jcruise67

This firm has its own cruise line so I would have expected (or at least hoped) that their agents would have a better knowledge of the industry compared to those firms who are simply agents. There were only two members of staff present and the other one was busy with a customer. We had wasted so much time already that we couldn't be bothered to wait for her to finish. I suppose we could have gone back later, but sadly first impression was so negative we decided against.

 

I may well be wrong here, but I'm not sure that in the UK, or at least where I live in the North West, there are dedicated cruise agents/firms who actually have shops on the High Street. If any UK poster wishes to correct me I would be grateful.

Hi Babs...I have been a TA for more than 20+ years, specializing in cruises. I can tell from first hand knowledge that I agree your TA is clueless. Though I am in the United States, I will tell you that commissions aren't that large for one cruise booking and/or cabin. Honestly, depending on the cabin type and category commissions are different but not by much. The agency gets a cut and the TA gets a cut. Unsold cabins are distributed back to the cruise lines for them to sell and as the sailing gets closer, more deals are provided. For a basic balcony cabin, commission is approximately $100 - $150 depending on the category, deck & area of the ship. What you were quoted is ridiculous! As a TA, I book my personal cruises with the cruise lines, however, in many cases the rates are usually the same as if you booked directly with the cruise lines. The reason being is that if you book with the cruise line directly, you can manage your own cruise reservation. This is a benefit because you then can take advantage of price drops, upgrades, shore excursions & your onboard account with the cruise line in lieu of counting on a TA to do it. Also, when you book with a TA, only they can manage and make changes to your reservation. Meaning you have to depend on the TA in lieu of managing it yourself with the cruise line directly. Many passengers are electing to book with the cruise lines directly to cut out the middle man. Price increases are also a result of using the cruise line's air instead of booking your flight separately. This is where you can save big bucks. I hope this was insightful to you.

jcruise

We have 3 rooms booked together. Getting mixed info if the balcony dividers open. We were originally told we could request room steward open them. Now hearing it's a hazard to open them. Re: security lock not secure to keep open, people complaining debris coming underneath?? Not sure what they mean. Has there been a change in Royals policy?? I have seen them open on Allure- boardwalk view rooms. So hope we can get them open. Have one handicap and 4 children. Need the access for family assistance.

Most balcony dividers can be opened by the cabin steward as long as all parties agree. The cabin steward has a tool that opens the dividers.

jcruise

We've cruised 3 times, all western Caribbean, this will be our 1st Eastern Caribbean cruise, trying to figure out what the best feature of St Kitts would be, the train looks interesting but not a fan of spending a lot of time sitting down. What is the best snorkeling/beach destination? We're wondering if a catamaran to Nevis is worth it or is it just as good to stay around St. kitts?

 

Any feedback appreciated!

 

Thanks :)

Hi MrsCJag....MY DW and I have been to St.Kitts dozens of times. I would consider spending a day at St.Kitts Marriott. It is a beautiful property and the pool has a swim-up bar. The beach is nice but a little rough. For a fee you can either do an all inclusive there for the day or pay cash at the pool. I took a group off the ship to the St.Kitts Marriott and we had a blast. I think we paid $40 per person to enjoy the all-inclusive amenity at the resort.

jcruise

I just wanted to post this. I e-mailed Carnival about my son with Autism, since we will be sailing on Sunday. I also e-mailed RCCL because in December we will be traveling with 4 children with varying needs. The responses I received back couldn't have been more different.

 

Carnival called me personally to ask me a few questions. They are e-mailing the port with our expected arrival time and names. When we get there, we simply give our names to the porter when we hand over our luggage and we will be immediately escorted onto the ship. No standing in the long, crowded lines. My son and I will get a private muster drill in the stateroom, while DH takes our two daughters to the regular muster drill. I will show our son where the muster station is at some point that afternoon or evening. They wanted to know what DS functioning age was in case he needed to be in a different club than Circle C, which is his age group. Since they have video games in Circle C, I expect that he will go straight for those and we won't see him again except at dinner and bedtime. They asked if we needed a private table in an isolated or quiet part of the dining room. When I said I didn't think that would be necessary, the young man said that if it turned out to be needed I simply had to talk to the Maitre'D and they would arrange it for the rest of the cruise. He was just AWESOMELY HELPFUL.

 

RCCL was completely the opposite. They said we couldn't get priority boarding or onto the ship faster, without the crowds and long lines. And then for my other questions I was told to simply talk to guest services once we were on board and they would see if they could accommodate our requests. And this was sent in an e-mail. I don't know what sort of review or qualifications Autism on the Sea does to give the rating or recommendation that RCCL got from them, but it is so not deserved at all.

 

Carnival has my loyalty from now on. We may try a Disney cruise in another year or so. They are so much more expensive that I doubt we will, but other than that, we will stick with Carnival.:D

Hi Pebbles...First, let me say, all cruise lines have priority boarding for anyone in your party with special needs. My DW has MS and no matter how many in our group, our entire party gets priority boarding. The only advice I would provide is make sure you have documentation from your doctor concerning your children's special needs. Sometimes, the cruise line will request it during priority boarding and check-in. Just report to the priority boarding area upon arriving to the cruise pier and I'm sure the cruise line will be more than helpful.

jcruise

You can get as many legal notorized copy of your BC at your County Office of Vital Statistics. They are around $2-$5 a piece.

jcruise

If your cruise ship is departing the terminal at 4pm, then I would definitely fly in the day before. If the cruise ship leaves after 8pm, then I would consider flying to the port of embarkation the same day. However, for us, no matter what time the ship departs, we fly in the day before. We budget for that when we are saving for our cruise vacation. Remember..."Peace of Mind" is worth every penny!!!

jcruise

Of course, the risk is that you may miss your ship if you fly in the day of your sailing. But, flying in the day before adds to your overall cost. For us, that would included another day of parking at the airport at home, ground transportation to the hotel, the hotel itself, meals, an extra day lodging for our dog. This can easily add another $500 onto the cost of the cruise.

