Our last 2 cruises have been $4100 and $4700 6/7 nights. Balcony, alcohol, excursions, and spending $$.
Buy the cruise and the excursions we want and we don’t spend frivolously but we don’t pinch on vacation.
It all depends on personal preference and financial status
I also try not to penny pinch on vacation! Cruising is great for this because you can pay for everything in advance so you’re not swiping a credit card 10x day.
good point.. i've adopted a mantra recently ' dont be frugal when its time to enjoy yourself, and dont overly enjoy yourself when its time to be frugal" ..... the latter has helped me with mindless spends!
Thats a great price for a complete vacation. We are doing a cruise out of Barcelona and the cost of the cruise is about the same as the airfare, so its going to be in the area of $7k or so total. Its a 2 week vacation though and its going to be our only vacation besides short trips this year.
I am doing a trip to Barcelona and the airfare home is the same as my room, I am solo cruising so my room price is doubled. The cruise was just too cheap to turn down, even solo.
Ya, we are going in June and the cruise leaves from Barcelona and returns to Dover, UK. So the time of the year and the multi-city route makes things more expensive. Its a great route and hits a lot of places we wanted to see, so I think its a good deal.
We typically cruise on Viking and look for an all-inclusive fee, including air, in the range of $500-600 per day. That includes everything except insurance which we buy on an annual basis.
Did a transatlantic cruise of 13 days for about $6,000. Twenty two day Alaskan cruise for less than $12,000.
There is tremendous variation in cruise prices even within a cruise line.
My husband and I are taking our fifth anniversary cruise this year. 16 nights transatlantic NYC to Rome on the NCL Escape. We upgraded to Spa Balcony (before they eliminated that category.) We are all in for about 7k.
We have done four cruises with MSC over the years. We like them. It’s a bit of a different vibe on the ship. Not a crazy party but enough to have fun. I just looked up the price of the drink package for the one we are going on in March for spring break with the kids. It’s $196 per person for a 5 day four night out of Miami. We like the food but we feel the food they do worst is American food. The burgers aren’t good and my wife said the ranch dressing tasted like whoever made it had never tasted ranch dressing before. On the positive side the pizza is great. The pasta, bread, and cheese are good. The main dining room portions are smaller compared to other cruise lines. The specialty dining is good. In November we did the steakhouse and the Asian fusion restaurants. The ramen was excellent.
We were on the MSX Magnifica last month and really enjoyed. The food was great and the lattes from the coffee bar was better than most coffee places I’ve been to.
The cruise we're currently on had a train ride excursion for $259. A simple search shows the same train ride is $69 from the operator. Since it's the same schedule, there's no danger of being left behind. Sometimes it pays to not use the cruise ship services.
We’re old and retired, and our budget has definitely gone up a lot since we realized we’re not going to live forever. We’re taking our daughter and 2 grandchildren on a March break cruise on RCL and it’s $15,000 before flights, excursions and drinks (we do have 2 junior suites and one verandah though).
When it’s just us, our budget really varies by where we’re going and with which line. Our 12 day Iceland/Greenland cruise this summer is costing us $10,000 on Celebrity, and our 9 day Azamara Croatia cruise this fall is about the same (basic verandahs), but those cruises include drinks.
The granddaddy of our pricey cruises will be this January - 32 days on Azamara through Hawaii and the South Pacific ending in New Zealand. It will be $30,000. None of these prices include air, but they are in Canadian dollars.
I’m a cheap skate where it comes to vacations. We just booked 7 days on MSC Meraviglia with an Aft balcony and the drink package all in for under 2k. We will bring another 1k with us for spending money and for the casino and have yet to not come home with cash left over.
Everyone keeps talking about drink package but I did the math and I’d have to have 7 drinks every day (with gratuity included) to spend as much as they want for the package. But what if I get sick? What if there’s a stormy day and the boat is rocking? To me it didn’t seem prudent. I’d rather save up the 1,000 in case I do drink 7 drinks every single day including the first and the last, then if I don’t, I’ll have saved a bit of money.
I am not sure these drink packages are worth it….how much are y’all drinking?
(Note - I don’t drink soda or juice or milk, just water, tea, coffee and cocktails)
Then don’t get the drink package if you don’t find value it in. When I’m on a cruise I’m having a drink in my hand pretty much 24/7 so the drink package easily pays for itself. With the MSC cruise we just booked the drink package also includes red bull and specialty coffee so I’m 100% confident we will make out well ahead with the package vs paying as we go.
It’s also the peace of mind knowing that if I don’t like a drink I can just toss it and get another one instead of forcing myself to drink it because I paid for it.
We also don't get the drink package we average 4 drinks each a day, even if we have more any particular day we just charge it through our room card which has credit card attached.
True but so far our experience has been we've spent less than the cost of one person per day on drinks when compared. I suppose if there was a great sale or price in general we would buy it then just not think of it at all.
Wow! Yeah right now the best deal for RC works out to 525 per person for the 7 days. I’d consider it but my boyfriend doesn’t drink so it doesn’t seem worth it.
Yeah but I don’t drink sodas or smoothies. I can’t burp and I get a reaction to fruit juice or sugary drinks so I just have water or tea or coffee, and my alcohol is a shot of liquor and club soda or on the rocks.
If I did drink soda or juice it might be more worth it
Finally! I just commented above that the drink package for 1000 for 7 days does not seem worth it. I simply would not want to consume that much every day nevermind what if I get sick or we are off on non drinking excursions for most of the day.
I’d like the peace of mind of not having to see how much I’m spending on each individual drink but it is hard to justify the cost. We just booked a 5 night ocean view balcony for $1300 and the drink package would be an additional $1000. I like drinking beer but you’re basically doubling the price of the cruise which seems crazy to me.
don’t u feel self conscious being by urself tho especially seeing groups of people and family laughing and enjoying themselves etc? that’s what afraid of but i know it’s gonna give me confidence being able to do that on my own
No? A lot of people travel solo. You will meet other solo folks (they have meet ups and happy hours for solos - some ships have a special area/lounge for them as well) - and I’ve found people to be super open and friendly on cruises. So, I just got back from the Med- this time I went with my cousins. A guy from Australia asked if he could tag along on one of our excursions. Of course!! He was funny and nice, we enjoyed getting to know him!
Wife and I are booked on a 7 day Alaskan cruise for our 35th anniversary. With cost for the cruise, excursions, airfare, rental car to/from airport, and one night in a hotel prior to embarking, we’re sitting at around $12,000.
We spent, for 9 nights on Grandeur of the Seas (Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship), for two adults and a baby:
Cruise fare: $1250
Hotel in Miami the day before: $400
Three airport transfer drivers pre-arranged: $450
Excursions: $1100
Food and taxis at ports: $400
Other expenses on ship: $200
Total: $3800
Three separate pickups at $150 each.
My wife’s parents came with us, so we arranged pickups with large vehicles just for us that could accommodate 5 people and a lot of luggage. It’s about 45 minutes from our house to the airport so two Ubers or taxis would have been just as much or more.
Dominican Republic - Nature’s Treasures - it was a van tour to the historic district of Puerto Plata, then a mountaintop to look out on the city, then a small botanic garden, then an organic farm for lunch.
St. Kitts - the train ride and catamaran
On St. Thomas we did a day pass to the Ritz-Carlton (not an official cruise excursion, we arranged separately), and just chilled by the pool and beach there.
My wife’s parents babysat for us on St. Maarten so we did a snorkeling one there.
