ams cruiser

Your own personal medical should cover emergency care in the states. Check that policy for details, especially for any emergency transfers such as air ambulance coverage. $10000 may cover a short ER visit for abdominal pain, for instance, but not surgery for appendectomy. Probably would cover ER for chest pain, but no hospital stay. You will be in Canada for at least one day, and away from port a few sea days. The biggest cost is emergency evacuation from a small hospital to one with better facilities can be $50,000.

Thanks for the heads-up! Actually, the Chase Sapphire $10,000 is only for non-medical expenses, for example, trip cancellation/interruption/lost luggage, etc. Our health insurance is through Blue Shield, and their representative told me that all emergency/urgent care medical expenses would be covered, including emergency evacuation, if necessary, and that there is no dollar limit.

I think we will be in Victoria for a few hours in the evening, and there is just one sea day between Seattle and Juneau.

The worrier in me wonders if this is adequate, but the insurance broker told me that between Chase Sapphire and Blue Shield, we will be covered.

I am a great believer in trip insurance. A couple of years ago my DH had to cancel an international trip (not a cruise) at the last minute due to a health emergency, and when we had trouble getting the insurance company to come through, our insurance broker Steve at tripinsurancestore.com, came through for us in a big way, and was able to get our full claim paid.

I just booked an Alaska cruise for next summer and spent the morning on the phone with Blue Shield and Chase Sapphire. The Chase representative spent a long time going over the trip cancellation/interruption/luggage etc. benefits and emailed me the paperwork detailing coverage. Because we have no pre-existing conditions at the time of booking the cruise, we are covered for up to $10,000 per person for the trip. (If we were to purchase another travel insurance plan, Chase's benefits would all become secondary. The luggage benefits are also secondary to any compensation provided by the airlines, cruise line, etc.)

We won't be renting a car, but I know that Chase Sapphire's collision insurance is primary, if you decline the rental company's coverage. My sister was in a fender bender (not her fault) in a rental she charged to her Chase Sapphire card, and was happy that her own auto insurance didn't have to get involved. (This insurance only applies to rental cars on trips away from your primary residence, however, as it's meant to be for vacation rentals.)

According to my conversation with Blue Shield, we are also covered for any emergency/urgent medical benefits while on our trip, including evacuation to the nearest hospital if necessary.

Because I am a worrier who has been known to, at times, pay unnecessarily for insurance of all kinds "just in case", I called tripinsurancestore, seeking advice. I told the representative I would be willing to buy a plan, based on their recommendation.

To my surprise, she told me that with my Chase Sapphire and Blue Shield protection, she felt I was adequately covered, and that an additional plan would be an unneeded expense.

One of the things I love about tripinsurancestore is that I feel they are completely trustworthy, and will never try to sell you more than you need.

Of course, I couldn't find any online reviews of anyone who has had to use Blue Shield in an emergency out-of-state situation, but, I think this time I will just trust what I have. If anyone has had any experience with this, I would appreciate hearing about it.

I wanted to post this, just in case anyone is in a similar situation. (Not having any pre-existing conditions, and going on a domestic trip that will cost less than $10,000 per person are key factors.) This is in no way advising against trip insurance (I am a huge believer in being fully covered), however, it might be worth a call to a trustworthy broker to see if an additional plan is necessary.

Thanks so much for the great review! Loved the detailed description of your journey and the beautiful pictures. We're going to be taking this cruise next summer, so I have it bookmarked to refer back to as the trip gets closer.

 

Was the crab at the Crab Shack Dungeness or Alaskan King Crab?

 

We are looking for a mostly point-and-shoot camera that takes beautiful pictures with a minimal amount of fuss and no photography experience. Would your Olympus be difficult to use for the complete novice?

 

Thanks, again!

Answering my own dumb question about the crab, as I just noticed it was called the "King" crab shack!

Thanks so much for the great review! Loved the detailed description of your journey and the beautiful pictures. We're going to be taking this cruise next summer, so I have it bookmarked to refer back to as the trip gets closer.

Was the crab at the Crab Shack Dungeness or Alaskan King Crab?

We are looking for a mostly point-and-shoot camera that takes beautiful pictures with a minimal amount of fuss and no photography experience. Would your Olympus be difficult to use for the complete novice?

Thanks, again!

You know what I don't get? Why the OP is on cruise critic. If they don't like the questions they don't need to be reading them.

