Question: How many of you go on a cruise the 'frugal' way vs. going all out.....

[TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail]

14 minutes ago, EngIceDave said:

Morning is the big one....waking up, opening the drapes to that view, where ever it is, then getting a coffee and chilling

Looking out at a sunrise over or near an approaching island is like a “kid in a candy store”‘feeling to me every time.

[Joebucks]

I personally know a bunch of people who "splurge" on vacation. Buying the suite, expensive dinners, alcohol packages, the most expensive of everything, etc. The problem? Many of them state that they can only afford to do it every so often, like 2-3 years. Or they just create a stupid debt to "worry about later". Never ever try to convince anyone that they wasted money. People would defend their money spending habits more than they would defend their own child. It's a pride thing.

 

Before the pandemic, I was going on about 3 cruises a year in my early 30s. Not too shabby. I wouldn't say I draw a line in the sand of frugal or splurge, but stay closer to frugal. We did a few balconies in the past. Rarely used them. Rarely had more fun there than out and about. I'm honestly sick of alcohol packages. While I love a good drink, a vacation isn't about how many drinks you can get for one (bloated) charge. 

 

Sometimes we might do a steakhouse, sometimes we'll do a more costly excursion. It depends on what we really want. I'm not here to deny myself of anything. However, you'll find the majority of my cruises are off-season, in an interior, with no drink package. It's excessive for us to buy more. I love being able to take frequent cruises at a minuscule cost.

[woozles]

We tend towards middle of the road. Always get an interior room and don't buy drink package. But we splurge on excursions and occasional specialty dining. I usually budget $150 a day for excursions and on board spending and bring some extra just in case. We do not limit ourselves on drinking, but usually do not drink enough to justify the drink package. 

 

However on our upcoming 8 day cruise we have the drink package and will definitely enjoy it!

[tdggal1980]

I’d consider us in the middle range.  When it’s just DH & I we have to have a balcony; absolute requirement.  We get Cheers (also a requirement).  We do specialty dining and sometimes do excursions.  I enjoy the massages at the spa but I don’t always get one.  DH gambles (only sporadically for me).  With the family we have done ocean view rooms to save but thinking the next family one will be balcony rooms as well!  We cruise an average of once a year but we have 3 booked in the next 6 months (making up for the break with COVID-19).

[sid_9169]

I normally go "cheap" on an inside cabin, but then splurge big time on food, beverages, and onshore activities... 

[laumicmah]

We ride the middle. Sometimes we get a balcony and sometimes an inside depending on length/price of cruise. And we never bother with oceanview. If an inside we can get the drink package or if a really cheap balcony deal or sale on drink package (on royal) we will add it. We now always do one or more nights in the specialty restaurants. We don't really do the casino so we spend on drinks and dining. We might book 1 excursion and then do stuff on our own. Might book 2 but never book every stop and sometimes book none. We like to get FTTF. Never have done a suite. But did do the Havana (is that what it's called?) once but did an inside. Would LOVE to do one of those balcony Havana cabins that have the big deck with gate that goes out to Havana. So we kinda ride the middle on what we spend. Don't go all out but don't have to be as frugal as possible either.

Edited August 4, 2021 by laumicmah

[Brew12]

I don't think of it as Frugal or All Out. I think of it as a value proposition. I am blessed in that I could spend more, but I would enjoy it less if I felt like I was wasting money. How much I spend isn't going to impact any future vacation plans.

 

I cruise in the "off season" because the rooms are less expensive. For me, a balcony room is a must. 5 years serving on a submarine makes having easy access to open air a good thing.

 

I get the Cheers package because it is a good value. I typically do a frozen drink or 2 laying out topside during the day. 2 glasses of wine at dinner and a few cocktails at the evening events and it saves me a lot of money. I never dine in the restaurants with an extra cost. The MDR is nice enough.

 

I will only pay for shore excursions if it is something I really want to do, and if I think it is a fair value. Right now I'm only planning on doing excursions in 2 of the 3 ports for my October cruise. 

Edited August 4, 2021 by Brew12

[thesmiths]

For now Pre-Retirement , shortest cruise is an 8 day cruise and Aft Wrap all the way.

If & when I retire and we have to downsize, we will go to an aft extended if I have to cut back.

 

Don't do Cheers as my wife does not drink, bottle pre-ordered for me on the balcony.

Few drinks out and about.

Few dinners at the paid restaurants.

We book our on private tours, don't go through the line.

Wifey plays maybe $50.00 at the casino.

 

 

 

 

 

[jsglow]

We typically approach each mass market cruise similarly. Either an OV or Balc stateroom, no drink package, perhaps one upgrade dining, and excursions commensurate with how often we've been to an island before, all based on a per day model (obviously 14 day cruises cost more).  When we 'splurge', it's to move to a 'small ship experience'.  Our entire purpose for going to sea is to both relax and experience new ports of call.  We have little to no interest in the bells and whistles now common on the bigger, newer ships and typically don't pay for them.

