How can I become a frequent cruiser?

[CruiseGus]

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

Once you reach pinnacle, you are getting 6 drinks a day, internet on one device, laundry, etc. If you are pinnacle and prime or higher in the casino, you get even more. So "Sharon" is probably only paying taxes on her cruise in a lot of cases. 

Let's be honest here.

If she's Prime in the casino and booking lots of "free" cruises, she is paying one way or another.  The casino is the biggest revenue producer on the ship, they are not in the business of losing money.

If gambling is your entertainment budget that's fine, but it is not a free ride.

[Ampurp85]

1 hour ago, CruiseGus said:

Let's be honest here.

If she's Prime in the casino and booking lots of "free" cruises, she is paying one way or another.  The casino is the biggest revenue producer on the ship, they are not in the business of losing money.

If gambling is your entertainment budget that's fine, but it is not a free ride.

I didn't imply it was, didn't say free at all . But I have talked to enough pinnacles who take their $300-500 and earn them a cruise that they just pay taxes and fees on. Some even win their money back. But $500-700 is a lot less than the current prices for cruises. 

[whitsmom]

On 9/17/2023 at 10:29 AM, steverk said:

We usually stay in standard rooms to control costs, but we frequently treat our adult children to join us, so it probably balances out. 

I agree that prices have increased, but they've increased on land as well. To me the alternative to a cruise is a road trip to a national park. At this point, I find a cruise in standard cabin is still cost competitive and much easier.

We just booked a National Park (Out West) land tour for next September and it is way more expensive than a cruise.  However, we are trying to get bucket list ($$$) trips out of the way before we retire while we are still working.  We will be retiring in 2-3 years then we can travel more leisurely with our "big" trips already done.  We prioritize saving for our trips.  We also want to do our bucket list trips while we are in good health.  I have heard too many stories of people that waited to do their bucket list travel after they retired and health issues made it impossible to achieve.

[happy cruisers 2]

EM1016, I can relate.  Our advisors have also told us (a few years ago) that we should spend more.  Well, now I question if we may have taken that too literally and gone beyond what they were talking about!  It's something each of us has to balance and feel comfortable with.  One thing I can say is don't wait too long to start enjoying some of your money.  My father had plans to travel after retirement and he died at 55.  That left my mother in pretty nice shape financially, but it certainly was not how they envisioned their later years.  It does sound like you are already traveling, so that's great.  Enjoy!