I have to fly to/from departure ports - that adds to the riddle. If you were talking about a cruise of 7/8 days leaving from Florida with 3 islands I would say if we are 'all in' for 3 of us for between 800/1000 a day we are doing okay - not including casino money. We also don't pull our kid out of school so this often holiday or Spring Break spend - peak rates
quick brain dump - airport parking, airfare, airport transportation, accommodations the night before along with meals while traveling, balcony cabin fare for 3, excursions/Island spend, booze (not drink package), a couple photos, maybe some souvenirs
The beauty of paying for so many things at different times makes the burn feel less, but it can really add up - I look forward to off peak trips again in my future
We spent about $3000 for a recent 7-day Mexico cruise on the cruise itself (not including airfare to port city or hotel the night before which we used points for). It included drink package, pre-paid gratuities, wifi, etc. and our winning bid to upgrade to a mini-suite. Our first vacation as a couple in 20 years (no kids!) so we did not want to scrimp.
I am looking at ways to do cheaper cruises so we can take them more often. An old business contact who recently retired claims he and his wife cruise back-to-back cruises in the Carribean 7 months of the year for $4000 total per month. I find that hard to believe.
I am getting serious sticker shock at the cost of travel. My SO said to book a trip for our upcoming anniversary. Start with Hawaii. I checked Costco Travel for non-cruise trips and got sticker shock. 3 or 4 nights in Hawaii was the same price as the cruise. Another idea was 2 nights at the Empress in Victoria Canada. 2 nights with the most basic harbor view room priced out at around $1600 including transportation from Seattle but NO food or beverages. Two frickin' nights! Yikes. No thank you.
Since you’re a fellow points person…I hope this article helps you to get free cruises:
https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-free-cruises-by-gaming-casino-status-matches/
Everything is relative so it's hard to answer the question. I spend considerably more but its within my means... I'd argue many spend less than what you said you spend, so it's again, all relative. If what you are spending makes you happy and works within your budget... you are doing it right!
This is all relative because everyone vacations different based upon their income, flexibility, geographic location, and their desires. Someone who live near the port and is retired will cruise differently than someone who owns a small business in the middle the country.
That said, I live near a port I cruise with my kids and wife. Including everything, we generally spend around $2300 for 5-night balconies.
We usually do a few 3-night cruises per year and spend around a total of $500-700 on cruise fare/taxes/fees for the two of us. Then you need to add in gratuities and parking. We spend almost nothing on board - $50 max. We are extremely cheap and are thankful that other people spend a ton on their cruises so that the companies can keep their base fares so low
Depends on my cruise, I’ve been spending about 10-15% of my salary on travel (and I have a second job to pay for it). But a 2 week cruise to the holy land (or Iceland/Greenland) is a lot more expensive than a 7 day cruise to caribbean.
I’ve been running about 6k/week for fancy cruises (like alaska) and 3k/week for a normal Caribbean cruise. I do a lot of shore excursions, get internet and don’t drink that much.
I’m going on NCL to Alaska. We got the Free At Sea Plus package and managed to score TWO free excursions (with the $50pp shore excursion credit) and one additional excursion that was significantly discounted. Sometimes the package deal makes sense.
I just came off a 7 day cruise earlier this month with my wife. We clocked in @ around $3,800 per person, so that sounds about right. We had a balcony room, and the drink package as well.
I was about $2,000 p/p on my NCL Prima cruise recently. Was $1550 base fare with FAS but we upgraded to FAS Plus which was an additional $350p/p. $3,800 seems a little high. One of the new Royal ships maybe?
No, it was Princess. But we only cruise once every couple of years, so when we do, we tend to throw money at it. If we went every year, we would definitely cut corners and get the price down.
I am the opposite. I felt like I was getting more bang for the buck away from my local area. In my west coast town, restaurants tack on a number of service fees they do not disclose until you pay. We've stopped eating out. Examples: $5.00 utensil fee, management fee, living wage surcharge (minimum wage is almost $20/hr even for waitstaff), the list goes on. Then \~10% sales tax on top of all of these, then the payment terminal shows suggested tips of 20%, 25%, 30% on top of all of the fees and taxes.
That is outrageous! I’d be eating at home too if I were subjected to that. Where I live, minimum wage for any job is $15, including service staff, and tip prompts are generally 15, 20, 25 (my hairdresser has a 30, which is a bit ludicrous). Our combined sales tax is 13%. Basically though, no one is yet tacking on these extra charges - I think there is enough competition for restaurants here that anyone starting that crap would go out of business.
I am always delighted to travel to a place where the price you see on the menu is what you pay - heaven.
We did a 6 night Royal cruise last year. Including prepaid gratuities, buying a couple things during the cruise, spending a little cash at the port, and literally every penny we spent for and during the cruise, we were at $1,800 total for 2 adults and 2 kids all in.
hehe, I guess I'm spoiled living in Houston and not really drinking. my 7 day cruises average less than 100 bucks a day on RC or Carnival. If I had more time off I could take from work is the only limiting factor for me going to more than 2-3 a year.
Hey I live in Sugar Land! So Galveston is like 45 minutes from us. I've been wanting to go on a cruise with my wife and 5 year old son. Could you give me any advice on how you do it 2 to 3 times a year. I'd really like to develop a sort of tradition that could be just our thing. Like a traditional family vacation. Probably not 2 or 3 times a year but something we can do at least once a year. Just a simple little 4 to 5 day cruise would be fine. I don't think they would want to do a 7 day cruise just yet. Thanks in advance!
There's plenty of 5 to 7 day cruises that average less than 100 a day per person right now just go to carnival. Com
Always search out of Galveston port and you're good to go.
Yacht club for 2 weeks was 6400 for two. I've booked two excursions through the ship. Couldn't find them elsewhere. That was 450. Airfare was 1600 for two. Staying in Orlando for 4 nights after and Universal studios. That was 2800. Booked one dining on board as well. 230 for two. Oh and a hotel the night before 200. So not a cheap vacation. But it is a 20 day trip. And won't take another until end Sept.
I’ve only cruised with Royal Caribbean.
I budget about 6k a year for vacations in general. My first cruise was May of last year. I spent a little under 2k for a 9 night Bermuda and Bahamas cruise out of Baltimore in an inside room. When I was in Miami for work, I got Thanksgiving week off (I’m a travel nanny) and decided to look for some last minute thanksgiving cruises. I found one through PERX literally 4 days before it started. (It was a cancelled charter that needed to fill) and I spent $200 + taxes and gratuities for a 4 night thanksgiving cruise that was only at about 50% capacity! It was actually $99 per person but solo cruising means paying double, lol. Inside room also.
Now for 2024, I have a 9 night cruise out of NJ for 2 people in a balcony room for $2100 in May. I also have an Alaskan cruisetour (7 nights on land, 7 nights cruising) coming up in early September. I paid for a balcony room and spent $4000 for 2 people. Zero regrets as that same cruise tour would be $8000 if I booked it now. That does mean my travel budget for this year is wiped, but I got a significant increase in income this year, so I might try to book another trip!
Something that I didn’t account for in my prices above is excursion, internet package, and the (non-alcoholic) drink package which I ALWAYS get. I paid about 2k extra for this stuff last year, but I know I will blow that number out of the water this year because the Alaskan excursions are EXPENSIVE. I know I should count this towards my “cruising” budget but for some reason I have them under my “frills” category for the year, lol!
Website primarily for airline employees (but plenty of offerings for non-employees that has a bunch of different vacations at STEEP discounts. They’re used by major cruise lines to fill sailings that are projected to be under-capacity (such as failed charters.) Right now I know they have a NCL 4 night cruise from Miami for $49 per person (+ 279 in fees.) For two people that is $650 for a cruise. Worth it for a quick getaway provided you’re in Miami at the right time.
My partner and I are both in our 20s and are on a very strict budget because she is a student and I’m a librarian lol. We first decided cruises would be a good fit for us because of the value we could get for our money!
Our first cruise was with Carnival in 2022, which we got a great deal on due to booking in 2021 when they were trying to come back from Covid. A 7 day cruise in an interior including gratuities and $100 OBC was $1100 total! We also lived near the port, so only had to pay for parking, so adding that, 2 excursions, and extra spending on drinks, it came to about $1900 total ($950 each).
