HardToPort

3 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Again, don’t forget the cruise line’s own embark requirements. Most premium/luxury cruise lines require ALL passengers on ALL itineraries to present (and often surrender) a valid passport.

Understood. As a population (and criticism not intended) Americans don’t hold passports to the same extent as many other countries. I have seen countless passengers on closed loop cruises out of Florida traveling without passports. It might be part of the allure for many. But you are correct … you have to be damn sure you’re good before showing up.

Thanks DGP1111

I’m cruising on Divina with Easy +. I’m assuming the same deal.

2 hours ago, Qazzy said:

I travel with one full size suitcase.  While traveling, I prefer to keep it with me and not check it whenever possible.  Is there a bag size limit for carryon?  Do I have to check my bag?

I cruise for a week with a carry on and a high school-sized backpack. Both are allowed in the main cabin on a plane. Both fit through the airport and port scanners. If you can economize a bit you can do this. Otherwise, big bags are in the hands of the porters. Tip: have your toiletries, meds, cash, docs and a change of clothes in a small bag to carry on. It takes hours for all the large bags to be distributed.

19 minutes ago, njhorseman said:

No... a US citizen will need an official birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. SS# is of no value and they won't even be allowed to board the ship without proper documentation.

Also some cruise lines require a passport even if government regulations permit use of a birth certificate and photo ID by a US citizen.

This isn't merely a case of being able to disembark in a port .. it's embarkation requirements that are first and foremost.

Yes, as I said … if your docs get you embarked, you’re fine on a closed loop. I thought I was pretty clear that embarkation requirements were first and foremost.

If it is a closed loop cruise and you are embarked with your docs (SS# or license or some other issued government ID) you’ll be fine. I have a photocopy of my passport that I can take off the ship but I never have. Even in St. Maarten. I remember this clearly. This was pre Covid and I was joining a private excursion with Captain Bob’s tours and I knew I was going to get very wet. I had my cruise card and a driver’s license in a waterproof lanyard. I got off and got back on with no issues.

Now, I’m a nobody from nowhere so if they changed their policies I don’t want to lead you astray. As a test you might want to leave the ship with your cruise card and ID and ask the customs guard if it’s OK to enter without a passport. If he says no, go back and enjoy a quiet day on board. No harm, no foul.

I was puzzled by this as well. However, I found out the info was included in the email attachment confirming the booking, but next to impossible to actually locate online.

See video below. Looks like there are patio chairs and love seats. Also, the island does have a tram. Not sure how long the walk is from the tram stop to the lighthouse. 

there are a number of other YouTube videos that might be helpful.

Personally, I wouldn’t be going to Easter Europe due to the political instability in Türkiye, Ukraine etc. 

in the western med cruises I loved Funchal, Madeira. I didn’t cruise with children though. We hired a driver for the day and we explored the island, tasted Madeira wine, hiked, viewed old churches, ate etc. 

We loved Agadir (very French influenced). We did not like Casablanca. It just felt unfriendly. We loved Grand Canaria. We loved Barcelona and Malaga.

you will be fine to board at 1400-1430 if boarding closes at1600.

The only hard rule of which I’m aware is the “must be checked in 2 hours prior to departure”

13 hours ago, amandaepperson21 said:

I broke my foot a couple of weeks ago. I've tried to find info to no avail. I have a knee scooter and walking boot. I will be using it. But in all honesty, getting anywhere on the scooter is exhausting and walking or standing for long is painful. 

 

What should I expect in regards to things like waiting at guest services once we board? Or waiting in line at dinner? What about the muster drill? Or the tender to Belize - are there accommodations for that? I can't bring my scooter on our excursion, but I'd much rather not stand waiting for a tender. 

 

My knee scooter folds down, so storage isn't an issue. I'm mostly concerned with the times passengers typically have to stand in long lines. Can anyone share experiences? I've been off my foot for the most part, but yesterday was sort of a test and I'm in pain for sure. I'm not trying to cheat, I just know that even with the knee scooter, waiting in lines is really hard. 

