can you have a good cruise if you have a budget?

[Mytime2014]

1st time cruiser here...I worked a second job for enough money to pay for a partial ocean view room [4091]...I"d love to have the suite, the balcony, the perks. But, I'm 56, I've never been on a cruise [and no real vacation for WAY too many years] and I want to go. so. bad.

 

I just read the very old thread about 1st time mistakes on cruises and it got me thinking about ways to avoid the mistakes and get the most out of the cruise.

 

Maybe someday I can afford the awesome room, the PG every night...the big ole veranda - but hey, someone has to fill the bottom of the boat right? I'm planning/budgeting for a few drinks, some wine at dinner [not much of a drinker most of the time anyway], a whale watch in Juneau and am researching some self directed touristy stuff at Sitka and Ketchikan.

 

I really want to attend a cooking class/demo, thinking about one or two of the wine tasting sessions, and [weird little dream] knitting some luxurious yarn on a deck, maybe the crow's nest. Oh and if I could find an excursion that included a horse back ride it would be heavenly - but I haven't seen anything about that in Alaska yet.

 

We're going on the Westerdam in July. I've gotten some great ideas on my roll call thread, but thought I"d throw it out here for ideas.

[luvteaching]

Good evening,

 

We've cruised to Alaska several times and we're on a budget. Here are a few things we do.

 

1. I buy a beverage card before we go and it's waiting for me in the cabin. That way I can have the glass of wine, etc. and not worry about the cost (I've already paid for it). What you don't use is refunded back to your credit card.

 

2. Sitka is a tender port and it's less touristy than the other towns. It's a great walking town so you can see quite a bit at very little cost. As soon as you get off the tender there should be a visitor's information booth where you can get a map and information. Also, Sitka has free wi-fi throughout most of the town so it's a good place to check email!

 

3. Ketchikan is another town where you are docked right at the tourist area and you can walk to Creek Street, ride the funicular (something like $2.00) and do your souvenir shopping. Ketchikan is the best place to get all those souvenirs that say "Alaska" on them for the house sitter, paperboy, etc. Tongass Trading Company, the Christmas Store and many others give you lots of choices!

 

Have fun!

 

Karen

[igraf]

It doesn't cost any extra to sit back and enjoy the ship and the sea, and not worry about chasing all the unimportant frills. You may see several whales right off the ship. We have.

 

If you really want to go horseback riding, then just do so near your home or anywhere else! There isn't any reason that it has to done on a cruise. I am speaking from experience as I used to have my own horses.

 

igraf

 

 

 

 

1st time cruiser here...I worked a second job for enough money to pay for a partial ocean view room [4091]...I"d love to have the suite, the balcony, the perks. But, I'm 56, I've never been on a cruise [and no real vacation for WAY too many years] and I want to go. so. bad.

 

I just read the very old thread about 1st time mistakes on cruises and it got me thinking about ways to avoid the mistakes and get the most out of the cruise.

 

Maybe someday I can afford the awesome room, the PG every night...the big ole veranda - but hey, someone has to fill the bottom of the boat right? I'm planning/budgeting for a few drinks, some wine at dinner [not much of a drinker most of the time anyway], a whale watch in Juneau and am researching some self directed touristy stuff at Sitka and Ketchikan.

 

I really want to attend a cooking class/demo, thinking about one or two of the wine tasting sessions, and [weird little dream] knitting some luxurious yarn on a deck, maybe the crow's nest. Oh and if I could find an excursion that included a horse back ride it would be heavenly - but I haven't seen anything about that in Alaska yet.

 

We're going on the Westerdam in July. I've gotten some great ideas on my roll call thread, but thought I"d throw it out here for ideas.

[TiogaCruiser]

Welcome to CC!

We've been to alaska 3 times and planning more. ;)

 

Some of the low cost, high value things we've done in past:

 

Walk to the Hertiage Centrr in Ketchikan. Entry was ~$5-10 pp and they have a great collection of totem poles and other crafts. Take public bus to Totem Bight and spend a few hours (or less). The tour groups move through rather quickly leaving you to have the park to yourself for long periods of time. Download the map and walking tour before you leave for Alaska. Bus cost <$5 for 2. Enjoy fresh halibut fish and chips at The Fish House (one large order feeds 2). Walk through town and creek street- fish ladders.

