WatchHill

Generally cruise line shorex do not get raving reviews and are something we like to avoid. We've also had some terrible private tours, too. Coordinating a post cruise tour can be challenging and a bit stressful....do you really need to end your vacation that way? If the Princess transfer gives you an Everglades experience, takes care of luggage, and gets you to FLL in time for your flight, then IMO, do it. Darcy

We, too, purposely booked a late afternoon flight [to avoid the Saturday pre/post cruise chaos at FLL], back to BOS after our HAL cruise in December. To facilitate luggage and transfer, I booked an Everglades airboat adventure shorex on the HAL web site. We've done independent Everglades adventures in the past, but not on an airboat. I'm not too comfortable doing a kayak on the Everglades - those 'gators are too inquisitive and like to pop up to look at potential dinners. Check the cruise line offerings as this may be the easiest option. Darcy

The great "cruise deals" are no longer there. At one time we used to pick up alcohol in St. Thomas or on the ship. Now flying back home with heavy bottles makes the purchase far too expensive. Living in MA, a drive to NH State Liquor Stores was a tradition, but now a quick trip to Trader Joe's or Yankee Spirits [local], beats all options. We've driven into Canada and seens the prices for alcohol, yikes! IMO, for any cruise/travel related purchases, be sure to know the prices back home before you get caught up in the moment. Darcy

I called guest services to make a reservation to include my sister who is in another cabin. I felt like a criminal with all the required verification questions and can understand why. [A few months ago, a passenger shared too much personal info on their social media page with booking/res # and airline record locator numbers - scammer cancelled everything and had the funds revert to him]. Full name on booking, res # her mariner # and DOB. I also mentioned we both booked through the same TA and noted her OBC's and HIA perks. The CS person booked the 3 of us at PG and Canaleto on the days and time I requested. Later in the day my sister confirmed the reservations were on her navigator app. So, try again.... Darcy

I'm in total agreement with you regarding being able to "see" the details of OBC's and not need to phone HAL or our TA's to inquire. The unneccessary stress of wondering if the OBC's will be there when we get onto the ship, time spent on the phone, and inconsistent processing of the various OBC's by HAL and it's verification sources in absurd. HAL needs to take customer satifaction and care seriously and update their online system and app. We've been on lots of Princess cruises and find their web site and app easy to use, their medallion is great when trying to get into our cabin when carrying food and beverage. I love how the medallion can remain in my mini pocket book and the bar steward acknowledges me by name when he approches. His ipad picks up the customer info without the need for pulling out my key card, etc. Plus on Princess' own island, unike HAL's, my beverages are all charged back to my shipboard account. There's no excuse for the antiquated HAL IT system. Darcy

When you return the car to the rental center at FLL, walk toward the elevator/escalator and take it to ground level. It's near Terminal 1 where you can pick up a taxi to PE.

We, too, need to look for shade. Clam shell really doesn't do much because the sand will reflect the sun. Lots of sun block before we get on the tender and keep re-appying while ashore. DH, now under the watchful eye of Dana Faber Dermatology, said no baseball hat, wear a wide brim safari type hat. We only plan a few hours on Half Moon [it's not a long day for our cruise], and then head back to the ship and chill out in the solarium. The cabana cost on Half Moon seems $$ for such a short time, but our full day at Amber Cove will see us in one of their cabanas. Darcy

I'm with you and the need to know exactly where the total OBC's are coming from. Other cruise lines provide this info when you log into your booking, but HAL makes it difficult. Time for HAL to upgrade their IT system. Our TA was 'seeing" one total and a week later, a different total. When I called HAL, I was told, "You have a lot of OBC." After final payment our TA and I figured out and identified the stock, military, educators and AARP, and a TA added bonus. There was something called select state [whatever that is] and anniversary also added. After all this, I need a vacation! Darcy

From the Hyatt, cross the divided street and walk behind the ES; it opens onto the roadway into Harbor Shops. There's Total Wines and Publix there. Download the publix App and enter your phone # to use at check out for some lower pricing. The supermarket also carries lots of travel size items and wines. Great dessert selection. Total is next door. There are sports bars in the shopping area. Mezzaluna is across the Hyatt Parking lot - excellent foods. Or walk out onto main street, cross at the traffic light and head down Cordova into another shopping plaza if you want great traditional New England seafood - Kelly's Landing. Lots of other seafood restaurants in the area - the Hyatt staff can give you specifics. Darcy

No.

