Early Christianity, May 2008
Total Costs
We cannot estimate your optional personal expenses, such as film, guidebooks, gifts and souvenoirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Round trip airfare to Rome
Some of us will want to arrive earlier or return later, in order to make the most of their travel plans. Others have frequent-flyer options. So each of us will arrange our own round-trip flight to Rome (although we encourage you to fly together if possible.)
We found round-trip flights from BWI to Rome in the $1000 range. You may be able to do better, but for budgeting purposes, let's say $1100.
The cruise ship (room, food, transportation)
The prices currently offered at Carnival can be found here. Their agent told us to expect taxes and fees of about $50-60 / person. So as of August 14, the total cost for an interior stateroom was $1,657, an exterior stateroom was $1,907, and a deluxe balcony cabin would be $2,507, per person, based on double occupancy. You may be able to do better, through your own agent or by using timeshare points. But for budgeting purposes, let's say $1,657, unless you choose an upgrade.
The port-of-call excursions
Excursions vary greatly among ports of call. Usually when I travel, I do not use these services, preferring to "rough it," and go on my own. However, for budeting purpose, I will assume we will use these services, and we take good, exciting excursions together. These excursions include all transportation and entry fees into such things as the Colliseum and the Ephesus site. We may spend considerably less, but lets say $1000 total.
Gratuities
Budget $120 ($10 per day aboard a Carnival ship).
TOTAL COST:
$1,100 airfare
$1,657 interior stateroom/meals aboard ship
$1,000 excursion
$ 120 gratuities
$3,877 TOTAL COST
Obviously, this estimate does not include optional personal expenses, such as gifts and souvenoirs