 

We rented bikes in Sitka- cost around $40 for 2 IIRC.

 

Juneau: take bus to mendenhall glacier and spend a few hours there. Cost I don't remember but $14 seems to stand out- maybe someone can chime in.

Edited February 11, 2014 by TiogaCruiser

[startwin]

Yes you can certainly do it on a budget, in spite of the fact that Alaska excursions are some of the most expensive anywhere. But you don't have to do them, there's so much in walking distance, and inexpensive little excursions. In Ketchikan do the duck tour - quite interesting and only about $40 I think. Or just walk Creek Street. In Skagway, do the street car tour. Another cheapie - and I really enjoyed that. Did it for the first time last year on my 5th Alaska cruise! In Juneau get the city bus out to Mendenhall Glacier. Or just wander and enjoy each of the ports. Have a great cruise! The scenery and wildlife is free.;)

[Spinner2]

You can have an absolutely wonderful cruise on a budget! I actually think the first time you cruise it's best that you discover all of the "free" things there are to do on board and in the ports; once you've sampled some of the more expensive options (the verandah, the Pinnacle Grill, the suite, etc.) you might think you didn't want to try any of the others.

 

There are terrific options that you've already paid for: finding a comfy chair to watch the magnificent scenery you'll see in Alaska, for a start. Your options might include a seat in the Crow's Nest, near any of the windows you'll find in the public spaces, outside if it's not too cold. (Take warm, warm layers of clothing! Needing to buy some while you're traveling isn't in that budget, most likely!) If you like to read, stop by the onboard library in the Explorations Cafe area; borrowing a book or two carries no charge. The water from the tap in your cabin will be delicious and pure; no need to buy water. You might want to take one bottle or container with you; refill it in your cabin or fill it in the Lido by pouring water from a glass into your container--you might spread contaminants by putting your personal bottle under the spigot. The onboard shows, music, other entertainment--all are included. Decide ahead how much you want to budget for paid drinks and stick to it; others I noticed have already mentioned drink cards and such.

 

Yours will be a scenery and port-intensive trip so you may not need to look for as much onboard daytime entertainment as another cruise would bring, but while there is a charge for the small-group cooking class, the demonstrations are free; they'll hand out recipe cards and often, samples too. Read your daily program and pick out as much as you'd like to do. The program will tell you if there's a charge involved. Save those for another trip, unless it's a special thing you budgeted for. The exercise equipment in the gym is free to use on your own and certainly walking laps on the prom deck is yours to enjoy as well. There are so many food options; you'll probably want to do something active to balance that out!

 

Before you go read several guide books and sites you can find online about the ports. For your first trip, find things that don't carry a charge, or only a minimal one. You could, for example, get a shore excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier, but there's also a public bus that will get you there as well. Finding these possibilities in advance is much easier; have several possibles in mind and make your decision once you're there, assuming that you are not going to pay for an excursion. If you want to include one or two, check out your options ahead of time; your roll call will surely have people who have done this and know what they are doing.

 

Take common commonly-needed supplies with you; it's cheaper to do that than to have to buy sun screen, for example, but you will very likely need it if you spend a lot of time on deck, even though the air may be chilly. Band-aids and such are available at no charge in the infirmary; they will have small bins of them close to the door someplace, but it's a good idea to have that sort of thing along.

 

The one item that you will need to pay for, above the actual cruise fare that you've paid, are the daily gratuities. I'm not even going to get into the hows and whys these are not included in the base fare, but they aren't. Technically, they are "optional" but the gratuities are the main revenue source for the stewards and behind the scenes workers who will prepare your food, straighten your cabin, clean (constantly!) the railings, floor, walls, stairs, etc. It's comparable to most restaurants in your hometown USA: servers are paid an absolute base wage; their income is in tips. The wonderful crew that you'll meet are all supporting families at home; this is how they do it.

 

Have a wonderful time! Stick to the budget you create! There will be time later for the extras--if you haven't fallen in love with the way you did it the first time!

