DeclanAllen

Ports like Kotor, Zadar, and possibly Trieste are very walkable and eignen sich gut (are well-suited) for independent exploring. You can visit historical sites, enjoy local cafes, and browse shops at your own pace. For Split, Dubrovnik, and Salerno (especially for the Amalfi Coast), organized tours can be helpful, especially with a baby and grandparents in tow. Tours can handle logistics, provide transportation, and offer insights from a guide.

While your 4-port USB thingy (technical terms!) might charge most of your devices, a powerboard can be handy. Some cabins have outlets that are spread out, and a powerboard lets you charge multiple things at once. Some cruise lines offer shore excursions that include cultural performances or village visits. Check the Pacific Adventure's website closer to your sail date to see what they offer in Noumea. Also Noumea has a few markets where you can find local crafts and chat with vendors. This can be a more informal way to experience the culture.

Canada joining the Apostille Convention is a big deal, but it can be confusing. When I traveled to Ecuador last year, I didn't need a Criminal Record check, but things might have changed. The U.S. has been part of the Convention for ages, so their citizens might have different experiences. I recommend checking the latest requirements directly with the Ecuadorian consulate just to be sure. When I needed legalisation of documents for a different trip, the process was straightforward with the right service.

Set sail for fun! Cruises can be a fantastic way to meet new people and explore new places, and it sounds like your trip on the Discovery Princess has the potential to be amazing. The Discovery Princess offers a variety of activities geared towards adults, perfect for meeting people in your age range. Here are a few ideas: These can be a fun way to break the ice and meet new people in a casual setting. Many cruises have themed trivia nights or game shows throughout the week.

I totally get where you’re coming from. The sea of information out there can be as choppy as the ocean itself! I think it’s always best to go straight to the source whenever possible. For instance, cruise lines often have detailed FAQs and customer service for clarifications. I suggest reaching out to them directly for the most accurate info. Regarding the food, I suppose it’s a common misconception. While many dining options are included, some specialty restaurants and drinks might cost extra. It’s always a good idea to check the cruise line’s website or your booking details for what’s included.

That sounds incredibly frustrating, especially since your trip hasn't even begun! Here's the thing – cruise lines definitely do pay attention to online reviews and complaints, but there are some specific websites that tend to carry more weight: Industry Watchdog Sites: Websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) keep tabs on consumer complaints and can be a good place to voice your concerns. These organizations mediate disputes between consumers and businesses, and cruise lines don't want a bad reputation on these platforms. Travel Forums and Review Sites: Travel forums like Cruise Critic or message boards on travel websites can be influential. While some complaints might be taken with a grain of salt, a well-documented and objective account of your experience can have an impact, especially if it resonates with other travelers. Social Media: Tweeting directly at the cruise line or posting a negative review on their Facebook page can sometimes get a faster response, especially if it gains traction.

Hey Jenni, welcome aboard! That's fantastic that you're planning a solo cruise to celebrate your recovery – what a trooper you are for battling that infection! Cruising can be such a great way to relax and unwind, and it sounds like you deserve a serious break. Now, about planning – honestly, it can vary quite a bit. For my first cruise, I was a bit of a planner maniac. I booked, like, eight months in advance, and I spent ages researching itineraries, picking out shore excursions, and basically creating a minute-by-minute schedule for the whole trip (don't worry, I loosened up on that part for future cruises!). But some people are more last-minute, and they might score some good deals by booking closer to the sail date. It really depends on what your priorities are. If you have a specific itinerary or cabin type in mind, or if you're traveling during peak season, then booking earlier might be a good idea.

Hey there! I booked a cruise last year (terrible timing, I know, but hey, gotta dream of the future!) and I went back and forth on this same question: book directly with the cruise line or use a travel agent. In the end, I went with the cruise line itself for a few reasons. For one, it felt a little more secure. Like, if anything went wrong, I knew exactly who to contact and wouldn't have to deal with going back and forth between the agent and the cruise line. Plus, there was a chance of earning some points towards their loyalty program, which could be nice for future trips (fingers crossed!). On the other hand, that $50 onboard credit (OBC) is tempting! Free money to spend on drinks or shore excursions is nothing to scoff at. I think if the price difference was bigger, or if the travel agent was offering some other kind of perk, like maybe a discount on travel insurance, I might have been swayed.