HAL needs to work on upgrading their IT system and provide better access for each of us to our bookings. Seems many of us are spinning our wheels trying to get the various OBC's and the success rate isn't great. On other lines, I can see each OBC and its source. With Princess, DH's military posts as soon as we book a cruise, and then I submit the stock request and within a few days, it's there. Plus I can also see any TA or cruise line offerings. The affinity programs offered by HAL seems to cause significant frustration - cannot combine, getting rejected, disappearing, and follow up calls to HAL provide nothing more than someone reading from a script. If HAL offers something to its customers, then they should state what can and cannot be combined. It's been a while since we cruise HAL, but when we booked, our TA said the military "might" be in the CCL system, but apply to be sure. That's when I discovered the AARP and educators OBC's. yes, I saw the "new bookings only" and wasn't happy to think I wouldn't get the credits. But I went through the application process and got the email saying verified. Our TA noted that the total OBC's changed a few times, and once disappeared when he adjusted the total cost of the cruise. So last week I submitted final payment and asked out TA what he could "see" on his HAL access. Got the military, AARP, educator, stock, TA, something called anniversary and a select state OBC. $950. buys a lot of Delft vases! We'll use the OBC's for the laundry package and upgrade the WiFi, and visit Shorex to credit back the cabana at Amber Cove. Darcy

BOS is my home airport. Whenever we fly international and buy anything at Duty Free in Terminal E, the item is picked up by the Jetway entry, in a sealed package/bag and marked as a DF purchase. Darcy

What next? Oh, you want a reclining chair on your balcony? Pre-reserve for 25% off, othewise pay full per diem prices! Seriously, Celebrity is just learning that the balcony chairs don't fit? DH always packs nail clippers and yes, we do have a few zip ties in our luggage - just a level of security for luggage transfer when I attach a tie to the zippers. Darcy

Based on what I have read here over the past few months, discussion with our TA and my multiple phone calls to HAL, it's a case of HAL not establishing clear information, shore side people not knowing the product and lack of consistency. Not being able to view specific sources of OBC's and perks on our individual booking doesn't help. When I book a Princess Cruise, I go online and see the stock holders OBC and DH's military, plus any OBC's from PCC and our TA. HAL's IT program is long overdue for a serious upgrade. When I did the assorted verifications for the educators, AARP, military and stockholder, the acceptance/confirmation came back within a few minutes BUT nothing on app or booking. My TA checked and said he could see a "total" that also included some "anniversary" credit and state perk. A few weeks later, the cruise priced dropped some $400, so my TA adjusted my invoice and all those verified OBC's disappeared. So, back on the phone with some HAL person who knew nothing about the offerings, so tried another phone call. Finally got the OBC's reinstated. Then I wanted that HAL person to book Pinnacle Grille and Canaletto for us and my sister who has a different cabin/booking number [we are cross referenced]. At least I managed to use the precruise shorex monies without issue. A few days later I noticed on the app and online manage my booking that HAL says we each have one more dinner to book! Duh, My app shows the two confirmed dinners. Can't figure out where this came from but won't touch it until on the ship in December. I feel badly that not everyone is getting the OBC's properly credited to their booking. Casino rates are another story and fall into a different category. Planning a cruise should be fun, not stressful. So I booked Celebrity Iceland to Boston. Darcy

Have It All is a misnomer that should be changed. It presents as an inclusive package, yet, depending on various booking dates/offers may or may not include gratuities or wifi levels. Then it doesn't work on their Island or at Amber Cove. That $11 cut off is annoying because my drink of choice, a Cosmo, is now $12. Oh, well, Can't Have It All! Darcy

Have a trusted neighbor collect your mail. The PO will only hold mail for up to 30 days in our area. If anything looks urget, my neighbor can "whats app" me and then decide if it needs to be opened, etc. Empty, or near empty fridge and freezer unless you have whole house generator. Since we won't be putting out trash totes each week, I allow my trusted neighbor access to ours, so it looks like we're home and they make use of the totes for serious house cleaning. Some credit cards want to be notified of upcoming travel - be sure to check each card. Darcy

Since we used DH’s business points when booking Hyatt, that beats any other option. Value rates look good but be sure to verify/confirm with the hotel and be sure it isn’t a black out date. As a Hyatt member you can go to “my reservations” on a pull down. I never pre pay. Not sure about all the taxes and any added fees. Darcy

We go for Hyatt properties when we travel and take advantage of any/all price saving methods. Since we always do at least two nights pre-cruise and pick up a rental at the airport, we book either of the Hyatt's in Dania [House and Place across from each other]. Both 17th St and Dania have lots of dining options, stores, etc., within walking distance. Last November we arrived very early from a transAtlantic cruise into PE and caught a taxi to Hyatt on 17th from one night - they gave us a room at 9:am. I was at Hyatt Regency in Greenwich this past weekend, always a good choice. If you do Hyatt, be sure to join the Hyatt Loyalty program, free. Darcy

With those parking rates, got to be a bit creative. Drop everyone & luggage at the port and drive to a Logan Express lot such as Braintree or a North Shore location, at $7 per day. Pay with CC after your return. On your iphone you can pre-purchase Express bus tickets at $9 each way. Onto the bus [they run every half hour] to the airport get off at terminal A and use public transportation to the seaport, meeting the rest of your family/group. Crazy way to save $$, but I've had family do this for longer cruises and the method is a bit much, but cost effective. When the cruise ends, do the reverse. Darcy

Good to know as I plan to buy a few for gifts. To aavaoid any leaking vases, I'll fill each with water while still on the ship - if they leak, I can return them and avoid seeking replacements. I had a vase that "leaked" along the bottom perimeter because the glaze inside wasn't solid enough. Loved the vase, so I picked up a spray can of the "as seen on TV seals all sorts of leaks" clear material - it worked after I sprayed inside and outside of the vase - sometimes, condensation presents as a leak, so I always use a cork pad or glass plate under a vase or flower pot to protect wood surfaces. Darcy