 

I've only been reading a few weeks and I'm finding a ton of good info. I do use the SEARCH feature also. Last topic I did that I found a 10 year old thread. Now how realible do you think that is. Somethings have to asked again.

 

Also there is a learning curve on figuring CC out. Not everyone has the time or the skill.

 

I'm thankful for the experienced folks that like to help with the questions.

 

Dori

This. Especially the last line!

We strongly suggest that you contact Steve at

 

http://www.TripInsuranceStore.com

 

They are a broker for several vetted insurers.

 

We've purchased several TravelInsured policies from them and a couple CSA policies.

 

Importantly, we had two claims with TravelInsured, and they were PAID without nonsense.

I want to second GeezerCouple's recommendation. Steve at TripInsuranceStore helped us out with a claim that was proving to be difficult. He was also very good at talking through the different policies with us before recommending the most economical plan and company for our needs.

I believe the shower configuration is different. The balcony showers are pretty small from what I have read on these boards, whereas the mini-suites have a shower over a tub.

We debated the same thing but finally decided to put a "no upgrade" on our Caribe balcony. I didn't want to risk getting a Dolphin mini-suite uncovered balcony. (it was fine for us when we went to Mexico, but are worried about inclement weather in Alaska).

Also, the mid-ship location of our balcony is important to me (and in fact is the same price as the aft Emerald mini-suites!) because I get seasick so easily, and didn't want to risk getting moved too far forward or aft.

The one time we had a mini-suite, however, we loved the extra space. It was great having the sofa bed for our teenaged son.

After 30+ years in the Medical Insurance business (government) we really must agree with Bill S's post that $25,000 is simply not enough medical coverage. While this is fine for relatively minor issues, and major medical problem could quickly rack-up charges way above $25,000. But the $500,000 in Med Evac is a bit of a con, since even $100,000 in evac is more then enough from nearly any part of the world. In fact, evac charges will generally not exceed $25,000 even if you needed a private jet evac. So the insurance companies play a game by using a high coverage amount for evac (which they never have to pay) while offering lower med limits (which is where the major risk occurs). So, for those really concerned about the unlimited liability of major medical issues we recommend shopping around for at least $100,000 of major med coverage. We would note that very few cruise lines policies provide an adequate level of major med coverage (most are limited to only $10,000) since they are in the business of making a hefty profit on their insurance offerings and using carrots such as "cancel for any reason" as their come-on. Keep in mind that trip cancellation coverage is limited to, at most, what you paid for a trip.....while medical liability is virtually unlimited.

 

Hank

Really good food for thought. Thanks for sharing this information.

My husband and I have room service breakfast every day in our cabin. Always a 2-top! :) Lunch in the buffet.

 

 

Is the room service breakfast just continental or can you order hot food, like eggs?

 

Now as to dinner arrangements: (Though we've only had one Princess cruise, I think our experiences on other lines may also be informative.)

 

We have had completely different experiences in the dining room each time we have cruised. On our first cruise (Celebrity Infinity) we chose late fixed seating, and requested an 8-top. We got an 8-top, but one couple never appeared at the table, and another came the first night and never reappeared. So we ended up spending every dinner with the one remaining couple. As it happened, the four of us got along famously, and I was teary-eyed saying good-bye to them at the end of the cruise!

 

On our second cruise, on Carnival Fascination, we again chose late fixed seating, and (I think) requested a 6-top. We were assigned a rectangular booth with one other couple. Though we did not become fast friends with our companions, our dinners together were pleasant. Sometimes all four of us conversed, and sometimes we conversed as two separate couples. The latter was facilitated by the fact that each of us sat next to, not across from, our spouse, so we could easily speak in low tones without disturbing the other couple.

 

The best cruise dining experience we ever had was on our third cruise, on HAL Zuiderdam, when we moved from a 6-top because we could not tolerate our snooty, know-it-all table companions. Though we did not realize it at first, we were actually moved from a fixed to a flexible dining section of the DR -- when we arrived at dinner the first night at our new table, the waiter asked us if we minded if others were seated with us. We said we did not mind, though we preferred to be alone together. And alone together we were -- just the two of us at a rectangular 8-top -- for the entire 10-night cruise! Because we hadn't realized we were no longer in the fixed seating area of the dining room, we arrived at dinner at the same time every night and sat at the same table, just as we would have done in fixed seating. We therefore had the same fabulous wait staff every night, whom we got to know well, and because we were the only ones at the table, our waiter and assistant waiter had plenty of extra time to spend with us. We also got to know the sommelier, the dining room manager, the head waiter and the maitre d', and apparently made a positive impression on them, as they recommended us to the captain to dine with him later in the week. (Now, the captain's 9-top was by far the best table we've ever had! ;))

 

This just tickles my funny bone! (Did you ever wonder where the other 6 people were each night?) It's interesting the wait staff never suggested you move to a smaller table. Sounds like you had a fabulous experience and made a very good impression to end up at the captain's table!

