Cruising in not cheap...
 

Someone posted that cruises were relatively inexpensive for what you get....well, I just added the whole thing up. You can expect to pay at least $2000 for 2 people on a cruise, including airfare IF YOU ARE LUCKY. Divide that by 6 nights. I get over $300 per day...cruising is not cheap by any means. And that is a cheap cruise! This time around my husband and I are paying over $3500 including air....divide that by 6 nights and you get about $500 per day...over.... <BR>Being from the Northeast, we usually leave one day ahead of scheduled adding to the bill. Not cheap by any means.

All in all and depending on the ship cruising is a good value for your $$.. first it's a hotel..complete with steward service, it takes you ports and places you've never been before..then there is the 24 hour food..if you sat down at a four or five star restaurant what with snacks and buffet..it would be at least the miniumum without tips $100.00 a day for food..everybody at your beck and call.. oh yes...don't forget the entertainment..the shows, the art auctions, napkin folding, the pool games..Bingo and whatever...it is an all inclusive vacation that happens to float to different countries and ports....Yes, I believe it is usually a good value for your money.. You said you booked an inexpensive cruise..which cruise and from where.. We usually sale out of Boston on the Majesty.. and that is less than the two of us going to Cape Cod to an overpriced motel and having rotten weather and overpriced and greasy food..

Maggie: Don't pay any attention to parrot mom. She seems to be up to her armpits in money. Look at some of her other posts where she thinks tipping is cheap, etc.

for someone who isn't "up to her armpits in money" - I still agree with Parrot Mom. I save very hard each year to take a nice vacation somewhere tropical. <BR> <BR>I've cruised, all-inclusived and built-my-own vacations. <BR> <BR>I personally found that cruising is worth it for my time, effort and money. <BR> <BR>These are my opinions, and unlike some people, I respect others: <BR>All-inclusive - I've felt "trapped", like if I'm not only at the facility getting "free" stuff, I'm wasting the money spent on the all inclusive and further on the excursion or what ever I'm doing that was not part of the package. <BR> <BR>Build-my-own - also too restrictive for me and too much of a hassle. Felt like I had to follow my pre-set plan instead of picking and choosing like I do on a cruise. <BR> <BR>Cruise - I feel like after I choose the right ship with the right ports for me, I still have a lot of options to choose from based on my mood for the day. I get to go several places that I've never been and get as much or as little entertainment as I want. <BR> <BR>Some say that the drinks are expensive - well they are and so are drinks at nice hotels - much more than the local pub. For me, didn't matter if I pay the Cruise, the Hotel or the supper club - all expensive. <BR> <BR>Just my random thoughts on the subject.

sorry - one more concluding thought - I ended up spending about the same on each vacation. Set a limit, have reasonable expectations on additional costs and have fun on whatever vacation you choose - cruise or otherwise.

Sorry to disappoint you Tom, but I am not up to my armpits in $$..parrots maybe, bu certainly not $$..we are both retired and on a fixed income.... Maggie should take a look at the hotel prices for a night in Boston or New York..she will be in for a shock.. As for tips..I certaiinly don't think tipping is cheap..but I think people who complain about tipping on cruise ships don't deserve good service.. we tip over and above for good service...especially on a cruise.. We are going on a land vacation and it is an all inclusive and including air-fare will be over $2,000 (in the D.R.) for two of us..we bought the trip on sale..at a vacation show.. we will be in one destination.. It certainly won't have the class or the entertainment or even the quality of food on a cruise...but hey.. go with the flow...We've worked hard all our lives and traveling is our priority..if you want to camp in a tent Tom..that is your business..Oh yes, Maggie...we live in the Northeast too.. and we cruise from Boston...

