momofmeg

20 hours ago, lenquixote66 said:

We did an Alaska vacation ,one week land and one week sea. It was our second best vacation of all time.

We did a New England Canada cruise 5 years later and it was great.

 

Prior to booking a cruise or land vacation I researched thoroughly.

We have vacationed in Canada 17 times .We love the country.

 I loved Canada too.  It is much better choice for a cruise than the Caribbean. Lol, especially in summer.

On 2/10/2024 at 11:19 AM, homeofthehound said:

What is the closest to sailing you have booked for a last minute cruise? Did you encounter any issues that made you regret booking so close to the sailing date? We aren't big excursion people so having limited options won't bother us but I am wondering what else (if anything?) might cause us extra stress and make it frustrating? (Looking at a itinerary that leaves in 5 days and flights are not an issue)

We have done a few.  The shortest was within a week of sailing a little 3 day cruise out of Pt. Canaveral that we got for $99 a person back 2001.om RCI Sovereign of the Seas It was after 911 which was why it was so cheap. Many people had canceled their cruises. we, ourselves, enjoyed the break and getting our minds off what had happened. except in Nassau, they had armed soldiers with machine guns all over the port, I hated that, but knew it was for our safety.

 Now, Florida residents can get great last-minute deals. When we did a partial Panama Canal cruise on HAL, one dinner mate was a lawyer who had booked last minute. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale.  He said it was an inside cabin below ocean level he joked but he got it for almost nothing and he was in it solo. The ports charges were more than the fare.

Now when we booked our Celebrity cruise line Italy cruise we took in 2012, we had an ocean view stateroom which was $2000 each for the 12-day cruise. My daughter and her friend booked an inside for $1600 each. Well, that was when that Costa shop listed, and all those people died. Suddenly people were canceling the Med. cruises.  We ended up in a suite and our daughter in a balcony.

15 hours ago, clo said:

We were in Iceland in early December and it was warmer there then home in Seattle. And, of course, in winter it's dark SO much.

  You may have a point. We were told in Scotland by our guide (I think it was Stornoway?)  that winter was only slightly cooler, and their temps were more on par with Iceland. I am from Georgia, USA so it was cold to me. I needed my winter coat there in July! However, my winter coat to someone in Minnesota or northern states on the northern border or in Canada would be considered a jacket. I do have a heavy winter coat which I wear once every 2 years it seems. It has to get below 20 F for a high for me to wear it. Anyway, plus don't forget I had come from 90F temps at home the week before. Where I had found Edinburgh weather refreshing, this port was simply cold to me.  I guess it is all relative, whatever we are used to, what is cold to me may be warm to you.

On 2/20/2024 at 7:48 PM, Denbon1985 said:

The wife and I have decided we are not going on a cruise. We are going to Iceland and rent a Campervan. We are photographers and the landscape in Iceland is beautiful. Ten days in Iceland is going to great a fun time for about the same cost as a cruise. Thanks to everyone that commented.

Lol disregard my last post! That sounds wonderful too! Dress warm. We have not been there, but we were in Northern Scotland in July, and it was cold, we needed a coat and had only brought hoodie jackets. 

On 2/2/2024 at 11:07 PM, Denbon1985 said:

My wife and I are debating whether to do a cruise to Alaska or fall Canada New England cruise. We did a Alaskan cruise a couple of years ago. I did not enjoy it because about 4 weeks before we left I cracked my hip. I want to go back to Alaska but I also want to do the fall Canada New England cruise. It’s for our 40th anniversary. Which do you think we would enjoy doing? We can’t afford both it’s one or the other.

 We have done both and loved both.  Besides seeing the glaciers, Alaska has a lot of wildlife and East coast Canada was gorgeous. Especially Quebec and a water fall tour we did there. We also loved Prince Edward Island. You can't miss either way.

 I recommend you do which one this year and then do the other next year or 2. for the next big celebration. We like to on a big anniversary year take an extra nice cruise.  Now Alaska was a family trip with the in laws so not on a big anniversary, but the other big cruises were for big anniversaries ever 5 years. Our 20th was Bermuda. 25th a transatlantic, 30th was Italy cruise, 35th our east coast Canada to Quebec and Prince Edward Island. 40th was British Isles. For our 45th hubby wants to go back to Alaska or possibly Hawaii. I will be happy with either.

On 2/21/2024 at 10:39 AM, chris301up said:

Hi everyone. Thank you for your kind advice. The company I have now decided to book with provide coach service from Birmingham to Southampton direct to the ship. The train was not an option for us and is not direct service apparently? We would have to change at least once. I think we should be sorted now? Thanks again

 I am glad you found something that works for your wife. The train would be harder. I liked they had a luggage rack for our luggage, but we took our luggage on and off. The cruise line coach services do that for you so would be much better for you since I am sure you would have the burden of moving the luggage on and off the train. Happy 50th BTW!

