To those that will keep cruising how do you plan to save $$

[Cruzfan34]

Luckily, we don't have to fly, and the fuel surplus charges really don't make that much of a difference to us. We don't have kids...DH works offshore for 7 days so he only has to drive once a week to work...unless he has office work to do, which happens only occasionally.

 

I can find small ways to cut back, but our cruises are paid for by DH's bonuses, any overtime he makes, etc. I created a budget the day we moved into our own place (19 years ago) so it's not hard to find money when we want it. lol. ;)

[Toddcan]

Some tips we have used in the past:

 

1. Plan on spending less on the ship.

I'd much rather cut my onboard or onshore spending than not cruise. To us, that means buying the photo's on elegant night only, or perhaps on embarkation, rather than both.

2. Start a cruise fund.

Three years ago, when we first started saving for cruises, we cut back on our "date night" spending. We used to eat out every Friday night, now we eat out only every other Friday, and we put that $60 /2 weeks ($120/month) into our cruise fund.

3. Spend less day to day at work/home.

Goes along with item #2. The money you can save by bringing your own lunch to work, or buying Starbucks less (Timmies, for us Canucks), can really add up. Throw that extra into your cruise fund

4. Drive rather than fly to the ports.

Every situtation is different, but you may find it cheaper to drive to the ports rather than fly. This is specially true when you have more than 2 people cruising.

5. Start a "spare change" jar.

Each day, take the spare change you have in your pockets/wallet, and put it in a jar. Or, sign up for those debit cards that round up to the nearest dollar and puts that extra into a savings account. After a month, you will be amazed how much change you can find in that jar.

[glrounds]

Everything helps. But the reality is demand is only slightly above supply which accounts for a portion of the increase we've seen. Most of the increase is due to speculators. If the supply can increase and match our demand, prices will drop as speculation will slow greatly. This release by the Saudis' would be their highest production EVER. But, that said, our bigger issue is the friggin environmentalists who have so much power over congress and the democratic party that we can't drill in a lot of areas that have a LOT of oil in and off the coast of the US. We also need new refineries built. Our prices would be below $3/gallon and possibly below $2 if we were exploring and drilling more in our own backyard.

 

I agree with you completely . . .

 

I'm a member of SSRFANATIC.COM, a truck club, where this is obviously discussed constantly. We have several members that work in the oil industry and this is exactly their solution, albeit a long term one. :(

 

No new refineries built in the last 34 years, mainly because of environmentalists.

 

No drilling in ANWR, mainly because of environmentalists. The same "worries" were stated of the Alaskan pipe line and to this day the pipeline has been a boon to the animal life (Moose and Caribou in bitterly cold weather all huddle around the pipeline for warmth and survival).

 

No drilling offshore. Some of the largest pools of high grade oil are located in the Gulf and Western coast. Thank the environmentalists for this. (when was the last time you heard of an oil spill from a drilling platform?):confused:

 

Not ONE drop of oil or natural gas should be used to generate electricity in this country. We have the World's most advanced nuclear, wind, and solar capabilities and the environmentalists with their "hand-wringing" defeat every attempt to build more nuclear plants.

 

As to the speculators, some members believe JUST ANNOUNCING that we are going to start drilling in ANWR and offshore would cause the hedged-price of oil to plummet.:D

 

(sorry for the hijack)

[Pegs222]

Nothing will change for us. We are both retired and are very blessed to not have any debt and can do what we want, within reason of course. Even with the higher cost of traveling I intend to still travel and enjoy as much as we can.

[Katiebug430]

We're fairly thrifty to begin with; we don't do a lot of frivolous spending or run up much debt. Some things we do and will continue to do:

 

1) Keep a change jar. I tend to use debit for purchases, but Mr. Bug uses cash and always has a pocket full of change. We have a nice ceramic bank and we empty it once a year. We always get at least $150-200 or more out of it.

 

2) Pack lunches for work rather than buy. Not only is it healthier but it's cheaper! I do sometimes go out for pizza with coworkers but

 

3) Clip coupons and use them wisely. It's old fashioned, and difficult to get good deals on "fresh" food - most food coupons are for prepared foods and we don't do much in the way of Rice A Roni or frozen bagels or what have you. However, for cleaning supplies, paper products, and health & beauty aids those coupons combined with sales can make a HUGE difference! When it comes to gas, we have gas rewards discounts for every $50 we spend at our grocery store when we use their affinity card. I can usually save 10 cents/gallon on my weekly fillup simply by using those gas rewards.

 

4) Have a written budget and stick to it. We spend every dollar of income on paper before the month begins. It helps a lot.

