Congratulations! You are about to undertake the greatest vacation (at least in my opinion)...but you have a few more details to cover.
Now you need to see if your cruise line requires a passport/passport card. Most lines will abide by the law which states, if you leave from a US port and come back to a US port you can sail with a driver's license and a birth certificate. There are some exceptions but that is for Canada and since we are talking about 3,4, and 5 day Western/Eastern Caribbean that does not apply to us. Your birth certificate must have the raised seal on it and I am telling you that your driver's license expiration date should not be anywhere near your sailing date or they will give you issues. You can trust me on this one because it has happened to us.
Depending on how long it is until your sail date, you will start getting correspondence from the line. I can tell you with confidence that all of the lines are moving to a paperless delivery of the documents that they will send just an FYI.
The line will first send you something via email to verify each passengers information, special requests, birthday/anniversary requests, shipboard account info and offer you shore excursions.
PORTS OF CALL--- The website will give you exact days and times of the ports of call so that you can study what things are in each port and plan accordingly. Sometimes I book my own excursions and when I do I make sure to research beforehand.
SHORE EXCURSIONS--I am a big believer in booking the excursions online if you are going through the line. WHY? Because the lines at the shore excursion desk are horrible and I avoid them like the plague.
SHIPBOARD ACCOUNT-- Remember that the ships are a cashless society. It is marvelous because your room key is your credit card and your identification to get on and off the ship. The cruise line will ask you if you would like to set up your account now. I recommend you do it now. On embarkation day, your objective is to get on the ship as soon as possible and you do not want to wait in a huge line once you get on the ship to activate this card...you can buy nothing without this card. I don't recommend using a debit card because some banks hold out $250 like an insurance thing. A major card is better, cash is not because the deposit is so large and you will have to go and settle the account on the last night and there will be lots of others that have to do this...avoid it and enjoy the time on the ship. Keep this card safe at all times! And consider having your children's charging privileges taken away. You are responsible for all money spent on the cards.
LUGGAGE TAGS---Closer to sailing date, you will need to go to the website and print your luggage tags. The crew folks will take your luggage from you as you enter the ship and will deliver is to your state room sometime that evening. Always carry a change of clothes with you as you board because you may not get your luggage until AFTER dinner. These luggage tags will tell the crew where to take your bags. If you got a guaranteed cabin, you will need to fill in the cabin number before you hand over your bags.
DECK PLANS--- The website will also give you detailed deck plans...I like to study them so at least I have an idea of where things are. Now, I do get turned around alot once I get there. That is one reason I like Norwegian, they have fish on the floors that swim towards the bow (front of ship) so you can tell where you are.
As you start printing off the itinerary and the confirmations numbers and cruise tickets, you will be collecting a ton of stuff that will need to be kept up with. I get me a folder with pockets and put everything in this (including pre cruise air confirmations and hotels). That way it is all in one place and you don't forget anything. Also in this folder is my documentation (birth certificates/passport). This folder is easy to pull out in an airport terminal, in the embarkation line and serves as a holder for the daily newspapers and scrapbook items that I wish to keep.
Welcome to my altered journey through life. You never know if I will be into home improvements, knee deep in a good book, on an Alaskan cruise or just being silly. I hope this blog will give you tips, tricks, ideas and books to add to your TBR list. Thanks for stopping by.
12 February 2010
10 February 2010
Packing List for the Caribbean (up to 7 days)
There are packing lists EVERYWHERE...but let me tell you about me. Oh yes, I have followed those lists perfectly and I NEVER have enough shirts...NEVER. I know that I am messier than some and sweat when it is hot, and I require a fresh shirt...my rules. ; So my list is different. I have 3 types of lists that I keep in my computer a Disney list (also have a disney itinerary planner), an Alaskan list (for 7 days), and a 7 day packing list for the Caribbean. The way that I do it, it would be very easy to knock off 2-3 days off the list. ; If you wish to use it I have it saved in Word 2007, I would be willing to share just message me. If you ever need a Disney itinerary, I have that in Excel 2007...a real trip saver.
I pack using space bags...that way I can get everybody's things in 2 large suitcases and everyone has a carry on. In my carry on I keep the travel documentation folder, all my cameras, the prescription meds, and my dental floss! John usually carries water and cokes in his.
You are not supposed to take an iron on board the ship and if you get caught with it they will take it away. I bring a cheap travel iron and hid it inside the space bags! SHH!
Things that you cannot forget EVER!!! Extension cord! There is usually one outlet in the room, what if you need to charge your phone, you need to plug in the straightener, and you need a clock plugged in? This is an item I use every day!
Clock, if you need to know the time (or with Alaska when the time changes alot) bring a clock the rooms don't come with them and often I have seen that my cell does not keep accurate time because I don't use it to make calls while at sea (too expensive).
Trash bag, for wet or dirty clothes, stuff the clothes in the trash bag then put inside the space bag...smash it up and put in the suitcase, it will be there waiting for you when you get home.
4-6 clothes pins...the shower usually has a clothes line for bathing suits, but they drier faster/better with clothes pins.
wire hangers...I put these in the suitcase to hang things once I get on board, then I leave them for the next guest to use after I depart. I have noticed that other folks tend to do this too. The last cruise someone left those fancy joy mandango hangers. Hanging the clothes will help with the wrinkles and lessen the ironing time. I HATE to iron.
Tide to go! I don't need to tell you how valuable this will be to you.
Toilet paper! The eco system of a ship is fragile and the toilet flushing is like a jet plane engine! But I can tell you the paper they use is like PAPER! 1 ply and hard! My tush is a little spoiled I bring the charmin!
Tissues...same with the tissues, if you have nose issues like I do, you need these.
lightweight blanket...some of the lounges/rooms are cool too cool for me so I always bring a sweater for the public areas and a light blanket for the bedroom. I HATE to be cold.
Notepad and pen/pencil. You may want to remember some details, take notes during a class or shopping talk or exchange emails of your table mates, be prepared!
This is not a complete list....I add to/take away with the itinerary.Cruise Packing list…..created by Michelle Champion
Personal Items
o Tooth brush
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Tooth paste
a. Mint
b. Paste
o Deodorant
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Dental Floss
o Hairspray
o Makeup remover
o Hairbrush
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Comb
o Plax
o Razor
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Rain slickers
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Extension cord
o Alarm clock
o Pain killer
o Vitamins
o Prescription meds
a. John
b. Michelle
o Shampoo
a. Normal hair
b. Dry hair
o Conditioner
o Bar soap with baggie to hold it
o Shower gel
o Scrubby
o Charmin
o Toilet wipes
o Cortaid
o Bug spray
o Hair dryer ?
o Iron ?
o Make up
a. Mascara green and waterproof
b. Eye liner
c. Eye shadow
d. Foundation
e. Concealer
f. Lipstick
o Plastic memory case
o robe
Travel Items
o Travel documents
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Ids
a. John
b. Michelle
o Trip documents
a. Cruise tickets
b. Itinerary
c. Shore excursions
d. Plane reservations
e. Taxi numbers
f. Hotel information
o Cell phones/chargers
a. John
b. Michelle
Camera stuff
o 7MP
a. 2 batteries
b. Charger
c. Bag
d. Ziploc for camera
e. 4GB memory card
o 12MP
a. 4GB memory card
b. Ziploc for camera
c. Charger
d. 2 batteries
e. bag
o 5MP waterproof
a. Case
b. Memory card
c. 4 AA batteries
Clothing
o Bathing suits
a. John 1, 2
b. Michelle 1, 2
c. Hannah 1, 2
d. Trevor 1, 2
o Cover up
a. Michelle 1, 2
b. Hannah 1, 2
o Swim shoes/flip flops
Day 1…board the ship depart 4 pm
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 2 Elegant/Formal nights
John
a. Black suit
b. Shirt (one for each night)
c. Tie (2)
d. Shoes
Michelle
a. Dress (red vera wang and black and
white)
b. Hose ?
c. Wrap
d. Purse
e. Heels 2 pairs
Hannah
a. Dress
b. Shoes
Trevor
a. Khaki pants
b. Suit
c. White shirt
d. Polo
e. shoes
Here are a few of the packing lists that I like and use!
http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32736.asp
http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist_2.htm
I pack using space bags...that way I can get everybody's things in 2 large suitcases and everyone has a carry on. In my carry on I keep the travel documentation folder, all my cameras, the prescription meds, and my dental floss! John usually carries water and cokes in his.
