Where do you splurge vs. scrimp?

[mpcaruth]

Splurge:

 

1) Excursions in port. Though I typically take private excursions to save money and have a better experience, the total cost of excursions is around 1/3 of our total vacation cost.

2) photos. I always buy at least 2. I love seeing how my children grow up through the years

 

 

Skimp: everything else.

1) alcohol - bring on wine, save past guest brunch free drink to have later (Fosters), carry extra drinks out of the past guest party. I will splurge on a sail-away drink for everyone.

2) cabin - never could justify the extra $300-500 cost for a quad balcony cabin.

3) specialty dining. What??? with all the free food, who needs to pay more.

4) casino - I limit myself to $30. (never lost more than $30, but never made more than $120)

5) cruise during the off season on 10 of our 11 cruises.

6) drive to port, get bargain hotel, cheapest parking, cheap crappy meals before we gorge all week on the ship.

7) have never been to the spa. I am on a cruise - how tense can I be? The ocean is my only medication.

[rednose83]

We are all over the place- depending on the cruise. We've had S&S accounts as low as $2 and as high as $1200!

 

Save:

 

In general- I only book us an interior room if we are traveling as a couple. If a third person is with us, we get an OV. I will upgrade to a better room if it is "free" (price drops to what we already paid and I can't get the money back) or less than $20 extra.

 

I only book private excursions for the most part. Many of our adventures involve taking a cab to a restaurant or other local destination.

 

Alcohol/drinks- almost always just drink what is included

 

Photos- don't buy

 

Spa/internet/shopping- don't use

 

FTTF- I'm platinum so not necessary

 

Splurge-

 

Excursions- we spend what it takes to do what we want

 

Specialty dining- it's either here or Lido for us. I can't stand the MDR anymore.

 

Snacks/drinks- If we want it, we will buy it.

 

Vacation in general- I take 9-10 weeks per year and hubby takes about 6 weeks per year. We do a mix of cruises and land trips.

[mwood0612]

Scrimp:

Room (interior unless we just get a killer deal on an OV)

No spa (did on first few cruises...much cheaper at home or in port)

Splurge:

Casino

Excursions (depends on port)

Cheers pkg and/or drinks

[Cardancer4]

Hey all! Was just talking to my MIL (who I absolutely adore) about our upcoming family cruise, and our conversation seemed like it would also make a fun thread topic!

 

We were talking about how we each want to spend our vacation dollars on our upcoming trip. My MIL, for example, will not cruise without a balcony cabin. I feel like that's just not worth it and we always book an inside. On the other hand, she would be content if she never did a shore excursion and just camped out on a beach in every port, while DH and I often spend more on excursions than we did on the cruise fare!

 

So, with that in mind, what things do you think are worth scrimping on, and where do you like to splurge? I'll be candid and admit that cruising in general is a scrimp for me, because it's not my favorite method of travel (that's the main reason I cruise with Carnival, it's a good deal!) But I know others like to go all out on a cruise because they love it! Here's my list:

 

Splurge

 

Shore excursions - we book at least one in each port (though we often book our own instead of going through Carnival because there is more variety)

 

Food in port - we love finding great restaurants in every port and enjoying a good meal of local food

 

FTTF - This is our first time doing it, but I think it will be worth it to have our cabin ready so the kiddos can take a nap. Also looking forward to priority for tenders in Cabo, where we are spending two days

 

After-hours babysitting/Camp Carnival activities - I also haven't used this yet, but my girls are very excited for the Night Owls programs, and we'll probably do some of the additional for-fee activities

 

Tips - I love to give extra tips, especially to the crew members we become close to over the week. They take such good care of us, and I love to show them I appreciate it!

 

Scrimp/Save

 

Cabin - We always book an inside, because we just don't spend time in the room. We're always out doing activities

 

Drink packages - we have an occasional drink or soda, but we're just not big drinkers, so these don't make sense for us

 

Specialty dining - we have always had great service and food in the MDR, so we usually just stick with that. We may change that a bit this trip and try the steakhouse one night as well as the Seuss at Sea breakfast, but for the most part, we don't spend a ton on extra dining while on board

 

Cruising in general - I love a fabulous hotel and great food, but when it comes to cruising, I tend to go the cheap route so that I can splurge on my land-based trips. So I haven't ventured off to other cruise lines yet. Maybe someday when there is a little more "fun money" in our budget, but for now the good value of Carnival works for us.

 

I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks! Clearly there isn't just one way to cruise!

 

Love this question:

 

I try to book a cruise each year and saving is very important so as a family we:

 

Splurge:

 

Cabin: We really like having a Balcony cabin, so I always book early saver and try to get the best rates possible then look for the price drops. For me the best part of my vacation is relaxing on my balcony reading and just looking at the water.

