How much $ do you need on a cruise?

[ginagurl79]

I mean- outside of everything already paid:

 

1. room

2. excursions

3.pre paid service charges

 

if you're not a big drinker, or gambler (you know the occasional slot here or there)

 

how much do you actually spend on a cruise?

 

I know off the top we will spend $10/hr for our 2 kids for day care between 1030-1 (esp on our anniversary)

 

We have the unlimited dining package- with all the free food also-

 

we have to pay for drinks...what else?

 

Please fill me in. I want to make sure we have the BEST TIME of our lives.

 

I know I sound silly- (we have money) I just don't want any surprises :)

[GORDONCHICK]

Tipping for anyone who you feel went above & beyond

Any onboard shopping & there's lots of opportunities

Drinks - alcohol or pop

Specialty coffees

Pull tabs

Casino

Photos

Port shopping book (I do not recommend)

Spa services or products

Laundry

Room service - either just tipping if off the old menu, some things are a $7.95 fee

 

I'm sure I've forgotten some.

[ginagurl79]

Tipping for anyone who you feel went above & beyond

Any onboard shopping & there's lots of opportunities

Drinks - alcohol or pop

Specialty coffees

Pull tabs

Casino

Photos

Port shopping book (I do not recommend)

Spa services or products

Laundry

Room service - either just tipping if off the old menu, some things are a $7.95 fee

 

I'm sure I've forgotten some.

 

Thank you-and I see you've been on a lot of cruises. My friend Christa also has- and we work together. She tries to give me pointers (I'm ocd about things) but we're so busy at work so I really appreciate this forum :) Thanks for your insight.

 

Having 2 children coming with us- I want to make sure we ALL enjoy ourselves. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and the adoption of our 2 boys :)

[Cruise-Crazy]

For a week I take between $800 & $1,000 cash. Mostly for emergencies better to have it and not use than suddenly have something happen where you need some money.

 

Everything else goes on the credit card to earn double points towards a free cruise :D

 

For two people with drinks, excursions, tips and maybe a meal or two in the specialty restaurants figure $800 or so...

[GUT2407]

Well last cruise (not NCL), we had pre-paid tips pre bought drinks, because of ports we were visiting had own arrangements, we had $200 OBC and total bill after that was $7.15. The OBC went on a spa pass for herself [that she thought was a waste] and a Leather bag for DD and a$30 phone call when there was a change in Port and we had to notify D in Law of the change. On 2nd last day we were actually looking for something to spend the last of the OBC on.

 

We probably went through about $200 cash in Port, a coffee for her taxi and tram fares and some bits and pieces as gifts [could easily have spent a lot less if we wanted to] and maybe gave out another $100 in additional tips.

 

If we had been really skimping could have had the phone call and maybe $25 in Port for taxi and tram.

[GORDONCHICK]

I didn't even address anything off the ship.....

We always tip our tour guides (we only do independent excursions), but there's always some shopping. Only a few places do we buy food and drink off the ship, and that really depends on the ports and the time there.

 

Don't forget to tip the stevedores at the embarkation port that take your luggage ($2 per bag is what we do). There are skycaps if you're flying, and possibly bellhops.

Edited April 3, 2015 by GORDONCHICK

[ginagurl79]

Oh thank you all- I have it all planned out and you just confirmed it all for me :)

 

I CANNOT WAIT :)

 

I am concerned about not having cell service, so thank you- I have to check in with 2 of our children who will be staying home with a sitter.

 

:)

 

Is there internet there? do you recall how much if so?

[GUT2407]

One thing forgot to add because for me it's every cruise is first day I send my suit to be cleaned, it costs about half what I pay at home and then it's smick for dinner.

[ginagurl79]

One thing forgot to add because for me it's every cruise is first day I send my suit to be cleaned, it costs about half what I pay at home and then it's smick for dinner.

 

Okay- thank you for that- question....when we usually go on vaca (remember this is different from the norm from us) we go somewhere warm, where it's shorts, shirts, sunglasses and beach.

 

is there dress codes?

[GUT2407]

Thank you-and I see you've been on a lot of cruises. My friend Christa also has- and we work together. She tries to give me pointers (I'm ocd about things) but we're so busy at work so I really appreciate this forum :) Thanks for your insight.

 

Having 2 children coming with us- I want to make sure we ALL enjoy ourselves. We are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary and the adoption of our 2 boys :)

 

 

Just read this part sorry.

 

So that will add a bit, the kids will want some snacks and drinks in Port, [are they twins BTW]. And for your anniversary throw in at least a specialty diner on the night.

[GUT2407]

Okay- thank you for that- question....when we usually go on vaca (remember this is different from the norm from us) we go somewhere warm, where it's shorts, shirts, sunglasses and beach.

 

is there dress codes?

