Still New to Cruising... is 5 days too short?

[katenotes]

Hi everyone,

Since you were all so helpful in my request about September cruises, we have another question.

We had wanted to take a 7 day cruise but it looks to be a little out of our price range so we are thinking about doing 5 days. Is that too short or should we break the bank for the 7 day trip?

Also, what other charges should we budget for, besides air fare, what other costs will incur onboard?

Thanks!
-Kate

[mateli]

Hi!
5 day cruise are the best lenth to really know if you like it.Things you have to pay is tips about $10. per person per day.On the ship you pay
with your setsail pass for soda pop,drinks,cocktails or wine.You can have
coffee and iced tea anytime free also food in the Windjammer.You may order breakfast in your cabin but you have to tip when delivered.I am
sure you will like it and go back for a longer cruise next time.
Enjoy! Have fun! Mateli

[Sheffie]

I wouldn't break the bank to do a 7 day. I have never been on a 5 day, but for the first one it would be great. I have a friend who has cruised many times and she is taking a 5 day with her co-workers. They have never cruised before and are soooooooooooooo excited.

As Mateli said, there are other things that cost you money that need to be added in, so that will make a difference, too. Don't forget you also may have taxi rides and tipping of porters. Those little things all add up quickly. At the ports there are usually many things you can do on your own if you don't want to do a cruise excursion, but, depending on the port, you may want to do an excursion of some kind.

Have fun deciding.

[thecruisequeen]

I would go with the 7 niter. If the budget is tight maybe watch the spending once onboard. The drinks quickly add up and excursions are not cheap.

Once in awhile you have to break the bank!

[subtropic]

The shorter cruise is fine. Hard for me to imagine but maybe cruising is not to your liking, so it is better to fit within budgetary concerns first. If you get hooked you will certainly opt for a longer cruise.

[arkiegal]

Go for the 5-day. Breaking the bank for something you might not like - can't imagine it but some people don't - is no way to start a marriage. One thing I know is you are not going to want to have to pinch pennies once you are on board.

[Trip]

If the 7 is NOT THAT much of a stretch for you, I would say do the 7 days. On day 4, I bet you would wish you had those addititional 3 days ..But certainly, the 5 day will be great, if, that's what you decide to do....either way, have a great time, and come back & tell us, you are hooked;):)

[Mike L]

My first cruise was a 4 day....and was to long. After waiting eight years to try again, 7 days is to short...5 might be a good place to start. It is all about expectations

[Rev22:17]

Kate,

Originally Posted by You

Hi everyone,

Since you were all so helpful in my request about September cruises, we have another question.

We had wanted to take a 7 day cruise but it looks to be a little out of our price range so we are thinking about doing 5 days. Is that too short or should we break the bank for the 7 day trip?

Also, what other charges should we budget for, besides air fare, what other costs will incur onboard?

Thanks!

Hmmm....

I have yet to find a cruise that is not "too short." Even after fourteen nights, I'm not really ready to pack and leave the ship for the trip home!

But it would be best to go for seven nights if you can. On your first cruise, it takes a couple days to learn your way around and to settle into a routine. On a five night cruise, that's about when you'll have to start preparing to leave the ship. On a seven night cruise, you'll have a couple days to relax between settling in and preparing to leave.

That said, you can save a fair amount of money if you have flexibility as to the dates of your cruise. Shifting your vacation by a week or two can make a difference of a couple hundred dollars in the cruise fare.

Norm.

[LisaK]

personally a 5 day cruise is just a teaser, you are just setteling into a groove and its time to think about getting ready to go home, if you can swing a 7-day go for it.
Things you will need to budget for: excursions, alcohol, soft drinks, tips,taxi service, salon or spa services, professional photos, casino, anything that you buy in the stores on board

[bsbbill]

let's see, I know that 7-nights is too short.

The 10-night was way too short.

The 11-night was too short for sure.

We're doing a 13-night transAtlantic next month . . . I'll let you know, but I think I already know the answer.