Luke104

Started out cruising using a TA, but my last 5 cruise I use directly with the cruise line. Faired a lot better off, from now on I deal directly!

Just got off the Epic this morning. While getting onto the ship did take a little time, I was totally surprised this morning on disembarking. I literally walk right off the ship, no lines to stand in, or waits at the customs station. Fastest walk-off I have experienced.

First cruise was four years ago, fourteen cruises later, twelve cruising solo. Now just 14 days away from my next solo, aboard the Norwegian Epic.

As of just about 30 minutes ago, on NCL site, Escape out of Miami, Sept. 3-10th, 7 nights, eastern Caribbean, GTY balcony, solo, $749 + $130 fees, $879 total, but NO perks.

Lesson learned! I will do my best to be more specific to the details, in the future.

But I decided to book the "Epic" in November, 7 nites eastern carib to St. Thomas and Tortola, with UBP for $749+tx/fees, in a studio. That's from Port Canaveral.

For my previous post, the cruise was western Caribbean, if you not a "drinker", without the UBP, the cost was $200 less, still a great deal. That's from Miami, to the western carib, Roaton, Belize, Costa Maya.

Just got off the phone, spoke with a rep, NCL Getaway 7-nite western, 6/19/16, (short notice). Inside GTY, solo w/UBP & tax/fees--$837.00 total (w/grats on ubp).

There is bit of difference between having a child on a cruise than bringing a baby on a cruise, a few years if not more. I'm sure that "baby" really enjoyed their cruise! Let face it, the cruise was only for the enjoyment of the parents.

OP stated at opening, "inconsiderate jerks", well I'M not a jogger but here is my two cents. Who in their right mind takes a baby on a cruise!

According to my notice, your choices for alternative cruises are limited to 1 of 5 dates on the "Sky", out of Miami, or 1 date of March 4th on the "Epic".

Just received my cancellation notice!

I find that if you're able to book a cruise at the last minute, you can do pretty good, but you have to constantly search the sites. Example: I just got off the Norwegian Spirit less than two weeks ago, 7 days/Inside cabin, deck 8/taxes & fees, along with the ultimate beverage package included ( I had to pay the gratuity on that), total $770.00 Another one two months ago, out of Tampa, on the "Star", 7 days western, NO beverage pkg, but with taxes/fees under $500. Deals are out there, but you have to spend some time "digging".

I was recently in cabin 8021 and it had a pull down for a third person.

I've been on the Enchantment twice recently, and the last cruise was on the Majesty, no comparison Enchantment wins. The only plus for the Majesty is the stop in Key West.

Thanks for the info/link.

Does anyone know if Kelly Goodrich (he did the Beatles, Jimmy Buffet and a few others) on the Monarch of the Seas. Is he still with Royal, and if so does anyone know what ship?

On a recent cruise where a time change took place the housekeeper place a memo in my cabin advising time change is about to take place, and when we were going to change back another memo was left in my cabin. Also it will be posted in the "daily compass".

I hear the saying once you go balcony, you never go back so many times. Maybe it is just me but I did the balcony and it was nice but I didn't feel it was worth the money. It really depends on you and what type of person you are. Do you spend lots of time in your room? I only sleep and shower in my room so I'm satisfied with an inside. Enjoy your cruise. I'm sure you will like whatever cabin you choose.

I agree with you totally. My first cruise was a balcony cabin, nice but like yourself, I'm not in the cabin all that much. Ever since I've had an inside, just not worth the extra cost for the balcony. I use that extra cost on other things that I enjoy.

Global requires pre-paid over their site. They use the upper level of a public garage. I have seen signs on the entrance to the garage stating $5.00 a day parking (which of course is cheaper, and you can drive up), but keep in mind you need transportation to the port.

I've used several different lots in the area, and had some bad service. But for last two cruises I've used Global (2nd Ave parking garage). would definitely used them again. Close to the port, downtown area, top floor of gated structure. Downside is the vans are a bit beat-up, but your only on them for a few minutes. And of course on the return trip from ship could be a bit slower, but overall I was satisfied both times.

I've used a few different parking lots in the Miami area, and did have some terrible service. You have to be careful, read the reviews! But on the plus side my last two trips to the port I have used parking garage on 2nd Ave. Overall on both times the service was good getting to the port and of course a little longer when getting off the ship. But I will definitely by using them again.

I think it was about 9.00 a day

It all top of the garage parking( I was lucky both times, parked under roof).

1.2 miles from port

Vans a bit beat up, but it is a short ride.

You keep your keys.

Go to http://www.globalairportparking.com/port of miami

I've cruised both Carnival & Royal numerous times over the last 2-1/2 years, and just my 2 cents. I thought the "live" entertainment on Carnival was much better than my recent cruises on Royal (I enjoy the live classic rock type music). I was so impressed with my Carnival Liberty cruise so much this past April, that I was back on her the next month and then again just three months later. Entertainment, shows and the staff was just super. My last 2 cruises on Royal seem to be less enjoyable. While everyone has their own reasons to cruise a certain cruise line, my loyalty is not to one.

I've cruised Royal and Carnival ( 8 with Royal and 5 with Carnival), all within the last two years. I'm not your age (quite older), but I must say I enjoyed the Carnival entertainment, (both live music & comedy shows) much better on Carnival.

I sailed out of Tampa just three weeks ago, and I drove across state the day before. I had some reward points to use up, so I tried the Quality Inn on S. Dale Mabry rd. Just your average hotel, but restaurants and shops in

walking distance. There's a Publix supermarket right across the street, if you needed last minute shopping. They do have shuttle service to the port (which is about 5-6 miles from the hotel). I had no complaints/concerns about my stay, and of course they had a breakfast in the morning, nothing fancy but ok. On my next cruise out of Tampa I would not hesitate to stay there again. But keep in mind this is not a "Marriott".