Did you know Parrotmom that there is a polio scare in DR at the present Time?

my, my, my...a bit of hostility.. I am not a rich guy, but most any kind of near luxury travel can be done fairly inexpensively..examples: last year my wife and I and 24 year old daughter went on the Celebrity Horizon, San Juan to Aruba in early November and then we stayed 4 nights in Aruba at the Radisson... Cost of the cruise for three people, outside cabin, 1413 including port charges, 4 days at the nicest hotel in Aruba $876, pre-cruise night in San Juan at the Raddison $129, airfare we used miles. 12 night vacation, $2418. That's $806 per person..we had some tips and meals and excursions but that is cheap for a first class trip. Will be doing Northern europe cruise with celebrity 14 nights, 2 nights pre-cruise in Amsterdam, 5 Nights London, 4 nights Paris (27 days, 25 nights) First class hotels(Kensington Hilton and Sofitel)all this for a little under 2700/person...miles for air but everything else is a deal. I can also do Kapalua for 16 days for about 1450 per person, air, car and deluxe condo. You can do it too...

Thanks Nurse..yes, we have an appointment to get a booster shot at our local travel clinic.. This will be our 6th time to the D.R. In re-reading my comment about tips..I mis-wrote.. tipping on cruise ships is a crime..under $4.00 a day per waiter for three meals a day..I doubt that even comes to 15% if you were in a regular restaurant..

Thats right Parrot Mom, tipping is cheap, the cruise is a bargain, etc. etc. etc. Never mind you spent hundreds on the cruise, hundreds more on the airfare, transfers, side trips, photos, drinks, shopping, etc. Keep rationalizing.....the cruise lines love it! I'd like to be on your "fixed income".

Okay, so you want to bash me...I've been traveling longer than most of you people.. We never, I repeat never buy a tour from a cruise ship..or anyplace else..except for a side trip to Machu Picchu from Lima..we hire a van or cab because we've done our homework ahead of time.. We do not buy pictures, we have our own camera, we aren't heavy drinkers, but my sin is the sin of being a "shopper"... I can tell you where to shop in Cartenga for magnificant silk shawls for $40.00..the best shop in Bermuda for my english porcelain (they know me as a regular)..The best compliment a friend gave us is that our home has things from all over the world and is the most interesting he goes to.. a rain stick from Mexico, a Yucatan baseball bat, a wall hanging from Lima, original art work from Puerta Vallarta.. and best of all I always post my e-mail address..if your interested in some of our adventures....For many reasons we try to only cruise from Boston...

Okay...to clarify... <BR> <BR>Okay..I agree about the various ports...however, you've got about 10 hours max in each port if you are lucky. I've been thinking about the Majesty to Bermuda this summer from Boston...that MAY be a good bet since there will be no airfare, hotel involved. I agree however, cruising in the winter is not a bargain especially if you are from the NE. <BR> <BR>Grand Princess...Feb 2001...Room: $3200 (not the best by any means, not cheap by any means and I DO know the cost of a hotel room in NYC and Boston...I live IN Boston...my daugher lives in NYC...However I also know the cost of a good condo with all the amenities...much cheaper than a cruise ship! <BR>Airline Tix: 2@240 = $480 (Delta isn't giving out any bargains to FLL lately if nobody has noticed)AND I'll be lucky if we get off the ground since this year those who make millions in Delta's headquarters seem to be refusing pilots and mechanics a raise in pay. <BR>Two Nights @ Cheap Hotel: (Believe me, this IS Cheap...I hate this hotel but I'm trying to cut costs...I'm used to much better hotels btw....but Hotel: $240 (UGH!!!!) <BR>Rental Car: Again, cheapest I could get: $70 for 2-days and that's if they honor the rate! <BR>Food: 2 days in FLL: at LEAST $75 per day. <BR>Add it all up and you get almost if not above (it's late) $4,000/6 (days)and it's about $625 per day for what people are calling a 'relatively inexpensive vacation' I've gone to both London/Paris for about ten days more cheaply! <BR>In contrast: <BR>Key West: (This past November...very warm, very tropical, very beautiful) <BR>One Week: <BR>Condo Rental: $1100 plus tax (about $1350 altogether...2 bedrooms/2 1/2 baths, private balcony, BEAUTIFUL <BR>Food: Breakfast: In Private on deck of condo <BR>Car Rental: $200 (didn't need the car btw...) <BR>Food: One week: $150 <BR>Restaurants: 3 days @ average of $100 <BR>Airline Tix FLL 4@240 (again, Delta not giving anything away lately) <BR>Total Cost for FOUR people: Under $3,000/6 = $500 per day, four adults! <BR>NO, I didn't cook..food was kind of "buy and eat" when we did eat in, and of course, restaurant food (which btw one can take home with you (they do give you a LOT of food in restaurants...enough for two meals) <BR> <BR>

