whats minimum needed to pay onboard ship?

[imgoingtodisney]

Trying to get a feel for the minimum amt needed for the cruise. I know for the 7night, 3 people there is at least $225ish needed for the tips. What else is absolutely needed? porters, etc

 

[ducklite]

Cash for the porters $1-2 per bag is standard, depending on teh size of the bags.

Not really anything else if you aren't going to frink anything but the free stuff, eat at Palo's, buy any photo's or souvies, take any shore excursions or buy anything at the ports of call.

I would say to budget at least $100 more than what you need for tips and porter tips.

Anne

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Thanks Anne - the state is in bad financial shape so Im looking at drastic reduction in work hours/layoffs. Just wondering what I absolutely need to be able to pay for. One more trip for Disney dollars and I'll be covered at the minimum.
Once the financial situation becomes clearer at our July fiscal year I'll know if I can afford to drink, excursions, photos, souvies, Palos, etc.

 

[jel0511]

I'd try to budget a little more than that. We spent $550 on the 4 night cruise in Nov, and we don't drink. We did one excursion that cost $100, and probably bought another $100 worth of souvies. The rest are tips, and a coke here and there. No spa, and no Palos either. We tipped the recommend also, just gave an extra $20 to our room steward because he was AWESOME!! We also only bought one picture at Shutters, with one picture frame. We tried to go budget, and as you can see, it worked but not totally.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I can relate to that "state budget crunch" situation. Michigan is in tough shape too, and hubby works for them. I work for a private university but many of our students will be losing financial aid from the state.

We came home last night from a meeting at kids' school (including discussionf of budget cuts!) to hear a clip of Gov. Granholm's State of the State address. We heard "shut down the following departments - state police, natural resources, ..." and just about died. He works for DNR and that is a required agency. Then she went on to say, "if we shut all these down we still wouldn't close the gap so as you can see..." It was an example and nearly gave me a heart attack.

I can certainly empathize with your position. Right now we're not planning any changes to our plans but can certainly understand the anxiety. Pixie dust to you!

Deb

 

[SC Minnie]

I have read on this board a couple cruised and other than tips spent less than $100. It can be done. It would take a lot of self control for me though . Just stay out of Mickey's Mates and Treasure Ketch!

You may also need to plan for taxi money for going on shore. You don't necessarily have to do an excursion but just going to a beach you would probably need a taxi. Not many are within walking distance of the ports.

 

[AnnMorin]

Our average room charge runs about $1000.00 that does not include tips which we pay in cash or any excursions (we did non disney in December) except the castaway Cay float and snorkle rentals, I think that was 6.00 for the float and 35.00 or 45.00 for one adult one child snorkle equipment.
Now we did buy two 8x10's which was about 40.00. DH always buys a polo which runs about 55-60.00. We got some of that gold by the inch for souveniers to the tune of 50.00 or so. We did the wine tasting-24.00. Palos ran about 80.00 with drinks and tip. We did have to buy quite a bit of bottled water as the drink station was not open until the end of our cruise. DS spent about 25.00-30.00 in the arcade. There was the photo album, pen for the teacher, oh and the rumcake and scotch for gifts. (treasure ketch, mickey's mates and the little store near the night clubs) which would be another 60.00-70.00. The rest was other piddly things DS wanted (like snacks before the shows) and drinks. (yup we sure did embibe). I am not counting the 220.00 for the med center as most of that was reimbursed. So if you stay away from the stores and shutters and are not big drinkers you could do it MUCH cheaper. I always plan on 1000.00 but as I said we are "lushes"

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

If you want to stay within a budget, just plan ahead...

You can figure tips out, and prepay them before the last day..
You can research excursions, and estimate cost
Bring your own drinks (sodas, bottled water, alcohol)

What I did last time was put down travelers checks on my room charge. When that was out, I was out of money... that way, I couldn't get carried away with charge card charges for drinks, and that addictive bingo!!

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

Can you make it so like one person room the room can only spend a max of like 80$ for example. Because I want put down 80 for my kttw card and not spend over that. I am only 13 and can only spend 80 on the cruise max because i am getting a puppy when i get home!
Matt

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

Donald, as far as I know, people can put their own credit cards/cash etc. down on each card... even if they are in the same room, since the card has your name on it. My friend and I had seperate accounts when I went last time.

Anyone else know for sure?

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

I think your right. I am sure I will find out. Are going on the 3/02 wonder cruise? We are going the day before on the magic. I will keep the terminal clean for ya. LOL
Thanks
Matt

 

[AnnMorin]

when you get your documents there is a "charging form" it only needs to be filled out by one party in your room. Parents can limit or disable their child's ability to charge if they so choose. I would think if there are different un-related parties sharing a room two seperate accounts could be set up.

 

[lsmac]

>>>Parents can limit or disable their child's ability to charge if they so choose>>

Ummm...I beg to differ on this one Ann. They told us it was either/or. There was no "limit",either he had full charge ability or none at all. But, they do allow you to have a daily printout of charges to keep "an eye on things".

Lisa

 

[AnnMorin]

We allowed Mike charging prividges but he knew not to go nuts, I think he charged all of 20.00 on the arcade. The stuff he bought in the store he paid us for in cash before he charged it.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

We spent 930.00 for 4 of us on the Dec 1, 4 night Wonder, that included a spa treatment, pop mugs for 2, a couple pics., the "full package" shore excursion at Castaway Cay. I am a beer drinker and my wife liked those Foofy drinks while poolside. We didn't hold back although most of our shopping was done on shore.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

P.S, we also included our tips in that.
I do remember a change in the billing process. The first time Feb. 2000 Wonder they billed our credit card at the end of the cruise and this time Dec 2002 thet billed it daily.