Extra costs and shore excursion?

[scrapperv]

HI we are going to Orlando for 11 days and was thinking of cutting the trip in half and take a cruise on the Carnival Sensation( our first cruise) in Feb for 4 days Bahamas (. Im trying to figure the budget if we can afford it so I have the cost of the cruise and taxes figured out I just dont know if I have the other costs right. This is what I have figured out if you can let me know if I have all the extra costs accounted for .

Shore excursions $300/$400 we are only going to do one excursion.( picking something cheap)

Alternate dining $100

Tipping $200

pop/ alcohol $100

Souvenirs $100

Photo $20

Did I miss anything? Don't plan on going to the casino or bingo etc.or buying Starbucks etc.

Shore excursion question is can we go to the Beaches ourselves or do we have to book one of the excursions?

 

Back ground, family ( 2 parents and a 13 year old and 11 year old both boys) And this is our first Family Vacation.

Thanks for reading and giving your input.

V:p

[serene56]

HI we are going to Orlando for 11 days and was thinking of cutting the trip in half and take a cruise on the Carnival Sensation( our first cruise) in Feb for 4 days Bahamas (. Im trying to figure the budget if we can afford it so I have the cost of the cruise and taxes figured out I just dont know if I have the other costs right. This is what I have figured out if you can let me know if I have all the extra costs accounted for .

Shore excursions $300/$400 we are only going to do one excursion.( picking something cheap)

Alternate dining $100

Tipping $200

pop/ alcohol $100

Souvenirs $100

Photo $20

Did I miss anything? Don't plan on going to the casino or bingo etc.or buying Starbucks etc.

Shore excursion question is can we go to the Beaches ourselves or do we have to book one of the excursions?

 

Back ground, family ( 2 parents and a 13 year old and 11 year old both boys) And this is our first Family Vacation.

Thanks for reading and giving your input.

V:p

 

 

Sensation does not have a steak house- keep your alternative dining

I do not book shore excursions through the cruise lines-- look at the port of call boards

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

Sensation does not have a star bucks-- it does have a fancy cafe that sells slabs of cakes and choc strawberries and milkshakes

No need to buy them as the pastry and desserts they have are free

 

tipping is 12. pp per day--- we do not tip extra unless they go above and beyond

 

your photo is closer to 23.00 for an 8 x 10 take your own photos

 

take your own 12 pack of soda- and drink the free icea ted and lemonade

Pre pay your tips before you get onboard-- make it like that is part of the cruise price. We pay those a few weeks after the final payment comes due

Edited December 8, 2014 by serene56

[scrapperv]

Sensation does not have a steak house- keep your alternative dining

I do not book shore excursions through the cruise lines-- look at the port of call boards

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

 

Sensation does not have a star bucks-- it does have a fancy cafe that sells slabs of cakes and choc strawberries and milkshakes

No need to buy them as the pastry and desserts they have are free

 

tipping is 12. pp per day--- we do not tip extra unless they go above and beyond

 

your photo is closer to 23.00 for an 8 x 10 take your own photos

 

take your own 12 pack of soda- and drink the free icea ted and lemonade

Pre pay your tips before you get onboard-- make it like that is part of the cruise price. We pay those a few weeks after the final payment comes due

HI yes I had read we can take our own pop which is good bc I drink Pepsi, is it a 12 pack pr person or pr cabin? Ill check out the link you gave thank you . I thought i read they have its $20 pr person extra if you want to have like steak and lobster at the restaurant though?

Thanks :o

[ryansmith18]

Shore excursions: About $100 per person definitely opens up a lot of options for you. That's generally the more expensive side of the spectrum, and I'm only talking about the official Carnival sponsored excursions. You can even look into 3rd party excursions where you get more bang for your buck as low as $30 per person. Depends on where you go and what you want to do. But if you stick with Carnival's options, $300+ will be plenty.

 

Alternate dining: If you're looking to do the steak house, that's $35 per person. Maybe the kids off at one of the kid activities and Mom & Dad can have a date night? Or keep in mind that you might want some food or drinks while in port. And if you take an excursion that's far from the ship, you'll need to have a plan for lunch if your excursion doesn't include it. Edit: whoops, didn't realize that particular ship didn't have a steak house.

