Leaderboard

Thanks! Designed a pin to celebrate. I'll have these available on the Rhapsody TA and two B2B prior as well as the Mariner from Singapore to Miami. They will showcase in two weeks on the Allure.

I do the same. I have it set up where a set amount of money goes into a savings account each week.

As many have mentioned there is no right or wrong answer for this. For some, they will prefer to pay a certain amount each month off the total to avoid having to find a large lump on the payment due date. If you don't regularly save and find it tempting to dip into savings then this is a great idea. Personally, I do something simular but instead of paying the money to RCL I put the money into a separate savings account and then pay a lump sum the day before the cruise needs to be paid off. In our case this because we have an offset mortgage (i.e any positive funds in our bank accounts reduces the principle we have to pay interest against) it is better for us to keep the money in our own accounts as long as possible which reduces the interest charges on our mortgage. If I didn't have a history of saving I would probably pay off a certain amou8nt each month but I am confident of not touching the money so in our case it is better to not pay it until the last moment possible. It really is up to you and what makes you feel more comfortable.

If it isn't paid in full it is easier to make changes and if there is a price drop it is easier to get it changed if not paid in full. Candie

It would be nice if the cruise came as soon as it was paid off. Then there would be a reason to pay it off early!

Hey Cruisers, *warning....newbie approaching* Hubby and I are off on a 21 night Transpacific in October 2018. When booking our cruise with TA and discussing the drinks packages, she said it was not likely packages (drinks or meals) would be offered on such a long cruise. Can anybody confirm or deny this statement for me? I have checked through the boards and couldn't find anything relevant, so thought I would ask myself. Thanks! Laura.

This is precisely what I do.

I believe there were some ventilation issues / limitations on Empress that were never fully resolved and they just couldn't deal with smoke in the casino on that ship.

We sort of do the same think we have a fund we call extra and put money away every week so we have enough for vacation and any spending money needed that way when we get back from vacation everything has been paid then just start the whole process over again plus I still referee so all that money goes for vacations also.

I suggest making friends with someone in an aqua theater suite ?

Looking at other boats on the site Rhapsody is actually pretty good value.... There is another cruise ship on there for $350m and another $400m... I think we should consider buying all 3 and start our own RCL Podcast cruise line.... http://www.yachtworld.com/boats-for-sale/?&No=0

Hmmm, I have done this too. My mom always taught me to save everything I needed for a vacation, even fun money. This helps when the cruise is over cause I can go on with my life not owing anything.

I have one booked in March, final payment due in Dec, i plan on paying it off in Nov, in case something comes up last minute.

One battle at a time.....

I'm also in the "pay a bit each month" camp. I try to pay the same each month so when final payment comes around it's a few hundred left. I combine that with purchasing one shore excursion / drink package / internet service package each month leading up to final payment. Pay in full each month, and by cruise time it's all paid for and I can get off the ship with no extra balance due.

They have really improved the process in New Zealand over the last 5 years. When I first got my passport (many years ago) it involved a lot of paper work, getting documents cited by JPs etc etc. Now it can all be done on-line including uploading your own photo etc (As you upload it it checks to see if it meets the requirements as far as background and being clear etc goes). I seem to also remember it taking about 5 weeks to get my passport sent to me now it arrives in less than a week in most cases. We've also gone back to 10 year passports which is good so I won't have to do it for a few years yet.

I wonder how long it will be before they do start charging interest...........

I put the deposit down and put a little each month. I'm paying it off, no interest fees.

I pay it off right before the pay off date.

I did the same.

Did you happen to mention the RC website?

I agree, we always get the books for that very reason and almost all of our vacations are cruises. Also if you are a AAA or CAA member, you can get your photos at the local office and they know EXACTLY what the State Dept. requires!

I agree. Would you rather drive an economy car on a great vacation or a luxury car to the proctologist? Think about it. I don't know...seemed like a good analogy to me.

What!!!! This blog doesn't have all the answers!?!??!?!?! That's it. I'm out! I just wasted almost 6 months and 875 posts!

HEY BOY HEEEYYYY! Oh, I'm sure you're right. I think that'll be something we do on another trip back at this point. I think I have my heart set on buzzed putt putt after a long morning in the solarium while not having to wait on everyone ahead of me. :)