Okay Maggie..here is the scoop.. more than 15 years ago we decided never to cruise out of Miami again..there are too many charter vacations leaving from Logan to warmer climates during the winter....like this exact week... and I didn't need the stress of flying into Miami..The Majesty came in to Boston and we've been hooked..nine years in a row.. The SeaBreeze was a delight.. We had decided to do the NCL Sky out of Boston and you know what happened to that ship..to shorten the story..we got a great deal for $1200 each for a two week repositioning cruise from Miami to LA on that ship last April (with balcony).. and after our experience again in Miami again I have vowed never, ever to go through Miami again.. Oh yes, we did a two day pre-cruise (don't remember what we were charged) and rented a car for $39.00.. If your interested in going to Bermuda..I'd be glad to show you pictures and talk to you about that..it's the best deal going..if you can get a cabin now...

I agree that William appears to be angry and is just in this conversation to bash. <BR> <BR>I think my next cruise is CHEAP!! <BR> <BR>7 days - Western Caribean - <BR> <BR>Flight from Milwaukee to Miami <BR> <BR>NCL Wind (upgraded to P1 balcony as of last night) <BR> <BR>Total cruise, flight, transfers, taxes, tips ect. - $1,124 <BR> <BR>Expected excursion costs (did homework, doing one cruise sponsored, other on own) - $160 <BR> <BR>Expected drinkning costs based on other cruises and including the booze I plan to smuggle in - $100 <BR> <BR>Misc shopping (not a big shopper) $40 <BR> <BR>Total for 7 days $1,424 That's $200 per day!! <BR> <BR>That $200 per day will cover more entertainment than I could imagine, a nice - albeit small - balcony room, food that I don't have to cook and choices of food I may not typically try, sun, fun, new sights and experiences in a variety of places. <BR> <BR>I say that's a bargain -- and NO, I am not rich!! I save and then spoil myself. <BR> <BR>If you don't want to pay that - go camping in a neighborhood park.

If your a repeat NCL passenger you get on some cruises great benefits..like on board credits..On the Sky we had $200.00 on board credit and was pretty hard put to spend it all..but managed with the internet cafe..

Give Parrot Mom a break - I know of her from another board and she is a good person - very down to earth. <BR> <BR>I think cruising is cheap. I paid $650/per person for my cabin on the Grand. Inside cabin but that is OK - I can go outside and see the ocean. <BR> <BR>Airfare was $200 from Nebraska. I watched the airfare very carefully for a sale. <BR> <BR>Purchases - bought some tshirts and a coffee mug on the ship. <BR> <BR>Beverages - I brought my own onto the ship. <BR> <BR>Did the islands by myself. No tours for me. <BR> <BR>Total vacation for 2 ended up being under $2,000. <BR> <BR>That include room, excellent food and service and entertainment. Plus - it was very relaxing. <BR> <BR>Last time I went to NY and Boston - I had to pay approx $180/night for hotel. My Disney vacations have doubled what I spent on this cruise. <BR> <BR>I think they are a great deal! Three cruises down, one this month and one booked for next year. <BR> <BR>I am not wealthy - I am 30 years old working for a local university.

