Travel_Lover28

3 minutes ago, hotsauce126 said:

what a condescending comment lol. I’m very well traveled but nobody books a european cruise to spend a bunch of time on the ship, you can do that for a lot cheaper in the Caribbean. Virgin’s email cited nothing about safety, it cited “recent sailor feedback”

You said it! Thank you!✌️

11 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

We've been avoiding Mediterranean sailings for this very reason.

I'd much rather relax,and enjoy the casino, shops and services on-board in air-conditioned comfort

I agree with you on this. I wouldn’t fly to another continent to enjoy sea days. I would have just cruised in any US ports, spend less money on flights and hotels. Spend my money on shops, drink cocktails, and try my luck in the casino.

Still not happy with the port cancellation but it is what it is. I’m not happy with people not having a little or no empathy to those who were looking forward to this port stop. Yes, I know about the cruise contract. I have cruised other brands. I have also worked in a cruise port for many years. People save hard earned money to be able to travel and cruising is the best way to travel to many places.

5 minutes ago, capecodmommy said:

It is amazing how many people are complaining about a cancelled port. I understand if you are not a seasoned traveler to be disappointed but in all reality, if a port is cancelled all the way into the future

This is not way in the future and the reason was not for safety as we were told. I would easily be more understanding if it was. You are right that some of us are not seasoned travelers. Some of us have to save up many years to be able to experience a trip like this. We are not privileged to visit many countries like others and would be fine with something like this because they have been to this port many times. This would be our first to Toulon, to France. This would have been a memorable trip for us. We save up for a trip like this. Who can guarantee me that I will be back another time?

14 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

the cruise lines should take passenger input

Yes “should” but how many cruise lines have? Why not make an itinerary based on passengers input instead of changing it after people have already booked? And to wait 50 days before sailing and/ or after people have already booked excursions or when you can no longer cancel and get a full refund. Do you really think this is good business process?

I booked this cruise because it was only one sea day. My decision was if I have to fly to another continent for more than 10 hours, I would  like to experience all the different ports on my cruise. Virgin is refunding $11, yahoo!🤬That doesn’t even buy both my husband and I a cocktail. This is making me so mad. I was looking forward to all the ports. Hopefully people (sailors as Virgin says) make a lot of stink about this. This is not good business or at least not how to make people want to cruise on Virgin. I should have booked a different brand.

Agree (hotsauce126)! When I booked this cruise, I knew where it was stopping. If I didn’t like the ports then I would not book it but if I wanted to sail anyways then I would stay on board at port. I have not heard of a cruise brand that would change an itinerary because of the passengers. It’s less than 60 days and Virgin would do this?☹️ It leaves a bad taste specially for first time Virgin cruisers like me. I know people will defend Virgin no matter because they’re enamored with the brand but I bet they would not be happy if this was their first time. I have never been to Toulon and wether it is, or not a good port, I would have liked to have experienced going there.

Leaving for Mediterranean Cruise in 15 days. I've always bought insurance for all my cruises. This time with all the planning, it is one that was forgotten. Can I still buy one? What would you recommend? The only health issue is that my husband has high blood pressure. Otherwise, we are healthy. Just want to be safe and covered since we are so far away from home.

Also interested in any info on NCL Spirit as we are on her on October.

There is probably a thread on this but can't find a recent one.

Is it doable to fly out at 11 AM at FLL after a cruise from Port Everglades?

Me two or three. Along with others, can you please send me a copy?

Many thanks!!!:)

Rachel_BB28@yahoo.com

The Seattle cruise port will not accept a copy of passport as proof of citizenship. This is from personal experience.

I also believe that they will not accept an altered Gov't issued Id either. It has to be an original.

You can use a passport card, but you cannot use this to fly out of International country. Only a passport book is acceptable when flying out another country into the US.

I would suggest checking with US Custom Border Patrol or the country Custom Border Services that you are visiting before going, or you may be denied boarding the cruise.

Don't worry. Comfort Suites is in the nicer end of Tamarac and it is safe, and easy to get to Sawgrass Mills from there, about a 6 mile drive.

Sharon - thank you. i was hoping you'd reply. I've read all your advice here on cc and I thank you for taking the time to do so. I've read the reviews on Tripadvisor. It's an okay place. i always weigh the good and the bad. I just have not read anyone else on this board that have asked regarding this place. I stayed at the Sheraton Beach Hotel two years ago in November and only paid $80, now it's about $300. This time we would like to do sightsee and go places since we have a car. Any advice on a scenic route from Miami to Fort Lauderdale without going through toll roads?:)

I was frantic at looking for a place to stay pre-cruise one night on last minute for end of March. I think I made a bad decision when I booked Comfort Suites in Tamarac. I assumed it was really close to Sawgrass Mall. I booked this as Express deal because of free parking and breakfast. We are driving from Miami airport. I really hoped for near Port Everglades or by beach but decided to spend money on shore excursion on cruise instead. I can't belive the price on hotels this time of year. Since I cannot cancel this booking, can someone reassure me that it is at least a decent place. Is it a safe area? Will my car be safe in the parking lot at night? Will we be safe if we go driving at night and return when it is dark? I know it is only for one night, but I'm wondering if I should take the loss and look elsewhere. But it is still a lot of money. What do I do?:(

I was on the Glory early November. I saw them turned away a young man in shorts and t-shirts on the first elegant night. The second night, a man came in with sleepers, casual pants, and a t-shirt. So I guess it depends on the person watching the front desk at the dining room.

