Where do you splurge vs. scrimp?

[Roscoe13]

Splurge:

 

Always a balcony...once you've had one it's hard to not have one.

 

Skimp:

 

Buying alcoholic drinks on the ship. We will each get a DOD upon embarkation, other than that it's rum we pre-purchased from bon voyage department mixed with POG juice or diet coke. Not cheap but less expensive than purchasing per drink.

[anamarieus]

hI! Fun thread!! :D

 

Splurge: well this upcoming cruise will be a different ballgame for us because we are sailing 14 Nights from Miami to Aruba, Bonaire, Gernada, Barnados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

 

the following things I splurged on from Amazon:

 

New Snorkel equipement

Portable safe that locks to lounge chair at beach

new walkie talkies (bought before I found out about the texting plans)

new kodak Easyshare sport underwater digital camera/camcorder

 

Excursions: - Splurge or Save? Depends on what port:

 

Aruba - very inexpensive to get around ($2.40 per bus ride) ($10 per cab) to see beautiful beach and rent lounge chairs

 

Bonaire - spending $130/2pp to do a snorkeling excursion

 

Grenada - spending $110/2pp to do a snorkeling excursion

 

Barbados - spending $40/2pp to go to the Boatyard - plus transportation to get there - havent figured that out yet

 

St. Thomas - spending $100/2 pp for transportation RT to St. John

 

Antigua - spending $120/2 PP to go to all inclusive Jolly Beach Resort and Spa from 10:15am - 5:00 pm (well we have to leave earlier than that to catch the ship)

 

St. Maarten - Spending about $35 RT to go to Maho Beach to watch the planes - Bus over and cab ride back

 

So I guess we are splurging on excursions (+/- $555 total for above) plus the cost of cold beers, t-shirts, magnets, trinkets, postcards, etc.)

 

In conclusion - a lot of money lol splurging on ports!!! :)

[cruznjan]

Our next cruise is a splurge - 15 days Hawaii. Since we've been there before, we won't be doing a lot of excursions.

[anamarieus]

davy jones! you gave me more ideas of what i do/do not spend on:

 

Photos - Almost never! I get someone to take a picture of us in front of the ship on embarkation day when we are in the gangway ;) - so we have the ship name behind us ;)

 

Balcony - never had one - but never say never!

 

Shore Excursions - splurge see post above

 

Drink Packages - no opinion

 

Spa - i try to sail on a ship that has a free sauna and steam room

 

Shopping - well i do love to buy t-shirts, trinkets, magnets, etc that have the ports name on them. and I love bargains - if i see something i like, i buy it

 

Casino - Scrimp. i hate casinos

 

Speciality Dining - never - i do go free if it is offered at lunch time ;)

 

FTTF - maybe if i booked early enough.

 

Extra Tips - yes if they deserve it.

Edited July 17, 2015 by anamarieus

[Cruise life]

Splurge: take more CCL cruises, excursions only if in areas we probably won't see again for a long while- Alaska and Hawaii, for example since we are on the east coast. We stayed overnight at a resort in Maui because we wanted to wake up and be on the island yards from the beach. Best decision ever. Most memorable time. Dream Photo shoot for our 25th. Cloud 9 purchase if available.

Scrimp: Rent cars, use private tour operators, limit photos, OVs are fine with us.

[summersigh]

Cabin - Always at least a balcony - we do spend a good amount out there reading and soaking up the sea breezes.

 

Food - To quote another poster -->"We scrimp on. We find the MD more than adequate and with the exception of a maybe a drink, we always eat on the ship".... we'd rather save food $$ for a night out at a restaurant at home

 

Excursions - If we want to see something or take a tour that takes us away from an area where we can grab a taxi then we book through the cruise company to assure we don't get left behind. If we're going to be in an area where we can get a cab we book independent companies. For example in Belize going through the rainforest and to the Mayan ruins we booked through CCL but in Bermuda where we'd be in public areas we booked independent.

 

Drinks - For us the ship drink packages are not worth it for the amount we do drink. We come out cheaper with ordering wine with dinner and a couple of drinks elsewhere on the ship during the evening.