 

Tipping: Make sure you've considered the pre-paid gratuities. That covers your wait staff, guest services, the folks who turn down your room each night, etc. I don't know what the cost of that would be for the four of you on a 4 day cruise, but it'll be an option when you check out. After that, you'll want some extra cash for tipping room service if you order any, your porter at the cruise terminal, the people who run your excursion (these are locals who make a living off of our tips), and probably some other people I'm not thinking of at the moment.

 

"Pop" (ha, yankee...) and alcohol: Obviously this one comes down to how much you and your spouse drink. For your reference, cocktails and wine on the ship will run you about $7 to $9 depending on the drink, and beers about $5 or $6. Cokes will cost $1.95 each + gratuity, and there's also the Bottomless Bubbles drink package that for $6 per person per day which lets you have as much soda as you want. It's cheaper for kids.

 

Souvenirs: $100 seems fine. Buy the souvenirs in port, don't get the ones on the ship.

 

Photo: I honestly don't even know how much the photos cost. They'll take your picture at every opportunity. Getting on the ship, leaving the ship, walking to dinner, eating your food, scratching your butt... there will be a billion pictures by the end of the cruise and you can go back and pick which ones you want to buy, if any.

 

 

Excursion questions: That depends. Most places there are public beaches, or very cheap access beaches. You won't need an excursion to go to them. If you buy an excursion to go to the beach, it's probably a private or isolated beach that is away from everybody else. So no, you don't have to buy an excursion if just want a cheap and relaxing beach day. Also keep in mind that you shouldn't feel obligated to do excursions if you want to save that money for something else. On our first two cruises my wife and I didn't do any excursions and still found tons of things to do in port to keep us occupied.

 

Anyway, sorry for the wall of text. I hope that covers everything. Have fun!

Edited December 8, 2014 by ryansmith18

[ryansmith18]

HI yes I had read we can take our own pop which is good bc I drink Pepsi, is it a 12 pack pr person or pr cabin? Ill check out the link you gave thank you . I thought i read they have its $20 pr person extra if you want to have like steak and lobster at the restaurant though?

Thanks :o

 

Each person can bring a 12 pack on board.

 

The $20pp you're referring to is an option to order items off of the steak house menu. This varies in availability from ship to ship, but since it's been determined that yours doesn't have the steak house just yet I'm not sure that would be an option. There will still be steak available every night off of the main menu though.

[scrapperv]

Shore excursions: About $100 per person definitely opens up a lot of options for you. That's generally the more expensive side of the spectrum, and I'm only talking about the official Carnival sponsored excursions. You can even look into 3rd party excursions where you get more bang for your buck as low as $30 per person. Depends on where you go and what you want to do. But if you stick with Carnival's options, $300+ will be plenty.

 

Alternate dining: If you're looking to do the steak house, that's $35 per person. Maybe the kids off at one of the kid activities and Mom & Dad can have a date night? Or keep in mind that you might want some food or drinks while in port. And if you take an excursion that's far from the ship, you'll need to have a plan for lunch if your excursion doesn't include it. Edit: whoops, didn't realize that particular ship didn't have a steak house.

 

Tipping: Make sure you've considered the pre-paid gratuities. That covers your wait staff, guest services, the folks who turn down your room each night, etc. I don't know what the cost of that would be for the four of you on a 4 day cruise, but it'll be an option when you check out. After that, you'll want some extra cash for tipping room service if you order any, your porter at the cruise terminal, the people who run your excursion (these are locals who make a living off of our tips), and probably some other people I'm not thinking of at the moment.

 

"Pop" (ha, yankee...) and alcohol: Obviously this one comes down to how much you and your spouse drink. For your reference, cocktails and wine on the ship will run you about $7 to $9 depending on the drink, and beers about $5 or $6. Cokes will cost $1.95 each + gratuity, and there's also the Bottomless Bubbles drink package that for $6 per person per day which lets you have as much soda as you want. It's cheaper for kids.

 

Souvenirs: $100 seems fine. Buy the souvenirs in port, don't get the ones on the ship.

