Shore Cruiser

My husband and I were on a 12-day cruise in March when his brother was killed in a collision caused by another driver. We were on day 3 when we got the news, and left the boat the next day in Antigua. The only plane tickets available to return home were Business class, but as we had to get home, we purchased them. When I filed the insurance, we found that we were insured for up to 100% of the cruise costs. We received an 8-day reimbursement of cruise costs and tips, and a small portion towards the air fare, up to the 100% cost of the cruise.

Is there any way to insure in future that we get reimbursed for the cruise PLUS the expenses to return home? We both have elderly parents, and this situation could happen again. Is there a different type of insurance other than trip cancellation/trip interruption that we should buy? I know it'll probably be expensive, but so was covering the almost $1000 in un-reimbursed expenses to get home!

I've found the information I've gotten from other cruises to be very helpful, and i'm again requesting your advice!

I would hope that mobility challenged passengers will be exempted from the new room service charge, but we'll see. Also, I normally tipped $2 - $4 per order anyway, and the new $7.95 fee only adds a few dollars on top.

And, if I don't order room service, I don't pay the fee... problem solved.

My biggest problem is the class divide RCCL is building onboard the ships. Grand Suites and above won't pay the fee. Diamond Plus don't pay for drinks, they also have preferred seating in the theaters and the specialty restaurants. And unfortunately, these differences are clearly visible to all cruisers, sometimes causing hard feelings.

Take me back to the old days of cruising, when everyone got treated the same ands ships weren't medium-sized cities!

Went to the Mayan Ruins about 2 hours away by bus. Past two active volcanos. Had a great ship excursion group and guide. Probably learned more about a country on one excursion than ever before. Saw lots of the small country. A very comprehensive and wide ranging excursion. People were very friendly and interested. Mayan culture is very ingrained in the society and very interesting.

Hi Cruiser Bruce. Thanks for the information you're sharing. We're on a westbound FLL to San Diego the end of March, and are interested in the tour To Antigua. However, my wife has a problem with altitude sickness. Looks like Antigua is about 5000 feet above sea level? Did you see/experience any problems with the altitude?

Thanks! Shore Cruiser's SO

Does anyone know if they offer any laundry deals on 4 night sailings?

 

Thanks!

Annette~

Additionally, what about a 16 day? Do they offer the laundry special more than once?

Trying to figure out just how much I need to pack. Most of our cruises have been 7-days, and I packed too much anyway!

Thanks!

Kris