Money. How Much?!

[tron3737]

My wife & I are taking a Crown on Feb 23 to the Eastern Carribean. . . 1st timerers!! I was curious as to roughly how much money we can expect to spend ONBOARD the ship (drinks, meals, extras, etc). One alcohol drinker, one coffee, one formal dining(sabatini's), traditional dining other wise. I know it's a pretty abstract and varied question but any would be welcomed and appreciated. . . thanks!:confused::D

[chris2597]

It really varied with everyone. Our bill is usually around 500-600 but we are not big drinkers so we dont have much of a bar bill....Our bill accounts for $10 a day pp for tips for 3 people, $210.00 (I also tip a bit extra by cash), a few goodies from the gift shops, a bottle or two of wine, bingo....We have friends that cruise that have 3000 bar bills.....so it all depends on what you do while on the ship.

I usually take 700-800 in cash.....even though all ship charges are on the credit card. I take 100 in 1's, 200 in 5's, 200 in 10's, 200 in 20's. I use the 1's for tipping (room service, a couple dollars here and there for extra service). The 20's are used in the casino. I think there is a charge if you put casino charges on your credit card. I use the 1's and 5's while in port. I have found that a lot of merchants dont have proper change and either cant give me change or give me their local currency. I have a feeling it may be a ploy to make a bit more on the merchandise....My dh thinks I am foolish for bringing that much cash as I usually come home with most of it, but it makes me feel better being prepared.

[chris2597]

sorry, double post...I got the dreaded white screen

[mithryl]

I usually bring $60.00 a day, per person, for the Casino. If you're not a gambler, you won't need cash for much else. In most ports I recommend using a credit card.It's much easier than trying to figure out the U.S. equivalent and even if you come close, your change will be in foreign currency. When you use a credit card, the calculation is done through the crecit card company based on the most current U.S. exchange rate at the time of purchase. This can actually save you money...as well as the hassle of dealing with the foreign currency and the changable exchange rate on any given day.

Some small bills for porters and any added tipping you want to do In the bars, tips are automatically added to your bill, so if you tip...it's over and above what you've already been charged. Service needs to be pretty exceptional to warrant the additional tip!

The ships try to keep things as "cashless" as possible...and so should you.

[Toto2Kansas]

It is very difficult to say how much money anyone would need. But you can go with the basics. If you are budgeting for the cruise, that is also kind of hard as you never know what you might decide to do. But here are some guidelines.

 

MINIMIM Gratuities=$10 per day per person added to your shipboard account.

 

Room Service Tip=This is only IF you use room service, usually for light snacks or coffee $2, your discression.

 

Sabatinis=Not sure if this is $20 or $25 pp (it used to be $25, but I think they have since dropped it down to $20)

 

Gambling-As much as you want to spend.

 

Shopping-Also, depends on what you buy and what you want to spend both on the ship (charged to shipboard account) or in port, cash.

 

Drinks-Coke Drinker, Alcohol Drinker. Soda Card or single sodas? Alcohol, how many each day?

 

Excursions-Through the cruise line, charged to your shipboard account. Private Excursions, normally cash.

 

Tips for travel to and from the airport for luggage=Usually about $10

 

Tip for porter (even though the sign says they are salaried, they do work for tips also)=5$-$10 depending on how many bags.

[TrojanJulez]

I think it is also possible to pay extra in advance so that you have a shipboard credit and can worry less about what you're spending (less chance of a big bill at the end). Just an idea we're considering. :)