 

Photo: I honestly don't even know how much the photos cost. They'll take your picture at every opportunity. Getting on the ship, leaving the ship, walking to dinner, eating your food, scratching your butt... there will be a billion pictures by the end of the cruise and you can go back and pick which ones you want to buy, if any.

 

 

Excursion questions: That depends. Most places there are public beaches, or very cheap access beaches. You won't need an excursion to go to them. If you buy an excursion to go to the beach, it's probably a private or isolated beach that is away from everybody else. So no, you don't have to buy an excursion if just want a cheap and relaxing beach day. Also keep in mind that you shouldn't feel obligated to do excursions if you want to save that money for something else. On our first two cruises my wife and I didn't do any excursions and still found tons of things to do in port to keep us occupied.

 

Anyway, sorry for the wall of text. I hope that covers everything. Have fun!

Im not a yankie i'm Canadian lol. I thought Americans called it Soda?

thanks for your help ."I didn't do any excursions and still found tons of things to do in port to keep us occupied." Do you mean staying on ship or walking around outside? Thanks

[ryansmith18]

Im not a yankie i'm Canadian lol. I thought Americans called it Soda?

thanks for your help ."I didn't do any excursions and still found tons of things to do in port to keep us occupied." Do you mean staying on ship or walking around outside? Thanks

 

Ah! Okay, so you're a step up from a yankee then! lol :P

 

We almost always get off the ship when in port. Even if we don't have plans, we get off and start wandering around. Lots and lots of souvenir shopping right where the ship docks. Usually several good restaurants or bars near by. I always try to find a local beer that I wouldn't otherwise have access to. You can always take a taxi to some less-traveled part of the island as well, or maybe some less frequented beaches (I'm not terribly familiar with the Bahamas so I can't give specific recommendations).

[serene56]

HI yes I had read we can take our own pop which is good bc I drink Pepsi, is it a 12 pack pr person or pr cabin? Ill check out the link you gave thank you . I thought i read they have its $20 pr person extra if you want to have like steak and lobster at the restaurant though?

Thanks :o

 

Since that is your first cruise you really do not need to do the steak/lobster stuff. Try whats on the menu. Even if you never heard of it before. if you do not like it get something else. But no need to pay extra for something.

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/CarnivalInspiration/Menus/index.html

 

 

its 12 pack per person.

Edited December 8, 2014 by serene56

[nchikk]

HI we are going to Orlando for 11 days and was thinking of cutting the trip in half and take a cruise on the Carnival Sensation( our first cruise) in Feb for 4 days Bahamas (. Im trying to figure the budget if we can afford it so I have the cost of the cruise and taxes figured out I just dont know if I have the other costs right. This is what I have figured out if you can let me know if I have all the extra costs accounted for .

 

Shore excursions $300/$400 we are only going to do one excursion.( picking something cheap) At $100/pp, you can definitely do most of the excursions offered by the cruise line.

 

Alternate dining $100 I agree this can be skipped by just eating in the MDR. There are several options available and contrary to others who post on these forums, I've found most of my dinners to be quite good.

 

Tipping $200 We just pay this up front and consider it part of the cruise price. If someone really impresses us, we tip additionally at the end of the cruise.

 

pop/ alcohol $100 I drink lots of cokes, and by cokes I mean what you call soda. To me all carbonated beverages are cokes. For instance: "what would you like to drink?" "A coke." "What kind of coke?" "A Sprite." Anyway, if one drinks more than 3 per day, get the bottomless bubbles sticker.

 

Souvenirs $100 this depends on my mood, I guess. If you shop around and find some deals, you can do very well on shore.

 

Photo $20 I usually don't get the ones taken on the ship.

 

Did I miss anything? Don't plan on going to the casino or bingo etc.or buying Starbucks etc. The ship's coffee shop does have some really nice pastries and desserts, and most are in the $3 range.

 

Shore excursion question is can we go to the Beaches ourselves or do we have to book one of the excursions? I'm sure you can go by yourself. Research well on where to go and the best way to get there. Go thru the "port of call" sections here for ideas.

 

Back ground, family ( 2 parents and a 13 year old and 11 year old both boys) And this is our first Family Vacation.

Thanks for reading and giving your input.

