Crusin in Style!

Well its been too long my friends, as you know little A has been fighting mutiple ear infections these days which leaves this MOM with her hands full! However, in the middle of all this mess my wonderful hubby and I were able to sneak away on a 3 day cruise!! YAY!!! So of COURSE you know I came back with some tips and tricks right??

Here we go:

1st- find the CHEAPEST cruise, not always do you have to book in advance
check this wonderful website http://www.vacationstogo.com/, which is where we found our awesome last minute deal (2nd time Ive had success with them) but WAIT dont stop there, once you find a cheap deal on their site go to the actual cruise line's website and see if you can find a better deal... I ALWAYS do this with flights too.. it can save you TONS

2nd- you've got your cruise so now LET'S GO!!!
Arrive early
stay late
-- do just that, arrive as SOOOOON as they'll let you on the boat, thats usually very very early! then go eat at the buffet and watch the people scramble on last minute while you sip your fruity drink (thanks Meagan)

---stay LATE, be the last off the ship if you can so you don't have to deal with lines (this may not be an option if you have plans) sleep in, go eat, then play some games (ALWAYS bring cards) and eat some more, loung on some deck chairs in the sun and relax, STRETCH that vacation as looooooong as you can.

3rd- Don't drink and cruise
People spend TONS on alcohol on ship, thats just crazy to me but to each their own right? Our travel agent actually told us to take on our own alcohol in water bottles and make our own mixed drinks.... Either way you save TONS of money by avoiding the bar and just drinking cheap drinks at the port if you want to party!! Also there are pretty darn good deals in the duty free liquor store you may want to take advantage of- be selective though, some may just SEEM nice,bring the price you usually pay for the liqour of your choice, and keep in mind you can only claim 1 liter when you come back through customs.

4. HAVE FUN!!
Most of all have fun, budget what you'll spend so there's no last minute money surprises when you get your bill the last night. You can check your balance any time at the guest relations desk and check check check for those hidden little things like tips automatically added which you can remove and tip on your own.

Hope this helps- I think everyone should cruise a little!! Although, now I have to diet :( where's the deal for that??

xxooo (those are doughnuts! LOL)

cruisin Momma