What is your ballpark yearly budget?

[Dimension]

My wife and I love cruising and have been doing it now for about 5 years. Over that time frame we have determined that we enjoy 6+ days of sailing per a cruise for anything shorter than that we just do not seem to unwind before the cruise is over. We have also determined that the JR. suite rooms fit us best for we like the extra space and having a full size shower but normally we end up getting a balcony. The wife is not a fan of a port hole nor the interior cabins for she tends to get a little claustrophobic in those rooms so at a minimum we have to get a balcony.

The wife and I sat down to figure out what we are spending on our cruises for we like doing about 3 a year. Over the course of the past 2 years we have been able to get 3 sailings in totaling 14+ days for each year around the cost of $6000. That price is just the cruise fees and not any extras such as drink packages. That is simply the cruise, taxes, gratuity, and other fees that Royal charges. We normally end up getting balcony rooms with the occasional JR suite thrown in when we can get a good price but we basically still stay around the $6000 yearly budget.  We are now of course thinking about our 2025 schedule since Royal is about to release some of the sailings in a few weeks. Looking for current prices we are afraid that our $6000 budget is no longer going to be able to cover 3 sailings a year as it has in the past but instead will only cover 2 unless we up our cruise budget.

With all that being said what is everyone's yearly budget for their 2025 sailings? Are you upping your budget to continue on your past path or are you cutting back? Again my question is about just the cruise fair and not the add-ons included in your budget.

[smokeybandit]

That's a rather personal question.

[Dimension]

6 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

That's a rather personal question.

I agree but to get a better understanding in my opinion it had to be asked. I figured that I would not get many answers for it is a personal decision as to what one feels comfortable spending. Was hoping for some ballpark figures.

[OCSC Mike]

11 minutes ago, Dimension said:

I agree but to get a better understanding in my opinion it had to be asked. I figured that I would not get many answers for it is a personal decision as to what one feels comfortable spending. Was hoping for some ballpark figures.

I think you're more likely to get general answers (if any), more similar to how you phrased it at the end... Are people cruising more or less at increased prices?

The dollar amounts aren't really relevant. One person may be used to be spending <$2000 per cruise while another may be used to spending >$5000 depending on # of people, ship, dates, cabin type, etc.

Even then, it will depend on personal finances and spending decisions. If someone just got a big raise, new job, inheritance, hit a scratcher for big money, etc., they may be willing to spend more than someone whose income hasn't changed or has run into financial difficulty compared to the past.

Not sure if you find that helpful, but personally, my general answer is I am willing to spend a bit more than I have in the past to continue cruising as often as my finances and schedule allows.

[Dimension]

5 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

I think you're more likely to get general answers (if any), more similar to how you phrased it at the end... Are people cruising more or less at increased prices?

The dollar amounts aren't really relevant. One person may be used to be spending <$2000 per cruise while another may be used to spending >$5000 depending on # of people, ship, dates, cabin type, etc.

Even then, it will depend on personal finances and spending decisions. If someone just got a big raise, new job, inheritance, hit a scratcher for big money, etc., they may be willing to spend more than someone whose income hasn't changed or has run into financial difficulty compared to the past.

Not sure if you find that helpful, but personally, my general answer is I am willing to spend a bit more than I have in the past to continue cruising as often as my finances and schedule allows.

Thanks for the feedback. This is what I am basically looking for in that you did increase your budget to continue sailing at the same current pace.

[PPPJJ-GCVAB]

There are so many factors that figure in when trying to price out any cruise.  Do you need to fly to the city of port?  If so, then a hotel room is most likely needed…which also will include dining costs.  Also transportation costs to and from port and/or hotel to get back to airport.  While on any cruise there is most likely going to be extra costs such as non-complimentary dining, shopping, excursions, oh…and for many…gambling (which may or may not be profitable!).

So trying to figure out how much to budget would be very complicated and, for me, almost impossible to figure out.  Not to mention we have never talked finances to others as it is and should be a personal topic.

Ballpark figures could be all over the place depending on any individual’s financial status…from a few thousand to tens of thousands!  Some spend freely…some spend frugally…some are rich…some not so!  Lol some people live in debt and some don’t .

I do believe what your budget is for you is perfect for your financial situation and I wish you well in your travels now and in the future.  

[Dimension]

This appears to be going in a direction that I did not intend initially so I have change the title to a ballpark figure. Hopefully the title change helps clear up things up. 