OP, are you cruising solo? If not, then waiting online should be done by your traveling companion. I often travelled with my father who had serious chronic back pain. I dealt with guest services or waited in line for dining. He sat until I reached the front of the line. 
 

As for traveling on / off the ship, a certain amount of mobility is required for tenders but ports can be walked off. However, standing around and waiting is inevitable. I’d invest in a cane / folding chair.

Also, you may just have to modify your expectations. The more time you spend upright the more painful your foot will be. Keeping it elevated as much as possible may mean more deck chair time and less excursion time. The muster is done remotely on a lot of ships now but if not, no one will care if you sit down during it.

Have you thought about renting a battery powered scooter? I see them on cruises all the time. You may not be able to take it everywhere but it may help.

Lastly, a healing broken bone is not considered a disability under the ADA so there is no requirement for you to receive the same assistance or courtesy as might be accorded to someone with a disability as defined by the ADA. 
 

“A broken leg that heals normally within a few months, for example, would not be a disability under the ADA. However, if a broken leg took significantly longer than the normal healing period, and during this period the individual could not walk, he or she would be considered to have a disability.”

8 hours ago, tbmrt said:

I remember having a light sweater and being really cold when the ship was sailing in November and December....Very windy. 

 

Wondering if it will be the same way in June?  

Miami can be extremely hot in June. However, a cruise ship at sea is both windy and cooler than land, especially in the evenings. Dress for summer but have something to layer with … jacket, sweater. Light slacks are often better than shorts in the evening. Also, keep in mind the air conditioning on cruise ships is too cold, in my opinion so dress accordingly.

6 hours ago, jocap said:

Sailing out to and  back from the Caribbean, which is not my scene at all ,we visit and love both Madeira and The Azores, and would be happy to visit either on holiday. 

Also Iceland, although I can understand that it's not everyone's dream island.

Jocap 

My in-laws are Azorean and they own a house on one of the islands. We haven’t been back since Covid as in-laws are dealing with serious health issues. I’m longing to get back. I love the island, the people, the pace … everything.

If the MDR was as busy as the buffet during peak times I might not have a preference. But being served hot, fresh food on a linen tablecloth while I sip on a mimosa or a coffee and gaze out the window. Heaven.

I like the buffet for snacking. Some fresh fruit, cheeses, breads or a late night slice of pizza or dessert. But I try to do this during off peak times.

3 minutes ago, Brighton Line said:

It does not, you are in Buttermilk Channel with Governor's Island between you and Ellis Island if you were to draw a straight line between midship and Ellis. Still great views of Manhattan, just don't get any closer. I'll find some pictures from my Princess Cruises.

Thanks for confirming, I thought not. I’ve sailed out of the Manhattan pier twice on NCL. It is, without a doubt my favourite “sail out” port. Embark in Manhattan after a night on the town. Gliding onto the Hudson, past Lady Liberty under the narrows bridge. It was a January cruise so by the time we got to the narrows it was dark and the bridge and Manhattan were all lit up. 

Funchal, Madeira.

My SO is Portuguese so no language issues. We hired a local to escort us around the island and we got more of a “locals” tour than run of the mill tourist fare. Cost €140 plus tip for 5 hours. (This was in 2010).

The island itself is stunning in its beauty. Just a glorious. Churchill used to go there to decompress and paint. I can understand why. And Ronaldo is from there.

Our driver knew everyone and the folks at the local bars, restaurants, shops we stopped in were so gracious. My SO’s fluency in the language, despite her being born in Canada, garnered her a lot of respect. I would love to go back for a week.

8 minutes ago, DarrenM said:

My favourite post ever on here.😁

 

Passenger led religious services sounds very much like jumping overboard potential.

Oh, thank you. And no proselytizing at the dinner table. If you have to say a grace, make it short and don’t ask me to join you. No politics at the dinner table. No bragging about your job, finances, kids, house etc. Be self aware enough to know when you’re boring.

Hmm … this might explain why I generally prefer to eat alone. 

4 hours ago, ddlb said:

I think the further you book in advance the better your chances are for getting solo pricing too. For example, I was able to book an Aurea premium, wraparound balcony as a solo. I still can’t figure out why they allowed that but I got the solo price plus 30% off because I had a myVEGAS coupon. On Seaside!