 

 

I don't know a lot about NCL but they are pretty casual here's a lnk that'll help

 

http://www.ncl.com/freestyle-cruise/prepare-for-your-cruise/what-to-pack

 

I'd probably take a suit anyway, but that's just me, I like to dress up for diner [or more to the point "You know who" likes me to].

[ginagurl79]

Just read this part sorry.

 

So that will add a bit, the kids will want some snacks and drinks in Port, [are they twins BTW]. And for your anniversary throw in at least a specialty diner on the night.

 

np- they are 4 & 5. (I cant wait to do meet and greets with spongebob)

 

We actually had a complaint because our travel agent through ncl was supposed to keep up to date with promotions- and when my husband called to ask why they weren't answering our calls-they through in wine and a cake for our anniversary :)

 

We have the unlimited dining package so we most certainly are going to have a few nights free from the kids (esp our anniversary-its an at sea day anyways) and do the casino, show, dinner, something just the 2 of us.

 

We have 4 kids total in our home (3, 4, 5 and 6) so we desperately need an adult night.

 

As per the suit- I am also having my husband bring some dress clothes for that night as well. I also heard they do professional pics correct? so I want all of us to look at least presentable :) (Not just some NY Travelling fools lol)

[GUT2407]

np- they are 4 & 5. (I cant wait to do meet and greets with spongebob)

 

We actually had a complaint because our travel agent through ncl was supposed to keep up to date with promotions- and when my husband called to ask why they weren't answering our calls-they through in wine and a cake for our anniversary :)

 

We have the unlimited dining package so we most certainly are going to have a few nights free from the kids (esp our anniversary-its an at sea day anyways) and do the casino, show, dinner, something just the 2 of us.

 

We have 4 kids total in our home (3, 4, 5 and 6) so we desperately need an adult night.

 

As per the suit- I am also having my husband bring some dress clothes for that night as well. I also heard they do professional pics correct? so I want all of us to look at least presentable :) (Not just some NY Travelling fools lol)

 

 

Sounds like it is all sorted, they do photos not sure that they classify as professional [but I used to make a quid with a camera so am a bit fussy], but pretty good all the same.

 

I really hope you enjoy your cruise.

 

Sounds like you have your hands full with 3,4,5 and 6 year old so make sure to ahve some us time, but you know 10th anniversary :cool: can lead to an increase by adding a 0 to the list of kids :D.

[Nola26]

You mentioned you're not big drinkers, but soft drinks are extra. You might consider the soda plan for each of you. It's only $4.5/day (you buy for the entire cruise) and $6.50 for adults. It just takes two drinks per day to cover the cost of the child package and 3 for the adult. If you want it for your family you can purchase online prior to the cruise. If you just want for the adults you can purchase onboard.

[maywell]

I mean- outside of everything already paid:

 

1. room

2. excursions

3.pre paid service charges

 

if you're not a big drinker, or gambler (you know the occasional slot here or there)

 

how much do you actually spend on a cruise?

 

I know off the top we will spend $10/hr for our 2 kids for day care between 1030-1 (esp on our anniversary)

 

We have the unlimited dining package- with all the free food also-

 

we have to pay for drinks...what else?

 

Please fill me in. I want to make sure we have the BEST TIME of our lives.

 

I know I sound silly- (we have money) I just don't want any surprises :)

 

Other than the shopping sales - You pretty much covered everything important to you and your family. You're good to go - just bring like $100-300 in cash, in case on emergency and that it. Have a fun trip!!

[ginagurl79]

You mentioned you're not big drinkers, but soft drinks are extra. You might consider the soda plan for each of you. It's only $4.5/day (you buy for the entire cruise) and $6.50 for adults. It just takes two drinks per day to cover the cost of the child package and 3 for the adult. If you want it for your family you can purchase online prior to the cruise. If you just want for the adults you can purchase onboard.

 

Thank you-let me rephrase it- we drink, but for celebrations (like may 7 I'm sure we will for our anniversary). My kids don't drink soda-so when I was going to buy the package it was for all of us- we couldn't just buy it for the adults :(

 

Is it different once we board, can we just buy it for the adults?

[PDIDDYwife]

Thank you-let me rephrase it- we drink, but for celebrations (like may 7 I'm sure we will for our anniversary). My kids don't drink soda-so when I was going to buy the package it was for all of us- we couldn't just buy it for the adults :(

 

Is it different once we board, can we just buy it for the adults?

 

Once on board just go to any bar and buy it just for those in the family who will use it.

 

Have an amazing vacation- your enthusiasm is contagious! And ignore all the garbage going around this week....it's always something!

Happy Easter to you and your oodles of kidlettes"!!

[dgparent]

Completely subjective, some cruisers never use any services at all and can cruise for 7 days on the fare + 50.00 or less.

 

Some, like us, get to cruise once a year and blow it out. We don't carry 1K in cash like one poster said (I would probably lose it somewhere) but all the cash we do carry is for tips we just use our CC for everything else.