 

Also I am just looking for what was being spent on the cruise only not including extras such as hotel, travel, drinks, etc as I mentioned in my initial posting. It appears from what I have read most people are just simply willing to spend the additional money to continue on their current sailings per a year bases.

[Dimension]

After further thinking about this topic I am going to let this one die.

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, Dimension said:

After further thinking about this topic I am going to let this one die.

I was about to respond again but kinda came to the same conclusion. FWIW, I don't think there was anything terribly wrong with your question, there are just too many variables and personal issues involved.

10 minutes ago, Dimension said:

It appears from what I have read most people are just simply willing to spend the additional money to continue on their current sailings per a year bases.

I'm not sure about this. I've never seen so many experienced cruisers who have been loyal to Royal suddenly mention looking at or trying other cruise lines to save money. I've also seen many posters mention looking into other forms of vacation.

New or less experienced cruisers, however, don't necessarily know any better and seem to be paying what experienced cruisers know to be inflated prices (extremely so in some cases).

[RCIfan1912]

I wish I had a ballpark to spend money on cruises.  We don't really budget per year, we just book to two a year we can afford or at a price that is digestible to us. 

[Riley]

I don't think it's a bad general question, to be honest. My answer is we plan four to six cruises per year and book as early as possible to get the best deal, then I make the numbers work (e.g., interior cabins, saving on air fare). Honestly my biggest expense is often boarding our two cats and enormous dog; they are the biggest expense on a per-day basis!

Also as I'm in the Midwest cruises are planned in multiples: we are doing back-to-back Alaska next year so when I budget I only have to worry about one round of plane tickets and one night hotel, as opposed to double that.   2024 is a biggie for us as we are on two Transatlantics next Fall when "Adventure of the Seas" goes to Europe in October for its refurbishment - we are in a Balcony on "Adventure" and coming back on "Voyager" in a junior suite to take advantage of double points on a long cruise. That blew our budget up for the year but I only need to buy round-trip plane tickets from Chicago to Orlando so it all shook out in the end.

[OCSC Mike]

1 minute ago, RCIfan1912 said:

I wish I had a ballpark to spend money on cruises.  We don't really budget per year, we just book to two a year we can afford or at a price that is digestible to us. 

I don’t think you’re alone. We don’t have a strict cruise budget either. We’re just aware of our finances in general & have prices in mind for various cruises. I know I’m never getting a great deal in July but that doesn’t mean we may not be OK overpaying by X amount. I also know I got a ridiculously low price from a GGG sale last October so we “snuck in” a 4-nighter b/c it was such a low price.

I wasn’t expecting another October cruise this year  (last year was our first ever with school in session for my teacher wife) but we weren’t able to take a 2nd cruise this summer like we would have liked & for several reasons, I knew my wife could really use a vacation. So when a good price popped up a month ago for this Allure 5-nighter leaving tomorrow that crosses a weekend & her school is randomly off Friday, we booked it. This is where living near a port & being at least somewhat flexible helps, of course.

[BrianB]

I don't have a ballpark figure.

I just cruise because I love it. I'm lucky to have made decisions in my life that have allowed me to be able to afford my cruising addiction.

I didn't get the cruise bug until after I retired and a friend who was employed on a cruise ship invited me to experience what it was like. 

His intention was to get me to accept a position like his. Unfortunately for him....but very fortunate for me....I really enjoyed being a passenger. Much more than he enjoyed being an employee. So I turned down the offer and never looked back.

I was hooked.

I live near the ports in Bayonne and Manhattan. Easy drive...especially on weekends.

My budget is personal and inconsequential...however I'm very appreciative of my ability to be able to enjoy as much time aboard as I do...and will continue to do so as much as I like.

Hello. My name is Brian and I'm a Cruisaholic....*I love that line!*

[Jolly Ogre]

No increase for me... they will eventually price me out of cruising.

[ChessE4]

We don't budget for cruises as such, didn't when I worked and not now that I am retired. Instead, we select fairly-priced cruises knowing that we can afford them.  So no more than $100/person/night for Ocean view, $150/night for balcony.  We have occasionally spent more, such as taking a 12-night trip to the Med. Our junior suite last year on Vision ran $165/person/night before fees and taxes, but that was to celebrate 25th anniversary. 

When I scan ads, I don't look at a 7-night cruise priced more than $700 per person as the "headline rate".    Now when Royal cancelled a couple of our cruises and we re-booked, we paid more than I wanted, but at least we got some credits to offset the increase.  I am not one to splurge other than to select a special itinerary.  

