Q's?: RCI, W.Carib., Pt. Canaveral, Mariner, HELP!!

[chrissybells]

First time cruise! Booking in the a.m. with agent. July 17-24 cruise to Labadee, Hispaniola; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and back to Port Canaveral, FL.

1. Excursions?? Are they worth it? If so, which ones? I've heard so many mixed feelings on this... it's hard to decide! TA boosted the X-Caret. Haven't heard many rave reviews on this from the boards, though. Also mentioned was: Xel-Ha. Any opinions on this?? We're trying to stay within our budget & if hubby had HIS say-so, we'd stay on the ship 24/7 cuz it's all inclusive!! If we WERE to spend a little extra on at least ONE excursion... what would you recommend is the BEST?

2. I'd like to do a little shopping & TA recommeneded Cozumel for the best rates & selection. Pretty much looking for a few souveniors, something affordable to bring home & maybe a little jewelry... if nothing else, simply browse. Any suggestions on where to go?

3. Leaving the ship & simply lounging on the beach is free, I assume. I'm eager to play in the ocean. I haven't been in nearly 8 years! If we decide to do a little shopping/touring, how much does it cost for a ride? Is anything in walking distance after leaving the boat?

4. Some suggest packing a small lunch (maybe a deli sandwich from the deli onboard, some chips & a bottled water) & enjoying lunch on the beach. Others say it's a big no-no. I figure we won't be able to eat out anywhere. With free food on the ship, hubby won't see the point. (I DO!) Packing lunch or no?

5. (& 6 & 7 & 8.. and so on.. haha!)

RCI from Port Canaveral: Can we bring on a bottle of wine or NOT? Dang, I've read 100 threads! I don't want to pay the corking fee & have wine with my meal. I prefer water when I eat. I'd like it to drink on the balcony or while getting ready.. maybe before bed. Can I bring it on? Should I 'smuggle it'? What about a bottle of vodka? Hubby & I will share this. I mix mine with tonic. He mixes his with o.j. Easy to smuggle?? (I've read & noted tons of tips.) Is the juice free? How much does the tonic cost? Will they get suspicous if I just order tonic? Smuggle it in original bottle bubble wrapped with all the works? OR (as others suggested), pour it into water bottles? Someone said that bringing water onboard is no longer an option, true? (Ok, I'm going a little nuts on this Q!)

6. I've read of pre-ordered liquor delivered to the room (some said a bottle of Absolute-not sure what size- delivered to room for $20.. I could handle that.) Someone else said you could get all the liquor you want with an additional $9.50. How much does a bottle of vodka run onboard before the $9.50?

7. Room: TA said our room is the interior room (my understanding the most simple, basic, cheapest room). She said she is getting us a 'free upgrade' for a room a deck higher. Is this a big thing or no? How is this type of room? She said it usually runs $200 more pp/per day...?

8. Someone recommended the 'express check-out'. Not really sure what this is, but she highly recommended you sign up for it as soon as you board. Explain..? Does it cost extra? What does it entail?

9. Same person said DO NOT check your bag with the cruise line. How do you avoid this? She said it took nearly 2 hours to recover their bags... is this typical?

10. What is the average cost of coctails onboard?

11. Should we bring our own beach towels?

12. Trip is 92 days away. Isn't it correct that if it is at least 90 days away, we simply have to pay a deposit now? Or does it all have to paid in full when I call to book this in the morning??

13. I figured the total for all-inclusive (air fare, transp. to & from, cruise w/ everything included except alcohol, etc.). I asked, "Is this the TOTAL we will pay?" (We are so weary of hidden charges!) She said, "This amount PLUS government taxes." Anyone have a guestimation on how much taxes are??

14. Lastly, can anyone recommend WHO to get insurance through?? Should (or can) I get this through my TA?

 

Any answers would be GREATLY appreciated! I have to contact the TA in the morning (early) in order to get the "special"... so I'd LOVE to have these questions answered (at least some of them) before I book.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

By the way, anyone else taking this same cruise the week of July 17-24?

