2 Adults, Sunshine, What do you spend?

[eponym]

We sail her next month on an 8 day with 3 ports.

 

What do you spend on aboard and for excursions on an 8 day on Sunshine?

 

I am trying to budget, and I would appreciate everyone letting me know what their rough spend has been on an 8 day on Sunshine.

 

Right now I am bringing $1200 cash and a $5000 credit card, and pray we don't spend anywhere near that limit...

[Hoosierpop]

It all depends on a few things to me.

 

1) do you drink alcohol? I guess the max per day would be the Cheers program (unless you plan on more than 15 per day).

 

2) do you like to eat at the specialty restaurants?

 

3) do you gamble at the casino?

 

4) do you plan on going on an excursion in each port? When we go on an excursion, my wife and I usually budget $200 each excursion. But we usually don't go one one at each port.

 

5) do you like to shop either on the ship or at the ports?

 

I know that may not help you with a dollar amount, but if you go through those categories and think how you'll spend in each, seems like that will give you a good estimate. But maybe I missed a category of spending.

[islanders1986]

And remember the gratuities which are automatically charged for $12 per day per person (although you are able to adjust these up or down)

[RHilla619]

Tough question to answer without knowing you personally, your drinking/shopping/gambling habits largely effect how much you spend. If you really want to you could go all week without spending a dime. If your both drinkers go for the Cheers Package which includes 15 alcoholic beverages per day plus unlimited soda and virgin pina coladas / strawberry daiquiris; that will cost you $910 for 2 people for 8 nights (includes gratuity). From there it depends on how much you shop or spend in ports as everyone is different. The last cruise I went on with the girlfriend we purchased the alcohol package and besides that maybe spend $100 in cash the rest of the week on cabs, beers, and jet skis while in port. Broke even in the casino after 5 nights of gambling so that helped my "budget".

[bplazo]

Everyone is different, except for tips I rarely spend anything on board but I splurge on excursions.

[bakersdozen12]

Everyone is different, except for tips I rarely spend anything on board but I splurge on excursions.

 

 

It will be the same for me. My husband and I both not only don't drink alcohol, but we also don't drink soda. So we won't have to spend any additional money on that as we will only be drinking the free water (me) and the free ice tea (hubby).

 

Since we are new to cruising and traveling in the Caribbean, we will be splurging on excursions which will I'm estimating run us between $100 to $150 each per port. We have 3 on our first cruise and four on our second. For our first cruise our excursions are already planned out so I know that it will be costing us $690 in total, which will be paid for before we sail. For our second it should total between $800 to $1,200, unless I can find some that are cheaper than $100 per person, but I think most that I want to do are at least that.

 

As far as shopping, we will probably buy some souvenirs, but I can't imagine spending more than $200 on that. Then there may be meals that we need to pay for during excursions. But we won't be doing the steakhouse since I don't like steak or other red meat and it's not worth paying $35 for chicken. One of our excursions on our first cruise includes lunch, so I'm guessing we might spend $100 max on additional food other than the free food on the ship.

 

When it comes to gambling, we don't gamble, so aside from maybe spending $20 for the heck of it, I don't see us see us spending money on the casino.

 

So anyway, that's what we are budgeting for, but we may have a very different lifestyle than you, so you have to go with what works for you. Good luck, and have a great time!

[Namelocg]

Like others have said, I don't know what you like to do but if not planning on buying the Cheers package ( and actually if you are), you can still bring on board 1 750 ml bottle of wine and 12 20 oz non alcoholic beverages per person. That will save you money on drinks. Just remember that they must be in your carry on luggage. If you plan on buying photos, that can get pricey. And you can find cheaper excursions than what Carnival offers by searching on line. Check the port of call boards for your ports for reputable excursion vendors.

[eponym]

It all depends on a few things to me.

 

1) do you drink alcohol? I guess the max per day would be the Cheers program (unless you plan on more than 15 per day).

 

2) do you like to eat at the specialty restaurants?

3) do you gamble at the casino?

4) do you plan on going on an excursion in each port? When we go on an excursion, my wife and I usually budget $200 each excursion. But we usually don't go one one at each port.

