Almost Packed

paying for it.  Trying really hard, I celebrated when I finally hit 10 drinks right before midnight.

On 4/1/2022 at 11:28 PM, LuvIG's said:

Hi!  I recommend that you stay in a hotel downtown Mobile.  There are several hotels to choose from such as the Renaissance Riverview Plaza, Hampton Inn, Battle House, Holiday Inn among others. You will also find that there are many restaurants within walking distance, as well as, cruise ship terminal.  You will find downtown Mobile is small and compact relatively to most cities.  

thanks so much for your reply.  i'll check them out.

Hi there!

A friend and I will be flying into Mobile the night before our cruise on April 25.  I have never been to Mobile and sadly we don't really  have time to explore and visit the city on the front end of the cruise.  Hopefully her days off will be approved for the end of the cruise and we will have some time to visit then and I'll plan accordingly. 

   I seek info on where to stay pre cruise and transportation to and from the airport (or hotel) to the pier.  We are flying in and will not have a car.  Are there hotels that will pick us up from the airport and then take us to the pier?  Cab or Uber ? Do you know an average price I could be looking at for transport?  I'm trying to budget as best I can and have a general idea.  Also are there any particular areas to avoid staying at.

Thank you in advance.

I was on a Carnival Cruise last month.  I prebooked online a shore dive from Chakanaab park.  Honestly I cannot remember about signing up for a boat dive as we dived from the shore.  There was a small cave/cenote and also some underwater statues to explore.  I took a cab to the park and then walked to the far end (go left and keep going after you enter the park).  Since it is still a pandemic, the park was empty and the dive shops i'm sure would love your business.  

8 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Just the ice show, but not before your cruise, but there will be times set to stand in line near the ice arena for tickets. 

 

I'm april 26, are you sailing with me or before?

 

The ones where you pre book shows are like oasis, a really huge ship. And prebook the character breakfast with chocolate everything. We will have a chocolate breakfast in the dining room, which is a not to miss in my book. 

Total bummer, I'm on the ship 2 weeks before you!!!!!!

Thanks for the info. 

I gotta say, this sounds so much better than our first experience on RCI.  We really were disappointed in the line and ship when we cruised out of Sydney but I love reading great things about this ship (sister ship to the one we cruised in AU).  We really were debating trying RCI again but thought maybe the differences were being in AU.  Don't get me wrong, the people of AU were amazing.  We made some lifelong friends but there were hardly any activities and the food was edible but that was about it.  DH & I actually were bored on the ship if you can believe that?!  I've been on over 20 cruises and never have I been bored.  I think/hope it was just the ship and staff of that particular sailing.  We are going with an open mind and trying RCI one last time.  This ship has more to offer than it's sister we sailed on in AU. 

  I am looking forward to seeing the Saturday Night Fever show.  I'm hoping that is still running.  I'm actually super excited about that one lol. 

Thanks everyone for your info! 

I will be on the Liberty for my first time in April.  I am still new to Royal so trying to understand all....do I need to sign up/reserve a show time?  

Any tips for new to Royal...just not new to cruising. I have sailed Carnival many times and only once on Royal out of Sydney.  

Thanks in advance.

AS a fairly new cruise to RC, do all ships offer booking for shows or only on the larger ones?  I'm on the Liberty of the Seas in April.  

Thanks

11 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Gotcha, yes the $200 is for 6 night or longer cruises

 

• $100/$150 AUD per cabin for 3 and 4 day cruises
• $150/$225 AUD per cabin for 5 day cruises
• $200/$300 AUD per cabin for 6 day and longer cruises

That is listed in Australian dollars....AUD  They do a lot of cruise in/near China/Asian area.

Thanks for the visual.  :)  I have been on RCI once and they did not have the bands.

26 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-royal-caribbean-wow-bands

Thank you!!  

What are WOW bands please?

AS a first timer on Princess, I appreciate the tips.  Keep them coming. 

Thanks everyone!

On 7/29/2018 at 10:43 AM, Etta1213 said:

Are all or most visas this inexpensive?

I know this thread is a little older now, but I thought I would answer this.