Wow, are you all making me feel good about my last 3 cruises! You folks are PAYING WAY TOO MUCH! If you are spending more than $150 a day per person, then you had better be getting a nice room with a big balcony. <BR> <BR>Our Carribean cruise ran us about $70 per day, our Princess cruise to Asia was $100 per day, and the Eastern Med. was $125 per day. <BR> <BR>The trip to the med was $1500 for 12 days and airfare was $580. Someone please explain to me how we could travel to Istanbul, Ephesus, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Cyprus, Cairo, and Athens for less than $2300 including 3 great meals daily? Pahleese! <BR> <BR>Here is a trick for all you cheapies out there like me; BRING ZIPLOCK BAGS!!! At the breakfast buffet, load up on fresh fruit, rolls, any sorts of non perisheable foods and BRING LUNCH WITH YOU! You paid for it, might as well use it. <BR> <BR>You should all be using discount travel agents, and don't be afraid to haggle them as well. We were originally quoted $4200, then $3500, then $2100, then $1900, and we told them, no, no, no and looked around until finally they came back with $1500. <BR> <BR>Same with the other two cruises. I did an internet search yesterday and found Carribean, Alaskan, Scandanavian, and Med cruises advertised at around $100 per day. <BR> <BR>Don't you people shop around?

Another thought, we talked to people that had the same accomodations as we did and they paid $2400-3500 for the same cruise we paid $1500 for. <BR> <BR>And never take the cruise tours unless you are wheelchair bound, very old, or very feeble. <BR> <BR>The Santorini tour was $40 per person, we rented a car and paid $12 for the whole day. That's $3 per person and we saw 3X what the tour folks saw. <BR> <BR>Be adventurous, live a little!

If you don't shop for cruise prices at specialists..then you deserve to pay the higher price...Met people on the Majesty in September who paid $200.00 a person..from very elderly to young.. they bought it at auction...There are several cruise boards where people are wonderful and love to give advice and many travel agents who are available if you need one.. I've met a woman whose son paid book price...from a travel agent.....the name of the game is to shop and compare..

<BR>Completely agree with Parrot Mom, taken numerous cruises and well traveled world wide. When you compare equally there is nothing cheaper than a cruise. Even the airfare is often the cheapests out there. I am very internet savvy and know how to find the most inexpensive air, packages and cruises. I thank those who say it is expensive as I know they are the reason I get to travel cheaply.

Maggie, <BR>I want to be your travel agent....then i can retire....or maybe paul wants to your agent...and you can buy him a cruise....he'll give 24 hour service..be smart you are paying too mucho dinero

For the first time let me defend Paul.. he and I disagree about NCL.. but there is a place for a good cruise travel agent..especially for novices..When I first decided to cruise I hooked up with somebody from South Florida Cruises (now defunct) and after talking to him he knew what our needs and wants were...cheap and exotic.. Now, most cruise agents are able to buy as a group..and get the best rate.. Many specialize in certain lines, whether it's the Princess or Carnival and they will tell the novice about the ports and side trips available to them and hold their hands throughout the same process..there are some cruisers who would never get off the ship at Cartegena or the San Blas Islands..they don't want to see poverty...and others like my self who are much more adventurous.. On the other hand..a novice with the internet available can do lots of research on Fodors, the cruise boards and travel magazines or books.. Several months ago a young man I've known asked my opinion on Carnival and I sent him to the CruiseBoard2..(he had a price from his regular travel agent)..not only did he end up with a better price, cabin and a balcony..lots of advice. When his regular TA called him back and found he had booked she was quite indignant..that he had gotten the better price at once..Now tell me..do you think that he will ever use that travel agent again? All of us on this board and others..are very fortunate..by searching we can become informed consumers and for many working hand in hand with a travel agent is possible.. Find what you want..talk to your travel agent..and see if he/she will work with you, if not..Comparision shop..but for perhaps $25.00 or so more.,. it's worth it to have a friend in the travel agency...Adios!!.. No, I am not a travel agent..

Sorry, Parrot MOM, what's Cruiseboard 2?