 

Photos - We never purchase the pictures unless there is an exceptionally good shot taken in the dining room. It's rare to have a good pic of the 2 of us together since one of us is usually taking the photos otherwise.

:)

[tbbtravels]

I recently splurged on pictures on the ship. Not something I normally do. These were the port pictures. Near the end of the cruise - they put out $4.95 sets of pictures to purchase. I picked up one for each of our ports on the repo cruise we did. Nice pictures - better than mine for sure.

 

Scrimp

no pics,

no alcohol,

no soda package,

no waters (I bring my own zero water picture),

no specialty restaurants ( they are ok but not worth the $ in my opinion),

cheap inside rooms,

no coffee shop,

shopping, I bring my own bead necklace to hang my lanyard on. Get many compliments on that black bead necklace from the dollar general. LOL. I take dh his own lanyard.

Bring my own water bottle. I do have a glass one that has the rubber around it so it can't break.

I eat on the ship before the excursions. Why risk sickness? I did get sick at cozumel in the past and was so miserable - the dairy is non pasteurized and I got deathly ill eating white cheese dip and cheese sticks on appetizer platter at the restaurant on the left when we get off at puerto maya pier.

 

I have done the shopping, eating out at specialty restaurants and expensive excursions. I am cruising on the cheap now. I prefer to do 10 cruises to one expensive one.

That's 10 sunsets, 40 comedy shows (4 per cruise - 2 first of cruise and 2 at end) 10 MDR dinners meeting new table mates, 10 deck parties, 10 midnight buffets and 10 times hearing "welcome home" when they ding my sign and sail card.

 

It's all about what you want to do on a cruise.

Edited July 17, 2015 by tbbtravels

[Senoj84]

Splurge:

Spa

 

Scrimp:

Pictures

Drinks

Excursions...I plan & book my own

Cabin

[Towel Critter]

Splurge:

 

For us, a balcony, mid-ship, near, or on, Lido. I say, "for us," because for some folks a balcony stateroom would be scrimping. It's all relative.

 

Excursions, especially at ports we've already seen on foot a few times.

 

Souvenirs (I consider this a splurge, because who really needs that 10th T-shirt from St. Maarten? :-)

 

Scrimp: Pretty much everything else. :-) We don't drink a lot, so a ton of money saved there. Also, we are fine with the "free" food, so no money spent on steak houses, etc...

 

Actually, any money spent on a cruise, or other vacay, is a splurge. They are not necessities, though many of us - including me - feel them to be necessary.

[mousey]

Here's my $.02,

 

Splurge:

 

Excursions, Excursions, Excursions

We have had so many fun, funny, exciting, awesome times via our many excursions. We do them through the cruise line or on our own...it just depends on the circumstances of each cruise.

 

Shopping

We don't remember exactly how this got started but the DH always buys the DS and me a watch on each of our cruises. The DS and I are obsessed with watches (none over $150). We laugh about this a lot because it's so random.

 

Soda Card

I'm addicted to soft drinks so it works for me.

 

Photos

We usually end up with 3 or 4 at the least.

 

Scrimp:

 

Eating

We almost always eat in any of the free venues. Once in a while we may opt for the steakhouse...but on most cruises the MDR is fine.

 

Cabin

We've only paid for a balcony room twice and that was because the SIL was traveling with us and it's what she wanted. Normally, unless we're upgraded for free (which we have been in the past)...we're totally fine with an interior cabin. We're rarely in it anyway.

 

Spa

Back when it was affordable the DH and I would get a day pass. But at today's prices it's not worth it to us.

 

Casino

I only gamble occasionally.

 

Basically our rule on-board ship, and again it depends on circumstances and how we're feeling on any given cruise is...unless it's free...we ain't doing it! LOL! We spend the bulk of our money on excursions (and watches...LOL)!