[pris993]

1st time cruiser here...I worked a second job for enough money to pay for a partial ocean view room [4091]...I"d love to have the suite, the balcony, the perks. But, I'm 56, I've never been on a cruise [and no real vacation for WAY too many years] and I want to go. so. bad.

 

I just read the very old thread about 1st time mistakes on cruises and it got me thinking about ways to avoid the mistakes and get the most out of the cruise.

 

Maybe someday I can afford the awesome room, the PG every night...the big ole veranda - but hey, someone has to fill the bottom of the boat right? I'm planning/budgeting for a few drinks, some wine at dinner [not much of a drinker most of the time anyway], a whale watch in Juneau and am researching some self directed touristy stuff at Sitka and Ketchikan.

 

I really want to attend a cooking class/demo, thinking about one or two of the wine tasting sessions, and [weird little dream] knitting some luxurious yarn on a deck, maybe the crow's nest. Oh and if I could find an excursion that included a horse back ride it would be heavenly - but I haven't seen anything about that in Alaska yet.

 

We're going on the Westerdam in July. I've gotten some great ideas on my roll call thread, but thought I"d throw it out here for ideas.

 

We have been cruising for years. We always budget our expenses.

 

We buy our own wine and bring it on board. We do our own thing in port. Generally eat in the MDR or buffet, and use Room Service.

 

We started cruising getting a limited view cabin because that was all we could afford.

 

You can have a great time on a budget... go enjoy what you can afford and you will not regret it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Lots of good advice here.

Warning -- you are only in Ketchikan a short time. So watch your time if you take a bus out to Totem Bight. We like to walk up to Creek Street. Dolly's House is there.

In Juneau the Blue Bus is $8 per person each way to go out to Mendenhal Glacier. This is a great port to do whale watching -- it will be your most expensive excursion but well worth it.

Sitka -- the last few times we have tendered into the O'Connel bridge pier. You have the raptor Center here, St Michael's Church, lots to see just walking around. This is a good port to get Russian items.

[Katie333]

I agree you can cruise on a budget regardless of where!

 

Make sure you plan for the 'required' expenses like onboard service charges (daily tips), any travel costs to and from the pier when embarking/disembarking etc.

 

There are sooo many extra ways to spend money while on a cruise, like spa treatments, extra fee dining, souvenirs (onboard and off ship), fees for certain classes onboard, expensive tours etc.

 

However, speaking from the cruises we have taken, we have never paid extra for a dining venue, we have never spent more than $30 in onboard shops and we have done many ports on our own for little to no extra cost. Our first couple cruises were in oceanview rooms and they were fine. (admittedly we've done balconies or suites ever since, and this is our splurge when cruising). It's so easy to get caught up in the hype, and in where other people choose to spend their money. You can have a fantastic trip without extra indulgences.

[sail7seas]

I'm so excited for you!!!

You have a dream and you are going to do your dream and cruise.

You picked a lovely ship, you're going to see amazing scenery without leaving the ship and it will all be new and thrilling for you.

 

We live in New England, cruise to Canada every summer and have visited various mountains all our growing up years in NH and Vermont but we had seen nothing until we saw the mountains/peaks in Alaska. I was mesmorized with the views. Sit in Ocean Bar/Crows Nest or better yet if the weather is good, take a seat outside...... use your lovely knitting wool, have a glass of wine and just look at the views after you have enjoyed a day ashore!

 

You don't need a verandah, you don't need a large cabin, you just need to be aboard and live your dream.

 

PLEASE promise you'll come back here after your cruise and tell us all about it.

Enjoy every moment looking forward to boarding!! :)

 

Edited February 11, 2014 by sail7seas

[POA1]

You can definitely have a good time on a budget! The dining room menu is varied enough that you won't be bored. Look over your daily program the night before and highlight the things you find interesting. You'll find a lot of free activities to keep you busy.

 

One of the great things about Alaska is that there are scenic vistas all around. Just grab a seat by a window in a public room.

 

As for the ports, check the Ports of Call message board on CC. There are a lot of things to do in port at little or no cost. Also look up the Chamber of Commerce for the ports you're visiting. Their websites will tell you about things that the town has to offer - things that a lot of cruise passengers zip right on by.

