airlink diva

If this was the case, I don't feel for them at all. I can recall years ago where I had a tablemate brag how she hid in her cabin closet to avoid the muster drill.

Yes they are a pain in the butt, however it's a vital to know what and where to go in case the unthinkable happen.

On all my HAL sailings, the muster drill was done prior to sailing and a roll call of cabin number (and name if no answer by cabin number) at your lifeboat station.

The only time I can recall a muster drill done after sailing was on my 14 day cruise. We had a cruise within a cruise. On our Barbados stop, you had people boarding for the start of their 14 day cruise and with some not arriving until late in the evening, these people had muster drill in st. Lucia during time in port.

I also booked Gerry last year on my Cozumel stop. I was with a first time cruiser and wanted her to see the whole island and not just the very touristy port side.

She couldn't understand why I booked a driver and was not sure about doing a non ship tour (fear of missing the boat).

Gerry was so nice! We got a tour of the island and during our stop at the ruins, Gerry was right there to make sure they my friend got some great deals (I did the ruins alone while she stayed in the shopping area). When they saw she was with Gerry, the prices went down even more!

Gerry stopped at a roadside store that had the best pricing. The same dresses purchased here were triple the cost at the port area.

Gerry also sang during the ride and at Playa Bonita.

We had a great time and she stated the next time in Cozumel, she is going to book Gerry again!

You can't go wrong!

Does anyone know what/if there is a one way drop off fee from MCO to port canaveral with dollar car rental? On the site in small print I found something that said about one way fee, however when I go to check out no one way fee shows up? I found an awesome deal but not sure if'll they'll add a one way fee, if so how much, cuz maybe it won't be such a great deal, lol thanks in advance, I"m really hoping someone is on here tonight as I want to book this before I loose the deal :)

 

I used Dollar last month with two one way rentals pre and post cruise.

The one way rate was in the total base rate. Check out the total rate for the booking.

The one good thing about car rentals, is you can go ahead and book the rate that you have and if you come across a better rate, cancel the one you want.

I happen to get a better rate with Dollar on Hot Wire. Once I booked the Hot Wire, I cancel the Dollar booking.

Of Course they are going to try to sell their insurance with the rental,but I use my own insurance for rental

I want to thank those from the Port Canaveral area that post such great info on this thread.

You made my time pre and post cruise so easy!

I knew how to get to the area in a quick manner. I saw alot of the resturants, gas stations, supermarkets,etc that were mention.

I took advantage of the great advice and once again thanks!!!

[quote name='croozlady']I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but there is no search button anymore, and the links I tried did not work...

We are renting a car from MCO and staying at Country Inns and Suites. I need to know if there are tolls along the way, and if so, is it a cashless system only. Should I rent the transponder, or is it not necessary?

Also, what would be the best place to pick up beer for the night and wine and soda for the trip?

Thanks in advance for the assistance![/QUOTE]

I just arrived at my hotel. I rented a car at the Orlando airport.
The agent attempted to sell the toll pass. But thanks to this thread,I declined.
The toll fee was $1.50 and the car rental wanted $12.00.
If you are coming right from the hotel from the airport, just have the change.

Since I mainly cruise solo and hate taking everything around the ship. As a rule, I like to arrive at the port a little after 1 p.m. This way there is no line when checking in and the average time from taxi to ship is around 15 to 20 minutes. That way I can go right to the cabin, drop off my stuff and then head to a very empty Lido for a nice leisure lunch.

From time to time I will arrive early to book certain tours.

To me it's all about what works best for you. Some people like to be early on the ship.

Keep it coming!

Also Mark tracks all of the storms...keeping a close eye on them constantly. He is well aware if there is a storm or if ships will be diverted to Costa Maya or away from there.

 

He has an excellent relationship with most of the ships staff. If your ship is being diverted there, talk to a staff member and they should be able to contact Mark at Maya Chan to see if there is room there that day. (Last week Oasis had to divert there and he was able to take 17 of their cruisers...so you just never know).

 

It is beautiful and sunny there today and I am wishing my Spirit cruise was already here...Ahhh...to be laying there on the beach right now is what I need. (I really should be getting back to studying for my finals in school. It's hard to concentrate when all I want to do is cruise) :D

 

 

 

Great picture!! I booked Maya Chan because of all the great reviews. I can see myself enjoying a cold fruity drink on one of the beds!!!:D:D

Cabin 2217 (a 1A) on Carnival Dream . . .

 

Thanks for the photo!

I'm booked in a porthole cabin near this one on my upcoming Dream cruise. I managed to get this cabin for an inside cabin price as a solo cruiser (when I originality booked) for a great price.

I had a cabin on the Maasdam towards the aft of the ship and the first port where the anchors where set woke me up also. But it was a good alarm for me to make sure I didn't oversleep.

 

A unique coffee & cream flavored liqueur, that's quite popular on the cruise ships. I've seen if offered, without exception, on every cruise in the complimentary liquor tasting event done on the first evening.

.

.

 

This is a must buy for my parents whenever I sail!

HI Librarycin again!

While there are no taxi stands in the downtown area, when departing the ferry area, there are taxis available. The same with restaurants, you can get them to hail you a cab.

Another thing, if you don't feel right with a cab driver, ask for another!! A friend and I did this in Quito. We got some bad vibes from a driver and we declined. Better safe than sorry!

But overall, I've had no problem with cabs in Cozumel.

I posted this to the Cozumel board, and mentioned it in my roll call, but I thought I'd also post it here for a different perspective.

 

I am looking at tours to Tulum when I am in Cozumel, but both tours I'm looking at (through RCCL and through ShoreTrips) require a one-way or both-ways taxi.