I find that international travel prices out all-in at $1000 a night for the two of us. That is room, air, early arrival, food, parking, pet-sitter.  I won't go to Europe for 10 nights total unless I am willing to pay $10K (flying economy).  That includes the cruise plus early arrival to sight-see at the departure port.

We will likely increase our spending as we age and find we still have $$ to spend, but we will also increase charitable contributions.  For me, there needs to be balance.

This is all somewhat personal, but OP wanted input.

[Ampurp85]

I have a budget and it is personal. But then I budget for everything. 

I want to say that also the amount will change, as needs change. For example, I plan to do a B2B Alaska sailing this year. Alaska is expensive and therefore my budget will have to match that. I prefer to do around 5 cruises at least in a year but I am also from Chicago, so I have to factor that in as well. I have changed my budget because I prefer to enjoy the casino and win my next cruise. The cruises certainly cost more than what I was paying 2019, 2021 and even 2022. 

[fa-li]

We think of cruises as our least expensive vacations - ones that offer a lot of value for the dollar.  We tend to splurge on luxury land tours or river cruises.  So it's not so much a set dollar amount as a comparative amount - if 7 days cruising in a suite to the same islands as always, costs the same or more as a 10 day guided tour to some exotic place, I'm going with the new exotic trip.  That has definitely come into play this year as we look ahead to trips we want to do.  We got a great deal on Anthem to see the Norway fjords this May, but we booked that the day it came out and then followed up when prices dropped for a few hours.  Our February 2025 Caribbean cruise will be on Princess because a ten day in a giant aft suite on that was significantly less expensive than a 7 day on one of the big RC ships.  So to answer the spirit of your question, we have definitely made changes to our cruise spending if not to our overall budget.  

[MLH]

We are now empty nesters.  Kids are done with college.  We saved all of our lives and didnt go on fancy vacations like our peers, we drive moderate cars, have a nice home.  

With that being said all in last year we spent 50,000 on travel which in cluded airfare, hotels, excursions and some times the kids came along.

Its all  about perspective.  If I was young and had kids to get through college, cars, car insurance, sports activies My budget would probally be about 3k.

[Doug_Texas]

I have to start with a time budget.  My beloved wife has a huge list of holidays and birthdays for kids and grandkids.  I try to find long cruises or B2B to fit in the holes.  Long cruises are great because you maximize the value of your airfare and minimize kids on board.  With Europe / Australia airfare in the $1,400 - $2,200 pp from Dallas the effective cruise vacation budget has moved upward.  We are "inside cabin" people on drink coupons so try to be in the $2,000 - $4,000 per cruise for cruise fare and tax / port fees.  When the cruise gets into the $6,000 range we will look at upgrades like Oceana for sea or Sandals for land based Caribbean.  We travel about 5 times / year and try to get vacation variety.  Vacations are Royal 70% of the time and we keep going back for the value.  

[tjcruisers]

I'm still in my working phase, but will probably start transitioning over to at least partial retirement in 2025/26 (when we're 55), so my answer is more because of that. Right now we only do about 1 cruise a year, but in 2025 we plan on upping that. Part of the big cost for us is travel to the port. We've started to look at B2B's. Also looking at Europe and Australia. So maybe get to around 4-6 cruises a year. Not sure what that'll translate into

[Lovetocruise2002]

My budget? YOLO Book It! Not aware of any budget

Hubby's budget? $0

Our actual budget? Somewhere in between those two 
 

Jokes aside, as our girls are getting older, we realize how limited our time is as a family of 4. That has prompted us to up our number of cruises to as often as we can swing it. I am the limiting factor. Because I am a teacher, I can only go in March, July, August, December. So the last few years, that is when we cruise. While the cost is high right now, we don't plan to back down either because we won't get this time back with girls. A year from now, I might only have one kid sailing with us (cheaper), and soon after that, it might just be Hubby and I (even cheaper). So things like that will affect how much, and what we spend on as well.

[AlmondFarmer]

4 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

That's a rather personal question.

$30,000/year.

Two Star class week long sailings for my family of 5.

There, I said it. 
 

P.S. please keep buying almonds.

[tonyfsu21]

8 minutes ago, AlmondFarmer said:

$30,000/year.

Two Star class week long sailings for my family of 5.

There, I said it. 
 

P.S. please keep buying almonds.

This is a fun exercise.

$50,000/year

0.00 star class sailings but JS, GS and CLS and many quick weekends for a family of 4.

PS: please keep slipping, tripping, falling and riding half pipes of cruise ships because it keeps our ship floating. 