Edited July 17, 2015 by mousey

[Singer4Him]

I'm a little late coming to the game but I love this topic! Here's my list:

 

SPLURGE

 

• Balcony cabin - our first two cabins were interior and once we went to a balcony, I'm not sure we would go back. We love being able to sit outside and just enjoy our time. Also, I love to watch us coming into port from my balcony.
  
• FTTF - We've booked it every time we've cruised since they began offering it. I love the fact that I can go directly to my stateroom and leave my carry-ons. Just look around the lido deck at the people still lugging their's around and you'll be glad you splurged on it. ;)
  
• Portraits - By this, I do NOT mean gangway photos, etc. I think I've bought one during all of our cruises. However, we usually purchase a few of the professional portraits.
  
• Newer Ships - Our first two cruises were aboard the Carnival Fantasy and while I enjoyed our time aboard her, I don't think we will ever sail that class of ships again.
  
• Behind the Fun - We did this for the first time on our last cruise and I loved every minute of the four hours that it took! My birthday was about a month before we cruised and when DH asked what I wanted, I told him that I wanted to do Behind the Fun. It was a blast and I'm already looking forward to doing it again on the Dream and the Breeze.
  

 

 

SCRIMP

 

• Drink Packages - We don't drink alcohol and mostly drink water, so there's no point in considering either Cheers or Bottomless Bubbles. We enjoy an occasional virgin Miami Vice and I'm planning to try a virgin Kiss on the Lips but we may order two or three during our seven or eight day cruise.
   
  
• Specialty Dining - We have always had a wonderful experience with the MDR and never felt like spending an extra $35 on a steakhouse meal. Also, between Guy's burger, the deli, Pizza Pirate and the lido buffet, we've never gone hungry.
   
  
• Excursions - In all of our cruises, we've done one thru Carnival and that was simply because we had quite a bit of OBC. Everything else has either been something that I booked apart from the cruise line or we just did something on our own.
   
  
• Casino/Bingo - We're not gamblers so neither of these has ever been of interest to either of us.
  

[DebJ14]

Splurge: 0ther cruise lines. Princess, HAL, Celebrity, RCCL, Azamara Club, MSC Yacht

Club, NCL Haven

Stay in Suites, but not on Carnival because of the lack of perks.

Must have either a balcony or better yet and Aft Wrap balcony on Carnival

Always fly first class if we have to fly to a cruise

Spend a night or two before we sail in a nice hotel

Always eat in specialty restaurants

Don't worry about cost of excursions - we do whatever we want in port

Tip over and above daily amounts and tip butlers & Concierges on other lines

We cruise at least 3 times a year

 

Scrimp - always decline to have photos taken so there are none to buy

Casino - don't waste money on gambling

Don't drink much( but don't worry about the cost if we do)

Spa - get nails done and a facial before I leave home, get massages on the

beach instead of paying cruise prices

[jnojr]

The only thing I've "crimped" on was an inside cabin when I was cruising solo and my brother and his GF had a balcony. Other than that... I'm on vacation. I've already dropped for air fare, the cruise itself, a few other things. At that point, what's another G? If I want a nice steak, I'll hit the steakhouse. When I want a drink, I get it. I'll shake my head at the credit card statement the next month, but that's life.

 

I'm just at the point where a vacation needs to be just that... a break from the world. I fly First, I get a suite, I want to not wait in lines, I want great food and wine, I want great experiences.

 

There are things I won't spend money on because I don't want them. To me, "scrimp" means giving up. If I don't go to Cartier and spend $15,000 on a watch, I'm not "scrimping", I'm just not buying. I think a lot of people are listing things that they just don't see value in, not things they'd like but aren't willing to pay for.

[Tobypace]

Splurge:

 

* airfares. It costs at least $1300 to fly to and from east coast ports from where I live. Usually a 2 day trip each way, so there's also hotel costs.

 

* cruise length. Because it is so expensive to get to and from the port, I won't book anything less than a back to back cruise.

 

* hotels. It's Hotwire.com all the way.

 

* spa cabin. If there is a spa cabin at a decent price, I'm going for it.

