Book #002: The Smart Cruiser’s Budgeting Guide
Welcome to The Smart Cruiser's Budgeting Guide
- Why creating a budget matters
- How to use this book
- A message from Aimee
Chapter 1 — Understanding the True Cost of a Cruise
Chapter 1 — Understanding the True Cost of a Cruise
What's included in your cruise fare
Hidden costs many first-time cruisers miss
How to estimate your total vacation cost
Setting a realistic cruise budget
Aimee's budgeting tips
Chapter 2 — Choosing the Right Cabin for Your Budget
Chapter 2 — Choosing the Right Cabin for Your Budget
Interior, Ocean View & Balcony cabins
Suites and premium accommodations
When upgrades are worth the money
Choosing the right cabin for your group
Tips for getting the best value
Chapter 3 — Transportation & Hotels
Flying vs. driving
Hotels before your cruise
Airport transportation
Parking at the port
Saving money before embarkation
Chapter 4 — Travel Protection & Insurance
Why travel insurance matters
Medical emergencies
Trip cancellation & interruption
Lost luggage & delays
Choosing the right coverage
🟨 Chapter 5 — Onboard Spending
🍹 Drink packages
🍽️ Specialty dining
📶 Internet packages
💆 Spa & salon
🛍️ Shopping & photos
🟨 Chapter 6 — Shore Excursions
🏝️ Cruise line excursions
🌎 Independent tours
💰 Budgeting for excursions
🆓 Free things to do in port
⭐ Choosing the best value
🟨 Chapter 7 — Gratuities & Tipping
💵 Daily gratuities
🍽️ Extra tipping
🚕 Porters & transportation
💳 Prepaid vs. onboard
⭐ Tipping etiquette
🟨 Chapter 8 — Saving Money Before You Sail
📅 Booking early
🎉 Sales & promotions
💳 Payment strategies
📉 Watching for price drops
⭐ Smart booking tips
🟨 Chapter 9 — Sample Cruise Budgets
👩❤️👨 Couple's vacation
👨👩👧 Family cruise
🏔️ Alaska example
🌴 Caribbean example
📊 Luxury cruise example
Chapter 10 — Budget Planning Worksheets
Cruise budget worksheet
Savings tracker
Payment planner
Expense checklist
Vacation planning sheet
🟨 Chapter 11 — Common Budget Mistakes
⚠️ Hidden expenses
🍹 Overspending onboard
✈️ Waiting too long to book
💳 Skipping insurance
⭐ Avoiding costly surprises
🟨 Chapter 12 — Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Drink package questions
❓ Cash vs. credit cards
❓ How much spending money?
❓ Is insurance worth it?
⭐ Final budgeting advice
Chapter 13 — Final Budget Checklist
Before you book
Before final payment
Before you leave home
Before embarkation
Final thoughts from Aimee
💙 Meet Your Travel Advisor
📖 Meet the Author
In this section you'll discover:
👋 Meet Aimee Cothran, owner of Agent4VIPs Travel
🚢 Why I created the Agent4VIPs Travel Resource Library
💙 My commitment to helping travelers before, during, and after their vacation
📞 How to contact me when you're ready to plan your next cruise