V:p

[scrapperv]

Ah! Okay, so you're a step up from a yankee then! lol :P

 

We almost always get off the ship when in port. Even if we don't have plans, we get off and start wandering around. Lots and lots of souvenir shopping right where the ship docks. Usually several good restaurants or bars near by. I always try to find a local beer that I wouldn't otherwise have access to. You can always take a taxi to some less-traveled part of the island as well, or maybe some less frequented beaches (I'm not terribly familiar with the Bahamas so I can't give specific recommendations).

 

Thanks That helps a lot. Lol to a step up .

[scrapperv]

HI we are going to Orlando for 11 days and was thinking of cutting the trip in half and take a cruise on the Carnival Sensation( our first cruise) in Feb for 4 days Bahamas (. Im trying to figure the budget if we can afford it so I have the cost of the cruise and taxes figured out I just dont know if I have the other costs right. This is what I have figured out if you can let me know if I have all the extra costs accounted for .

 

Shore excursions $300/$400 we are only going to do one excursion.( picking something cheap) At $100/pp, you can definitely do most of the excursions offered by the cruise line.

 

Alternate dining $100 I agree this can be skipped by just eating in the MDR. There are several options available and contrary to others who post on these forums, I've found most of my dinners to be quite good.

 

Tipping $200 We just pay this up front and consider it part of the cruise price. If someone really impresses us, we tip additionally at the end of the cruise.

 

pop/ alcohol $100 I drink lots of cokes, and by cokes I mean what you call soda. To me all carbonated beverages are cokes. For instance: "what would you like to drink?" "A coke." "What kind of coke?" "A Sprite." Anyway, if one drinks more than 3 per day, get the bottomless bubbles sticker.

 

Souvenirs $100 this depends on my mood, I guess. If you shop around and find some deals, you can do very well on shore.

 

Photo $20 I usually don't get the ones taken on the ship.

 

Did I miss anything? Don't plan on going to the casino or bingo etc.or buying Starbucks etc. The ship's coffee shop does have some really nice pastries and desserts, and most are in the $3 range.

 

Shore excursion question is can we go to the Beaches ourselves or do we have to book one of the excursions? I'm sure you can go by yourself. Research well on where to go and the best way to get there. Go thru the "port of call" sections here for ideas.

 

Back ground, family ( 2 parents and a 13 year old and 11 year old both boys) And this is our first Family Vacation.

Thanks for reading and giving your input.

V:p

Thank you for the info.I think I will just stick with the MDR like you all are advising.

[scrapperv]

Since that is your first cruise you really do not need to do the steak/lobster stuff. Try whats on the menu. Even if you never heard of it before. if you do not like it get something else. But no need to pay extra for something.

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/CarnivalInspiration/Menus/index.html

 

 

its 12 pack per person.

cool thanks and awesome about the pack pr person that helps. just will be heavy walking around with till we get our room lol

[tandemcruzr]

cool thanks and awesome about the pack pr person that helps. just will be heavy walking around with till we get our room lol

 

See if they have Faster to the Fun available for your cruise. It is $50 per cabin, not person. It will be listed under Shore Excursions for the Port Canaveral port.

 

If they do and you decide to buy it, your cabin will be ready when you board and you can go straight to your cabin and unload those 'sodas.'

[cb at sea]

We never do "excursions" at all....a guidebook will help you DIY....much easier and cheaper!!

[cruizinisthebest]

See if they have Faster to the Fun available for your cruise. It is $50 per cabin, not person. It will be listed under Shore Excursions for the Port Canaveral port.

 

If they do and you decide to buy it, your cabin will be ready when you board and you can go straight to your cabin and unload those 'sodas.'

 

If you're looking to save money and trying to squeeze in a short extra lil' something like the OP described, I wouldn't bother with FTTF. Sensation doesn't tender anywhere and it's a short cruise. I'm a FTTF fan, but in this case I would skip it save that $50. Just my opinion. Carrying the sodas isn't that bad.

 

You can do Nassau and Freeport much cheaper than $100pp. Cut that in half and there are still a ton of options. Enjoy your vacation - all of it!

