Cruzin with BQ & CQ

If it's an option, you may want to consider deck seven which is what we choose. Deck eight can be noisy with the pool deck above, even early in the morning when the crew is shuffling the deck chairs and what not.

Thanks KK for your response. We are very much looking forward to this cruise!

Thanks for letting me know.

After many years of wanting and waiting, my DW and I will be going from San Diego back to Fort Lauderdale in December of this year. We will be stopping in the following ports along the way:

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Corinto, Nicaragua

Puerto Caldera (Puntarenas), Costa Rica

Cartagena, Colombia

We have a couple of things we thought you may be able to help us out with. First is what you may think are the more worthwhile excursions for these ports. I know that's a bit of a subjective request, but I'm guessing there are some that are "don't miss". I have visited the ports board and that was helpful, but I'm hoping some of you may have some favorites.

We have about $1000 in OBC so I'm wanting to book excursions on board, but also don't want to miss out. I know that's tricky, but does anyone know from their experience if specific excursions sell out before boarding for which I may want to book before departure? Again, I know I'm pushing the envelope a bit here, but any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help

Aft pool along the rail!

Because I'm sailing on the Eurodam! Yeah! I'll have a drink and wave!:D

2017 will be a watershed for passport renewals because in 2007 the State Department issued new rules regarding travel to Canada and Mexico. A passport was required and the renewals will come up next year creating a logjam of requests.

Thanks Jim. We are headed out in two weeks so I'm thinking what we may be able to find. I mentioned the Carnival ports since they may have availability which has not been there in the past.

This is not a smoking thread. I never smoke on my balcony and I applaud the change in the HAL policy. That being said, does anyone know, given the change in the policy regarding US citizens purchasing Cuban cigars while traveling, are they available on board now? Can they be purchased in ports like Turks and Caicos or Amber Cove? Given the relaxation of regulations I'm wondering about availability.

I think they may be doing the suite refurbishment during this particular one as well. There was a previous post about the dry dock.

I think it is October 2017

Smooth seas and a great cruise!

No problem whatsoever. Submitted the documentation, paid out in full to our complete satisfaction within three weeks or so. As I recall the claim was actually handled and approved by a third party adjuster contracted by Visa.

Was a cruise that you cancelled or something else? Thanks

Like many of you, I have a credit card which provide trip cancellation protection. What I'm wondering about is what your experience was if you needed to file a claim. Did it take a long time? Was it fairly painless. Obviously, it needs to be within the parameters set forth by the card, but trying to understand the process should I need to use the benefit for myself. Thanks.

Yes I think you need to login, but I also think you need to have an existing cruise reservation.

We recently booked a 14 day Canal cruise with the Explore 4. It cost us an additional $600 p.p. For the $1200 we received the SBP, a $350 OBC, free gratuities worth $375, a Pinnacle Grill dinner worth $70 and an increase of our OBC from our TA from $500 to $610. We also received a $200 internet credit. Between the gratuities and the additional OBC, that was $825 all by itself. We felt that made SBP very reasonable for a 14 day cruise. Again, everyone's situation may be different.

I was able to add the OBC about two weeks ago to our 14 day Panama Canal Cruise. Called the TA and they took care of it. Did not lose Explore 4 and there was no change in price. I'd say give it a try!

The one and only time we got an upgrade offer to a pinnacle suite was when we booked directly with HAL. For the last number of years we have used a TA. Does anyone know/think that upgrades are prioritized by who books directly with HAL? It may make sense as there are no commissions paid on the direct bookings. What has been your experience? Thank!

Once again my good friends on CC helped me out. Just modified our Panama Canal cruise and received a $350 OBC in addition to Explore 4.:D Thank you all so much for your help!

After wishing for many years, we will be taking a canal cruise from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale in December of 2017. Does anyone know if vaccinations are required? I'm a veteran, so I've had most of them, but I'm thinking about my DW. Required or not, We will most likely get a yellow fever vaccination, but not sure about the rest. Would ship services know? Thanks for your help!

Many of the free wifi hotspots are not secure. Depending on what you are doing, please be careful. Sometimes paying a few bucks will get you a secure network, but up to you based on your needs.

Thanks for your help!

I was eating ice cream. It came out "sweet" not suite. Opps!

Has anyone had 6117 a signature sweet? It has that odd balcony configuration. Any comments good, bad or indifferent? Thanks for the help!

Lots of close hotels....the Marriott is the one we used for a January cruise, and it was perfect. While technically within walking distance to the pier, it's only about a 5$ cab ride, and it's right across the street from the amazing barbecue place made famous in Top Gun. Another option is to get to the pier early, check your bags, and then go visit the aircraft carrier, about a block from the pier. Great presentation of the ship and aircraft. Take a leisurely tour and then head back to complete the boarding after the hoards have gone through.

That's good to hear the Marriott was our first choice for hotel. How far is the Marriott from the airport? Thanks again.