laurav

I play our vacation over and over in my head, trying to think of every little thing.

 

My newest question is this: what do you do with your valuables - i.e. seapass card (cruising RCI); a bit of cash; ID; credit card; phone, etc.... when you are enjoying some snorkeling or swimming? Should I keep it on my body at all times? Can anyone recommend a good waterproof pouch? do people leave those things hidden under a towel on their lounger? What do you do?

There are water "safes" that have a cord that you can put those valuables in and wear around your neck or wrist. They are water tight and work great! The are small, usually about 3 x 1 x 4 or 5 inches and don't take up any room.

just looking for opinions but do you find one cruise line works better on a budget

As a travel agent my first question would be "What is your budget?" because everyone has a different scale.

Last minute cruise sales don't really give that much and you will end up with something that you may not want, an interior stateroom with no windows over the casino or under the buffet area or all the way forward under the anchor rode or on a lower deck where you might experience engine or laundry noise.

Shore Excursions can add a great deal to the cost of your trip so it would be wise to do research to see where you would really want to spend that money ... many ports are very enjoyable on foot or with a city tour rather than an all day expensive excursion.

Beverages can add up, one way to save ... bring your own bottled water onboard or bring one large bottle and refill it at the buffet. Purchase the drink of the day and don't feel you have to give in to the pool service wait staff every time the come by. If you are thirsty you can get ice tea, lemonade and juice from the buffet area ... take a sipper, fill with ice and then the ice tea or whatever.

Another way to save is to forego the Alternative Dining options available on most ships and stick to the dining rooms that are included.

Forgo the casino or set a cash limit for yourself and stick to it. Your onboard entertainment is included and it is usually outstanding so enjoy it all.

Don't buy anything onboard until the last 2 nights when the prices are usually very low but think hard, do you really need to buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt or hat for everyone you know?

Limit your cell phone usage as you will pay a roaming fee and somewhere around $2.29 - $2.99 per minute while onboard. If you need to call from a foreign country you might want to purchase an international calling card before you leave home. If you need that computer time purchase a package rather than pay by the minute as this will save you money or wait until you are in port and find an internet café as they are usually less expensive.

And if you are really worried about going over your budget, talk with your travel agent to see if there are other ways to cut your expenses.

The advantages of using a travel agent are myriad starting with the fact that you will always have someone looking out for you. You shouldn't pay anything more to use a travel agent than you will by going direct ... the commission is paid by the cruise line NOT YOU.

Cruise Lines will not always tell you about the special that will save you money or offer you an amenity nor will they call and tell you if the pricing changes in your favor and advocate on your behalf. Additionally many times a travel agent will have something special through their agency that the cruise line won't have or doesn't offer.

As a travel agent I am always looking out for my clients, checking and rechecking prices to make sure that they have the best value for their money and as part of the country's largest reseller of cruises franchise group I can almost always meet or beat any online price, many times have great amenities that aren't offered by anyone else and will be there for you if you have an issue.

A computer is a great place to do research but a good travel agent is constantly taking continuing educational classes, has the most up to date information about pricing and itineraries and has most likely traveled far more than the "website" you are looking at or the reservation clerk you have talked with.

You have nothing to lose by working with a travel agent and much to gain by establishing a relationship with one.

I have cruised over 75 times and have never once experienced anything closely resembling a crime (well maybe a bad meal that bordered on criminal).

You are safer on a cruise ship that you probably are in your own community. Literally MILLIONS of people cruise all over the world every year and the statistics regarding reported crimes aboard ships show that they are truly few and far between. You also should be aware that if you were to go on a land vacation to Mexico, Europe, Canada or any other foreign country you would also be subject to the laws of that country.

I am sure you realize that the press does like to SENSATIONALIZE anything they can and that things do happen everywhere but if/when they happen on a cruise ship it is just that much more sensational.

As with anything you do in life you have to practice good judgment and care and don't put yourself in harms way. When you are on shore practice the same habits that you would anywhere in the states; be aware of your surroundings, don't flash jewelry and wads of cash, don't get drunk and disorderly and treat people with respect and kindness.

You will thoroughly enjoy your honeymoon on the Royal Princess and congratulations!