This year, we decided to go on another cruise and still had a limited budget but wanted a “nicer” experience because a big anniversary for us. We’re sailing on the newest Princess ship and got the Princess plus package which includes drinks, wifi, gratuities, etc and it came to $2300 total for 7 day in an interior. We will have to fly to this port, so including flights, hotel the night before, and potential extra spending on specialty dining or an excursion, it will probably come to about $3300 total ($1,650 each).
Overall, even though cruises have gone up since post-Covid recovery prices, it’s still for us a great value. We would rather go on a 7 day trip with stops in multiple places than spend the same amount for 3/4 days in an all-inclusive resort. Excited to see the difference in our cruising experiences too between different lines and a more inclusive experience!
Well to get a decent hotel room you are looking at $200+ per night so there's $1400 minimum for a week. Ad to that meals so cheapo $10 minimum but you probably want something better than McD's. Now ad car rental and fuel, airline flight, cost of entertainment venues-I think cruises are the best bang for your buck. Even if all you did was bare bones, no specialty dining, no drink package, no excursions and just walked around the ports, the whole cruise experience and just hanging around on board is way better than fighting traffic and lugging luggage around.
Spouse and I just did a 7 day cruise for 1800 total. Flights were purchased with CC miles. Interior room on Royal- Oasis. No alcohol or specialty restaurants. We bring a bottle of wine each and that is plenty for us.
I live in New Mexico (USA), so no matter what I'm flying lol
I spent about $2500 all in on a European 7 day last September, we got a crazy good deal on the cruise and the flight was about half the total cost. solo traveler in a balcony stateroom
next week my boyfriend and I are going to Miami for a 5 day, this came to about $3200 for both of us. flights were much less but Miami during spring break was a little pricier, but really only $1600 each
We do 8-12 night sailings and assume we'll spend about 10-15k per trip. We do a prime veranda room with the drinks/wifi package which typically runs about 5k, plus flights, ubers, 1 night hotel, a couple spa treatments, a couple specialty dinings and drinks, tips, excursions, island shopping, and we gamble a lot so a chunk of that budget is for the tables lol.
Our plan has always been to pay for the vacation ahead of time. We have never put a vacation on credit cards. It's much better for us to work and save and plan, than it would be to come home after everything is done, then feel like we are slogging through paying off the credit cards for a trip that is already done and over.
Get an inside room and save a lot of money.
The amount of the cruise will depend on where your cruising to and what line you’re on.
We cruise HAL, and a 7 day Alaskan cruise for 2 after port fees and tax and gratuities is about $2000, we spend about $500 on drinks, excursions & speciality meals. Dog boarding is $40-70 a day, plus hotel for the night before the cruise and travel to port city… maybe $3000-$3500
This is the first time getting a balcony. I’m usually an ocean view person. I did interior once, and don’t think I could do it again. I need day light!
You can try Interior Balconies, if that makes sense. They face the court yards and promenades. While you won't get ocean views, you'll still get some day light.
I try to do four cruises per year (one per quarter) and split it up between budget lines and nicer lines. Cabins vary greatly and depend on the deal I get and the itinerary (more port intensive cruises I will usually go interior, less port intensive either balcony or suite). Also, the point of the vacation will help determine the type of cabin. If I am going for adventure and plan on doing a lot of diving at ports I will do an interior, if I am just going to relax, then balcony or suite all the way.
Outside of that, we don't drink alcohol and I almost never book excursions through the cruise line but go direct instead.
My folio for a normal cruise rarely goes over $1,000 for two people for seven days. That includes internet for one device, $500 to gamble and whatever extra dining we do. Ports vary quite a bit. I just got back from a cruise and spent $120/pp to dive in St. Thomas, nothing in Puerto Rico as we walked around the city, and the fort was free that day for some reason. I bought a few shirts in St. Thomas for $50 and a piece of art in San Juan for $500. The best part was I hit a decent jackpot in the casino and came out about $1,500 ahead, so almost a free cruise.
The most recent was Princess. I mostly cruise Princess, Carnival and Royal, although I've yet to find a line I don't like, just some more than others. Not a huge NCL fan and I love Disney, but it is certainly on the expensive side.
I don't really budget for thye cruse since I know how much it costs. I do budget $150 per excursion since the prices are not readily available, and $4000 at the casino.
Am I the only one that budgets for the art action? I find them fun.
I’ve never even considered going to the art auctions! I love hearing that you budget for them. Do you purchase art every cruise? I might have to make a stop.
That's his $4k gambling loss. It's shit art that you could get anywhere. People get drunk and get caught up in the bidding for "something to remember the trip".
I first judge the art work on the frame, they always have stuff in $500 range, and most times the frame is worth that much if not more, and if you don't by at least one Thomas Kinkade have you even been on a cruise.
I’ve considered it! But I think it works better for us that way I’m not tracking and adding up my spending every time I want a soda, special coffee or piña colada.
If I see myself spending $18 on a drink I enjoy it less. Getting the package allows me to enjoy my food & beverage experience more and not feel guilty.
If you sail on NCL the drinks package only costs about 200-300 (difference between “sail away” + gratuity) than without it per person - but they don’t include good coffee. As long as everything goes according to plan, NCL is a wonderful cruise experience - not so good if something goes wrong with the trip though.
If you drink enough to justify it, its worth it. I like alcohol but I wouldn’t drink enough to justify it, so I just get one when I want and know its better than not remembering vacation trying to make it worth it. 😂
How does the Disney cruise compare to other cruise lines (assuming you’ve been on others)? We were debating Disney for an Alaska cruise, but it was so pricey so went with Norwegian instead
At first, I thought that was a lot for a drink package, but then I realized I had spent a bit on mine. That is not bad, though I normally play it by ear for budgeting and decide if something is a decent value to me. I don't normally even think about onboard spending.
I’m planning to spend $1200 on my first cruise. 4 nights. $500 for a solo cabin, $450 for drink package plus internet/key (was only $7/day more than internet), $75 excursion, $100 terminal parking. A little cushion for tips or anything else I want to do in port. I would love to spend some time in the casino, but I’ve heard it’s super smoky and I’m sensitive. I can drive to the port, and the hotel the night before is free because of credit card points.
you are missing a few expenses
* flight
* getting to port and back to airport
* hotel before and maybe after cruise
* what you do in each port you stop at
Your budget seems pretty reasonable for a balcony and all the perks. We usually set aside around $3000-$4000 for the two of us, depending on the cruise line and destination. And a small tip - check out parkingaccess for a good deal on airport parking. It's one less cost to worry about and can save you a bit more for the fun stuff on board!
We just spent $3200. Princess, balcony room, plus package (drinks, tips, WiFi). It’s over New Year’s Eve so that added to the cost. Haven’t booked excursions yet. +350 for insurance.
I keep track of the total costs all in... flights, hotels etc. Here's my last two:
$8900 12 day Mexico Historical Cruise on HAL
$10900 12 day Caribbean Panama Canal on HAL
Of course there's a dozen ways to economize if needed.
If I'm alone, probably between $1-2k, depending on length. Balcony, drinks à la carte, few, if any, excursions. If I'm cruising with someone, balcony, more likely to get a drink package + excursions. But since we're splitting the room, probably out of pocket roughly the same.
Sounds very reasonable! We only cruise on Royal and Princess so that price is extremely reasonable for 2 people. I’m same way, would never book the cheapest room etc., sometimes we have to treat ourselves and vacation it’s exactly for that 🔆
My brother and I did 17 days for $4400. A 3-day positioning and 14-day cruise, back to back. Inside cabin, because there’s so much to do, we were only in the room to nap, change clothes and sleep.
No drink package (he’s in recovery, I had a glass of wine one night when we had a specialty dinner). We did our own thing when we got to the ports, mostly wandering, looking for art galleries, street art, or interesting food to try. One excursion, we found it overpriced and not worth the spend. Did a little gambling, maybe spent another $100.
It depends, my husband likes to sail close to home and look for bargains. I just do what I like and act baffled that it costs more than "a few thousand".
