We have a bought and paid for a seven-night transatlantic crossing on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. We sail soon. We can’t wait. How much do we spend out of pocket?
Cruises have long been considered all inclusive vacations. Over the decades ships have divided the onboard operations into multiple profit centers. You should expect to spend money while at sea. Some of this will be in cash. If we spend $1,250 or less between the two of us, we consider it a great success. Bear in mind a transatlantic crossing has only two port stops, where you start and where you finish. Caribbean cruises would have multiple port stops, adding port tours and meals ashore to your total.
How We Spend Money on a Seven Night Transatlantic Crossing
My wife and I are creatures of habit. Here’s an idea where the money goes:
- Flowers for our cabin. Immediately after boarding, I sneak away and order flowers at the Purser’s office, also called the hotel reservation desk. These are delivered later that day. They easily last a week. Approximate cost: $50.00.
- Daily cocktails. Let’s assume one round of drinks before dinner every evening. The first night is in the Commodore Lounge overlooking the bow. It’s fun to watch the ship sail out. The sail away party is an alternative if it’s dark. Let us assume $12/drink per person for seven nights. Approximate cost: $ 168.00
- Wine with meals. The ship has had a great selection in the $40-50 range. One bottle gets us through dinner with half left over for lunch the next day. Let us assume $50/bottle including service charge. Approximate cost: $ 350.00
- Caviar and champagne. We try to do this on one formal night. We each have a glass of champagne and share the caviar service. This happens in the Champagne Bar, of course. Approximate cost $100.00.
- Getting a professional photo taken. It helps when updating my LinkedIn profile. I think they run about $35.00. Approximate cost: $35.00
- Duty free liquor. We often buy one or two bottles to bring home, usually brands that are unique to the UK. Approximate cost: $40.00.
- Buying a new logoed polo shirt. They are fun to wear. They can start conversations. It’s been two years since out last voyage, so I think I’ve worn mine out. Approximate cost $35.00.
- The wine tasting lunch. The wine stewards tell you about these special events. It usually takes place in the specialty dining room. I’ve always found them good value. They are about $75/head for each of us. Approximately $150.00.
- The scotch tasting. I love it. My wife does not. It’s usually a pretty good deal at about $35/head. Approximately $35.00
- Canapes for the cabin. It might be just the two of us or we have invited new friends to join us. Approximately $35.00.
- Dry cleaning. I’ve found it’s often cheaper than in our local neighborhood. A suit or shirt might need some attention. Approximately $20.00.
- Shipboard gratuities. The set rate in Britannia class is $11.50/pp each day. For the two of us, that’s $23.00/day. Approximately $161.00
- White envelope tipping. We try to bring at least $100 in fives and tens. This goes into white envelopes for the cabin steward, their assistant, our dining room waiter and assistant Waiter, the maire d’ and the wine steward. Approximately $100.00
There are other costs. We might dine in the specialty restaurant. Covid testing might be required before arrival in New York. There’s the cost of parking the car for about ten days. We stay a couple of nights in London. Here’s the good news. There’s often a stateroom credit which offsets part of our onboard spending.
To us, it’s all part of the experience.
Cover photo: Cruise ship at Key West’s Mallory Square with schooner on sunset cruise in background ©Dennis Cox/WorldViews
Cruise Search at CruiseCompete.com