You are not supposed to take an iron on board the ship and if you get caught with it they will take it away. I bring a cheap travel iron and hid it inside the space bags! SHH!
Things that you cannot forget EVER!!! Extension cord! There is usually one outlet in the room, what if you need to charge your phone, you need to plug in the straightener, and you need a clock plugged in? This is an item I use every day!
Clock, if you need to know the time (or with Alaska when the time changes alot) bring a clock the rooms don't come with them and often I have seen that my cell does not keep accurate time because I don't use it to make calls while at sea (too expensive).
Trash bag, for wet or dirty clothes, stuff the clothes in the trash bag then put inside the space bag...smash it up and put in the suitcase, it will be there waiting for you when you get home.
4-6 clothes pins...the shower usually has a clothes line for bathing suits, but they drier faster/better with clothes pins.
wire hangers...I put these in the suitcase to hang things once I get on board, then I leave them for the next guest to use after I depart. I have noticed that other folks tend to do this too. The last cruise someone left those fancy joy mandango hangers. Hanging the clothes will help with the wrinkles and lessen the ironing time. I HATE to iron.
Tide to go! I don't need to tell you how valuable this will be to you.
Toilet paper! The eco system of a ship is fragile and the toilet flushing is like a jet plane engine! But I can tell you the paper they use is like PAPER! 1 ply and hard! My tush is a little spoiled I bring the charmin!
Tissues...same with the tissues, if you have nose issues like I do, you need these.
lightweight blanket...some of the lounges/rooms are cool too cool for me so I always bring a sweater for the public areas and a light blanket for the bedroom. I HATE to be cold.
Notepad and pen/pencil. You may want to remember some details, take notes during a class or shopping talk or exchange emails of your table mates, be prepared!
This is not a complete list....I add to/take away with the itinerary.Cruise Packing list…..created by Michelle Champion
Personal Items
o Tooth brush
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Tooth paste
a. Mint
b. Paste
o Deodorant
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Dental Floss
o Hairspray
o Makeup remover
o Hairbrush
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Comb
o Plax
o Razor
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
o Rain slickers
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Extension cord
o Alarm clock
o Pain killer
o Vitamins
o Prescription meds
a. John
b. Michelle
o Shampoo
a. Normal hair
b. Dry hair
o Conditioner
o Bar soap with baggie to hold it
o Shower gel
o Scrubby
o Charmin
o Toilet wipes
o Cortaid
o Bug spray
o Hair dryer ?
o Iron ?
o Make up
a. Mascara green and waterproof
b. Eye liner
c. Eye shadow
d. Foundation
e. Concealer
f. Lipstick
o Plastic memory case
o robe
Travel Items
o Travel documents
a. John
b. Michelle
c. Hannah
d. Trevor
o Ids
a. John
b. Michelle
o Trip documents
a. Cruise tickets
b. Itinerary
c. Shore excursions
d. Plane reservations
e. Taxi numbers
f. Hotel information
o Cell phones/chargers
a. John
b. Michelle
Camera stuff
o 7MP
a. 2 batteries
b. Charger
c. Bag
d. Ziploc for camera
e. 4GB memory card
o 12MP
a. 4GB memory card
b. Ziploc for camera
c. Charger
d. 2 batteries
e. bag
o 5MP waterproof
a. Case
b. Memory card
c. 4 AA batteries
Clothing
o Bathing suits
a. John 1, 2
b. Michelle 1, 2
c. Hannah 1, 2
d. Trevor 1, 2
o Cover up
a. Michelle 1, 2
b. Hannah 1, 2
o Swim shoes/flip flops
Day 1…board the ship depart 4 pm
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 2 Elegant/Formal nights
John
a. Black suit
b. Shirt (one for each night)
c. Tie (2)
d. Shoes
Michelle
a. Dress (red vera wang and black and
white)
b. Hose ?
c. Wrap
d. Purse
e. Heels 2 pairs
Hannah
a. Dress
b. Shoes
Trevor
a. Khaki pants
b. Suit
c. White shirt
d. Polo
e. shoes
Here are a few of the packing lists that I like and use!
http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32736.asp
http://cruises.about.com/cs/cruiseplanning/a/packinglist_2.htm
08 February 2010
What should I look for and how to get the best deal?
Now that I know I want to go on a cruise what do I do? Where should I go?
In my opinion, if you don't know that you won't like it start small! There are tons of small trips that you can combine with a day or two at Disney, Universal, or another attraction. Most of these small cruises are 3,4 , or 5 days in length. My tips are from the Eastern part of the country because I live within driving distance to these ports. These ports include: Mobile, AL; Miami, FL; Ft Lauderdale, FL; Tampa, FL; and Port Canaveral, FL; New Orleans, LA; and Charleston, SC
There are many things here that have to happen-you have to choose a port that you want to leave from, you have to choose a length of duration, you have to choose a cruise line, and you have to choose a price range. Don't worry it is NOT that hard. Take your time, and tell yourself, "hey Michelle does this all the time, how hard can it be?"
Where do I look?--- You can go with a travel agent, but I have found that I get better deals on my own. I have not used an agent since 1999. I use www.travelocity.com www.expedia.com for the most part. I am signed up on many sites "specials" emails www.cheapcruises.com www.VacationsToGo.com www.cruisecheap.com www.cruises.orbitz.com And if you can leave at the drop of a hat the best deals are at www.lastminutecruises.com
I can tell you that I look at the sites almost everyday. You never know when you are going to find a great deal on something and you need to go for it. Look for a while before you book, then you will see that the prices fluctuate a lot. If you can get it for $59 per night, take it! $99 per night is average. I would consider NOT getting it above that unless it is something great or you have money to burn. Now, I am talking Western Caribbean and 3,4, and 5 days Eastern Caribbean locations here, my opinions differ when you go Eastern 7 days, Southern Caribbean, and Alaska. I have not done West Coast or Mexican Rivera cruises so I can't give any details on them.
I was looking this morning and the same cruise that I took in December for $200 pp is currently $599 pp. See the differences? Do research!
PRICE---If price is an issue start there. My Dec 09 cruise was solely booked on this because of the price of the trip. We had not planned on taking a cruise in 09, but since we are constantly looking for cruises, we ran over this price and booked it. Prices are going to vary depending on what type of cabin you book. There are usually 3 choices, inside, outside, and suite. They are pretty self explanatory, inside is on the inside of the ship with no window. I have always had a faux window. Outside means you will have a window or a porthole (on older ships) so you can see outside. There are many types of outside cabins and the price varies with what type you get. There is the obstructed view which means that you have a railing or lifeboat out your window and possibly you can't see great, these are the cheapest. There is the regular outside cabin that is the medium priced, and you can see out the whole window. And there is the balcony cabin. Balconies are wonderful, it is nice to have your own opening to the world, but they are expensive, if you are on a budget this is NOT the place to blow that budget UNLESS you are going to Alaska! I have never had a suite so I cannot give you any tips on them.
Some lines offer guaranteed staterooms. This means that you will book the cabin but you will not know where it is until the day of sailing. There are two types a guaranteed interior cabin and and guaranteed exterior cabin. It is simply the luck of the draw as to what you get. Once we booked a guaranteed inside and got a balcony. So we paid for the cheapest room on the ship and got a tremendous upgrade. I do recommend this type of room if you are on a big budget. Folks the stateroom is not a place that you spend a lot of time and again I state, this is NOT the place to blow your budget. All you really do here is sleep and change clothes. The cabins are small (Carnival has the largest rooms afloat) and the bathroom is smaller, so you are NOT going to want to spend tons of time here.
The lines occasionally offer good prices, but don't count on it and NEVER pay brochure price...NEVER NEVER! Many of the sites offer onboard credit, free photos, free excursion...these deals are worth looking in to.
AAA offers some deals on cruises, and I am a member, but I have found better prices on the internet.
Cruise line---I never book strictly on cruise line alone, I shop by value and destination. Royal Caribbean has the largest ships, but that doesn't mean they are better. Carnival has a more "fun" "party" type atmosphere, it is very laid back and I enjoy them very much. Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess have a more upscale atmosphere, but that is not a bad thing either. Norwegian offers a freestyle life where you don't have assigned dining times. It is a wonderful idea, but if you don't make reservations, it is difficult to eat when you want, so make reservations. I will always recommend Carnival over the others, they have been very good to me over the years.