[ginagurl79]

Once on board just go to any bar and buy it just for those in the family who will use it.

 

Have an amazing vacation- your enthusiasm is contagious! And ignore all the garbage going around this week....it's always something!

Happy Easter to you and your oodles of kidlettes"!!

 

Thank you SO MUCH!

[Chuck2810]

Just for grins - this is what I brought last year to the Western Carib trip. Not the best answer, but I thought it out. Note we had a high-end suite and did not expect to spend a lot on shore. But I did plan for breakfast and lunch tips at Cagneys.

 

tips plan 'A'

concierge $100

steward $50

butler 100-150 $10 per day per person = $300

kids club 20-50 $50

casino $500

Dining Tips $245 cash $15 for dinner, $10 for brk, lunch

Bar Tips $35 cash $5 for a glass

Excursion Cash total $610

Cozumel tips, cab, entry, shop, meals $200 have $90 in pesos

Belize Zoo, gas, meal $200 rental $100

Roatan ?? Shop $100

Costa Maya tips, massage, shop $200

 

 

cash

pack of 100 $1's $100

Pack of 40 $5's $200

Pack of 40 $10's $400

Pack of 5 $20's $100

pack of 10 $50's $500

pack of 16 $100's $1,600

$2,900

 

This was the plan. I think i went a little bigger in the casino, and we did not use the kids club. I estimated big and was pretty close. We are a family of four.

[ginagurl79]

Completely subjective, some cruisers never use any services at all and can cruise for 7 days on the fare + 50.00 or less.

 

Some, like us, get to cruise once a year and blow it out. We don't carry 1K in cash like one poster said (I would probably lose it somewhere) but all the cash we do carry is for tips we just use our CC for everything else.

 

Indeed- thank you. See, with the CC- ours is linked to our checking- it's a debit/visa logo. They say not to use that because they put holds on it???

 

What is the recommendation? Cash or charge?

[ginagurl79]

Just for grins - this is what I brought last year to the Western Carib trip. Not the best answer, but I thought it out. Note we had a high-end suite and did not expect to spend a lot on shore. But I did plan for breakfast and lunch tips at Cagneys.

 

tips plan 'A'

concierge $100

steward $50

butler 100-150 $10 per day per person = $300

kids club 20-50 $50

casino $500

Dining Tips $245 cash $15 for dinner, $10 for brk, lunch

Bar Tips $35 cash $5 for a glass

Excursion Cash total $610

Cozumel tips, cab, entry, shop, meals $200 have $90 in pesos

Belize Zoo, gas, meal $200 rental $100

Roatan ?? Shop $100

Costa Maya tips, massage, shop $200

 

 

cash

pack of 100 $1's $100

Pack of 40 $5's $200

Pack of 40 $10's $400

Pack of 5 $20's $100

pack of 10 $50's $500

pack of 16 $100's $1,600

$2,900

 

This was the plan. I think i went a little bigger in the casino, and we did not use the kids club. I estimated big and was pretty close. We are a family of four.

 

I hear you- we already paid excursions and such- all food is paid. We have talked about $2000, I think we will be okay :)

 

Its all about having a good time.

[dgparent]

Indeed- thank you. See, with the CC- ours is linked to our checking- it's a debit/visa logo. They say not to use that because they put holds on it???

 

What is the recommendation? Cash or charge?

 

Sorry I was speaking of a CC not a Debit card, apparently using a Debit card is not a good idea, as they do "pre-holds" that take forever to get back. If you have any sort of CC use that otherwise cash I guess.

 

Other CC'ers would know better I just use a Credit Card, have fun on your cruise.

 

Also NEVER take more money off the ship than you need, I usually take about 100 off enough for a taxi, lunch or wahtever, some of these ports are not exactly safe. Once you lose money it never comes back.

Edited April 3, 2015 by dgparent

[maywell]

Indeed- thank you. See, with the CC- ours is linked to our checking- it's a debit/visa logo. They say not to use that because they put holds on it???

 

What is the recommendation? Cash or charge?

 

Cash if you don't have credit card; do not pay onboard charges with a debit card at all!! NCL puts a hold on the amount and it can take up to 2-6 weeks to clear plus the bank might hold double to make sure there's money there. At least with a credit card it hold once and clears in about 15 days and with cash, whatever you didn't use will be mailed 6-8 weeks after the last sail date.

 

Here for more information:

https://www.ncl.com/faq#onboard-expenses

 

Since you're sailing from NYC, they're a bit lenient with the cash deposit; so you can get away with $300 all together for everyone.If you need to add more to the account , just go to the Guest Services.

[biker@sea]

Don't forget Parking fee's .

 

Boston cruise port parking is like $116 for 7 day's .

 

I think N.Y. is a couple hundred . :eek: