Welcome to Tightwad Cruising - What Do You Do?

[JesseLivermore]

1 hour ago, rkacruiser said:

 

There seems to be an increasing number of offers by the cruise lines that include OBC.  But, I caution you.  Check the price of such a cruise without the package that includes the OBC.  Almost always, the price of the cruise will be less.  One can then decide if whatever the package contains is worth the price to them.  

 

yes I meant apples to apples, after I book the cheapest fare, then get "Free" OBC (like my military OBC on HAL) I like that kind of  OBC since it's a win for the cruise line too b/c it doesn't cost as much.

[puppycanducruise]

On 9/26/2022 at 12:41 AM, trinaM said:

What does everyone do about rules that do not allow bringing soda and non alcoholic beverages onboard?

 

I'm a rule follower.  If the rules say I cannot bring something on board, I don't bring it.

If it was a big deal to me, I'd book on a cruise line that does allow it.

[HappyTexan44]

On 3/12/2018 at 10:35 PM, Floridastorm said:

 

Well, when I go to restaurants I tip the waiter or waitress. I don't tip every employee in the restaurant, do I now. You're not too familiar with how things work in a restaurant are you. The waiters and waitresses share their tips with the busboys and cooks. And, that is how it should be on a cruise ship. The cruise lines get away with it because of the ignorance of their passengers.

 

You tip more than you think.   You have obviously never been a waiter.   15% of the waiters tips are passed onto the busboys and bartenders.  So, those that stiff wait staff are actually costing them money since the busboy/bartender cut is calculated as 15% of 15% of the total bill.   Some places gave the busboys 15%  of 15% of the food bill and 15% of 15% to the bartender.  

Note, 15% was the standard tip was I waited tables, so it might be more now.  

 

[Cruisin'Texas]

I sailed this past May on RCCL and found that specialty food venues were cheaper if you buy them from a crew member. They even lowered the price when we told them we really weren't sure we wanted to buy. Is it better to wait to purchase these packages on board? Has anyone else had this experience?

Thanks in advance.

[KKB]

On 9/20/2022 at 4:51 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

 

- Last one:  Don't skip cruise insurance.  Emergency evacuation is incredibly expensive, even if it is unlikely.  

 

Tip: if you cruise/travel a lot, get Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Chase Preferred has good travel insurance & only $95/yr--but NO Med Evac.

(my cousin's husband was MedEvac'd from Caribbean--$30K)

Reserve is $550 (OUCH).

BUT it has a $300 annual credit on ANY travel purchase.

So suddenly it's only $250. 

I priced annual travel insurance with Med Evac for us (in our 50s). 

$450/yr. 

So I upgraded my Preferred to Reserve.

It also gives better return on travel charges.

And if you watch, you can get an excellent bonus for your initial charges. 

(I got it when I got my Preferred so was unable to do so on the Reserve)

[oyme]

On 8/12/2022 at 7:35 AM, KKB said:

Curious--did you compare the same date & itinerary to other lines?

We often find that Carnival is not cheaper than other lines.

Really? I've never found this to be the case but I also don't get the best offers from any line sent to me. I've previously sailed CCL, NCL, and Princess, when they send me offers or mailers none are great so it's usually just what sale each line is offering everyone, or so it seems. Maybe being a previous cruiser they're offering a small discount but CCL is usually the best price. When I price out my cruise I go through the booking process almost to the end to see my final prices. If you're using a TA maybe you also could be getting better rates, I never use a TA I have used a Carnival PVP but I usually book online myself.

[KKB]

1 minute ago, oyme said:

Really? I've never found this to be the case but I also don't get the best offers from any line sent to me. I've previously sailed CCL, NCL, and Princess, when they send me offers or mailers none are great so it's usually just what sale each line is offering everyone, or so it seems. Maybe being a previous cruiser they're offering a small discount but CCL is usually the best price. When I price out my cruise I go through the booking process almost to the end to see my final prices. If you're using a TA maybe you also could be getting better rates, I never use a TA I have used a Carnival PVP but I usually book online myself.

Just a regular gal here.

I do factor in things like drink packages & wifi.

Princess Plus charges $25/day/pp to add drinks, tips & wifi--tough to match that!

[BVILady]

On 11/27/2022 at 4:16 PM, KKB said:

Just a regular gal here.

I do factor in things like drink packages & wifi.

Princess Plus charges $25/day/pp to add drinks, tips & wifi--tough to match that!

Can you provide me with a link to that one? Never seen that and have cruised Princess before.

[KKB]

5 hours ago, BVILady said:

Can you provide me with a link to that one? Never seen that and have cruised Princess before.

No link necessary. You just choose Princess Plus instead of standard fare.

BUT I mis-quoted...it is $50/day more. For tips/wifi/drinks. 

(I was thinking $25/day for drinks--which it is)

Truly a deal.

 

Figure tips are around $15/day.

Internet $10/day (not spectacular but you can check your email, social media or a Google search)

So $25/day for drinks is a fantastic deal (alcohol up to $9 (covers most), speciality coffees, sodas, etc).

 

Edited November 29, 2022 by KKB

[JesseLivermore]

Do any of the major cruise lines do year end deals (having just missed BF) or is it a random occurrence?

 

So far the best CCL deals    I've seen are casino comp. deals, so i'll be sure to spread my bets at the next cruise.  Hope slots count since I'm a little too embarrassed with low bets at tables, except maybe roulette.

Edited December 1, 2022 by JesseLivermore

[JesseLivermore]

Once I get the best fare, I also try to combine OBC like military, teacher and stocks (bought a 100 CCL at $7 which has worked great so far!)

[NHProud]

It’s been a year so trying to keep this going.  Cruise less would help in saving some money otherwise don’t buy anything on board .

[JesseLivermore]

Interesting that this thread started during the financial crises and is still going..

 

Missed out on low deposit BF deals.  Hope they come back soon...

[Ozwoody]

2 hours ago, JesseLivermore said:

Interesting that this thread started during the financial crises and is still going..

 

Missed out on low deposit BF deals.  Hope they come back soon...

OK, I'll bite what's a BF deal?

First thing that comes to mind is your Boy Friend or Best Friend pays for the cruise.🤣

[NHProud]

4 hours ago, Ozwoody said:

OK, I'll bite what's a BF deal?

First thing that comes to mind is your Boy Friend or Best Friend pays for the cruise.🤣

It had me puzzled too until I came up with black Friday . 

[Ozwoody]

6 hours ago, NHProud said:

It had me puzzled too until I came up with black Friday . 

Of coarse....

Never been interested in Black Friday sales, usually they are aimed to get you to buy something you don't really need, but think well look how cheap it is.........😵

Which generally means more debt, definitely not beneficial to tightwad cruising.🙄

 

But if its a cruise at a great price, could make me re-evaluate my stance on that.😁