 

 

We do not have a rewards card for frequent flier miles. I wish we had one, and I have FF numbers with all the airlines (for work travel), and for work I try to stick with StarAlliance airlines, but personal travel we usually use whoever is cheapest. I hear there's a card out there that gives a mile for each $1 spent on the card, and can be used on any airline. I might look into that...

 

 

Specific to cruising:

 

~ We will be focusing on ports within 1 day's driving distance. Realistically that's NYC, Boston, or Baltimore/Norfolk.

 

~ Cost is now a significant factor in deciding on excursions. On our Valor cruise in October, two of the four port stops will be beach days for us and we will do more expensive excursions at the other two. Until a few months ago we were planning on going all-out for all four ports.

 

~ We don't gamble onboard anyways, except for a few bucks on the slots. If we want to gamble, two of the largest casinos in the world are within a 45 minute drive of our home; the cruise ships and even Vegas pale in comparison!

 

~ We may choose to book an outside cabin rather than a balcony in the future if the cost differential is enough to make the difference between cruising or not cruising. I really think we'd prefer a balcony, but I'd also rather be able to afford a cruise every other year rather than one every 3 years!

[hubofhockey]

We don't have the option of driving to a port. But we look for bargain air.

 

I have pretty much decided that, for my family of four, my vacation is going to cost $500 to $1,000 more. I really don't want to compromise the vacation. I don't want to cut out specialty restaurants or ask my wife not to get a massage special.

 

I try not to do ship excursions in any case and that relates as much to quality as it does to price. I avoid casinos. As for liquor, I'll bring my two bottles (Carnival or Princess) and maybe there could be some cans of Heineken Light thrown in. I'll bring aboard some small soda cans for the kids (no other buying of $2 cans on the ship). Maybe we can hold off on some of the port spending. We'll see.

[IHATESNOW]

We have always found ways to cut cost so this is nothing new to us.

1. Shop early and book early. I like to start over a year in advance.

2. Book guaranteed inside cabins. If need a window or balcony then this won't apply to you. Being past guests we have always ended up with a decent higher level cabin and have saved a good deal.

3. Book your own excursions. The prearranged ship excursions are inflated a good 30-40% over doing them on your own. A little homework goes a long way. Especially with the internet, it's easy.

4. Drinkers Only- You can save some money by dare I say, smuggling your own alcohol on in your luggage. San Juan is a great port to sail from since you can openly bring it on in your carry on bags. No smuggling necessary.

5. Track airfare well in advance and pull the trigger when it's at or below historical low points. Tuesdays used to be the traditional fare update days but that has changed for some.

6. Use Hotwire or Priceline for pre and post cruise stays. Utilize betterbidding.com to take the mystery out and get a great room at a good price.

[West Tx Desert Rat]

Started cruise fund, book a year in advance and pay of in cash not with credit card. I also ride a bike to and from work save money and help me stay healthy. I also pack a lunch instead of go out to eat. I also started a garden to cut back on spending at the grocery store also I purchase a half steer and have it butchered, this is a large saving in meat doing it this way. I also have the a coin jar at my house where all my spare change goes, along with selling my empty cans. I also drive 12 hours to the port instead of flying. Also I use cash on my S&S card instead of a credit card, don't have to worry about over spending and having a large bill to pay off.

[Majesty Fan]

1. Book well in advance.

2. Drive to the Port- you can. Fly to a Big Airport. Saved over $500 doing that on our CA cruise . A little bit of a hassle but saved money.

3. do some onboard credit.

4. Have a special fund that money goes into. I have a special savings/expenses fund and every week money goes into that for cruise/and other expenses but it works out.

5. We buy a good portion of our groceries at Sams can buy more items lass trips to the store.

6. Changew goes into Casino fund a empty Falmingo drink cup and then once a year I get in converted into cash for the Casino last year it was about $60 this year I have more so we will see in Oct. Any money I win on the last night in the caino goes to the next years cruise Casino fund.

7. check the onboard gifts and pre order the bar coupons.

8. research your port most of the time you can do your own things for a lot cheaper ex. rental jeep in Cozumel was $60 and massage at Mr. Sanchos with tip for 30 minutes was $35.

