5 Day w/ Balcony or 7 Day w/ Interior

[A&Jfamily]

The $28 difference between the two cruises is with airfare. Any other tips for reducing costs to afford the balcony? I'd love it, but not placing it over two more days of vacation.

 

I was not trying to offend when talking about budget - just genuinely trying to help. If you read my post above, my advice is to look at a different week or different 7 days cruise. It should not be a $700 for 2 days between a 5 day and 7 day balcony. The general rule is if you can pay about $100 per day for a balcony on Carnival, you have gotten a good deal. So - it "should" be about $200 more pp for that balcony - not $350.

 

I don't think you have posted when and where you are trying to go and if you have a specific trip in mind - if you have, then sorry, I missed it.

 

There are lots of ways you can save - like by booking ES, going with a guarantee room etc. Without knowing specifics as to what cruises we are talking about, its hard to know what to advise.

[cruiser20145]

I was not trying to offend when talking about budget - just genuinely trying to help. If you read my post above, my advice is to look at a different week or different 7 days cruise. It should not be a $700 for 2 days between a 5 day and 7 day balcony. The general rule is if you can pay about $100 per day for a balcony on Carnival, you have gotten a good deal. So - it "should" be about $200 more pp for that balcony - not $350.

 

I don't think you have posted when and where you are trying to go and if you have a specific trip in mind - if you have, then sorry, I missed it.

 

There are lots of ways you can save - like by booking ES, going with a guarantee room etc. Without knowing specifics as to what cruises we are talking about, its hard to know what to advise.

 

No worries! I wasn't offended. The 5 Day is on the Valor from Galveston, going to Progresso and Cozumel. The 7 Day is on the Freedom from Galveston, going to Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize. I only have 1 week to travel. The cruise is during spring break time, so the interior is $96 per day.

[A&Jfamily]

No worries! I wasn't offended. The 5 Day is on the Valor from Galveston, going to Progresso and Cozumel. The 7 Day is on the Freedom from Galveston, going to Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize. I only have 1 week to travel. The cruise is during spring break time, so the interior is $96 per day.

 

 

Ok - well that explains it then. Spring Break is one of the most expensive times to cruise, as I am sure you have figured out. The ships are basically identical so that isn't playing into it. But if you are flying, why Galveston? It is a more expensive port to cruise out of than Florida. You have the additional costs of getting to the pier. Have you looked at some of the Florida options and airfare to FL?

[noddoyll]

I know they LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION but I would always pick the 7 day in a interior room. Don’t forget to tune your TV to an outside camera to give you a window to the outside. I know it doesn’t compare to a balcony but it does give you a window feeling.

 

 

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[cruiser20145]

Ok - well that explains it then. Spring Break is one of the most expensive times to cruise, as I am sure you have figured out. The ships are basically identical so that isn't playing into it. But if you are flying, why Galveston? It is a more expensive port to cruise out of than Florida. You have the additional costs of getting to the pier. Have you looked at some of the Florida options and airfare to FL?

 

Galveston is more expensive on the cruise side, but air is half the cost! We can get to Houston direct for $306 per person. The cheapest I could find to Miami, FLL, or Orlando was $600.

Edited June 12, 2018 by cruiser20145

[mommao729]

saw a great deal on an interior for October. Already have a cruise booked for September. And just did a cruise in April. I always book balcony’s. Showed my husband and he said we’ll go if we do the interior. No problem. Booked it. I would do the interior with extra days. The 5 day goes so quick.

[Hoosierpop]

We almost always get an interior room, so easy decision for me on the 7 day. In fact, that’s one of the reasons we do interior. We can go on more cruises. I’m not bashing balconies. It’s all about what you value. And I value more time on the ship.

 

 

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[debster11]

I would choose the 5 day with the balcony. I don't like inside cabins. I don't like knowing what

the weather is, or if it's night or day. That's just me.

[jasong38501]

Galveston is more expensive on the cruise side, but air is half the cost! We can get to Houston direct for $306 per person. The cheapest I could find to Miami, FLL, or Orlando was $600.

 

It sounds like you have already done your homework. My only suggestion would be to make sure you have priced New Orleans airfare and cruises out of there. Of course then you run into expensive hotels if you stay before or after your cruise. I say just go with your gut and have a great time!

[cruiser20145]

It sounds like you have already done your homework. My only suggestion would be to make sure you have priced New Orleans airfare and cruises out of there. Of course then you run into expensive hotels if you stay before or after your cruise. I say just go with your gut and have a great time!

 

New Orleans is about $500 per person, so a little better than Florida. However, the Dream is going east that week to Key West, Nassau, and Freeport, which doesn't interest me.

[Djptcp]

Have you ever sailed in an Interior? We have only because of really, really cheap or free bounce back offers from the casino, but 4 or 5 days is more than plenty and wouldn't want any more than that. Just personal opinion from someone used to balcony or suite cabins.