4 hours ago, chris301up said:

Sorry. I don't know how to. It's just took me nearly an hour to post my previous question. Its quite complicated for us olds

I take it you live in the UK. Well, I don't, so it should be harder for me.  I know we once took a train from London to Dover when we spent a few days in the UK before the cruise. The last cruise we took the cruise line sponsored coach (bus) transportation from the airport. We had flown in the day before and stayed near the airport so that was simpler. That was Dover too, but I would think it would be similar. We saw other cruisers at the airport that same day that were leaving from Southampton. I have no idea though if the cruise line would offer it from the Brimingham airport. I see it is a 2-hour drive so they may would, as Dover was that far from Heathrow   Have you thought of getting a family member to drive you since your wife has mobility issues. That would be the easiest on her.

On 12/2/2022 at 2:29 PM, Nunagoras said:

As said above, officially you can't carry on any drinks aboard. At least here in Europe they'll "close their eyes" if you purchase a case of water on the duty free shops after port's security once they rely on ports authorities. A refillable bottle to use at the buffet comes also handy if you don't have a drinks package. Difficult to find anyone without at least the Easy one these days on their basic fare though. 

 You know if they offer a case of water in their duty-free shops onboard I can deal with that. My husband will carry it for me. I doubt I could. It would just be nice if it was waiting in my room.

 

On 12/2/2022 at 2:29 PM, Nunagoras said:

As said above, officially you can't carry on any drinks aboard. At least here in Europe they'll "close their eyes" if you purchase a case of water on the duty free shops after port's security once they rely on ports authorities. A refillable bottle to use at the buffet comes also handy if you don't have a drinks package. Difficult to find anyone without at least the Easy one these days on their basic fare though.

 My daughter has cystic kidney disease, and her doctor has told her to use bottled water because of the high sodium content of cruise water. The process used to de-saline sea water can't remove all of the salt content from sea water although it is safe for healthy people to drink.  Just not her.

I am not averse to tap water myself.  I only wish international health laws would allow me to fill my own water bottle, so I have enough to last for a while instead of using those glasses that only hold 8 ounces. (yes, I know people ignore the notice posted and do it anyway, I have seen it many times, but I try to follow the rules) I have to take medication 4 times a day and instruction are a full 8-ounce glass of water. You see, in spite of others talking to me as though I am a naughty 8-year-old I am actually nearly 70 with serious health conditions myself but at least not as bad as my daughter's. I did have good reason to ask.

Insp

On 11/30/2022 at 4:29 PM, mmbcater said:

You can buy 12 bottles of water on the ship and it won’t cost you $200 for the drink package. Many have suggested alternative ways for you to do  this! 

Bye now hon.  No need to reply if you can't be kind.

All I want is to be able to buy a case of water and have it delivered to my room, so I am not having to go buy water every day. It seems this is not an option.

On 11/26/2022 at 11:54 AM, yellow-submarine said:

From what I read (and YouTube videos) , drinks are free during the breakfast at the buffet. If you haven't booked your cruise yet, MSC has now a BF deal for US residents: free drinks and WiFi. I wish this deal was available for Europeans.
It is a good question how strict they are with non alcoholic drinks purchased on shore, I would like to know that.

The nonalcoholic drinks package is $200 a person and everyone in your stateroom is required to get it. (Which I get why on that as families will cheat and use one card to get all their colas) I find that awful steep that I want a couple of bottles of water a day. I do not drink colas or carbonated drinks. I go easy on juice and am fine with a little juice at the buffet at breakfast.  I just do not need that much  A case of water for the week is what I need.   I just find $600 since there are 3 of us a little step for me to get bottled water. None of us drink carbonated drinks and a glass of juice at breakfast is about it for any of us, besides a glass of tea or a coffee at mealtimes.

 so you say I can get water out of the bathroom sink and it is fine? I guess I will do that.

How hard is it to find it? Am I allowed to bring some onboard? I am now at the age where I take a lot of emds and also one med  side effect keeps me with a dry mouth, so I go through a lot of water.

2 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

The Tropicale wasn't THAT old; it was built in 1981.  Indeed, electrical gremlins and all, it survived under various owners until finally getting scrapped in 2021.  Thanks Wikipedia! >> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Tropicale

 

P.S.  Don't be surprised if there's a new Tropicale in the next decade from Carnival.  It seems that they're in the business of recycling names and putting them on their newest ships.

 

 

 Don't take it personal. Carnival ditched that ship not long after that, (sold it) and it was scrap metal long before 2010.  the info is online if you don't believe me Wikipedia is not that reliable. Look here on Cruisecritic old posts about it I remember reading about it HERE because that was our first cruise so of course I paid attention. Yes, I have been on ships even older like Pacific Princess in 2002 right before Princess sold it, but it was in much better shape. (It also was scrap medal by 2010) this summer we were on Carnival Pride, and I was amazed it is in still looked like new shape. I am thinking it is 20 years old now. We were on her sister ship Carnival Miracle back 2004 when she was brand new. I guess the Pride had been recently drydocked.

Bye now. I will not reply to you again.

