Welcome to Tightwad Cruising - What Do You Do?

[Cruisin 4 Ever]

We always book inside rooms, I prefer to spend the money where I will enjoy it more, although I must admit, last booking I seriously considered it. It was twice the price thogh so I just oculdn't justify 800.00 extra.

My husband likes his beer so we're usually on the hook for close to 200.00 on a seven night cruise for that. I'm not much of a drinker, so I bring a water bottle iwth some vodka on board, and it lasts me the duration.

We rarely book excursions through the cruiseline.

I tryo to only play bingo once or twice, it's too expensive.

I do buy a couple of photos because I just love how they have the name of the city/country that we're in, and I consider them my main souvenirs.

[MrFunInTheSun]

Has anyone pre-paid for drinks with the bon-voyage gifts, basically giving a gift to yourself? In the end would this be cheaper for drinking?

 

Comes out to $ 5.315 per drink. Doesn't say that coupon includes tip, I would imagine it wouldn't?

 

Although your friends are going on a fabulous cruise "Without You!" you can still treat them to a drink. They'll definitely thank you for it! (This item is non-refundable)

 

Bar Credit (4 Drink Cpns) $21.25

 

 

Item # BAR

[Goldmoon]

Has anyone pre-paid for drinks with the bon-voyage gifts, basically giving a gift to yourself? In the end would this be cheaper for drinking?

 

Comes out to $ 5.315 per drink. Doesn't say that coupon includes tip, I would imagine it wouldn't?

 

Although your friends are going on a fabulous cruise "Without You!" you can still treat them to a drink. They'll definitely thank you for it! (This item is non-refundable)

 

Bar Credit (4 Drink Cpns) $21.25

 

 

Item # BAR

 

It doesn't save you much except (tax if in port) and gratuity, which is 15%, to me 15% is 15%. If you order a drink that cost more, they just charge you the difference so you can drink for just a dollar or 2 if you have say a pina colada or margarita, and only pay the gratuity on that. It keeps you bar tab down, and I had more of an idea of what I was spending. If you don't use them all, you can take them on your next cruise. So some people love it and some don't think it worth it. I use it more for a budgeting tool, and it does save me 15%.

[Arzeena]

Good subtitle. We use the term tightwad as a source of pride. Being retired and on a fixed income, we figure it's easier to save $500.00 by being a tightwad than to generate an additional $500.00 of income. Being a tightwad allows us to cruise three to four times a year, and do pretty well anything else we want, when we want. That's FREEDOM! It all depends on if you want to pay full price and travel less - or be a tightwad and travel more. ;)

 

I'd rather be a tightwad and travel more! On our first cruise we had a bill surprise when we disembarked! But after that NO way! We make use of all the inclusives as far as we can, except the internet usage. We went to an art auction because my husband wanted to have the free champagne...........and they gave us raffle tickets and my husband won 2 pieces of art. We would never buy it otherwise. Heard a lot of stories and law suites about Park West, the onboard auctioneers, so buyer beware. We can do without the sodas. We have the free tea, coffee, juices, etc. I have noted that the spa treatments are less treatments and more product pushing.....which is really annoying. On one crusie these spa people were at every corner 24-7 persuading you to book a treatment. Felt like smacking them! Same with the bar drink waiters!!!

[pappagene]

Not because the economy is "weak" or gas prices have "skyrocketed" - most of which has been conjured up by the left-wing media - but we tend to cruise on the cheap. We search for off-season or repositioning cruises and then set our sights on a balcony stateroom with the cruise fare saved. We book the next cruise while on-board the current cruise for an OBC, use our C&A benefits for a discount, and use our RCCL stockholder benefits for an additonal OBC. When we have enough RCCL Visa card points accumulated, we cash them in for another OBC. Then, while on-board:

 

We don't buy the over-priced weak drinks in the smokey bars - but once in a while we'll order the drink of the day - or two - before the show.

 

We do not buy the art at the auctions - but do sign up and drink the free champaigne.

 

We don't buy a soda card - but do drink coffee, tea, and juices for free and even make our own "Cafe' Diablo" using their hot cocoa mix, coffee, and creamer.

 

We don't buy a wine package - but do use our C&A coupon for a free wine tasting.

 

We don't use any spa "treatments" but do occasionally sign up for a free lecture/sales pitch.

