Garys12 Posted March 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Hello Fellow Cruisers - Looking for some help with some vacation budgeting. My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers, 16, 14) are heading on the 4 night Sensation next Thursday. We are all buying the appropriate drink packages, so Soda, and Booze will be prepaid. We also prepaid the tips. We are doing an excursion on our own in Cozumel, so there is no expense for that. So, outside of bingo, the casino, and the arcade, what else have you paid for on the ship? I am budgeting $400 for the casino/bingo, and then another $150 for other charges. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bury me at sea Posted March 2, 2017 #2 Share Posted March 2, 2017 You should come home with money. Unless you book another cruise while on board. Some of us addicts have been guilty of that. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted March 2, 2017 #3 Share Posted March 2, 2017 4 day cruise on Carnival Liberty as a solo cruiser: Purchased no shore excursions or had anything pre-paid. One dinner at the Steakhouse, bar and wine bill, gratuities, less my $50 CCL Shareholder on-board credit and my final bill was just over $200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssmith7 Posted March 2, 2017 #4 Share Posted March 2, 2017 $550 should be an ok amount. You could budget a little more for just in case things, that way if something comes up at least you have it. I don't know how you're getting there but if you're parking don't forget that as it is an extra expense. You may also want to bring some for souvenirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mroden2699 Posted March 2, 2017 #5 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Not sure if Sensation has a steakhouse, but the extra money was definitely worth it. Other than that, you appear to be set (from all I would spend) Of course I'd take some cash for souvenirs in Cozumel. The port is great for shopping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pusywillow Posted March 2, 2017 #6 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Hello Fellow Cruisers - Looking for some help with some vacation budgeting. My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers, 16, 14) are heading on the 4 night Sensation next Thursday. We are all buying the appropriate drink packages, so Soda, and Booze will be prepaid. We also prepaid the tips. We are doing an excursion on our own in Cozumel, so there is no expense for that. So, outside of bingo, the casino, and the arcade, what else have you paid for on the ship? I am budgeting $400 for the casino/bingo, and then another $150 for other charges. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thank you Photos, speciality restaurants, trinkets, tips for porters, room service, others who gave you great service Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garys12 Posted March 2, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Photos, speciality restaurants, trinkets, tips for porters, room service, others who gave you great service What is an appropriate amount to pay people if we have already prepaid for the cruise? Can we just leave an extra $20 in the room at the end? Will the room guy know we've prepaid for the tips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sixtytwo Posted March 2, 2017 #8 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Carnival add the gratuities to everyone's ship account, so the staff knows folks have paid the gratuities. They don't know who asked to have them removed but, if they were the reason for the removal, I am sure they will be informed! As far as an appropriate "extra" amount, that is something that is totally up to you...and your budget. If you feel someone gave exceptional service, give what you are comfortable giving. They will be happy. Go to guest services and get envelopes and put the extra in an envelope. Just leaving it in the cabin is likely not going to wind up going to the staff person you intended it for! [emoji33] Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louanne93 Posted March 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Not sure if you are aware, but the arcade is quite expensive onboard. Even if you gave $20 per kid to spend a day for arcade, candy store etc... you are over by $10. Just be prepared. Also, you can turn off charging privileges for your teens if you think you need to! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garys12 Posted March 2, 2017 Author #10 Share Posted March 2, 2017 Teens get no charging privileges. They have the soda pass, anything else will need to be approved :-) We will probably set times for the arcade... Adults in the casino, teens in the arcade. It will limit both of us... LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger0613 Posted March 3, 2017 #11 Share Posted March 3, 2017 All drinks, including those purchased through Cheers and Bottomless Bubbles, are taxed(7% in this case) while still in American waters. Also, budget for internet charges if you plan to use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjcruiser Posted March 3, 2017 #12 Share Posted March 3, 2017 We're doing the same for both our upcoming cruises (no kids though). We plan to have all our onboard expenses paid in advance including Cheers, Steakhouse, Tips, Casino ($100 per day), and some other miscellaneous things that may come up. We always come home with money. We stop buying souvenirs, etc. both on the ship and in port, unless its something we really want, or know the price is better than where we live. We havent decided on excursions yet, but will probably figure them out in the next month or two, along with decided on going with Carnival, or do one once we're in port. Hello Fellow Cruisers - Looking for some help with some vacation budgeting. My family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teenagers, 16, 14) are heading on the 4 night Sensation next Thursday. We are all buying the appropriate drink packages, so Soda, and Booze will be prepaid. We also prepaid the tips. We are doing an excursion on our own in Cozumel, so there is no expense for that. So, outside of bingo, the casino, and the arcade, what else have you paid for on the ship? I am budgeting $400 for the casino/bingo, and then another $150 for other charges. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angiem0217 Posted March 3, 2017 #13 Share Posted March 3, 2017 Internet if you want to use it and photos. We always buy photos. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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