Cruising on Imagination soon...a couple of questions!

[ITeach6th]

Our family will be cruising for 4 days on the Imagination soon. Our kids are 8 and 10. My husband and I went on a Caribbean cruise about 12 years ago, but I know this one will be very different! I'm trying to figure out approximately how much money we will spend on the cruise. I know something like this can vary greatly from family to family, but maybe if I could get some ideas on what types of things we'd be spending money ON that would help! The only things I remember are drinks and the gratuities, as well as anything purchased in the gift shops. Is there more that I'm missing?

[Jaydian]

The expenses of a cruise from the beginning to the end is about the same for most people. Here are some possible expenses...

 

1. Flight and Hotel unless driving.

 

2. Parking is roughly $17 a day at the port.

 

3. Gratuity is about $12 per person x4 Days x4 people.

 

4. Shore Excursions ( there are far less shore excursions offered on the Ensenada tour than most other cruise itinerary's). Can run between $50 to $120 per person per port of call. I suggest renting a golf cart for $80 for 3 hours and tour Catalina Isle on your own instead of an expensive shore excursion. Much more fun than what is offered. Cheaper and more freedom!

 

5. Alcohol- Drinks are about $6-$10 on average. If you plan to drink more than 5 drinks a day... you and your husband should get the Cheers package for about $45 per day (have to buy package for everyone over 21 in your cabin and must purchase for all 4 days... around $350 for you both). This is a deal if you like wine at dinner and cocktails during the day. If you don't drink that much go ala carte.

 

6. Soda package- Bottomless Bubbles for soda. $18 per child for the trip ($4.50 per day, $6 per day for adults) if they want unlimited access to sodas as lemonade, tea, and water are the only beverages that are available free of charge.

 

7. Bingo- If you like to play Bingo it usually is $20 for a 3 pack of cards for the daily games. You can purchase a single card for $10 or $15 (Can't remember exactly).

 

8. Casino- If you are a gambler then you should budget some money for your games.

 

9. Spa- Treatments are expensive but lovely. Most are above $120 mark. But, on certain days they will offer great discount packages for less.

 

10. Souvenirs- Again depends on you. Plan to budget some cash for port of call souvenirs and souvenirs (or liquor deal purchases) onboard the ship.

 

11. Video Game Room- Almost forgot this one, my nephew racked up $200 charges on my sister's onboard account on Royal Caribbean last summer. I don't suggest you let them do that but, do know that the game room is not free and games are about $1-$1.50 per play. 2 kids x 4 days onboard... you should budget a little for it.

 

12. Communication- You haven't cruised in a while. International roaming charges on your cell is going to be killer. People come home to $1,000 cell phone bills from cruises because they didn't realize that they were getting charged $5 roaming per email that came into their inbox because their phone's data plan was on the entire cruise. Cell phone companies will not remove the charges. Turn your phone off or turn your data off and make sure your babes know not to use their phones too. If you have to check your email wait til you get to a port of call and use free wifi where possible. To call stateside from your room is about $3 per minute. Internet café charges are astronomical. Sooo expensive for such slow service. Buyer beware.

 

I think that is about all that I can think of... Hope that helps!

Edited July 2, 2015 by Jaydian

[Jaydian]

Oh! I forgot!!!

 

13. Photographs- Can get pretty pricey as it is like $15- $20 a sheet. Carnival will take a lot of opportunity to take pics of you and your fam and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to get awesome pics taken of you at your request. However, people do end up spending a ton of money on photos if you are not careful. Thank goodness I'm not photogenic :). I save money here.

 

* It all sounds a lot...but, remember these are optional and you pick and choose what you want to fit your needs to make it the BEST CRUISE EVER. I hope your family has a WONDERFUL and SUPER AMAZING time on your trip!!!!

Edited July 2, 2015 by Jaydian

[SadieN]

Parking is now $19/day in Long Beach.

 

Catalina is fun. Lots to do. We play mini golf ($8/pp). It's located a block behind the golf cart rentals. The trolley ($6/pp) goes around the island, with stops at the Casino and the Wrigley Memorial Gardens. Many water tours can be booked on the Green Pier. Carnival is now using the old Catalina ferries and docking at the Grey (concrete) pier. Check out Lloyd's candy shop. Homemade salt water taffy. The Arcade in the Metropole building has excellent thin crust pizza.

 

Ensenada -- we always have lunch in town. The restaurants truck in water and ice. Check out Hacienda on Lopez (has the chickens rotisserie-ing in the window. About $10/plate the chicken s very good. The French fries are lousy)) and Taquiero Lindo (between Papas & Beer and Hussongs. $2/taco) Past Hussong's, before the corner, is a paleta shop. ($1-$3) Mexican Popsicles and ice cream are very good. We like the piña paleta and the Key Lime pie ice cream. All have clean bathrooms. Throw all paper into the trash can.

