How Much Money to Bring!!!

[Annae]

My husband and I are first time cruisers. We are cruising in May with our twin boys (age 6). We actually have the land and sea package. We will be on the boat for 4 nights. I am trying to get a general idea of how much to bring with us for the cruise. I know that meals are included but we have to figure on tipping, drinks, pictures and anything we decide to do at the ports. I was wondering if $250.00 a day would suffice? What do you think?

 

[shelly3girls]

Although you may plan on spending that much per day, you do not need that much cash. While on the boat we used our room key for everything, I don't think they even accepted cash for anything?? You will need cash while at port and may wish to use it for gratuities, put even those can be charged to your cabin.

 

[Annae]

Actually what I meant to say is how much can we plan on spending every day including what we would be charging on the card?

 

[bostonlass]

Good question! How much should we plan on spending (both cash and credit) in addition to the cruise we already paid for.

 

[cakesgalore]

Yes, can I amend that question also, to:
How much can kids expect to need each day, on the ship (for teens) and then, how much would the parents need? We are scrambling to get enough US cash together beforehand, in order to avoid the Can/US exchange rates on our credit cards!! Many thanks to those experienced cruisers!!! Much appreciated! Deb

 

[kcashner]

This is a totally, completely personal issue. Some of us choose to travel in cat 11, some Walt's suite.....

We travel "cheap." I'd rather do several trips than one very expensive one. That said, you can spend a relatively small amount of money and have a great time. Some money savers include.....taking your own photos (the DCL crew will take a photo with your camera at the same posing as the professional photographer.) Pictures in Shutters are $10 and up each! Excursions--most can be done "on your own" cheaper than the DCL package. Be aware that when you are on your own, YOU are responsible for being back on board at the appointed time. Sodas--do you really need the $35 per person (7 day) package? SOdas are free in the dining rooms. I bring one 6 pack of DD's favorite, and tell her that's it. Smoothies $3 each...she can have one during the cruise. Arcade cards--$10 each--why? they have computer games at home. Internet access 75 cents per minute--I didn't bring her on a cruise to have her play on the computer. We don't drink, so alcohol isn't an issue. I own our snorkel equipment (one cruise rental charge and it's paid for).

What you NEED--suggested tips are about $75 per passenger on the 7 day. Souveniers?

Cruising on the "cheap" is still a great vacation. We don't feel deprived at all. There is tons of adult and kid programming, sun, swimming. We snorkel at castaway. I do one spa thing and the rainforest.

We generally spend about $50 per person per day.

As to my soon-to-be teen...she got Disney dollars for Christmas. I'm going to give her a set amount, and not allow her to exceed that (in addition to what she has saved and the Christmas money). Kids can go thru money very fast, or can be very reasonable.

 

[SeaSpray]

I just posted a similar thread!! I'll keep an eye on both of them