5) do you like to shop either on the ship or at the ports?

 

I know that may not help you with a dollar amount, but if you go through those categories and think how you'll spend in each, seems like that will give you a good estimate. But maybe I missed a category of spending.

 

Not much. One alcohol PP Per day budgeted and we are bringing two bottles of wine with.

 

Yes, 3 nights of 8 days.

 

2 of 3 ports yes. We budgeted $150 PP for excursions/island stuff for 2 of 3 ports. 3rd port no excursion. Just walking beaches and area at one port.

 

Not really shopping for anything. Did budget $100 trinkets.

 

Gosh, it seems like there might be a lot more other charges beyond tips and maybe one photo that will accrue.

[AmberTeka]

Enough.

 

Always book Carnival excursions. Seen people left

 

Don't drink. Diet cokes a little expensive.

 

Sometimes go to the Steak House. Best one at sea. And we have sailed a lot.

 

Always buy some gifts. Like to shop at Ship stores. Bought a Fossil Watch for an excellent price. Still ticking. Like to buy cologne and perfume on board for Christmas Gifts to the ladies in my family. check prices on shore....Ship prices always competitive and much cheaper than USA. Also in Grand Cayman..if they still have the Fossil Outlet store.........buy my Daughter a bag for Christmas.

 

Do go to the Casino. Do not expect to win. I guess some sort of punishment for myself. But as I grew up poor, and cannot bear to waste money........I only take so much nightly..( not a lot) and quit when that is done.

DH plays roulette and is the luckiest man alive. Other than a few drinks....very frugal.

 

I buy one or two photos unless my Grand child is with us and then I am a woman obsessed. I wait for their pics to be put up so I can buy them.

 

Our bills are usually $250-300. What is billed to CC. For a week......not bad. When Grandchild is with us...........can be higher. Trips to Cherry on Top. Trips to store for toys. Trips to video arcade.

 

I LOVE being able to sit down to eat nightly and NOT getting a bill. I love seeing the production shows. Ditto. And on and on.

 

After a few days at the House of the Mouse............I again know how relatively cheap a cruise is ( I should say more economical) than a Land vacation if you are not camping. And the last time I camped. Skunks were at the garbage cans by the RR. Nope. Never again. Not going to wee wee on a Palmetto . that is usually the home of rattlesnakes in Florida. gives me shivers thinking about it.

Edited April 20, 2015 by AmberTeka

[lego7191]

In order to guesstimate what you may spend, someone told me before my first cruise, just plan on $100 per day per person. This will vary a little based on how big of a drinker you are, or how much you like to gamble, or how much spa time you enjoy, or how many excursions and how much shopping you do, etc. But I have always, after fifteen cruises, found this to be very close to being right on point. There are some cruises I have gone a little over and some I have gone a little under, but it's a good starting point to give you an idea of what you may spend so you don't have sticker shock.

 

All the folks I have cruised with and have shared that info with have generally come in around that amount.

[eponym]

Enough.

I LOVE being able to sit down to eat nightly and NOT getting a bill.

 

That is appealing as well.

 

We don't mind an occasional $30 bump for steakhouse or specialty experiences for cruises longer than 4 days.

 

If your total bill for the week is only $200-300, you have found ways to enjoy your cruise vacation without much up charge - add on.

[eponym]

In order to guesstimate what you may spend, someone told me before my first cruise, just plan on $100 per day per person. This will vary a little based on how big of a drinker you are, or how much you like to gamble, or how much spa time you enjoy, or how many excursions and how much shopping you do, etc. But I have always, after fifteen cruises, found this to be very close to being right on point. There are some cruises I have gone a little over and some I have gone a little under, but it's a good starting point to give you an idea of what you may spend so you don't have sticker shock.

 

All the folks I have cruised with and have shared that info with have generally come in around that amount.

 

That seems to be where my guess estimates are falling into on the spreadsheets. 2 people, and we should be able to stay within that $100 PP per day without issues.