I think that cruising is one of the best deals going. You do have to shop around though. If you don't get a good price, you haven't done your homework. A few hours of research can add up to big savings. Why would you even go on a cruise if you didn't think it was worth the price? Everything is there for you...it's a total vacation...they plan it all, and you just choose what you want. It makes it so easy to relax. I've stayed on islands for the week, and firmly believe you get the best value on a cruise. Leaving March 9 for two weeks on the Mercury with balcony..Can't wait

www.cruise2.com/bulletins/newquestions.html <BR> <BR> <BR>for all you cruisers and want to be cruisers... It's as addictive as www.fodors.com

Also try www.cruisecritic.com There boards are loaded with information. You can look for messages by cruise line, destination,ports of call, or general questions. It's a great sourse of info.

Okay..wait a minute here...I had an inside cabin last year on the Grand...my daughter and myself..spring break week...price per person: @700...airfare was more difficult...as it was spring break week...but I would imagine it was around $300 each and we had no seat assignments...something I don't like to deal with. No bargains last minute air from Boston...I don't know where you guys are getting the bargains but there ain't any to be had...I did not go to a travel agent. I booked through the internet. <BR> <BR>This year, my husband and myself. 2@$1300 for balcony cabin. Quite frankly, I thought it was a good price...add tax and port charges and boom...you're up there. <BR> <BR>Air fare: @$300 each...again...no bargains.... <BR> <BR>Pre cruise stay because quite frankly last years hair raising trip to FLL was unbelieveable....Delta cancelled 2 flights in a row on us...leaving 400 stranded at Logan...we made the ship by 6:45 PM....I'm not doing that again... <BR> <BR>I don't think I paid too much...where are you guys getting all these great deals. <BR> <BR>Sure, I've gotten great deals on airfare and built trips around them, but not when I'm going on cruises. <BR> <BR>I agree with one who said the only trip they've paid more for is Disneyworld. Don't even talk to me about Disneyworld. I've spent fortunes staying in the park...Between hotels and passes...UGH...but we've had a good time. <BR> <BR>I won't sneak booze on board a ship. I don't shop. I still think I'm more the "norm" then many when they say they get these unbelieveable bargains....bargains for me come once in a blue moon...

Am reading this thread with great interest. While I always get 3 quotes prior to booking, our t/a in Houston (we live on east coast) appears to have good prices and gives excellent customer service - i.e. complimentary limo to and from our airport. We are sailing Grand Princess in a few weeks, using f/flyer miles (USAir). Total price for cruise (incl. taxes) $2200/couple for a BA cabin on Caribe deck. Did the math: approx. $300 p/couple p/day. Did not book until Oct...there was a regional promo plus agency discount. Wish more folks posted their price/cabin category and date of sailing. Very helpful when someone wonders if they are paying too much. We are flying down one day prior and staying at a splendid hotel ('though definitely not a Princess property).

Maggie...perhaps the secret is to have the cruise line book the air fare..they get bulk rates.. and after our last and recent experience I will if the opportunity comes up pay extra to get a straight flight..Then again..I refuse to pay for all that hassle.. and now cruise from Boston only but might make an exception if we cruise from N.Y. onthe NCL Sun fr their repo cruise..

When the cruise line books the fare the fare is $350 flat rate...no deals there...no deals on pre or post cruise hotels, either....but you are right...I think next time I'm sailing out of Boston... <BR> <BR> <BR>Don't have FF flyer miles to use...wish I did. Eventually I will. We are in a BA Lido deck. We were on the Baja deck last year...but again...this is the year I wanted to try the balcony room because my husband likes to look out windows. <BR> <BR>Anyway, inside cabins are good. Which hotel are you staying at, "cruise compare"? <BR> <BR>We've got a hotel situation now. First I booked a room at Yankee Clipper Ocean front, @ 229 plus tax but I thought that was too much. Then I looked at Doubletree, Seabreeze Ave., at $159 per night, plus tax, then I looked at Ramada on Galt Drive @119 per night.... <BR> <BR>Car Rental: <BR>Dollar: Compact at $29.99 per day; National, Luxury Car @ $123 for two days plus all the add ons....tax, tire fees, etcs., We usually rent from Hertz and have had no trouble with them but after reading all the replies in the car rental sections, I'm scared to even rent a car anymore! <BR> <BR>

Maggie - 1300pp for balcony. That was longer than 7 days wasn't it? We're sailing Celebrity Summit April 8th - 11 days 1300pp for a premium outside with balcony (cat 1A) Also using frequent flier mileage, so no airfare.<BR>I use CruiseOne, Travelco and CruiseQuick. All are very competitive. I have no favorites when it comes to price. Good Luck!

