Dozens of cruises...how do you do it?! :-)

[tulips*n*truffles]

I'm doing a ton of research to book my first cruise (this summer, Princess, Alaska) with a good friend. Neither she or I have cruised before so we don't know what to expect, but we're PUMPED!!!

 

Here's my question. I really enjoy those of you that have in your signature where you've been and when. But seriously, HOW DO YOU DO IT?!!? Some of you crusie every single year - sometimes 3 or 4 times in a year! Is there some special discount I haven't found out about yet? A job that gives you months worth of vacation?! Even with just an obstructed oceanview cabin, with all of the fees and planning for extras and excursions, we're each looking at spending something like $1800 - another few hundred with airfare. Is that pretty normal? Or do you book incredibly far ahead?

 

I don't want to pry about how much money people have at all - I just wonder if you just plan ahead to take cruises and that's what you save for, or if after so many they start handing out free ones! :-) :-) :-)

 

I'm so excited about this summer and I'm sure I'll post a ton of questions - want to read a lot first though so I don't ask things you've answered 100 times!

 

Have a great day!

[firefly333]

We plan ahead, sometimes like now when the rates are dropping, we wish that we had waited as we are now committed.

 

We had 4 booked for 2009 and a irresitable deal came up we jumped on. Now we have 5 in 2009 and 2 in 2010, so far and one in 2011. Waiting on rates for the CC Crazies Too. The first CC Crazies, sold out, then some cabins came back to book, but Carnival would not give any more group rates, so for a very popular CC cruise, you need to book when rates first come out. We are booked on our own, but plan to book thru CC next time.

[eh2zed]

If you buy smart and don't want an expensive cabin, cruising is one of the best vacation values going.

[cb at sea]

After you've cruised a few times, you don't tend to book as many "excursions"--they can really run up a bill!

[WeBeGone]

You can cruise more frequently if you book a lesser expensive cabin. We don't book inside cabins anymore but quite often book obstructed oceanviews. Also, we do little else but cruise. We cut corners in all other areas of our life in order to cruise more.

[cruiserbryce]

welcome to cruisecritic...we usually end up cruising twice a year...its not that we are rich or anything...we just choose to do this rather than go out on the weekends and spend money on certain things that we can pass on in order to enjoy a week at sea every now and then.

 

Shopping smart has a little bit to do with it. Certain times of the year are better as far as prices than others...

 

Out of any vacation choice cruising is by far the best value that you'll find...especially some of the short cruises that are out there

[Host Walt]

After you've cruised a few times, you don't tend to book as many "excursions"--they can really run up a bill!

A very wise observation, to say the least.

 

We recommend that, before booking a shore excursion you read the description very carefully to be sure you are getting what you really want, then consider alternatives.

 

Here's a typical 2-1/2 hour excursion description for St. Maarten that I took directly from a cruise line's web site:

 

Delightfully Dutch, Fantastically French Island Tour

Welcome to the two countries on one island, with distinctive European influence. You'll drive through the capital of the Dutch side, along the salt pond, with a panoramic view of Philipsburg Harbor. Continue driving through the villages of the French side with a spectacular view of Orient Beach. Continue through typical Caribbean villages to Grand Case--the "gourmet capital of the Caribbean," and to the French colonial capital of Marigot. Here you will enjoy a 45-minute stop so you can browse and stroll amid the quaint boutiques and outdoor markets. On arrival back in Philipsburg a stop will be made at The Village for a refreshment and snack, then you will have the choice of returning directly to the ship or being dropped off downtown for shopping.

The description tells you the following:

 

1. The only time you will get off the bus is a shopping stop in Marigot (on the French side) where about 30% of your total excursion time will be spent.

 

2. You will see several places from the bus but won't be able to visit any of them on the ground. For example, what exactly is the benefit of knowing that Grand Case is the "gourmet capital of the Caribbean" when you will only see it as you drive by?

 

3. If you are unlucky and sit on the wrong side of the excursion bus, you may not experience the highlights. For example, your "panoramic view" may not be particularly dramatic and taking photos may be virtually impossible if you are seated on the right side of the bus and the views are on the left side.

