Where do you splurge vs. scrimp?

[Jay Sam]

Splurge:

 

Drink package.

 

Shore excursions, through the ship. Don't feel as comfortable with non cruise line operators.

 

Tipping above and beyond the gratuites added automatically. The staff on board work mighty hard and I like to show my appreciation.

 

Arriving at the port city one day before departure. No arriving the day of sailing for me. The cost of the hotel etc is worth peace of mind and lets me relax before the sail date.

 

 

Scrimp:

 

Souvenirs.

 

On board ship photos.

 

Specialty dining. I like the food offered in the dining room just fine.

 

Casino. If I win that's great. If I don't, then my threshold to leave the casino is not that high.

 

On board art.

[Djptcp]

DH and I splurge on suite cabins because we want to be comfortable and on Holland America, there are terrific perks that come with the two highest level suites. Balcony cabins are the lowest we will go usually. We scrimp on excursions because after 35 cruises, we have seen or done what we want to in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Many of the ports we have stayed at for a week or two on land vacations.

[iwantsomesun]

Splurge:

Rooms - two rooms including a balcony for the parents and an inside for this kids. We can only do that because we go with Carnival to keep the cruise cost down.

Drinks - these flow at a moderate rate

Excursions - too much so far. Will cut these down as we have been to many of the ports now. We buy excursions to new places we want to learn about - especially if it isn't one considered "safe" for roaming about.

Meals - MDR is great! But we have done the steakhouse and it was good too.

 

Scrimp:

Pictures - maybe one but if I had my way, not even that.

Cruise Line - we love Carnival - would like to try RC but can't justify the extra cost

Shopping - we try to keep this to a minimum

Casino - I never feel good about the casino spending at the end of the cruise. I try to stay out of there. Costs too much per hour. I'd rather spend the money on an excursion.

[AmandaV]

My approach to spending money on vacations is- if I want something, I will get it, because it is vacation. However, I do try to come back home not totally broke!

 

Splurge:

Cheers package

Excursions through ship (like others, I just feel better knowing it is through Carnival)

Souvenirs (at ports)

 

 

Scrimp:

Interior cabin (we only do balcony for special occasions, otherwise interior is just fine. However we DO pay more to be on Lido, but still tons cheaper than balcony)

Specialty restaurants (I just can not pay extra for food when there is so much available for no extra cost!)

Photos on ship (I bought one last year for the first time- it's gotta be amazing for me to consider purchasing)

[OhJinkies]

I usually do a "big" trip each year, which involves flying somewhere, and one or two short getaways just to relax. I did a Hawaii trip/inter-island cruise last year which was mostly splurge.

 

But it really got me thinking about PURPOSE. Why are you taking the cruise? Is it to discover new places? Have an adventure? Spend quality time with your family/loved one? Relax? Escape? I think once you really discern your purpose, it will inform your decisions.

 

I'm going up to New England this fall and will be doing a lot of sightseeing, visiting with a friend, etc. My schedule is carefully planned with tours, etc. It's not what I would consider a RELAXING vacation, but it will be enjoyable/memorable.

 

But I've had a stressful couple of months and just need a relaxing getaway. So I booked a four-day Western Caribbean earlier this week (good price) that is just a couple of weeks away. I travel solo frequently, so that drives some of my decisions. So here we go:

 

Scrimp:

• Inside GTY stateroom. Right now the location is pretty decent -- Verandah deck, midship. I'm just below the pool deck so I may have some noise, but I can deal.
  
• No specialty restaurants -- MDR and Lido should be fine
  
• No drink package -- I don't drink enough to justify the cost
  
• No shopping -- I think it's a waste of time
  
• No photos -- it's just me!
  
• Maybe a limited amount in the casino -- I love playing slots
  
• I'm driving down to Miami from Central Florida the morning of embarkation
  
• No spa treatments -- I love them but would rather spend my money elsewhere
  
• No Key West excursion -- all I want to do is go to a restaurant I really like for lunch (great chicken salad)!
  

 

Splurge

• Portside parking -- my last offsite parking experience in Miami was not great. I'll fork over $100 to park for the cruise.
  
• I've booked the En Casa En La Playa "Select Retreat" in Cozumel -- this is a small-capacity, all-inclusive experience. And it's not cheap. Why did I book it? I don't like sitting in the sun and didn't want to fight over limited umbrellas. This place has plenty of shady, comfortable seating options and they pamper you -- open bar, chef on site to cook your lunch to order, etc. This is what I need for the day!
  
• I'll probably buy an internet package so I can post photos from the day on Facebook -- I enjoy going online and socializing with my friends.
  

 

So that's it -- my purpose is to RELAX and ESCAPE. When not on shore, you'll probably find me in a shady spot on deck reading.