Thanks for the tips! Considering that I have already been on cruises 4 times, I still can't solve some things, as I feel terrible apathy and anxiety. For example, if I see drunk people, then I just try to get away from them, or just lock myself in the cabin. However, I know that it is necessary to do exactly as you said. This decision to approach the staff and tell them about drunk people makes me feel anxious, although why should I put up with them?! Thank you for your advice once again.

As for me, the age of the ship can definitely make a difference, but it's not always a dealbreaker. I once took a cruise on a slightly older ship in the Mediterranean (can't remember the exact line) and while the décor wasn't super modern, the cabins were clean and comfortable, the food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. The real highlights, though, were the ports of call – exploring charming towns in Italy and Croatia was incredible! Don't write off an older ship entirely! Many cruise lines do a great job of keeping their older ships well-maintained and updated. Look for online reviews from recent passengers to get a sense of the cabin quality, onboard activities, and overall atmosphere.

In my experience, Celebrity hits a lot of the same notes as Disney – delicious food (especially their specialty restaurants!), top-notch service, and beautiful, well-maintained ships. The atmosphere is definitely more relaxed and adult-oriented compared to Disney, with a focus on enrichment activities and upscale dining. There are still plenty of lounges and bars for enjoying cocktails, but it's not a party scene at all. Dress codes are also pretty casual on Celebrity – think upscale resort wear for evenings, not black tie. Here's another option to consider: Oceania Cruises. They're a smaller line known for their incredible culinary experiences and intimate atmosphere. The ships are gorgeous and the service is outstanding. It might be a touch pricier than Celebrity, but it sounds like you're open to that for the right experience. Just keep in mind Oceania caters to a slightly older crowd, so the vibe might be a bit more subdued compared to Celebrity.

You're absolutely right about keeping the negativity at bay on a cruise. I remember this one trip to the Bahamas where there was this couple who constantly complained – the food wasn't fancy enough, the music was too loud, even the weather wasn't cooperating according to them! It definitely brought down the mood for a bit. On the other hand, I've also met some amazing people on cruises who focus on the positive. There was this fun group on my last Alaskan adventure who were always up for trying new things, from kayaking in the glaciers to joining the dance competitions at night. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it really made the trip even more enjoyable for everyone.

I think that many parents will definitely take their children - both schoolchildren and preschoolers. For example, when I went to Italy or Greece just to warm up by the sea, I saw a surprisingly large number of children even in September. As it turned out, many parents tell teachers and school administrators in advance that they have a vacation planned and they take their children with them. So this is a common practice. When I was on a cruise, I also saw school children aboard the ship even in September Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

I've been on a few cruises myself, and I think it's natural for first-time cruisers to have these concerns. From my experience, there are a few things that might give away first-time cruisers, but they're nothing to worry about. I think one common indicator is the excitement and eagerness to explore the ship and participate in activities. First-time cruisers often have a sense of wonder and enthusiasm about everything onboard, which is completely understandable! Another thing is not being familiar with certain cruise customs or etiquette, like knowing where to find dining venues or how to navigate the ship efficiently. But don't worry, everyone starts somewhere, and the crew is always there to help if you have any questions. As for standing out as Brits among mostly Americans, I think it could actually be a fun conversation starter and an opportunity to connect with fellow cruisers from different backgrounds. Overall, I suggest embracing the experience and enjoying every moment of your first cruise adventure. Bon voyage!

Do not take a bad mood and worries with you! Cruising is the best, isn't it? Loads of fun and relaxation. On my last cruise, I almost wished I hadn't packed my fancy iron. Totally unnecessary!