Okay you non-believers...just booked a cruise with a balcony on the new Royal Caribean Brilliance of the Seas which hasn't even been launched yet that will cruise from London to Boston for about $550.00.. the downside is that we are being ripped off between the cruise line and airline at the price of $445.00 to fly ONE WAY from Boston to London.. they claims it's the "transfers".. So, it's a little bit over $1,000 for the trip including taxes, port charges, etc.l and that is with shopping around from the local phone book..I found a local agent who does nothing but cruises.. We are living it up by have a two night pre=cruise for $329. which includes transfers from the airport, to the hotel and then a three hour drive to Harwich. I can guarantee you that one week in London would cost me a heck of a lot more than all of this. Oh yes.. I dumped my regular travel agent after 10 years..she wanted to charge me almost $300.00 more and was insulted.. she's insulted...I always paid her price, never questioned her two and three times a year...It pays to shop around I guess and this was not over an auction site or out of state.

Wanted to steer you to epinions.com for some very good cruise reviews. We always get the cheapest cabin, because we spend absolutely no time there except to dress and sleep.The cabin stewards have been great, no matter which room you're in.Always helps to tip early.We use FF miles- but must get there or leave a day early/late cause there are few Ff flights. Just got the Days Inn Miami airport for $37.00 through Orbitz. There are cheap ways to cruise!!

I usually stick to the Europe Thread because I travel a lot there. I wanted to see if the cruise experience was worth the effort.<BR><BR>I have come to the conclusion after reading several different threads that I should probably not go on a cruise for two simple reasons.<BR><BR>If half of the people on these threads are an indicator of people on the ships..... I have never ever seen a larger bunch of nasty vindicative people in my life.<BR><BR>And two. The cost. For what you people pay for a one week cruise I can enjoy Paris for two and eat like a King in the best restaurants in the world.<BR><BR>Now one of you people will more than likely flame me for this. Hmmmph go ahead. <BR><BR>Thank you you have saved me wasting me money.

If the last poster noted..I do post my e-mail address. and I have visited the Europe board.. only to have a travel agent write to me off the board requesting my address for her business within the last few weeks.. I did report it to the Fodors. Also, I find that people on that board are rather snippy, but then again I found some very helpful people. Besides I can think of lots of places I want to be besides Paris, like London, Spain, Italy..and as a senior citizen if I want an outside cabin, I want an outside cabin I would personally never take an inside cabin, but that's us and if for a very few $$ I can have a better sized cabin..so what..I deserve it!! The hotel we have used previous to this trip is like a huge hostel...lol I like luxury and am not ashamed..Do yo know that saying "I'm spending my childrens inheritance".. well, I am...let them work for it.<BR>

I was curious about this thread, and since we recently completed our first (cruiseline) cruise I decided to do the math and see. We're middle aged and have traveled independently prety extensively, so we know the typical costs for comfortable but non-luxurious travel (by our standards - I'd call it "3 star" if you know what I mean.)<BR><BR>It turns out that the cost of the cruise was roughly 50% greater on a daily basis than an equivalent independent trip of the same length, counting airfare (to the port or destination), cost of cruise, equivalent hotel accommodation, food and spending money allowances, car rental, cruise excursions, etc. The intangibles were the convenience of only unpacking once and the romance of the sea, versus the ability to see off-the-beaten-track or non-touristy places, meet local people other than cab drivers, and all that. We're able to find crowded bars, casinos, and duty free shops on land farily easily, too.<BR><BR>Of course it's unfair to compare the experiences too tightly - a cruise is a cruise and not a bed and breakfast in the highlands sort of trip. Still, 50% is a hefty premium any way you cut it, and it will make us think carefully before our next cruise. We'll probably look at repositioning cruises where the rates get real low just before the sailing, or, more likely, do another freighter cruise, where the prices are running about $80 per person per day, all in, or around a third of most cruise lines' per diem rates. We did one of those trips a few years ago and loved it, but it was very different from Celebrity, that's for sure.<BR><BR>Our conclusion is that cruising is not cheap, to quote the title of the thread, but it's definitely fun. It's just not the same as a land-based trip.

