...ok so im only 15 and my family hardly ever goes on good vacations. when my parents were together we went to myrtle beach almost every year and i went on a cruise to mexico in 7th grade. and that was the best week of my life and i wish we could do those things again but my dads gf ruins all of them and stuff...but anyway i want to go on a cruise with friends or whatever when im older (like 21 i think thats the youngest you can be) but anyway i want to go on a really nice one to spain (and other countries it just has to include spain) id like it to be 14 days but i doubt ill have THAT much money to throw away when im 21. what goes into planning? what are they charging you for? anything i should do to make sure i save enough money? i have $1000 in the bank already so i actually do save my money and i dont even have a job. (its from babysitting and a paper route i did a few years ago) but how much do i need for just myself? if my friends are going are they cheaper cause theyre adding on? give as much information as you can thanks :)

"Hi Sam,

I like your style!

In today's prices I think you should count on at least $100-$125 per day per person on a cruise ship as you describe. Many European cruises are longer than some we have here, so you will probably be on a 12-14 day cruise. Of course the rooms are for two... no discounts until you add a third or fourth person.

Of course, you must include airfare to Europe.... You can find prices all over the place, but for planning purposes, figure about $500 per person R/T.

At every port of call, you will want to do something, and that costs money. Sometimes a lot of money. Figure on a 12 day cruise, at least $400 on shore excursions per person... just a number.

So you are at least $4,000+ for a two person cruise. That sounds pretty light compared to what I have spent in the past....

Here's an alternative: Do a cruise out of the US where you don't have to spend so much on air travel, and can usually find cheaper, shorter cruises.

As for Spain, speak to your counselor at school about summer travel programs in Spain. When you go as a group, you can find some terrific bargains and you have experienced leaders with you... and you don't have to wait until you are 21. Some involve study where you will actually get school credits... and they are fun. Some are for a month or more!

Start taking spanish classes in school now!

BTW... you can go with other adults on a cruise if you find someone who is going. There are different groups... just keep your eyes and ears open for ideas.

ALSO: Start looking around for jobs on a cruise ship after you turn 18. Could be a great way to spend a year before going to college!

Keep kicking ideas around, and never stop dreaming! Set your goals and keep trying... you will make it!

~K"
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