On our most recent cruise out of Port Miami we booked off-site parking through Global Airport Parking at the Premier Cruise Parking POM lot. The cost was substantially less than parking at the port, and was fairly close (perhaps 1 mile) from the port. The only problem we encountered was that their free shuttles were running way behind schedule due to heavy traffic. On our departure date just about all the terminals were hosting ships, and the Miami Heat was playing an afternoon game. Also the tunnel coming into the port was closed. So we ended up taking a rideshare to the port, which would have cost $15+ tip, but ended up being much more expensive as the ride lasted about 1 & 1/2 hours as a result of which we tipped multiples of the base fare. The driver was great (he had previously driven a limo in NYC, so heavy traffic was nothing to him) and he engaged in friendly conversation throughout the ride. But back to the parking garage, our vehicle was in a covered, and supposedly secure lot (it services a hotel). Upon returning from the cruise we did another rideshare back to the garage. Even with those two rides paid out-of-pocket the garage was significantly cheaper than the port parking.
Very accurate costs. We usually go on 7 night cruises, which involves more luggage. Tipping the porters who take the bags is important. Additionally, we very often have a porter put our bags on a cart and bring them to the car, and they load them too. We give $10-20 depending how many. Sometimes we will get wine that may be over the $13 limit, and just pay the difference. Getting clothing pressed or laundry service adds to the costs. All the little things can add up. But much of it is a matter of choice. I’ve packed light and carried my bags on and off, had family drop me off at the port, booked an inside room. Brought my own wine too. There’s ways to cut the cost and still have a great time.
There absolutely is ways to cut cost! Though, I find this is more an exercise in self-control as "vacation Brandon" decided to buy more things than when he is sitting on the couch at home. All the small purchases can definitely add up if not careful. Good to know what you tip the porters as I rarely use them.
the only cruise IF i take one will be a 3 day out of Charleston SC as i live near Savannah , i can drive and park in a parking deck . i just want a interor room , ill eat at the buffet , i dont drink anything but coffie juice and ice tea , so the drink packages would be a waste , and ill shop at the port of call . thats it
@@TheWeekendCruiser you are not only personable, but you are also very gracious ; you knew by my comment i wasnt happy at all with the information concerning cruises - i wasnt faulting you , i just absolutly dislike 'hidden' costs . i'm just a simple, no frills , low maintance female ,( probly a ships crews dream of a guest ) for a weekend cruise i wouldn't pack more than an over night and carry on . if i decide to binge on a weekender , ill make sur e all my 'i's are dotted and 't's are crossed , i might manage to drag along one of my adult kids , who more than likely wont need much prompting to walk up the gang plank with me .😎😁 i'd enjoy talking with you over coffee , until then , light winds and smooth seas to you .✌️
I live in Orlando. if I cruise oralndo or Tampa I just park at port. if Fort Lauderdale or Miami I drive down day before and there are a few hotels I stay that allow me to park my car there for a fee and also have shuttle service.
Enjoying yoru videos. Miami here also and 90% of my cruises have been 5 nights or less with 80% weekend cruises. Looking at Oasis in April for the only weekend cruise she'll do this year. One thing I'll add about costs, for now at least, once you make Diamond on Royal, you may not need a drink package since Diamond members get 4 free drinks a day. (I honestly look for this to change since there's so many Diamond members now). But for Diamond/D+ members - if you don't drink much that's all you need. If you drink more, you can carry your wine/bubbly on and use your D/D+ vouchers for liquor drinks. Maybe we'll see each other around on a weekend cruise.
Thank you!! Yes, Royal's Crown and Anchor Society is probably the most rich with benefits of all the programs. I will also be on the Oasis Sailing! Not a true weekend cruise but a nice short cruise leaving on a Thursday and can't wait!
Speaking strictly about cruise fare, I find that weekend cruises are more expensive than longer cruises on average. For example, I am going in an 8 night cruise for $700 per person including taxes and fees. In the past I had been able to get four people on an interior room for $1600 total for all on an 8 night cruise Oasis class. It all depends. Great video as usual.