 

Drink Packages: I do purchase the soda packages for my kids due to fact that they drink a lot of it and it just makes sense.

 

Photos: Every year I tell myself: no more photo purchases, because they cost so much, but what happens! We take family pictures and I just love them and so I BUY THEM!!!! But over the years I buy less and less ... The first cruise I think I purchased 10 photos, now I purchase 2 only and that's it. I make sure to take lots of my own photos.

 

Casino: I do play slots in the Casino a couple of times per cruise, but limit how much I spend. (maybe $50.00 total)

 

Shopping in Ship Stores: We do purchase gifts from the stores on the ship and enjoy their sales and every year buy Carnival t-shirts! (this year I want to purchase new Carnival beach towels)

 

 

Scrimp/Save:

 

Drink Packages: I don't purchase the adult drink packages or the wine package . I usually only have one glass of wine with dinner, and an occasional drink at night so it really doesn't make sense.

 

Shore Excursions: We book our own excursions now, and like looking for our own deals and things to do, plus we have saved a lot doing this. There is always one port where we will stay on the ship and take advantage of the quiet ship and less crowded pools.

 

Restaurant: We love the Main Dining Room every night and have not as of yet dined in the pay dining venues/steakhouse on any ship. We talk about it though. Maybe it they offered a special.

 

FTTF: Have not tried this and probably will never do so.

 

Spa: Currently I have not tried the Spa because I think they are overpriced. (but if the cost was lower I would indulge)

 

Carnival Shuttles: We arrange our own at a much lower cost.

 

[PhoenixDawgCruising]

Lots of money spent on:

 

Cabin-Aft balcony or higher.

Excursions-just spent over a grand for my next cruise, just on Atlantis and dolphins!!

Gambling.

 

Very Little spent on:

Drinks-I don't drink, so it's zero dollars!!

Food-maybe once at a specialty per cruise, the 'free' food is fine.

Zero dollars spent on Spa treatments, Bingo, and other on board expenses.

[beettruck]

splurges include balcony room, precruise hotel, and on our next cruise in Dec business class air, cash for the casino on sea days, maybe a specialty restaurant in the future

 

skrimps, beverage packages, excursions, haven't used the specialty restaurants in the past as the MDR has been more satisfactory. since we beach people, the taxis to the beach are all that are needed

[jetsfan]

What an interesting and fun read this is!

 

Splurge:

Private driver to port/airport. There is nothing more relaxing to us then having vacation start in our own driveway.

 

Balcony cabin. We had our first suite last month and I am afraid we may never go back. We always stay in one night of the cruise, have a carpet picnic (not really on the floor), and in general have to see the ocean first thing in the morning and get excited for the day. We love to sit out, read, and just get away from the crowds. When we cruised with our kids we always got two cabins. We wanted private time as a couple. I should mention we did not cruise as a family when our kids were very young.

 

We usually do excursions with private vendors, but will do a cruise line excursion if it makes sense time wise.

 

We do love the casino. My DH loves Blackjack and I think slots are fun. We play until we are tired of losing.

 

We do go to the Steakhouse once during the week. We have excellent restaurants by us, but it is just a really nice night and you can't beat the price.

 

We don't do Cheers package but we bring our two bottles of wine and do have the bar set up in our room. If we want a drink at the bars/comedy club we buy it.

 

I do like to get souvenirs. Each vacation I try to find one really cool eclectic thing that reminds me of the places we have been.

 

Skimps

 

We don't use the spa. I am sure it is fabulous but not a priority

 

We don't get speciality coffee or desserts.

 

When we first started cruising I bought a lot of pictures, now I only get two, one of our whole group and one of the kids all dressed up.

 

No Bingo or Fun Shops. I never see anything I love that much.

 

We don't need FTTF as we are both Platinum. I can see why people like it. I absolutely love being on the ship before the crowds.

 

We do one land/cruise vacation a year. We plan for it the best we can and enjoy it to the fullest.

[singbluesilver1]

Splurge: cheers package , it's nice to try new things and not worry about the bill at the end,

 

That's about it

 

Cabin we book what we can afford, next cruise is a inside, honeymoon cruise was s balcony

 

Steakhouse only once on our honeymoon but I don't eat red meat so it was more for my hubby

 

Excursions

 

Depends last cruise we just did one but on the honeymoon we swam with the Dolphins didn't book with carnival though

 

Don't spend a cent in the casino in fact don't think I've even set foot in one no bingo either

 

 

We get basic souvenirs in port like a magnet and ornament and hubby loves t shirts

[3Pelicans]

I am reading through this and laughing at myself because I clearly splurge more than skimp.