 

I was wondering - as a solo - if people feel safe taking cabs in Cozumel. I've never been to Mexico at all, so I have no idea. Most people seem to think they're o.k.,but I wanted the perspective from some solo travellers, too. Thanks!

 

(Actually, I'm a little irritated that the tours don't deliver us to and from the ship. I book tours - in part - because it is safer and I don't have to worry about these things!)

 

When you come out of the port area, they have the taxi stands. They will have the pricing for where you are going to.

You can go solo, the pricing will be slighty higher (I'm guessing you are heading to the downtown area), if you are willing and have the time, you can share a taxi van with others.

While they will take you solo, the drivers often prefer to fill a van up. You have to be firm on letting them know if you have to be at the ferry at a certain time.

Now as for riding alone, I've done this in Cozmuel returning from one of the beach resorts and from downtown. If you are going to this, get a taxi from the taxi stand area. Some people won't feel comfortable doing this, but I have here, St. Martin, St. Kitts and a few others.

It's my understanding depending which pier you arrive at, the taxi drivers have this agreement so that's the reason why. I have the bar hop in Cozumel and I think some people in my role call are going. If not, I will catch a cab to the location.

Now on your return, since you likey will be touring with others, you can share a cab back.

I hope this helps!

Loving your review!

Waiting for more!!!

The 1A's have a single down and a bunk so not really singles. Used to be popular with singles b/c price but with the 200% supplement in place not so much any more.

 

Not all the 1A cabins are like this. On my Miracle sailing, I had a 1A cabin. It was an inside setup like the other inside.

On our April cruise, we also had rented a car for out stay.

When we return the car, the car rental van took us to the airport and right to the area where the taxis were.

He waved and a driver came to help load our luggage.

It took less than five minutes.

The rate was $33 and we were at the port in a short time.

There was a shuttle service,but why wait until it fills up to leave?

The rates were posted in the cab also.

The cab was clean and the driver nice

Thanks for the great review!

I love reading reviews, esp those where someone have alot of fun and really enjoy the ship!

Look forward to your next cruise review!

I get about 15 days of vacation a year (next year I go up to 20 days! :D)

Until very recent, we could roll over your time.

This was very helpful in 2002 when I took a whole month off from my full time job and three and half weeks (unpaid) from my then part time job.

Since I don't take off but a day or two here and there during the year, this free up my vacation time, holiday time and floating day. On my job, we can also swap with others to work for us.

It also helps that on my current full time job (use to be my part time) that I'm number four in senority among all the full timers :D:D:D!

The result? Very long vacation time for longer cruises!!!!

For example, on my upcoming cruise, when I'm taking about 24 days off to cruise, relax and recharge. My next block of time off again won't be until September 2011.

The November 1, 2010, sailing of the Grandeur of the Seas still has some great rates. The trip starts in Fort Lauderdale and ends in Colon, Panama. When originally posted there was no single supplement, but, I think has changed now.

 

Let us know what you find !! :)

 

I didn't book the four day cruise,but one of my co-workers and her family did.

If the cruise wasn't so close to my other one, I would be heading out!

One of my co-workers told me to check out the RCCL website for some great rates. Even with the 200%, I priced some of the short four day cruises under $100 a day!

When I get to work, going to see if anyone is off the first week in November and try to take a quick cruise before my big one!!!

Carnival wants twice as much for almost the same ports.

looking for it again!

I have sooo got to try the Bar Hop in January.....I keep reading about it and everyone has such great things to say about it.....

 

Why you think I'm sailing to Cozumel again next September :D:D:D!

http://www.carrington-barbados-images.com/

 

We enjoyed ourselves on this tour in January. It's the only tour I have ever done through a cruise line and found it to be worth the money. You will really only get the most basic photography tips but you will see some interesting locations and you will learn quite a bit about Barbados history and it's culture.

 

Here's Ronnie and my favorite photo from that tour.

 

 

I love the photo of the shoes!!!

Yes it's basic photo tip lessons,but most of the people on my tour had purchased a new camera for the cruise and it really help getting advice.

I still use alot of tips for my photos now!!

I am looking at the 11 day Celebrity Millennium on Jan 3, 2011. 11 days- $1446.00 solo balcony. I think that is a great price for a solo.

 

That's a great cruise price for a solo balcony. I'm booked on a HAL cruise with an outside that cost more.

My guess is airfare will be steep and they are really having a hard time filling the ship. The bookings must really be poor. :eek:

 

I get e-mails from an interline agent and they had this cruise also listed. It's a great one if you work for an airline.

Thanks for the suggestion of Gerry. He is available for the day I'm in Cozumel. I've never done a private tour, so I hope this is as great an experience as everyone says.

 

It will!

I was with a first time cruiser and at first she questioned why did I book a private tour. I explained that with a private tour that things are done on our time and where we wanted to go and do.

Gerry was a true gem!!! My friend is a bigger shopper than I and when we went to the ruins, she decided to stay in the shopping area while I explored the ruins. Gerry was there to make sure that she got a great price on the items she wanted.

I also mentioned to Gerry that I wanted to purchased some tablecloths. He stopped at a small roadside store near the east side beaches. The shop owner prices were so good that I really didn't have to bargin that much. I purchased three tablecloths and a wonderful dress with great handwork. My friend also purchased three dresses.

We also had lunch on the east side.

At the end, my friend was so glad that we had a private driver! She talked to a few people on board the ship the next day that complained that they felt herded on their tour and really didn't enjoy Cozumel. She me thank you for booking Gerry!