 

We don't use the laundry service - but do wash out our own quick-dry travel clothing in our cabin.

 

We don't use the high priced/low speed internet service on-board - but do use our own mobile web service when in port and cell phone service is available.

 

We seldom use specialty dining - but do order room service dinners or breakfasts and eat on our balcony where it is much quieter.

 

We DO try to book an excursion or two on-board so that it'll be charged to our sea pass - the one already front loaded with a bunch of OBCs.

 

The result? Most cruises we have a very small balance on our sea pass at the end of the cruise, and sometimes even have a credit.

 

Are you a tightwad cruiser too? If so, what do you do

 

I guess you can call us tightwads if the things above apply. We do not drink, gamble, go to the specialty restaurants, use the internet (we cruise to get away from this), only use the cell phone to contact family to let them know we are taking extra days, only use the spa to exercise for free, live without the sodas, etc. We are happy with our cruises this way. I save the money not spent to go on another cruise later.

 

Gene

[VioletHill]

My RCCL ship (AOS) does not allow you to bring beverages of any kind on board - water, wine, nothing. They also do not sell any bottles on board. You must purchase drinks (about $9 each for beer or spirits with mandatory gratuity and 18% tax) in the bars or wine in the restaurants. They are vigilant about inspecting for smuggled alcohol.

 

They do have a duty free on some sailings, but not within the EU. The web site talks about the duty free and I counted on that, but later read it does not apply in the EU and it is not available during these sailings.

 

If you like to have a few drinks at the end of the day or in your room you will pay dearly for it. Kinda defeats the whole idea of being on vacation. I am very disappointed and wish I had known this before. I'd have chosen a different line that had more liberal policies or one that had at least one non-EU port so duty free would be allowed.

 

At these prices, We would add about $75/day for the two of us for what would cost $7.50 at home or slightly more if we could bring some of our own. I simply cannot enjoy a $10 drink. Takes the fun out of it.

 

I'm not cheap, I just want more. When I pay for a vacation I expect it to be paid for - not full of unexpected costs. Fine with the tipping, but don't plan to spend one cent more on board.

[VioletHill]

My RCCL ship (AOS) does not allow you to bring beverages of any kind on board - water, wine, nothing. They also do not sell any bottles on board. You must purchase drinks (about $9 each for beer or spirits with mandatory gratuity and 18% tax) in the bars or wine in the restaurants. They are vigilant about inspecting for smuggled alcohol.

 

They do have a duty free on some sailings, but not within the EU. The web site talks about the duty free and I counted on that, but later read it does not apply in the EU and it is not available during these sailings.

 

If you like to have a few drinks at the end of the day or in your room you will pay dearly for it. Kinda defeats the whole idea of being on vacation. I am very disappointed and wish I had known this before. I'd have chosen a different line that had more liberal policies or one that had at least one non-EU port so duty free would be allowed.

 

At these prices, We would add about $75/day for the two of us for what would cost $7.50 at home or slightly more if we could bring some of our own. I simply cannot enjoy a $10 drink. Takes the fun out of it.

 

I'm not cheap, I just want more. When I pay for a vacation I expect it to be paid for - not full of unexpected costs. Fine with the tipping, but don't plan to spend one cent more on board.

 

 

I may take my chances with trying to get soemthing on board from the ports. Otherwise find a nice place to enjoy our cocktails before re-boarding and spring for a taxi back to the ship. I tihink I have enough room in my bra for a couple baggies - haha. DH laughing now.

[scoo552]

Wow, thanks so much to the posters of this thread who provided so many great suggestions. I also love hearing about what people splurge on and what they pass on. I think one thing that a lot of posters have referenced that's the bottom line is, make sure you're getting utility for your money. It shouldn't be about stressing about spending, because if you pick the things you really or that give you a lot of convenience then you know you're making good choices.

 

That having been said, I do think planning ahead can help people make those decisions more effectively and easily. That's why the Cruise Critic forums are so great.:D

 

I've only been working for a few years, and haven't saved much money, so it'll be at least 6 months before I take my first cruise. Still, the wheels of my mind have already started turning on what I'd get. A soda card sounds worth the money, since I love carbonated beverages (diet coke and seltzer or club soda, mmm).