Ship--- Generally, this won't be something that will be an issue when booking. I just want to give you a warning or two. New ships are going to cost more, that is just a fact! Before you book check out the details on your ship. If the ship is just out of refurb (been refurbished) that is great because things are working. If a ship is scheduled to go into refurb right after your selected dates...DO NOT TAKE IT no matter what the cost is. Since they are about to do a major re haul on the vessel, they will NOT be looking to fix things that are wrong. This is also true if the ship is about to be sold. All of this info is available on the internet and I promise you it is worth it. I would NOT listen to rankings that people have given to the ship, because you and I have differently opinions on what we like and do not like. I am an easy to please sailor as long as it is clean, so I us an issue with things other than once when we were one of the last sailings on a ship that the line was selling...yep, we had a backup in our shower and NO ONE cared. Why should they? The ship was sold, they just needed to finish their commitments.
Embarkation port--Meaning, the port that you will leave from when you embark on this grand voyage. If this is an issue with traveling, I would first choose the port that you want to leave from. If you are very open to whatever, choose by destination, that way your prices may be better and you can assure that you see the things you want to see.
Length of Voyage---I would like to state again, if you are unsure whether or not you will like this vacation take a shorter trip. If you love to be on the water, then take a long one! I will recommend great ports for longer destinations in another posting.
Here are the most popular ports on the shorter cruise circuit:
BAHAMAS -----The Bahamas are a short sweet little trip. These cruises usually leave from Cape Canaveral or Miami/Ft Lauderdale. While excursions offered on the ships vary somewhat, you can always book something or explore on your own. The Bahamas are known for great beaches, Paradise Island, birds, and shopping.
http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/cruise-passengers I would visit this link to plan your Bahamas trip. I am not a fan of the Bahamas and don't plan on going back unless it is looped in with a 7 day trip that I love. But now, I am NOT a swimmer, so I do not snorkel. I am a shopper! A painter! and an artist!
I can tell you that there are hundreds of islands in the Bahamas, some that are even owned by the cruise lines. Give it a shot, it is pretty...I am just not a huge fan.
KEY WEST---one of my all time favorite ports. You get off the ship in Mallory Square and Front Street. We did not take the pink flamingo pink cabs, we walked the streets all the way to the Southernmost monument on Duval Street. Must dos include the "Little White House" that Harry S Truman called refuge during his Presidency. It is a little bit of wonderful. Go to Kermits for "real" key lime pie. Go to Sloppy Joe's and eat where Hemingway liked to park himself for extended periods of times. If you want directions ask and I shall give them. Key West is a very calm place with roosters roaming the streets, and a wealth of shops if that is what you like; and I do. I bought lots of shells and shell jewelry, cause that is what I do.
Cozumel---Another wonderful spot! I go here as often as I can! ONE word....VANILLA! YEP, that is all you need here. Now there are plenty of beaches, snorkeling, dolphins, sightseeing things, but I go for the VANILLA. There is NOTHING like a cookie made with vanilla from Mexico. Trust me! There is safe vanilla and not safe vanilla. I buy from the same places that I know is safe. Los Cinco Soles and Viva Mexico carry Courmarin free vanilla. You want to make sure that it says that it is courmarin free...if it does not do not buy it, this chemical causes cancer! Los Cinco Soles has the best tasting at about $15 per liter (that is a good price). As for the port itself, it is wonderful. As you get off the ship, you will either get off in town, San Miguel or at the pier, Puerto Maya. The pier has grown up so much over the years. I have been coming here since 1998 and it does not even look like the same place. Now since then it has been hit by a couple of hurricanes too, but the improvements are fantastic. There are so many shops, and a public beach right off the pier that you do not even have to go into town unless you want to. It is a $6 taxi ride (one way) into San Miguel. I recommend you try it, there is a Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, a Mega Market (if you like grocery stores like we do), and TONS of shopping and many places to barter. BARTER!!! They expect it and you will get a great deal! If you are looking for silver look here, but make sure it is real silver look all over for the .925 markings, if there is not one it will not be silver and do not buy it! You can buy marble chess sets and wind chimes very cheap and little Mexican handicrafts (throws, hammocks, jackets, purses, guitars, etc...). If you drink there are cheap places to buy beer, can't tell you the names, but they are all up and down the mail street which is right off the ocean. If you collect shells, you can sometimes gather a few on the public beach that runs all along the downtown area. I do not recommend that you eat the food here unless the cruise line has told you it is safe...getting the runs in Mexico is NOT fun! You can buy an omega necklace from touch of gold for $199 which is a wonderful buy! T shirts can be found for 5 for $10 but usually are not great shirts, be wary of that. Del Sol has a great product and this store always seems to offer great deals. There is a bamboo sheet store go feel them, they feel wonderful. This is a MUST do in my book. I have tons of more tips about Cozumel if you want them ask.
Grand Cayman---You anchor off George Town and there are literally TONS of stores to shop in right off the pier. Most folks will take an excursion to 7 mile beach or to the very famous Stingray City. But in your planning don't forget the world's only turtle farm. The snorkeling here is supposed to be good.
Progresso, Mexico---Just went here for the first time in December 2009. I really was impressed! It is a newish sort of port so they are only going to get better. Right off the pier is a Los Cinco Soles, but it seems different than the one in Cozumel. You exit the store and there are many little stores and tour guides that are selling excursions. We booked our excursion here and save $74 dollars. We took a tour to the flea market in town with EXCELLENT prices. You can get a hammock for $10 and purses for $5, $10, or $15! Get your hammock here, when we got to Cozumel they were $55 for the same thing. This is a very poor port and everyone wants a tip for everything that they do for you, including handing you toilet paper in a bathroom. Our tour was to the ruins at Dzilbilchaltun....I loved this place, the Cenote and the Temple of the Seven Dolls were extraordinary. WE also trekked to the capital of the Yucatan, Merida. An old city with a modern flair. I do recommend Progresso. The vanilla was cheap here, but I would not be 100% sure of the safety.
In my opinion, if you don't know that you won't like it start small! There are tons of small trips that you can combine with a day or two at Disney, Universal, or another attraction. Most of these small cruises are 3,4 , or 5 days in length. My tips are from the Eastern part of the country because I live within driving distance to these ports. These ports include: Mobile, AL; Miami, FL; Ft Lauderdale, FL; Tampa, FL; and Port Canaveral, FL; New Orleans, LA; and Charleston, SC
There are many things here that have to happen-you have to choose a port that you want to leave from, you have to choose a length of duration, you have to choose a cruise line, and you have to choose a price range. Don't worry it is NOT that hard. Take your time, and tell yourself, "hey Michelle does this all the time, how hard can it be?"
Where do I look?--- You can go with a travel agent, but I have found that I get better deals on my own. I have not used an agent since 1999. I use www.travelocity.com www.expedia.com for the most part. I am signed up on many sites "specials" emails www.cheapcruises.com www.VacationsToGo.com www.cruisecheap.com www.cruises.orbitz.com And if you can leave at the drop of a hat the best deals are at www.lastminutecruises.com
I can tell you that I look at the sites almost everyday. You never know when you are going to find a great deal on something and you need to go for it. Look for a while before you book, then you will see that the prices fluctuate a lot. If you can get it for $59 per night, take it! $99 per night is average. I would consider NOT getting it above that unless it is something great or you have money to burn. Now, I am talking Western Caribbean and 3,4, and 5 days Eastern Caribbean locations here, my opinions differ when you go Eastern 7 days, Southern Caribbean, and Alaska. I have not done West Coast or Mexican Rivera cruises so I can't give any details on them.
I was looking this morning and the same cruise that I took in December for $200 pp is currently $599 pp. See the differences? Do research!
PRICE---If price is an issue start there. My Dec 09 cruise was solely booked on this because of the price of the trip. We had not planned on taking a cruise in 09, but since we are constantly looking for cruises, we ran over this price and booked it. Prices are going to vary depending on what type of cabin you book. There are usually 3 choices, inside, outside, and suite. They are pretty self explanatory, inside is on the inside of the ship with no window. I have always had a faux window. Outside means you will have a window or a porthole (on older ships) so you can see outside. There are many types of outside cabins and the price varies with what type you get. There is the obstructed view which means that you have a railing or lifeboat out your window and possibly you can't see great, these are the cheapest. There is the regular outside cabin that is the medium priced, and you can see out the whole window. And there is the balcony cabin. Balconies are wonderful, it is nice to have your own opening to the world, but they are expensive, if you are on a budget this is NOT the place to blow that budget UNLESS you are going to Alaska! I have never had a suite so I cannot give you any tips on them.