[sammiedawg]

Congratulations on going to Alaska! You will have a terrific time and the Alaska port section of CC is full of great tips. We do not spend a great deal of money onboard and we always enjoy ourselves. Specialty restaurants, spas, casinos are revenue generators for the cruise line and you don't need any of them.

The biggest money saver is preparation on how to see the sights on your own. The suggestions so far are great!

[Wakepatrol]

You will be sailing through a painting where the scenery just keeps getting better. Have fun:)

[VermeulT]

Have you had your TA mark your cabin that it's ok for upgrade?

you never know... you could be bumped up to a full ocean view or even a balcony.

Keep an eye on the prices for your cruise too. Even after final payment, if there is a price drop, have your TA try to get you compensation. They might upgrade you to a higher cabin for no charge or give you on board credit for [part of] the difference.

 

I would also like to thank you. Your post has reminded me that being there is what is impt - not spending loads of money. This will help me with planning the rest of my Alaska trip in August.

[PunkiC]

Everybody has a budget--some budgets are larger than others. :)

 

Unless you lack mobility, or are in a port where security is an issue, it is a lot less expensive and a lot more fun to explore ports on your own.

 

We really enjoy taking local transportation and getting a real feel for the ports we visit. We also like to set our own schedules and avoid crowds when we can. Of course, there are places, like Creek Street, which will be somewhat crowded, but not too bad.

 

Spending money on the ship is totally optional, but please budget for the auto tip as the crew wok very hard and rely on that income. Other than that, you can have a magnificent time without spending any money at all, unless you want to. Our on board spending goes for wine, extra internet time and an occasional night in a specialty restaurant.

 

Some people like to shop and gamble on the ship, but we have never really been tempted to either of those indulgences.

[CowPrincess]

1st time cruiser here...I worked a second job for enough money to pay for a partial ocean view room [4091]...I"d love to have the suite, the balcony, the perks. But, I'm 56, I've never been on a cruise [and no real vacation for WAY too many years] and I want to go. so. bad.

 

I just read the very old thread about 1st time mistakes on cruises and it got me thinking about ways to avoid the mistakes and get the most out of the cruise.

 

Maybe someday I can afford the awesome room, the PG every night...the big ole veranda - but hey, someone has to fill the bottom of the boat right? I'm planning/budgeting for a few drinks, some wine at dinner [not much of a drinker most of the time anyway], a whale watch in Juneau and am researching some self directed touristy stuff at Sitka and Ketchikan.

 

I really want to attend a cooking class/demo, thinking about one or two of the wine tasting sessions, and [weird little dream] knitting some luxurious yarn on a deck, maybe the crow's nest. Oh and if I could find an excursion that included a horse back ride it would be heavenly - but I haven't seen anything about that in Alaska yet.

 

We're going on the Westerdam in July. I've gotten some great ideas on my roll call thread, but thought I"d throw it out here for ideas.

 

You don't need the big ol' veranda, you don't need to eat in the upcharge restaurants, you don't need the suite and accompanying perqs, and you don't need an enormous bank account to have a wonderful time on a cruise.

 

DH and I are pretty-much budget cruisers. We don't get expensive accom, usually, choosing oceanview rooms (usually the lowest-grade available as a guaranty). It truly makes me crazy when people try to insist that their cabin choice or their way of cruising is the only way to have a "good cruise". Don't let others intimidate you by their insistence on "you have to have this, you have to do that". Do what makes you happy and what you can afford.

 

The Alaska forum has lots of low-cost suggestions. I think you are smart to plan one big excursion and find other budget things to do in other ports. It is here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=55

 

As another poster mentioned, DO check out the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan online and see if it would be of interest to you. It houses rescued old totems, from abandoned villages and such, to preserve them for the future. Last time I was there the admission was $5/person.

 

Creek Street is also inexpensive in Ketchikan. Get a walking map from the Ketchikan Visitor Center.

 

Sitka is quite walkable, has a raptor rehab center, a state park, the New Archangel Dancers, St. Michael's Cathedral (??) (not sure it is a cathedral???), all pretty low-cost. More info on all of those is available by Googling.

