grab007

Don't be shy! Your questions are good ones for a first time cruiser looking to make their cruise "perfect." The answers provided above are correct. Half the fun of a cruise is the planning and building anticipation of your trip! If you have any other questions, let us know. "The only bad question is the one not asked!"

Go the day before. Even though you have a new car it can still get stuck in traffic! Baltimore has lots to offer. When we went in Sept, we caught a ballgame, the inner harbor and Fort McHenry (which we definitely recommend!) Then you hop on the ship and away you go!! Have a great time!

Why take the risk??? You have time before April (especially since its a renewal.) Get the passport renewed asap - if its not back in time then you can consider the posts on the thread.

The "Naughty Room" is where they send you if they spot a tool (or other contraband) in your luggage and you have to go explain why you have it before you get your bag. If you don't have a good explanation, they'll hold the tool and return it to you upon debarkation. My DH is is in a wheelchair so I ALWAYS travel with a set of allen wrenches and a pair of pliers. Sometimes they catch them, sometimes they don't. But since I have a valid reason, they've always let me keep them. I used to travel with a multi-tool but due to the knife, I don't bother because I know they'll take it if they spot it.

Thanks Jason12 - a voice of reason. Tell the travel agent HC cabins are ONLY for people who need them!! My DH has MS and is in a WC. We have to book over a year in advance to get these cabins. Our choices of the good itineraries are solely based on the available HC cabins. Shame on the TA!

I noticed the thread about the Song of Norway and immediately thought of our first RCI cruise which was on the Song of America out of Miami. We actually cruised on her twice back in the 80's. I did a little research and she's passed through a number of different cruise lines since her retirement from RCI. I was encouraged to see that she's still afloat and cruising for Louis Cruise Lines out of Greece under the name Louis Olympia. But she was the one that really hooked us on cruising.

Get ready to have the time of your life! In addition to the great advice above (BTW your first BEST idea was to join Cruise Critic!) I would suggest booking one night in a specialty restaurant. Yes, you pay a little extra but for the food, ambiance and service its an AWESOME value if you want a special dining experience.

More HC accessible suites. Freedom class ships only have two JS suites w/balconies. You'd hope that larger ships had more. They could easily book them if HC passengers didn't. We have to book well over a year in advance.

To Ducklite: Very nice. Negligence? Really? At least you and your bloody heals can walk away. Have you ever thought what it would be like to not be able to walk or stand? You've never bumped into someone by accident? Well I guess cruising is only for you perfect folks. Next time we'll just stay home.

Very interesting discussion. It transcends cruising but I'll stay in that realm. My wife has MS as well and cannot walk at all. We cruise every year and deal with all of this all of the time. But the answer lies in the bigger picture. We're on vacation and will not EVER allow rude people to ruin it! The crowds subside, we wait a few more minutes. We're just greatful for being together cruising! A happy, positive attitude is contagious and we find many folks, indeed most folks are very helpful when greeted with a smile. Life is short and the cruise is even shorter. Don't let ignorant behavior ruin it. Hope this helps.