The lines occasionally offer good prices, but don't count on it and NEVER pay brochure price...NEVER NEVER! Many of the sites offer onboard credit, free photos, free excursion...these deals are worth looking in to.
AAA offers some deals on cruises, and I am a member, but I have found better prices on the internet.
Cruise line---I never book strictly on cruise line alone, I shop by value and destination. Royal Caribbean has the largest ships, but that doesn't mean they are better. Carnival has a more "fun" "party" type atmosphere, it is very laid back and I enjoy them very much. Celebrity, Norwegian and Princess have a more upscale atmosphere, but that is not a bad thing either. Norwegian offers a freestyle life where you don't have assigned dining times. It is a wonderful idea, but if you don't make reservations, it is difficult to eat when you want, so make reservations. I will always recommend Carnival over the others, they have been very good to me over the years.
Ship--- Generally, this won't be something that will be an issue when booking. I just want to give you a warning or two. New ships are going to cost more, that is just a fact! Before you book check out the details on your ship. If the ship is just out of refurb (been refurbished) that is great because things are working. If a ship is scheduled to go into refurb right after your selected dates...DO NOT TAKE IT no matter what the cost is. Since they are about to do a major re haul on the vessel, they will NOT be looking to fix things that are wrong. This is also true if the ship is about to be sold. All of this info is available on the internet and I promise you it is worth it. I would NOT listen to rankings that people have given to the ship, because you and I have differently opinions on what we like and do not like. I am an easy to please sailor as long as it is clean, so I us an issue with things other than once when we were one of the last sailings on a ship that the line was selling...yep, we had a backup in our shower and NO ONE cared. Why should they? The ship was sold, they just needed to finish their commitments.
Length of Voyage---I would like to state again, if you are unsure whether or not you will like this vacation take a shorter trip. If you love to be on the water, then take a long one! I will recommend great ports for longer destinations in another posting.
Here are the most popular ports on the shorter cruise circuit:
BAHAMAS -----The Bahamas are a short sweet little trip. These cruises usually leave from Cape Canaveral or Miami/Ft Lauderdale. While excursions offered on the ships vary somewhat, you can always book something or explore on your own. The Bahamas are known for great beaches, Paradise Island, birds, and shopping.
http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/cruise-passengers I would visit this link to plan your Bahamas trip. I am not a fan of the Bahamas and don't plan on going back unless it is looped in with a 7 day trip that I love. But now, I am NOT a swimmer, so I do not snorkel. I am a shopper! A painter! and an artist!
I can tell you that there are hundreds of islands in the Bahamas, some that are even owned by the cruise lines. Give it a shot, it is pretty...I am just not a huge fan.
KEY WEST---one of my all time favorite ports. You get off the ship in Mallory Square and Front Street. We did not take the pink flamingo pink cabs, we walked the streets all the way to the Southernmost monument on Duval Street. Must dos include the "Little White House" that Harry S Truman called refuge during his Presidency. It is a little bit of wonderful. Go to Kermits for "real" key lime pie. Go to Sloppy Joe's and eat where Hemingway liked to park himself for extended periods of times. If you want directions ask and I shall give them. Key West is a very calm place with roosters roaming the streets, and a wealth of shops if that is what you like; and I do. I bought lots of shells and shell jewelry, cause that is what I do.
Cozumel---Another wonderful spot! I go here as often as I can! ONE word....VANILLA! YEP, that is all you need here. Now there are plenty of beaches, snorkeling, dolphins, sightseeing things, but I go for the VANILLA. There is NOTHING like a cookie made with vanilla from Mexico. Trust me! There is safe vanilla and not safe vanilla. I buy from the same places that I know is safe. Los Cinco Soles and Viva Mexico carry Courmarin free vanilla. You want to make sure that it says that it is courmarin free...if it does not do not buy it, this chemical causes cancer! Los Cinco Soles has the best tasting at about $15 per liter (that is a good price). As for the port itself, it is wonderful. As you get off the ship, you will either get off in town, San Miguel or at the pier, Puerto Maya. The pier has grown up so much over the years. I have been coming here since 1998 and it does not even look like the same place. Now since then it has been hit by a couple of hurricanes too, but the improvements are fantastic. There are so many shops, and a public beach right off the pier that you do not even have to go into town unless you want to. It is a $6 taxi ride (one way) into San Miguel. I recommend you try it, there is a Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, a Mega Market (if you like grocery stores like we do), and TONS of shopping and many places to barter. BARTER!!! They expect it and you will get a great deal! If you are looking for silver look here, but make sure it is real silver look all over for the .925 markings, if there is not one it will not be silver and do not buy it! You can buy marble chess sets and wind chimes very cheap and little Mexican handicrafts (throws, hammocks, jackets, purses, guitars, etc...). If you drink there are cheap places to buy beer, can't tell you the names, but they are all up and down the mail street which is right off the ocean. If you collect shells, you can sometimes gather a few on the public beach that runs all along the downtown area. I do not recommend that you eat the food here unless the cruise line has told you it is safe...getting the runs in Mexico is NOT fun! You can buy an omega necklace from touch of gold for $199 which is a wonderful buy! T shirts can be found for 5 for $10 but usually are not great shirts, be wary of that. Del Sol has a great product and this store always seems to offer great deals. There is a bamboo sheet store go feel them, they feel wonderful. This is a MUST do in my book. I have tons of more tips about Cozumel if you want them ask.
Grand Cayman---You anchor off George Town and there are literally TONS of stores to shop in right off the pier. Most folks will take an excursion to 7 mile beach or to the very famous Stingray City. But in your planning don't forget the world's only turtle farm. The snorkeling here is supposed to be good.
07 February 2010
Why cruise?
Here is a question that I am asked often because I am a very seasoned cruiser. That being said, I am also a bargain cruiser, and I am very confident that I can find the best deal on a cruise. Here are the tips that I give to you about the reasons why to cruise in part 2 I plan on telling you how to find the best deal.
1. Why do I want to go on a cruise?
Because in my experience, it is the cheapest vacation value that I have found. You cruise includes your room and board, your meals, and varying destinations.
2. I think that I will feel like I am "trapped" or there will not be anything for me to do trapped on a boat for days, or it will be too crowded.
Okay, you need to wake up!!! These ships are massive! Yes, the small ones hold about 1500-2000 guests and the big ones hold 5400 guests, but do you think that the designers did not take that into consideration when designing the ships? A smaller ship is about 800 feet long...That is larger than a block in the majority of cities and that is just length not width! There is at least one theater that will seat roughly half of the passengers at one time, at least 10 bars/lounges, MINIMUM 2 restaurants (most have many more than this), a shopping mall (even the small ships have 5stores or more), at least 2 pools (I just got off one last year with 4), many hot tubs, and many decks. The largest cruise ship afloat, Oasis of the Seas is 1180 feet long, 154 feet wide, stands at 16 decks high! Oh yeah, I can see how you think that you will be crowded. Folks even Carnivals smallest ship, the Holiday stands at 733 feet long (again bigger than a city block).
3. I can't be on a ship for days.
Well, unless you are taking a cruise to nowhere you will not be. On the shorter cruises, you get off the ship the next day in a new port. On the longer ones, you might have a day or two at sea and then you get off the ship in a new destination. The destinations are one thing that make the cruises GREAT!!! Not only will you be traveling to places, but these ships are large, LARGE!! They are like little floating cities, and on most ships I have found places that NO ONE frequents and I can draw, paint, write, sketch whatever in privacy! It is all about the exploring and enjoying the ship. It is NOT like a Holiday Inn that is a float, there are literally TONS of things to see, do, explore, experience, and people to meet.