Splurge:

FTTF - doing it for first time on our upcoming cruise. Just makes sense for my family. Like being able to go right to our cabin(s) and get settled and onto the ship as soon as we get to the port from the airport

Flights - we aren't near a port so we have to fly

Room - we did OV on our first cruise and the entire time I wished I had booked a balcony room. This next cruise we have two aft balcony rooms - one for us...one for our kids next door.

Food - MDR is certainly a nice meal. This cruise however my DH and I are doing the Chefs Table. (sounded fun)

Excursions - we book them and book them through carnival...and book ones that are on the high end of cost. Are on one of their new "exclusive" ones in Cozumel next cruise.

Drinks - we will buy the drink package. We will never get to 15...but will at least break even (mimosa/bloody in the am/wine at lunch/drinks before/after dinner)

Casino/Arcade - we will make daily deposits at both

 

skimp:

 

Photos - we might buy 1 or 2

Gift Shop - other than if the kids want a snack - we don't typically spend money there

Spa - Not really our thing

 

 

Tips - we always pay our tips (already paid for this next cruise) and will tip extra to our Steward, Bartenders, MDR staff, etc. I don't really think of this as a splurge.

 

We are used to doing land vacations and all inclusives. We chose Carnival because it was the right price and allowed us to afford the upgrades to make it a really fun trip. I remember when we booked it we thought this will be so much less than our other vacations. But then I added all the "extras" in and nope...it's not. However...I can't wait to get on that boat:)

[bakersdozen12]

Splurge: excursions. After all, we are traveling to see new places, so I care more about the actual excursion and the experience we will get out of it, than the price.

 

Scrimp/save: alcoholic beverages. My husband and I don't drink, so I figure the money we save here pays for our excursions. It's good to be a non-drinker. [emoji16]

Edited July 17, 2015 by bakersdozen12

[mzloolue]

Just going on a cruise is a splurge...Seriously!

Gasoline, hotel, cruise fare, tips, parking, ect

 

The cabin we book depends on the prices at the time and what we can find.

Whatever gives us the most bang for the buck and stays reasonable.

 

It would be fun to try Cheers if it was a deal or a perk so that we could try drinks that we might not ordinarily try, but that many drinks is a lot of calories. 10 drinks at a minimum of 100 calories is a thousand extra calories (and probably more).

3500 calories is a pound gained.

Cheers could be very dangerous.

 

I have never been hungry on a cruise, so I really cannot justify paying extra for food.

I would rather reserve that money for a special meal out at home.

 

Photos, been there and done that.

Now I just ask not to be photographed.

I am not going to even look at them, so it is a waste to allow those photos to be printed.

 

As for gambling, there are casinos not that far from our home, but I just don't like the whole casino thing.

[The4Cruisers]

Splurge:

 

OV cabin at the minimum.

Drinks anytime we feel like buying one.

Extra tips where appropriate

Parking at the port lot rather than the local shuttle lots

 

 

Scrimp:

 

Drive to the ports vs. flying

No pictures

No drink plans or upgraded dining

No big shopping.

No CCL excursions. We plan our own with private vendors.

Definitely NO cabana nonsense at HMC.

No bingo anymore.

 

Man, I sound "cheap"! :D

[jacksmom09]

We splurge on balcony room, photos, excursions, nice room in port!

We scrimp on no drink pkg (3-4 drinks plus carry on wine), spa treatments, no port shopping and we drive to port !

[You Me & the Sea]

Splurge:

Cabin- we've never cruised in anything smaller than a Jr Suite (that may change now that we're retired, but still will only go to a balcony). The time spent out there is some of the most relaxing time on the cruise for me. I can watch the ocean for hours and be happy.

 

Scrimp:

travel to port- usually drive

Food- have only eaten in Steakhouse once, usually stick to MDR

Photos- usually only buy one or two

Clothes- I don't spend money on a bunch of new outfits, usually just a new dress/outfit & shoes for formal night.

[portocaller]

splurge:

window/balcony: I like to see what is going on.

pictures: I will buy a couple nice pictures but never more than three

tips: I don't mind tipping extra for excellent service

excursions: I don't mind buying an excursion in an unfamiliar port

 

Scrimp:

drinks: just not big drinkers and I find the water to be just fine

soda: I bring a case from home

food: I find what is included to be sufficient.

[Drazil65]

Great thread!