On 10/16/2022 at 8:36 AM, Lois R said:

Yes, yes it is.🙂

 I agree. When there was a cold snap in Florida in December 2003 (orange blossoms froze) happened a couple of days after we sailed. We did not have any winter clothing with us beyond what we wore on the plane. (And although it was cool, my winter coat was too much, it was not THAT cold, just cool) I know it was highly unusual, but now I always bring a couple pairs of daywear long pants and a hoodie or something similar for just in case. I have never needed them again. Hopefully it stays summer like for the OP, but I would still prepare in case it doesn't.

On 10/14/2022 at 3:26 PM, aim2cruise said:

This is my first time cruising in the Winter.....12/4/22 Carnival Celebration!!  I don't know if I should pack hot weather clothes (shorts, tanks, summery dresses) or more warmer options for onboard. I know what to wear on port days but this is an 8 day cruise and so much time is spent on the ship. 

 

Thanks! 

Yes, it is still hot in the Caribbean. However, be forewarned if there is a freeze in Florida it is usually cooler in the Carribean. One cruise (December 2003) that happened and we had highs of 55-60. I WISHED I had brought a light jacket and more long pants as it was chilly. 

On 10/25/2022 at 12:27 PM, leithbones said:

Finally caved to DW requests over many years.

Couldn't stand the idea of cruising, but surprised her for our 25th.

"One and Done, honey.  This is it >> so enjoy."

14 day Repo out of Boston was best value, and since we were only going to do it once....

 

3rd day I said  "OK, next time here's what we need to do differently...."

 Lol!  My husband took me on a little 4 day for our 15th anniversary. I had always wanted to go on one and he thought they were too expensive, so he booked this little cheapie to shut me up. Lol!  Now, he is the one saying we should book a cruise.

10 hours ago, ilikeanswers said:

My first cruise technically was a 5 night yacht trip around the Whitsundays. First actual ship trip was 13 nights around the Marquesas. 

I would love to do something like that.

9 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Actually, my VERY first was on the Nantucket, when just over a month old, from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, both in MA, about a 45 minute ride.

Yep, I did a few tourist afternoon trips. Living in the south it was mostly those tourist paddle riverboats.  We also took in 1989 one of those Seasescape ferries to Freeport Bahamas and stayed there a few days. So, I thought I had an idea what a cruise would be like. I didn't lol!

4 days back in October 1998 on an old ship Carnival Tropicale. We lost power a couple of times the ship was so old, but it still hooked us. Since we had never been on a nicer ship, we did not know any better!

 I still have a Canadian Mountie moose doll someone gave us from a cruise critic meet and greet. I donated a lot of other stuff I have been given over the years, but I kept him.

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Cute.  I occasionally get minor cases when I disembark. 

 

It's hard for me to choose my favorite souvenir.  The prizes for winning trivia are always nice, when I can get them.  My refrigerator is nearly covered in magnets from the places I've been.  Lately I've been taking more and more photographs, and those are valuable to me.  And sometimes I book future cruises onboard - the future anticipation is nice, the future bills... not so much.

Sunrises or sunsets on a cruise are always the best!

16 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Pictures, and a magnet if it’s a new port.  EM

 That's me. Some little something. I have this faux leopard look (rayon) scarf I bought on a cruise 5 years ago and I still love that. I have a fridge magnet we got at Blarney Castle many years ago. Still have that. I have a brooch made form sea glass I bought from a vendor in Syndey Nova Scotia.  I have a necklace of beads I bought in Cozumel 7 or 8 years ago that the vendor swore was Opal, lol, though I am pretty sure it is plastic/resin, but I still love it. I think my fav though is our cruise cards. I always keep mine and I have quite a stack now.

Back in 2017 on a cruise, we noticed the crew doing extra cleaning and not allowing us to serve ourselves in the buffet. I assumed norovirus and religiously washed my hands like crazy. (Because I came down with that after coming home from a cruise in 2008) One day after flying home I came down sick with the flu. I got online here and asked if anyone else got sick with the flu and was told our ship had an outbreak. 

Lol all that 40 second handwashing in scalding hot water I did was for nil. I just wanted to point out it does not have to be COVID for the extra cleaning and serving you in the buffet. Any illness outbreaks. I guess though, I don't want to get sick with any of it. 

Which reminds me after our cruise to Italy back in 2012 I came down with whooping cough. Remember that outbreak back then and doctors reminding us we need a booster for that every 10 years?  I think that was as sick as I ever been, even covid which I had in early 2020 was not as bad as that and I was pretty darn sick with covid.

Now I take zinc and vitamin D3 and a very good quality muti vitamin. I know I may still get ill, especially when flying, airports are almost always crowded but I am willing to chance it for a vacation.

On 10/25/2022 at 11:04 AM, navybankerteacher said:

This is standard across all lines with which I am familiar.  At the end of the meal, if there are just lees in the bottle, it is done; If there is just enough for a small sip, I will have it; if there is enough for a full glass or more, it will be saved for you.

I was replying to a person who thought the waiters would steal his wine if he left any; but yep, although we have not cruised as much as you, we have been on like 8 different lines, and no one has ever stolen his wine. When it is him alone a bottle last 3 nights. If my daughter is with us maybe 2. I rarely drink wine.