[Bases5]

Scrimp Most anything that cost extra

Splurge I take a extra cruise each year

[ladygal4.4]

***disclaimer***. I am a very careful spender on cruises. My last bill was $1.77 on my sign and sail card after a 7 day cruise

 

Scrimp - 1. No sodas/fruity drinks/cakes&icecreams at the specialty shops. 2. tours-we prefer to walk around, or get a taxi. Most drivers will give you a tour on the way. 3. No casino 4. Take own snorkel equipment 5. Take own 12 pack of sodas 6. Take a few packaged snacks to eat on the port and avoid expensive restaurants. 7. Keep the free art, don't buy the expensive stuff

 

Splurge - 0. The cruise - getting to see far off places, beautiful water, just spending time together 1. Balcony with adjoining cabin - we like quiet places away from the loud lido deck music, but want our children close since they are small 2. Nice family picture or couple picture like for anniversary 3. Souvenirs for family Christmas presents...some people are impossible to buy for and this makes it a bit easier 4. Internet-just Facebook.

[CCLCruiser4321]

Splurge on the balcony room only take inside cabins when they're free like in Jan 2016 woo woo. We don't really spend any money on food only eat on board for the most part and neither of us really drink and I try not to gamble. I guess we also Splurge on hotel before cruise gotta come a few days early to enjoy the warm weather and a limo to and from airport it's not vacation without the limo

[Derbie]

Interesting to read everyone's answers! :)

 

I skimp during the rest of the year so that when I am on vacation I don't have to worry to much about expenses. However, there are lots of things that are important or not so important to us.

 

Skimp: Almost always inside room (only 2 balconies in our history) and almost always book at lowest rate and let cruiseline choose the room. Have often booked pack and go at last minute.

 

Will not eat at the steakhouse again (but can't promise that I won't do other venues when given the chance).

 

Bring on my own sodas, our allotted two bottles of wine and purchase a bottle from Bon Voyage. Don't purchase soda or specialty coffees. Don't purchase souvenir glasses with DoD.

 

Don't normally purchase pictures.

 

Don't shop. I hate shopping. I don't need jewelry, souvenirs, etc.

 

With the exception of Long Beach and San Juan, have driven to every port.

 

We also try to "work" the point systems on our Frequent Flier and Hilton Honors programs in order to use those for cruising. We've had one completely free cruise, lots of $250 off certificates, free hotels pre and post cruising, and free airfare to Long Beach and San Juan.

 

Splurge: Try to spend a day or two in the port city before or after cruising - it's like adding another port of call.

 

Excursions - if there is something we want to do, we purchase it and don't worry about the price (normally private).

 

Could you give me some tips on the Frequent Flier points? What is the best plan for points towards cruising? I appreciate any and all information!

[bklsmom]

Great topic...

Scrimp: 1. before cruise lodging, we find the cheapest room we can, its only for sleeping after a long drive to the port. 2. Parking, always find much cheaper parking than directly at the port, but always read reviews. 3. ship sponsored excursions, we go on our own or book something private. 4. alcohol, don't drink on board that saves us a ton! 5. never use on board spa, usually get a nice massage in port for incredible price. 6. never get the ship photos

 

splurge: 1. Has to be a balcony, having cruised many times, all on board activities, been there done that. we enjoy our time together on sea day watching the ocean pass us by on our private balcony. 2. We have to start and finish our cruise with the Steak House. It's so worth it to us. 3. Everyone should experience the Captains Table at least once....AMAZING 4. Specialty coffee bar at least once a day.

[vamartha]

We splurge by staying in a nice hotel one night before the cruise, preferably as close as possible to the port. (I have a thing for waking up the morning of embarkation and seeing a Whale's Tail!!) We usually eat at the steakhouse on one night. We gamble but have a daily limit that we stick to, I like to find slots where I can make a $20 last a few hours if possible. We have a couple of mixed drinks a day and I usually tip a dollar over the 15% already added on. We fly into port rather than spend a dozen hours in the car each way.

 

Excursions, some may say this is a scrimp and some may say it is a splurge. We use private excursions. We find that although the price may be less than the ships excursion, the private excursion itself is usually a much better tour. Less crowded, usually longer and more thorough.

 

We scrimp by not being heavy drinkers. We usually don't have specialty coffee, don't use the spa and usually don't participate in the way overpriced bingo games. We don't purchase cheapo gold by the inch, the $10 dollar deals or any watches. We don't buy art or perfume. We don't purchase souvenirs in the ports, although I have been guilty of a couple of pieces of Larimar (my last name is Larimer) and a couple of bottles of Vanilla over the years.