We were on the Glory early November and it stopped in Belize. I don't understand why people don't like Belize. The people were the nicest I have met in all the ports I have been. The tendering was not bad, it was a great experience. Yes - there were people just drinking at port but these people are the ones that don't venture or do not want to experience other culture outside. It rained alot when we were there but otherwise it was great. My kids (young adults) ventured outside the port and they had a wonderful time. Of course, I was too busy shopping and trying to stay dry :D. There may not be alot to do, and it may be not be commercialized but it is how people live. It is a great place to go see.

We purchased FTTF at last minute because of good reviews. At first, it was sold out then last minute there were a dozen being sold. We bought two for two cabins. The reason we purchased it was for the priority embark, rooms available immediately, and priority tendering. We also like the additional service like a special line and phone line to guest services.

This was my experience with it.

We wanted to get to port early but was not able to.So did not use this benefit. Instead of carrying all our carry-on with us, we just gave it to the porter ($10 tip). So we did not have alot to carry. We decided not to bring pop and water. My family has been weaning out of drinking pop. Water was as good on the ship as the bottled ones. All we needed to bring was those water cannister. Priority tendering was great but we didn't need to get off the ship immediately because we did not schedule a tour (In Belize). First day, I needed to talk to guest services and there were at least 20 people in line. I went to a counter that had the FTTF sign. One of the staff told me I had to get in back of the line. I was sooooo mad because I showed them that I purchased the FTTF and there was a sticker on my S&S card. Most of the staff did not know what the FTTF was for. Apparently, this was the first for Carnival Glory to have it. Also you get your luggage right away.

So unless you use the benefit of it. It is a great purchase. Otherwise, save your money.

What is the best way to do a city tour and Altun Ha without going thru the ship? We have 5 in our group. Belize is one that is hard to plan for since we don't want to do Cave Tubing or Snorkeling. Anyone has done anything like this with a private tour? We will be on Carnival in November.

Has anyone done the Taste of Belize Tour with Coral Breeze? Or any of their other tours?

Everything here is almost all about Cave Tubing, would love to do it, but might be too strenuous for my 70 year old mother. She might not like the hour drive there and an hour back. So contemplating on another type of excursion.

Taste of Belize Tour sounds great with town tour, market tour, rum distillery tour, and learn a little about cooking.

Anyone else have other suggestions other than staying on the ship?

If you don't decide to use the private tour, just know that there are TONS of van taxi's everywhere all over Cozumel that will take a family of 5 (and more) at the same time. :)

Thank you mitsugirly. I've read a lot of your posts and your reviews. Thank you for sharing.

It's great to know there are a lot vans available everywhere. This was the answer I was looking for. How do you determine how much each trip would cost from one point to another since they are not metered? There are post on pricing from port to town but how about from town to tequila factory or from there to beach? Do you just make a deal and hope you are not being jiffed?

The usual suggestion for a quick synopsis of the island is a circular tour round the island either clockwise or anti-clockwise. If you go clockwise you could visit downtown, ruins/tequila factory, east coast bars and photo shoots, Punta Sur lighthouse and crocodiles and back round and up passed the southern beaches and bars. If you wanted you could follow this route for maybe 3 hours and then depending on how long your ship is in port you could get ToursPlaza to drop you at a southern beach club and pick up a taxi back when you are ready. It is easy to pick up a taxi from the southern beaches but not from the east side.

Thank you c-leg5. I am leaning towards the private tour as you suggested. I like the circular route. This sounds like a full day tour so I hope we have time for the beach. I don't like to rush through each stop specially shopping around downtown. I know a lot of cc members have done something like this. Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

I am not sure where you are getting that price from - Tours plaza and Cresencio Lopez (the private drivers regularly recommended on the "hiring a driver thread") are around $200 for three hours.

c-legs5 you are right! :o All this planning, I got confused about the time. It's $195 for three hours, then $40 extra per hour. I was planning for a 5 hour tour.

Is a taxi van for an island tour at the pier as reliable as booking with Tours Plaza? I would prefer to get a driver that speaks English and knows history/facts about the island.

Will there be time to do an island tour and spend some time on the beach?

This is our first to Cozumel and arriving in Puerto Maya. There will be five of us. A private tour for 5 is about $300 for three hours, which is more than what I want to spend but we don't have to worry about looking for a taxi for five and are able to go anywhere we want.

If we just go with a taxi, will there always be one available that fits 5 adults everywhere? If we have to take two taxi, it'll probably add up to alot of money.

We want to visit the Mercado, do the free tequila tour, maybe the chocolate tour, and shop around downtown. If there is time, spend time at the beach.

Please help me decide. Which way should we go? :confused: Our group consist of 2 young adults, 2 older adults (40's), and a 70 year old.

I have always been happy with Priceline when my DH and I travel. This time I am traveling as a group of five. Is their a site that I could get a great deal on a hotel room for five, pre and post cruise in November in Miami? How do people bid for two rooms? Can three people be in one room? Anyone has done this before and what was your experience?

Hello everyone.

 

What is your favorite food on board any cruise of HAL. Its my first time on HAL. Its the food good? :)

Here's some of my favorites

Bread pudding

Creme brûlée

Everything in the Pinnacle Grill - surcharge restaurant

MDR or Lido - The best thing is if you don't like something, you can ask for something else or if you do like, you can ask for more.:D