4. There won't be anything to do on the ship.
Again, this is NOT true, if you want to do something there will be something for you to do. Here is a sampling, Casino, library, shopping, seminars, shopping talks, bingo, classes, chances to eat (24 hours a day), swimming, "laying out", games (organized games that the cruise director does for the passengers), chances to meet new folks, drinking (there are bars everywhere), dance clubs, high tea, sing along bars, movies, broadway styled shows, comedians, entertainers, guest talent shows, adults only activities, adult only areas, arcades, places to just chill, and many more things; yes, I agree with you when you say "there is nothing to do"
5. It is going to be too expensive.
This is the reason that I thought I could never do this, but once I looked into it I realized...it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. This is where planning comes into play for the best deal, price wise. Now there are things that will "add on" to the price....Tips! Tips are taken off your shipboard acct, you may change the amounts, but please don't lower the amounts unless you have bad service. These folks make a very small wage and these tips are what pay their bills. Did you know that the crew sign contracts and work on the ships for 6, 9, or 12 months without ONE day off?
Fancy dinners/desserts/coffees will also add to the cost! Keep this in mind. Now, you get the dining room food included in your cruise price, it is the specialty restaurants that cost more. What, but you said I could have nice dinners? Oh yeah, you will get those....4/5 course meals are included the fair will include lobster tails, prime rib, filet migion, Chateaubriand, Baked Alaska, Cherries Jubilee, fancy soups/appetizers, seafood, desserts that are out of this world...these are included and you can order more than one entree/appetizer/dessert...don't forget that...and it will cost nothing extra! You will be told which things cost extra, just pay attention.
Gambling, adult beverages and sodas and shopping...these are NOT included in your price...you will have to pay for them! Be aware that beverages will include a 15% tip as well.
Photos...there is always a ship photo willing to take your photo. Take as many as you like, this part is free. It's when you go to purchase that they add up quickly. And 8x10 might cost you $20 so shop wisely. Look for specials on photos and shop items, they have some type of special everyday. Check the photos everyday if there is one you really want, later in the week the cruise workers start getting rid of some of the photos because they take so many.
6. I get sea sick.
I can say that I have never experienced any "sickness" that comes associated with motion sickness while on a boat. My husband did for a brief time our very first cruise, but took no medication to get over it, still it was a brief time. I can say that the ships have huge stabilizers on them, that works to alleviate any vast shifts. For the most part, I seem to notice the ships moving when we are traveling to a far away place and they have to "book it" to get there (such as Alaska and Barbados). On a Mexican/Bahamas cruise there is not a lot of distance to travel so you don't seem to notice that. However, I love the gentle rocking that you experience when you are in the bow (front of the ship)....I never sleep as good as I do on a cruise ship when I have an aft room (front of ship). Mid ship rooms seem (to me) to be the least likely to feel anything. Stern rooms get a little bit of motion from the wake of the ship. All in all though, I don't notice that it is much. I have been on only 1 cruise where it was terrible! It was on a older ship that did not have the stabilizers and it was a very small ship. In my experience, I have noticed the bigger the better on the motion, I think the stabilizers are better or something. I do notice many folks that wear the patches behind their ear, so if you think you might have a problem, bring the patches with you they are very expensive on the ship.
7. All those cruise ships get that norovirus.
Again a not true assumption. There are thousands and thousands of cruise passengers every day...and much like a plane crash you only hear about the virus NOT the cruises where there is not an issue. Many ships are using the sanitizers everywhere and requiring you to wash before entering a restaurant (Norwegian does). I don't use these stations and have never gotten sick. I do not use hand rails, let my hands linger on anything public (door knobs, elevator buttons, tables, etc....), but these are the things that I do on land. I believe in hand washing of my own hands often and done well will prevent many of these illnesses. NO ONE in my family have ever gotten sick on or after any of our cruises. I do bring my own lysol wipes to clean the bathroom the first day, and we generally only use our bathroom and we take the stairs mostly. Here is why, I take lysol wipes everywhere!!!! I clean every hotel room that I have ever stayed in upon my arrival. I take the stairs on the ships because I eat a lot and don't want to gain weight. I have never gained a pound on a boat and have actually lost on some. And we walk from one end of the ship to the other a lot too, we enjoy that.
8. There is nothing for the kids to do.
Somethings, yes the kids will not like. They are not going to like a 2 hour 5 course meal (but I make them do it anyway and take a DS), they won't like waiting for food, but they will like being out in the middle of the ocean scanning for dolphins, and if you do Carnival they will LOVE the Water Works with the water slides and water park. They will love the pools and hot tubs, and I can tell you that every line I have ever sailed has had a kids program. I think Carnival has the best, but they all have them. For the teens, they have the teen disco, they have scavenger hunts for all the kids, a program for the kids to be in or sit on the front row of, a wonderfully stocked "clubhouse" and a different one for each age group. Sometimes, some lines will even keep them during dinner so you can enjoy that 2 hour meal alone, and all of them offer babysitting at a small fee. There are shore excursions that are designed for the whole family too! Yes, your kids will find tons to do. Both of my kids cruised for the first time at 18mths old (They were both born in April and they each went on a cruise in Oct for their first one). Once you know what to avoid and know the limits of your kid, you will be fine. Some ships have even let us "check out" a box of toys to take to our room and keep the whole week. I LOVE that! We very much enjoyed that, and took those toys everywhere to dinner, on land, to the deck, to the shows, they were great and age appropriate. They don't advertise this, just ask at the director of the kids program. Also, they may have a playgroup...check your cruise ship paper or ask the director.
The ships are a cashless society...you will be given a key card that will double as your credit card. Don't loose this and make sure your child's card is not activated or they will be allowed to buy things without your permission.
1. Why do I want to go on a cruise?
Because in my experience, it is the cheapest vacation value that I have found. You cruise includes your room and board, your meals, and varying destinations.
2. I think that I will feel like I am "trapped" or there will not be anything for me to do trapped on a boat for days, or it will be too crowded.
Okay, you need to wake up!!! These ships are massive! Yes, the small ones hold about 1500-2000 guests and the big ones hold 5400 guests, but do you think that the designers did not take that into consideration when designing the ships? A smaller ship is about 800 feet long...That is larger than a block in the majority of cities and that is just length not width! There is at least one theater that will seat roughly half of the passengers at one time, at least 10 bars/lounges, MINIMUM 2 restaurants (most have many more than this), a shopping mall (even the small ships have 5stores or more), at least 2 pools (I just got off one last year with 4), many hot tubs, and many decks. The largest cruise ship afloat, Oasis of the Seas is 1180 feet long, 154 feet wide, stands at 16 decks high! Oh yeah, I can see how you think that you will be crowded. Folks even Carnivals smallest ship, the Holiday stands at 733 feet long (again bigger than a city block).
3. I can't be on a ship for days.
Well, unless you are taking a cruise to nowhere you will not be. On the shorter cruises, you get off the ship the next day in a new port. On the longer ones, you might have a day or two at sea and then you get off the ship in a new destination. The destinations are one thing that make the cruises GREAT!!! Not only will you be traveling to places, but these ships are large, LARGE!! They are like little floating cities, and on most ships I have found places that NO ONE frequents and I can draw, paint, write, sketch whatever in privacy! It is all about the exploring and enjoying the ship. It is NOT like a Holiday Inn that is a float, there are literally TONS of things to see, do, explore, experience, and people to meet.
4. There won't be anything to do on the ship.
Again, this is NOT true, if you want to do something there will be something for you to do. Here is a sampling, Casino, library, shopping, seminars, shopping talks, bingo, classes, chances to eat (24 hours a day), swimming, "laying out", games (organized games that the cruise director does for the passengers), chances to meet new folks, drinking (there are bars everywhere), dance clubs, high tea, sing along bars, movies, broadway styled shows, comedians, entertainers, guest talent shows, adults only activities, adult only areas, arcades, places to just chill, and many more things; yes, I agree with you when you say "there is nothing to do"
5. It is going to be too expensive.
This is the reason that I thought I could never do this, but once I looked into it I realized...it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. This is where planning comes into play for the best deal, price wise. Now there are things that will "add on" to the price....Tips! Tips are taken off your shipboard acct, you may change the amounts, but please don't lower the amounts unless you have bad service. These folks make a very small wage and these tips are what pay their bills. Did you know that the crew sign contracts and work on the ships for 6, 9, or 12 months without ONE day off?
Fancy dinners/desserts/coffees will also add to the cost! Keep this in mind. Now, you get the dining room food included in your cruise price, it is the specialty restaurants that cost more. What, but you said I could have nice dinners? Oh yeah, you will get those....4/5 course meals are included the fair will include lobster tails, prime rib, filet migion, Chateaubriand, Baked Alaska, Cherries Jubilee, fancy soups/appetizers, seafood, desserts that are out of this world...these are included and you can order more than one entree/appetizer/dessert...don't forget that...and it will cost nothing extra! You will be told which things cost extra, just pay attention.