[Djptcp]

Looking back over our past 55 cruises on 4 different cruise lines, I'd say we go all the way with booking primarily only balcony cabins or suites, several specialty dinners on each cruise, valet parking when available, but no drink packages or WiFi. These are vacations after all and we don't do less on land vacations either. We do book using great casino offers when possible so that makes it possible to get suites, casino cash or OBC, and free drinks in the casinos.

[ALSPAUGHDOLL]

For the most part I am very frugal.   When it is just me and my husband we tend to go super cheap.  We once did the Liberty inside cabin with a $72.54 balance when we checked out no onboard credit etc.  We just love to relax and get away.   When we have the kids we spend more.  Our last cruise we had a cove balcony which we loved.  It was so nice to have a place to go and get away.  With that being said we could careless if we didn't have the balcony.  We love to travel with our kids, we are so fortunate. Sometimes we have a bit more to spend and splurge and other times we choose to be thrifty.  My husband and I couldn't pass up the incredible deals that were available early this summer and booked the Horizon in September.  We have challenged ourselves to be as cheap as possible.  We could afford to spend and do more but we choose not too.  We have a lot of airline vouchers and points that need to be used by next summer and we hope to take the kids to Hawaii next year.  It's worth being thrifty this trip in order to splurge on that trip next year.  

[elcuchio24]

we always get a balcony, always. And, plenty of cocktails. 🙂

[Homosassa]

To us being "frugal" does not mean being cheap.  As Jeff Smith (remember him?) used to say, being frugal doesn't mean being cheap; it means buying the best you can afford.

 

To that end, we booked on lines that provide in their fare what we require to enjoy our time without the gimmicks of upgrades, specialty food , and extra cost entertainment.

 

We don't drink or gamble and prefer an inside cabin.  We want excellent food in the dining room, buffet or other food areas on board ship that are included in the fare. We want good entertainment which includes activities  throughout the day.  Interesting ports that may not be available to the mega ships are a plus. 

 

We don't need the extra that some overpay for on a cruise as luxury because they are a part of our life in shore (massages, for example).

 

Another big plus is a ship where every passenger is treated the same whether one is a first time passenger on that line or a repeat customer.

 

Because we get what we pay for, we usually end up with no on board expenses other then the daily service charge.

 

So for those wishing to be "frugal," add up the cost of what is spent on those extras and try a cruise line that provides that service as part of their on board experience. 

[iancal]

Most of our cruises are last minute buys.   

 

We always buy a balcony cabin.  About the only inclusive we may have is prepaid gratuities.  Everything else we prefer to buy on board.  We do frequent alternate dining venues but we buy them as we go.  Our preference is always for a base fare, no inclusives so that we can easily compare cruise/ship options.

 

Never buy drinks packages. One of us is TT, the other does not drink very much.  Exception would be premium coffee cards.

 

We prefer private excursions and typically arrange our own or join an independent group.  Never bother with the casino. 

 

We sometimes consider cruise air depending on our travels.  On our most recent Med cruise was at the end of an extended land trip. We needed to buy air home.   We selected the offer that had a competitive price and an excellent cruise air fare to get home.

Edited August 4, 2021 by iancal

[navybankerteacher]

We are frugal - in that we do not believe in wasting money.  That usually means seeking value rather than just low cost.  There are crowded mass market lines which I avoid because, while they may be less expensive, strike me as a waste of money because having a second rate experience is  not the way I like to spend vacation time.   Because we are not heavy drinkers (which I believe is the proper definition of one whose rate of consumption justifies buying a package), we probably only have three or four mixed drink in a week.  We do enjoy good wine with dinner - meaning that the higher priced lines which generally allow you to bring your own with no charges, may not cost much more than the bargain lines which nickel and dime you - particularly if you enjoy good food and service - which requires “specialty dining” on the bargain lines.

 

At the end of the day, we find that being frugal means avoiding mass market lines - with the possible exception of Cunard or HAL (for the ideal itinerary).   The bottom line:  quality is worth paying for,  buying rubbish, even at a low price, is a waste of money.

[lenquixote66]

18 hours ago, klfhngr said:

By frugal way, I mean go with a basic cabin, no specialty dining, no extras before the cruise, etc. but take advantage of all the freebies? By going all out, you get a balcony or suite, drink package, specialty dining, purchase in room stuff before the cruise, FFTF, etc.? Just curious, because I'm catching myself purchasing stuff left and right before the cruise even begins!

We almost always book OV cabins.We had a balcony twice and an Inside once.The only time we had Specialty dining was when it was a TA perk,8 dinners on a 14 night cruise.

[Joebucks]

23 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

There are crowded mass market lines which I avoid because, while they may be less expensive, strike me as a waste of money because having a second rate experience is  not the way I like to spend vacation time. 

 

I would be careful with the way you disparage the choice of a lot of cruisers. There are many people out there that believe the RCL Oasis, Carnival Celebration, and NCL Breakaway Plus classes offer an experience that is quite enjoyable to them, if not better than others perceived "first rate" experiences.

[Markanddonna]

We have cruised in every category from the Penthouse (I didn't pay for it- it was a gift) to inside. Now we just choose mostly insides and maybe OV. We receive perks because of our status on a few cruise lines and the free dinners, drinks, etc. make our experience very pleasant. I don't need the steakhouse every night and really had no idea how to use a butler.  We are a very content and appreciative retired couple. 