 

I like the suggestions about conserving on alcohol. Still, I'll probably get some "fancy" drinks. I run warm, so I really like "frozen" drinks. I'd be happy to give the cruise company some of my money if they provide me with said drinks. Maybe I could bring a little rum or something on board to make sure the drinks are sufficiently stiff.

 

The biggest change in my mind after reading these boards for a while is whether or not to go to specialty restaurants. I love good food, and I like eating out, so I was planning on budgeting in a decent amount of restaurant-going for a cruise. After looking at some of the food pics from the main dining room (including some that are fairly comprehensive), what I've seen looks so good that I'm starting to question whether or not to bother with the specialty restos. Maybe if there's something on the menu one night that I don't like.

 

Two questions related to planning for optimal value: are the menus for all meals available from the beginning of the cruise? If not, how long in advance are they available?

[school nurse]

My sister goes on Royal Caribbean. I had her try the Rum Runner plastic flasks for bringing alcohol on board in her luggage and no problems. They once tried to bring a bottle of wine on board in their checked luggage and got called to the 'Naughty room'. Me, I just wouldn't travel on a cruise line that will not let you bring on a bottle of wine, or some water or sodas. I travel on Princess or Carnival!

[cruisin_cutie]

Id be a penny pincher if i wasnt with DH! he doesnt want to worry about what he is spending and he is a pretty big drinker, so i dont get to save to much lol... now if i were cruising with my mom or solo, then that would be a different story! i think it would be fun to see how low i could keep my on board account.

this time, we are planning 1,000 freaking dollars for our onboard account for one freaking week on the ship :eek:. this disgusts me lol, but thats what DH wants :rolleyes:

lets hope and pray we dont spend all that and get some back a the end! (were paying cash for the acct, no cc cards)

[cruisin_cutie]

I just wouldn't travel on a cruise line that will not let you bring on a bottle of wine, or some water or sodas. I travel on Princess or Carnival!

 

i am looking forward to bringing 2 bottles of champagne on my cruise with carnival! (one in DHs carry on, one in mine) :D

[moonhunter]

We're fairly new cruisers - on our first cruise (and we have mostly done transatlantics) we had a balcony that it was too cold to use most days. Other people told us an inside would be fine because we wouldn't spend that much time in our room. Guess what WE DIDN'T SPEND THAT MUCH TIME IN OUR ROOM. We spend the money we save on the cabin on shore excursions and wine with dinner.

 

We have a Princess credit card which has saved us money in onboard credits and wondering if buying stock in Princess would be worth it. Thinking that we need to get to 50 days on Princess (we have 49) to get some free internet access.

 

We are very cheap with water. Get a couple of bottles of water before getting on the ship and refill them with ship water and use them on shore excursions. Also, take advantage of being able to bring a little wine onboard.

 

We do our laundry on ship since we usually take longer cruises. Have bought some of the washer/dryer sheets that are easily portable and much cheaper than buying laundry supplies on the boat.

 

My husband always rents a tux - a bit of extravagance, but saves packing the thing and lugging it around (we usually do a land trip before or after the cruise).

 

Fortunately, our tastes don't run toward buying art, casinos, shopping or spa services and I find that I can live without Diet Coke for the length of a voyage.

 

We always accept the daily tip charges and give folks that have been good to us a little extra. I do this even though I wish the ship staff could just be paid a decent wage without tipping and often wonder if we are paying for the cheapskate passengers who cancel their tips.

 

I guess the main thing is to do the things that make you happiest within your budget.

[Goldmoon]

Wow, thanks so much to the posters of this thread who provided so many great suggestions. I also love hearing about what people splurge on and what they pass on. I think one thing that a lot of posters have referenced that's the bottom line is, make sure you're getting utility for your money. It shouldn't be about stressing about spending, because if you pick the things you really or that give you a lot of convenience then you know you're making good choices.

 

That having been said, I do think planning ahead can help people make those decisions more effectively and easily. That's why the Cruise Critic forums are so great.:D

 

I've only been working for a few years, and haven't saved much money, so it'll be at least 6 months before I take my first cruise. Still, the wheels of my mind have already started turning on what I'd get. A soda card sounds worth the money, since I love carbonated beverages (diet coke and seltzer or club soda, mmm).

