Nebr.cruiser

I often hear so many bad things about cruise insurance, so I'd like to share the good experience we just had. We were booked on a 19 night cruise from LA to Santiago (San Antonio) Chile. My husband began having severe pain in his leg, a sciatica type pain. He needed crutches to get around at all. After many dr. visits, 4 epidurals, many chiropractic treatments, medicines, etc., he has graduated to a cane but can't walk far or for more than 5 minutes or so without pain. We purchased the Platinum cancel for any reason insurance, which we get for half price, due to being Platinum. We waited as long as possible, hoping that his leg would improve enough that we could go, but reluctantly cancelled six days out. I sent in all the required materials online and heard back a few days later that it was approved. Today we received our funds, the entire cruise refunded except, of course, the insurance payment. It took a bit to get all the paperwork together and even longer (nothing to do with the insurance company!) to manage to get my old scanner to work on my new computer, but once all the legwork was done, it could not have gone easier. They requested a form filled out by the doctor, full itinerary and invoice from our travel agent and proof of credit card payments. Princess had already refunded our taxes, fees and port charges. All we are out as of now is the cost of a pre-cruise hotel, which I may get back from our credit card travel insurance.

We flew to Houston from Florida where we had been celebrating a family birthday because we had dental work done in Mexico, not too far from Brownsville, and had to go back for the work to be completed. So, rather than sit around in a hotel, we opted for a cruise. We have also driven from McAllen TX to Galveston. It's quite a drive! I do love Galveston, so historic, but the two times we have been there, before cruises, it was very cold and windy. This was in December and January, so understandable.

I agree with most of the above. Terrible commute from the airport to Galveston. Less desirable ports--or at least ports many people have already visited more than once. Often very cool in Houston/Galveston and quite cool the first and last day. - at least in winter. We've done it twice, the first time not realizing the downsides, last winter because we either had to spend a week elsewhere in South Texas, like Padre island, due to waiting for dental bridges, or spend the same time on a ship for actually less money in a balcony than a week in a hotel plus meals, etc. Big pain getting to and from the port, cool as mentioned above, we've been to Coz and Roatan many times and Belize once before. We still enjoyed the cruise and ports, but maybe not again.

The main thing I don't like about the Island is no International Cafe, one of our favorite included venues on most Princess ships. Although on our last cruise there were no longer any salad type dishes there.

Our cruise isn't until May, so I don't know. I *think* there will be a ride up the hill, but don't know for sure.

I take a 24-25 inch bag to check and a smaller carryon. It will fit under the seat if necessary (but I usually put it in the overhead bin). I like the small carryon as it has a separate shoe area. I tend to really stuff the larger bag but it has never been over 50#. Usually about 46#s. We normally travel for 2 weeks or more and I got along fine with the above on a six week trip to Australia and New Zealand. I did laundry three times, I believe. I helps that I am on the smaller side, especially with shoes! If necessary I can get along with a 21" and the small carry-on. I prefer soft sided luggage.

I agree, knowing your own limitations or fitness level is important but I do believe many cruise ship tours that are listed as strenuous are erring very far on the side of caution, probably to provide the cruise line some reason to combat liability issues. We don't take a lot of cruise line tours, preferring independent, but we have been on some listed as strenuous. To me, at 78 with perhaps a little above average fitness for my age (78), none of them were strenuous. For instance, many snorkeling excursions are listed as strenuous. They are not to me, as I am a life long swimmer and have been a lifeguard and swim instructor, but to many, they might be. Know yourself is the key!

I'll see if I can find the info, but it's been awhile!

Comfort all the way for long flights. For me that means leggings or jeggings that don't constrict my waist at all. I have a pair of dark denim jeggings that are so comfy that I am saving just for plane trips as they no longer make that particular style. They look great but have extra room in the waist. My leggings/jeggings are not tight, in fact I often buy them a size or two bigger than technically 'fit' as I don't like the look of the skin tight ones. Our 16+ hour flight to Australia last year in economy was no fun, but at least my clothing was comfortable. I add a short sleeved shirt, cardigan and light jacket, so that I can add or remove layers as needed. I also wear comfy soft socks and slip on shoes--currently Sketchers.

For me, the pools are quite cool. There are certain lines that do heat pools, or often have an indoor heated pool, so you will have to do your research. I mostly use the pools to cool off if it gets too hot on deck.