 

Splurge:

 

Cruising in general: typically try for 2x a year but always at least once

 

Cabin: love our balcony (that first cup of coffee as the sun is rising is priceless ;))

 

Casino: a little bit, but have our nightly limits :rolleyes:

 

HMC: cabana, its like your own little island home for a day

 

extra tips: yes, extra for good service

 

Save on:

 

excursions: somewhat, tend to do our own more than ship sponsored stuff unless really special but still think the prices too steep from ship and too crowded at times

 

pix: have a set limit for each cruise as we have so many already, 1 or 2 nice ones where we are dressed up usually ends up being our annual family photo

 

drinking: DH will drink a little on cruise but I am satisfied with a glass or 2 of wine at dinner, so we put some cruise cash on our S&S acct for the week so no surprises at the end

 

dinning: no specialty dinning, enough to eat everywhere

[katiel53]

Splurge

Balconies at least. No balcony, no cruise.

Steakhouse at least once per cruise.

Casino--that's my excursion

Cheers--got it once when it was $37.50 a day

Chef's table soon

 

Skimp

Pictures--never get pictures taken - even off ship

Cheers--don't drink enough to warrant $50 a day'

Excursions-- have been on many cruises so don't feel the need for them

Spa treatment--don't feel the need for them

Behind the scenes tour- have 2 artificial knees and climbing stairs is difficult

[bakersdozen12]

Ok, since everyone else is mentioning it, I have to add: we also splurge for a balcony. Since my husband and I are not drinkers and therefore, by default, are not "partiers," we need to have a quiet, private place to retreat to so that we can truly enjoy our vacation. I would much rather relax on a balcony than by a crowded, noisy pool.

[kerryincork]

Splurge on the destination and if long haul the flights love being able to lay down on those long haul flights and have a proper snooze :-)

I'm not fussy about cabin, excursions, dining, and I wouldn't do a drinks package again unless it was free. I didn't drink enough for it to be worth while.

But I would scrimp on the cabin so I can splurge on the spa if I was travelling by myself :-)

[Pops, Esq.]

[With tongue firmly planted in cheek] Okay, as a soon-to-be first timer, let me make sure I have this right. To summarize the replies on this topic:

 

Things to splurge on:

Excursions

FTTF

Balcony

Cheers

Fruity drinks

Steakhouse

Casino

Spa

Shopping

 

Things to skimp on:

Excursions

FTTF

Balcony (can't live without)

Cheers

Fruity drinks

Steakhouse

Casino

Spa

Shopping

 

Thanks guys! Anything I missed that I just have to do while, at the same time, avoiding doing it? :)

 

Everyone seems to agree to no more than 1-2 photos. At least I have that. And tips, we all want to splurge on tips, if they deserve it.

 

Seriously though, this is a very informative thread, despite all the apparently contradictory information. Especially when people say WHY they splurge or skimp on certain things. When you post the reasons you do/don't spend your money on certain aspects of the cruise, I can more easily identify which things I would likely want to throw my money at.

Edited July 17, 2015 by kbanowsky

[Bimmie Girl]

Love reading these so will add ours too :D

 

Splurge: Airfare, Lido balcony, at least one night of specialty dining, casino, FTTF, Cheers, extra tips, 3-5 photos and usually a watch for DH.

 

Skimp: Spa, candy store............um, no wonder we can only do this once a year! :rolleyes:

 

that was funny and made me relate...........

 

splurge: hotel night before, wine, gym classes, FTTF, Behind the fun, Chef's Table, Steak House, Balcony, Shore excursions, and tips.

 

scrimp: spa treatments, liquor from store or on shore, bingo, casino, photos.

 

May have to try inside cabin sometime so we can cruise more?

 

This was a fun post!!!!

Edited July 17, 2015 by Bimmie Girl

[springs741]

kbanowsky did the comparison on the splurge/ scrimp list will all the same items. This enforces the idea that what is important to you might not be important to me. I also find that depending on the itinerary and reason for the trip my splurge/scrimp list can be the same.

 

Balcony: 9 of 11 cruises have been balcony staterooms but next cruise is an interior. We consumed most of our vacation budget on a family cruise and a 12 day, so if I want to cruise a third time this year I need to budget.

 

FTTF: before we were platinum there were times it was worth the money. Having the stateroom ready upon embarkation after checking out of a hotel with a 22 month old, priceless. Other times, just hubby and I, arrived a little later and staterooms were ready.

 

Photos: Family cruise such as this summer was 4 generations. This will not likely happen again. I bought a couple of group photos. Hubby and I have sailed many times and not even gone to Pixels.

 

Excursions: If involving long distances of travel with a tight schedule, book thru Carnival. Other times we book on our own or just go adventuring, other ports we don’t even get off the ship.