Yes, ddlb , advance bookings help. Also, because I’m now retired I neither care when or where I go (within reason) nor what ship or cruise line I take. So I search MSC, NCL, Carnival, Celebrity for 5-8 day cruises from lots of home ports. (Tampa, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Boston, Baltimore, NYC). I do avoid northern ports earlier in the year. I would even look at Med cruises except my SO has a strict “no solo to Europe” policy. Also a strict “no solo to very cool or bucket list” destinations.
 

I always find a good deal to somewhere at a good solo rate.

12 hours ago, Lois R said:

I must have missed that "don't hog a seat at the bar" thing.........WOW, seriously? I sail solo and that is my preference and  too bad if it so bothersome to some. It is an easy way for me to chat with folks and meet the bar staff as well. Why have seats? Because some of us like to sit in them. I didn't realize sitting at the bar was such a negative for some people........I guess that is why some of the lounges have tables and chairs😀....something for everyone!!!

 

I enjoy sitting at the bar, especially when solo for the reasons you mention. But I do make a conscious effort to be aware of my surroundings and scootch over a bit when people are trying to get served. I assumed the previous poster was referring to the gangs who cluster around the bar after being served and create logjam for others. I also assumed he was being a little tongue n cheek.

As has been alluded to elsewhere it’s not always all about alcohol. I do not like drip coffee so in the mornings I have 2 cafe espresso Americano’s. sometimes a latte if the spirit moves. ($4-&6 each) A mimosa with breakfast.  ($6-$8) At least 4 club sodas ($2-$3) and 1-2 bottles of water daily. ($3-$4 each).  So I can be $25 or $30 in before my first real drink. (I don’t count the bubbly in my mimosa. It’s for digestive purposes 😉)

Throw in 2-3 beers, a glass or two of wine with dinner and maybe a liqueur in the evening and I feel I’m getting value. NOTE: I spend most port days on board with the exception of a walk around the port, so I don’t get behind on port days. Unless it’s a new port, I’ve been to them already and other than some souvenir shopping they have no appeal.

I cruise solo regularly. Last year on NCL. This year MSC. What I paid for an ocean view including booze and wifi was very reasonable. But … the # of cabins released to solo cruisers is limited depending, I assume, on demand.

on my cruise now you can no longer book as solo and my type of cabin is more expensive pp than I paid for solo.

One needs to do one’s homework, regardless of cruise line.

15 hours ago, KennyFla said:

Does anyone have a list of excursions at Ocean Cay.  Our cruise is too far out for them to be listed, and searching this forum didn't help much.  Looking especially for a scuba dive.

I don’t scuba, but Cozumel seems highly regarded for that. You may even find some independent operators and save some money.

There is usually a solo traveller meet and greet early on. 
 

also, CC has a dedicated thread for solo travellers that you can access on the Forum main page. Lots of interesting stuff there.

On 2/23/2018 at 12:06 PM, mom2specialboyz said:

We went on the Keeping the Blues Alive II Cruise last year and we’re leaving on Monday, Feb. 26 for IV. Last year was packed with music, and a lot were new bands I’ve never heard of. All the venues were so full it was standing room only and you had to get there 45 min. early to get a seat. It was fun though.

I was on KTBA 2 years ago. It was fabulous. I’ve done 2 Cayamo’s as well. Also fabulous. The music jams on deck were amazing … Joe Bonnamassa and Tommy Emanuel rocking out … unreal.  A gift in your room everyday. Buddy Guy performing live on the pool deck.

I’ll absolutely do another one in a year or two. I handle my own airport transfer because I don’t trust anyone else to get me to the airport. I’m sorry for those who had to wait for bus’s. 

Lyle Lovett and The Maverick’s headlining the next Cayamo. KT Tunstall as well. I’m sorry to miss it but my bucket list doth runneth over.

Same. I investigated and found out the pre-bought stuff (booze and wifi) do not show as purchased on the website extras. They do show on your cruise docs.
 

Dont worry. Just worry about what your sailaway drink will be and who you’re going to send your sailaway pic to with the free wifi!