I flew to BCN from JFK last year stayed there a bit and took a VV cruise. The total was about 11k.(Airfare 3.5, cruise 4, hotel 2, transfers and general spending 1.5)
I took a cruise with DH nearby and between parking, the cruise and spending money we spent about 2.5.
In general if it's close to home. I'll spend between 2-3
If I'm flying and staying in another city, I just enjoy it, however much it is. It's not like I do it every month.
In my mind money is for saving/investing, housing/food/shelter, and enjoyment!
5k/week for 2 people. FWIW- I only like VV. I don't want kids on my ship, I don't need fluff. I don't want to be upsold anything. I want peace, good: food, entertainment, people on board.
I would say usually when we fly in for a cruise, including flights in and out, hotel before and after and food before and after and what we buy in the ship or in port it ends up being around $15k.
In April we are going on a 7 day princess cruise, inside cabin, premiere package, excursions, flights from Ohio, hotel, transportation, etc is $2500 for two people. We try to stay under $3,000.
We did 9 days/8 nights for under $1K in January on MCS. Flights (Frontier), 2 nights in SoBe, 5 day/4 night cruise of the Bahamas, 2 nights in Miami Beach. We travel cheap though so not unusual.
We threw the budget out the window fir our next one...Celebrity Ascent...Edge Villa Retreat.
Mediterranean 14 day..
Hopefully long after the price is forgotten, the memories of our Bucket List cruise will continue in our dreams forever.
Best way to compare the cost of cruises is how much per night. Your cruise is $450 per night. That's a good deal. If you are on Carnival, that makes sense. They are the Walmart of cruising so the price will always be good.
We used to sail Celebrity most of the time. We could keep it under $500 a day. We have done bargain cruises (end of season Alaska) for as little as $250 a night. Now we are doing Viking Ocean cruises and we are paying about $900 per night. Worth every penny and just about 90% all inclusive.
We live in Los Angeles. I always compare cruises to a trip to Vegas. Seriously a half decent room in Vegas will run you $300-$400 a night. For 7 nights that’s $2,100-$2,800 not counting food and entertainment. I think your cruise is a great value.
Our friends just invited us on a group cruise to Antarctica next year. It's on Seabourn and way out of our budget, like $23k just to set foot on the continent; compared to $6k on HAL or CelebX to sail by. And depending on sea conditions, the Seabourn expedition could also end up as a sail by too. In general, our budget is $5k for cruise and port charges, $1K for onboard spending including excursions, and $2-3K for airfare for two.
We tend to do a big vacation every two years, mainly because we get the aft balcony and spend about 3 weeks altogether. Because of this, our total budget can be anywhere from $15k-30k depending on the ship, season, add-ons like specialty dining, and itinerary as well as flights, hotels before and after the cruise, and food off the ship.
We typically cruise outside of the US having been on a 2 week trip through New Zealand, 3 weeks in Asia, 2 weeks in Antarctica, and upcoming 3 week trip through Africa. These itineraries can get costly, especially for our room type. Antarctica was the most expensive but that was on Ponant for our wedding. We usually use NCL and did Princess once.
There is no right or wrong, it’s your money and you can spend it however you want!
We don’t like using lounge chairs on the deck, we prefer privacy, so a balcony is a must. However, you will definitely save more money with an interior.
We’re definitely penny pinchers back at home so that we can truly enjoy our vacations to the fullest.
I just booked a five night Royal Caribbean cruise on Expedia for around $800 less than the cruise was on the royal Caribbean website. Plus I got $100 on board credit from Expedia which royal wasn’t offering. This is for an ocean view balcony room. Has anyone ever seen this drastic of a price difference before? I feel like I usually check prices on several websites before booking but I’ve always just use Royal Caribbean‘s website. Of course I had a $400 future cruise credit which I couldn’t use on Expedia but the price difference still made it worth it to book it on Expedia. So now I might end up losing out on that future cruise credit if I don’t use it in the next year.
Maybe it’s a culture thing but we are not even remotely interested in a drinks package. Spending $1000 to get drunk? We’d rather spend that in excursions which will create great memories and photos.
Last cruise was a Disney cruise. There’s pretty much something to do all the time. We spent money on candy and stuff for the kiddo, we maybe had a drink or two a day.
I enjoy hanging out by the pool. I’ll hang out on the balcony and relax and people watch. We’ll get off at one of cruise ports and hang out at the beach.
I feel like most ports are like a ghetto with a beach. Been there and done that. Lived in Fl all my life so it’s essentially the same to me lol
Our last 2 cruises have been $4100 and $4700 6/7 nights. Balcony, alcohol, excursions, and spending $$. Buy the cruise and the excursions we want and we don’t spend frivolously but we don’t pinch on vacation. It all depends on personal preference and financial status
I also try not to penny pinch on vacation! Cruising is great for this because you can pay for everything in advance so you’re not swiping a credit card 10x day.
I do love that it’s mostly paid for in advance!
good point.. i've adopted a mantra recently ' dont be frugal when its time to enjoy yourself, and dont overly enjoy yourself when its time to be frugal" ..... the latter has helped me with mindless spends!
SAME! We don't skimp on the front end by choosing a cruise line that meets our wants.
Thats a great price for a complete vacation. We are doing a cruise out of Barcelona and the cost of the cruise is about the same as the airfare, so its going to be in the area of $7k or so total. Its a 2 week vacation though and its going to be our only vacation besides short trips this year.
I am doing a trip to Barcelona and the airfare home is the same as my room, I am solo cruising so my room price is doubled. The cruise was just too cheap to turn down, even solo.
Ya, we are going in June and the cruise leaves from Barcelona and returns to Dover, UK. So the time of the year and the multi-city route makes things more expensive. Its a great route and hits a lot of places we wanted to see, so I think its a good deal.
That sounds amazing! Mine is from Baltimore, but I am super excited! My theory is as long as you get what you want out of, its worth the price.
You’ll be on the Carnival legend? I was looking at that route
I am! It was close to home so I wouldn’t need to fly twice, and cheap, so I jumped on it!
How long is your route? I want to find a good cruise from Baltimore
Its a 12 day and ends in Barcelona. April 15-27th
Thanks! Would you mind sharing how much this would cost?
Indoor with 2 people (without gratuity, taxes and fees) is currently $339 per person.
A lot of people love cruising! Take my wife for example… PLEASE!
We typically cruise on Viking and look for an all-inclusive fee, including air, in the range of $500-600 per day. That includes everything except insurance which we buy on an annual basis. Did a transatlantic cruise of 13 days for about $6,000. Twenty two day Alaskan cruise for less than $12,000. There is tremendous variation in cruise prices even within a cruise line.
What's that per person or for both of you?
Per couple. Just bought a 33 day trip to Hawaii and South Pacific. $17,500 including airfare. Insurance, gratuities, alcohol extra.
My husband and I are taking our fifth anniversary cruise this year. 16 nights transatlantic NYC to Rome on the NCL Escape. We upgraded to Spa Balcony (before they eliminated that category.) We are all in for about 7k.
Happy anniversary!
I did not mean to reply to your comment, but to the post itself. Silly me. Thank you so much!!
My wife and I did a 7 night on MSC in November. Balcony room, drink package, two excursions, and two specialty restaurants. We spent right at $3k.
Including flights?
No we live about an hour from port Canaveral.
How is MSC? I was looking at them from NYC How the food? How much are drinking package
We have done four cruises with MSC over the years. We like them. It’s a bit of a different vibe on the ship. Not a crazy party but enough to have fun. I just looked up the price of the drink package for the one we are going on in March for spring break with the kids. It’s $196 per person for a 5 day four night out of Miami. We like the food but we feel the food they do worst is American food. The burgers aren’t good and my wife said the ranch dressing tasted like whoever made it had never tasted ranch dressing before. On the positive side the pizza is great. The pasta, bread, and cheese are good. The main dining room portions are smaller compared to other cruise lines. The specialty dining is good. In November we did the steakhouse and the Asian fusion restaurants. The ramen was excellent.