Not a rant, just an observation/commentary based on reading so many issues and problems on with HAL on CC. Three Star Mariner here.... How I wish HAL would spend a few $$ and find an IT guru [maybe a HS of college student?] to clean up the customer access to refine & manage the booking without all the stress and inconsistencies. I do not look forward to standing in line at Shorex trying to get my CC payments recoursed back to me. Please don't tell me to wait until on the ship to use and book our $200 pp shorex when some 6 months away, there are wait lists or all sold out excursions! I would prefer to use the OBC's to prepurchase the unlimited laundry package and lock in the mid-level WiFi BEFORE I step onto the ship. I know we can't access or use these added OBC's [AARP, Educator, Stock holder, Military] until OB the ship. How difficult is it for IT to list each one that we qualify for somewhere on our App or under "manage," but tick-mark those on the list that cannot be used until on the ship? We sail other lines and imediately see any and all OBC's and perks, etc., posted and the sources are clearly identified. And I use DH's military and my stockholders credits before I get onto the ship. One more thing....the "over $11" added beverage cost. Really? That figure needs to be raised at least a dollar because even the most mundane beverages are over $11. I drink cosmos, prefer it made with Tito's [not Stoli] and cointreau, as I always get without any upcharges on Princess, Celebrity or Azamara. HAL's online reservation program does have a glitch. I had to call a human because we were adding another booking # person to the dining reservations for the Grille and Canaletto. After all the "checking an open time" and confirming etc., the Navigatior App shows we now have a third promotional credit for dining. I spoke with our TA this morning and he can't figue out how that happened, but suggested we not ask HAL to fix it for fear the entire web site go down 😉 I know we'll get an agency OBC that will show up after final payment [with a hard copy for me to use at guest relations.....just in case). If all the OBC's for our December cruise show up, Santa is givng out lots of Delft tulip vases this year! Darcy

Braintree has a recently remodeled Hyatt place on Forbes Blvd. in Braintree and a few minutes walk from the Logan express coach. From that hotel adjacent to Rt 93 which we still call Rt 128, you can connect onto Rt 3 south toward Plymouth. I recall seeing a Marriott on Forbes too. When we fly out of BOS we park at Braintree Logan express parking lot - huge heavily used area that only charges $7 per day to park. Hint: purchase Logan express bus passes online or on your iPhone for $9 each way. The busses pick up and drop at each terminal at the airport. Anticipate Boston traffic. Last Sunday I dropped off my niece at terminal E. It was an hour ten minutes from Foxboro near Gillette stadium to get into the airport. It took me over an hour to exit the airport and sit in traffic trying to get through the tunnel. Lots of options to consider. Darcy

Wow! After I arranged the multiple res# dinners, the ship services rep asked if there was anythign else I needed, I said I would really like to confirm the sources of other OBC's and perks. She then gave me the correct $$ source for each. I also spoke with Mariners desk, and got the same correct figures. Maybe give it a few weeks and try again...sometimes if you "play stupid" and candy coat your dialogue with the rep, they are able to get things done correctly. I started out with saying other cruise lines with whom we have sailed post the specific source of OBC and amount immediately to my booking. "I can't find this on my HAL app....please help me." As loyal cruisers, we can make decisions about spending ahead of the trip, etc. and this format reduces my need to make phone calls like this, or stressing out at Guest Relations on the ship. Inconsistent application of these various OBC's only create disheartened customers. Darcy

I've spent all of our Shorex credits for our December cruise; DH has $.15 remaining. I had to run a credit card for the ocean cabana at Amber Cove and two additional shorex. It really bugs me knowing we'll have some $800 in OBC once on the ship: $200 AARP, educator, military and stock holder plus something from HAL and our TA's agency. So to start the relaxing vacation, it's off to Shorex desk to credit back tours to the plastic, and then to guest relations to upgrade a notch for one WiFi and the laundry package. DH is concerned with how many Delft vases I'll order to use up the remaining OBC's. Of course a basic cosmo is above the alotted $11, per beverage ceiling, so lots of small charges on the bill. Yes, I did book the two a la carte restaurants that go along with the HIA package. I had to call ship services for that because the program does not allow me to add another person with a different booking number to the dinner reservation unless I pay for the meal ahead of time. Stupid system when we all have the same package for 2 dinners. We got Pinnacle ok for the second evening at 6:30, but limited booking slots for Canaletto later in the cruise. HAL should do a bit of IT program tweaking with their passenger OBC posting to the accounts and ability to use it effectively before a cruise. Darcy

We booked SY8094 for our cruise in December, primarily for location and the slighly larger balcony. I am aware of the noise potential, but DH can sleep through a thunderstorm, while I'm a light sleeper, though stay asleep better on a cruise than at home. We've encountered all night party folks in adjacent cabins, and crazy drunks organizing races along the corridors at 2: am. If the crew are moving food carts in the wee hours to prepare my breakfast, that's fine with me. Darcy