Give me ideas for saving on Onboard Charges

[Lakers Fan]

Originally Posted by Donna

I am perfectly happy with the ice tea, lemonaide and coffee you can get onboard, so I rarely order a coke. I do however, sometimes order a glass of wine with dinner or a cold drink if out by the pool. Also, eating all meals onboard is enough, don't need to eat in ports...It does save $, even though I don't not eat at ports to save money, but I find plenty enough food to eat onboard, I am not the least bit hungry when out in ports or doing excursions.

For the gamblers, limit yourself to so much $ per day and stick to that.
After I loose $20 that is it for me, not much of a gambler and don't like to loose. I would rather shop than spent it in the casino.

If I am on a cruise with 5 or more sea days and limit myself to stop after I lose $20 that could be on the first night .I do not set a limit to lose . I take X amount with me for gambling and do not go above that figure.

[LisaK]

One big expense that i think was only touched on was personal toiletries,and first aid-items, everything from bandaids to OTC painkillers, bring them aboard with you, they cost $$$$ if you have to buy them on the ship

[anniegb]

Originally Posted by LisaK

One big expense that i think was only touched on was personal toiletries,and first aid-items, everything from bandaids to OTC painkillers, bring them aboard with you, they cost $$$$ if you have to buy them on the ship

You are quite right Lisa, - I think I may have mentioned them - I know Merced Mike also carries a comprehensive 1st aid kit and it really doesn't take up that much room.

Also if I stay at a nice hotel and have forgotten a personal toiletry item - I acquire at the hotel. I plead guilty to forgetting a tootbrush occasionally - Chinese hotels are really good at supplying spares

Annie

[Surfguyxxx1]

My advice would be bring your own water onboard. I drink alot during the day (water that is) and at $3-$6, it gets to be expensive. In saying that, I do think that the water on ships has gotten alot better.

[KayAnnie]

My biggest money saving tactic is doing ports on our own. (Unless it is dangerous not to do so) We always see more for cheaper than ship sponsored excursions.

I do laundry on the ship if they have self-service and bring Purex sheets which have the soap and fabric softener in a sheet together.

Also, finding a good bartender that you are loyal to can save you money in drinks because the drinks may be stronger, leaving you to purchase fewer. I have also heard of people getting slipped some for free.

I tend to not frequent the ship's spas because of the expense and the high pressure sales pitch.

We sometimes also book a lower category cabin with the knowledge that the money we saved, we'll spend on specialty restaurants etc.

Soda cards usually save us money because we drink so much soda. (We could save more by sclepping it on, but never do for convenience)

[Paul Motter]

Kay Annie... good points on the laundry. I agree, and it also makes packing so much easier.

I also agree on bringing water onboard. we usually buy it in port rather than spending to buy it on the ship. I will drink ship water, but preferred bottled.

It is very easy to get dehydrated during a cruise with all the rich food and drinking beer or other diuretics instead of water.