[mkam2821]

What we splurge and scrimp on depends upon why we are cruising and most importantly to where. We live in South Florida so if it's just to get away, and we're headed to the Caribbean (we have 4 ports within reasonable driving distance), we scrimp on the cabin and take an inside (but Spa if available). IMHO if you've seen one setting sun with a palm tree, you've seen them all (and I can see one from my bedroom window any time I want).

 

We are not big drinkers, so we definitely don't splurge on booze (we bring some wine and will drink that and perhaps lemonade).

 

However, if we are cruising to Hawaii, Alaska or the Med, then we might take a balcony. Cruising through the inside passage viewing from our balcony was fabulous!(though ships with the wrap around deck at the front of the ship offer a greater panorama and more space without spending the $ and we entered Venice that way on the Magic.)

 

Definitely splurge on the excursions for Alaska, Hawaii and the Med. I spend a great deal of time planning and researching and usually put together my own groups though the CC roll call so that we are not held back by other people's choices. (We do NOT cruise to shop). Our 12 day on the Magic was THE BEST trip ever and every tour was great (even the 2 we did with CCL given that having booked early saver we wound up with $1000 OBC).

 

We rarely eat lunch or dinner ashore given that our meals are already paid for on the ship. We usually will do a steak house on a night that we don't care for the entrees in the MDR.

 

Photos have to be exceptional for us to purchase one.

 

Rarely visit the casino unless it's just to watch others as I work too hard for my $ and find it too stressful and we cruise to relax

 

The fall is my busiest time of year at work (I coordinate 3 conventions and my company's booth at 2 boat shows) and so we always celebrate the end of the last event with a cruise...already booked 12/13 on the Splendor!

[frankinaug]

Splurge

Cabin has to have balcony. I love sitting out and enjoying an early breakfast on the balcony

Bottomless bubbles. I have a serious Coke Zero issue....

Always try to eat locally at where-ever we dock

 

Scrimp

Don't shop on board. 0 spent in the OVER-priced jewelry store (Spent 10 years in the industry)

No pics on board

No massages, haircuts, spa's

 

Depends on Mood

Cheers package got this in Bahamas but not in Alaska

Steakhouse got this in Alaska but not Bahamas

[CruisersNC]

Splurge: We like to have a balcony. We spend a good deal of time on it. We also enjoy taking interesting excursions. We're not into beaches so we look for excursions that take us out to do some exploring. Sometimes we book private and sometimes we book through the cruiseline.

 

Scrimp: We mostly cruise Carnival and that saves quite a bit. We don't drink and that saves a bundle. We don't gamble....more money saved. We've dined in the specialty restaurants a few times but really the dining room is fine for us. FTTF....no way we'd spend money on that. We don't bother with the pictures anymore and only buy a souvenir here and there.

[GUT2407]

For us it is mainly splurge.

 

Not necessarily in a crazy way, but we both work hard and generally have a ling gap between holidays, so tend not to scrimp on board (that is for at home so we can plunge on the next cruise) we also went 18 years without a holiday when we first married as we worked, studied and raised a family, so now that we are comfortably off don't mind if we spoil ourselves a bit.

 

Having said all that our biggest splurges are likely to be a soda pack for me, maybe a watch for me and a handbag for her and perhaps a visit to the steakhouse. So even our splurges aren't anything special.

[beta98beta]

Scrimp: Cabin... I used to be balcony only then aft wrap balcony only then I got a free cruise on an inside cabin and it wasn't that bad so now I save that money and get a inside with window, inside, or OV depending on price.

 

Splurge: Casino (that is how I get good cheap or free cruise offers later), Chef's Table (everyone should do this at least once) and Steak house.

[GUT2407]

Scrimp: Cabin... I used to be balcony only then aft wrap balcony only then I got a free cruise on an inside cabin and it wasn't that bad so now I save that money and get a inside with window, inside, or OV depending on price.

 

Splurge: Casino (that is how I get good cheap or free cruise offers later), Chef's Table (everyone should do this at least once) and Steak house.

 

If I was going to say either I'd be the opposite, splurge on a balcony scrimp by avoiding the Casino.

 

Agree on the Steak House, not a big fan of chefs table, but SHE is a vegan and neither of us drink so don't find it great value anymore.

[overeasy]

Splurge: Kicking in to bring along more family.

 

Scrimp: Taping up the luggage so we can get one---more---cruise out of the old battle-scarred bags.

[latitude918]

We normally save by booking inside, not getting a drink package and not doing a lot of excursions.

 

We splurge on shopping, bar hopping, and food in the port.

 

We skip the drink package because we do most of our drinking off of the ship. We like to walk around, take in the cities and do some shopping. All part of the fun.

[Lurkyloo]

Splurge -

 

Cabin - Always get a balcony

Photos - Always buy at least a few photos

Excursions - Always book at least 2 excursions, with an occasional beach day depending on port.