 

if You drink a lot of soda a unlimited soda card will be your best buy, even better than bringing your own 12 pk on board, as if you are a heavy drinker it probably wouldn't be enough. And it includes soft drinks and juices (at least on the Carnival.. can call and ck what it includes on each ship class)

 

I like the suggestions about conserving on alcohol. Still, I'll probably get some "fancy" drinks. I run warm, so I really like "frozen" drinks. I'd be happy to give the cruise company some of my money if they provide me with said drinks. Maybe I could bring a little rum or something on board to make sure the drinks are sufficiently stiff.

 

On Carnival you can call the boy voyage dept and order liquor to be delivered to your room and use the soda card for mixers. Or order the $21.25 coupons for 4 drinks., sometimes you end up paying a dollar or 2 more for the fancy drinks but it saves you on the gratuity as you only pay the gratuity on that 1 or 2 dollars.

 

The biggest change in my mind after reading these boards for a while is whether or not to go to specialty restaurants. I love good food, and I like eating out, so I was planning on budgeting in a decent amount of restaurant-going for a cruise. After looking at some of the food pics from the main dining room (including some that are fairly comprehensive), what I've seen looks so good that I'm starting to question whether or not to bother with the specialty restos. Maybe if there's something on the menu one night that I don't like.

 

They have a large variety, on all ships. Carnival has what they call Carnival Classics that they have every night which includes a steak, salmon, and a few other dishes, it also incudes a set appetizers, deserts and salads, others they have you will never see again on the menu. some times I have ordered off the classic menu, as I have not cared for what they were having... I am not a big fish person... and I don't like cheese.. But their food is fantastic, the service is outstanding, and the entertainment is very good. I always eat in the mdr room for dinner the lido deck for lunch ( the buffet and so many different stations to try and sample), and vary between the mdr and the lido for breakfast for a change of pace. The food and service has been so good, I have not yet eaten at a specialty resteraunt.

 

Two questions related to planning for optimal value: are the menus for all meals available from the beginning of the cruise? If not, how long in advance are they available?

 

That day... and if you see something in the dining room (2 appetizers or 2 entrees or 2 desserts) order them both... you will not see them again on the menu... unless they are Carnival Classics.... Lobsters are quite small if you like them, be sure and order more than one.... on steak and lobster night (which is usually the first elegant/formal night). Usually the menu is posted on the televison (we have got the wrong menu before on it tho), and on the wall in front of the resteraunt.

[sandytoes03]

Hi all--

 

I've been on a few cruises before, but now DH and I have twins! YAY!

 

Our next cruise is a year, or two away.

 

So my question is, how do you all of you out there with small children, afford cruising? What rooms do you book? Which cruise lines? What do you do with little kids? Any tips?

 

Thanks!

[suezyq50]

Hi all--

 

I've been on a few cruises before, but now DH and I have twins! YAY!

 

Our next cruise is a year, or two away.

 

So my question is, how do you all of you out there with small children, afford cruising? What rooms do you book? Which cruise lines? What do you do with little kids? Any tips?

 

Thanks!

Watch for Disney's promo, kids cruise free.

[simplelife]

We're fairly new cruisers - on our first cruise (and we have mostly done transatlantics) we had a balcony that it was too cold to use most days. Other people told us an inside would be fine because we wouldn't spend that much time in our room. Guess what WE DIDN'T SPEND THAT MUCH TIME IN OUR ROOM. We spend the money we save on the cabin on shore excursions and wine with dinner.

 

.

On our last cruise, we had a balcony, but found, like you, that it was too cold to enjoy it most of the time. Fortunately, we got the cabin at a special rate, so I didn't feel it was a waste of money. However, next cruise we probably won't spring for a balcony unless we can get a low rate again. We'll apply the saving to our bar bill or excursions.

[jwave]

Why would I be frugal in some ways, but book a balcony?

So I can enjoy seeing us pull into port early in the morning.

I think I sense our slowing down and get up and out on the

balcony to watch us get closer and closer, see the island

or shore up close. On my last cruise I watched from the

balcony as we left Miami at night - watched the "Moon Over Miami".

I also enjoy watching the pilot boat deliver and pick up the pilot.

Another early morning we slowly approached Gibralter in a heavy fog -

freighters would suddenly appear nearby through the fog.