 

I found one posters comment "I want to live before I die." (so she doesn't go frugal or cheap) sort of my opposite philosophy. I don't judge my life on my vacation experiences but how I live while I'm at home.

 

We tend to take longer, non Caribbean cruises to interesting places using independent travel. We've been invited to our taxi driver's home in Fiji, fed a kangaroo from my hand (not a good idea) and been the guest of honor at a church in the South Pacific. We love traveling and "getting lost" in Europe after we disembark (Rick Steves" style.)  All these trips were in inside cabins.  I'm thrilled to just be traveling and don't get concerned about drink or spa packages. 

[Homosassa]

2 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

 

I would be careful with the way you disparage the choice of a lot of cruisers. There are many people out there that believe the RCL Oasis, Carnival Celebration, and NCL Breakaway Plus classes offer an experience that is quite enjoyable to them, if not better than others perceived "first rate" experiences.

NavyBankerTeacher is not disparaging the choice of others.

 

The post is expressing the same sentiments as I had in my post, i.e.;  being "frugal" can mean spending more money to obtain the quality of experience that one wishes to have on vacation.

[ovccruiser]

Always book an inside, after all it's only somewhere to sleep and we like meeting people so all the time at sea we are out and about. Don't do drink package as my wife doesn't drink and to pay for 2, I would be paralytic all the time🤣 Mostly do ships tours but not many, never do the casino, a born loser at gambling me 😄  But there is an old saying, "don't spoil the ship for an 'apeth of tar" I go on a cruise to enjoy myself, if I can't afford to do that I shouldn't be on the ship.

[2wheelin]

16 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

NavyBankerTeacher is not disparaging the choice of others.

 

The post is expressing the same sentiments as I had in my post, i.e.;  being "frugal" can mean spending more money to obtain the quality of experience that one wishes to have on vacation.

As someone who is looking to branch out (up) it would be helpful to have a few suggested lines you see value in. Thanks

 

[pris993]

We have been cruising for 40 years.  I would guess we were more middle of the road spenders.  Not big drinkers, gamblers but generally always get a mini suite cabin.   At the end of our cruising days, now so much has changed on ships, what we use to get for no extra charge now means we pay extra for what we enjoy.  

 

We are booked to go to Mexico in 2022... have drink package, which includes tips... mini suite and will go to Crown Grill because we enjoy it.   It is not about how mmuch we spend, it is what we enjoy.   We booked early, now fare is a lot more, so we feel we have a good deal. 

[cruisemom42]

It probably will be no surprise for anyone who reads my posts, but what I will pay more for (within the limits of what I can afford) is a great itinerary and a smaller ship.

 

Interesting to see how everyone has a different "punch list" of priorities. I'd rather go on one cruise to Iceland and Greenland than three Caribbean cruises -- but then, I've done the Caribbean many times and I also don't live where it gets cold in winter.

 

I also -- as discussed in another recent thread -- would rather cruise in an inside cabin for 2-3 weeks versus a suite for one week. "Living it up" to me means having a great time in port, not drinking/partying/gambling onboard.  

 

No aspersions on anyone else's travel choices though. Unless you're so drunk that your barfing on my shoes. That's a whole 'nuther story....

 

 

[ilikeanswers]

Thinking on it my answer would have to be yes and no. I like small expedition style cruises which tend to be in the higher price bracket so in that way I do splurge however I will aim for the cheapest room possible and the cheapest sailing so in that way I am frugal.

 

On board usually these cruises are pretty inclusive and there is not a lot of optional extras any way though the things that have been on offer so far have not interested me. Deep sea fishing excursions, horseback riding or spa treatments are just not my thing. Sometimes I purchase certain independent activities that may be on offer in some ports that I am interested in, like a museum I want to see or a tour to a sight not on the usual tourist trail. 

 

When it comes to food and drink I prefer to splurge on local delicacies at port rather than on board wine that I can get at home for half the price. When I travel I like to indulge in things I cannot get at home😋. Souvenirs I hardly ever buy, they are usually objects I am not interested in.

 

On board WiFi because of my destinations is usually pretty bad so I don't purchase that though in ports I may purchase WiFi for checking emails as my cruises tend to be sandwiched between land trips and I want to check if there hasn't been any bookings with updates I need to concern myself with. 

[donaldsc]

Never splurge except for excursions that are really good and then never on s ship tour.  My excursion costs can often be major as I cruise to get to interesting places and I regard the ship as only a big bus to get me to an interesting place. 

 

Always an outside cabin but never higher unless it is free.  Never any of the other stuff offered on the ship except for maybe one or 2 extra cost dinners.  My total drink bill on a cruise might be $10 or $20 although we almost always cruise on smaller <1000 passenger ships where drinks are often included.   

 

Souvenirs and other stuff available for purchase on the ship are invariably total junk and made in China although we do splurge on locally produced art or handicrafts that is bought off the ship.  My aim on this is to come back with at least one piece of ,art or handicraft on every cruise.    Almost everything else on the ship we regard as a total waste of money.

 

DON

Edited August 4, 2021 by donaldsc