Lexi

[2PinaColadas]

We 1.)book in advance. 2.)Have a "vacation account" in which we have so much automatically deducted from each check 3.) buy FunShip dollars for about 6 months before cruise 4.) book private excursions or do beach days

5.) smuggle small amounts of booze 6.) take some cokes and water on with us 7.) limit shopping

[dan40]

Well we could all knock over liquor stores. Take the cash and some merchandise. That will pay for the airfare AND keep the S&S bar tab low. Multi tasking!:rolleyes:

 

Dan

[delta cruiser]

I won't have to change anything. I am lucky that I work for an airline and therefore my whole family gets to fly for free and since I work in the travel industry I receive pretty decent discounts from the cruise lines, so for me and my family nothing changes. I am also fortunate that when my family flies we are also still allowed to check 2 bags free of charge. In light of high air fares working for an airline is starting to have some perks again.:p

[Handsome58]

Just start a year ahead, that is what we do....we will be going on the Liberty this August. Started paying last September. We locked in the flights in January...$245 each round trip to Miami from DC.........and we can take 2 bags since it was before the new bag plan started. Then we take water, sodas and few drinks on board. We keep a change jar all year.....we cash it in the day before our cruise...we use this for airport shuttle.........just cut corners but not quality on any thing you can.........plus we do no ship excursions.....we do our own thing at ports.......[cabs, beaches etc].......and if I could ever get my wife to slow down shopping....lol lol...but that is her vice......I have mine......I like a nice quality drink now and then...no rotgut.....lol lol........

[scubacindy]

I just need someone to tell me one good reason for me not to book a cruise in September, on the Holiday. 4 nights, I can drive to the port, I can pay for the cruise ( or pay off the booking price ) if using credit card with pay check easily. I have over 47 hours of vacation time that is unused. Plus I am having terrible cruise withdrawals.

 

Help! Keep me sane. I have a family cruise booked for next summer in June and need to think how to pay that off, but just can't stop daydreaming of a short cruise sooner.

 

Cindy

[Handsome58]

Book that cruise!!!! Book that Cruise!!!!! Book that Cruise!!!! oops you wanted to know why not to book............can't think of a reason not to!!!! DO IT!!!!!!!!!!

[ruthiegirl]

CHARGE IT!!!!!:) :) :) :eek:

[bakechef]

Started cruise fund, book a year in advance and pay of in cash not with credit card. I also ride a bike to and from work save money and help me stay healthy. I also pack a lunch instead of go out to eat. I also started a garden to cut back on spending at the grocery store also I purchase a half steer and have it butchered, this is a large saving in meat doing it this way. I also have the a coin jar at my house where all my spare change goes, along with selling my empty cans. I also drive 12 hours to the port instead of flying. Also I use cash on my S&S card instead of a credit card, don't have to worry about over spending and having a large bill to pay off.

 

If you can be disciplined with a credit card you can make money with one. I use the credit card for everything, and have $100 in cash(cruise cash!) from rewards just by paying my bills with it and never carrying a balance or paying a penny of interest! I just paid final payment today on my cruise and that alone was worth $10!:D I will pay it off as soon as it posts to the account!

 

MAC

[neatokimmo]

I put vacation $$ out of each paycheck into an ING account to use for the final payment. When I book a cruise I add a new sub account and divide the final payment by the number of months left...it really is a painless way of paying for a trip.

 

I also use the stock credit for my tips and a drinks (and BTW, CCL stock is not a good long term investment..if you bought it two weeks ago you'd be screwed right now).

 

I looked over my credit card rewards and started using the card that gives a free airline ticket with 20,000 points ($400 limit which is what airfare costs from my home) instead of cashing in the same points for $200 in gas gift cards.

 

I am going to buy the baby a lap ticket this Dec instead of a seat. It will be miserable I'm sure but I'll save $400 for 5 hours of discomfort.

 

I've started carpooling and I save $11 a week. With vacation time counted that is still $500 a year I'm saving. That is about what one passage on our Valor trip cost.

 

I took 20 lunches to work (shelf stable stuff) and my own diet coke so I am not spending anything at work now (and I don't have an excuse either!). This was a big money waster for me.

 

I do CVS and Walgreens deals and get my bath items for free.

 

I also do the regular things of sticking to a semi frugal budget and watching my everyday spending. In the past I've been so so in tracking it. This month I can tell you down to the penny what I've spent (track it in excel). It is really eye opening.

[sbwhite2]

I just need someone to tell me one good reason for me not to book a cruise in September, on the Holiday. 4 nights, I can drive to the port, I can pay for the cruise ( or pay off the booking price ) if using credit card with pay check easily. I have over 47 hours of vacation time that is unused. Plus I am having terrible cruise withdrawals.

 

Help! Keep me sane. I have a family cruise booked for next summer in June and need to think how to pay that off, but just can't stop daydreaming of a short cruise sooner.

