This might sound silly,

[Puppies x 2]

I'm a first time cruiser from Florida to Monte Carlo on RSSC this April.I am very nervous about a couple of things! Hoping someone can answer my questions please? How rough does the ocean get? I've been told to take seasick meds and you will be okay! IS IT THAT BAD? We would also like to forget the standard shore excursions and maybe just get off in the various ports on our own and walk about. How safe will we be embarking on our own? Another question is "how much extra is room service" during regular dining hours? Can I bring alcohol in my luggage to be consumed in my suite? If so, how much? We are on a fixed income and this is probably my only cruise unfortunatly,so we blew the budget on the ship, airfare and appropriate apparel. Any helpful info extremely needed. :eek: :confused:

[LEESRE]

No one can tell how the Ocean will be when you go, we have done many transatlantics and we have had calm seas most of the time. I am sure you will be OK.

Regards room service this is all included in the price and you can dine from the Compass rose menu in your suite.

As for alcohol you get two bottles of spirits when you board for you in suite bar set up also a bottle of champagne (chilled) awaits you when you board. You will have water and mixers replaced as you use them, again foc. In our fridge we also had a couple bottle of beers, these were not replaced once consumed.

Also we have done many excursions on our own you do not say what ports you will be going to so if you would post again I will let you know if we have travelled to these ports.

Regards your comments how much alcohol can we bring, the answer is as much as you can carry if that is what you wnat.

Have a good trip I am sure you will, we have just been on Voyager and had a very good time.

[AtA]

get yourself some seabands in your pharmacy. Also the ship does have meds available if you find yourself feeling a bit off. On our last cruise these were available at the reception desk.

 

Also I was told by one of the crew that those who have good balance are more likely to feel the effects then those who don't. I've never been seasick, but then again, I will trip over nothing.

 

You can order room service 24 hrs/day and it doesn't cost extra. Wines are included with dinner, and as noted already you get 2 bottles of liquor in your room + a bottle of chilled champagne and beer in the fridge.

 

which ship are you on and where is your cabin on the ship?

[Puppies x 2]

Many thanks LEESRE, your info is greatly appreciated. Funchal, Casablanca, Barcelona {I've been warned about pick-pockets here}, Sete, Palma and Malaga and the Grand Finale.........Monte Carlo. Unfortunatly,we leave for home from here with about 2 hrs.extra...I think the airport will have to do here as my scenic tour in Monte Carlo...Many thanks again.:)

[Puppies x 2]

Thanks, we're on the voyager on the 9 th deck

[Dolebludger]

Puppies x 2:

 

What is your suite number? Not that I'm going to come aboard and bother you, you understand. But the Voyager ride, about which you inquire, varies depending on what part of the ship you are on. If I know the cabin number, I could tell you more of what to expect as to the "ride of the ship.

 

Thanks,

Richard

[Puppies x 2]

I think its safe to say about the middle of the ship.

[Leejnd4]

Puppies,

 

I was on Voyager 9th deck, suite 911 (I guess I won't ever forget THAT suite number, huh?). We didn't do the Transatlantic leg of the cruise, but we did do Funchal to Rome, stopping in some of the ports you mentioned. I'll see what I can do to help out.

 

We did hit some rough seas for a couple of days, before we passed through the straight of Gibraltar. I do tend to get seasick, at least on smaller vessels (used to own a sailboat, and I always had to take something). But I never once felt queasy on the Voyager, even through one night of real rockin' & rollin'. In fact, I kinda liked it! I felt like I was being rocked to sleep. Of course, I have no idea how anyone else will react to the motion -- I would see your physician in advance, and have medications with you just in case.

 

The worst part for me about the rough sea was one day when we were at sea and I was going for a run up on the jogging track on deck 12. The ship was rocking so much that I ended up slamming my foot down too hard when the ship came up to meet it mid-stride. I ended up herniating a disk, thereby ending my marathon-running days! And I'm not kidding -- I've run 4 marathons and was training for my fifth at the time, and now I can't do it anymore, so I was pretty bummed about that. The only saving grace was that I had sort of a delayed reaction to the herniation -- while my back bothered me some for the rest of the trip, it wasn't that bad until after we returned, so my cruise wasn't ruined.

 

But enough of the digression -- on to what you were asking about!

 

You've gotten your answers about alcohol -- unlike the mass market lines, Radisson doesn't care how much booze you bring on board! But I suspect few do, only because there are so many opportunities to drink for free already, what with the in-suite liquor, as well as the included drinks at dinner. Note that it's not just wine at dinner -- you can have virtually any alcoholic beverage you request. We would often start out with a martini, have wine with the meal, and finish with a nice glass of port.