 

Scrimp:

 

* alcohol. I'm happy to mix a drink or two in my cabin, and buy a drink or two at the bars. I preorder a bottle of this or that ahead of time for the cabin.

 

* pretty much everything else. I'm kind content to people watch, to read a book, to soak in a hot tub, and to enjoy all the other free amenities.

Edited July 19, 2015 by Tobypace

[Bobblefrog]

SPLURGE

 

Balcony - this time (before we had portholes) and I doubt I'll be able to go back. I hated having to find places on an outside deck that were QUIET, had a chair, I could just enjoy the ocean - and actually SEE the ocean. Having an outdoor private (ish) place is on my priceless list.

 

FTTF - never sitting around waiting on someone else while I guard the bags (love being first on the ship to explore), and it's especially worth it if we've booked an independent excursion - like we will this time which is an-all-day-probably-will-be-pier-runners kind of excursion.

 

Experiences - we did Chef's table once, Behind the Fun Tour Once, etc. and will do the Steakhouse this time. Won't do them again, just like to see what they are about. I agree with others the MDR is perfectly adequate, even quite pleasurable often.

 

Excursions - always try to do independent and find things more out of the way when possible.

 

Bon Voyage - I just have fun planning stuff - decorations, a bottle of something for cocktails. Love the cake although we didn't end up eating it. Just love having "gifts" for ourselves when we board. Very festive.

 

SCRIMP

Cheers - just could never drink enough to break even!

Alcohol - not big drinkers

Soda - never drink at home either

Specialty Coffees and Cakes - nope, can't see paying for that

Gambling - just not our thing

Photos - we do look. If there was one I liked I might buy one.

Souvenirs - just a little memento - earrings are good - LOL

Hotels/Airfare - we drive and I look to find a hotel that isn't super outrageous but does give us a little experience. So I can't say I really scrimp on hotels as I avoid the cheap dives. It's good to have something by the water since we can't get enough of that.

[jenne252]

Splurged for our honeymoon this time:

 

Changed ships, from Conquest to Sunshine, which was $100 admin fee

 

Booked one of the deck 4J's, interior with obstructed view, then promptly paid to upgrade to Scenic Grand Ocean View room 9126

 

Booked Steakhouse for first and last night's and will probably hit up JiJis, Bonsai Sushi, and Cucina if the mood strikes us

 

We are doing All Inclusives for two of our ports versus just beach days

 

Will splurge on the 3rd port with an all inclusive pkg

 

Getting the Cloud 9 spa package for the week for both of us

 

Will most likely drink specialty coffees every morning and pay the up fee

 

Buying Cheers

 

Andddd if it becomes available will buy FTTF

 

Paid for upgraded seats on our flights

 

Tacked 1 night pre cruise and 3 nights post cruise

 

Rented a better car than we even own to get us to/from.

 

This whole trip was one giant splurge!

[Laurin612]

We splurge on balcony rooms, FTTF, excursions, Bottomless Bubbles and steakhouse. We don't drink enough to warrant buying the Cheers program and we don't really gamble, so those would be our scrimps.

[Budget Queen]

Although this is the Carnival board, I'd like to add another general cruise "splurge" perhaps. :)

 

Just about all of these posts are about the Caribbean= with shore excursions coming up frequently. I'm one who doesn't cruise the Caribbean unless it's given away- which sometimes it is. :)

 

More of a priority than splurge for me- is the itinerary and going to the places that are outside the Caribbean. This could be a splurge for some perhaps.

 

But sailing Europe, South America and New Zealand are my preferences for outside the US. In the US, it is never the cruises from Florida- Hawaii and Alaska are my top picks. :)

[carsastic]

Splurge .. Vacations are precious so anything goes really.

Scrimp ?? Not really .. Well we did pick a budget line I guess

So ????

[Briitini]

SPLURGE:

 

Speciality dining

CHEERS

Balcony

FTTF

 

SCRIMP:

 

Photos

Excursions

Flight/ hotel- we live close to the ports

On board spending

Casino

Spa

[Butterbean1000]

We splurge on balcony cabins, FTTF and alcohol. I also buy lots of souvenirs, either for myself or other. We stock on on liquor to take home, also.

