What would be the cost of a family of five to go on a cruise???

Question

i have this family and we have never been a cruise and we would relly like to go but we cant seem to find a good deal on a cruise to have what we are looking for so if any one could give me an estement i would love it dearly.......

Answer 1

Getting the "best deals" on a cruise is about when you can take the cruise.  You won't get any discounts during the holidays, spring break or early summer.

With 5 guests, you will likely have to have 2 cabins as most cabins will sleep 4 guests.  Also, trust me, you will appreciate the 2nd bathroom.

We took 14 guests on a cruise for Spring Break last year and the average fare was just under $900 per person.  That included port fees and taxes but not the new $5 per day per guest fuel surcharge.

You can use a agent at www.vacationstogo.com or directly with one of the cruise lines to get a pricing package.

Carnival is probably the most economical cruise line.  

When budgeting for your trip, also remember these items:

- tips.  $10 per day per guest, this include children from at 2 up.

- bar drinks. $4-12 each plus 15% gratuity.

- shore excursions. $50-200 per person  per excursion.

- spa services. $50-200 per service.

- sodas. $1.75 per can or a soda fountain card for about $35-45 for unlimited sodas by the glass.  The cards are sold by the person...not the group.

- casino $$$

- Bingo - $5-10 per card

- Photos. $22-25 per sheet

- Bottled water - $3.50 each

You can spend as much or as little as you want on a cruise and still have a good time.  My sister uses a cash account and only deposits the amount she can afford and quits spending when she reaches her limit.  I use a credit card account and usually get sticker shock at the end of the trip.

Stay in tune with the new passport requirements for sea travel as this may add to your budget if you need to get passports for your family.

You might want to consider a 4-5 day cruise to save dollars.  However, most of the ships on the 4-5 days routes are the older, smaller ships.

Give Carnival a call and get a proposal.

Answer 2

WRONG from Southern guy. NOT $400 more, because largest cabin is for 4 MAX (unless you book the penthouse). You need 2 cabins- 3 in one, 2 in another. 1st and 2nd passenger in each cabin pay full rate, and the 5th will be discounted. Figure on about $100 per person per day--- in your case, $500 per day. Check out vacationstogo.com and surf options. They list every price. Then go to cruisecompete.com and get competitive offers on the cabins/ cruise you want. Prices are now almost "fixed", but you may get on board credit to pay tips or buy drinks. This gives you an estimate anyway....

Answer 3

A lot. I recommend traveling during off-peak travel times.  That means that you may have to take your children out of school for a week.  Travel during school holidays is usually more expensive.

Answer 4

Depends on which cruise line, where you want to go, and most importantly, how long you want to cruise for.  Carnival and Royal Caribbean usually have the best deals, especially if you book early.  I've booked a four-day Baja cruise for $279, and seen the same cruise for even less.

The various cruise travel sites can't offer anything cheaper than the website of each cruise line, so if you're looking at just the cost of the ship and not any air/ground/cruise packages, the cruise line's own website is your best bet.

Answer 5

I am looking at a seven day cruise on the Carnival Glory in December, and it will be in the $2300 for four people.  You would be looking at about $400 more for the fifth person.  This includes gratuities and port fees.