Of course flying to the port of embarkation the day before adds to the overall cost but I personally will pay the extra cost for a peace of mind. I remember flying into Miami for a cruise several years ago and my luggage ended up in Dallas, Texas...LOL...thank God we flew in a day early because my luggage was sent to Miami from Dallas that evening and it was delivered to the hotel we stayed at. My point is...if you can afford the cruise and extras that go with it, then budget for the extra day because that "Peace of mind" is well worth it!!!

jcruise

We are set sail on the Breeze from Miami on 4/25. We can save over $300 by flying the day of the cruise, rather than the night before. Normally, we don't do this; however...

We can get a non-stop flight departing at 7:30AM and landing in Miami around 10:30AM.

 

Given those facts, do you think this is risky?

Hi Kycouple..flying in the day before has more proactive than reactive. It will save you time and aggravation and you may be able to find a cheaper flight in the early afternoon or evening. Hotels in the Miami near the port of Miami book fast, but it is definitely worth the $300 in the event an issue arises with your travel.

Jcruise

My husband and I are planning on going on a cruise in late september. We would like to go to the carribean or somewhere tropical and we are both very active and would like a lot of things to do. we are on a budget, and not looking to spend more than about $2,500 total. We would like to be gone 5-7 days. so i have a few questions and any other advice anyone could give me would be great.

 

1. what is the best cruise line as far as getting the best for your money and who has the best packages.

2. where is the best place to go for activities like swimming with dolphins, snorkling, and parasailing and how much extra was stuff like that, and if there are other fun activites id love to hear about those!

3. what extra stuff should i pack besides a swimsuit? do i need beach towels? how formal should my evening clothes be?

4. if you have any other advice id love to hear it!

Hi Katie...There is so much to know and learn on a cruise but I will keep it simple. Currently, depending on where you reside, Norwegian is a great cruise line for the budget conscious. My BW and I just booked the Norwegian Getaway from Miami sailing April 11th to the Eastern Caribbean Itinerary (St.Martin, St.Thomas & and Nassau Bahamas). I booked our own air and flying in the day before to stay at a hotel in the Port of Miami. The cruise w/ the Ultimate Beverage Package for the BW and I, port charges and taxes included, R/T Air from NJ to Miami and Hotel cost us $2700 total. The cruise was $1950 and included port charges, taxes and Ultimate Beverage package for both of us. This is our 32nd cruise on six different cruise lines since 1998 so I consider myself very cruise savy.

jcruise

What do you prefer, Main or Late dining and why?

Dw and I have found that late seating suits are cruising lifestyle. We usually have a full day on the islands or on the ship during sea days. We enjoy a little R&R in our cabin before getting ready for dinner. Main seating is too early for us since we find ourselves rushing around to get ready. when you incorporate a full day in the sun with excursions, shopping, and drinking, it is a relief to relax before getting ready for dinner, especially on formal nights.

John

We all must be on the same page. (LOL) I too placed all my documents in clear protected pages with the 3-ring punch. So far my document portfolio is 59 pages and counting...Talk about us being just a tad bit excited with anticipation.(LOL)

John

Suesan,

There will be plenty for your DD to do. Cruise lines now specialize in programs for kids. Carnival has "Camp Carnival" and RCCL has a kids program as well. If thats not enough, you and your DH will have a memorable time on your cruise. My DW and I will be sailing on our 12th cruise April 17th on the Golden Princess from San Juan. I assume your sailing from New York, to port Canaveral, and the Bahamas. You will love the amenities that NCL now offers, such as Personal Choice Dining. Planning your cruise is just as exciting as the cruise itself. Enjoy the experience, for cruises are truly memorable.

John

After a cruise...what is there? IMHO...A cruise is by far the best vacation, and far better than any land-based vacation. There is nothing like sailing the caribbean, island hopping, booze cruises, formal dinners, relaxing in your balcony cabin and having a drink from your wet bar, ship-board activities, and calypso music pool-side. Shall I go on...(LOL) Guess I'm prejudice (LOL)

John

Fun ritual for family or couples

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What DW and I do following our booking:

We like to put together a vacation portfolio containing printouts of our eticket flight information, pre and post cruise pics of hotel property photos and amenity info, our cruise itinerary, pics and info concerning the various ports of call, and excursions offered through the cruise line or private tour agencies, and of course, our TA paperwork and confirmation/booking numbers. I've already put together a 45 page vacation portfolio. Once its completed, you can show it to friends and family, or refer to it when you or someone else has a question about it. I enjoy the planning . To me, its a great way to pass the time when your anticipating embarkation day. Once its finished, you can peruse all the material you placed in it.

John

Days left until we sail on the Golden

Here's our planning fun in a nutshell.

CHECK IT OUT!!!

1. Cruise line, ship, and itinerary...$2,100.00

2. Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay...$325.00

3. Post Cruise Hotel Stay...$800.00

4. Airfare r/t for DW and I...$450.00

5. Cruise shopping...#1,000.00

5. Tanning...$120.00

6. Talking on the Cruise Critic message boards...PRICELESS

jOHN