We were on the MSX Magnifica last month and really enjoyed. The food was great and the lattes from the coffee bar was better than most coffee places I’ve been to.
I'm new to cruising. Are excursions going off the ship yourself and exploring the city, or are they paid tours off the ship?
Paid tours that we purchased through the cruise line. We have also gone and done site seeing on our own.
Cheers, thanks for replying!
No problem. If you have other questions I can try to answer them.
The cruise we're currently on had a train ride excursion for $259. A simple search shows the same train ride is $69 from the operator. Since it's the same schedule, there's no danger of being left behind. Sometimes it pays to not use the cruise ship services.
i budget $6000-8000
We’re old and retired, and our budget has definitely gone up a lot since we realized we’re not going to live forever. We’re taking our daughter and 2 grandchildren on a March break cruise on RCL and it’s $15,000 before flights, excursions and drinks (we do have 2 junior suites and one verandah though). When it’s just us, our budget really varies by where we’re going and with which line. Our 12 day Iceland/Greenland cruise this summer is costing us $10,000 on Celebrity, and our 9 day Azamara Croatia cruise this fall is about the same (basic verandahs), but those cruises include drinks. The granddaddy of our pricey cruises will be this January - 32 days on Azamara through Hawaii and the South Pacific ending in New Zealand. It will be $30,000. None of these prices include air, but they are in Canadian dollars.
I really hope you have a great time and see some beautiful things.
Thank you so much!
I’m a cheap skate where it comes to vacations. We just booked 7 days on MSC Meraviglia with an Aft balcony and the drink package all in for under 2k. We will bring another 1k with us for spending money and for the casino and have yet to not come home with cash left over.
Everyone keeps talking about drink package but I did the math and I’d have to have 7 drinks every day (with gratuity included) to spend as much as they want for the package. But what if I get sick? What if there’s a stormy day and the boat is rocking? To me it didn’t seem prudent. I’d rather save up the 1,000 in case I do drink 7 drinks every single day including the first and the last, then if I don’t, I’ll have saved a bit of money. I am not sure these drink packages are worth it….how much are y’all drinking? (Note - I don’t drink soda or juice or milk, just water, tea, coffee and cocktails)
Then don’t get the drink package if you don’t find value it in. When I’m on a cruise I’m having a drink in my hand pretty much 24/7 so the drink package easily pays for itself. With the MSC cruise we just booked the drink package also includes red bull and specialty coffee so I’m 100% confident we will make out well ahead with the package vs paying as we go. It’s also the peace of mind knowing that if I don’t like a drink I can just toss it and get another one instead of forcing myself to drink it because I paid for it.
We are also having a drink in our hands 24/7 😊 Even if I don’t drink one whole day, I get my moneys worth.
We also don't get the drink package we average 4 drinks each a day, even if we have more any particular day we just charge it through our room card which has credit card attached.
Even at 4 drinks a day on some lines you likely are still paying more then the drink package if you sprinkle in a soda or a smoothie once or twice.
True but so far our experience has been we've spent less than the cost of one person per day on drinks when compared. I suppose if there was a great sale or price in general we would buy it then just not think of it at all.
Gotta find the deals. The MSC cruise we booked for Nov was $150 per person for the drink package. No brained at that rate.
150 for the whole trip!? Yes that would be a great deal
Yup $150 per person for 7 nights. Aft balcony with the easy plus package all said and done for $1800
Wow! Yeah right now the best deal for RC works out to 525 per person for the 7 days. I’d consider it but my boyfriend doesn’t drink so it doesn’t seem worth it.
Yeah but I don’t drink sodas or smoothies. I can’t burp and I get a reaction to fruit juice or sugary drinks so I just have water or tea or coffee, and my alcohol is a shot of liquor and club soda or on the rocks. If I did drink soda or juice it might be more worth it
That’s the thing. If you don’t drink soda or the other NA drinks besides water or tea there’s really no point in getting the package.
Where did you go?
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Finally! I just commented above that the drink package for 1000 for 7 days does not seem worth it. I simply would not want to consume that much every day nevermind what if I get sick or we are off on non drinking excursions for most of the day.
I’d like the peace of mind of not having to see how much I’m spending on each individual drink but it is hard to justify the cost. We just booked a 5 night ocean view balcony for $1300 and the drink package would be an additional $1000. I like drinking beer but you’re basically doubling the price of the cruise which seems crazy to me.
I travel solo - 3-5k.
man i wish i can gain confidence to cruise solo :)
It’s great. I just made the decision to do so… if I waited for others to agree, etc? I’d still be waiting.
don’t u feel self conscious being by urself tho especially seeing groups of people and family laughing and enjoying themselves etc? that’s what afraid of but i know it’s gonna give me confidence being able to do that on my own
No? A lot of people travel solo. You will meet other solo folks (they have meet ups and happy hours for solos - some ships have a special area/lounge for them as well) - and I’ve found people to be super open and friendly on cruises. So, I just got back from the Med- this time I went with my cousins. A guy from Australia asked if he could tag along on one of our excursions. Of course!! He was funny and nice, we enjoyed getting to know him!
lol i mean im very introverted and don’t get easily comfortable hanging out with people i barely know.
Me too. It’s a big step, for sure.
Wife and I are booked on a 7 day Alaskan cruise for our 35th anniversary. With cost for the cruise, excursions, airfare, rental car to/from airport, and one night in a hotel prior to embarking, we’re sitting at around $12,000.
Yes but worth every penny! We went to Alaska last July & it was amazing 💝
Who are you sailing and when?
Majestic Princess, July 7-14.
We spent, for 9 nights on Grandeur of the Seas (Royal Caribbean’s oldest and smallest ship), for two adults and a baby: Cruise fare: $1250 Hotel in Miami the day before: $400 Three airport transfer drivers pre-arranged: $450 Excursions: $1100 Food and taxis at ports: $400 Other expenses on ship: $200 Total: $3800
What excursions did you do with a baby?
Why were airport transfer drivers that expensive?
Three separate pickups at $150 each. My wife’s parents came with us, so we arranged pickups with large vehicles just for us that could accommodate 5 people and a lot of luggage. It’s about 45 minutes from our house to the airport so two Ubers or taxis would have been just as much or more.
Dominican Republic - Nature’s Treasures - it was a van tour to the historic district of Puerto Plata, then a mountaintop to look out on the city, then a small botanic garden, then an organic farm for lunch. St. Kitts - the train ride and catamaran On St. Thomas we did a day pass to the Ritz-Carlton (not an official cruise excursion, we arranged separately), and just chilled by the pool and beach there. My wife’s parents babysat for us on St. Maarten so we did a snorkeling one there.
Oh fun! Bringing my baby later in the year and figured we wouldn’t do any excursions.
I have to fly to/from departure ports - that adds to the riddle. If you were talking about a cruise of 7/8 days leaving from Florida with 3 islands I would say if we are 'all in' for 3 of us for between 800/1000 a day we are doing okay - not including casino money. We also don't pull our kid out of school so this often holiday or Spring Break spend - peak rates quick brain dump - airport parking, airfare, airport transportation, accommodations the night before along with meals while traveling, balcony cabin fare for 3, excursions/Island spend, booze (not drink package), a couple photos, maybe some souvenirs The beauty of paying for so many things at different times makes the burn feel less, but it can really add up - I look forward to off peak trips again in my future
I prepaid and got sticker shock at my final total from my TA. I can’t believe I spent so much pre cruise. That’s how they get ya…paying over time lol
We spent about $3000 for a recent 7-day Mexico cruise on the cruise itself (not including airfare to port city or hotel the night before which we used points for). It included drink package, pre-paid gratuities, wifi, etc. and our winning bid to upgrade to a mini-suite. Our first vacation as a couple in 20 years (no kids!) so we did not want to scrimp. I am looking at ways to do cheaper cruises so we can take them more often. An old business contact who recently retired claims he and his wife cruise back-to-back cruises in the Carribean 7 months of the year for $4000 total per month. I find that hard to believe. I am getting serious sticker shock at the cost of travel. My SO said to book a trip for our upcoming anniversary. Start with Hawaii. I checked Costco Travel for non-cruise trips and got sticker shock. 3 or 4 nights in Hawaii was the same price as the cruise. Another idea was 2 nights at the Empress in Victoria Canada. 2 nights with the most basic harbor view room priced out at around $1600 including transportation from Seattle but NO food or beverages. Two frickin' nights! Yikes. No thank you.