The very inexpensive ETA (electronic Travel Authoriziation) is like an electronic visa.  It gives you legal authorization to enter.  You get to use the cheap ETA as long as you don't have any issues such as I had.  If you are denied the ETA then you must go and apply for a Visa, which then does cost more.  Depending on the type of visa you apply for determines the price of it.  Different countries have different prices. 

Thanks everyone for your replies.  It really eases my mind as I love Carnival because there's always something fun to do.  I was bored out of my mind on Royal.  Thankfully we had some amazing people and islands to visit despite having to miss Fiji due to a cyclone.  

So the Princess Patter is the same as the Carnival Fun Times (Capers) ?   

Also, is it extra to attend the lectures?  I hate being nickeled and dimed.  So I just want to know what to expect for my budget.  I see there are contests and possibly themed nights.  Do I need to bring items from home to make things?  I'm just trying to be as informed and prepared as possible.  

Thank you again everyone who replied.  Also, if you have those patters, I'd love a copy you can email me  theonlytam@aol.com  

Hi everyone.  

I am looking to book a 15 day full Panama transit.  I have sailed many times on Carnival and once on Royal.  I really do enjoy Carnival and love that there is something always to do (as well as doing nothing if I choose).  I am considering this cruise because it has many ports that will break up the 15 days so I'm not terribly worried about "being bored".  But I was curious if someone could tell me some of the activities I might find on board.  I see general activities such as casino, library, bar and spa but are there fun activities, trivia, games etc?

DH really wants a panama transit cruise and this one fits our budget and timing is great for us as we'll be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary as well. 

Any suggestions, tips or comparisons/contrasts are greatly appreciated.  

Thanks in advance.

Were you given a reason why it was denied?

 

What did you have to do? Use a visa service? Contact a consulate?

I originally applied for my ETA and answered the questions. If you answer positive to any of the questions, you will be denied. I had read the list of things that would deny me entrance into AU. Since I didn't have any of those disqualifications, I didn't see it as a problem. Some of their reasons for being denied were being sentenced to jail for 12 months or longer, certain crimes etc.

One of the questions on the list is do you have a criminal record. I answered honestly yes. I was arrested for vandalism...a misdemeanor 20 years ago...So that yes caused me a denial. They do not care whether the crime was a felony or a misdemeanor, yesterday or 20 years ago I was told.

So then I had to run around trying to find out exactly what/who to speak to. Their messages were not very clear. I finally had to contact the AU consulate here in the U.S. to find out what to do. My $20 ETA visa then cost me an additional $140 to get my Visa subclass 600 I believe it was. Moral of the story, don't break the law lol. :halo: :evilsmile: :eek:

And in case you are turned down for your ETA, you must then jump through hoops to get a visa to enter AU. Don't wait till the last minute. Start early. I almost waited too long and then when my ETA was denied, I began my frantic hoop jumping. I eventually received my Visa.

Great info! Thanks so much for sharing!

I am currently looking at booking a cruise in April to the South Pacific and was having difficulty finding info. Then I came across your post. It's really helpful. I'm copying it to my "file" for future reference.

Thanks again OP!

Hi there. I have several questions and need some help. I am currently looking to book a cruise on RC in April out of Sydney. 11 night South Pacific Voyager of the Seas

My bucket list is to dive/snorkel The Great Barrier Reef. I cannot be that close to it and NOT do it. I am not a certified diver. I have been on many beginner scuba dives. Probably around 8 or so. I have snorkeled many times as well. My husband has a heart condition and is unable to dive. He also is not a fan of snorkeling unless he's near the shore. I think he's a little chicken. hehe. I want to get certified but I have no one to go with me.

This cruise goes to Lifou, Noumea, Suava & Lautoka. Finding info on these ports are very challenging. I have gone on to RC site to look at excursions (I have not booked) so I cannot or do not see ANY excursions for dives or snorkeling. Am I missing something? I should also say this will be my first time cruising on RC. I have cruised many times on CCL. So I don't know if they "do" excursions differently meaning you cannot see excursions until fully booked/deposited.

I have to get to the GBR to either dive or snorkel. I am okay either way...beginner dive or snorkeling. Suggestions? I am thinking we will have to fly from Sydney to Cairns.? Stinger season? Should this deter me? My husband has zero desire to go out the the GBR so I will be solo. I then will need to find something for him to do while I am out marking things off of my bucket list.

