I have been on a cruise a few years ago, but my parents paid. How much should I save to go to the Bahamas?

Question

I am going to start saving money for my honey moon. I'm not getting married for another 2 years, but I want plenty of money to play with! I have called several different cruise lines, but they took me in circles ad never gave me a quote! So how much do you think I should have in order to have a nice honey moon? We have talked about going to the Bahamas, and want a nice suite. Like, $3,000??

Answer 1

With $3000. you can have a nice cruise to the Bahamas, Caribbean or Bermuda for 7 days. Cruises are not sold on a daily rate but the cost generally amounts to between $125 to $175 per day per person, depending upon the type cabin and the date.

I have been on about 20 cruises on 4 different cruise lines and so here's what I can tell you based on my experiences.  I book my cruises directly with the cruise line, either by phone with a cruise line adviser/agent or directly on the cruise line's web site.

First you should know that all of the cruise lines give the best price for early bookings that are a year or more in advance. So you should plan to book your cruise a year before you want to go.  You can do that by paying a deposit of $250 to $350 per person and then make payments or just pay the balance when it is due approximately 60 days before the cruise.

Second you should know that all cruise cabins are sold based on double occupancy and so the prices that you see listed on the web sites will be per person and based on at least two people going on the cruise in that cabin.

You should also know that the price of your cruise will depend upon the type accommodations that you choose and there are 4 basic types of cabins on ships;

- inside (no window),

- outside (a window or porthole),

- balcony/veranda, and

- suites.

The "FROM" prices you see will always be for an inside cabin.

I have found that the price of a cruise can also vary by date.  Sometimes the exact same cruise can be hundreds of dollars less on certain dates.  So be flexibly and consider going a month or two after your wedding if the price is better, rather than the day or week after your wedding.

As for a dollar figure, I have listed below the web sites for the medium priced cruise lines which operate from US ports. There are some luxury lines that are much higher priced with prices starting around $4,000 per person for a 7 day cruise. The lines that I have listed below will have cruises starting in the range of $800 to $1,000 per person for a 7 day cruise, again depending upon the date and type cabin you select.

HOLLAND AMERICA

http://www.hollandamerica.com/

CELEBRITY:

http://www.celebritycruises.com/home .

ROYAL CARIBBEAN:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/gohome.d.....

NORWEGIAN:

http://www.ncl.com/

PRINCESS:

http://www.princess.com/index.html

CARNIVAL:

http://www.carnivalcruiselines.com/

What I recommend is that you go to the cruise lines and browse around for the type cruise that you want.  Then do a trial booking.  Just select the date and cabin information and the site will allow you to look at what you have selected and also show you the actual price if you booked it.  Many times that price also includes optional travel insurance and in the booking process  it will ask if you want air fare included and/or transfers (by bus from airport to/from ship) included. After you look at the price, print it out for future reference and then just cancel the action or close the web page.

I have been on Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean ships and can vouch that they are good cruise lines. There are some differences. Princess, Celebrity and Holland America have great ships are more reserved. Holland America has more senior citizens cruising on its ships. Carnival has more first time cruiser and young people who want to party, party, party. Royal Caribbean caters most to families and has the most and best on ship activities. Royal Caribbean's web site is the easiest to find specials on; the link to its "hot deals" is in red. RC is my favorite !!!

My recommendation for a honeymoon in style is book on a Celebrity, Princess or Royal Caribbean cruise.  And I do recommend a balcony or suite.

Answer 2

i would say around 7000 to 8000. you have to pay for your tickets, lodging and food and then the money your going to spend while your on your trip for souvenir's. i would rec'd trying to find a cruise package. try expedia or one of my personal favorites GrandEuropeanTours.com. they do have trips to the bahamas its not just europe bound only. and most of the cruises include flight, meals cruise ship tickets, excursions, and then you just have to pay for your souvenir's. hope this helps and have a blast. the bahamas are very fun. especially the atlantis resort.

Answer 3

Another option would be to also sign up for a honeymoon registry once you're paid for your honeymoon expenses and instead of receiving the usual pots and pans, etc., individuals would be gifting portions of your honeymoon.

I have an online travel agency and can look up some things for you and show you what our honeymoon registry (It's FREE) offers, if you're interested in more options. Click on the "EXTRAS" link at the top of the screen and you'll see the honeymoon registry link come up on the next screen.

I'm not trying to sell you anything I just think that everyone deserves their dream vacation/honeymoon. Take care and hope this helps.

Answer 4

It will depend on a lot of things.  Your best bet is to get a 'worse case' quote and work towards that.  Get a quote for an expensive cruise during their busy season.  It will at least give you a goal.  As far as additional money once you've covered the cruise portion, try to budget around $50 - $100 per person, per port.  Also, are you big alcohol drinkers?  This can completely alter the overall costs if you are drinking from the bar everynight, or ordering bottles of wine with dinner.  Alcohol prices vary immensly depending on the type of drink, the type of wine, if you have the wine stewart open it (yes they charge for this) etc.  Your best bet is to over estimate everything, that way you are covered for anything :)

Answer 5

It will all depend on which cruise line, length of cruise, dates of travel and category stateroom. I am happy to assist you with a quote if you'd like. I am a Cruise Specialist and am happy to help you in any way that I can.

I would say anywhere from $5,000+ is a good start.