I guess I will have to differ with you here. Cruising is the best value since no one seems to factor in the price of food and entertainment. If you wish to go on a land based vacation and eat a five course meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus tip and see top quality shows twice a night plus pay for activities all day, you will pay quite a bit more than an inside stateroom on a ship. On a ship each person will consume $100 per person per day eating. Do not forget the convenience of all these venues. How much does a taxi cost to see twice nightly entertainment in say Paris. What do you tip a concierge?<BR><BR>Similar in price are the all-inclusive rates at say Superclubs or Sandals which have a comparable product. You will still pay a bit more and see one show a night, may not have the convenience of a nearby air-conditoned room or lunch that is not a buffet.<BR><BR>When one travels to a land-based hotel they neglect to add up all the costs of the entire vacation. This is the norm.<BR><BR>Airfare costs should not enter into the picture since there are too may variables and promotions.<BR><BR>I am sure I will get quite a few arguments here but I have been traveling for many years and I know costs. <BR><BR>Listen to Parrot Mom she knows value. And as a note to Parrot Mom the transportation from London airports to any pier is a very long and very expensive ride.<BR><BR>Paul

Knew you were lurkig around Paul. This conversation doesn't even factor in the tipping usually suggested at $3.75 for the waiter each day..give me a break..three meals a day, a steward who cleans your room in the a.m. when you leave, at lunch, get your room cleaned after you've gone to your meal. etc. etc. What I have just discovered and this is great.. is that Europeans can cruise to Boston or wherever their ship is ready to be repositioned in the US for a song..and then pick up an inexpensive flight home. A dear friend in the UK may do this..fly around the US visiting and then fly back..inexpensively we hope. Let me just add that I am prone to seasickness so I don't ask for a "guaranteed" cabin and I seriously don't want to book over the internet..Those people who buy cruises at auctions..good for them..I'm "chicken" I prefer to I'm sure Paul's delight to use a local agent.

Paul I couldn't disagree with you more. I did factor in the cost of eating. That is why I mentioned I could go to some of the best restaurants in Paris and still do better than a cruise. For instance. Le Petit Chaise, one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. About $50.00 dollars for my wife and I having a five course meal and a bottle of wine ( and the personal attention of our very own waiter). Lets face it. Europe is for those that are adventurous, and cruises are for those that want everything self contained and are reluctant to really explore. Being dumped somewhere for several hours to take in the sites like over priced shops and exploring the back streets of Paris, London, Austria...... just don't compare.<BR><BR>Cruises exist for a reason. There is the need for some people to have that environment. I guess just not me. Well have fun cruising and doing your thing. But price wise I still think cruises are too expensive.

I think you can cruise cheaply if you wish or it can be expensive if you can afford it. I just came back from a cruise on the Century (Celebrity) which went to the E. Caribbean. We flew down on Friday morning (cruise left 4:30) and flew home Sunday morning (cruise came in on Sat) We paid a total of $1,053.00 for an inside room for two for the cruise, port charges and taxes. Suggested tipping of the staff was $150. $200 for the room Friday before and Saturday night after the cruise. $60 for taxi, lunch and dinner (at our hotel) on Friday and $70 for taxi, lunch and dinner (again at our hotel) on Saturday after cruise. Airfare from Cleveland to Ft. Lauderdale was $400.00 total. The cost of our vacation for 10 full days was $1,933 ($193.30 per day). I don't know if anyone thinks that's cheap or not. I am well satisfied with what we paid. Of course that doesn't include the drinks, pictures, souvenirs, etc that I purchased on the ship or in Ft. Lauderdale.