 

AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH! TA is overly excited about everything.. I need some REAL opinions. PLEASE HELP!

 

:eek: Chrissy

[Nessa1dc]

My DH and I sailed on the Mariner (Western - 10/04). I can't answer all of your questions, but, I can try with some.

 

1. Some of the Excursions are definetly worth it, they can be pricey. We did the Dunn River Falls in Jamaica. It was nice. I thought it was a great experience to say that we did it; however, I won't be doing it again.

We did the Mayan Ruins in Conzumel. It cost almost $95 pp. To me it was a waste of money, I didn't enjoy it, but, to each his own.

 

2. I heard that Conzumel was the place to shop as well. My girlfriend attended the workshop on the ship which discussed shopping. She found it to be very valuable and found some good deals. I would definetly suggest going to the workshop, it will be on your compass as far as date and time.

 

3. I'm assuming that the beaches are free. We only went to the Beach in Lambadee and Ochos Rios. The beach in Jamaica was right beside Dunn's River Falls.

 

4. If you pay for a long excursion with RCCL, they normally provide a lunch for you. As far as packing your own, I'm not real sure what the rules are.

 

5 & 6. I don't know about the rules on wine and alcohol. Your TA will probaly know, you can also contact RCCL.

 

7. I've found that inside cabin upgrades are to just better locations for other inside cabins. I understand that inside cabins are fine. I have never tried them, but, I hear they are fine. You and your husband will be out and about. You should be fine.

 

8. I don't know anything about Express checkouts

 

9. I checked my luggage with cruiseline on my first cruise. I had no problem (you are talking about from the airport to the ship). Now I go a day earlier and bring my luggage to the port, where I check it with the ship then. No problems thus far.

 

10. Cocktails run about $4.50

 

11. Not positive, but, I'm sure you can bring a towel from the ship. You might want to check on that.

 

12. That may depend strictly on your travel agency. Ask your TA

 

13. Those government taxes, and port fees can get up there. I would say for both, expect about an increase of $250

 

14. I normally get it from my TA

 

I wish you a wonderful vacation. I hope this was somewhat helpful. Happy cruisin.

[GranysT]

