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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Cruising

38 replies

RachM84 · 07/08/2024 10:00

Hi. So i enter competitions as a hobby and I was contacted by a cruise company a few weeks back to tell me that I’d won a 7 night cruise. It’s all legit and above board and whilst I was initially happy to accept the prize i’ve since been stressing myself out as I’m now worrying if we can actually afford to go. I know you could say I should’ve thought about the extras before entering the competition but in no way did I expect to win it was just meant for a bit of fun. I’ve been speaking to a few people about cruising and the shock I got when I realised about all the extra costs eg gratuities, the cost of drinks packages, the fact both me and my partner will need a whole new wardrobe as we both live in jeans joggers t shirts trainers and have nothing fancy to wear. I’m seriously considering not going as I’m not only worried about the cost but also that we won’t fit in with the other people on board. AIBU?

OP posts:
PurpleFlower1983 · 07/08/2024 10:12

Oh you have to go! Cunard ships are stunning! You’ll have an amazing time!

JMSA · 07/08/2024 10:09

RachM84 · 07/08/2024 10:07

Sorry I should’ve said it’s with Cunard. All meals are included as well as tea, coffee, unbranded soft drinks and juice etc.

Jeez woman! Get on to Vinted to buy a couple of nice dresses (but the type you will wear again, so nothing too fancy), or borrow from loved ones or friends.
Make this work! You'll kick yourself if not.

RachM84 · 07/08/2024 10:09

Don’t get me wrong I am absolutely amazed I even won and so so grateful, but I have autism and anxiety and tend to over think and worry unnecessarily about things.

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 07/08/2024 10:09

As said, look at what it includes. You'll only need a couple of outfits, there's loads of sales on.

Marmite27 · 07/08/2024 10:09

Madamecholetsbonnet · 07/08/2024 10:04

What’s included in the package? I recently went on a cruise and there were no gratuities to be paid. I didn’t have drinks package as I rarely drink alcohol. Tea, coffee, fruit juices and water all free at buffet.

The few alcoholic drinks I did have were reasonably priced.

We only had one “dress up” night.

We went at Easter, we didn’t even dress up for one night!

The most expensive thing I paid for was €20 for my DC’s PJs to be sent to laundry because they were sick on them! They’re won’t over indulge on a buffet again anytime soon Grin

Olympicfatigued · 07/08/2024 10:08

You don’t have to tip and you don’t need to take part in the formal nights. You’ll need a couple of summer dresses and that’s all. You don’t have to get sucked into the whole formality of it.

RachM84 · 07/08/2024 10:07

Sorry I should’ve said it’s with Cunard. All meals are included as well as tea, coffee, unbranded soft drinks and juice etc.

OP posts:
KimberleyClark · 07/08/2024 10:07

Also is there any onboard spend included in the package?

JMSA · 07/08/2024 10:06

Oh come on, you've just won a free holiday! Look at the positive.
The food will be included and that's the main thing.

GCITC · 07/08/2024 10:06

Which company is it with?

Thumberline · 07/08/2024 10:05

Firstly which cruise line? Some are very casual now, if you don’t want to dress up for formal nights you can always eat in the buffet. Or perhaps vinted for a dress and shirt and trousers for your husband.
Tea and coffee and juices and water are not paid extras so you don’t NEED a drinks package.
You have the option of removing gratuities and just tipping the staff you really want to tip and how much you want to give.

KimberleyClark · 07/08/2024 10:05

What cruise line is it? With most lines fancy clothes aren’t compulsory. Smart casual is fine.

Is the cruise for two or will your partner have to pay?

Madamecholetsbonnet · 07/08/2024 10:04

What’s included in the package? I recently went on a cruise and there were no gratuities to be paid. I didn’t have drinks package as I rarely drink alcohol. Tea, coffee, fruit juices and water all free at buffet.

The few alcoholic drinks I did have were reasonably priced.

We only had one “dress up” night.