Friday, July 30, 2010

Budgeting

Hey Cruisers! It's nearly the end of the summer, so I figured it was time for a budgeting post! :)

This is taken directly from the nKoTb Cruise blog
, so anything different for us will be noted in red.

There's a lot more that has to be budgeted. Keep all this in mind as you plan for the next few months.
  • Remaining balance: The total of your cabin less the $700 we've already paid ($300-1800)
  • Flights: Have you booked yet? (~$200-700 depending on where you're flying from)
  • Transportation to/from FL airport: $30-75
  • Transportation/parking at home airport: $0 if you're lucky, up to $200 if you're not
  • Hotel: One night, split with a roommate, probably $100
  • Passport (if you need it): $100
  • Clothes: Pre-cruise party, theme nights, swim suits, daywear, shoes. . . let's be serious. $200-700
  • Drinks, photos, shore trips, misc on board: ~$150
  • Other (door decor, travel toiletries, pre-cruise mani/pedi, etc): ~$150
Maybe some of my estimates are a bit high. I live in one of the most expensive areas of the country, so I'm rounding up. For example, I know parking at JFK costs a lot more than it does at the Pittsburgh airport. And you certainly don't HAVE to spend anything on clothes or get a pedi before the trip, but chances are you will.

Where does that put our totals?

At the low end: You're in a category 4 room, have a ride to the airport, don't need a passport, and are very good at keeping a budget. $1150

At the high end: You booked a suite, have an expensive flight, and will spend $300 on the perfect theme outfit if necessary. $4000

Did you read that and think, "Katie, you are crazy. NO way I will be spending $300 on a dress. Put me in the $1150 group." Well, I would have said the same thing to you last year. And how much did I spend on my white dress two weeks before we sailed because I was getting frantic to find something white and flattering? $300. (Note to TPTB: If we do white night again, I'm wearing that same dress.)

[Taken from nKoTb Cruise Blog]

So, Cruisers, does anybody have any suggestions for budgeting? Have you already purchased your plane tickets? Where is everybody staying in Miami? Without the themes yet, has anybody bought any cute clothes yet? Let's compare notes, Cruisers!! :)

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Second payment is today!

Today is July 1st, and we all know what that means!! :) The second payment is due today, so hopefully everybody is ready! It really makes me excited to know how close we are getting!! :)

As of this morning, my payment still hasn't been taken from my account. So, I'm not sure when Rose Tours is going to automatically take it, since I heard it was suppose to happen at midnight? According to the nKoTb cruise blog, the second payment varies on when it is taken out, so I guess we will have to wait and see!!

UPDATE: The money hasn't left my account yet, but it is a pending charge, as of 10:07 am. Anybody else have their money taken or a pending charge yet?

UPDATE (Again): The money left my account today (07/02). :) @SarahMcTamney also tweeted me that hers left yesterday, and Rose Tours even called her just to double check. Anybody else? :)

Waitlisters MelMuff (#2471), Melissa (#2541), Carrie (#2554), Emelita, and Kate were all called (and accepted!!), so don't get discouraged if you're on the wait list!! It also appears they are going in order on the wait list, based on what I have heard so far!

The spot in Gissell cabin has been filled by @nonoebel1103, but I haven't heard about the spot in Saldawgli9979's cabin. Also, @Swayshay is looking for a spot in the cruise, if anybody has a roommate who drops out.

Hope everybody has a great day! Only 160 more days!!