Hey Atrevete, I will 100% agree that per night, the weekend cruise can sale at a premium compared to longer cruises. Even weekend sailings out of Port Canaveral and Miami can have different fares.
For a 4 night cruise in March my trip (including flights and hotel stay prior to cruise) ended up being $2000 total for 2! Sounds like a lot of money but ended up being a very affordable "all inclusive" vacation.
For everything!! Gas to drive to the port, jet fuel to fly to the port, Uber surcharge for gas, hotel going up and cruise cost going up to keep the ships moving!
ha, you know I have wondered the same thing! If the gentleman does recognize me, he has not let on yet. though, they give very minimal instructions at this point!
@@TheWeekendCruiser if they hold up a banner then we'll know for sure! (I'm not making fun of the crew bc I thought that was such an endearing act. I loved that vlog!)
I bring my own Soda on board (actually for me Sparkling Water) Also I have learned to live cheap on a Cruise ship, this last time the only real thing I needed was internet, and I bought it before it was 40 percent off, with a special email. But Great video of course. For us, so we can do more then one cruise per year, we limit our expense, and Royal Up (Bid for a better cabin, I won it last time for 50.00 extra)
If I was going all the time I would think the tipping would get expensive. The stateroom and dining attendants always expect extra - beyond the 14.5 a day non suite. And since you may have the same stateroom attendants multiple times I would be afraid they would leave a spider in my bed like the one you have on your shirt if I didn't tip enough.
That is very true! You will also see the people again and the last thing you want to do is get a reputation for not tipping well! Let's hope no spiders are involved!
@@TheWeekendCruiser ive never been on a cruise and the least expensive booking on a weekender is all i would be able to afford .; what is turning me off is what is NOT up front as far as expences when booking a cabin .
@@berenlevia8486 I don't know why the US does this. We like to give a lower price and add all sorts of taxes and fees after the fact. Check out Margaritivlle Cruises out of West Palm. They just bought tParadise Bahamas line and they do 2 day sailings.
Very informative as always in my opinion cruises can be quite expensive but so worth it we live in NYC so we leave out of NJ but the itineraries are limited so maybe once or twice a year we fly to a port and do ab2b or StS plus hotel and air which can add up but I don’t mind the extra costs best vacation you can give yourself
I completely agree! Great vacation and to have an even better one, a few extra dollars to start in a warm climate is a decision I will support all day long!
We have an upcoming Carnival cruise. I know we have to take a covid test before we leave, but my question is, has anyone had to take a covid test on a cruise for exposure or symptoms? If so, is it the painful covid test that goes all the way to your brain? I’ve had surgery and was wondering if it was that deep covid test on board. Thanks for the help.
If you start to have symptoms of COVID on a ship and you voluntarily seek medical treatment, you will do the PCR test that tickles your brain. If you are simply doing a back to back sailing, they will give you the rapid test that is much easier.
@@wesb4100 I would assume still the PCR. Good news, there have been very minimal COVID cases on cruise ships recently and the number of people I have heard tested because of contacting tracing has been minimal throughout COVId.
By the way, I have a quick question. We booked two cabins with RC. One adult and one children per cabin. For some reason I was able to get an early check in but every one else got a later one, including the child in my cabin. I have tried changing theirs to an earlier time with no luck. Do you think it would be okay if we all check early with my sail pass? Or maybe we get rejected?
Maybe you have a stronger Crown and Anchor status? If you only show the agent watching the lines your set-sail-pass with the earlier time, you should be fine. People that work at the port are really nice and try to make smart decisions.
Hahaha also check out the video on Don't buy the internet on weekend cruises LOL on my MSC sailing right now it was $24.99 per device per day. It is crazy!