Edited December 8, 2014 by cruizinisthebest

[serene56]

See if they have Faster to the Fun available for your cruise. It is $50 per cabin, not person. It will be listed under Shore Excursions for the Port Canaveral port.

 

 

For 50 bucks all they will benifit from is early entry to their cabins.

Kids are old enough to carry their own or go without

[Swampbaby]

You can pack those sodas in a rolling bag and will be fine.

 

ALSO, my personal opinion is the 4 day cruise is not the best choice. Five or more is a lot better in MY opinion

[cruizinisthebest]

OP said this would be a bonus to an already planned trip in Orlando. Port Canaveral is closest to their other plans, and there are no 5-day cruises out of PC. I've been on the Sensation twice and found her to be a nice short trip. And my kids loved the waterworks.

[Relayer]

Just did this sailing in October.

 

On excursions:

Freeport - Deadmans Reef. Very nice beach with outstanding snorkeling and beach service. We paid 24 per person including transportation and beach chair rental. Search under Deadman's Reef for detail info.

 

Nassua - For us its always a trip to Atalntis and the waterpark. EXPENSIVE day pass at about 110 per available at the resort only. HOWEVER if you are very crafty admissions can be found for as low as maybe 65 per. Very nice. Take your own cooler with beverages. Everything at the resort is pricey.

 

Pictures - Take advantage of having as many pictures taken as possible. Then go back and pick your favorites to meet you budget. Keep an eye out there will be specials.

 

Tipping - 12.50 per day per person.

 

Dining - Eat till you drop, we do!, for not one penny more!

[dolphin2012]

We have been on 5 cruises and always set up a budget also. As others have said the tipping is already included in the final fare price. We usually tip our room steward and waiter also on the last day of the cruise. This amount could be whatever you can afford. They appreciate any amount.

 

We never pay for any extra resturants. There are plenty of choices for your family. Pizza is 24/7 and ice cream too. Dont forget room service is free also and fun to order. (we just tip a few bucks for this service) We always find our favorites and save money also. The Italian resturant has free lunch but charges at nite if this is available on your ship. The kids might want a little spending money for candy shop or video games.

 

The ships excursions are expensive but for your first cruise it is a no worry trip. If its late they wait for the group.. no worries.... we have done trips on our own too just plan those ahead , so many get off the ship and we hear them say "now what do yall want to do"? It will be so fun.

 

My family usually spends the most on pictures.. They always turn out so good i cant resist them.. I guess we are just cruise happy family and it shows on the pics.

 

We bring the cokes and drinks per person as they alllow. You can also bring in your carry on a b ottle of wine per person to drink in the cabin. If flying just stop before boarding and get the supplies.

 

My daughter loves all the rope climbing, slides, shows and food and more food. She never spends much at all.

 

I think you will have a great time and your budget is on the spot. Have fun!! The four days will go by so fast that the next time you will want to spend 8!!

[TennRiver]

You will need transportation to port.

[virginiab]

You can put limits on what each kid can spend daily with their own sail and sign card. You can also make it so their cards cannot be used to charge anything. Some parents have been shocked by the bills a kid can run up with the arcade and the pop and smoothies. Giving them a tiny budget will encourage them to drink the free ice tea and lemonade instead of paying for drinks.

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time. I suspect that your days on the Sensation will be less expensive than most of your days in Orlando and that great fun will be had by all in both spots.

[scrapperv]

OP said this would be a bonus to an already planned trip in Orlando. Port Canaveral is closest to their other plans, and there are no 5-day cruises out of PC. I've been on the Sensation twice and found her to be a nice short trip. And my kids loved the waterworks.

awesome good to know.

[scrapperv]

You will need transportation to port.

Thanks I forgot to add that to the equation

[scrapperv]

You can put limits on what each kid can spend daily with their own sail and sign card. You can also make it so their cards cannot be used to charge anything. Some parents have been shocked by the bills a kid can run up with the arcade and the pop and smoothies. Giving them a tiny budget will encourage them to drink the free ice tea and lemonade instead of paying for drinks.

 

I'm sure you'll have a great time. I suspect that your days on the Sensation will be less expensive than most of your days in Orlando and that great fun will be had by all in both spots.

Thanks good idea