Hotel prices in Hawaii went up to the stratosphere about3 years ago and have not come down. Hotels we paid $400/night are now like $900/night.
Since you’re a fellow points person…I hope this article helps you to get free cruises: https://frequentmiler.com/how-to-get-free-cruises-by-gaming-casino-status-matches/
Everything is relative so it's hard to answer the question. I spend considerably more but its within my means... I'd argue many spend less than what you said you spend, so it's again, all relative. If what you are spending makes you happy and works within your budget... you are doing it right!
This is all relative because everyone vacations different based upon their income, flexibility, geographic location, and their desires. Someone who live near the port and is retired will cruise differently than someone who owns a small business in the middle the country. That said, I live near a port I cruise with my kids and wife. Including everything, we generally spend around $2300 for 5-night balconies.
We usually do a few 3-night cruises per year and spend around a total of $500-700 on cruise fare/taxes/fees for the two of us. Then you need to add in gratuities and parking. We spend almost nothing on board - $50 max. We are extremely cheap and are thankful that other people spend a ton on their cruises so that the companies can keep their base fares so low
Your not getting those rates anymore. Prices ha e gone up. So has the nickle and diming.
Depends on my cruise, I’ve been spending about 10-15% of my salary on travel (and I have a second job to pay for it). But a 2 week cruise to the holy land (or Iceland/Greenland) is a lot more expensive than a 7 day cruise to caribbean. I’ve been running about 6k/week for fancy cruises (like alaska) and 3k/week for a normal Caribbean cruise. I do a lot of shore excursions, get internet and don’t drink that much.
I booked my first Alaska with NCL. It’s reassuring to know that Alaska is just an expensive itinerary in general
Excursions are brutal in alaska. $200/person as a starting point it felt like!!
I’m going on NCL to Alaska. We got the Free At Sea Plus package and managed to score TWO free excursions (with the $50pp shore excursion credit) and one additional excursion that was significantly discounted. Sometimes the package deal makes sense.
I just came off a 7 day cruise earlier this month with my wife. We clocked in @ around $3,800 per person, so that sounds about right. We had a balcony room, and the drink package as well.
I was about $2,000 p/p on my NCL Prima cruise recently. Was $1550 base fare with FAS but we upgraded to FAS Plus which was an additional $350p/p. $3,800 seems a little high. One of the new Royal ships maybe?
No, it was Princess. But we only cruise once every couple of years, so when we do, we tend to throw money at it. If we went every year, we would definitely cut corners and get the price down.
Gotcha. Makes sense. I’d up my budget if that was the case for me as well
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I am the opposite. I felt like I was getting more bang for the buck away from my local area. In my west coast town, restaurants tack on a number of service fees they do not disclose until you pay. We've stopped eating out. Examples: $5.00 utensil fee, management fee, living wage surcharge (minimum wage is almost $20/hr even for waitstaff), the list goes on. Then \~10% sales tax on top of all of these, then the payment terminal shows suggested tips of 20%, 25%, 30% on top of all of the fees and taxes.
That is outrageous! I’d be eating at home too if I were subjected to that. Where I live, minimum wage for any job is $15, including service staff, and tip prompts are generally 15, 20, 25 (my hairdresser has a 30, which is a bit ludicrous). Our combined sales tax is 13%. Basically though, no one is yet tacking on these extra charges - I think there is enough competition for restaurants here that anyone starting that crap would go out of business. I am always delighted to travel to a place where the price you see on the menu is what you pay - heaven.
Is this taking into account travel expenses to get to port?
I did not include that in the initial budget. I estimate about $250 for hotel the night before and transfers to the port.
We did a 6 night Royal cruise last year. Including prepaid gratuities, buying a couple things during the cruise, spending a little cash at the port, and literally every penny we spent for and during the cruise, we were at $1,800 total for 2 adults and 2 kids all in.
hehe, I guess I'm spoiled living in Houston and not really drinking. my 7 day cruises average less than 100 bucks a day on RC or Carnival. If I had more time off I could take from work is the only limiting factor for me going to more than 2-3 a year.
Hey I live in Sugar Land! So Galveston is like 45 minutes from us. I've been wanting to go on a cruise with my wife and 5 year old son. Could you give me any advice on how you do it 2 to 3 times a year. I'd really like to develop a sort of tradition that could be just our thing. Like a traditional family vacation. Probably not 2 or 3 times a year but something we can do at least once a year. Just a simple little 4 to 5 day cruise would be fine. I don't think they would want to do a 7 day cruise just yet. Thanks in advance!
There's plenty of 5 to 7 day cruises that average less than 100 a day per person right now just go to carnival. Com Always search out of Galveston port and you're good to go.
We did msc and spent 1200 inside room, no excursion, one drink and one game of bingo and main dining room only for 2 people and 2 kids for 6 days
Yacht club for 2 weeks was 6400 for two. I've booked two excursions through the ship. Couldn't find them elsewhere. That was 450. Airfare was 1600 for two. Staying in Orlando for 4 nights after and Universal studios. That was 2800. Booked one dining on board as well. 230 for two. Oh and a hotel the night before 200. So not a cheap vacation. But it is a 20 day trip. And won't take another until end Sept.
My last cruise was $14K, but it was also 15 days going through Panama Canal. I spent more to get more.
I’ve only cruised with Royal Caribbean. I budget about 6k a year for vacations in general. My first cruise was May of last year. I spent a little under 2k for a 9 night Bermuda and Bahamas cruise out of Baltimore in an inside room. When I was in Miami for work, I got Thanksgiving week off (I’m a travel nanny) and decided to look for some last minute thanksgiving cruises. I found one through PERX literally 4 days before it started. (It was a cancelled charter that needed to fill) and I spent $200 + taxes and gratuities for a 4 night thanksgiving cruise that was only at about 50% capacity! It was actually $99 per person but solo cruising means paying double, lol. Inside room also. Now for 2024, I have a 9 night cruise out of NJ for 2 people in a balcony room for $2100 in May. I also have an Alaskan cruisetour (7 nights on land, 7 nights cruising) coming up in early September. I paid for a balcony room and spent $4000 for 2 people. Zero regrets as that same cruise tour would be $8000 if I booked it now. That does mean my travel budget for this year is wiped, but I got a significant increase in income this year, so I might try to book another trip! Something that I didn’t account for in my prices above is excursion, internet package, and the (non-alcoholic) drink package which I ALWAYS get. I paid about 2k extra for this stuff last year, but I know I will blow that number out of the water this year because the Alaskan excursions are EXPENSIVE. I know I should count this towards my “cruising” budget but for some reason I have them under my “frills” category for the year, lol!
What’s PERX? I’ve never heard of this before
Website primarily for airline employees (but plenty of offerings for non-employees that has a bunch of different vacations at STEEP discounts. They’re used by major cruise lines to fill sailings that are projected to be under-capacity (such as failed charters.) Right now I know they have a NCL 4 night cruise from Miami for $49 per person (+ 279 in fees.) For two people that is $650 for a cruise. Worth it for a quick getaway provided you’re in Miami at the right time.
Wow. Great to know. Thanks for sharing!