[cruiser20145]

Have you ever sailed in an Interior? We have only because of really, really cheap or free bounce back offers from the casino, but 4 or 5 days is more than plenty and wouldn't want any more than that. Just personal opinion from someone used to balcony or suite cabins.

 

I've never cruised before, but have planned on it for several years (see signature).

[A&Jfamily]

I've never cruised before, but have planned on it for several years (see signature).

 

I know you said you only had this week. So I think you are down to either waiting a bit til a time where you could cruise where is is more cost effective or taking the leap.

 

Since this is a first cruise, I would say that a 5 day in a balcony would be the "safer" bet for a couple of reasons: 1) you get the balcony and get to see if you use it and how much (for some of us it is a "necessity" and for others, simply a waste of money); and 2) you get to decide if cruising is for you (there are many people that go one time and just don't like it). While on the ship you can look at the interiors and see how you feel about them and can get a better idea, for the future of what might work for you. You can still have a 7 day vacation with a couple of days in Houston - but again, that's $ and at that point, you might as well throw down the $700 for the 7 day balcony.

 

Regardless, fly in a day before to make sure you don't miss the ship!

[bingomamma19]

Not sure why some people feel the need to comment on peoples budgets.

 

Some people have a lot of money to throw around and some are on very tight budgets. Doesn't mean the tighter budget cant vacation how they can want/afford.

 

There is no one set of rules for budgeting for vacations.[/

 

Because the OP asked for help and there are frequent posters on here who book cruises and then are in disaster mode because for some reason it gets cancelled and then they don't have other money to go on vacation because they either neglected to buy insurance, or the insurance funds won't come in or time. Also, we have all also seen people remove tips (I know the OP already indicated that he/she would not) because they did not plan their finances well for the trip. I was just trying to make sure the OP was aware of all that was involved here.

 

I never understand why, when someone is trying to be helpful, others wish to attribute the worst motives! Nor have I ever understood why someone would be offended about discussing finances. Yes, certain people are going to have more - but there does come a time when taking a vacation is not a financially smart thing for someone to do.

 

In this case, the OP said it was $700 more for 2 more days on a balcony. THAT tells me that this is NOT a well priced cruise to begin with and perhaps they could have both - a 7 days cruise AND a balcony if they shopped around a little more. So my advice to the OP is now to do just that!

 

The OP seems to be very savvy about their finances which is why they are keeping the budget in mind about booking.

 

Not sure why you feel the need to capitalize/emphasize certain words and use exclamation marks? I didn't in my post and I certainly know how to read and understand someone's point. Seems like you want to push your view quite heavily.

 

I hope the OP enjoys whatever they choose. I have cruised when broke and when flush with money. Believe me all my cruises have been wonderful no matter what my finances were.

[carib1]

What deck would that be. New to cruising and want to be sure I pick a good room

 

Deck 9 forward on most ships--I think the Vista and Horizon it is deck 10.

[carib1]

We leave the bathroom light on during the night with door closed and it works great as a nightlite

 

We use those battery powered tea lights--they work great, we put one in the bathroom and one on the desk.

[A&Jfamily]

 

The OP seems to be very savvy about their finances which is why they are keeping the budget in mind about booking.

 

Not sure why you feel the need to capitalize/emphasize certain words and use exclamation marks? I didn't in my post and I certainly know how to read and understand someone's point. Seems like you want to push your view quite heavily.

 

I hope the OP enjoys whatever they choose. I have cruised when broke and when flush with money. Believe me all my cruises have been wonderful no matter what my finances were.

 

Have you read any of the rest of this thread? The OP was not bothered by what I said and we have engaged in further discussion in an attempt to assist in selecting the right cruise as this is the OP's first.

 

The answer with regard to your question why certain words are capitalized is that it, in fact, is for emphasis; likewise, the same is true of the exclamation mark. It is how I was taught to write in the English language.

 

Happy cruising! (I'm guessing that "!" doesn't bother you...)

[carib1]

Galveston is more expensive on the cruise side, but air is half the cost! We can get to Houston direct for $306 per person. The cheapest I could find to Miami, FLL, or Orlando was $600.

 

Airfare during spring break can be brutal--we paid $800 to fly to Florida when we took a spring break cruise. I don't know what airline you fly with, but check Southwest, we find the best rates with them. And check them often. I just booked airfare for our October cruise (flying into FLL cruising out of MIA) and checked their website 10x a day for a couple months--finally got nonstop flights for $79 p/p at 3am one morning (total cost was $376 which included early bird), the next day the rate was gone!

 

Also, don't forget you have to get from Houston to Galveston.

[cruiser20145]

Airfare during spring break can be brutal--we paid $800 to fly to Florida when we took a spring break cruise. I don't know what airline you fly with, but check Southwest, we find the best rates with them. And check them often. I just booked airfare for our October cruise (flying into FLL cruising out of MIA) and checked their website 10x a day for a couple months--finally got nonstop flights for $79 p/p at 3am one morning (total cost was $376 which included early bird), the next day the rate was gone!