 

All take American money. Many places will give change back in American, but do expect some pesos is back. Expect to haggle with the street vendors. The string bracelets can run about 2/$5-6, made to order.

 

Lots more info on the West Coast Departure and Mexican Riviera Boards.

Edited July 2, 2015 by SadieN

[Runaway Parent]

Also remember you can take a 12-pack of canned sodas on board per person with carry on. No more bottles, though.

 

On board a single soda is about $2.50.

 

Sorry if someone already mentioned this.

[ITeach6th]

Thank you SO MUCH!! This is exactly what I was looking for!

 

I'm the only one who drinks alcohol so I don't think the drink package will be worth it if I'd be required to buy it for my hubby too. We'll probably get the soda package for him and the kids though!

 

Again thank you...this helps a LOT!

[SadieN]

:eek: Are you kidding me??!! We're going to have to find another way of parking. That's INSANE!

 

 

It only went up $2, lol.

 

We park at Union Station ($6/day) and take public transportation down.

[sanmarcosman]

:eek: Are you kidding me??!! We're going to have to find another way of parking. That's INSANE!

There's an open air parking lot across from the Renaissance Hotel that charges $5 per day that's located on the free Passport Bus route that goes to the Queen Mary. Have used the lot safely for several years.

[SadieN]

There's an open air parking lot across from the Renaissance Hotel that charges $5 per day that's located on the free Passport Bus route that goes to the Queen Mary. Have used the lot safely for several years.

 

The lot on Seaside and Pine? Unattended and can cost more when there's something going on at the Convention Center. The Passport stop is up the hill at Ocean and Pine, in front of the Art Deco white building, til construction is complete.

[sanmarcosman]

The lot on Seaside and Pine? Unattended and can cost more when there's something going on at the Convention Center. The Passport stop is up the hill at Ocean and Pine, in front of the Art Deco white building, til construction is complete.

No, at Ocean and Pine right behind the bus stop and down the ramp adjacent to the Art Deco bldg.

Edited July 2, 2015 by sanmarcosman

[SadieN]

Thanks. :).

[welldone60]

OP, if you are driving , check for hotels that have free parking and shuttle service. Spend the night and take the shuttle to the port, then the shuttle will pick you up when you return.

[Rosefloater]

No, at Ocean and Pine right behind the bus stop and down the ramp adjacent to the Art Deco bldg.

 

Is that the one across the street from Rock Bottom Brewery?

[amsred2]

No, at Ocean and Pine right behind the bus stop and down the ramp adjacent to the Art Deco bldg.

 

Anyone have a street address or website so I can look this up?

[trekincouple]

I love this cruise and looking forward to it next week. My nephew won an Ipad after spending $1 in the arcade last January. My son, however spent $50 a few weeks ago and didn't win anything. If you need free internet, there is a lovely coffee and pastry shop in the town and a Starbucks on the main street. If you need coins for laundry, you can use the dollar change machines in the casino to avoid long lines at customer service desk. There are kiosks located thru out the ship where you can modify spending limits for each passenger in your cabin. Make sure luggage have secure tags because often the bags are misplaced, sometimes until the next day, and you have to wait in a long line to look thru their holding area. Water bottles are less expensive now and can be purchased online in advance. To change any table assignments, upon boarding go to the main dining room when it opens. I was looking for retin a, the prices for meds were the same at the port than in town. There are cuban cigars for sale, I purchased as souvenirs for others. I've boarded this ship at 11:30 and was in my room by 12:30 without Fttf.

Edited July 22, 2015 by trekincouple

[wishlist5]

Hello. This lot is news to me.

We will be cruising in 2 weeks, and I would like to know if this lot is a "secure" lot, meaning monitored??

Is it correct that the Passport Bus will drop you off within easy walking distance of the Dome?

Does it pick you up at the same stop??

I presume that the Bus allows passengers to bring on their luggage.

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

$19 per day vs. $5 per day is a HUGE difference!

:)

[SadieN]

Hello. This lot is news to me.

 

We will be cruising in 2 weeks, and I would like to know if this lot is a "secure" lot, meaning monitored??

 

Is it correct that the Passport Bus will drop you off within easy walking distance of the Dome?

 

Does it pick you up at the same stop??

 

I presume that the Bus allows passengers to bring on their luggage.

 

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

$19 per day vs. $5 per day is a HUGE difference!

 

:)

 

 

Check google. The $5 lots are not secure lots. The $19 lot is as secure as a 'pay as you leave' lot can be.

The Passport bus drops off in the parking lot, under the trees. Travel light, the bus will hold one piece of luggage per person, larger bags are cumbersome.

[MMPERRY2006]

Does anyone know where to find the entertainment schedule for the comedians? Im Sailing 10/4. Also, Im looking for what the spa specials are looking like these days. Vacation isnt official until Ive had a massage!