Brandon, I hope you‘ve enjoyed another weekend cruise. Thanks always for your advice. I can only save from my cabin type, shopping, drinks, specialty dining and WiFi but rather spend on shore excursions. Please allow me to ask you 2 random questions; 1. Will you be on Wonder of the Seas this weekend? 2. If a cruise film to be made, what role would you like to play? But my suggestion is Gym Manager or Accountant. I liked the 2 big driving bears with masks on Oasis last week. June of London, UK
Hey June! I will not be on Wonder this weekend but have to wait a few weeks 😭😭 However, I will be there March 18 and will definitely let you all know what I think. Just coming off Oasis, the first Oasis Class Ship, should be meat to compare the two. For the cruise film, I would take any role they would give me! My acting skills are horrible! hahaha
There actually are all-inclusive cruises such as Celebrity and more high end names like Seaborn, Regent Seven Seas, and Azamara but the price point is significantly higher to include all the added benefits. I probably should have mentioned that in the intro of the video now that I think about it...
It can be pricier than some others. Though, I don't mind paying a little bit more because I feel like I get more for my money. On the other end, there are some luxury liners out there that cost $20,000 per week just to walk on the ship and I do not see value in that lol
On our most recent cruise out of Port Miami we booked off-site parking through Global Airport Parking at the Premier Cruise Parking POM lot. The cost was substantially less than parking at the port, and was fairly close (perhaps 1 mile) from the port. The only problem we encountered was that their free shuttles were running way behind schedule due to heavy traffic. On our departure date just about all the terminals were hosting ships, and the Miami Heat was playing an afternoon game. Also the tunnel coming into the port was closed. So we ended up taking a rideshare to the port, which would have cost $15+ tip, but ended up being much more expensive as the ride lasted about 1 & 1/2 hours as a result of which we tipped multiples of the base fare. The driver was great (he had previously driven a limo in NYC, so heavy traffic was nothing to him) and he engaged in friendly conversation throughout the ride. But back to the parking garage, our vehicle was in a covered, and supposedly secure lot (it services a hotel). Upon returning from the cruise we did another rideshare back to the garage. Even with those two rides paid out-of-pocket the garage was significantly cheaper than the port parking.
VERY HELPFUL, Things I din't consider.
Now that I found your channel I cannot stop seeing you…r videos
Awww thank you!!! You are very kind ☺
Brandon is addictive!
Very accurate costs. We usually go on 7 night cruises, which involves more luggage. Tipping the porters who take the bags is important. Additionally, we very often have a porter put our bags on a cart and bring them to the car, and they load them too. We give $10-20 depending how many.
Sometimes we will get wine that may be over the $13 limit, and just pay the difference. Getting clothing pressed or laundry service adds to the costs.
All the little things can add up.
But much of it is a matter of choice. I’ve packed light and carried my bags on and off, had family drop me off at the port, booked an inside room. Brought my own wine too. There’s ways to cut the cost and still have a great time.
There absolutely is ways to cut cost! Though, I find this is more an exercise in self-control as "vacation Brandon" decided to buy more things than when he is sitting on the couch at home. All the small purchases can definitely add up if not careful. Good to know what you tip the porters as I rarely use them.
@@TheWeekendCruiser usually it’s $2-3 per bag when I drop the bags off. I give a lot more when they take them to the car and load them in.
the only cruise IF i take one will be a 3 day out of Charleston SC as i live near Savannah , i can drive and park in a parking deck .
i just want a interor room , ill eat at the buffet , i dont drink anything but coffie juice and ice tea , so the drink packages would be a waste , and ill shop at the port of call . thats it
That sounds like an awesome trip to me!
@@TheWeekendCruiser you are not only personable, but you are also very gracious ; you knew by my comment i wasnt happy at all with the information concerning cruises - i wasnt faulting you , i just absolutly dislike 'hidden' costs .
i'm just a simple, no frills , low maintance female ,( probly a ships crews dream of a guest ) for a weekend cruise i wouldn't pack more than an over night and carry on .
if i decide to binge on a weekender , ill make sur e all my 'i's are dotted and 't's are crossed , i might manage to drag along one of my adult kids , who more than likely wont need much prompting to walk up the gang plank with me .😎😁
i'd enjoy talking with you over coffee , until then , light winds and smooth seas to you .✌️
@@berenlevia8486 Aww you are kind Beren!! Thankyou!! Always good to know you have a travel companion when needed!!