 

Also, don't forget you have to get from Houston to Galveston.

 

I basically fly whoever can give the lowest flights (except airlines like Spirit).

[cruiser20145]

We use those battery powered tea lights--they work great, we put one in the bathroom and one on the desk.

 

Great idea! My dad found some magnetic LED lights that have a typical light switch at a hardware store.

[1GaPeach]

The total is 20-5 (thanks to the person who started the count) for the interior. To the person concerned about my finances, I don't wan't to spend $700 more for the balcony on the 7 Day. Yes, I am a penny pincher, and no, I won't be removing gratuities. We have been to Mexico before on land vacation, so Mr. Sancho's in Cozumel. Free beach in Roatan,, and a Carnival excursion in Belize.

 

I think I would choose the 7 nights over the 5 based on your options. What was the price difference on an Ocean View cabin? I went on a girls trip and my cabin mates always book interior. I asked that they check the price for OV and it was pretty nominal increase (<$100 split 3 ways in our case) but a significant savings over Balcony. We ended up booking OV. My next trip with my hubby I also booked OV as I didn't want to spend the significant price difference for balcony.

[cruiser20145]

I think I would choose the 7 nights over the 5 based on your options. What was the price difference on an Ocean View cabin? I went on a girls trip and my cabin mates always book interior. I asked that they check the price for OV and it was pretty nominal increase (<$100 split 3 ways in our case) but a significant savings over Balcony. We ended up booking OV. My next trip with my hubby I also booked OV as I didn't want to spend the significant price difference for balcony.

 

The OV is about $200 more than the interior. There is just something unsettling with me about staying that low in the ship.

[momof4girls]

I have wrestled with this same issue many times myself! I do find that when I book a balcony room, I tend to stay in my room longer (and more often) then I do if I book an OV room (never tried interior). So while, yes, I do use the balcony a lot, it is only because it’s there. I’m a bit of an introvert, so I’m forced out of my comfort zone without the balcony (which isn’t a bad thing).

 

May I ask where you are flying from? Southwest hasn’t released dates for spring break next year yet, but they are almost always the lowest for me, and I don’t have the baggage costs. If it were me, I’d either book both under a fare you can cancel without a penalty, and wait until SW released flights for that time, or just wait to book my cruise until those dates are released. I’ve found, though, that cruise prices are lower the further out you book.

 

Spring Break is expensive for cruising, but I couldn’t pass up the 6 day Magic cruise in March 2020. I know that’s not when you’re looking, but if you get hooked, check it out! Price was very reasonable, and an interior with a walkaway view is affordable for that time of year.

 

I’m a “penny pincher” myself so it is difficult for me to pay $600 more for the balcony on my Breeze Cruise (vs an interior with a walkaway view). But it’s to celebrate 25 years so I try to tell myself that “we deserve to splurge”. :rolleyes::D

[cruiser20145]

I have wrestled with this same issue many times myself! I do find that when I book a balcony room, I tend to stay in my room longer (and more often) then I do if I book an OV room (never tried interior). So while, yes, I do use the balcony a lot, it is only because it’s there. I’m a bit of an introvert, so I’m forced out of my comfort zone without the balcony (which isn’t a bad thing).

 

May I ask where you are flying from? Southwest hasn’t released dates for spring break next year yet, but they are almost always the lowest for me, and I don’t have the baggage costs. If it were me, I’d either book both under a fare you can cancel without a penalty, and wait until SW released flights for that time, or just wait to book my cruise until those dates are released. I’ve found, though, that cruise prices are lower the further out you book.

 

Spring Break is expensive for cruising, but I couldn’t pass up the 6 day Magic cruise in March 2020. I know that’s not when you’re looking, but if you get hooked, check it out! Price was very reasonable, and an interior with a walkaway view is affordable for that time of year.

 

I’m a “penny pincher” myself so it is difficult for me to pay $600 more for the balcony on my Breeze Cruise (vs an interior with a walkaway view). But it’s to celebrate 25 years so I try to tell myself that “we deserve to splurge”. :rolleyes::D

 

We can fly from either Chicago or Milwaukee (we live in between them). Southwest is MKE's main provider. That 6 day in 2020 looks great!

[SNJCruisers]

Did not realize this was a competition. I had the same dilemma as the OP...5 day or 7 day. Where’s the dishonesty in sharing that A) I’m a new cruiser and B) What I chose and C) Why I chose it. Unless, of course, you are one of those old time CCers with thousands of posts, who feel that us “newbies” have nothing to offer here...

No competition, just a recap as to how many posters responded to either side of the question brought forth by the OP. No reason to be defensive, it's just impossible for someone that has never cruised to give their opinion as to whether a 7 day interior is better than a 5 day balcony. It would be like asking a virgin about sexual position preference.