InsureFun

Our flight arrives in Orlando at 9:46am and we booked transfers through Norwegian to the port...what time should I put for Check in?

I was confused as well.  Not only is it not listed online, it gives me the option of purchasing it even though it's on the invoice as included?  They truly have an abysmal website.

Which brewpub has the best beer...First Flight or Waterfront?

is it possible to exchange dollars for cucs at the Miami airport? Also does Cuba have any cell service at all? Lastly, I read people bring gifts to the Cuban people, any ideas or suggestions? Thank you.

Will be in KW in 3 weeks, would like to know some good places to eat or grab a drink? Will only be there for lunchtime. I'm a foodie so would love suggestions. Thanks in advance!

 

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Latitudes, excellent food from lobster salad to fish tacos...you take the ferry from Key West to Sunset Key. Cannot wait to go back in August, something for lunch while in port.

Just curious how many cruisers go on say a 7 night or longer cruise and just stayed on the ship the entire cruise. Either because you have been to the ports or just cruise for the ship and not for the stops. Thinking about this in the future.

Never, I actually don’t care much for cruise ships it’s the itinerary, and cruises are a great way to visit a lot of places on limited time. Recently went on a river cruise and loved that, every day in a port. A pool is not a big deal to us, we had an inground installed a few years ago. I can never understand cruising for a pool, it’s soooo small, at least at a resort it’s huge.

The same thing is happening at resorts (especially timeshare properties). People out by the pool before sunrise laying down towels, books and bags and then disappearing (sometimes leaving the resort). They come back later and act indignant if their space has been invaded. Resort employees are reluctant to enforce the rules.

 

So I would head out even earlier (6 am) and stake my claim but I would occupy the chair all morning while reading my book. When the regular chair hogs see that I beat them to the punch they would give me nasty looks and try to annoy me by setting up close by and making a lot of commotion with their friends/family. Sometimes they would talk to me and let me know how they are staying for two or three or four weeks, as if that gives them some sort of priority over the one week guests.

If going to a resort I make sure it’s a swim up suite...Excellence is a favorite.

Can anyone tell me if you have to eat with strangers or can you get two tops?

We will only have 2 days in Cuba so we went to pack as much in as possible lol.

1. What is considered proper tipping for drinks, food, tours?

2. We want to explore on our own in the evening, is it safe? A friend went and swears there’s almost no crime but TripAdvisor has a warning so not sure.

3. Any good locally sourced and handmade items you purchased and would recommend beyond rum and cigars?

To me Havana was a must do. Sure there are cheaper ways to get there, but being able to add a cruise to the trip I just had to bite the bullet. We did the second sailing by RCCL to Havana and it was the first out of Tampa. I wrote a lengthy review here, Trip Report - Empress of the Seas - Havana, Cuba - April 30th Sailing, and more than happy to answer any other questions you may have.

 

I have a few questions and would genuinely appreciate any help, just booked this cruise.

How did you exchange dollars for cucs? I read that there’s a fee for dollars but not for euros?

 

Do you have to take the ship’s excursions? Again I get conflicting info saying you have to book through RCCL or they won’t let you off the ship?

 

Were there formal nights on the short cruise and did people go all out? I respect dress codes but truly do not want to wear an evening gown in August.

 

The drink package is pricey but read in some posts they sometimes have special offers?

That was incredibly helpful.

I feel better

We are going to some Central American countries, specifically Panama, Columbia and Costa Rica on our next cruise and was wondering about diseases. I tried to do some research on the web and I am most concerned about malaria and dengue fever...I never even thought of this when we booked it and now I am terrified. I am half glad and half sad someone brought this up but now I can't ignore it. Some of the diseases I am reading about I can avoid by just not eating or drinking anything on shore but I am a mosquito magnet. Can I bring/buy repellant on the ship? Has anyone had any ill effects visiting these countries? On the web there are anti malarial drugs but I also don't like taking meds unless I have to.

Looking to cruise Celebrity to Alaska due to itinerary and the fact I have never sailed on one of her ships, I have some questions:

We REALLY do not want to bring formal attire to Alaska, are all the restaurants formal or just the MDR? On Norwegian you can Freestyle to avoid the hassle. I know some people enjoy it and that's fine, but I dress up a lot at home and really don't get much of a thrill out of it.

The classic beverage perk, is it a hassle to upgrade it?

We are considering the 3 package specialty dining, can we have the conceirge make the reservations?

Overall have you been satisfied with the shore excursions booked through the ship?