I live in Orlando. if I cruise oralndo or Tampa I just park at port. if Fort Lauderdale or Miami I drive down day before and there are a few hotels I stay that allow me to park my car there for a fee and also have shuttle service.
That definitely works at a lot of place. Granted, with the recent popularity of Florida hotels, the cost to get one for a night has gone crazy!
Enjoying yoru videos. Miami here also and 90% of my cruises have been 5 nights or less with 80% weekend cruises. Looking at Oasis in April for the only weekend cruise she'll do this year. One thing I'll add about costs, for now at least, once you make Diamond on Royal, you may not need a drink package since Diamond members get 4 free drinks a day. (I honestly look for this to change since there's so many Diamond members now). But for Diamond/D+ members - if you don't drink much that's all you need. If you drink more, you can carry your wine/bubbly on and use your D/D+ vouchers for liquor drinks. Maybe we'll see each other around on a weekend cruise.
Thank you!! Yes, Royal's Crown and Anchor Society is probably the most rich with benefits of all the programs. I will also be on the Oasis Sailing! Not a true weekend cruise but a nice short cruise leaving on a Thursday and can't wait!
Speaking strictly about cruise fare, I find that weekend cruises are more expensive than longer cruises on average. For example, I am going in an 8 night cruise for $700 per person including taxes and fees. In the past I had been able to get four people on an interior room for $1600 total for all on an 8 night cruise Oasis class. It all depends. Great video as usual.
Hey Atrevete, I will 100% agree that per night, the weekend cruise can sale at a premium compared to longer cruises. Even weekend sailings out of Port Canaveral and Miami can have different fares.
For a 4 night cruise in March my trip (including flights and hotel stay prior to cruise) ended up being $2000 total for 2! Sounds like a lot of money but ended up being a very affordable "all inclusive" vacation.
It sure does happen!! A lot of little expenses add up to a big expense!
prices have been going up due to fuel and other supply costs.
For everything!! Gas to drive to the port, jet fuel to fly to the port, Uber surcharge for gas, hotel going up and cruise cost going up to keep the ships moving!
Do they recognize you at CVS and Walgreens like they recognize you on Freedom?
ha, you know I have wondered the same thing! If the gentleman does recognize me, he has not let on yet. though, they give very minimal instructions at this point!
@@TheWeekendCruiser if they hold up a banner then we'll know for sure! (I'm not making fun of the crew bc I thought that was such an endearing act. I loved that vlog!)
It was a very sweet gesture when they did that. I was blown away! Thanks Diane!
I bring my own Soda on board (actually for me Sparkling Water) Also I have learned to live cheap on a Cruise ship, this last time the only real thing I needed was internet, and I bought it before it was 40 percent off, with a special email. But Great video of course. For us, so we can do more then one cruise per year, we limit our expense, and Royal Up (Bid for a better cabin, I won it last time for 50.00 extra)
I am the same exact way! Every purchase I make is "how many cruises is this"? That is the currency I use in my head lol
Parking in Jan 22 at Fort Lauderdale was $12 per day. In Feb 22 at Tampa $15 per day. Both adjacent to the ship.
Good info Lee! Thank you for adding! No idea why Port Miami wants to gauge people. Even MIA Int'l is only $17/day.
If I was going all the time I would think the tipping would get expensive. The stateroom and dining attendants always expect extra - beyond the 14.5 a day non suite. And since you may have the same stateroom attendants multiple times I would be afraid they would leave a spider in my bed like the one you have on your shirt if I didn't tip enough.
That is very true! You will also see the people again and the last thing you want to do is get a reputation for not tipping well! Let's hope no spiders are involved!
the more i listen to these videos the less likely ill even take a weekend cruise
There are a lot of people who do not like the weekend cruise. It is def. differnet than a traditional 5 or 7 night cruise.
@@TheWeekendCruiser ive never been on a cruise and the least expensive booking on a weekender is all i would be able to afford .; what is turning me off is what is NOT up front as far as expences when booking a cabin .
