seabum

yes -

Actually saved myself - twice - by doing that.

The limited number of cabins were gone - but my price and space was still available at the lower rate due tot he hold. It is a strict 24 hour though. From the time of the hold - not end of the next day.

Good luck

We loved to get all dressed up - part of what makes cruising special - even went so far as to buy a couple of tuxes -

But with so many cruises under (and now over) our belts - the tuxes seemed to have shrunk somehow ?!?!?

So now a days we tend to dress a little more casually. Also with luggage restrictions on flights we try and keep the weight down.

I'll typically wear a jacket on the plane - and then I have it for most dinners - but you'll be fine with everything you've mentioned.

..... why a lot of us do not like the fttf program -

...why everyone posts their secret tips for smuggling alcohol on board. Dont you realize that CCL reads these boards !! You're basically telling them all the latest tricks and trends.

My biggest frustration is we've qualified for the free minibar on Princess - yet they dont stock rum on Caribbean cruises - the drink of the Caribbean ! So we trade it all in for vodka and adjust for the week.

Good luck with whatever method you choose - Cheers!

I've missed many a port - sometimes more disappointed than others.

GC due to expected after noon weather when they wouldn't be able to safely tender back to the ship - Kona due to high seas - CZM due to weather.

most disappointed leaving HI and had to return to port for med evac - then missed sailing by volcano / lava rubbing into the sea. Bummer.

Only time I got angry / frustrated was with RCL as they kept the port charges thay had charged us for the ports we missed - no response to snail main or emails - nothing.

To me that was wrong - they collected the port charges from us - then no refund for missed port.

Happened twice in a row - haven't sailed their line since.

Hi -

I was wondering is there a benefit of purchasing these gift cards ?

I'm not too familiar with them.

Do you get a bonus or something ?

(ie - pay $100 to get a $120 card)

unless I'm missing something what is the purpose - other than to give as gifts

Thanks - and good luck with your refund - I hope someone with the authority comes to their senses in time for your trip.

Thanks

I always fly in a day early. I live in the upper Midwest and cruise in winter/spring, and have never found an itinerary to the port airport from my home airport that doesn't involve a connection. Even if I caught a dawn-launch flight out of here, I'd be cutting it too close for a same-day cruise departure.

 

Disconnections, I love your signature! I wish you had room to add "lay" and "lie"...my personal peeviest pet peeve!

We usually drive to Orlando the day before - but do to bowl season have had issues getting a room. Only scare came in San Pedro when both a late departure due to mechanical issues combined with Calif traffic caused some anxious moments but we made it on time.

Curious - how did you get your babies (beagles) into your signature. I have my sailboat in mine but it doesn't load. Cant seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong.

Thanks -

BTW - wish us luck - flying into FLL morning of for our next cruise - if weather becomes an issue we'll jump in the car the night before - and there are hourly flights that morning as well.

Thanks again Paula - even though we are on a different ship these offer a great perspective

makes my panic packing more tolerable - heading north Friday (8 days camping in the bush before setting sail southbound on the Crown)

Hi -

looking forward to our cruise in a couple of weeks - thanks for posting these.

Did you happen to notice - did the ship offer local beers (Alaska Brewing Company)

i had read that the sometimes do -

Thanks again

Thanks for the info on the strawberries - we love them with some champagne. Rarely get them shoreside as to keep it a special treat.

We'll look for you at trivia next week - I love to play - and it always cracks me up how serious some of the players can get - all over a little trinket.

Thanks again

We did this a couple of years ago - what a "large" time.

It was my birthday and they had cake and tequila shots at the finish.

One of the most fun excursions we've ever done. (in almost 40 cruises)

Hope to try it again some day -

Plus if you're a fan of the show - you will gain so much respect for the participants.

Amazing the simple things that can slow you down during the pressure of the race.

Pretty sure we ended up fourth out of about 12 teams -but everyone was a winner.

Some nonsensical info:5. Choc. Covered strawberries delivered to cabin a little while ago. Didn’t request them. Ate them.

Hi and thanks for the insight -

We'll be joining you this Saturday - first time as Elite (woo who)

I was wondering - were the strawberries due to the suite ? or level ? or just because you're special ?

Thanks a bunch - see ya Sat.

Did you notice the new way I've started answering Tampa questions? Perhaps I should spend some time one night an write up an index of where certain info is on the thread so I can make reference to it for folks. I don't mind answering people, but if it's already posted, it's a lot quicker to make reference to where the info is.

 

Later,

 

Ken

Hey Ken -

it worked for me.

and thanks for the tips.

Hey Cracker Ken,

I see where you are the local expert on the Tampa area.

We are driving down in a couple of weeks for a cruise on the Miracle (11/13/05 sailing)

I found out that the Chase Suites and the Sailport offer a package (room, breakfast, shuttle to/from the pier and parking for the week) - these are running +/- $120-$150 (depending on room size)

I believe that parking at the pier will run +/- $96 (I think I read it was up to $12 perday) - therefore your room etc is a pretty good deal.

Do you know of any other places that offer this same type of service ?

Do you have any thoughts on these two places (the Chase is +/- $20 higher than Sailport) I understand that Chase offers a full breakfast vs coffee and bagels - but we're not big breakfast eaters anyway.

These are located out on Rocky Point - I think this is off of SR 60 on the way over to Clearwater.

I'm all ears if you have any other suggestions as well.

Thanks -