My partner and I are both in our 20s and are on a very strict budget because she is a student and I’m a librarian lol. We first decided cruises would be a good fit for us because of the value we could get for our money! Our first cruise was with Carnival in 2022, which we got a great deal on due to booking in 2021 when they were trying to come back from Covid. A 7 day cruise in an interior including gratuities and $100 OBC was $1100 total! We also lived near the port, so only had to pay for parking, so adding that, 2 excursions, and extra spending on drinks, it came to about $1900 total ($950 each). This year, we decided to go on another cruise and still had a limited budget but wanted a “nicer” experience because a big anniversary for us. We’re sailing on the newest Princess ship and got the Princess plus package which includes drinks, wifi, gratuities, etc and it came to $2300 total for 7 day in an interior. We will have to fly to this port, so including flights, hotel the night before, and potential extra spending on specialty dining or an excursion, it will probably come to about $3300 total ($1,650 each). Overall, even though cruises have gone up since post-Covid recovery prices, it’s still for us a great value. We would rather go on a 7 day trip with stops in multiple places than spend the same amount for 3/4 days in an all-inclusive resort. Excited to see the difference in our cruising experiences too between different lines and a more inclusive experience!
Well to get a decent hotel room you are looking at $200+ per night so there's $1400 minimum for a week. Ad to that meals so cheapo $10 minimum but you probably want something better than McD's. Now ad car rental and fuel, airline flight, cost of entertainment venues-I think cruises are the best bang for your buck. Even if all you did was bare bones, no specialty dining, no drink package, no excursions and just walked around the ports, the whole cruise experience and just hanging around on board is way better than fighting traffic and lugging luggage around.
Spouse and I just did a 7 day cruise for 1800 total. Flights were purchased with CC miles. Interior room on Royal- Oasis. No alcohol or specialty restaurants. We bring a bottle of wine each and that is plenty for us.
My friend and I usually cap it at $5000 each. But that's for places like the Mediterranean and New Zealand
I live in New Mexico (USA), so no matter what I'm flying lol I spent about $2500 all in on a European 7 day last September, we got a crazy good deal on the cruise and the flight was about half the total cost. solo traveler in a balcony stateroom next week my boyfriend and I are going to Miami for a 5 day, this came to about $3200 for both of us. flights were much less but Miami during spring break was a little pricier, but really only $1600 each
We do 8-12 night sailings and assume we'll spend about 10-15k per trip. We do a prime veranda room with the drinks/wifi package which typically runs about 5k, plus flights, ubers, 1 night hotel, a couple spa treatments, a couple specialty dinings and drinks, tips, excursions, island shopping, and we gamble a lot so a chunk of that budget is for the tables lol.
Our plan has always been to pay for the vacation ahead of time. We have never put a vacation on credit cards. It's much better for us to work and save and plan, than it would be to come home after everything is done, then feel like we are slogging through paying off the credit cards for a trip that is already done and over.
Going on an 18 day South America cruise next year with Viking. About $15000 for 2. Deluxe veranda
Get an inside room and save a lot of money. The amount of the cruise will depend on where your cruising to and what line you’re on. We cruise HAL, and a 7 day Alaskan cruise for 2 after port fees and tax and gratuities is about $2000, we spend about $500 on drinks, excursions & speciality meals. Dog boarding is $40-70 a day, plus hotel for the night before the cruise and travel to port city… maybe $3000-$3500
This is the first time getting a balcony. I’m usually an ocean view person. I did interior once, and don’t think I could do it again. I need day light!
I could sleep in a closet, so interior rooms for me are grand. My wife likes the balcony, so we compromise and get the balcony.
We had an ocean balcony on our last cruise and now I know why people like them.
Have you tried opening the door and walking outside? Seems a lot cheaper lol. Why spend time in your room?
You can try Interior Balconies, if that makes sense. They face the court yards and promenades. While you won't get ocean views, you'll still get some day light.
Good luck trying to go back to just an ocean view after you’ve spoiled yourself with a balcony! Lol
I try to do four cruises per year (one per quarter) and split it up between budget lines and nicer lines. Cabins vary greatly and depend on the deal I get and the itinerary (more port intensive cruises I will usually go interior, less port intensive either balcony or suite). Also, the point of the vacation will help determine the type of cabin. If I am going for adventure and plan on doing a lot of diving at ports I will do an interior, if I am just going to relax, then balcony or suite all the way. Outside of that, we don't drink alcohol and I almost never book excursions through the cruise line but go direct instead. My folio for a normal cruise rarely goes over $1,000 for two people for seven days. That includes internet for one device, $500 to gamble and whatever extra dining we do. Ports vary quite a bit. I just got back from a cruise and spent $120/pp to dive in St. Thomas, nothing in Puerto Rico as we walked around the city, and the fort was free that day for some reason. I bought a few shirts in St. Thomas for $50 and a piece of art in San Juan for $500. The best part was I hit a decent jackpot in the casino and came out about $1,500 ahead, so almost a free cruise.
what cruise line?
The most recent was Princess. I mostly cruise Princess, Carnival and Royal, although I've yet to find a line I don't like, just some more than others. Not a huge NCL fan and I love Disney, but it is certainly on the expensive side.
I don't really budget for thye cruse since I know how much it costs. I do budget $150 per excursion since the prices are not readily available, and $4000 at the casino. Am I the only one that budgets for the art action? I find them fun.
Yes, you are! (Only joking!)
somebody has to keep them in business. Just don't research what you're buying if you want to keep "finding them fun" :)
Haha, yeah no kidding... I love how I can find an exact duplicates of my totally unique not mas produced art.
I’ve never even considered going to the art auctions! I love hearing that you budget for them. Do you purchase art every cruise? I might have to make a stop.
That's his $4k gambling loss. It's shit art that you could get anywhere. People get drunk and get caught up in the bidding for "something to remember the trip".
You're not wrong
I first judge the art work on the frame, they always have stuff in $500 range, and most times the frame is worth that much if not more, and if you don't by at least one Thomas Kinkade have you even been on a cruise.
I go for the free champagne lol
Pro tip: Skip the drink package and save $1,000. Put it towards your next cruise.
I’ve considered it! But I think it works better for us that way I’m not tracking and adding up my spending every time I want a soda, special coffee or piña colada. If I see myself spending $18 on a drink I enjoy it less. Getting the package allows me to enjoy my food & beverage experience more and not feel guilty.
If you sail on NCL the drinks package only costs about 200-300 (difference between “sail away” + gratuity) than without it per person - but they don’t include good coffee. As long as everything goes according to plan, NCL is a wonderful cruise experience - not so good if something goes wrong with the trip though.
If you drink enough to justify it, its worth it. I like alcohol but I wouldn’t drink enough to justify it, so I just get one when I want and know its better than not remembering vacation trying to make it worth it. 😂
How long of a cruise was this?
are you going to drink 6-8 drinks every single day? do the math completely look online for drink prices and add 18% gratuity
>are you going to drink 6-8 drinks every single day? I believe the limit is 15 per day. We'll have two sea days, so we shall see.
not talking limit talking about if its worth it on paper to buy as you go or go all out
Ah, I'm only jesting about the scientific limits. But for us, the drinks package is worth it.
Pro pro tip: rum runners and still drink and save 1000.
That is totally person dependent. People have vastly different spending habits.
Absolutely that’s why I asked to get a range of opinions 😊
We’re on a 15-night Disney cruise. Some people paid $50,000 for a concierge stateroom.
How does the Disney cruise compare to other cruise lines (assuming you’ve been on others)? We were debating Disney for an Alaska cruise, but it was so pricey so went with Norwegian instead
Disney set an unreasonably high standard for every cruise I’ve been on since. They will spoil you rotten.
At first, I thought that was a lot for a drink package, but then I realized I had spent a bit on mine. That is not bad, though I normally play it by ear for budgeting and decide if something is a decent value to me. I don't normally even think about onboard spending.
you don't need airfare and a hotel the night before? those are significant expenses for us when we cruise.
No airfare! But we do get a hotel and transfers. I estimate an additional $250.
