first2travel

I would contact your financial institution and inform them that your are traveling. There is a chance that might put a hold on your spending. Id theft. Happy travels!

The line will take your luggage. They scan it for security reasons and deliver it to your cabin. The benefit is at the end of the cruise whereby you can disembark before the rush. Once on board, have a leisurely lunch. Happy travels!

Of course check with the cruise line. However, I have been on several cruise lines, the most recent in August and there was no charge except the standard gratuity that is automatically placed on your receipt. Happy travels!

When you get off the ship you will find several private tour companies. I am sure one will be cost effective. Happy travels!

I agree with cruiserking. I can only write that my Alaska cruise was with Holland and the ship was fantastic! Happy travels!

Ships make a tremendous profit on excursions. They scare the passenger informing them that the ship will leave unless you take their sponsored tour. Happy travels!

Have been to the Bahamas many times. You do not need an excursion from the ship. You can take a water taxi to Atlantis once there purchase a day pass. in addition there are several tour operators once you get of the ship. Happy travels!

I have found that booking with a TA is no better than dealing with the cruise line. I even questioned a TA via the web site why I would book with them if you are not offering any discounts. His response is that you are dealing with a "live" person. What! As mentioned previously by other postings, saving money entails: not drinking, every lines pushes drinks, gambling, and excursions. If you leave the ship there are plenty of tour operators on the dock or take a cab. The lines use a scare tactic by saying if you do not utilize their tour operator and late the ship leaves without you. The dock operators know and always will get you back. It will save you upwards of 50%.

I have traveled frequently via the cruise industry and have always wondered why the question on the age 55 plus passenger. 55 is the new 35. Are discounts offered? 55 is not really a senior. I have always considered once you are eligible for US social security then the "senior" title is rewarded. Does anyone know?

Each line has its own protocols. I would call the line and ask. Depending upon the Port of Call you may want to consider taking an independent excursion and by pass the ships tour. It will save you a lot of expense. Once you depart the ship you will find tour operators at the dock or cabs. Happy travels!

Greetings. Looking for advice on private tour or how to travel independently to Cape Kennedy from ship. Don't want to book an excursion from the ship. Thanks in advance.

Not to worry. Have been on several cruises to Bermuda. I had the experience of a transatlantic cruise and had worse seas that what was identified on U-tube and the media. The 40 foot waves were literally causing the sea water to enter the ship on the promenade deck, the gift shop merchandise fell from the display shelves, the food court had toppled plants, and silverware and food staples. Some passengers fell. The only restriction was not to go outside for obvious reasons. MAN OVERBOARD! Which did not occur. It was if you were on a Navy ship traveling the North Atlantic with high seas as displayed on various movies. Actually it was a lot of fun. There was no time that the ship was in jeopardy.

Strangely enough I have traveled on NCL for the majority of my cruise travel adventures. That being said, Holland America had a ship that had a retractable sky canopy that covered the center of the ship. It was remarkable to swim and utilize the open area during inclement weather. I truly enjoy NCL for there no dress up policy. I wear a suit every day and do not wish this type of attire when on vacation. Happy travels!

Thanks for your input. I am taking Carnival hence my question on the forum. I did not realize there was a general forum to post. Thanks again. Happy travels!

Thanks for all of your input.

The only cruise line at this time that offers studio staterooms is NCL Epic and I believe Breakaway. I have been on the Epic and two members of my group book as such. The room was surprisingly spacious. What a great idea. More cruise lines should offer this alternative. Why spend double if you are traveling alone? Poor business practice. Happy travels!

I have had the opportunity to travel via various cruise lines to a variety of destinations. My first experience and many more was an inside cabin (with kids), second outside (with kids), and finally the balcony (with wife) and I have to write the balcony experience was well worth the extra expense. Of course I have to inform you that the balcony stateroom was for both our transatlantic, and Medaterriaan adventures. A cool breeze during the nights, having a cocktail on the balcony before and after dinner, breakfast, and a great cigar. While I do not mind the other passengers at the congregate areas of the ship, there is something very nice about being alone and observing the sky, water, and sounds of the ocean privately. Happy travels!

Having been on a number of cruise adventures with a number of lines, I would think it is not a concern. Just make mention to your steward when you first see h/her. Just be aware that the towels are not "put together" wholeheartedly ergo, they may fall apart when you try to keep them for any length of time. I suggest that you take individual photos and then photo shop them together once you arrive home. Happy travels!

My family and friends and I also did the Mediterranean (another cruise line) and purchased the Rick Steves' Mediterranean Cruise Ports guide. Very helpful indeed! However, we chose to do the ship excursions. While we have utilized port tours in the past, we felt that due to time restraints, we did not want to go through the effort this time, of doing as mentioned above the research involved. I will tell you that independent sightseeing is much more less expensive than ship excursions. Happy travels!

All above information is 'on the money' The higher you go the more the cost. The more center of the ship you go, the higher the cost. Happy travels!

I, too, have patronized Holland America for my Alaska adventure. I must write that of the several lines that I have had the good fortune to experience, Holland American was by far the best. Happy travels!

There has been difference of opinions on whether to book excursions via the ship or once you get off and utilize a number of tour operators at Port. The ship as we know makes a tremendous amount of profit with excursions. They scare or warn (if you prefer) to alert us that the ship will only wait if you are on one of their scheduled adventures. I have taken independent tours and even patronized a cab to take me around. I have also utilized ship arranged excursions. I have found that you can save at least half if you don't utilize the ships booking. One recent example is the Cape Kennedy tour. Without going into specifics at this writing. If interested, compare the price of the ship tour against going on your own. What a savings. I know all cruise lines do the same. My inquiry is to solicit the opinion of other "cruisers" Thanks in advance.

There has been difference of opinions on whether to book excursions via the ship or once you get off and utilize a number of tour operators at Port. The ship as we know makes a tremendous amount of profit with excursions. They scare or warn (if you prefer) to alert us that the ship will only wait if you are on one of their scheduled adventures. I have taken independent tours and even patronized a cab to take me around. I have also utilized ship arranged excursions. I have found that you can save at least half if you don't utilize the ships booking. One recent example is the Cape Kennedy tour. Without going into specifics at this writing. If interested, compare the price of the ship tour against going on your own. What a savings. I know all cruise lines do the same so I am not "picking on" Carnival. My inquiry is to solicit the opinion of other "cruisers" and I have recently booked a cruise with this line. Thanks in advance.

read my response #36

Just a short note of appreciation for taking the time and effort of responding to my inquiry. I did not realize that some of you had a very strong opinions of what I was informed by friends and family. If it caused undo frustration for you I apologize. Many are correct in their response that you and you alone make the cruise an adventure. I am going with positive expectations. By the way I was asked which ship I will be patronizing. It is the Splendor. Thanks again and happy travels!