First cruise... so many questions, help me decide!!

[GWAE]

Just a little info on Jose Cuervo exc. It's similar to a "wine tasting" activity. We learned there's a lot more to tequila than just doing shots to get buzzed (i.e. tequila types, aging, history etc), had a meal afterward and enjoyed a presentation of Mexican history. You also get a "ticket" for a free margarita at Margaritaville in town.

 

I would assume it is similar to other alcohol tours that we have done. Our favorite has been the Budweiser tour in St. Louis. We did the paid tour which only had 10 people in it opposed to the free tour which had 50 people in it. It was also like a tasting tour except since it was the paid version they allowed as many tastes as you wanted.

[Daghis]

I see that you are in Mcmurray. Was your offer from the Rivers?

Yes, it was.

 

It was strange. They gave me a free cruise offer in January, which was fine. We booked a cruise on Breakaway, but ended up deciding to cancel it. Then, the Rivers Casino gave us another cruise offer in May or June, I forget which month it was at that point.

 

I was quite surprised to get two cruise offers from them in one year, but considering that we are able to use this second one better with our schedule, I'm quite happy about it.

Edited July 13, 2014 by Daghis

[GWAE]

Yes, it was.

 

It was strange. They gave me a free cruise offer in January, which was fine. We booked a cruise on Breakaway, but ended up deciding to cancel it. Then, the Rivers Casino gave us another cruise offer in May or June, I forget which month it was at that point.

 

I was quite surprised to get two cruise offers from them in one year, but considering that we are able to use this second one better with our schedule, I'm quite happy about it.

 

 

I was 1400 points away from getting upgraded to preferred card with a week left. I had a free evening and went down to play off my free play. Within 15 minutes I hit a Royal for 1k. I figured I might as well just play some more to get the upgrade. I stopped playing as soon as I got enough for the upgrade. I went to get the card and he gave me the voucher for the cruise. I had thought only the signature got the cruise which is how it used to be. At some point they changed it to the preferred as well but I didn't know. So for that last 1 trip I made $980 and got a free cruise.

[Sauer-kraut]

I am going to book this cruise very soon but I had another question before I do so. I think that I read on here before that when booking a casino trip you can still get the promotions that are running. Is that true? The one e that we are going to book has a current promo of a free stateroom upgrade and obc. If we can actually get those, what is a stateroom upgrade. We are comped an ocean view room currently, would an upgrade just be a better ocean view room?

 

You should post this as a new thread, more people will see it

[GWAE]

I just booked my room for the night before the cruise. I can not believe how expensive rooms are near the french quarter on a Saturday night. I feel that I got a great rate through hotwire. I booked the Country Inn and Suites for $134. Now I just need to figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel. A cap ride will be nearly $40

[brookie848]

If you are cruising out of NOLA, consider the Drury Hotel on Poydras Street. My husband and I stayed there a few years ago and loved it (we weren't there for a cruise -- just vacation). We got a suite for less than a room in other hotels. The location is good -- easy walk during the day (night you might want to cab/streetcar) to the French Quarter and it is right on the streetcar line.

 

Our favorite thing about the hotel is the impressive breakfast and the evening snacks/drinks. I believe you get three drinks (beer/wine/select mixed) every evening and they have a buffet set up. The buffet can easily tide you over until dinner. We were there for three or four nights, and we saw wings, baked potatoes, salad, chicken fingers, nachos, etc. on the buffet. This was all free. The breakfast was also quite impressive -- definitely way above an average hotel breakfast.

 

Besides the nightlife, the WWII Museum, Audobon Aquarium, Insectarium, shopping, the riverfront and Harrah's were all within walking distance of the hotel and we spent time at each.

 

Enjoy the planning part of your cruise!

[ClarkBHM]

I didn't know that Rivers Casino was giving away free cruises. Granted, I've only stepped foot in that place once... :D

[brookie848]

I just booked my room for the night before the cruise. I can not believe how expensive rooms are near the french quarter on a Saturday night. I feel that I got a great rate through hotwire. I booked the Country Inn and Suites for $134. Now I just need to figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel. A cap ride will be nearly $40

 

 

When we went several years ago, my husband didn't want to deal with cabs, so we booked a limo service. It was a bit more expensive that a cab, but so much nicer. Let me know if you want me to dig through my emails to see if I can find the company. They met us at baggage claim and had water in the vehicle for us.

[GWAE]

Do we take cash with us? I know everything on the ship is charged to your account so no need for cash there, right? I guess maybe the casino would require cash. What about on the islands. Can I use a credit card or should I have ample cash to do everything that we want to do. Will USD be ok on the islands if cash is needed or do I have to get it exchanged based on country? I am leary about taking a lot of cash because I would probably keep it in the room and I just don't trust room safes.

[untailored bostonian]

It is hard to tell because the cruise isn't until March so it is a little to far out to check Airfare. If I go based on todays prices it would be about $100 cheaper to go out of Tampa and the Sun.

 

Don't forget the luggage fees! Check SouthWest, bags fly free and they have lower prices.

