delaware32

We've done it both ways .You can buy a package of self-laminating material at stores like Walmart . Recently bought the clear plastic tag holders since we've started to cruise a couple of times a year . This Spring will be my first time using them .They seem really sturdy and have the metal grommet etc. as described in a previous post .

61 days until our TA

We just booked for our 11/3 repo on Hotwire . We were able to get the Aloft (3 - 4 star dependent on travel site ) for $148 which included the price of travel insurance and taxes. In the pat we've done 4* but prices have gone up enough that we went with 3*(Hotwire). Taking some guess prior to booking , I'm guessing the property is like a Courtyard . Convenient to the pier and a 1 night stay pre-cruise.

We are using Budget. Have used them in the pat with no problem . They had the best one way rental price and a free shuttle to the pier.

It shouldn't be a problem .I don't know about the megaships but on the others such as the Dawn, Jewel ,Pearl we've never had a problem as we're generally early diners.

We rented a car (one way) from MCO to Cocoa Beach for $49(includes taxes and fees) . We're using Budget. They will shuttle us from drop-off to pier.

There is a clothesline in the shower.

The conditioner is in the shampoo ie. it's a shampoo/ conditioner combo in one of the shower dispensers .I always bring my own conditioner as I'm still a tangle if I only use the combo .

We usually stay at the Marriot Courtyard in Cocoa Beach .Nice property plus we have Marriot points . Last 2 times we rented a car at MCO and returned it at Budget .They were not charging for a one way rental. They too, will shuttle you to the pier for free .We found this more economical than a shuttle for us.

We were not charged a gratuity on our Platinum our October 5 Panama Canal trip specialty dinners.

4 days

Check Hotwire. We booked a 1 way rental from Orlando (MCO)to Cape Canaveral for $49 (includes taxes ).This for a confirmed reservation with payment due at pick up. Cancellation is free at anytime. This rate is for a compact at Budget . They shuttle to the cruise pier for free when you turn in your rental.

5 days --- Panama Canal here we come :)

We did NCL's DIY excursion for Pisa and Florence . The Pisa stop is short .It was fun to see the Tower and Baptistry and get some further information about them . The guide was informative along the way . We loved Florence and of course, we would have liked more time in the city . The meeting place was easy to find and was the same point that we set out from . I would do it again.

We just upgraded to a mini-suite from a balcony for our next cruise. I called and asked because of the price drops .We were given a choice of several rooms so I picked from the choices. It was not a cancel /rebook so did not affect our promo .

23 days

We did not ask about business class. We are staying 5 days post cruise in BCN . The initial deviation fee was $50 pp because were requesting a flight a few days after disembarking .Because we were very specific as to stops etc. we went through their Premium Air so an additional $50pp was charged. Even so this was less than what we could find independently . The airfare charge was rolled into the overall booking so you have until final payment to pay for it or if you find a better fare ,remove it from your reservation . I went through my PCC who contacted Premium Air or you can contact Premium Air directly .That might be you want to do if interested in business class. Hope that helps.

I recently booked one way air through NCL . Their fare was less than we were able to find on our own. This was with a deviation fee as well because we are staying in BCN post cruise. We requested no more than one stop. NCL booked on BA and we were able to choose aisle seats. This was through their Premium Air.

I think there is a link on the NCL website . If I remember it's at the bottom of the homepage. It' in really small print so it may take a little it to find it.

We always place x-amount cash on account. We back it up with a credit card .The cash on account is used first. It' s not a huge amount, certainly no where near $600.00 . I can't remember the last time anything had to be charged to the card. We spend onboard but we're not ridiculous. Basically most things are prepaid .

Anne Vipond has a book about the Canal for cruisers . Also a good but lengthy read is The Path Between The Seas .

You should be able to check the bags with the hotel's Bell Captain. They'll give you a receipt that you'll give back to them to retrieve your bags when you're ready to go to the pier to check in.

59 days until the Pearl

We have stayed at the Crowne Plaza Astor and the Marriott Renaissance .Both are very close to the French Quarter. If you have joined your trip's roll call someone may have organized a group rate for a particular property. We got a great rate for the Crowne that way .I believe it was under$130 .Check some sites for booking hotels eg. Trivago dot com. Last couple of times we booked somewhere going and directly booking with the hotel was a better deal . Good luck and enjoy your trip.

The July promo has been extended into August .