 

Cindy

 

Sounds like all the right reasons TO DO IT! Life is short....if you can afford it, do it!

[patrice1]

1. Look at all dates for itinerary and pick the lowest.

2. Always book CCL - only line w/military discount for vets.

3. Buy $50 Funship every pay check for onboard credit. We start every cruise with over $1000 in our account.

4. Use CCL credit card for deposit and payments, to accumulate points. Pay off each charge before you charge again (i.e., $400 & pay $200/mo. for 2 mo., charge another $400, etc.).

5. Book all excursions on your own.

6. Book well in advance.

7. Buy liquor from CCL to have in room on boarding.

8. Rent car for drive to port & rent one for return - still cheaper than taking your own and parking for the week.

9. Limit casino $ - we do $20/person/night. If we win over $100, we cash out & put it in the safe.

[scubacindy]

I am having trouble coming up with reasons to not book this cruise. Let me see, I don't spend extras on my lunches at work. I always take mine with me, I even eat at my desk so I don't have to drive. ( the building my office is in is separate from the hospital where I work, so I have to drive to the hospital if I want to go to the cafeteria) saves me in two ways, gas and food costs.

 

I pay off the credit card charges I make.

 

I don't need to shop for clothes, shoes, or swim suits I have more than enough and can use them.

 

I can drive to the port, about a 10 hour drive for me, but it is not a problem.

 

I have the vacation time to use.

 

The price is awesome right now, $399.

 

I don't gamble so casino spending is not a problem.

 

I don't need to do any excursions, I just love hanging out on the beach!

 

Drinks, hmm. Well, I can cut back on the froo,froo drinks. Bring my own wine. Bring water, and maybe some sodas of my own. I can really concentrate more on me and my healthy choices too! Enjoy the salads, and fruit on the ship, maybe even help me lose alittle more.

 

Good for my mental health, relaxing and destressing time!

 

Ok, so now what are my cons .....

 

The money for this cruise could go toward next summer's trip sooner.

 

I still have to convince my sister to go, or I will be going solo. DH is not interested at all right now.

 

Will have to drive... but, if my sister can go I can drive to her house ahead which will make the next day a shorter drive.

 

I really, won't know until this weekend. I am going to her house and we are going to discuss this seriously. We take a girls week every year and I want this, she want just to go to the beach. ( Actually it is convincing my BIL that this is not going to be an economical breaker, he is really worried about where the economy is headed).

 

It is driving me nuts! Guess I will just have to make the decision when I see them Friday.

 

Cindy

[Rowan555]

We book far in advance to save money, and we always book an inside guarantee - when it was released that the fuel surcharges were going up again a few months ago, I called right away and booked our cruise for next April. Saved us only $50 or so, but hey, I was going to book it later on anyway. We're spending $100 more on next April's cruise than we spent on the same cruise this April, but it will be on the "refurbished" Fantasy, so we'll get our money's worth just from the kids playing on the water slides.

 

We're fortunate to live in a port city - I don't know what we'd do if we had to drive a long distance or fly in order to cruise. We've already cancelled our tentative Disney plans for next year - the 10 hour drive was daunting even before the cost of gas skyrocketed.

[trb351]

Hi All,

 

We use a lot of those suggestions to save for a cruise. Even though this is just our second, we plan to keep it up. Here are a few.

 

We have an account set up just for cruising. (money goes in bi-weekly)

All overtime money goes into that account.

We take the train over flying.(sometimes it take us 3 days but saves a bundle and amtrak offers 15 to 25% discounts to NCL passengers)

Don't order too many specialty drinks (we're there for the experience)

We're happy with an oceanview stateroom

Don't feel obligated to do the shore excursions in every port.

Take advantage of the romance/anniversary pkgs.

 

(I wish we could drive but we live in the prairies so there is no ocean nearby. Train is easier)

 

Hope this helps!:)

[Vettebuf]

2. Always book CCL - only line w/military discount for vets.

 

Patrice and others,

Other cruise lines offer military rates. We passed up a great military rate ($449) on a New England Cruise on the Caribbean Princess this October because DH just didn't want to go north. Only certain TA's can book military rates on Princess. If you call Princess and ask, they'll give you the information.

 

We did get a military rate on our Carnival Liberty 12 night Med cruise next November - $849 ($1013) each for an oceanview cabin. We've also saved with the +55 discount on RCCL.

 

We also rent to drive to the NYC port and bring our own wine and champagne onboard. We use the credit card (paid off every month) for frequent flyer miles.

[crusinpsychRN]

I should sell my 20 y/o daughter who is in college and just drying up the bank account!