Thread: Money Saving Tips...

Money Saving Tips......Don't Leave Port Without Reading This First......

We've picked up a lot of new members, since I first posted these 'Money Saving Tips', so I'm posting them again for all the new members. I've condensed them all into one post to save time...

You live and you learn.. After as many cruises and as much traveling as I have done, I've picked up many money saving ideas, which I will share with you. You don't have to agree, or even try them, but you'll be losing if you don't...

First of all, if your traveling by air to the port, take along several cereal/granola/food bars to snack on during flights and waiting for flights.. Airport food is very expensive, and leaves a lot to be desired...

Money Saving Tip, #1...
When you get on board and find your cabin, immediately check all the bottled water and little Nip bottles (sometimes located on the vanity or in the little ice box) to see if they've been opened and refilled by the previous occupant. If the cap seal has been broken, immediately notify your room steward for the following reasons.. First you don't want to drink out it, and second, if he notices it after you move in, or when he inventories it on the last evening of your cruise, you'll be charged for it. I've heard of this happening several times to people...

Money Saving Tip, #2...
Remember to take along your favorite over the counter medications (aspirin, aleve, Dramamine etc.) when you cruise.. A few ships still give out Dramamine, but due to peoples reactions to different medications and the liability problems brought on by the law suit society we live in today, most have now stopped. You now have to buy them in one of the ships stores, which can be very costly. For example, a one day supply of Dramamine, 'a 4 pack', can cost about $3.99-$4.49 on the ship "I know." For a couple dollars more you can get a bottle of 100, at Walmart, or the like before you go.. This is true of most OTC medications, so a word to the wise is to take them with you...

Money Saving Tip, #3...
Never buy your bottled water when leaving the ship for an excursion, or a little shopping. You can buy cold bottled water, soda, or beer, almost anywhere you go, and it is about 50-60%, or less, than the ship is selling it for.. If your on a real tight budget, keep the empty bottle and refill it on board before leaving for the day...

Money Saving Tip, #4...
If you think your going to be away from the ship at lunch time and are short on money, call Room Service before you go and order a couple sandwiches and some fruit.. Bring along a few zip-lock bags and a soft side lunch box from home and you can take your lunch with you. Put the sandwiches in zip-lock bags and put them in the soft side, along with a zip-lock bag containing ice to keep the sandwiches fresh. Food may be very cheap where your at, but it can also be very expensive... Check first, to see what foods this particular port/country allows, as not all things are allowed on shore in some places...

Money Saving Tip, #5...
Are you on a budget and still want to take a tour? You can book your own tour/excursions after you arrive in port and save 50%, or more off the same ship tour/excursion. Ever notice all those vendors holding up signs advertising the same tours that are advertised on the ship? You can save 50%, or more and most of the time get a better tour/excursion. These men are independent vendors and have business cards, websites, email addresses, cell phones for emergencies, and will give you a good tour in hopes of a word of mouth referral to friends.. A lot of people think this isn't safe, but we've done this a least three dozen times without a hitch. We were just in Puerto Rico on our last cruise and booked the 'old San Juan/new San Juan tour' (also included were two forts, Rum distillery and shopping) for $15. each. We went in a fairly new air conditioned bus that held 16 people. The same tour purchased on the ship was $33. each, plus tax.. In Juneau AK., we rented a car for $39. including tax & ins., and used it for 8.5 hrs. and saw just about everything there was to see.

Money Saving Tip, #6...
This one may not save you money, but will save a lot of time. Bring along a 16 to 24 oz insulated mug to put your coffee, iced tea, juice, or water in, from the beverage stations located around the ship. Then you can go out on deck, or to the pool area with it and not have to make so many trips back for a refill. It also works well for other types of liquid mixtures.

Money Saving Tip, #7...
Nips... Not the candy type.. See Tip #6. Put them in your check in luggage.

Money Saving Tip, #8...
If your traveling to St Maartin, did you know that you can walk into Philipsburg in 15-17 minutes? The water taxi cost $5.00 each, round trip, but you still have to walk 200 yards and wait sometimes 15 minutes or more for it to arrive, unload and reload to take the 8 minute ride into town. Same coming back.. Instead you can walk through the Welcome Center, out the front gate, turn left and in minutes be in town with $10.-$25.00 more spending money in your pocket... Also, walk a little bit. Things keep getting cheaper, the farther down Main St. you walk.. Walk a little, save alot...


Build Your Own Emergency Kit...
We have heard many request on what would be handy to take on a cruise...
Here is our survival kit, that has come in handy many times....

First: You'll need two Zip-lock bags (freezer type are stronger)

In the first bag we place a dozen or so each (in separate snack-bags): Dramamine,
Aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, Zantac (or equivalent), Immodium AD, and/or any other
OTC medication you favor or need. (The above can be very costly on the ship and
you're S.O.L. if the shops are closed)

In the second bag we place the following: Band-aides (about a dozen assorted),
Tweezers, Scissors, Nail Clippers, Small multi-use Pocket Knife (Swiss preferably),
Can/Bottle Opener, Small Sewing Kit, Safety Pins, Rubber Bands, Pens, High-liter.

Also handy are: 3-way Gang Plug, 12' Extension Cord, Night-light, Deck of Cards,
Several sizes of Zip-lock bags, Several (Tall Kitchen) Trash bags for dirty, or damp
clothes.

All of the above take up very little space in your suit case and can be purchased at
most Dollar Stores, Dollar General, or Flea Markets for very little. Tailor it to fit your
own needs. If you intend to travel a lot, you will use most of these items sooner or later.... Bombero....


.

Nice posting! Valuable little tips that not everyone thinks of.

Nice to see the cow back!

Good ideas, thanks!

That is a great list.
Welcome back

Thanks for posting. I am already doing most of what you said.

These are great and thanks for posting them!!

And it is wonderful to see you posting again!!

I'm going to print it off and get several things going for our April trip- we're traveling with our kids and are not sure how they will do- probably fine, but better to be safe than sorry!

THANKS for the tips!!

STephanie

Thanks for these great tips!

They will come in very handy for our upcoming trip.

Also light weight and cheaper at home are the rain ponchos you get at the dollar store. You can expect to pay $6 or more in a gift shop on the ship or in a port of call for the same thing! Bring them from home for less, and reuse them on the next cruise.