Money money money

[SMRivera198]

I know it's hard to set a specific amount for spending money on a cruise, but hubby and I are just trying to plan our budget for our anniversary cruise on the crown in January (eastern Caribbean). We do both like to drink and are also planning on doing a bit of gambling as well as eating at the specialty restaurants at least once. We were hoping not to spend more than $2000 total. We figured about $1000 onboard and $1000 for excursions and spending money on the islands. Does this sound do-able? Again I know everybody is different with money, but I'm just trying to get a round about idea from someone who has actually been on the Crown and/or to the eastern caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Princess Cays and Grand Turk) also I am interested in suggestions about things to do on those islands (excursions, fun bars, nice restaurants etc.) Thanks so much!

 

~Sara :cool:

[Colo Cruiser]

I know it's hard to set a specific amount for spending money on a cruise, but hubby and I are just trying to plan our budget for our anniversary cruise on the crown in January (eastern Caribbean). We do both like to drink and are also planning on doing a bit of gambling as well as eating at the specialty restaurants at least once. We were hoping not to spend more than $2000 total. We figured about $1000 onboard and $1000 for excursions and spending money on the islands. Does this sound do-able?

~Sara :cool:

 

Sounds good but remember the onboard expenses will be on your credit card. ;)

[bubbadog]

we dont drink alot but ours is about 400 or less,you should be more than fine with 1000,you could party all day and night with that lol:)));)

[paul929207]

Unless you are going to lose a lot of money gambling, you should be fine.

 

You should know the cost of the shore excursions in advance, if you are taking the ship's. You can adjust based on that.

[Minoushka]

Figure if you do excursions on your own about 100$ a day some will be less others more if you take ferries etc . This should include chairs and umbrellas and taxi fare to get somewhere .Drinks are 6-8$ each .Casino will be depending what yoiu play cheap or costly .Because it is always there limit yourself to 100$ per day and leftover excursion money -the original 100$.Play with winnings after that.(good luck)

If you calculate $200-250 per day for everything you should be OK.Drinks and wine will cost you

Someone said bring as much money as the total cost of the cruise for your party.

Hope this helps

 

Michele

[grandmato4]

You'll have a great vacation with that budget. You can do more or you can do less but I think you've picked a medium that will allow you freedom to enjoy what you want to do with out going terribly overboard. :)

[skwir]

Unless you intend some large purchases in the carib we figure about $200 per port day. This includes tours. For on board expenses on a 7 day sailing we spend about $400 plus tips, but we are not big drinkers nor do we play bingo. Gambling is to each persons taste. Bring only the amount you feel comfortable losing and no more. That is different for each person.

[KShea]

My wife and i just got off a 9 day cruise and our bill onboard was $1000 but that included gratuities. Also I drank a lot of beer...she only had about a drink a day. $120 of that was blackjack and the pictures are kind of expensive. But I would say alcohol and gambling would be your big ticket on board items.

 

You can bring cash with you, keep it in the safe and give the purser the cash late in the cruise and only the remaining balance ( if there is one) will be put on your card.

 

Also you can go to the purses desk most anytime and get your current balance. I would suggest doing this a couple of times to keep you up to date. They will give you a print out of everything you have used your ship card for.

 

Have a great trip....

[vickie_bernie]

On our two ten day cruises last Jan on the Emerald we were told by the Passenger Services Director that the average on board bill was $500 per couple

 

We were just above that $600 but we did make some purchases in the store, but no gambling is included in that, nor bingo. We had a bottle of wine every night, ate at Sabatinis and bought some pics. We also enjoyed the coffee card, one tour (all the other tours were private), drycleaning, flowers, and a few drinks per person per day.

 

with what you have budgeted you should really have enough, unless you plan on some big purchases or gambling.

[bermuda triangle]

I know it's hard to set a specific amount for spending money on a cruise, but hubby and I are just trying to plan our budget for our anniversary cruise on the crown in January (eastern Caribbean). We do both like to drink and are also planning on doing a bit of gambling as well as eating at the specialty restaurants at least once. We were hoping not to spend more than $2000 total. We figured about $1000 onboard and $1000 for excursions and spending money on the islands. Does this sound do-able? Again I know everybody is different with money, but I'm just trying to get a round about idea from someone who has actually been on the Crown and/or to the eastern caribbean (St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Princess Cays and Grand Turk) also I am interested in suggestions about things to do on those islands (excursions, fun bars, nice restaurants etc.) Thanks so much!

 

~Sara :cool:

 

 

Sara,

Something to keep in mind for St. Maarten.. if you go to Orient Beach (on the French side) food/drink is very expensive, as they use Euros, we had 2 drinks and a quesadilla and a burger and it was over $50 US. I don't know about the Dutch side of the island, but thought this may help in your budgeting.

 

Laura

[B40 Tha Cruisa]

Hey Sara,

We are on the same cruise and I can tell you that is plenty. Last year between the two of us our onboard bill was under 400, Combined. Like the others said, you will do great on that budget.

[vickie_bernie]

Sara,

Something to keep in mind for St. Maarten.. if you go to Orient Beach (on the French side) food/drink is very expensive, as they use Euros, we had 2 drinks and a quesadilla and a burger and it was over $50 US. I don't know about the Dutch side of the island, but thought this may help in your budgeting.

 

Laura

 

wow I never thought about that, but good point. Man I would of been shocked by that bill.

[Sandytoes]

Sara ~

 

Drinks will be on your cruise bill. No cash necessary unless you plan to tip extra each time. We usually bring money for extra tips and give on the last day.

 

Don't know how much you plan on gambling - just limit yourself each night.

 

As for $1000 for excursions and spending money on the islands. This all depends on what you are planning on doing and traveling.

 

All in all, I think you will do just fine with $2,000. Enjoy your cruise!

[bermuda triangle]

wow I never thought about that, but good point. Man I would of been shocked by that bill.

 

I was surprised to say the least, however, the beach is a favorite even with cruise staff, so it was worth the price. We also paid around $30 for 3 beach chairs and an umbrella! Plus the taxi........but again worth every penny!!

[vickie_bernie]

I was surprised to say the least, however, the beach is a favorite even with cruise staff, so it was worth the price. We also paid around $30 for 3 beach chairs and an umbrella! Plus the taxi........but again worth every penny!!

 

we were there in 2002 but we took the local bus to the French side and just did some shopping touring and had a drink then the bus back. can't remember the prices, but then again I try not to when on vacation I leave that to hubby :)

[Colo Cruiser]

Sara,

Something to keep in mind for St. Maarten.. if you go to Orient Beach (on the French side) food/drink is very expensive, as they use Euros, we had 2 drinks and a quesadilla and a burger and it was over $50 US. I don't know about the Dutch side of the island, but thought this may help in your budgeting.

 

Laura

 

 

Thats why I eat lunch on the ship. :)

[JanMD]

We got off the end of May, The Grand over in Europe- Greek islands, Venice and Rome-- with our tours--10 stops- 1,000 for tours. Europe is expensive for tours. That was for 2 people- tours and 1 person- grats. And wine, soda card.