Budget

[krzkat]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what they budget for the ship in terms of everything on board. I know that excursions are a whole different ball game, but wondering about the ship.

Trying to get my budget organized.

Thanks

 

[CAMICKEY]

Depends on how many days you are on the cruise. We normally budget around 200 per day. - Mike

 

[krzkat]

do you budget that per person? I'm doing the 7 day western.

 

[KC22]

I HEARD THAT YOU CAN SET UP YOUR ROOM KEY TO CHARGE TO YOUR ROOM, CHARGE ALL ON THE SHIP AND CASTAWAY CAY TO THAT AND LEAVE SOME CASH BEHIND.

KC22

200 SOUNDS GOOD IF YOU ARE TALKING IN GENERAL..

 

[KC22]

WHAT 7 DAY WESTERN ARE YOU ON??

MAY 8TH? look at our thread..

 

[krzkat]

KC22 - how do I find the thread, I'm new to this board.

I think either the Oct 9 or Oct 23 one, my brother works on board, or will starting Saturday, so I'm just going to visit him.

 

[CAMICKEY]

krzkat - On the main board look at the top. You should see CRUISE MEETS. CLick on this link and it will take you to the meet threads. May take you awhile to find the excat thread though. The budget I gave you (sorry I did not provide more details earlier) are for myself, DW and DS6. We expect for the 7 day Western to spend around 1500 including excursions, souvenirs, tips, alcohol, pictures, and any other items we might find interesting. Hope this helps. - Mike

 

[krzkat]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your help

 

[CAMICKEY]

Thanks krzkat - Other people in other threads have mentioned spending as little as 50 a day and others as much as 300. A lot depends on how many excursions you take, whether you drink alcohol, whether you plan on getting any picture packages from Shutters, or spa services, etc. You can see how these things can add up quickly. Just the suggested tips on a 7 day add up for 3 people (As in our case). Enjoy your cruise. - Mike

 

[ivanova]

we budgeted for excursions (knew in advance exactly which ones & how much they cost), purchases on board (in the shops, our event related costs (we were attending a pin trading event onboard), drinks in the bars, and pictures at Shutters.

It worked out that we severly under-budgeted for the pin event, but had over-budgeted for the excursiions (we canceled one for health reasons, and another was canceled on us due to wave swells). So it balanced out in the end.

 

[jrabbit]

First item to budget is tips. For the 7 night cruise its about $75/person for the week (children included). This you can charge to your room. You will need some cash to tip the porters and port canaveral on both embarkation and disembarkation days ($1-$2 per bag). If you have room service you should tip the person that brings you your food (you can now charge this to your room or you can give them a couple of dollars).

For us shutters is our downfall and we can easily spend $200

If you drink sodas you can pay per the glass or buy a refillable mug ($35). Soda is free at the sit down lunches and at dinner.

Smoothies are a chargable item.

Alcoholic beverages always carry a charge. If you stick with the "drink of the day" you can save a couple of bucks per drink. I believe that the drink of the day costs $3.50 to $4.50 (I just remember seeing the signs - I don't drink)

If you play bingo you can drop a lot of $$$ fast. There are different "packages" you can buy when you go. I only remember the $35 one (good for 6 games I believe, others can correct me).

If you have kids (or DH) that likes video games you can buy arcade cards in $10, $15 and $25 increments.

If you enjoy wine with dinner they sell two different wine packages ($145 and $265) - or you can buy a bottle or glass at dinner.

If you are interested in the spa and the prices try this link: CastawayClub and click on the SPA link and they will give you an idea of services and prices. I couldn't find anything about these on the official DCL site

Souveneers: To me they seem extreemly overpriced but we buy some anyway. Others will be able to help you out here better than I.

And then there are the excursions. Go to Fun Onshore for descriptions and prices for excursions.


Bottom Line: Except for TIPS you can get by with spending no extra money and you will still have a wonderful time!!

 

[Kimnicki]

We are a family of 4 and cruised on the 7 night Eastern. We didn't do any excursions and ended up spending $1100.00 onboard. That includes Shutters, drinks, arcade and tips. I was pretty proud that we kept our costs down. I played one game of bingo and we had a few drinks. The best part is that we didn't feel cheated or feel that we didn't enjoy ourselves.



Kim