 

4. The last part of your excursion will be at "The Village" where you'll get a drink and snack and then will be on your own. That says that at about the 2 hour 15 minute point, your excursion is over except for a nibble at the end.

 

What the description doesn't tell you but is almost always the case is that you'll have an escort/guide who will be loaded with good and interesting information about the area. Otherwise don't count on any experiences that haven't been mentioned in the descriptor.

 

If you do your own research of St. Maarten (Dutch side) and St. Martin (French side) you will find a road map and information about each part of the excursion:

- Great photo locations

- Orient Beach (incidentally it's a "clothing optional" beach)

- Grand Case

- Marigot

 

This is where the informed cruiser can make his/her most important decision. If the excursion costs $60 for two, would they be better served by renting a car for $60 so they can visit the very same sites and stop for photos and shopping as they choose...and actually have a lunch in the "french manner" in Grand Case rather than just see it on a "drive by?" And by having their own car so they can spend their day anywhere on the island. Finally, they can have a cruise mate or two join them and, if appropriate, share the cost.

 

The only part they will miss is the narrative from the escort/tour guide.

 

The major plus for the shore excursion is that it requires no planning at all. You buy the excursion and they do all the work where if you DIY (do it yourself) you have work to do planning the day and renting the car.

--------------

 

Other shore excursions are unique and the experience cannot be replicated on a DIY basis,

 

For us, a highlight of a ship's shore excursion that is not available if one uses the DIY approach is that we are joined by our shipmates so we can share experiences and photos later with them.

 

For example, on St. Maarten most cruises offer the America's Cup Regatta where two teams of fellow cruise mates race each other in America's Cup siling ships. Not only was it a fantastic experience in itself, we had a lot of fun during the rest of the cruise bantering with members of the other team (that, by the way, won the race).

[Big Smooth]

If you live within driving distance of a port city I think that is really a big savings. I am from the Pacific NW, and even a pretty good deal on the airfare to get to Florida in March is costing my wife and I easily over $1000. That's a huge chunk of our budget. Plus we'll have to spend money on a hotel since we're flying in a day early, food, cab rides, etc.

 

Also, if you live closer to a port, I think you can be more flexible about cruise dates and lengths since you know the airfare isn't going to bite you. When a really cheap deal comes up I think that allows you to pounce on it.

[Fredr]

Tulips,

 

Although not for all, many persons who go on many cruises have been very fortunate. Their careers were such that in addition to good salaries their companies/public sector employers provide pensions and medical insurance. There is also Social Security and Medicare which by themselves are not great, but as supplements to other savings and so on, really make a difference.

 

Many were able to educate their children when higher education was more reasonable...not cheap but more affordable.

 

And then there are the two income families...many women were brilliant managers who were able to balance careers and home lives and as a result families have the retirement income to travel.

 

And then there are my wife and I who have part time jobs which we enjoy and allow us to go on two or three cruises a year. We are substitute teachers. When considering a cruise (going on our 27th in three weeks) we look for specials, consider the airfare if any, do our research as to whether the ship's excursion is worth it (and some are). Without depriving ourselves, we drink a little, gamble just a bit, and will try the specialty restaurants. We also generally tip considerably above the recommended. And we watch our expenditures both at home and on vacations.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Fred

[JanineM]

We didn't begin to cruise til we hit our 40s and were living in Florida. We can drive to the ports, which saves on airfare.

 

More than that, we live frugally all the time. We've both lived through serious recessions before and are careful with our money. We have no debt (except for the mortgage), don't have credit card bills or HELOCs. I have a barely okay job, DH has a good job.

 

Neither of us had rich parents who put us through school, but we always worked so didn't walk out with a bunch of student loans.

 

As others have said, we make living frugally a priority, so we can afford to take cruises or buy new cars. That also means that this recession isn't affecting us as much.

 

I guess the message is, "patience"! Work hard and save and you'll be able to do the same!

[tulips*n*truffles]

That actually helps a lot! Thanks so much for the great replies - I really appreciate it!