[lego7191]

I guess I should add a little about my habits to give an idea how that $100 per person, per day is on point when I cruise. I am a moderate drinker (not enough to make the drink package worth it for me, I don't think) - few drinks of the day on the first day, glass of wine with dinner, beer or mixed drinks during sea days, mimosas in dining room at breakfast, little bit of gambling (I like slots, craps and blackjack - but I'm not one of those standing there for hours at a time), little $ spent in spa - splurged on nice pedicure a few years ago and every once in a while may visit the salon for a blowout (I have long hair so it's always nice to have someone else fix my hair for a night), we generally buy a pic or two; depending on the port, we book excursions, but sometimes hang out in the port area and shop and eat, but the shopping is limited to small trinkets or gifts or t-shirts or bags, nothing major.

 

Hope this helps give you some idea and estimate what you may spend!

[rtw68]

We sail her next month on an 8 day with 3 ports.

 

What do you spend on aboard and for excursions on an 8 day on Sunshine?

 

I am trying to budget, and I would appreciate everyone letting me know what their rough spend has been on an 8 day on Sunshine.

 

Right now I am bringing $1200 cash and a $5000 credit card, and pray we don't spend anywhere near that limit...

 

In the last six cruises we have spent around the following amounts (not heavy drinkers). We will be spending more this week because of us treating my in-laws to their first cruise.

 

Gratuities - $12 per person per day (8 day cruise - $192)

Steak house - $70 (if ship has one, go first night, free wine)

Drinks - $400 ($200 each)

Photos - $180 (6-8 photos)

On-ship souvenirs - $200

Cash for 4 port days - $400 (excursions are already paid for)

Room service tips cash - $60

Casino - $150 ($75 each)

 

Cash - $460.00

Credit Card - $1,168.00

Total - 1,628.00

Edited April 20, 2015 by rtw68

[mary80]

We always budget ourselves to one excursion per cruise, at 100 or less per person, and we always spend less than 100 total on board, thats not counting gratuities. We dont drink much, my dh doesnt drink at all and i get about 2-4 drinks per cruise. We dont buy soda, eat for free, hate shopping, dont wase our money at the casino, buy only one picture, and limit souvenirs to about $20. Yes, we're cheap. But to us, all that matters is that we are not at work.

[eponym]

In the last six cruises we have spent around the following amounts (not heavy drinkers). We will be spending more this week because of us treating my in-laws to their first cruise.

 

Gratuities - $12 per person per day (8 day cruise - $192)

Steak house - $70 (if ship has one, go first night, free wine)

Drinks - $400 ($200 each)

Photos - $180 (6-8 photos)

On-ship souvenirs - $200

Cash for 4 port days - $400 (excursions are already paid for)

Room service tips cash - $60

Casino - $150 ($75 each)

 

Cash - $460.00

Credit Card - $1,168.00

Total - 1,628.00

 

I bumped the drink budget up from $140 to $200 with your recommendation.

 

I can confidently say that our photos budget and spend are absolutely going to be lower than $180. We have good digital camera's at all times.

 

With our Trinket budget of $100 total trip, we are about half your expected spend - particularly on ship souvenirs.

 

We haven't figured out excursions yet, but are feverishly researching to get a fix on what to do and who to book through. I think I will add $50 per port for F&B not covered in whatever excursions we do.

[JennN]

We sail her next month on an 8 day with 3 ports.

 

What do you spend on aboard and for excursions on an 8 day on Sunshine?

 

I am trying to budget, and I would appreciate everyone letting me know what their rough spend has been on an 8 day on Sunshine.

 

Right now I am bringing $1200 cash and a $5000 credit card, and pray we don't spend anywhere near that limit...

 

We spent about $300 on drinks, mostly at Alchemy (but averaged 1-3 a day). Loved to hang out there! We tried the Asian restaurant on board. And only booked one excursion. We tipped our wait staff and room steward extra for a total of $550.

[sailor_jimc]

It will be the same for me. My husband and I both not only don't drink alcohol, but we also don't drink soda. So we won't have to spend any additional money on that as we will only be drinking the free water (me) and the free ice tea (hubby).