[DoomSlayer]

It is a little subjective because everyone's situation is different as others have stated.  I don't have a fixed budget, but I average about 4 to 5 cruises a year.  Most of them are out of Galveston, close to where I live so I don't have to worry about airfare and other travel related expenses too much.  When I go out of Florida, I usually couple the trip with a visit to my parents who live in the Tampa area, so I don't really count that airfare as I would have spent it anyway to visit them.  Most of my cruises are casino comps, so I guess my budget is more dependent on my "Vegas Funds" more than a real cruise budget.  I do usually upgrade to a 2 bedroom stateroom at least once a year so I can take my adult kids and grandkids, so I guess I do budget for that.  My only limitation is not a cash budget per say, but more of my PTO from work.  I am sure I would be cruising more if I had more PTO. 

[smokeybandit]

1 hour ago, AlmondFarmer said:

$30,000/year.

Two Star class week long sailings for my family of 5.

There, I said it. 
 

P.S. please keep buying almonds.

Just for that...

 

[steverk]

I have recently retired, so I have plenty of time.  I've been told there are 3 phases of retirement. Go-go years. Slow-go years. No-go years.

I'm determined to enjoy my go-go years. My father managed a credit union and taught me to save for retirement from day one.  Therefore, I can afford to enjoy these years and plan to see as much as possible. I choose cruising because it offers great value in travel.  Yes, it is expensive. On the other hand, taking a road trip to a national park is surprisingly expensive too.  Hotels are routinely $200 per night-or close to it. Tours, food, entertainment...it's all expensive and adds up in a hurry.

I'm sure we can all find cheaper travel, but I'm not looking to be miserable just to leave a large inheritance.  With luck, my last check (written to the undertaker) will bounce. 

[Lovetocruise2002]

32 minutes ago, steverk said:

I've been told there are 3 phases of retirement. Go-go years. Slow-go years. No-go years.

This is true, I think. I am starting to see this with my parents. They have cruised a lot! But the last year or two, especially after hearing about our (and friends of their) recent flight disruptions, they might be hitting that “slow go” phase. This makes me even more determined to not slow down and enjoy the time and health that we have. 

[VeronicaS1970]

We are now empty nesters.  When DD was young, we cruised or went to Disney once per year. Some years we didn't go anywhere.

We are currently on our 4th cruise this year.  Our target is 3 per year until retirement, then it may change.

We are random in cabin selection, though we really enjoyed the forward facing panoramic ocean view and may choose that more in the future.

We live in NY, so Bayonne is an easy drive. That helps reduce costs.

Next year we are doing the "Alaska Extravaganza", 8 night cruise one night pre and one night post cruise. It is totally blowing our cruise budget. But we are taking FIL, this will be his only time there. So this is a one off.

We are Diamond plus, at 219 points currently.  I don't see us getting to pinnacle anytime soon, so we are trying different lines. We did our first Celebrity this April, and are try MSC out of Brooklyn next October.  Virgin Voyages is on our list as well as Norwegian and Princess.  Many other lines do status matching, and if the price is right, I will give it a try. Royal's prices have gotten a bit high, so I am shopping around for better value. Will it be as good? Who knows, but I can at least try it.

 

[Psycho and Barb]

We don't currently have a budget.  We do have several factors that influence our cruising decisions. 

1.  How much time and when can we get away from work.  Can we get three 7-day cruises in this year?  We really enjoy B2B cruises.

     - This will all change soon when we finally retire...Psycho will hang up his combat boots for good in Jan 24...I'm still undecided but have no problem getting time off from work and I love my job.

2.  Where do we want to go.  This might also influence questions one if we have to factor in travel days.

3.  What ships do we want to sail on.

4.  Do we want to sail with family or friends.

 

[Bowen]

We keep our budget the same and bump to different rooms to accommodate. Be it balcony, window, or interior, what’s important to us is the cruising, not the room.

[teddy]

We’re cheap/thrifty/stingy/etc.  

When we realized that cruising was what we wanted to do, we opened a separate bank account for cruises. It’s part of our budget just like every other expense.  

We’d rather take two cruises in Interior cabins than one in a more expensive cabin….bucket list cruises excepted.  On those, we will book an aft balcony if we can get one.

We’ve also eaten the fees and changed some cruises out of Florida to ones out of Cape Liberty since it was cheaper to pay the change fees than pay for flights since we can drive to New Jersey.  

Most recently we swapped an 8-night southern Caribbean on Adventure out of Canaveral to an 11-night southern Caribbean on Odyssey out of Liberty….and saved money when the cost of airfare was added in.