 

We scrimp on Steakhouse, Chef's Table. We also don't spend much in the casino.

 

As far as excursions go, if we see something we want to do, we'll book on. Otherwise, we go exploring at the ports on our own.

Edited July 19, 2015 by Butterbean1000

[Carnival Cutie]

Here's our list of scrimps and splurges:

 

Scrimp:

Alcohol - I don't drink much and my husband is a beer drinker so we don't do Cheers. I also don't do Bottomless Bubbles because although I do drink soda I don't drink that much and I really don't like Coke products so I will bring a 6 pack of Pepsi which will be more than enough for a 7 day cruise.

Pictures - too expensive, plus I always hate the way they look.

Souvenirs - I used to spend a lot on these because I always brought back something for my co-workers, now that I'm retired my spending has been reduced considerably. I will get an occasional key chain or magnet for friends and myself but that's basically it.

Hotels - we usually fly in the day of the cruise because we are at a major airport.

 

Splurges:

 

Transportation - We live in NJ so the majority of our cruises require air travel. If we leave from NY we pay for car service so we don't have to pay for parking or be concerned with car safety.

Cabin - we will only do ocean view if ship has suites only, like Imagination, otherwise we do strictly balcony and Lido if possible.

Casino - gambling is my entertainment when it's available, I set aside a specified amount for that and stick to it.

 

We don't consider tips to be a splurge, we do so when the service warrants it (and it usually does). So we will tip over and above the predetermined amount.

 

As for excursions, we used to exclusively do our own thing on whatever island we visited. Now if we see an interesting excursion we will do it but only those through Carnival, I don't want to be a pier runner (lol).

Edited July 19, 2015 by Carnival Cutie

[meatloafsfan]

Splurge:

 

Casino (hardly ever gamble on land anymore but do enjoy the slots on vacation).

 

Canned soda (won't buy a soda card on Carnival but pay for canned sodas)

 

1 excursion per cruise at the rate of $100 total for the 3 of us (plus a tip)

 

Sailing as often as possible on a variety of cruise lines.

Scrimp:

 

Everything else, both on cruises and in regular life.

Edited July 20, 2015 by meatloafsfan

[TeacherLovesToTravel]

SPLURGE:

 

Cabin -- We always do a balcony. There's nothing like eating breakfast or having a glass of wine while watching the water.

 

Excursions -- Hubby is not much of a "laying-on-the-beach" kinda guy, so we try to do something exciting at least once per cruise.

 

Casino -- Despite living 20 minutes from Atlantic City, we still bring a couple hundred dollars a piece to donate to the casino.

 

Pictures -- I always end up buying a couple of the pictures on board.

 

SCRIMP:

 

Alcohol -- Hubby doesn't drink. I don't get drunk. We bring on our two bottles of wine (both for me), and I have maybe one or two additional drinks per day.

 

Soda -- We bring on a 12-pack, mostly for hubs.

 

Souvenirs -- I'm not one for buying key chains or magnets. We buy something for my stepfather (usually a t shirt, he takes care of our furry children when we're away), my mother, and my 98 year old grandmother. That's it. Nothing for us. Pictures are enough.

[icunrse]

LOVE this topic! I'm like you, KatieBug.

 

Splurge:

balcony (made the mistake of getting one on my very first cruise)

excursions (one in every port, and usually my boys scuba dive, so I do snorkeling/beach; then we do one port together as a family)

drinks of the adult kind (I am considering this a splurge because of the cost. We aren't HUGE drinkers, but if I want a few beers at the pool, and maybe a fruity drink...I'm getting it)

 

Scrimp:

food (no specialty coffee or steaks for us. We are quite happy with any ole food in our gullets)

shopping (we don't go to islands for the shopping, but we do support local economy buying some trinkets when we can. Also, we don't buy things from the ship's store) My favorite thing was a license plate from Aruba that sits in my son's room.

 

I'm sure I'm forgetting something.