Hi Chrissy,Congratulation's on taking your 1st cruise.I know you'll have a wonderful time. I'll try to answer as many of your questions as I can. You didn't say which ship you'll be on,but if its Voyager,Explorer,Navigator,Adventure,or Mariner,you may want to ask your TA how much more a Promenade View cabin would be from an inside. These are still considered an inside,but overlook the Royal Promenade and have a nice large picture window to see out of. You won't see outdoor's,but they are not as closed in feeling as a true inside cabin. Ok, Labadee is a private island.They will serve you a BBQ lunch,free.It is basically a nice beach day.Just lazing around and enjoying the beauty and the water. You don't have to spend a cent here if you don't wish to. They do have bar service,and they do charge for any mixed drinks if you order them. You pay for them with your sea pass. Grand Cayman is a beautiful place. 7 mile beach is gorgeous.There are many hotels along the beach,and if you enter thru one of the hotels,they do charge you an entrance fee. Can't remember how much,but it wasn't over $10. It is however,a very expensive area. It's best not to shop much in GC,but its nice to look tho.But,the shopping areas are very close to the ship.You won't need a taxi in GC at all. Ocho Rios,if you only do 1 tour on the cruise,this is the place to do it. Go to Dunn's River Falls.It's gorgeous and a must see. I can recommend Ionie McBeam for a tour. You can book online if you wish, at ionie@ocho-rios.com. will take you to other places besides the falls. We did this last April and her fee was $30 pp plus a tip. Well worth every penny. She will answer an questions you have,if you email her. Cozumel is the best place to shop for most everthing. Be sure and haggle prices,and don't be afraid to walk out and try the next place,if they're unwilling to lower the price. There are scads of shops in Cozumel. If you go downtown to shop,check out the stores on some of the side streets. They are usually less expensive. I say yes,pack a small collapsible cooler,and take a small lunch off with you. You won't need to do this for Labadee,but for the rest.I vote with your husband on not paying for food off of the ship. We never eat away from the ship,but we don't pack a lunch either. We eat a good breakfast,and are usually back on board by 3 or 4pm,and eat then. Of course we always do late seating for dinner(around 8 to 8:30).We've never taken wine on board with us,but many do. My husband does like bourbon and coke,and has always packed a pint in 1 of our suitcases. It's never been confiscated. He buys a plastic bottle,and wraps it in bubble wrap and then places it in 2 ziplock bags. This is mainly to protect it from the rough airline treapment of bags. OJ is free only at breakfast time anymore. I suggest taking along one of those cups with a lid,and filling it up at the Windjammer with your OJ,to take back to your cabin. I believe you can get vodka on board,for about $10 bottle.This is duty free price,and they will deliver it to your cabin on the last night. To take it back to your cabin any earlier you have to pay the additional $9.50 per bottle. You are correct,you're free upgrade just puts you 1 deck higher,nothing more. Same type of cabin.$200 pp/per day for 1 deck higher seems awfully high to me. However,RCL just recently raised all their rates considerably,so your TA may be right. It used to be that going up 1 deck cost about $200 pp total for the length of the cruise. Express check out,means you don't put your luggage outside your door on the last night of the cruise,but take it with you when you leave the ship. This means you won't have to search for it once you leave the ship.But, you do have to keep it with you at all times. Same for checking in. I always let the porters take my largest,heaviest,luggage at the pier. I always pack a few extra clothes and our bathing suits in a carry on,and keep it with me at all times. Both on planes and at the pier. That way,if the other luggage should get lost,we still have something to wear. You will not be able to go directly to your cabin when you board,unless you arrive after 1:00pm.So if you don't check your luggage at the pier,you will have to lug it with you wherever you go. Big Pain!! If you do check it,be sure to give the porter at least $1 per bag.Otherwise,you may not see it for quite awhile. No, you will not need to pack beach towels. The ship will give you towels each day. Be sure and hang on to them,and return them,or they will charge you $20 per towel. At only 90 days out,when you book they more than likely will charge you the full cost at the time of booking. Cocktails are around $5 to $6 dollars each,plus automatic 15% tip added. All you do is show your sea pass,and sign.You do this for almost everything once on board,but keep all your receipts,so you can keep track of what you are spending,as you will have to pay your total bill,at the end of the cruise. You do this either by credit card,or cash. As for insurance,its up to you if you purchase it or not.If you do purchase it,do it on your own,as its cheaper. Go to www.insuremytrip.com and you can compare prices. I've personally used Travelex,travelite insurance.It's reasonable and seems to have pretty good coverage. I have not had to make a claim with them tho,but they come recommended by fellow CC members. Well, I hope this helps you. If you have any more questions,you can email me directly at granyst1@aol.com. I know you're excited about your 1st cruise. Have fun.

[Karter]

Before I answer you questions I should tell you that I share many of your husband's characteristics. Why pay for something if it's already been paid for in the cruise price and the add-ons make me cringe. So many of my replies will be from the perspective of a cost conscious person.

 

My opinions of the four ports.

 

Cozumel - Best port you will be going to. If your husband is very cost conscious you can walk to the downtown area - it takes about an hour. Cabs will be $3.00 per person each way. One option we like is to rent a car and go to the back side of the island - very private then shop downtown and back to the ship. Rental for the day ~ $70.00 with insurance. The downtown area is a touristy area with lots of shops - by far the best shopping of the 4 stops.

 

Labadee, Hispaniola. It's a private beach area owned by RCI. You will tender in (take a life boat) to the beach area. Once there not a whole lot to do - set on the beach or shop in a area with local vendors (carvings, clothes, nick naks) There are jet skis but pricey.