 

Be aware that there is no self-serve laundry on the Westerdam. If you need laundry done, you can either sign up for the "unlimited" laundry (which was $7/day/cabin the last time I cruised) and you can send out laundry every day if you want. Or you can send out a bag of laundry for a cost of $20 for the bag. I'll be doing the "bag of laundry" once on my next cruise.

 

If you want to meet people, try the 1st wine tasting offered. It used to be $29, but I'm not sure how much it is now. The 2nd wine tasting is much later in the cruise, so less chance to meet compatible people to visit with for the rest of the cruise. The 2nd wine tasting is around $35, different wines than the 1st tasting.

 

I don't think horseback riding is offered now, though there used to be one near Emerald Lake (outside of Skagway, so not even on your itin).

 

If you want real luxury in a yarn, see if there are any yarn stores that sell quiviut (muskox yarn) :) in the ports you are going to.

 

If you decide to go hiking or just wandering around in the wild places, do NOT take food with you. Don't feed the animals (of any kind) and don't smell like food.

 

If you need clothing specifically for Alaska, I strongly urge you to check out any nearby thrift stores. Seriously, you can get the right stuff (used) for about 10% of the cost of new stuff. Take at least one fleecy shirt/jacket. Skip the sweatshirts, they are not as warm as a good fleecy, and weigh a LOT. Take a hooded rainproof jacket. Make certain your footwear is durable and comfortable. Consider taking a base layer (aka long underwear :) ). I personally like the silk ones but also wear other kinds. Splurge on a pair of warm wool-blend socks.

 

For Glacier Bay -- you will be able to find many great viewing spots on public decks. HAL usually opens the bow for Glacier Bay, and that is a lovely place to spend some time. Be careful in Glacier Bay, it is a protected environment, so nothing should go over the side into the water. I'm so messy that I have to stand inside to eat or drink while in Glacier Bay, for fear I will inadvertently drop something over the side :eek:

 

You get into Victoria quite late and don't have lots of time there. If the weather is nice, a walk along the seashore would be nice IMHO. We have friends there, so all I've done thus far in Victoria is visit with them.

 

Phew -- sorry this is sooooooo long! I'm a big fan of Alaska, and have my 7th trip there booked for this spring. Working on convincing DH that another trip in summer would be a great way to spend a few days.

[cbr663]

Everybody has a budget--some budgets are larger than others. :)

 

 

My thoughts exactly. Everyone who boards a ship has a budget, some larger than others and some directed at items that others would never dream of. That is the beauty of a cruise - you have the flexibility to make it yours and to partake in the things that you love to do.

 

We are taking a cruise to Alaska this Spring so we appreciate your enthusiasm. We can't wait. We are counting down the days.

[lazey1]

A couple of things to keep in mind for anyone on a budget.

1.Get your hair and nails done before you cruise, the spa prices for all services are extremely high.:eek:

2.Bring cough drops or syrup and Kleenix with you. It seems inevitable there will be a lot of people coughing aboard.:p

3.Buy trip insurance. It is expensive but if you need to use it, it is invaluable.

4.Unless you really love wine try the house wines at dinner instead of the brand names which are very expensive.

 

Congrats on your decision, Alaska is awesome.:) We will be on the Amsterdam in July.

[startwin]

Cow Princess - lots of excellent advice for the OP. Just want to expand on two things..... Laundry - you can get a heck of a lot in that bag for $20. We actually did that for a 3-week cruise - 3 bags were sufficient. And Clothing - dress in layers rather than buy or take thick clothing. You can buy very inexpensive jackets in any of the ports.

 

Just wanted to add.... sometimes I think we had the most fun in the days when we were on an even stricter budget than we are now. Less decisions to make on what to do. We just walked, LOL. And didn't buy a darned thing onboard!