Gambling, adult beverages and sodas and shopping...these are NOT included in your price...you will have to pay for them! Be aware that beverages will include a 15% tip as well.
Photos...there is always a ship photo willing to take your photo. Take as many as you like, this part is free. It's when you go to purchase that they add up quickly. And 8x10 might cost you $20 so shop wisely. Look for specials on photos and shop items, they have some type of special everyday. Check the photos everyday if there is one you really want, later in the week the cruise workers start getting rid of some of the photos because they take so many.
6. I get sea sick.
I can say that I have never experienced any "sickness" that comes associated with motion sickness while on a boat. My husband did for a brief time our very first cruise, but took no medication to get over it, still it was a brief time. I can say that the ships have huge stabilizers on them, that works to alleviate any vast shifts. For the most part, I seem to notice the ships moving when we are traveling to a far away place and they have to "book it" to get there (such as Alaska and Barbados). On a Mexican/Bahamas cruise there is not a lot of distance to travel so you don't seem to notice that. However, I love the gentle rocking that you experience when you are in the bow (front of the ship)....I never sleep as good as I do on a cruise ship when I have an aft room (front of ship). Mid ship rooms seem (to me) to be the least likely to feel anything. Stern rooms get a little bit of motion from the wake of the ship. All in all though, I don't notice that it is much. I have been on only 1 cruise where it was terrible! It was on a older ship that did not have the stabilizers and it was a very small ship. In my experience, I have noticed the bigger the better on the motion, I think the stabilizers are better or something. I do notice many folks that wear the patches behind their ear, so if you think you might have a problem, bring the patches with you they are very expensive on the ship.
7. All those cruise ships get that norovirus.
Again a not true assumption. There are thousands and thousands of cruise passengers every day...and much like a plane crash you only hear about the virus NOT the cruises where there is not an issue. Many ships are using the sanitizers everywhere and requiring you to wash before entering a restaurant (Norwegian does). I don't use these stations and have never gotten sick. I do not use hand rails, let my hands linger on anything public (door knobs, elevator buttons, tables, etc....), but these are the things that I do on land. I believe in hand washing of my own hands often and done well will prevent many of these illnesses. NO ONE in my family have ever gotten sick on or after any of our cruises. I do bring my own lysol wipes to clean the bathroom the first day, and we generally only use our bathroom and we take the stairs mostly. Here is why, I take lysol wipes everywhere!!!! I clean every hotel room that I have ever stayed in upon my arrival. I take the stairs on the ships because I eat a lot and don't want to gain weight. I have never gained a pound on a boat and have actually lost on some. And we walk from one end of the ship to the other a lot too, we enjoy that.
8. There is nothing for the kids to do.
Somethings, yes the kids will not like. They are not going to like a 2 hour 5 course meal (but I make them do it anyway and take a DS), they won't like waiting for food, but they will like being out in the middle of the ocean scanning for dolphins, and if you do Carnival they will LOVE the Water Works with the water slides and water park. They will love the pools and hot tubs, and I can tell you that every line I have ever sailed has had a kids program. I think Carnival has the best, but they all have them. For the teens, they have the teen disco, they have scavenger hunts for all the kids, a program for the kids to be in or sit on the front row of, a wonderfully stocked "clubhouse" and a different one for each age group. Sometimes, some lines will even keep them during dinner so you can enjoy that 2 hour meal alone, and all of them offer babysitting at a small fee. There are shore excursions that are designed for the whole family too! Yes, your kids will find tons to do. Both of my kids cruised for the first time at 18mths old (They were both born in April and they each went on a cruise in Oct for their first one). Once you know what to avoid and know the limits of your kid, you will be fine. Some ships have even let us "check out" a box of toys to take to our room and keep the whole week. I LOVE that! We very much enjoyed that, and took those toys everywhere to dinner, on land, to the deck, to the shows, they were great and age appropriate. They don't advertise this, just ask at the director of the kids program. Also, they may have a playgroup...check your cruise ship paper or ask the director.
Other tidbits:
Room service is part of your price, but you need to tip the person bringing it to you a dollar or two. The ships are a cashless society...you will be given a key card that will double as your credit card. Don't loose this and make sure your child's card is not activated or they will be allowed to buy things without your permission.
30 January 2010
Carnival Legend
As written in Dec 2006
We were sailing out of Miami Fl. This is always one of my favorite ports. I love to look at the hotels on the beach, the folks hanging out on the beach, that island of condos (have no idea what it is called), all the cruise ships (I love to try and figure out what each one is before I look at the hull), and just Miami in general.
Our room was just a little bit of wonderful! We had a couch, a first on any cruise! This was the largest Carnival vessel that we have sailed to date and you can see in the quality of the rooms how far they have come in a short time. We paid for an inside cabin, the cheapest on the ship, but were very surprised when Carnival upgraded us for FREE to a mini balcony. It did have a lifeboat right outside but big deal! The bathroom had a vast amount of storage space and a tile counter (another first). Our room had large wooden cabinets, now we have had these on other lines, but never Carnival. It is nice to be able to store everything.
Around the ship:
The Colossus Atrium--- features a 100ft tall painting of one of the greek gods, I think it is Zeus . This was by far the loveliest lobby s that I had ever entered. It features many rooms that look out onto the lobby. That large painting...and a wonderful series of glass elevators.
The Follies Lounge- A very San Juan inspired lounge, and the main lounge. There were turret that were reminiscent of the real El Morro, only these were in a teal color with a sandy yellow stucco look. The tiles outside the lounge were in a Spanish theme in the same teal and yellow colors.
Unicorn Cafe- VERY medieval. I loved it here. I could picture myself in the days of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. The colors were hues that you would have expected of medieval times. There were castle paintings, paintings of 1300-1400 people in their empire wasted dresses.
Firebird Lounge- A Russian inspired bar...the colors were an brilliant red, sunshine yellow, and a holiday green. There were artworks that reminded one of the skyline in Moscow. A very religious type painting of a Russian angel is right inside and very awe inspiring.
The hallway leading to the Follies Theater featured a MASSIVE reproduction of the famous MGM "family" reunion that LB Mayer commissioned in the early 50's. This was done for Life magazine and I have a copy of it because it has always made me happy.
Truffles Restaurant- Where we first met with June and Jay. It was our first cruise only have one other couple with us and lucky for us, it was a wonderful couple that we had tons in common with. They were seasoned cruisers so we all had lots to talk about. There was one thing about this dining room that I had never seen on our other ships...there was an escalator that the waiters (Ninja and Byron) took down into the belly of the ship and back up with our food, so the kitchen was below. It was a very large escalator.
FUN---John and I did the usual things that we do on a cruise, sun, sand, casino (just a little we broke even $90), and walk around, but this time; I took a crafts class (loved every second of it), and we played Family Feud and WON!! We had won Carnival trophies before, but this one was a very heavy medal. I was so proud of us, we love it when we win the prizes.
The Enchanted Forest---my favorite part of the ship, it was a very narrow hallway in which they had built a bar. It was NEVER occupied, so I went into it every day and painted, drew, sketched, wrote, and listened to music. It was like something from Snow White.
Rodeo Drive-a LARGE mall of wonderful shops...spend more dough here than I ought to have.
Martinique- A very tiny island and one that we have never been to before. We started out with a lot of excitement. There was this elderly couple whose room was close to ours and we kept saying they were too old and not in the best of health. We were right! They both were escorted off the ship in stretchers and that slowed down the ships debarkation, but gave interesting views to most of the passengers. I had tons of time to take photos while this went on. WE were docked in Fort de France, and John and I walked into town because we wanted to see the fort and what else the town had to offer. We probably walked about 1 mile into town through what I call slums. Our first sight was this row of apartments that I thought were condos when I was taking photos from the ship. Upon closer inspection they were a dive! Horrible conditions!
When we got into the area around Fort St Louis there was a huge park. We were told that in this park that we might see things that were illegal to do in public in America(with couples). We did not see any nakedness, but did see tons of folks "making out". The palm trees in this park where the best that I have ever seen in my life. We took lots of photos of the trees. And looming straight ahead was this wonderful looking fort. It is very much built in the fashion of El Morro, just on a smaller scale. I shopped in a market and then back to the ship.