 

Honestly, I half expected you all to say "well honey, we just have more money than you." :-) KIDDING! Well, sortof. :-)

 

My whole life I've wanted to travel - if I could make a living doing it, I would in an instant. I have a friend who started cruising with her family when she was a kid, and they just won't vacation any other way - and I'm starting to see why! It seems like the value is really good - it's just deciding what's worth the money and what's not - and if I have it to spend on this. The balance of life, I suppose.

 

Thanks again so much for your replies!!!

 

Natalie

[Fredr]

Tulips (Natalie),

 

Addenda...it is true that priorities really does make a difference. I do not have a $25,000 tool collection, a bar in our home, a pool table, or enough fishing equipment to outfit a large Japanese city. Those are very nice to have but my DW and I spend our money on travel and mostly by cruise ship.

 

I am sure that you will go on many cruises.

 

Fred

[98Charlie]

We're pretty much like others who have posted

 

• Flexibility Our kids are grown and gone so we're not tied to any school schedule. We can travel when others can't so the prices are generally lower. Also, my work schedule will allow us to leave on a Friday and not have to be back to work until Tuesday after the cruise. Helps keep the flight costs in line.
   
  
• Shop! You probably know the price range of things that you buy on a regular basis. Spend some time shopping the cruise market so that you really understand a bargain when you come across one. I just recently showed a co-worker the difference in price between a February cruise and one in June. Same ship, same itinerary, same cabin category (inside) = $449 vs $829:eek:
   
  
• Discounts Some cruise lines have discounts for various groups. Military (some only need 2 years active duty), Firefighters, Police, Union, Teachers and more.
   
  
• OBC's and Promotions On Board Credits can help too. Travel agencies will various promotions including OBC's. By shopping and knowing the market you'll be able to recognize the good deals.
   
  
• Future Cruise Credits If you're cruising NCL you'll be able to buy a FCC for $250 while on board and get an immediate $100 credit on your current cruise. When you book your next NCL Cruise you get the full $250 value as your only neede down payment. Princess has FCC's where you receive and OBC for the next cruise. The amount depends on the cabin category.
   
  
• Prioritize We have friends who maintain classic cars, have the golf memberships, dine out very often, etc. They take a cruise every couple of years. Our priority is our cruise vacations.
   
  
• Economize On The Cruise In general we figure that we can cruise 4x a year in insides, 3x oceanview, 2x balcony or 1x suite. DIY excursions are more economical, less crowded and you can see things that others can't. We've joined up with others from CC on occasion for shared cost cab rides. There's also tons of free stuff to do on the ship. We seldom use specialty dining, don't buy photos, watch the bar bill, limit the trips to the casino, etc.
  

 

Charlie

[thisisjl]

ok I figure that OBC = On Board Credit right? but what is FCC?

[98Charlie]

ok I figure that OBC = On Board Credit right? but what is FCC?

 

Future Cruise Credit

 

Charlie

[Essiesmom]

I usually travel solo, so I book the cheapest inside cabin. One exception will be my upcoming HAL cruise of 32 days in an ocean view. I don't much care for alcohol, so my only drinks are the free ones at the Captain's party and past guest party. I only do excursions in very foreigh countries (i.e., not in the Caribbean). I don't gamble. I don't eat in extra fee venues, because I feel I have already paid for all my meals, and I am perfectly satisfied with the fare in the dining rooms. I do buy pictures, as traveling solo, I am seldom in the thousands that I take. My other onboard expense is internet time. EM

[Grandiva]

Hello tulips (my favorite flower ;))

 

You and your traveling companion are doing the "1st time cruiser things" which tend to be quite expensive, speaking from experience. Our first cruise we spent more on board than we paid for the 5 night cruise. Probably the more you cruise (you WILL cruise again) the less you will spend. You will find the discounts and cost saving tricks.

 

 

We have tried to cruise at least once per year. Currently looking at somehing for Nov. If we lived within driving distance of a port we would cruise a couple times a year, if only 2 or 3 nighters. Those are easily found for as little as $169. Living in Ohio adds expense to the trip with airfare, hotel, rental car or transferes and food.

 

We pay on our cruises over time. My mother calls it a cruise on lay-a-way :p. If it is what you really want to do you will find a way to fit cruises into your budget. Even if you have to work and re-work the budget a few times :D.

