What is a good amount of spending money for a cruise?
Most guests bring $50-$120 cash per day to spend during the cruise. You will have many opportunities to purchase duty free goods, take exciting shore excursions, buy local souvenirs, play your chance in the casino, or enjoy some pampering in the spa.
And how much cash should you take on your next cruise? We're here to help you figure it out! Experts say the average cruise passenger spends anywhere from $52 to $89 per day, but the amount you'll spend will, of course, vary based on cruise line, ship, experience and your individual preferences.
What is the average price of a cruise? According to data provided by the cruise industry (CLIA: Cruise Line Industry Association), the average cruise duration is seven days and the average cost is around $1700. Cruise lines charge between $800 and $8,000 for a 7-night Caribbean trip in a balcony stateroom.
Prices for co*cktails on cruise ships usually run about $10-14 per drink, before gratuity. So expect to spend about $12 to $16.50 per beverage when gratuity is added. Here is a sample menu from a recent Carnival cruise to give you an idea of what's offered.
Some cruise lines (but not all) will suggest waiving gratuities for children under the age of three. Many river cruise lines include the gratuities, but for those that don't, the suggested range is between $10 and $20 per passenger, per day.
Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.
Some cruise lines offer luxury, all-inclusive packages that can cost thousands of dollars per person, while others offer budget-friendly options that can be as low as a few hundred dollars per person. It's important to do your research and find a cruise that fits your budget.
If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway.
- Specialty Restaurants. Most cruise ships nowadays have pretty impressive buffet-style dining venues and even cafes that are already included in your fare. ...
- Drink Packages. ...
- Product Upsells. ...
- Movies On Demand. ...
- Shore Excursions. ...
- Phone Data Roaming Charges. ...
- ATM Fees. ...
- Gambling.
It turns out that many passengers do gain three to five pounds on a weeklong sailing, according to my fitness instructor Daniel, who works aboard the Carnival Splendor. But by following these nine weight-loss tips, perhaps you can have your cake and eat it, too.
How much is a co*ke on a cruise?
Sodas priced individually on the ship are between $2-$4. If you buy more than two, you have spent way more than you would have with the soda package. Plus if you buy the soda outright there is no refills. One drink and that's it.
You won't pay more if you book onboard, but you should look for cruise fares that include drink packages when you book your sailings.
However, most cruise lines are based in the U.S., where the crew members' pay structure is based on tips. If you refuse to tip on principle, you are impacting the salaries of the people who have served you well onboard.
While the automatic service charges will cover their basic gratuities, it's generally considered good form to tip them a bit extra for a job well done, especially if you have made any special requests. Should you choose to, for a seven-night cruise, consider tipping about $2 to $3 per person, per day.
Cruise lines generally prefer to have tips given electronically to maintain cashless environments onboard their ships, but passengers who do prefer to tip in cash should give cash in the ship's stated onboard currency.
For passengers looking to enjoy views, especially the scenery in the wake of a ship, we recommend higher decks and the back of the vessel. The higher you pick, the farther you'll see. If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end.
Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess
You might want to prop open your balcony door as you sail, but cruise lines aren't so keen on the idea.
There are no rules that say that passengers on cruise ships can't sleep on their balconies. That said, cruise lines do generally advise against it. Many people enjoy sleeping on their balconies, and you won't have any problem if you want to do so too.
Carnival Cruise Line—known as one of the most affordable cruise lines—was founded in 1972 and now carries millions of guests every year aboard its 24 ships.
Most Expensive: Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, and Seabourn are known for their high prices due to all-inclusive luxury offerings.
Why are 2023 cruises so expensive?
Ticket prices for cruises are surging as operators say they're meeting higher demand for post-pandemic vacations. Cruise operators such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean said they're considering raising prices even more to close the gap between the price of cruise vacations and land-based vacation alternatives.
"The cruise lines usually put their oldest vessels on their shortest routes, so in order to go on the nicer ships, you need to primarily do a seven-day or longer cruise," Speer said. Longer trips also give first-time cruisers more time to get oriented.
Most of the newer ships average around 1050 feet which equals . 2 miles if you were to walk from end-to-end of the ship. Depending on where your cabin is or what locations on the ship you like, that mileage could add up.
Due to limitations of medical care, both on board and in various ports of call, women who have entered or exceeded their 24th week of pregnancy, at any time during the cruise, will not be allowed to board or sail with the ship.
Shelf-stable snacks like chips, pretzels, protein bars or any other items packaged in sealed wrappers are permitted on every major cruise line. Just stick with store-bought goodies including candy, savory snacks, cookies or granola bars instead of whipping up a batch of homemade muffins or sandwiches to bring with you.
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