With this be enough?

[Mommzie]

Family of 4 (16, 15, 12 and myself) on Carnival Ecstasy Feb 3 going to Key West and Cozumel (4 days). I plan to put down $1000 cash on my Sign and Sail card. Do you think this will be enough for the trip? I only plan to have 2-3 drinks a day (wouldn't drink heavy around the children), i want to get them the soda card, i plan bringing soda/water for myself (i like pepsi) and a few dollars in the casino. Of course we'll purchase a few pictures and they'll get some souvenirs.

 

My biggest excursion (swimming with the dolphins) is already paid for and since we're docking early in Key West, i'm just gonna play it by ear. I do plan on having separate money for our port days.

 

Should i plan on putting down additional money, should the $1000 cover it

[Vitamin_Sea]

$1000 should be just fine.

[Mysticks1]

I would think that would be fine. You can always just keep an eye on it , looking at the end of each day and add more if necessary. You could start with a smaller amount and just add more as well if you watch it.

[Normal 1]

Soda Cards for kids $4.50/day/kid = $54 + Gratuity of $8.10 (If you wait to purchase when out to sea, you won't have to pay sales tax).

 

4 drinks per day for you at $10 each = $160

 

8 Pictures at $20/each = $160

 

Gratuities $11.50/day/person = $184

 

$50/kid for on-board spending (games, candy, gift shop) = $150

 

$200/Casino for you

 

Totals $916. Sounds like $1,000 will cover your S & S account.

 

If you've never done it, Parasailing is a blast. Key West has very reasonable pricing for this and you'll still have time left to explore. Google parasailing key west and see providers. I used Fury and had a great experience with my girls (19 & 16). Looks like $36/each if you pre-purchase on-line. Still plenty of time afterwards to take in other Key West sights.

 

Enjoy!

[Mommzie]

Soda Cards for kids $4.50/day/kid = $54 + Gratuity of $8.10 (If you wait to purchase when out to sea, you won't have to pay sales tax).

 

4 drinks per day for you at $10 each = $160

 

8 Pictures at $20/each = $160

 

Gratuities $11.50/day/person = $184

 

$50/kid for on-board spending (games, candy, gift shop) = $150

 

$200/Casino for you

 

Totals $916. Sounds like $1,000 will cover your S & S account.

 

If you've never done it, Parasailing is a blast. Key West has very reasonable pricing for this and you'll still have time left to explore. Google parasailing key west and see providers. I used Fury and had a great experience with my girls (19 & 16). Looks like $36/each if you pre-purchase on-line. Still plenty of time afterwards to take in other Key West sights.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

We prepaid gratuities so that's extra money for me!! lol. I thought about parasailing, but i've been finding them for upwards of $80 per person.....that's not alot, but when you have 4 people, that can be taxing!!

[cruizinisthebest]

Yes I would say you're in good shape with the 1K. Last year my family of 4 did the 4-day Sensation. We were able to eat, drink, and do pretty much anything we wanted (including Build-A-Bear, Night Owls, etc. for the kids) and we came in just under $700 in onboard expenses. Excursions were done on our own, but it we kept it simple so nothing in port cost a lot. Your most expensive excursion is already paid for so that's even better.

 

Have a great trip!

[Aplmac]

Carnival loves you!

 

$ 1,000 should be fine, but please feel free to spend more, if need be.

 

.

[Scott D]

It should be good. It's the drinks that can add it up fast.

[RuthlessBoss]

I would think that would be fine. You can always just keep an eye on it , looking at the end of each day and add more if necessary. You could start with a smaller amount and just add more as well if you watch it.

 

You can check your spending either by going to GS and wait in line:eek:, or follow directions at the 2 kiosks Ecstasy has. One is by GS, the other is by the Rolls Royce. I tried it, it's quick, efficient and got a complete printout.

[ThirstyFrog203]

Family of 4 (16, 15, 12 and myself) on Carnival Ecstasy Feb 3 going to Key West and Cozumel (4 days). I plan to put down $1000 cash on my Sign and Sail card. Do you think this will be enough for the trip? I only plan to have 2-3 drinks a day (wouldn't drink heavy around the children), i want to get them the soda card, i plan bringing soda/water for myself (i like pepsi) and a few dollars in the casino. Of course we'll purchase a few pictures and they'll get some souvenirs.

 

My biggest excursion (swimming with the dolphins) is already paid for and since we're docking early in Key West, i'm just gonna play it by ear. I do plan on having separate money for our port days.

 

Should i plan on putting down additional money, should the $1000 cover it

 

That should be more than enough. My wife and I are doing a 7 day and not bringing that much cash. If you don't drink like a fish and get the kids the unlimited soda card, you should expect to be coming home with a good chunk of change in your pocket.

[RWolver672]

One good way to keep the costs down is to go back on the ship for meals. Some of those ports charge an arm and a leg for drinks and meals.

[AmandaEnzo]

I'd make sure the kids are limited on how much they can spend. You don't want any surprises with kids who decide to go on a shopping spree! :eek:

[HardToPort]

Family of 4 (16, 15, 12 and myself) on Carnival Ecstasy Feb 3 going to Key West and Cozumel (4 days). I plan to put down $1000 cash on my Sign and Sail card. Do you think this will be enough for the trip?

 

Hi Moozie,

$1000 should do it especially given the detailed breakdown provided by another poster. I would go one step further though and set up a S&S account for each child and make sure they know what they have.

 

If all the kids can draw from one master S&S account up to the full amount you're setting yourself up for trouble. Whereas if each child knows that he / she has, say $200 to spend at which point their S&S card gets refused, they'll watch their purchases more carefully.

 

When it comes to young kids on vacation, love them, enjoy them, but don't allow them carte blanche charging privileges on a cruise ship. Just sayin'.

 

I hope you and your kids have a GREAT trip!!

 

Cheers!

HTP

:cool:

[DANCING GRANDMOMMY]

You can bring 2-6 pkg of soda per person. That is 3 sodas a day and ice tea and lemonade are available on the lido deck for free. I personally would skip the soda cards and bring the soda on board with you. (If you bring the 16 oz bottles with cap that goes even further.

[RuthlessBoss]

You can bring 2-6 pkg of soda per person. That is 3 sodas a day and ice tea and lemonade are available on the lido deck for free. I personally would skip the soda cards and bring the soda on board with you. (If you bring the 16 oz bottles with cap that goes even further.

 

Yes, skip the soda package. No one should be drinking soda anyway, let alone as much. Why not water and MIO, or other brands now out.

[siestakeys04]

I think that is plenty, you can also take a case of soda per person instead of purchasing the soda card. We took a case of ginger ale for the four of us and we were fine. Have fun!!!!

[Mommzie]

I think that is plenty, you can also take a case of soda per person instead of purchasing the soda card. We took a case of ginger ale for the four of us and we were fine. Have fun!!!!

 

That a good idea.....especially with the free juice. I just saved $54 lol