Shopping - Yes please! Both on ship and on shore!

Tips - Always give more than auto tips on last night (Have never had poor service)

Food in port - Always like to try regional foods.

 

Scrimp -

 

Food on board - Specialty restaurants (food is not why I cruise and MDR is fine for me)

Casino - Not much of a gambler

Drink Pkg - Only if another in cabin is and I have to, I don't drink enough to make it worth while. I do have several drinks every day - if I want one I buy it so not really a scrimp.

[dnj1]

Splurge:

Excursions

Drinks as desired

Kids Camp (happy kids= happy momma)

Local Food (a must)

 

Scampi:

No Bingo

No Cheers

No Spa

No Specialty Resturants

No Photos

[fmrlkr]

Splurge:

Always at least a balcony

Tips-we always tip extra

Casino

Lodging the night before in a nice hotel

Parking-when we drive we park at the pier

Insurance-we didn't use to get it but we do now

 

Scrimp

Travel (on our next trip we paid $11 round trip from Jackson, MS to Seattle using points)

Shore excursions - unless it is a new port for us we don't do them

Drinks - we don't drink any more

Pictures - never buy them

Clothing-I pack light and take advantage of laundry services

Spa

 

We are platinum so we don't need FTTF

 

Cruises in general, we scrimp on Caribbean cruises by going off season when it is cheaper. Lowest fare usually determines the date. For others, like Transatlantic or Alaska, we don't focus on the fare.

[wampuscat7]

Love this thread!

 

Apparently the we splurge on almost everything.

 

Splurge:

-We get balcony rooms and spend a lot of time out there, especially watching the ship maneuver in and out of port.

-We shop in ports and on the ship. DH loves T-shirts, but we've bought a piece of jewelry, watch, sunglasses, etc. on occasion.

-We rarely take pics of us at home, so I buy a couple onboard.

-We enjoy the steakhouse. DH would love to do the Chef's Table.

-We tip extra for people who make us smile.

-We always fly in the day before and stay in port. Now with a toddler, I'd like to stay the night after the cruise too.

-We'll probably drop some money in the casino now that we no longer travel to Vegas every year.

- I might splurge on a spa treatment, but I try to book a "sale" on a port day. Not sure I'll bother on my next cruise though.

 

Scrimp:

-We try to use miles for flights and hotels.

- We don't buy Cheers or Bottomless Bubbles. I'm a lightweight and don't like alcohol much, so I usually only have a couple of drinks a day. We might buy one or two sodas or coffees per cruise.

-We do non-cruiseline excursions or simple beach days most of the time.

-We book offseason/hurricane season cruises and have only sailed in Sept, Oct, or May.

- We only cruise every few years.

[CruisingMainer]

This really made me think about what I consider a splurge.

 

Splurge:

Cabana on Half Moon Cay. Have done this twice and would do it again in a heatbeat.

 

Aft balcony -- only on our Alaskan cruise. It was well worth it, as you spend almost two days cruising the Tracy Arm Fjord. The whales were so close. I would do it again for Alaska. Otherwise we only book a balcony if it is less than $50 pp more than an ocean view.

 

Pictures -- I have purchased way more than I care to admit. And I always say, next time I'm only buying one or two.

 

Bingo. The coverall to win a free cruise is a must for me! Someday . . . .

 

 

Skimp:

Casino. I am not a gambler. In all of my cruises the only time I ever gambled was when they took real quarters and I had accumulated a few at the end of a week.

 

Shore Excursions. Unless it was a new port and something really struck me, I go it alone.

 

Steakhouse. I did this once on a girl's cruise that we booked dirt cheap and drove to. It was delicious, but probably would not do it again.

 

As for drinks, I buy what I want for drinks, but usually it is only a couple a day. A fruity drink in the afternoon and something at a show in the evening. I'm not as young as I once was.

 

Spa. Never been at home and no desire to go onboard. Not high maintenance at all.

[path145]

Our entire next cruise is a major Splurge! Flying across the country to take a 15 day cruise to Hawaii, and our first time in a balcony. Probably buying a bunch of shore excursions, drink as much as we want (but not doing Cheers), Steakhouse at least twice, and who knows what else. But it's our honeymoon so we plan on Splurging!

 

Normally we...

 

Splurge - Casino, steakhouse, Cheers, hotel the night before embarkation, a couple of Carnival excursions.

 

Scrimp - Inside cabin, sometimes we just walk around the port instead of buying shore excursions, cash in Credit card points for OBC (I don't carry a balance and I don't buy things I wouldn't be buying anyway), no Bingo or art or jewelry.

And no FTTF (don't know that I'd really call that a Scrimp since I'd never get it anyway, but if I DID get it, it would definitely be a Splurge that I don't need.)