Any advice or tips would be appreciated. Tour guide recommendations? Suggestions. HELP!

Thanks in advance.

I always bring a corkscrew with me. it's usually in checked luggage but I have carried it on as well with my wine. if you happen to forget, just ask your steward, he/she can bring you one.

As far as the corkage fee goes, I have carried a bottle of wine to dinner several times and I've never actually been charged the corkage fee. It is the ship's discretion to do so and I accept the possibility any/every time I bring wine. Sometimes, I open the bottle in the cabin and have a glass while I'm getting ready for dinner and pour myself another as I head out of the cabin for dinner. I carry a glass in with me to dinner and I have never had an issue.

Mouthpiece.... I too have a small mouth, and I found the confo-bite mouthpiece works so well, we bought one for my son (who had braces) and my husband. It works great, and you don't have to bite down on it to hold it in your mouth, it work by hooking around on your from teeth front and back. There is a little bit touching the roof of your mouth but you get used to it quickly..... best part, no jaw fatigue!

The comfo-bite mouthpiece comes standard on all Aqualung regulators, but you can buy it seperately.

Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the great info!

I'm super excited and have been wanting to do this for a long time. I figured it would never happen since my husband has a heart condition and cannot dive but he said go ahead...and i'm not giving him a moment to change his mind lol.

thank you....i hope to eventually dive all over the world!:D

I can see this now...you get one item, then you buy another, then you want something else, and so on and so on lol.

Loved the review Bond! haha!

We are booked in a spa cabin on the Breeze in November and I cannot wait to experience her myself. Thanks for your wonderful review and photos.

1) any reputable dive master will make sure you have a buddy. Never dive alone!

2) snorkel gear us okay

. We have the kind of finds that you wear the little booties with. Great if you have to walk over rocks, etc. You can buy your own wet suit or rent.

3) They make kids regulators. Try those one for size. Lots if people bring their own integral regulators/dive computer. It's nice to have equipment you are familiar with.

4) totally up to you how much gear you want to buy/bring g. For the amount if diving we do, it makes much more sense to rent on site rather than pack and pay for heavy gear. My kids five a lot more, so they feel the opposite.

5) I prefer ships tours because of the convenience factor but nothing wrong with setting things up privately. You may find divers on your roll calls to chum with .

 

Always bring your dive certificate and log book, make sure you know how long it can be since your last dive before you need a check out dive. Make sure your insurance through DAN is UTD. And enjoy. It's an amazing world down there.

Thanks for the info.

one other question...

Insurance UTD? what insurance?

Hi everyone!

So I have several questions and thought I'd come here to the boards to ask.

Here's a little background. I LOVE LOVE LOVE diving. I have only done 6 or 7 beginner dives, all from the cruiseline.

I'm ready to get certified and do some bigger/longer/deeper dives.

Here's my concerns.

1st. I have no one to dive with because dh cannot dive due to medical reasons. He's given me the thumbs up on diving without him because he knows I LOVE it. He's very supportive. :) Will I have a buddy? Will anyone care if I don't come up? Will they notice i'm missing if I were to be? Will I still get to dive if I don't have a buddy?

2. I own snorkel gear that I have used on my beginner dives. Do I need to buy more? Do I really need booties? A wetsuit?

3. The regulator (that's the button in my mouth right that provides air?) hurts! I have a small mouth....and that thing tears my mouth to pieces each time I have dived. Is this something I can buy on my own or request a smaller one? I have mentioned it in the past on beginner dives and I'm kinda brushed off regarding it. It truly is the only complaint I ever have (except that the dive is over). Can I just buy that regulator and pop it on a tank.

4. As of now, I'm fairly certain the only dives I will be doing will be while I'm on a cruise ship, therefore probably flying in to an embarkation port. What equipment on my own should I really need? Budget will be important to me. I'm fairly certain I can rent items. What is usually included with a dive? Renting vs. buying advice?

5. As a loner diver, am I better going with a ship's dive excursion?

I'm ready to take the plunge! It's the most amazing experience and I cannot wait to get started!!!

Thanks in advance for any tips, answers, advice etc.