gobs of money, but you will need extra spending money. I hope with the list I have provided, you can budget yourselves into a fabulous vacation.

[2Cruise4Ever]

We (3 families 4 adults 7 boys ages 17-10) will be going on our first 7-day Carnival western carribbean cruise out of New Orleans in November 20-27. I am very overwhelmed:confused: with all the information for first time cruisers. So if anyone could give me information that would help us I would appreciate it. We don't drink--so alcohol is not a concern. I think from my previous readings we will plan to go to that all inclusive resort when we go to Jamaica-the boys can enjoy all the free watersports and food? Are there any other really good cheap deals we would be able to enjoy for Grand Cayman, or Cozumel. I am already a little panicky:eek: about the 100.00/day thing I read from one cruiser, I thought when we booked our cruise that all the money we would have to bring would be for souvenirs and visiting the islands. The boys are not dependant soda drinkers so we will pack water!!! So what other reasons do we need soooo much money onboard?? I look forward to hearing from all of you.

 

Eyesduke ~ relax! You and your family will have an absolute blast! Just go with the attitude of adventure. Don't plan each day down to the minute. Plan your excursions in advance and let everything else fall into place. You choose your own budget. If you don't drink alcohol, then don't sweat it. Outside of excursions, alcohol and gambling are IMHO the biggest expenses on a crusie. I'm the one who recommended $100 per day. That's just my family. We've been saving for 3 years for our next cruise (less than a month away - wooo hooo!). But, we PLANNED it that way so that we don't have to worry about the money we spend.

 

Set a budget and stick to it. You'll do just fine. And, you'll be surprised at what free activities you'll find. Pay attention to your daily newsletter. That will show you what is available by the hour on-board.

 

Happy Sailing!!!!!! :D

[2Cruise4Ever]

We (3 families 4 adults 7 boys ages 17-10) will be going on our first 7-day Carnival western carribbean cruise out of New Orleans in November 20-27. I am very overwhelmed:confused: with all the information for first time cruisers. So if anyone could give me information that would help us I would appreciate it. We don't drink--so alcohol is not a concern. I think from my previous readings we will plan to go to that all inclusive resort when we go to Jamaica-the boys can enjoy all the free watersports and food? Are there any other really good cheap deals we would be able to enjoy for Grand Cayman, or Cozumel. I am already a little panicky:eek: about the 100.00/day thing I read from one cruiser, I thought when we booked our cruise that all the money we would have to bring would be for souvenirs and visiting the islands. The boys are not dependant soda drinkers so we will pack water!!! So what other reasons do we need soooo much money onboard?? I look forward to hearing from all of you.

 

Eyesduke ~ relax! You and your family will have an absolute blast! Just go with the attitude of adventure. Don't plan each day down to the minute. Plan your excursions in advance and let everything else fall into place. You choose your own budget. If you don't drink alcohol, then don't sweat it. Outside of excursions, alcohol and gambling are IMHO the biggest expenses on a crusie. I'm probably the one who recommended $100 per day. That's just my family. We've been saving for 3 years for our next cruise (less than a month away - wooo hooo!). But, we PLANNED it that way so tha we don't have to worry about the money we spend.

 

Set a budget and stick to it. You'll do just fine. And, you'll be surprised at what free activities you'll find. Pay attention to your daily newsletter. That will show you what is available by the hour on-board.

 

Happy Sailing!!!!!! :D