 

Cheers / Bubbles package: We are not big drinkers, if we want an adult beverage or a soft drink we buy it. I usually get a DOU card fairly early and we both get them when we book the premier cruises.

 

Steakhouse: If there is one on board at least once per trip. I don’t think of this as a splurge as the cost for the two of us is a fraction of one meal at a like venue on land.

 

Spa: don’t do it on land/ not going to do it on a ship

 

Shopping: There is nothing in the fun shops that interest me. Every once in a while I will see something in port but more of a souvenir of that trip rather than purchasing jewelry or watches.

 

Casino: I like the slots. I am either going to do it on land or at sea. I have a budget per day and stick to it. It is my entertainment money. If I do bingo it come out of the same budget.

[davy jones]

[With tongue firmly planted in cheek] Okay, as a soon-to-be first timer, let me make sure I have this right. To summarize the replies on this topic:

 

Things to splurge on:

Excursions

FTTF

Balcony

Cheers

Fruity drinks

Steakhouse

Casino

Spa

Shopping

 

Things to skimp on:

Excursions

FTTF

Balcony (can't live without)

Cheers

Fruity drinks

Steakhouse

Casino

Spa

Shopping

 

Thanks guys! Anything I missed that I just have to do while, at the same time, avoiding doing it? :)

 

Everyone seems to agree to no more than 1-2 photos. At least I have that. And tips, we all want to splurge on tips, if they deserve it.

 

Seriously though, this is a very informative thread, despite all the apparently contradictory information. Especially when people say WHY they splurge or skimp on certain things. When you post the reasons you do/don't spend your money on certain aspects of the cruise, I can more easily identify which things I would likely want to throw my money at.

 

Welcome to CC!

 

You just learned the biggest lesson of CC. Opinions are like noses, everyone has one. People have their own preferences and priorities and will respond accordingly. Even more so, preferences can change according to circumstances. I say that because some things (balcony for example) can be either a "scrimp" or "splurge" for me. However, we never feel like we are denying ourselves on the "scrimps". It is just a matter of preferences.

 

 

I say this to lead into my $0.02. The parentheses around "scrimp" or "splurge" are assumed.

 

Photos - Almost never! They are overpriced. I don't like the "frames" that they put around the pictures and most of the costumes and props. One exception is that will pay the $20 or so for a formal night portrait with a standard backdrop to update the family room picture.

 

Balcony - Splurge if it is just the two of us and the difference is reasonable. Scrimp if older DDs come along because two insides for 4 people is always better than one balcony cabin for four people.

 

Shore Excursions - Splurge if first time in a port, or if the port is percieved as a safety possible safety. Or it is a unique experience. You can save considerable $ by booking directly with local operators. Scrimp if we have been to port before and know what we want to do.

 

Drink Packages - Scrimp. We don't drink enough soda or alcohol to justify. A 12 pack of soda is enough for both of us on a 7 or 8 day cruise. Alcohol is one drink a day or less.

 

Spa - Scrimp. Not our thing. We get our hair cuts before going and have no little interest in the other stuff and sales pitches. DW and I can give massages to each other :)

 

Shopping - We will do a little, but have been around enough avoid impulse buys caused by vacation / cruise euphoria. Shopping also consumes precious port time.

 

Casino - Scrimp. They're crowded, noisy, smoky, and I have a pretty good understanding of probability.

 

Ship - Sometimes Scrimp. Since we don't cruise for bumper cars, onblard malls, and water parks, the ship doesn't have to have all of the latest bells and whistles. We often can be happier on "smaller" ships like the Spirit class that are less crowded and often offer better service and a more intimate experience. Since many bells and whistles are unnecessary, it is easier to choose on itinerary and price.

 

Speciality Dining - Often scrimp. We do anytime dining so we don't have to avoid the MDR to have a private dinner or celebration. Our speciality dining experiences have often not justified the upcharge in terms of quality and service.

 

FTTF - Scrimp -It just doesn't seem worth it to save 15 minutes in line over the course of a week.

 

Extra Tips - They are the reward to those who make the ordinary aspects of a cruise feel like a splurge.

 

I probably missed something. Your opinion may differ.

 

Happy Cruising!

[PurdueChefAmber]

Splurge - Drinks (we are on vacation), Excursions, Chef's Table and Specialty Restaurants

 

Skimp- Interior room ( we just sleep there), on board photos, casino/bingo, the fun shops, the spa, fitness classes, the flight and pre cruise stay (hotwire)

Edited July 17, 2015 by PurdueChefAmber

[crusinpsychRN]

Splurge--cruise on another line.

Almost never buy photos, Once in a very long while they take a good port one and I'll get that but they are ridiculously expensive.