1st cruise need budget help

[ranidayz]

Is this new? No activity we've ever seen or done in the programming, with the exception of the teen excursions, has ever had a cost. THings that would cost outside of the programming are free in it--like if they do smoothie party, each kid gets a free smoothie. Invade the Arcade time has all the games set to free play. Design a t-shirt--each kid participating gets a free shirt. There has never been a charge for anything my kid did during the programming on the ship.

You can have a great cruise and not spend a penny beyond your cruise ticket and tips. Tips are $12 per guest per night of cruise--so for a 4 night cruise they would be $48 times the number of people in your family. On the other hand, you could spend thousands! There are also a zillion little ways to save money while cruising.

OK, your ticket includes all food and regular beverages (including sodas). Specialty coffees, smoothies, and alcohol are extra. All kid programming and most adult programming is included. Those items with an extra cost are adult only dining, tastings (beer, wine, tequila, etc), bingo, spa. ALL shows, movies, etc. are included. Fitness center is included.

Shopping.....nuff said. Photos--use your own camera. The character attendants are happy to take family shots with your camera. Excursions--can range from a $ 6 float to $400 for "dolphin trainer for a day." You can enjoy the islands while spending little or nothing...or you can spend a lot..or you can stay on the ship.

I'm totally serious--you can have a great time and spend essentially NOTHING beyond your cruise fare and tips. Obviously, you have a cost for transportation to the terminal from wherever you live. OR you can spend a small fortune.

Agreed - you can actually enjoy the ship without spending much more at all. There is no cost for the room service items - except if you tip, which is customary. The kids clubs don't cost anything for your kids to participate. On the three cruises we've been on with Disney so far, we've yet to purchase a single picture. DH likes to do one excursion per cruise, but the last one we did was a whole day of fun for only $50 per person and that included transportation, lunch, beach time and swimming with the stingrays in Nassau.

You do need to tip - you don't need to buy souvenirs. If you participate in your Meet FE exchange - you'll come home with a boatload of souvenirs and it won't have cost you any more than what you exchanged with everyone else!