 

Ocho Rios, Jamaica - Dump. Unless you take an excursion getting off the ship is somewhat risky. Lots of drug dealers, run down area, guards everywhere. One time we couldn't get off ship for about 2 hours because of a disturbance near the pier - about 30 -40 polices cars and national guard units. Duns river falls would be my recommendation if your into getting wet and climbing up the side of a mountain. There is shopping near the ship but I did it one time and never again.

 

George Town, Grand Cayman. Commercial area with lots of banks. You will tender in here also but on 75-100 passenger boats from the local area. You will be dropped off at one end of the downtown area. Easy to walk around but it's a lot like any US downtown area but with souvenir shops. There is a nice drug store and grocery store there if you need anything. The big attraction here is the stingrays.

 

1. Excursions - Most are overpriced in my opinion but if there is something you would really like to see or do it's worth it for a one time experience. For a first time cruiser I would recommend booking thru the ship even though the ships prices will be double what the same excursion would be if you booked it off ship. Yes I have booked ships excursions - hated paying the price but sometimes you just have to splurge so get the memories and stories. Your husband may be able to take some solice in being able to complain about the overpriced tour you talked him into.

 

2. Cozumel shopping. Cozumel has a very large downtown area the many jewerly stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, just about anything you would ever need. The shops are not just along the main street but also extend back away from the main street. Very safe area - you can go just about anywhere without problem. Never pay asking price - they love to haggle. For trinkets if you bargain long enough you should be get them for about a quarter of the original asking price.

 

3. Lounging on the beach in Labadee is free, the back side of Cozumel is free but the beaches like Paradise beach require you the but a minimum number of drinks or food to use their chairs. Seven mile beach in Grand Cayman is free but an ~ $8.00 per person cab ride.

 

4. Usually there are restrictions on taking food off the ship. But you can take water, soda, or a snack bar with no problems.

 

5. We always bring our own liquor and wine. Wine we just carry it on in our carry ons and never have had a problem - 4-5 bottles. Hard liquor we put in Mountain dew 16 oz plastic bottles. Yes I know not right but I'm cost conscious. We also pack 2 twelve packs of soda in our checked luggage. Makes room for souvenirs my wife buys for the kids. You will be putting your carry on luggage thru a metal detector when you check in.

 

6. Pretty much as you described - if you buy liquor on board it is held until the last night unless you pay a ~$10.00 ransom. If you buy liquor on land it will be confiscated and held until the last night of the cruise. They find it when your bags go thru the metal detector as you return to the ship. Of course a mountain dew bottle will not be a problem as you return to the ship.

 

7. Pretty much useless upgrade. The only real upgrades are to the next higher room type. Inside to outside, outside to balcony etc. The one exception is on Voyager class ships from inside to pomade.

 

8. Never used it too much luggage - I have a wife.

 

9. We used to carry on all of our luggage to have it immediately available and avoid the potential for lost luggage. Now we take two roll type suitcases that we take on and off the ship and one large suitcase that we check. Never had a problem with lost luggage. Sometimes late delivery though. 6-7 P.M.

 

10. Special of the day $3-$4 regular cocktails $4-6$.

 

11. The ship will supply beach towels but if you lose one there will be a ~$22.00 charge to your account. We bring our own.

 

12. A $250 per person deposit will be due on booking and the balance due 70 days prior to sailing. No cancellation fees prior to 70 days but after the final payment is made significant penalties are incurred.

 

13. There will be many opportunities to pay for additional items after the basic cruise is paid for. Tips ~ $10.00 per person per day, overpriced photos, ice cream, drinks, bingo, casino, excursions, specialty foods, Chops steakhouse Etc. Plan on a minimum of $200.00 additional after you pay the TA . When I traveled with my sister in-law and her husband their bill at the end of the cruise was $750.00.

 

14. Never used insurance – but I realized the risk and decided to be self insured. After 15 cruises I figured I have already saved the price of a cruse and my health insurance covers me out of the country.

 

Cruising is a very good vacation value but it is not all inclusive like they would want you to believe. The best advice I can give is go with the flow and realize it’s what you make it. The ship provides the means for a great vacation but does not guarantee it.

 

 

7.

 

6.