 

As for the ports, here's my suggestions. Madiera is just a spectacular island -- and Joanne on this board I believe lives there, so she can give you lots of information about it. I would head over to the Europe board and do a search on Madiera and Funchal, and read up on it. Yes you can have a great time there just disembarking on your own and exploring the town itself -- it's a lively and fun little seaside town, with much to see. The pier isn't too far away from the center. However, I would hate to miss out on the beauty of the rest of the island. Of course, we had the advantage of starting our cruise there, so we stayed a few days on the island pre-cruise. If you want to learn more about it, here's a couple websites that can help you...and you can also find links to some reasonably-priced tours:

 

http://www.madeira-island.com

http://www.madeira-web.com

 

Casablanca...well, I wouldn't get off the ship and wander around myself. We did a tour to Rabat, which was an all-day tour including lunch, and we loved it! Honestly, I would recommend sticking with the ship tours here. The pier isn't in the nicest area, and the city of Casablanca just isn't anything special, in my opinion. The ship does offer several excursions that are not very expensive, and I would strongly suggest you take one.

 

Barcelona -- another one of my favorite ports! This is definitely a place you can disembark and enjoy just wandering around the city on your own. There are hop-on-hop-off busses that you can take for very little money -- you buy one ticket, and can hop on and hop off all day long, visiting the sights you want to see. It's also wonderful just strolling along Las Ramblas, the pedestrian walkway. Also, do NOT miss Park Guell -- LOVED it, it's so whimsical -- or La Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspring unfinished cathedral with magnificent spires. Yes, pickpockets are plentiful, as they are in so many other European cities such as Rome, Athens etc. I'd suggest reading up on how to avoid them -- go to http://www.ricksteves.com, there's great info there. It's not a big deal if you practice some simple, general safety rules.

 

Malaga -- unfortunately I can't tell you much, because we did the all-day tour to Granada and the Alhambra...it wasn't cheap, somewhere around $90 or $100 each, but it was unbelievable! If you can swing that, do it.

 

Monte Carlo -- oh my, the pier is so close to the downtown and the casino, it would be a shame to not hop a taxi and spend a little time checking it out. It really is a beautiful city, drenched in money and showing it. It also would be a shame to not be able to tour the area -- there are a number of reasonably-priced private tour guides in the area that can show you around the Cote d'Azur. But at least try to get a cab into Monte Carlo itself, you'll be glad you did.

 

You've made a marvelous choice for your one and only cruise! The Voyager is just a beautiful ship, head and shoulders above any of the mass-market cruise lines you could have chosen, in innumerable ways. Also, this was an excellent choice given your budget limitations -- while you might pay less for those other cruises, you'd find that you'd be nickel-&-dimed to death, for everything from water to soft drinks to specialty restaurants to coffee...not to mention the huge pay-out in tips at the end. Radisson is almost all-inclusive (other than alcoholic beverages at times other than dinner), and dissuades tipping. So you know what you'll be spending in advance, and can stick to your budget.

 

You're going to have a marvelous time!

 

LeeAnne

[blackbird71]

I agree on Casablanca,, take a ship tour... Much safer.

[Puppies x 2]

Thanks, safety is always an issue,even at home. We will discuss Casablanca this weekend, but I think ship excursions for this port could be accomodated in the budget.We want to see all we can, but safety comes first. We will search the sights , after searching those sites..Thanks again

[Dolebludger]

Puppies x 2:

 

If your suite is in about the middle of the ship, expect a smooth ride!

 

Thanks,

Richard

[jhp]

puppiesx2, I think Leeanne has given you some great ideas here, and blackbird has dittoed her thoughts about Casablanca. I have never been there, but given what I have heard, will third this "motion" for ship tours here. Hope you have a great time on your cruise! Seas are normally not rough on your itinerary, and knowing you are mid-ships, I think you will be fine. I always bring along some Dramamine purchased from the drugstore just in case (as well as Seabands). Onboard, I sometimes go to reception to get meclazine just in case (because it tends not to make me as drowsy). But you should know that if you have a really bad attack of seasickness, the medical personnel aboard can inject you with something that brings almost immediate relief. Worry not, they have seen it all and are ready. But don't anticipate, as you will most likely be fine, this coming from a sea-sick prone cruiser!

[Puppies x 2]

We thank all for your input and advise, and have seabands and dramamine. I have tried both of these while fishing in the Gulf off Key West, and I agree, both are life savers when the waves reached 10 to 15 feet since our charter boat was only 27 ft. Others on board, did not understand how I managed until they agreed to try the dramamine to!... You have been so helpful to set my mind {and stomach } at ease. I am glad to have been told of this site, and all of you have lived up to the rumours of being very helpful and knowledgeable.......... I wish all a smooth cruise .:) .:)

[JoAnne B]

I've crossed on the Voyager twice, midship deck 8 and midship deck 10. Both were remarkably smooth.

