Starting to feel the money crunch

103 days till we cruise! Eek! It will be here before we know it. Before that, though, will be our final payment, due exactly 60 days from today: April 1. But there's a lot more that has to be budgeted. Keep all this in mind as you plan for the next few months.

• Remaining balance: The total of your cabin less the $700 we've already paid ($300-1800)
• Flights: Have you booked yet? (~$200-700 depending on where you're flying from)
• Transportation to/from FL airport: $30-75
• Transportation/parking at home airport: $0 if you're lucky, up to $200 if you're not
• Hotel: One night, split with a roommate, probably $100
• Passport (if you need it): $100
• Clothes: Pre-cruise party, theme nights, swim suits, daywear, shoes. . . let's be serious. $200-700
• Drinks, photos, shore trips, misc on board: ~$150
• Other (door decor, travel toiletries, pre-cruise mani/pedi, etc): ~$150

Maybe some of my estimates are a bit high. I live in one of the most expensive areas of the country, so I'm rounding up. For example, I know parking at JFK costs a lot more than it does at the Pittsburgh airport. And you certainly don't HAVE to spend anything on clothes or get a pedi before the trip, but chances are you will.

Where does that put our totals?

At the low end: You're in a category 4 room, have a ride to the airport, don't need a passport, and are very good at keeping a budget. $1150

At the high end: You booked a suite, have an expensive flight, and will spend $300 on the perfect theme outfit if necessary. $4000

Did you read that and think, "Katie, you are crazy. NO way I will be spending $300 on a dress. Put me in the $1150 group." Well, I would have said the same thing to you last year. And how much did I spend on my white dress two weeks before we sailed because I was getting frantic to find something white and flattering? $300. (Note to TPTB: If we do white night again, I'm wearing that same dress.)

If only NKOTB-related expenses were tax deductible. . .