Jacky4

I have always done ES and everytime I cringe when a week before my cruise see how low the prices have dropped. I think I get so excited about my trip I can't wait to book so I book at least 6 months in advance. I promised myself just the other day next cruise I am going to wait until a week before to book (using all my willpower). I will book my flight as usual. If by chance I can't get on a cruise I will do a land vacation but I have no doubt there will be plenty of cruise options to choose from even at the last minute. I am actually looking forward to the challenge of finding the best deal ever!

Check out Ebay. They have so many different sizes and shapes. Everything from phone, camera bags to bags big enough for Ipads and books. I have so many waterproof bags of all different sizes and shapes and only paid couple dollars each. My latest purchase was a waterproof fanny pack (yes my kids made fun of me) that cost me about $5 with free shipping. They are also great for tolietries so there are no leaks in your suitcase.

I realize there are the pros and cons to FTTF. The real point of my post was to see if other people were so stressed out and exhausted by the time they get on the ship they purchase FTTF just so they can get to their cabin to relax. I can't wait to get into my cabin, drop off all my bags, freshen up, relax for an hour or so and then head out for fun. That is really the only reason I purchased FTTF. I will see if it was worth it since I leave in 5 days. :D

I purchased FTTF for my upcoming cruise. I see alot of people say what's the big deal about getting on the ship earlier. I purchased it because I want to be able to go staight to my cabin. Usually I am so stressed out from packing, getting to the airport, traveling and finally boarding the ship I need a little time to decompress and catch my breath. I would like to go to my room relax and maybe grab a quick nap before heading out. Am I the only one who feels like this?

I know you are not allowed to bring food off the ship outside the US but can I order room service sandwiches and bring them to Key West. We are renting a boat and will be out on the water the whole time. It would be nice to pack a small cooler with lunch and drinks. I doubt any take out restaurants will be opened when we dock. Has anyone ever tried this?

Thanks J.

Perfect, just what I was looking for. Thanks

My husband wants to try scuba but I am not interested. Is there a nice beach where I can snorkle, swim, eat, lounge while he does scuba? I see Carnival has a beginner scuba excursion at Sunset Beach but that beach doesn't seem that fun for me. From my research it seems Sunset beach is really only a place for scuba. Do any of the other beaches like Chankanaab, Paradise or Nachi Cocom offer scuba?

Good point about luggage, that would be a pain to lug it back to their room. I was really thinking it would be nice to take the baby to the room with us to get a nap in while they check in (I told them she's too young for a cruise...jmho). Hopefully they will decide soon if they want to go. Thanks for the advice.

I want to visit the Mel Fisher museum and Fort Zachary. I just found out we are docking at Outer Mole :( which means we have to take the shuttle in town right past Fort Zachary. Any of you Key West experts know the cheapest, less time consuming way to do this? Oh yeah we will be docking at 7am and leaving at 1pm:(. We are all capable of walking and biking very easily.

Thanks.

I haven't cruised in a while and just booked a cruise and purchased FTTF. My question is my son and his family are considering joining us (their first cruise). If all the FTTFs are gone by the time they decide can I have all the luggage go to my cabin? Can I take my 1 year old granddaughter with me for early boarding even if she is booked in their cabin? The didn't have FTTF last time I cruised so this is new for us. I really only bought it so I could go to my cabin early.

Thanks for any info.

What is the benefit of paying for the ship all inclusive excursion to Chankanaab for $70 pp as opposed to taking a taxi over and paying the $21 entrance fee? We want to just hang out at the beach, snorkel, eat and drink. I definitely want a lounge chair and umbrella too.

Thanks

How did you get to the Port from Holiday Inn Port of Miami? Can you walk there?

I don't know if this is the same card you're talking about but my husband lost his card and was upset until I told him the small print said "a $10.00 value" and he decided it wasn't worth looking for it.

We booked a room for the day at the Atlantis and basically didn't feel it was worth it. A quick review: The Atlantis is huge so walking from the pool to our room was a hassle, especially when you forget something. The lines at the food stands were super long and when we got to the front they were out of a lot, this was at 12:30 in the afternoon. I paid $28.00 for a large cheese pizza and brought it back to the pool area for lunch but was exhausted after the walk. We weren't allow to go in the ocean due to rough waters. Casino is open to the public and does give free drinks. Basically you are paying to use the water park, if you love water parks this was a lot of fun. Aquarium was nice but just an aquarium. We had a nice time but all agreed we wouldn't do it again.