 

Happy cruising to you and your friend.

[Martini Mom]

We tend to book last minute and find great deals that way. We live in southern cal and don't have to fly if we head to Mexico. We have also noticed that prices have stayed low over the years. Our first cruise 5 years ago was a 3 day to Mexico for $110 (plus port fees and govt. taxes) and this cruise is a 5 day to Mexico (ocean view room)for $140 (plus port fees and govt. taxes)! How many hotels can say that about their rates over a 5 year period. Don't forget past guest discounts. That helps too.

 

We would love to cruise once or twice a year. That would be heaven. For now, we are learning the ropes as we look for great deals and ways to save up the money for another cruise. We haven't done a vacation in 3 years and boy are we feeling it!:D

[Mego0427]

I don't have mine in my signature because honestly I can't remember even being on half of them haha. But we have done one out of Boston to Bermuda 4 or 5 times because it ends up being cheaper then almost any other vacation.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

We've been fortunate to cruise frequently since we retired and moved to Florida. We are close to ports, so don't have to fly. That makes for a great savings.

 

Because we are retired, so we can cruise when prices are lowest. We can take advantage of unusual cruises such as seldom-offered two-night "cruises to nowhere" or ones that just go out to a private island and return.

 

We are very lucky. I know our good fortune could end at any time.

[SuperLarz]

That actually helps a lot! Thanks so much for the great replies - I really appreciate it!

 

Honestly, I half expected you all to say "well honey, we just have more money than you." :-) KIDDING! Well, sortof. :-)

 

My whole life I've wanted to travel - if I could make a living doing it, I would in an instant. I have a friend who started cruising with her family when she was a kid, and they just won't vacation any other way - and I'm starting to see why! It seems like the value is really good - it's just deciding what's worth the money and what's not - and if I have it to spend on this. The balance of life, I suppose.

 

Thanks again so much for your replies!!!

 

Natalie

 

 

Hi Natalie!

 

I just have to say, I love your energy and enthusiasm!! It is contagious!

 

My DH and I are also planning our first cruise (leaves a month from TODAY!) and I have become a Cruise Critic addict in recent weeks!! I, too, am doing a TON of research!

 

We are in our mid-thirties and have had the privilege of doing several land-based vacations, usually paid for by DH's company as a "reward" trip. We did Hawaii, Phoenix, and Cabo through work (2 of those times we were with co-workers), and then we did Disneyland and Disney World with our kids (one in '04 and one in '06). Then last year, we didn't get to do the "company trip" and so we planned our own to an adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (That's just south of Cancun). It was AMAZING!!

 

Needless to say... we have been seriously bit by "travel bug", just like you! If I could travel for a career, I would SO do it in a heartbeat!!

 

However, unlike many people on these boards, I have 3 children who still live at home. They are mad that they are not coming with us on our cruise in Feb., but they would quadruple the price! (Plus the fact that it's our 15th anniversary and we desperately need some "alone" time!! ;))

 

We also live in Oregon, which means we have to fly to wherever we sail from. That is a huge part of the expense... and flying with the kids is outrageous! (Thankfully we had the blessing of being able to use air-miles for our tickets to San Juan, which I had to search and search for online, but finally found some that would work! HUGE savings! Whew!)

 

Anyway... I don't mean to bore you with my life-story :D, I just want to share in your excitement and our thoughts on the expenses.

 

Since we have to fly in, we also had to get a hotel for a night before and after the cruise... added expense... but we decided to get one in a cool location, and count it as "part" of our vacation.

We are also booking several excursions... I am determined to "experience" these islands... and I want to SEE and DO stuff!!

We also booked a balcony room. Not a suite, but I wanted to be able to sit outside, watch the ocean, and enjoy my coffee or a glass of wine with my DH.

 

So... my philosophy may not be the same as others... but here it is...

 

I don't know if I will ever get to take another vacation (I sure hope so, but you never know what will happen...) Therefore I want to FULLY experience this one!! I don't want to come home "wishing" that I'd done something that I had skipped because it was 20 bucks. Know what I mean??