Barbados- From the instant that I laid eyes on this place I was in love. Madly!!!! You dock in Bridgetown and it looks just wonderful. The port authority folks were not scary as in some ports, and actually said hello. We got to the end of the pier and there met our tour. Glen was to show us the best that the island had to offer. We bordered a 4x4 jeep and almost immediately drove into the land of sugar cane. The island makes lots of sugar. The canes were whipping up against the side of our jeep. Glen told us to not let them hit us because we would get cut. WE passed a row of palm trees (the same variety we had seen in the park)...Glen said when you see palms in a row it meant the owner was rich or you were at a sugar factory. We were passing the later. It did not look like much, but the palms were just the best. Making our way to the coast we entered the town of Bathsheba. There was graffiti on the walls, monkeys in the yards (they were a small variety and very cute), burned out sugar mills, complete shacks, and literally TONS of churches (Glen said there were 2 churches for every person that lived on the island). As we passed one church, you looked over the side of the church yard and there it was the ocean! It was the most fantastic ocean that I have ever seen! It is literally the end of it all, there is nothing else standing between you and Africa except the ocean you are gazing upon. It was a ultramarine blue with flecks of topaz in it. The waves were something that you can only imagine. They were massive. Glen said it was against the law to swim in the waters because they were too dangerous. The beach was covered in sand that can be described as rocky and brownish white. There were rocks that you would see off the side of the road going into the Smokey Mountains. And white waves as far as you could see. Glen said it was hard for surfers to stay away because of the huge temptation that the waves left. We had a snack across the street, but I could not stay away from that beach. I had never (and have not since) seen any beach that can compare to this beach. And I don't even know the beach's name. I know that an episode of the Bold and the Beautiful was filmed in a shack that was abandoned on the beach many years ago.
We boarded our 4x4 and began another sightseeing tour. Glen took us by Tiger Woods and Paul McCartney's house. Past a row of shops that looked like something in Charleston, SC and then to a beach. It was the rockiest beach that I had ever been to. I was glad that I had aqua socks on. I took lots of shells home with me too and we saw a crab walking across the sand.
We took our tour back to the pier and there was wall of giant rocks that looked like it was to help a sea surge and we climbed on top of them and went through a public park near the pier. The ship left and headed to St Maartin.
St Maartin- One of my favorites port....ahhhhh Philipsburg. I love to shop here. If you like designer wear this is your one stop. WE took the water taxi into town (we usually walk) and it was a little bit of fun. It took us from the pier to the ship in about the time it would have taken to walk, but it was more exciting you and did not have to walk by all the folks asking you to shop in their store. Once we got into town, I knew right where I wanted to go, so I walked in and bought a Prada bag. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side of St Maartin, but it is very french like in the architecture and couture. When you get off the ship, to the right is a row of excursions that you can take. We always do the same one, Orient Beach because we want to go to the French side. The beach is just outside of Marigot and is lovely. Not like Bathsheba, but very nice. Now there are ugly naked people sometimes walking about on the French side so watch out, but it is a quiet beach where you can rest. My intention was to get my hair braided and I did. It took forever!!! John was in the water the entire time I was getting my hair braided. I also shopped in the stores for Hannah a beach towel that turned into a bag, because that was one thing that she asked for. I did find one at a great price...not the color she wanted, but a great price. We stayed for a couple of hours, got wet a couple of times (rain) and then it was time to go. When we got back to port, there were several ships in port, I got some wonderful photos of those ships as it was dusk and the ships were all lit up.
Next stop....Miami
Wonderful ship! Probably my favorite Carnival Ship. I want to sail her again.
Total Staterooms - 1,062
Decks - 12
Passenger capacity - 2,124
Total crew - 930
Officer's nationality - Italian
Ship size - Large
Tonnage - 88,500
Ship length - 963
Registry - Panama Gross tonnage
Decks - 12
Passenger capacity - 2,124
Total crew - 930
Officer's nationality - Italian
Ship size - Large
Tonnage - 88,500
Ship length - 963
Registry - Panama Gross tonnage
85,900 (including balconies, approx. 88,500)
We were sailing out of Miami Fl. This is always one of my favorite ports. I love to look at the hotels on the beach, the folks hanging out on the beach, that island of condos (have no idea what it is called), all the cruise ships (I love to try and figure out what each one is before I look at the hull), and just Miami in general.
Our room was just a little bit of wonderful! We had a couch, a first on any cruise! This was the largest Carnival vessel that we have sailed to date and you can see in the quality of the rooms how far they have come in a short time. We paid for an inside cabin, the cheapest on the ship, but were very surprised when Carnival upgraded us for FREE to a mini balcony. It did have a lifeboat right outside but big deal! The bathroom had a vast amount of storage space and a tile counter (another first). Our room had large wooden cabinets, now we have had these on other lines, but never Carnival. It is nice to be able to store everything.
Around the ship:
The Colossus Atrium--- features a 100ft tall painting of one of the greek gods, I think it is Zeus . This was by far the loveliest lobby s that I had ever entered. It features many rooms that look out onto the lobby. That large painting...and a wonderful series of glass elevators.
Unicorn Cafe- VERY medieval. I loved it here. I could picture myself in the days of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. The colors were hues that you would have expected of medieval times. There were castle paintings, paintings of 1300-1400 people in their empire wasted dresses.
Firebird Lounge- A Russian inspired bar...the colors were an brilliant red, sunshine yellow, and a holiday green. There were artworks that reminded one of the skyline in Moscow. A very religious type painting of a Russian angel is right inside and very awe inspiring.
The hallway leading to the Follies Theater featured a MASSIVE reproduction of the famous MGM "family" reunion that LB Mayer commissioned in the early 50's. This was done for Life magazine and I have a copy of it because it has always made me happy.
Truffles Restaurant- Where we first met with June and Jay. It was our first cruise only have one other couple with us and lucky for us, it was a wonderful couple that we had tons in common with. They were seasoned cruisers so we all had lots to talk about. There was one thing about this dining room that I had never seen on our other ships...there was an escalator that the waiters (Ninja and Byron) took down into the belly of the ship and back up with our food, so the kitchen was below. It was a very large escalator.
FUN---John and I did the usual things that we do on a cruise, sun, sand, casino (just a little we broke even $90), and walk around, but this time; I took a crafts class (loved every second of it), and we played Family Feud and WON!! We had won Carnival trophies before, but this one was a very heavy medal. I was so proud of us, we love it when we win the prizes.
The Enchanted Forest---my favorite part of the ship, it was a very narrow hallway in which they had built a bar. It was NEVER occupied, so I went into it every day and painted, drew, sketched, wrote, and listened to music. It was like something from Snow White.
Rodeo Drive-a LARGE mall of wonderful shops...spend more dough here than I ought to have.
Martinique- A very tiny island and one that we have never been to before. We started out with a lot of excitement. There was this elderly couple whose room was close to ours and we kept saying they were too old and not in the best of health. We were right! They both were escorted off the ship in stretchers and that slowed down the ships debarkation, but gave interesting views to most of the passengers. I had tons of time to take photos while this went on. WE were docked in Fort de France, and John and I walked into town because we wanted to see the fort and what else the town had to offer. We probably walked about 1 mile into town through what I call slums. Our first sight was this row of apartments that I thought were condos when I was taking photos from the ship. Upon closer inspection they were a dive! Horrible conditions!
When we got into the area around Fort St Louis there was a huge park. We were told that in this park that we might see things that were illegal to do in public in America(with couples). We did not see any nakedness, but did see tons of folks "making out". The palm trees in this park where the best that I have ever seen in my life. We took lots of photos of the trees. And looming straight ahead was this wonderful looking fort. It is very much built in the fashion of El Morro, just on a smaller scale. I shopped in a market and then back to the ship.
We took our tour back to the pier and there was wall of giant rocks that looked like it was to help a sea surge and we climbed on top of them and went through a public park near the pier. The ship left and headed to St Maartin.
Next stop....Miami
06 January 2010
A surprise gift
Now, I get to think about the trip...to begin the packing lists (I need to tweak the one that I created in 08'). To plan the excursions (and save the money for them), and now that we know our way around the towns better, see the things that we wished we had seen the first time. Neither of us felt like we had much time in Juneau...so we have another chance. Of course, we also both have said the we want to do the same excursions that did last time in Juneau too...but this is the fun part before the trip. Planning what on what to do, and how to squeeze it in during the time allowed.