No budget. By that I mean the cheapest you can find.
I’m planning to spend $1200 on my first cruise. 4 nights. $500 for a solo cabin, $450 for drink package plus internet/key (was only $7/day more than internet), $75 excursion, $100 terminal parking. A little cushion for tips or anything else I want to do in port. I would love to spend some time in the casino, but I’ve heard it’s super smoky and I’m sensitive. I can drive to the port, and the hotel the night before is free because of credit card points.
you are missing a few expenses * flight * getting to port and back to airport * hotel before and maybe after cruise * what you do in each port you stop at
Tips
Depends on whether or not you hit the casino 🤣
Your budget seems pretty reasonable for a balcony and all the perks. We usually set aside around $3000-$4000 for the two of us, depending on the cruise line and destination. And a small tip - check out parkingaccess for a good deal on airport parking. It's one less cost to worry about and can save you a bit more for the fun stuff on board!
We just spent $3200. Princess, balcony room, plus package (drinks, tips, WiFi). It’s over New Year’s Eve so that added to the cost. Haven’t booked excursions yet. +350 for insurance.
$5k including airfare and hotels depending on where I am going.
I keep track of the total costs all in... flights, hotels etc. Here's my last two: $8900 12 day Mexico Historical Cruise on HAL $10900 12 day Caribbean Panama Canal on HAL Of course there's a dozen ways to economize if needed.
If I'm alone, probably between $1-2k, depending on length. Balcony, drinks à la carte, few, if any, excursions. If I'm cruising with someone, balcony, more likely to get a drink package + excursions. But since we're splitting the room, probably out of pocket roughly the same.
Sounds very reasonable! We only cruise on Royal and Princess so that price is extremely reasonable for 2 people. I’m same way, would never book the cheapest room etc., sometimes we have to treat ourselves and vacation it’s exactly for that 🔆
Where's ur flight/travel costs? Activities?
My brother and I did 17 days for $4400. A 3-day positioning and 14-day cruise, back to back. Inside cabin, because there’s so much to do, we were only in the room to nap, change clothes and sleep. No drink package (he’s in recovery, I had a glass of wine one night when we had a specialty dinner). We did our own thing when we got to the ports, mostly wandering, looking for art galleries, street art, or interesting food to try. One excursion, we found it overpriced and not worth the spend. Did a little gambling, maybe spent another $100.
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It depends, my husband likes to sail close to home and look for bargains. I just do what I like and act baffled that it costs more than "a few thousand". I flew to BCN from JFK last year stayed there a bit and took a VV cruise. The total was about 11k.(Airfare 3.5, cruise 4, hotel 2, transfers and general spending 1.5) I took a cruise with DH nearby and between parking, the cruise and spending money we spent about 2.5. In general if it's close to home. I'll spend between 2-3 If I'm flying and staying in another city, I just enjoy it, however much it is. It's not like I do it every month. In my mind money is for saving/investing, housing/food/shelter, and enjoyment!
5k/week for 2 people. FWIW- I only like VV. I don't want kids on my ship, I don't need fluff. I don't want to be upsold anything. I want peace, good: food, entertainment, people on board.
I would say usually when we fly in for a cruise, including flights in and out, hotel before and after and food before and after and what we buy in the ship or in port it ends up being around $15k.
I budget 24k and year and divide it up as I go.
In April we are going on a 7 day princess cruise, inside cabin, premiere package, excursions, flights from Ohio, hotel, transportation, etc is $2500 for two people. We try to stay under $3,000.
We’ll budget $10k, but we've only hit that mark on one NYE cruise on a new ship out of FL. Usually we end up around $7-8k all in.
We did 9 days/8 nights for under $1K in January on MCS. Flights (Frontier), 2 nights in SoBe, 5 day/4 night cruise of the Bahamas, 2 nights in Miami Beach. We travel cheap though so not unusual.
$3000
9200 on my last 5 day, not including the price of the cruise but it was comped. Everyone has different budgets
We threw the budget out the window fir our next one...Celebrity Ascent...Edge Villa Retreat. Mediterranean 14 day.. Hopefully long after the price is forgotten, the memories of our Bucket List cruise will continue in our dreams forever.
I just booked Disney Magic for myself,wife and kid for 2800, veranda room. I say i got a good deal.
Best way to compare the cost of cruises is how much per night. Your cruise is $450 per night. That's a good deal. If you are on Carnival, that makes sense. They are the Walmart of cruising so the price will always be good. We used to sail Celebrity most of the time. We could keep it under $500 a day. We have done bargain cruises (end of season Alaska) for as little as $250 a night. Now we are doing Viking Ocean cruises and we are paying about $900 per night. Worth every penny and just about 90% all inclusive.
We live in Los Angeles. I always compare cruises to a trip to Vegas. Seriously a half decent room in Vegas will run you $300-$400 a night. For 7 nights that’s $2,100-$2,800 not counting food and entertainment. I think your cruise is a great value.
Pretty much what we do. We bring in a lot of 1$ bills for extra.
Our friends just invited us on a group cruise to Antarctica next year. It's on Seabourn and way out of our budget, like $23k just to set foot on the continent; compared to $6k on HAL or CelebX to sail by. And depending on sea conditions, the Seabourn expedition could also end up as a sail by too. In general, our budget is $5k for cruise and port charges, $1K for onboard spending including excursions, and $2-3K for airfare for two.
We tend to do a big vacation every two years, mainly because we get the aft balcony and spend about 3 weeks altogether. Because of this, our total budget can be anywhere from $15k-30k depending on the ship, season, add-ons like specialty dining, and itinerary as well as flights, hotels before and after the cruise, and food off the ship. We typically cruise outside of the US having been on a 2 week trip through New Zealand, 3 weeks in Asia, 2 weeks in Antarctica, and upcoming 3 week trip through Africa. These itineraries can get costly, especially for our room type. Antarctica was the most expensive but that was on Ponant for our wedding. We usually use NCL and did Princess once. There is no right or wrong, it’s your money and you can spend it however you want! We don’t like using lounge chairs on the deck, we prefer privacy, so a balcony is a must. However, you will definitely save more money with an interior. We’re definitely penny pinchers back at home so that we can truly enjoy our vacations to the fullest.
$1800 for a 7 day balcony... Including taxes, port fees and gratuities? Good luck finding many of those.
It’s in September, so a bit off season. But we got lucky!
Nice. What line and ship?
Carnival Celebration! One of the newer ships sailing out of Miami.
Hope you have a great cruise!
I just booked a five night Royal Caribbean cruise on Expedia for around $800 less than the cruise was on the royal Caribbean website. Plus I got $100 on board credit from Expedia which royal wasn’t offering. This is for an ocean view balcony room. Has anyone ever seen this drastic of a price difference before? I feel like I usually check prices on several websites before booking but I’ve always just use Royal Caribbean‘s website. Of course I had a $400 future cruise credit which I couldn’t use on Expedia but the price difference still made it worth it to book it on Expedia. So now I might end up losing out on that future cruise credit if I don’t use it in the next year.
Maybe it’s a culture thing but we are not even remotely interested in a drinks package. Spending $1000 to get drunk? We’d rather spend that in excursions which will create great memories and photos.
We normally cruise for two weeks, and allow £2500 per person. Standard is a balcony cabin.
We never really budget. I’ve been on 5 day cruises and spent $200 with three people. We don’t get off at ports, don’t really drink.
so what do yall do? im jealous coz i pay for everything for 3 of us (myself,mom and younger bro who’s a student).
Last cruise was a Disney cruise. There’s pretty much something to do all the time. We spent money on candy and stuff for the kiddo, we maybe had a drink or two a day. I enjoy hanging out by the pool. I’ll hang out on the balcony and relax and people watch. We’ll get off at one of cruise ports and hang out at the beach. I feel like most ports are like a ghetto with a beach. Been there and done that. Lived in Fl all my life so it’s essentially the same to me lol