Now, I know you could go crazy with this mentality, and rack up a bunch of debt... and I refuse to do that... but I don't want to "skimp" either.

 

When we went to Hawaii in '99, it was my first "big" vacation, and I had a friend who gave me some awesome advice... she said "Don't go there to save money." And she was right.

 

I won't be extravagant or foolish, but I want to DO what we want to DO!! I will bring my own wine on board (it's cheaper and it's allowed), but I'll also eat in at least one of the specialty restaurants. ($20 for a meal that would be over $100 at home!!) I want to experience that!

We'll go on a couple of excursions, and maybe rent a car once. We'll shop a little, but not a lot, and if we decide to go to the casino, we will set a "set" amount ahead of time that we allot for gambling. When it's gone, it's gone.

 

Anyway... my point is that this is your LIFE, and you only live it ONCE! I can see that you are super excited, and you have a heart for making memories!! DO IT! But PLAN for it!!

 

Maybe, if we take a second cruise, we will skip some of the extras, because we will have "been there, done that". But I want to make sure I skip it because I WANT to , not just because we'll save a few bucks.

 

I hope this doesn't come across like I'm encouraging you to throw money around or spend money that you don't have. Absolutely not! But I will encourage you to EXPERIENCE this vacation!! If you have the money to do the little extras that bring you joy, you will NOT regret doing them!! I'd rather take home the memories, than the $200 in my wallet that I'd "saved"!! ;)

 

I'm sorry if I'm rambling! I'm just excited for BOTH of us!! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time! Keep us posted on the things you learn and discover in your research!!

 

Cheers!

Amy

[firefly333]

We also live in Oregon, which means we have to fly to wherever we sail from. That is a huge part of the expense... and flying with the kids is outrageous! (Thankfully we had the blessing of being able to use air-miles for our tickets to San Juan, which I had to search and search for online, but finally found some that would work! HUGE savings! Whew!)Cheers!

Amy

 

Have you already done the trip to Alaska?? Most of us would love to do Alaska, just haven't gotten around to it yet. You should be able to drive to Seattle or take a train to Montreal. There are round trips for as short as 7 days from Seattle. My friend loved this cruise. Any nearby cruise port to me should be taken advantage of.

[SuperLarz]

Have you already done the trip to Alaska?? Most of us would love to do Alaska, just haven't gotten around to it yet. You should be able to drive to Seattle or take a train to Montreal. There are round trips for as short as 7 days from Seattle. My friend loved this cruise. Any nearby cruise port to me should be taken advantage of.

 

No, we haven't done an Alaska cruise. This Caribbean adventure in Feb. is our FIRST cruise ever!!

 

But you are right, we could easily drive to Seattle for embarkation. Frankly, however, since we live in the Pacific Northwest, most of the time we are dying for some sunshine and warmth, and Alaska doesn't sound very appealing in February! ;)

I realize that the Alaskan cruises don't begin until late Spring, and I imagine that cruising there in the summer would be an incredible experience! Maybe we'll give it a try one of these days, when we are looking for glorious mountains and majestic scenery... instead of a suntan and sand in my toes!!

 

I do look forward to hearing "Tulip's" recap of her cruise to Alaska after she goes. I know a few people who have lived in Alaska... and it is their very favorite place in the whole world!!

[PenelopeCorelli]

Have you already done the trip to Alaska?? Most of us would love to do Alaska, just haven't gotten around to it yet. You should be able to drive to Seattle or take a train to Montreal.

 

 

You mean Vancouver, BC, don't you? You can't get to Alaska via a cross-country train trip across Canada to Montreal, PQ (though it's a great city!):)

[SuperLarz]

You mean Vancouver, BC, don't you? You can't get to Alaska via a cross-country train trip across Canada to Montreal, PQ (though it's a great city!):)

 

Ha Ha! Yes, I'm sure that's what Firefly meant! I live here, and I didn't even catch that... too funny! Yes... it would be a VERY long train ride to Montreal!!

 

But it is a VERY short flight to either Vancouver or Victoria BC. (Victoria was like a 45 minute flight when I went in September!)

 

Thanks for keepin' an eye out!! ;)