 

Since we are new to cruising and traveling in the Caribbean, we will be splurging on excursions which will I'm estimating run us between $100 to $150 each per port. We have 3 on our first cruise and four on our second. For our first cruise our excursions are already planned out so I know that it will be costing us $690 in total, which will be paid for before we sail. For our second it should total between $800 to $1,200, unless I can find some that are cheaper than $100 per person, but I think most that I want to do are at least that.

 

As far as shopping, we will probably buy some souvenirs, but I can't imagine spending more than $200 on that. Then there may be meals that we need to pay for during excursions. But we won't be doing the steakhouse since I don't like steak or other red meat and it's not worth paying $35 for chicken. One of our excursions on our first cruise includes lunch, so I'm guessing we might spend $100 max on additional food other than the free food on the ship.

 

When it comes to gambling, we don't gamble, so aside from maybe spending $20 for the heck of it, I don't see us see us spending money on the casino.

 

So anyway, that's what we are budgeting for, but we may have a very different lifestyle than you, so you have to go with what works for you. Good luck, and have a great time!

 

Well based on above it sounds like you have a good handle on things. Let me adjust your pricing a bit-

 

Excursions- I would plan on an average of $100 per person. Some are twice that some are half that. BUT you could just go onto the Carnival sight and look, they tell you the costs right there AND you could book them ahead of time and then that cost is not on your bill to worry about.

 

No alcohol, soda or gambling! Wow that makes it easier. The only other things to spend extra money on are Pictures.. those are $15-$20 each (my wife could tell you the exact amount but I know its there somewhere.) Steakhouse - $30 pp, and Spa treatments - these vary greatly but if you budget $150 for a massage per person your would be close) There is also free coffee on Lido and in the dinning room, but there is for a fee coffee which is a couple of dollars per cup.

At ports, unless you take Carnival excursions in each stop, you may want to factor in money for transportation Taxis are typical $10 to $20 depending on where you are at. And if you decide to do lunch at some place on an island figure in for that.

 

So you can figure out fairly closely what you are going to spend with the above and some "guestimation".

[eponym]

We spent about $300 on drinks, mostly at Alchemy (but averaged 1-3 a day). Loved to hang out there! We tried the Asian restaurant on board. And only booked one excursion. We tipped our wait staff and room steward extra for a total of $550.

 

Yes, thank you. I have heard Alchemy is da place! I can easily see us doing a daily, alchemist special drink for each at Alchemy, at a minimum. That is what my original budget was set for. 2 x $10 x 8 = about $160. We are bringing the 2 bottles of wine with us, so that satisfies for about 4 days. I think combined, that will be close with an extra $40 in wiggle room.

 

Obviously, we are not big drinkers at all.

Edited April 20, 2015 by eponym

[eponym]

Well based on above it sounds like you have a good handle on things. Let me adjust your pricing a bit-

 

Excursions- I would plan on an average of $100 per person. Some are twice that some are half that. BUT you could just go onto the Carnival sight and look, they tell you the costs right there AND you could book them ahead of time and then that cost is not on your bill to worry about.

 

No alcohol, soda or gambling! Wow that makes it easier. The only other things to spend extra money on are Pictures.. those are $15-$20 each (my wife could tell you the exact amount but I know its there somewhere.) Steakhouse - $30 pp, and Spa treatments - these vary greatly but if you budget $150 for a massage per person your would be close) There is also free coffee on Lido and in the dinning room, but there is for a fee coffee which is a couple of dollars per cup.

At ports, unless you take Carnival excursions in each stop, you may want to factor in money for transportation Taxis are typical $10 to $20 depending on where you are at. And if you decide to do lunch at some place on an island figure in for that.

 

So you can figure out fairly closely what you are going to spend with the above and some "guestimation".

 

That's Bakersdozen's breakdown.

 

We have bumped alcohol budget from $140 to $200 with 2 bottles of wine we are bringing.

 

The fee based coffee is a great piece of info for us. Better budget $60 for that. Since we don't drink much alcohol, we are strongly considering bubbles at $110 total for the cruise.

 

No SPA on this journey for us. Had to spend $8xx for round trip flights just to get on the boat.