I sure hope no one pays full price, if you are talking about the brochure, undiscounted, with no perks or OBC price. But you never know. I am sometimes astounded at how much more some people pay than we do for cruises and quite a few other things. It does take a lot of work and math to figure out the true bottom line according to what your priorities are. For instance, we don't drink, so included drink package is a bust for us, normally. But you have to do the numbers! With a TA promotion we recently did get all kinds of perks, including drinks, and for some reason it was less than the cabin with minimal perks.

Where we docked no, it was not that long of a walk to the gates. We did not need a shuttle. We did have difficulty finding our driver/guide afterwards but I am not sure if it was us or mis-communication. Unfortunately, also, his car had trouble and he had to line up an alternative driver and we ended up doing a slightly different tour, that was still fine. This was several years ago and I seem to remember that cars couldn't pull right up to the gate, but you should be able to meet your driver there. I'd be sure to find out exactly where to meet your driver. Thank you for the kind words about my husband; he's still experiencing a lot of pain, so the cruise is iffy for us.

I don't normally wear my very nice wedding ring set on shore, depending a little on destination. I think Cabo would be fine, but no guarantees. We also don't take our passports unless required, and don't take them ashore in Mexico. We take DL for photo ID and a copy of our passport first page, just in case.

If we get to go on the cruise (uncertain at this point as my husband is suffering from a pinched nerve in his back and is on crutches), we fly home the 19th. My sister(s) are staying one extra day, but we have been to Santiago twice,so we'll just find a tour that drops us off at the airport. I hope the weather/seas are as good as our previous cruise on this itinerary!

It means you will get a table, but may have a wait. Since we usually eat about 8, our wait is from none to maybe 10 minutes. Earlier times may have much longer waits. If wait times are long, they may give you a buzzer. We like a table for 2, or 4 if my sisters are along.

We always just show up, but normally after the first show, so usually not much of a wait. I see lines for earlier times if we happen to walk by.

We are in our late 70's and have cruised a lot of different cruise lines and have really enjoyed every one--of course some more than others. We've cruised Princess the most--just made elite last winter--but are always open to and looking at other cruise lines. We like trying something different. Anyway, after quite a few cruises, itinerary is more important than cruise line or ship. Also price and time of year.

The Island is probably our least favorite Princess ship, partly because their is no International Cafe. It also just seems crowded. We'd only sail her again if it was a spectacular itinerary and price.

This is so subjective. Plus, how do you compare say, Regent, to NCL or Princess. For us, we choose cruises by itinerary first and price second--actual cruise line is a distant third. We've cruised on many lines and have never not enjoyed a cruise, although of course some are better than others. All that said, our favorites are Princess, NCL and (used to be) Celebrity. With Celebrities new downgraded menus, we will see, buat not sailing on them until May. We haven't cruised the luxury lines, which I am sure are spectacular.

We've sailed both from LA to Chile and also Buenos Aires to Santiago. While we enjoyed both itineraries, the Buenos Aires to Chile route was by far the most spectacular in terms of scenery and wildlife(penguins). Ushuaia was especially scenic, as well, of course Cape Horn. We were lucky enough to be able to land in the Falklands and the King Penguins at Volunteer Point were wonderful, albeit a very (very) rough ride to get there. We're actually doing the LA to Santiago route again in December.

Exactly. The new menus are such a downgrade from previous menus that it is very disappointing. I don't see much that appeals. We have one cruise on Celebrity booked; it may be our last if the menu doesn't improve. I guess we'll see in May.

Let's hope! My sister applied for a renewal last December and didn't get it until April! She was going with us on an extended six week trip to Australia and New Zealand, which included two cruises. Because of a health problem that popped up she couldn't go anyway, but otherwise would have missed because of no passport.

Tough question! Loved our very first ship back in the 70's, the old Regina Magna, long defunct. We don't sail RCI often, but they do have great entertainment and other venues. Loved the Navigator and the Harmony.

Very glad to hear that, as from our experience, without the paperwork we would not have been able to go on the cruise. Sorry it's so darn expensive!

I can pack in a carry-on if necessary and would really rather do that. Especially as we have aged it's harder (more meds) and also harder when gone from two to sometimes six weeks. I do admit to having trouble with shoes! Lucky I have smaller feet.