A drink on the balcony as the sun sets --- magic.

So I would rather pay for a balcony than bingo cards or slot machines.

My choice - different than your choice - may we each make the

best choice for ourselves.

 

I could not have said it better myself.

[rednose83]

I don't really consider myself a tightwad cruiser as I am willing to pay for stuff I want or need.

 

Anyways, we generally do not eat at the specialty dining, take ship excursions, drink alcohol (ever), buy art or spa services, gamble or play bingo, shop on the ship or in port, or buy non-alcoholic beverages (soda).

 

We DO bring soda for me to drink at dinner, book our own tours or just wing it and see something cultural, buy pictures when we want to (on about 3 of our cruises), and pre-pay our tips.

 

We also cruise in an inside cabin unless upgrades are free or very close to it. I don't really miss not having a window or balcony so it's not a sacrifice for me. Plus, I can nap whenever I want.

Edited October 22, 2010 by rednose83

[Alleycat1027]

I've only ever sailed Royal Caribbean, but have heard of people bringing small amounts of water on board these ships...one person had it out in the open, with a luggage tag on it and it made it! Delivered to her room without a problem!

 

I tend to ALWAYS drink a lot of water, and I think the bottled water is $3+ per day...I mean, I'll survive paying for a bottle/day, but this time when we cruise (soon) I am going to pack at least 6 bottles, maybe 12, in a separate carry-on.

 

We also do not gamble (no casino or bingo), don't drink very much alcohol (barely one drink per day per person, if that), Spa?? forget it. The service is "ok" at best AND...they pressure you to buy a ton of products. I had a treatment about a year ago in the spa, and the massueuse recommended products...when I asked her the total cost?? it was $600?? I ALMOST said: ARE YOU CRAZY?? I told her I'd "think about it" but probably would stick to products I used at home. THAT was outrageous!! No Specialty restaurants, and my one "vice" IS a bit of shopping on the ship but only if it's a good buy (and there are some from time to time)!! Also, NO pictures!! They usually aren't very good and are WAY too expensive.

 

SO...our expenses really come down to a few drinks over the course of the cruise for each of us, Excursions, a few purchases of "stuff" and tips. We really don't go crazy, often tipping extra to those who've treated us extra well...just by not drinking much and no gambling/bingo, it really helps a lot.

 

I know this post isn't that "original"...has been posted essentially before...but figured I'd AFFIRM other's!!

 

ALSO...since we've only ever been on Royal Caribbean, we do usually get a balcony...even though we aren't in the room a lot, it IS our one treat to ourselves!! AND if you keep following the prices, sometimes the DO come down and you can get the better price!!

[donaldsc]

We stay out of the gift/jewelry shops onboard.

 

I don't drink, so our bar bill is half of what it could be.

 

I will admit, however, to being a sucker for pictures (some, not all of them). Then I get home and wonder why I bought them!

 

$429 on our sign & sail card for our cruise three weeks ago, which included $140 in gratuities. I thought that was pretty good...

 

We were on the Maasdam for 35 days and my bill for the entire trip (not counting gratuities) was $45. We did one specialty dinner and I bought 1 drink. Nothing else on the ship. I will admit that we did spent a bit of money on non-ship tours but we did not take any ship tours.

 

We did take advantage of the fact that you can bring as much wine on board HAL ship (also Princess, BTW) so we bought a case of wine at a large discount wine store before we boarded. The cabin attendant brought us a wine bucket filled with ice every day at 4:00 PM so we had wine in our cabin every evening before dinner.

 

DON

Edited October 24, 2010 by donaldsc

[donaldsc]

Me, I just wouldn't travel on a cruise line that will not let you bring on a bottle of wine, or some water or sodas. I travel on Princess or Carnival!

 

HAL also has no limit on wine. We brought a case on on our last HAL cruise.

 

DON

[erdoran]

I've never found that money spent = more enjoyment. We don't hesitate to book the cabin we want, to arrive a day early and stay in a hotel, to book excursions that we're going to enjoy. But we don't feel the need to spend on everything we see. That's the key: those of us who are genuinely frugal don't need to spend to have fun! It's not a matter of sacraficing, doing without, or getting by -- it's just that we don't care to have a fru-fru drink in our hands all the time, OR we don't really see the point in going to the Caribbean and staying inside playing Bingo, OR we know that we don't need more tee-shirts and coffee mugs, OR we don't like the atmosphere of the casino, OR we don't quite "get" the appeal of the spa, OR we have no intention of paying $$$ to get out teeth whitened, OR we understand that you aren't going to get the best price on gold-by-the-inch onboard a cruiseship. Speaking only for my family: we're not skipping anything that matters to us! Most of the "extras" onboard simply don't seem to be all that much fun.