 

Our fourth cruise, on Caribbean Princess, was our first foray into flexible dining. Some evenings we requested a 2-top, and other evenings larger tables. We found some extremely enjoyable table companions, and some less enjoyable ones. Our most fabulous experience was, unfortunately, our last dinner onboard! I would have loved to have made a date to dine with those folks again! It was an 8-top, and everybody at the table was engaging and seemed to find everyone else fascinating! Conversation flowed.

 

Our flexible dining experience did agree with observations others have made on this thread, that the larger the table, the more difficult conversation can become, but that is really only a problem if the most interesting people at the table are the ones farthest from you. It is just as easy to talk to the folks on either side of you at a big table as at a small one.

 

Good point!

 

I have read on these boards that you can use the flexible seating concept kind of like fixed seating by making a reservation for a particular table at a particular time every night. That way you could get the size table you prefer and the same wait staff every night. Of course, your table companions will vary, but that is advantageous if you don't hit it off with some of them. If you do hit it off with particular table companions, you can always agree to dine together other evenings.

 

I love the sound of "flexible" "fixed" seating!

 

In your situation, I would consider testing the waters by signing up for flexible seating. That way each evening you can try different size tables to find out which works best for you. On Caribbean Princess, we never dined before 8, and did not experience long waits. I cannot speak to waits for other dining times, or on other ships.

 

Yet another interesting idea to ponder. My only concern is that my early-riser DH usually likes to have dinner on the early side, so after 8 would probably be too late for him. Waiting in line on an empty stomach is not our (his) forte! ;)

 

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

Introvert here, I always request a table that fits our party size. I have zero desire to make small talk with strangers on vacation.

My DH would probably agree with you!

I'm with you--I like kids but I didn't go on a cruise to sit with other people's children now that mine are grown.

 

It makes me remember my first ever cruise. After the long day of getting to the port' date=' etc. (which seemed like a much bigger deal then than it is now), we found that we were seated with two children who exhibited rude, obnoxious behavior that night. I'm trying to give them a break and assume a stressful day as well, but it was so bad that I left the dining room after about 10 minutes. I would rather go without food than tolerate their behavior! And that line had no room service or other options for dinner. Fortunately, that family asked to be moved and we were free from them for the rest of the cruise.[/quote']

 

That sounds terrible! How fortunate the family asked to be moved.

Only you can answer that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yup, and that's why I love Cruise Critic. It's so great to ask for advice and to hear so many different perspectives. My only problem is that with each response I read, I think, "Wow, that's a good idea!", but then go on to the next one which might be totally the opposite and think, "Gee, that's a really good point as well!"

My thoughts exactly. Same goes for a table for 10, as far as conversing. On our last cruise, we were disappointed to find ourselves at a 10-top instead of an 8-top, but it turned out to be the best group ever. We just made a point of changing positions at the table every evening. We had soo much fun.

 

ams cruiser, love your thread title. Very clever. :D

Six or eight is good for us. Once we had a table for eight but it included a family with two young kids. We'll ask to be changed if we have kids at our table again. It ended up that the family only came the first couple of nights. We thought they had totally dropped out, but then the parents came the last two nights. We enjoyed them a lot more without the children.

I love kids, and work with kids, but sometimes enjoy just having adult conversation.

My thoughts exactly. Same goes for a table for 10, as far as conversing. On our last cruise, we were disappointed to find ourselves at a 10-top instead of an 8-top, but it turned out to be the best group ever. We just made a point of changing positions at the table every evening. We had soo much fun.

 

ams cruiser, love your thread title. Very clever. :D

Thanks, beckntom!

I really like the idea of changing positions at the table so you can talk to different people.