@@berenlevia8486 I don't know why the US does this. We like to give a lower price and add all sorts of taxes and fees after the fact. Check out Margaritivlle Cruises out of West Palm. They just bought tParadise Bahamas line and they do 2 day sailings.
Love this series! Can’t wait to learn more!
You got it!
Very informative as always in my opinion cruises can be quite expensive but so worth it we live in NYC so we leave out of NJ but the itineraries are limited so maybe once or twice a year we fly to a port and do ab2b or StS plus hotel and air which can add up but I don’t mind the extra costs best vacation you can give yourself
I completely agree! Great vacation and to have an even better one, a few extra dollars to start in a warm climate is a decision I will support all day long!
Great idea for a series!
Every now and again I do something smart! ;-)
Good video!
Thanks Deb!
We have an upcoming Carnival cruise. I know we have to take a covid test before we leave, but my question is, has anyone had to take a covid test on a cruise for exposure or symptoms? If so, is it the painful covid test that goes all the way to your brain? I’ve had surgery and was wondering if it was that deep covid test on board. Thanks for the help.
If you start to have symptoms of COVID on a ship and you voluntarily seek medical treatment, you will do the PCR test that tickles your brain. If you are simply doing a back to back sailing, they will give you the rapid test that is much easier.
@@TheWeekendCruiser thank you very much for the help. Do you know what test they use if you are a close contact?
@@wesb4100 I would assume still the PCR. Good news, there have been very minimal COVID cases on cruise ships recently and the number of people I have heard tested because of contacting tracing has been minimal throughout COVId.
By the way, I have a quick question. We booked two cabins with RC. One adult and one children per cabin. For some reason I was able to get an early check in but every one else got a later one, including the child in my cabin. I have tried changing theirs to an earlier time with no luck. Do you think it would be okay if we all check early with my sail pass? Or maybe we get rejected?
Possible cruise insurance as well…
Maybe you have a stronger Crown and Anchor status? If you only show the agent watching the lines your set-sail-pass with the earlier time, you should be fine. People that work at the port are really nice and try to make smart decisions.
@@TheWeekendCruiser thanks. I’ll give that a try.
$23 a day for internet. Guess which part you lost ME at!
Hahaha also check out the video on Don't buy the internet on weekend cruises LOL on my MSC sailing right now it was $24.99 per device per day. It is crazy!
Brandon, I hope you‘ve enjoyed another weekend cruise. Thanks always for your advice. I can only save from my cabin type, shopping, drinks, specialty dining and WiFi but rather spend on shore excursions. Please allow me to ask you 2 random questions;
1. Will you be on Wonder of the Seas this weekend?
2. If a cruise film to be made, what role would you like to play? But my suggestion is Gym Manager or Accountant.
I liked the 2 big driving bears with masks on Oasis last week. June of London, UK
Hey June! I will not be on Wonder this weekend but have to wait a few weeks 😭😭 However, I will be there March 18 and will definitely let you all know what I think. Just coming off Oasis, the first Oasis Class Ship, should be meat to compare the two.
For the cruise film, I would take any role they would give me! My acting skills are horrible! hahaha
@@TheWeekendCruiser well darn. We will be on the wonder 3/25
We are on 4/1 and Odyssey 4/9 b2b
@@TheWeekendCruiser which cabin are you staying on Wonder?
@@anonymousman9824 My favorite room Junior Suite!
So what you are saying is that there are really no all-inclusive cruises.
There actually are all-inclusive cruises such as Celebrity and more high end names like Seaborn, Regent Seven Seas, and Azamara but the price point is significantly higher to include all the added benefits. I probably should have mentioned that in the intro of the video now that I think about it...
It's called a dauber
haha, I was trying my best to find the right word!! Thank you for getting it for me!
I was yelling it's a dauber . Like you
Can hear me. Lol
Royal is lil Pricey🤦🏽♀
It can be pricier than some others. Though, I don't mind paying a little bit more because I feel like I get more for my money. On the other end, there are some luxury liners out there that cost $20,000 per week just to walk on the ship and I do not see value in that lol