[untailored bostonian]

Do we take cash with us? I know everything on the ship is charged to your account so no need for cash there, right? I guess maybe the casino would require cash. What about on the islands. Can I use a credit card or should I have ample cash to do everything that we want to do. Will USD be ok on the islands if cash is needed or do I have to get it exchanged based on country? I am leary about taking a lot of cash because I would probably keep it in the room and I just don't trust room safes.

 

I do not take a lot of cash. Most of the cash I take on board is $1 bills for tips for room service. On the ship you will not need cash.

 

You can get USD and local currency on the ship. Traveler's checks and a credit card are all I have sailed with. Some shore side stores, venders etc. may only do cash but most will do credit cards. Taxis will be cash, and you will need some cash state side, but that's just normal amounts.

[untailored bostonian]

I just booked my room for the night before the cruise. I can not believe how expensive rooms are near the french quarter on a Saturday night. I feel that I got a great rate through hotwire. I booked the Country Inn and Suites for $134. Now I just need to figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel. A cap ride will be nearly $40

 

We are taking the Dawn from Boston to NOLA and then staying 2 nights. Getting from the hotel to the airport is a problem we have yet to resolve.

 

Since we are going to be in NOLA for 2 days we have looked at public transit pass, "Jazzy-Pass",and we found this page.

http://norta.com/Getting-Around/Getting-to-the-Airport.aspx

 

We are most likely taking a cab since we leave on a Sunday. [the bus route is different on weekends]

Edited July 31, 2014 by untailored bostonian

[untailored bostonian]

We wouldn't do that. You never know what kind of glitch can happen with flights-----delays or cancellations, which can cause you to arrive to late for boarding.

 

For peace of mind, fly in the day before. The price of a hotel room is cheaper than plane fare to the next port.

 

Amen!

[untailored bostonian]

You are flying in from PIT in March I would fly the night before. You never know what the weather will bring. [...]

 

I would also watch the Weather Channel and if the weather is going to get "iffy" I might start looking to see if I could adjust my flight out. Some airports and some weather can play havoc for days.

[GWAE]

Don't forget the luggage fees! Check SouthWest, bags fly free and they have lower prices.

 

Before we make any decision I want to see SouthWest prices. Right now they are only booking up to Jan. Just picking random dates and comparing it seems much cheaper through SouthWest.

 

However, I am also thinking about getting one of the carriers credit cards for points bonuses and getting at least 1 free air fare.

[GWAE]

I do not take a lot of cash. Most of the cash I take on board is $1 bills for tips for room service. On the ship you will not need cash.

 

You can get USD and local currency on the ship. Traveler's checks and a credit card are all I have sailed with. Some shore side stores, venders etc. may only do cash but most will do credit cards. Taxis will be cash, and you will need some cash state side, but that's just normal amounts.

 

so if I take 200-300 in small bills I should be more than OK. If need be, is there a way to get money on the ship via ATM or check cashing?

[brookie848]

Before we make any decision I want to see SouthWest prices. Right now they are only booking up to Jan. Just picking random dates and comparing it seems much cheaper through SouthWest.

 

However, I am also thinking about getting one of the carriers credit cards for points bonuses and getting at least 1 free air fare.

 

 

Not sure when your cruise is, but Southwest opens up the schedule tomorrow (8/1) through 2/28 or 3/1/15. Our cruise is on 3/1, so we plan on buying our ticket to FLL tomorrow or this weekend and then buying the return ticket in October or whenever they open up the rest of the schedule.

 

There are no direct SWA flights from PIT to New Orleans. You will most likely layover in Baltimore and there are worse places to layover. :) The free luggage makes it worth it. That's why we fly into FLL for a cruise out of Miami.

[Quincella]

so if I take 200-300 in small bills I should be more than OK. If need be, is there a way to get money on the ship via ATM or check cashing?

 

Well, that depends.

 

You'll want cash for:

 

1. Tips for cab drivers and porters in N.O.

2. Fare and tips for cab drivers in your ports of call if you do excursions on your own

3. Tips for tour guides/excursion leaders AND for drivers in your ports, whether you book through NCL or on your own

4. Cash for excursions if you do them on your

5. I usually take a small amount for cash for souvenirs for the kids/dog sitter/whatever. If you're getting something more expensive, they'll usually take a card, but since I don't buy expensive things in port I've found you can do better and get better prices with cash.

6. Tips for room service delivery, in case you get it

 

So, you'll have a better idea of what you need once you figure out what you'll be doing. I usually take about $1,000 cash or so, but that typically includes money for paying the balances of whatever excursions I'm doing (I never book through the cruise ship), too. I also almost always have some left over.

 

Oh, and yes, you can get money on the ship if you have to. They do have an ATM that charges an arm and a leg, but you can also get cash from the casino by charging an amount to your onboard credit card account. I believe they charge for that, but I'm no expert on how much. 3%, maybe? Hopefully someone else will ring in with the right answer there.

Edited July 31, 2014 by Quincella

[GWAE]

Well, that depends.