Edited February 11, 2014 by startwin

[Watson's aunt]

Hi

 

You will love Alaska. You can do it cheap. If you are a history buff like me You can find things with a little reseach or just ask. Have you joined your roll call? Do it. In Sitkia mty favorite port. you can get a bus that will take you to Fortress of the bears and the Eagle refuge. you can walked down and see the bishops house and the rain forest ( sitkia is a rain forest but it worth the walk down to see it. Also the Russianian church. If you got down to the forest and look for the free ranger tour. Don't have my book I will find it and write back. You can write to touriest cities and ask for a free guide. Go to happy hour on ship. I was and havr beem very happy eating in the MDR. My firsts trips to Alaska have been in inside cabins and I have been very happy with the cabins. I did get a upsell my lats trip. Its impossible to do everything. On my cruise in 2011 I did nothing but just walk around the ports. You will come back. Have a wonderful time. If you get a inside room you might invest in one of those cheap lights. I always leave the bathroom light on when I have a inside cabin

[budisal]

We just got off the Eurodam after a Western Caribbean cruise on Sunday. Last year we sailed the same ship in a balcony suite. This year we chose an inside cabin. The difference in the cruise for us? None! You sleep better in an inside state room ... no light to interfere with your sleep. Spend money on extras? Nope! We bought one extra in Grand . Other than that, we walked most of the ports. All your food is paid for - and it's great no matter what venue you eat in. There is no need to spend extra on specialty restaurants. Lots to do on the ship. I took three computer classes (free, thanks Microsoft). My wife attended some free lectures. We did karaoke a few nights (just the cost of a glass of wine because we wanted one, not because we were forced to buy one). We took in the free show a few nights as well. We stayed in an inside cabin, 6th floor, mid-ship. Mid-ship is good because you get the least ship roll. Also because you can get to anywhere on the ship pretty quickly.

 

So don't worry. You can have a GREAT cruise on a budget. We'll be doing another next year. Enjoy and relax. Everything will be great.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[sapper1]

Another thing that is fun to do in port while on the ship is to watch the float planes buzzing around everywhere like busy bees. This is a popular mode of transportation in Alaska and there certainly is a great number of them.

[Mytime2014]

You will be sailing through a painting where the scenery just keeps getting better. Have fun:)

 

This gave me chills! The photography that I've seen tells me the same.

[serendipity1499]

We have been cruising for years. We always budget our expenses.

 

We buy our own wine and bring it on board. We do our own thing in port. Generally eat in the MDR or buffet, and use Room Service.

 

We started cruising getting a limited view cabin because that was all we could afford.

 

You can have a great time on a budget... go enjoy what you can afford and you will not regret it.

 

 

Every one has given you excellent advice but I would like to caution you about several things.. Bringing Wine on board & the Service Charge..

 

HAL's new rules are: Easch Psgr. can only bring one bottle of wine on board with no corkage fee (service charge) .. If you bring more than one bottle on board they are charging an $18.00 corkage fee for each.. No problem, you will be able to drink it in the MDR (Main Dining Room ). But be careful, the wine steward must open it for you & he will come back to your table periodically to pour more wine, from that bottle, so if you really only want one glass be sure to tell him.. Coffee, Tea, Milk are Free.. Pop (soft drinks) as well as hard liquor will be charged..

 

Many have mentioned the Service Charge (tip) for your stewards..HAL will charge each person in your cabin $11.50 per day service charge.. That is the tip for all the Stewards who serve you..You can also purchase OBC (on board credit) before your cruise to pre-pay some of your service charge if that will help...

 

However, some Psgrs give their stewards a bit extra & will talk about it on this board... That is strictly voluntary, however if someone has made your trip extra special you are free to give him/her a little extra with a Thank you note at the end of the trip.. Room Service Stewards are included in the daily service charge, but you are free to offer a dollar or two if they deliver coffee in the a.m..

 

The most important thing you can do for your Stewards is give them an evaluation by name.. HAL will probably send you an e-mail when you get home & ask you to evaluate your cruise... All of the Stewards look forward to getting a good evaluation & you should try to always mention them by name..They normally provide exceptional service & work very hard to make your cruise extra special.. They receive promotions based on excellent evaluations..

 

Enjoy your first cruise to Alaska.. It is a magnificent place!

 

Cheers..Betty

Edited February 12, 2014 by serendipity1499

[PatsyAnne]

It's also fun to explore the ship, top to bottom. HAL has interesting art on each of its ships. Paintings, old cabinets, whatever. I've never been on the Westerdam, but I believe you can get a podcast for that ship's art. Search on something like ship art tours. Good activity for a rainy day, but really, just look around as you go from space to space. Have a great cruise.

 

 

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