We always request a table for 8, but sometimes get one for 6. Often not all show up for dinner and often 8 becomes 6. We enjoy the variety of people but be aware that the bigger the table the longer it would take to finish the meal, so if you're not in a hurry, then 8 is good. We don't care how long dinner takes since at home we're always a table for 2 :) and eat too quickly. So for us, it's part of the vacation, slow dinner and socializing.

Interesting perspective, and the first vote for a table of 8! I guess one advantage of a larger group is that you could always try to sit next to different people at the table. The idea of the pace of the meal is definitely something to ponder.

We're always a table for 2 at home these days at well, so I can see how it would be nice to broaden our circle.:)

Yes, you can't always converse with everyone at a table for 8, at least on the same night. However switching positions around the table each night, so you are sitting next to different people each night, means that you are able to have some great conversations with those different people each night.

 

The danger with requesting a table for 6 is that you may end up with only one other couple at your table. That can still happen with a table for 8 but you have a better chance of getting at least six people at your table.

That could be awkward. So if some people don't show up, the seats just remain empty?

If two persons are dining the best table size is six. Table for two is ok if you want to dine alone. A table for four works if the two couples are amicable. A table for eight or above makes it difficult to converse with guests on the opposite side of the table.

This is what my TA said. Now how do you make sure you get seated with only amicable people?:)

We always request a two.

 

But Mrs Gut's the only one wants to eat with me anyway.

:):)

I think that's some poor advice. 2-tops are always very popular.

When I was on carribbean, there was a waiting list of 45 couples

for 2-tops. This was on the second day, after they had accomodated

everyone they could.

Wow, thanks for letting me know. I was worried that it might not be as easy as it sounded.

We're exactly the opposite. A table of 6 or 8 for dinner, but only a table for 2 for breakfast and lunch. Especially at breakfast, I do not want to be sociable until I'm on the outside of a full pot of tea.

I'm not a morning person (although DH is) so that is definitely something to consider!

If you have just booked now for later this summer the odds of getting a table for two are very very slim; usually requests surpass availability shortly after a cruise opens for booking 18-24 months out. And it would be a great surprise if the 6PM main early seating is not waitlisted; booking after final payment date (as you are sailing Alaska this summer it is certainly within 75 days) means long odds for you to clear it. Your TA should have given you realistic expectations making it abundantly clear that booking so close to sailing you need to decide what to request immediately, and that if you prefer fixed seating you will likely only be able to choose between the 5:15 extra early or the 8:15 late seatings.

 

As a frequent last-minute cruiser I have also found that when I request a six-top we usually get assigned to an eight, and vice-versa.

Thanks for the warning, but fortunately, this is for summer of 2017.

I know this trip is over a year away, but I don't like to procrastinate, even with my worrying!

It's a personal thing. We have tried 2, 4, 6, 8. All different. If you wish to be alone the choice is obvious. The best fun we ever had was with 8...not one of the other passengers were from the same country we almost had the lights turned out on us. The worst was 4 as the other couple were so boring and their table manners had to be seen, we had to ask to be moved. Now prefer anytime dining and you can pick a different size table every night. Go with how you feel comfortable but definitely avoid a table for 4.

Oh, I never thought about Anytime Dining. Do you have to wait a long time for tables? One of the things I liked about our cruise many years ago was getting to know the servers. This was a Disney cruise, and they were so good with the kids, and the grandmas!

That sounds like a good compromise!

 

Waiting for others at a large table sounds like a difficult situation for everyone, but especially the servers. If you're going to go to a specialty dinner, say you get a reservation in the morning for that evening, what's the best way to let the dining room know you won't be there? Can you call in or do you just stop by?

Never know what you will get:cool:

Just a stab in the dark here

I think we have dined with others 8 times

Most were not people we would hang out with after a meal.

I know many have made life long friends.....

 

the last carnival, we sat very near to a couple, and we were all laughing and smiling.....all the way for 2 nites

 

Since then , just the two of us, so we could eat quicker, take a nap and go dance!

I like the part about eating quicker and taking a nap!:)

We prefer the table for two at dinner. We like to be adventurous at breakfast or tea and sit at a big table :D

I never thought of that! (inexperienced cruiser here) This actually brings up another question. Where do people generally eat breakfast and lunch? I've read there is a buffet that can get pretty busy on port mornings.

The TA thought 6 was better than 4. I'd hate not to be able to switch though, if early seating is all booked.