[eponym]

We always budget ourselves to one excursion per cruise, at 100 or less per person, and we always spend less than 100 total on board, thats not counting gratuities. We dont drink much, my dh doesnt drink at all and i get about 2-4 drinks per cruise. We dont buy soda, eat for free, hate shopping, dont wase our money at the casino, buy only one picture, and limit souvenirs to about $20. Yes, we're cheap. But to us, all that matters is that we are not at work.

 

As a result, you probably cruise more often than we do and that is not a bad thing!

[eponym]

Tough question to answer without knowing you personally, your drinking/shopping/gambling habits largely effect how much you spend. If you really want to you could go all week without spending a dime. If your both drinkers go for the Cheers Package which includes 15 alcoholic beverages per day plus unlimited soda and virgin pina coladas / strawberry daiquiris; that will cost you $910 for 2 people for 8 nights (includes gratuity). From there it depends on how much you shop or spend in ports as everyone is different. The last cruise I went on with the girlfriend we purchased the alcohol package and besides that maybe spend $100 in cash the rest of the week on cabs, beers, and jet skis while in port. Broke even in the casino after 5 nights of gambling so that helped my "budget".

 

Yes, No Cheers for us. Love that positive negative in one short sentence. Way too much, for what we drink.

 

Spend in ports does vary widely among the excursions, F&B when on land, and may be a few small trinkets - but no serious purchases - stresses us out while on vacation with very limited time on any one port. We are going to settle on a $ amount per port, and back everything out from there we can decide on in advance. As stated, one port we are beach and walking the island only, which automatically should make that one less of a spend.

 

You found some some darn cheap jet ski rentals. I have my eyes wide open for that!

 

WOW, breaking even in casino after 5 nights is absolutely good times!

 

I'm jealous!

[sjcruiser]

You should be pretty well set which the amount of cash and credit cards you have. Unless you make a pretty big purchase or spend a lot of time in the casino, I don't see you maxing out either one. We're not big drinkers, but do enjoy the drinks onboard, along with a few bottles ordered from the Bon Voyage Dept. ahead of time. Total drinks for two people including whats ordered from BV probably $250. It took us a few cruises to learn, but we've learned to stay away from the casino. We set a limit of $25.00 daily, and thats it. I have better luck with the casinos in NJ and PA. I have played for hours, usually late night on the slots or roulette when I hit a streak, or have a big bonus on the slots, which I often put back half, and keep the other half. We do the steakhouse or JiJi's once on the cruise, and select our excursions once we get into port, unless its some place thats really far, and we select Carnivals excursions for the peace of mind of not getting left. We stopped buying souvenirs for everyone, except a fridge magnet, or something for the neighbors watching the house. Total bill the last few cruises has been less than $1,200.00, and one of those was less than half of that.

[JennN]

Yes, thank you. I have heard Alchemy is da place! I can easily see us doing a daily, alchemist special drink for each at Alchemy, at a minimum. That is what my original budget was set for. 2 x $10 x 8 = about $160. We are bringing the 2 bottles of wine with us, so that satisfies for about 4 days. I think combined, that will be close with an extra $40 in wiggle room.

 

Obviously, we are not big drinkers at all.

 

Alchemy was awesome at at almost $10 a drink, it racks up quickly. But we had YTD and went after dinner, usually up there right before 2nd seating and stayed until 10pm. I bring 2 bottles of champagne but am the only one who drinks it (yay me).

 

Sometimes we grab a photo or two. Sometimes a T-shirt or magnet. We've spent as much as $1200 and as little as $300 while on board. We usually buy our excursions with Carnival and ahead of time but the last Sunshine cruise between ours getting canceled in Aruba and no need for one in Grand Turk, we only had to purchase one!

 

have a blast!

[AmberTeka]

That is appealing as well.

 

We don't mind an occasional $30 bump for steakhouse or specialty experiences for cruises longer than 4 days.

 

If your total bill for the week is only $200-300, you have found ways to enjoy your cruise vacation without much up charge - add on.

 

We register separate credit cards. I don't play roulette and one day he has to lose. hope not soon.

 

TOGETHER......we spend $600 -$700. Very good estimate.