 

I'm not sure what day you stop in Funchal. The downtown area is pretty well closed down on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday. If you'll be there on those days you definitely want to book a ship's tour. Or better yet, you can hire a taxi for the day quite reasonably. Perhaps others on the list who have done that can give you some references. Or go on the Madeira Island links and you'll find folks willing to help you. There is a wine shop downtown near the shuttle drop where you can sample (and buy) Madeira wine. Next door is a wine shop where I recommend you pick up a bottle of nice white port for before dinner apertifs for the rest of your cruise. Slightly chilled it's a real luxury that's hard to find here. You can also get a decent selection in the local groceries. Add a bottle of Aquadarte for after dinner and you are set!

 

In Malaga you can walk around or take a short island tour. Just be careful of pickpockets. If you see a Euro on the sidewalk, don't bend over to pick it up. It's a ruse to throw you off guard and you'll find your billfold or camera gone in no time. Same in Barcelona.

 

Barcelona is a great walking town. Be sure to go to the Market at the far end of Las Ramblas.

 

And yes, we have a house in Ponta do Sol, Madeira where we spend part of the year. I'll be a few days behind you (or is it ahead of you?) on the Navigator also going all the way to Monte Carlo. Hubby has taken a job in Innsbruck, Austria so I'll be heading there from the cruise to start setting up housekeeping. Have never been there (only Vienna), but we're looking forward to the experience.

 

You made a great choice for you cruise. You won't have any final bill surprises. Almost everything is included in your cruise fare. And you can enjoy a drink in your gorgeous cabin without having to sneak anything on board.

 

Have a great trip.

[Leejnd4]

I knew JoAnne would help out with Funchal and Madeira! :)

 

I concur about picking up some wine there and bringing back to the ship. We brought several bottles of Madeira wine, and sipped it most nights as we were getting ready for dinner. I recently finished my LAST bottle that I brought home with me, and I'm ready to go back! Too bad none of my next three cruises go there...:(

 

LeeAnne

[Terry&Elizabeth]

Lee and Jo Anne's..Wow! Your posts on this thread make lurking on CC worthwhile for us. Your upbeat enthusiasm and sound advice lend a great deal to the anticipation of "the next cruise". Priceless!

[Leejnd4]

Well garsh....thanks!

 

I recall JoAnne gave me a lot of help last year before our stay on Madeira...which I found to be one of the most magical places on earth. :)

 

LeeAnne

[Puppies x 2]

JoAnne and LeeAnne, you are both Angels ! You have helped us nervous Canadians feel so at home with you, your knowledge and help is a blessing. We will arrive in Funchal on Saturday but the RSSC web site claims to arrive and depart at 20:00, though I an sure it is a typo. I have seen the wicker sleds and cable car to Monte and it sounds like a hoot to me. I think it was on my wish list of things to do before 50. Have you or anyone else have any input on careening down the hill in these contraptions? I also think the one other attraction through the cruise ship to do might be the landrover expedition in Casablanca. Oh, so many choices, so little time. Any more help with these ????'s would be great. And a well earned thanks to all that have helped. I must go now and shovel the driveway once again. :eek:

Can't wait till April.......:) :) :)

[JoAnne B]

Haven't actually done the sledge ride, but we do go to Monte fairly often to enjoy the view. I wouldn't miss it if I were you! It's a fun ride! n You can also take the cable car up on your own, then do the sledge part way. I'm sure you can find a cab to take you the rest of the way down the mountain.

 

You will be there a week after the Navigator. It's unfortunate that both ships will be in port on Saturday when the shops close down early. It will feel really strange to only be there a few hours. Regardless of whatever else I do, I'll be sure to have lunch at Londres Restaurant near the wine shop. It's a simple place but the food is typical and definitely not tourist. Since the oceanfront restaurant closed in Rebeira Brava and left me without Pork Espetata, Londres is definitely my favorite for the pork and clams and hot bolo do caco (garlic bread).

 

I noticed on the RSSC website that no dress code is listed for the night in Casablanca. Do you think that means naked night? Whatever will we do without a fixed dress code? I won't know what to pack. Oh, no my stress level just went up. What do I do? :-)

[Puppies x 2]

Your descriptions are amazing. You have sold me on the sights of Monte.The cable car for sure,:) and possibly we might take the wicker sledge too! We'll make that decision later. And yes, lunch at Londres by the wine shop. I will have a toast to you while I savour my lunch of pork {hold the clams} and garlic bread. On my info....Casablanca is Casual.....so we must dress.........{casual} No Nudity...Just think though, If its naked night in Casablanca, thats one less outfit to jam in the suitcase. More room for other momentos.:)