How much spending money do I need for a cruise?
February 20th, 2010 7 Comments
Posted by admin
I am planning a vacation for 4 and it will most likely be a 5 or 7 day cruise. I have never been on a cruise and have heard that there are all sorts of "hidden" charges that come up. I want to know, in addition to paying for the cruise, what is not included, + how much spending money do I need for land excursions, etc.? It is myself, my husband, 10 & 5 year old daughters. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.
Many cruise lines are starting to hand out "credit cards." You use this card to pay for everything on the cruise and then on the last day, they give you your bill. So, you have to be careful because it won’t feel like your spending your money until the last day! Many cruises also have food included (although their fancier restaurants are not included) and drinks are not included though they do have some discounted offers for sodas. When you do pick a cruise, do a lot of research for that cruise line because many are different in the pricing.
I’ve talked to a few people who have gone on cruises and how much they spent all varies on their activities. My boyfriend and I are planning on spending near $100 a day. (hopefully that will be too high but you never know) Try to make a budget that works with you and stick with it. There are a lot of free things to do on cruises!
I am about to go on my first cruise and spent days researching and looking up information! I hope you and your family enjoy your cruise!
There are many hidden things you need to pay for. For instance, don’t forget the drinks soda and alcohol. Next, the shore excursions run anywhere from 20-250 dollars. Most are around 40 dollars a person. There is a tip charge usually ten dollars per day per person. Photos, and some activities cost a bit more. So, all in all it would be wise to estimate about 200-500 per person, maybe a bit less.
Besides those listed in the other post, If you plan on going to the casino on the ship or if you choose to use the spa, that costs extra. It will also cost you extra if you use the ships cleaning services (as opposed to using the laundry onboard). I usually book my shore excursions online before I go so I don’t have to worry about puttung it on my S&S (Sail & Sign) card which frees up some of the room charges. Also are you flying to the port or driving. If your driving, you have to pay for parking at the pier. Have some single dollar bills and 5′s on hand for tipping and taxis. Any shopping you do onboard costs exra as well. Just wait till your on your way home before you buy anything onboard, thats when the shops have their sales! There are many great websites that can help you with some pre-planning. I listed a good one below.
-Bon Voyage
http://www.cruisecritic.com is a very good website to visit if you have any cruise related questions! I’ve used it religiously before taking my last 2 cruises.
Any drinks not offered… like soda or alcoholic drinks are not covered. Tips are also not included in the cost of the cruise… You need to tip the housekeeper, your waiter, etc… they all work for tips… and believe me, your cruise will be fantastic because of them. Estimate about $10.00 per day.
Also, tours are not covered… So, if you want to take that snorkeling tour or horse ride… or whatever… they all cost.
Same with photos… they take all sorts of pictures. You’re not required to buy, but you know you’re going to want one or two (or all LOL).
I agree, you want to plan on at least $100 a day extra. There are many free things to do on-board, but you may want to indulge in the spa for a spa or something like that and they can tend to be spendy. Also, if you have a spa service be prepared for the up-sell – they try and sell you the product that they used in the service (like facial cream used in a facial), so be expecting it and that helps you say "no thank you".
I have been on 3 cruises and spent the most on the 1st one – after that you get a hang of what you really want and it’s easier to control your spending. Good Luck!
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