Burning a Hole in Your Pocket??

No.. Not adding another spark to the smoking debate this time, although I will be revisiting this particular sore subject soon….

This time its about what do you spend your money on whilst on your cruise?

You’ve been squirreling away all your hard earned cash, working extra hours, and making sacrifices to ensure that once aboard your longed for cruise, you can ‘go mad’, and treat yourself.  After all, you’ve earned it, and quite rightly so….

The question is – what do you splash out on and what do you avoid?  Here’s my opinion, let me know if you agree:-

First of all, and the most obvious I think, Drinks Packages.

Opinions are divided, so ultimately it comes down to the individual persons drinking habits and the cruise line prices.  However I believe that for the ‘average’ drinker, some drinks packages can be really good value for money.  If you consider a glass of wine costs on average £3.50, or a spirit & mixer £3.50-£5.00 and a beer £3.00, during the course of a day at sea, these can add up to quite a hefty bar bill to be presented with at the end of your cruise.  Compare that to say, Fred Olsens all inclusive  drinks package of £10.00 per person per day and you can see the savings to be made!  Of course Cruise Lines prices do vary, but as a rule of thumb, I think they’re good value.

Souvenirs from the on board gift shops? – can be overpriced tat if you don’t mind me being so bold.

Do you really need a T-shirt or Cap with the ship’s name emblazoned all over it?  What are you trying to say exactly?  If you’re looking for a unique memento of your cruise, keep your cruise card,  with the name of the ship and sailing date on it.  make it into a fridge magnet or put it in an album.  Then you can spend your hard earned cash on an authentic souvenir from one of your ports of call.  Or perhaps some duty free perfume (but do your homework first and make sure it really is a bargain)

Talking of shore excursions.

I think they are a good idea,  and for the first time visitors, I would recommend to book them with your cruise line.  They take the stress out of getting there, and more importantly getting you back on time.  Yes you’ll pay a little more, but for me, taking the headache out of the trip to leave me time to enjoy exploring a new city is worth spending those extra few pounds.

Ship photographs…. hmmmm.

We’ve all done it.  Posed next to the stunning Atrium or on that cascading staircase in all our finery, paid through the nose for that special picture with our loved one, only for it to be filed away in that ‘must put it on a disk file’.  Now I’m not saying avoid them altogether, as you can capture some truly wonderful moments, and look so much better, using the ship photographers very expensive camera.  However in this modern technological world we live in, our camera phones can take remarkably clear photos.  So dont be shy, ask one of your fellow cruise guests to take a picture or two, and offer to return the favour!  Not only will you save money, you could make new friends!!

Spa Treatments & Salons – now you’re talking!

I would definitely forego  a trip to the on board souvenir shop and a posed photo or two, to indulge in a relaxing massage and facial!  Its always a good idea to see what special offers the Spas offer to entice you to stay on board on shore days.  Usually you can pick up a bargain or two.  Why not indulge and splash out on a private cabana, or if the cash wont run to that, a bed in the Adults Only area, which are free, or just a small charge to pay.  What price to get away from the masses, men in Speedos (should be banned, but thats another blog….) and excessive body hair…. and be surrounded by peace and quiet, and undisturbed relaxation?

Lastly –  Using the Internet whilst on board. Can be really pricey  and slowwwww.

I dont know if you remember recently a woman sent pictures of herself on holiday on her phone, and was presented with a bill the equivalent of a 2nd mortgage to pay!   Take pictures by all means, but dont send them!!  Wait till you get home, its cheaper! Besides one of the main reasons we choose to holiday, is to ‘get away from it all’, relax and disconnect from the busy stressful lives we lead.   If you must contact friends & family back home, try to log on in port in a local cafe, which in exchange for a few Euros spent on a drink and snack you can have free WiFi.  Or purchase a package on board but make it  quick and dont forget to log out or you’ll pay for time you’ve not used.

Well thats it, my take on what to save on and what to splash out on.  I’d be interested to know your tips.