Exactly my thoughts! There seems to be a perception that there is something wrong with you if you don't $pend, spend, spend on a cruise! Some go so far as to get nasty and talk about how they are subsidizing people who don't spend. To each their own--I have every right to spend, or not, as I see fit!! I prefer to save my $$$ for MY pleasures, which include the type of cabin I get, perhaps a specialty restaurant, an occasional drink, a spa pass. If someone else wants a $1500 bar bill I don't put them down, so they should give me the same respect if my bar bill is under $100 because I hate wasting $$$$ on overpriced drinks, and rarely drink anyway!

[gr8times4us]

ChevyCruiser !

 

You need to change your title to: Cruising on a Budget 101

 

What you do is neither considered being a tightwad, cheap, or whatever other adjective you might want to put on it. You enjoy cruising, your way, and if more people took your hints they would probable be able to enjoy cruising too.

 

I totally agree! I like to consider my self as being very economical and not a tightwad or cheap !

 

I am a confirmed garage sale addict and I shop for cruising stuff even when I don't have a cruise in my future. For example I just found a brand new sealed Coleman poncho for $.25. Retail price runs $6.00-7.00. So I start saving even before I get on the ship! :D I have also found pareos NWT (new with tag) fanny packs NWT, a Polo back pack, 2 new leather passport holders, a working mini travel alarm clock, mini flashlite, a United Colors of Benetton camera bag, a compact folding bag (for all those soveniers) suction cups with hooks (for bathroom mirror to hold shower cap, etc) oh and the shower cap NIP (new in package)

 

We usually book an inside cabin for several reasons:

We get the same food, entertainment etc

(but don't have to pay $$$ for scenery)

We can go up to the pool deck to get a great view.

We're not in our room much, just to sleep & change for dinner.

Easier to find your things in a smaller room. ;)

If we want an afternoon power nap ~ we just have to turn out the lights!

 

Plus, I do recommend that you keep an eye out for price drops. We booked our next cruise early this spring for next Jan. The price recently dropped and we ended up getting $340 OBC!

 

NOW if a cruise line wanted to upgrade us to an owners suite, I would Definitely take it! :D:D Any offers? :confused:

 

gr8times4us

[erdoran]

I'd rather be a tightwad and travel more! On our first cruise we had a bill surprise when we disembarked! But after that NO way! We make use of all the inclusives as far as we can, except the internet usage. We went to an art auction because my husband wanted to have the free champagne...........and they gave us raffle tickets and my husband won 2 pieces of art. We would never buy it otherwise. Heard a lot of stories and law suites about Park West, the onboard auctioneers, so buyer beware. We can do without the sodas. We have the free tea, coffee, juices, etc. I have noted that the spa treatments are less treatments and more product pushing.....which is really annoying. On one crusie these spa people were at every corner 24-7 persuading you to book a treatment. Felt like smacking them! Same with the bar drink waiters!!!

 

I agree and it's dead wrong too!! I splurged on a $70 fire & ice pedicure and the ENTIRE treatment the girl kept pushing product after product after product as well as additional services, and when it because clear I wasn't buying anything, all of a sudden the quality of the service went way down & she ended it as fast as she could. Sure, try to sell but don't ruin/shortcut an expensive service if the person doesn't buy--take "no" for an answer and move on! Why would someone buy any more services if what you are paying for is a little service and a big sales pitch?

Edited October 31, 2010 by erdoran

[gr8times4us]

My husband likes his beer so we're usually on the hook for close to 200.00 on a seven night cruise for that.

I try to only play bingo once or twice, it's too expensive.

 

Cruise lines have a soda package, a water package and a wine package. Where is the BEER PACKAGE?

We haven't cruised in a few years, so how much is it to play Bingo now?

I am really enjoying this thread, getting some good tips and a few laughs! :D:D:D