We are heading to the same places as last time, which again is a little bit of wonderful because every place was a gem...Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria...the only exception to the trip is that we will not go into the National Park (Glacier Bay). This time we will venture in Tracy Arm Fjord. Which is supposed to be spectacular, but we will see. The fjord features the twin Sawyer glaciers, which are known to calve alot, and of course that is what I am hoping for.
For a review of our first Alaskan cruise please visit my old blog....
http://amchampion.blog.homepagenow.com
02 January 2010
Progresso/Meidra
Got my photos of my last cruise back, just today. I was so excited that I greeted Gloria in the driveway (I knew what she was bringing since she pulled the mail truck up into the driveway). WOW! I used Winkflash...for the first time, and I can really see the things that we saw while in Mexico.
I wanted to talk a little about the ruins...for those of you that may go to Progresso, I recommend getting off the ship...Hit Los Cinco De Soles...uh, this is the same stuff you will find in Cozumel. The cruise will tell you it is not because this store does not pay the cruise line any money so they will not recommend them to the passengers. Don't buy much here, keep going through the shop to the little shops outside. There are vendors that sell hammocks CHEAP $15 here seems to be the going rate...but don't buy them yet!!! You can do better! Get you some vanilla or a ukulele if you want one...maybe a wind chime...then keep going. At the end of all the stores, there will be lots of guys selling tours. See you should not book them on the ship, this guy will sell you the same tour at a 2 for 1 price. Give him the money, get your bracelet and board a bus for the flea market. Now, you may buy your hammock $10! Purses that are hand made (very well made) $5, and silver (make sure it is real silver look for the .925 first) and all kinds of cheap t shirts. You will board your bus and head to Dziblichaltun. It's not a long bus ride and it is air conditioned. You will travel by little lakes...look inside there for you will see WILD pink flamingos. They are a sight to see in the wild. Through the ride you will see many great Mexican sites. I took tons of photos of signs, and even a water park. I really enjoyed the bus ride. The guide, Ivan kept it interesting by telling stories about hammocks and why they are so plentiful. Maybe if you ask nicely I will tell you.
Once you get to the ruins, your guide will have to get you a new ticket, this is all ready paid for by you so just wait. Please NOTE there can be NO video taking unless you pay extra. The guide did not know that I had planned on shooting video on my camera and did not tell me that, but I heard him tell someone with a camcorder this. We entered the ruins and saw some marvelous plants. My favorites were the flowers, all types, all colors.
The first magnificent sight that we saw was a giant wall. This wall was very tall, very steep, my first thoughts were "I want to climb that". Ivan made us sit for a lesson about the ruins. It was very informative, but I kept saying I wanted to climb that thing. After his talk he led us around a bend and there was the lovely cenote. This was a source of drinking water for the Mayans. It was so blue, and so refreshing looking. It was covered in lily pads and flowers. I just could not stop taking photos of it's majesty. Ivan invited us to take a swim and a couple of our group jumped right in. John took off his shoes and stuck his feet in. There were little fish inside and they started nibbling on his feet. It made a funny photo, with the blue water, his pale feet and those tiny fish.
Next Ivan led us to the exit, or so we thought. I ran ahead and climbed to the top of one of the giant walls, I could stand it NO more. John got my photo of me looking triumphant in my glory, "ha I did it and you said I could not"... Up there is was a LONG way down. The steps were very shallow and very steep. As I started my descent I got a little worried...How was I going to get down this with my big feet and now that I looked down I was tad dizzy? I just took it slow and walked sideways...seriously, my feet were way too big for the steps.
As I got to the bottom, Ivan was asking how many wanted to make the long trek to walk to the observatory. I had waited to see this...waited and waited. Actually, I did not think that we would get to go. It is a very cool place, and I was so glad that we went. Again, there are narrow (not as narrow but narrow) steps to the top and it is tall, but the view is outstanding and it is worth the climb in so many ways. In the Spring and the Winter on the equinox days, the sun will shine through the windows...we were about 10 days to early for this event. Oh well, we got to see it.
We next walked to the houses where the Mayans lived. They can withstand a hurricane, which fascinates me. When I visit an island here I always like to see the hurricane routes, the devastation from them and things that withstood hurricanes...Barbados was the most interesting...Maybe I will tell you why another day. The huts were poorly constructed to my eye, but again, they can withstand a hurricane so looks can be deceiving.
I would post a photo, but for some reason the blog will not allow photos, must be a windows 7 thing. I will look into it, or you can just go to my facebook page and see my photos...Note the cenote and the observatory
I wanted to talk a little about the ruins...for those of you that may go to Progresso, I recommend getting off the ship...Hit Los Cinco De Soles...uh, this is the same stuff you will find in Cozumel. The cruise will tell you it is not because this store does not pay the cruise line any money so they will not recommend them to the passengers. Don't buy much here, keep going through the shop to the little shops outside. There are vendors that sell hammocks CHEAP $15 here seems to be the going rate...but don't buy them yet!!! You can do better! Get you some vanilla or a ukulele if you want one...maybe a wind chime...then keep going. At the end of all the stores, there will be lots of guys selling tours. See you should not book them on the ship, this guy will sell you the same tour at a 2 for 1 price. Give him the money, get your bracelet and board a bus for the flea market. Now, you may buy your hammock $10! Purses that are hand made (very well made) $5, and silver (make sure it is real silver look for the .925 first) and all kinds of cheap t shirts. You will board your bus and head to Dziblichaltun. It's not a long bus ride and it is air conditioned. You will travel by little lakes...look inside there for you will see WILD pink flamingos. They are a sight to see in the wild. Through the ride you will see many great Mexican sites. I took tons of photos of signs, and even a water park. I really enjoyed the bus ride. The guide, Ivan kept it interesting by telling stories about hammocks and why they are so plentiful. Maybe if you ask nicely I will tell you.
Once you get to the ruins, your guide will have to get you a new ticket, this is all ready paid for by you so just wait. Please NOTE there can be NO video taking unless you pay extra. The guide did not know that I had planned on shooting video on my camera and did not tell me that, but I heard him tell someone with a camcorder this. We entered the ruins and saw some marvelous plants. My favorites were the flowers, all types, all colors.
The first magnificent sight that we saw was a giant wall. This wall was very tall, very steep, my first thoughts were "I want to climb that". Ivan made us sit for a lesson about the ruins. It was very informative, but I kept saying I wanted to climb that thing. After his talk he led us around a bend and there was the lovely cenote. This was a source of drinking water for the Mayans. It was so blue, and so refreshing looking. It was covered in lily pads and flowers. I just could not stop taking photos of it's majesty. Ivan invited us to take a swim and a couple of our group jumped right in. John took off his shoes and stuck his feet in. There were little fish inside and they started nibbling on his feet. It made a funny photo, with the blue water, his pale feet and those tiny fish.
Next Ivan led us to the exit, or so we thought. I ran ahead and climbed to the top of one of the giant walls, I could stand it NO more. John got my photo of me looking triumphant in my glory, "ha I did it and you said I could not"... Up there is was a LONG way down. The steps were very shallow and very steep. As I started my descent I got a little worried...How was I going to get down this with my big feet and now that I looked down I was tad dizzy? I just took it slow and walked sideways...seriously, my feet were way too big for the steps.
As I got to the bottom, Ivan was asking how many wanted to make the long trek to walk to the observatory. I had waited to see this...waited and waited. Actually, I did not think that we would get to go. It is a very cool place, and I was so glad that we went. Again, there are narrow (not as narrow but narrow) steps to the top and it is tall, but the view is outstanding and it is worth the climb in so many ways. In the Spring and the Winter on the equinox days, the sun will shine through the windows...we were about 10 days to early for this event. Oh well, we got to see it.
We next walked to the houses where the Mayans lived. They can withstand a hurricane, which fascinates me. When I visit an island here I always like to see the hurricane routes, the devastation from them and things that withstood hurricanes...Barbados was the most interesting...Maybe I will tell you why another day. The huts were poorly constructed to my eye, but again, they can withstand a hurricane so looks can be deceiving.
I would post a photo, but for some reason the blog will not allow photos, must be a windows 7 thing. I will look into it, or you can just go to my facebook page and see my photos...Note the cenote and the observatory
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