 

You'll want cash for:

 

1. Tips for cab drivers and porters in N.O.

2. Fare and tips for cab drivers in your ports of call if you do excursions on your own

3. Tips for tour guides/excursion leaders AND for drivers in your ports, whether you book through NCL or on your own

4. Cash for excursions if you do them on your

5. I usually take a small amount for cash for souvenirs for the kids/dog sitter/whatever. If you're getting something more expensive, they'll usually take a card, but since I don't buy expensive things in port I've found you can do better and get better prices with cash.

6. Tips for room service delivery, in case you get it

 

So, you'll have a better idea of what you need once you figure out what you'll be doing. I usually take about $1,000 cash or so, but that typically includes money for paying the balances of whatever excursions I'm doing (I never book through the cruise ship), too. I also almost always have some left over.

 

Oh, and yes, you can get money on the ship if you have to. They do have an ATM that charges an arm and a leg, but you can also get cash from the casino by charging an amount to your onboard credit card account. I believe they charge for that, but I'm no expert on how much. 3%, maybe? Hopefully someone else will ring in with the right answer there.

 

thank you for your reply. I know it is a tough question to answer because there are so many variables. I am not worried about money in NO, just mainly on the ship and islands. I guess I could take a larger amount of money and just keep it in the safe (there is a safe, right?). I just always worry about having cash in the safe since I have heard stories where those get picked and your cash is gone. I know that is being overly cautious since you could have your credit card hacked and then you are screwed that way to.

Edited July 31, 2014 by GWAE

[Quincella]

thank you for your reply. I know it is a tough question to answer because there are so many variables. I am not worried about money in NO, just mainly on the ship and islands. I guess I could take a larger amount of money and just keep it in the safe (there is a safe, right?). I just always worry about having cash in the safe since I have heard stories where those get picked and your cash is gone. I know that is being overly cautious since you could have your credit card hacked and then you are screwed that way to.

 

Yep, there's a safe. I'm sure someone, somewhere has had something stolen from a ship's safe. I can tell you that I've never had anything touched, and now everyone knows how much cash I carry.

 

Honestly, I figure no matter how much I carry someone always has more. I think if there's going to be a crime, it will be one of opportunity. I take reasonable care with my things (locked in the safe, in an envelope or something...not just sitting out) and have always felt perfectly comfortable, and had no incidents.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[untailored bostonian]

so if I take 200-300 in small bills I should be more than OK. If need be, is there a way to get money on the ship via ATM or check cashing?

 

The ATM will have a fee of some sort. I have not cruised for 2+ years so someone else may be able to tell you how much. I do not recall a fee when I exchanged a travel check at the Pursers desk.

 

Another message provided good examples of why you need cash even after you off the ship.

 

FWIW, room service is one of the great 'perks' of a cruise. Hamburgers, fries, and soda to your door, how good is that?

Edited July 31, 2014 by untailored bostonian

[GWAE]

The ATM will have a fee of some sort. I have not cruised for 2+ years so someone else may be able to tell you how much. I do not recall a fee when I exchanged a travel check at the Pursers desk.

 

Another message provided good examples of why you need cash even after you off the ship.

 

FWIW, room service is one of the great 'perks' of a cruise. Hamburgers, fries, and soda to your door, how good is that?

 

I see room service mentioned all of the time. Is it free as well (other than a tip)?

[untailored bostonian]

I see room service mentioned all of the time. Is it free as well (other than a tip)?

 

FREE!:D A small tip to the person bringing the treat is expected. You can get Bar service too, but not free.:( They do charge about $6 for a 16" pizza. If you had kids, a snack without leaving the cabin is nice.

 

BTW, you can get a breakfast in bed too. {then up to the buffet for second breakfast. Its a Hobit thing.}

Edited July 31, 2014 by untailored bostonian

[RIvacationgirl]

I just wanted you to consider your flight after the cruise.

When we left from Tampa on the Dawn during February, the cruise was delayed returning to the Tampa port due to fog. We were supposed to arrive at 8 am and ended up getting to Tampa around 3:30-4pm.

 

There were a lot of unhappy people on the ship on our "extra day" of sailing. You saw people on their phone trying to reschedule flights and transportation. We had our departing flight booked for the following day, and enjoyed every extra minute on the ship. :D

 

I heard many people say they would never book a flight on the same day as returning to port again!

 

We love the Dawn, have sailed her twice. Enjoy your trip!

[GWAE]

I just wanted you to consider your flight after the cruise.

When we left from Tampa on the Dawn during February, the cruise was delayed returning to the Tampa port due to fog. We were supposed to arrive at 8 am and ended up getting to Tampa around 3:30-4pm.

 

There were a lot of unhappy people on the ship on our "extra day" of sailing. You saw people on their phone trying to reschedule flights and transportation. We had our departing flight booked for the following day, and enjoyed every extra minute on the ship. :D

 

I heard many people say they would never book a flight on the same day as returning to port again!

 

We love the Dawn, have sailed her twice. Enjoy your trip!

 

thank you for the thought. I wish we could spend the extra day but I will have to get back to work on Monday morning. We plan on getting a late flight though so hopefully it won't be delayed that much.