ptodd

ALWAYS fly in a day before your cruise leaves port. This gives you insurance in case the weather doesn't cooperate and in most ports, there are plenty of reasonably priced hotels close to the port terminal. Some hotels even offer free shuttles to the terminal but most are a reasonable cab ride.

I agree. Even if you are on a tight budget there is always a Motel 6 or Super 8 around. If you are flying into a port overseas you might even want to consider flying in 2 or 3 days ahead. On the flip side of this tip I suggest flying out the day after your ship arrives back. Last year on January 3rd we were going out of Mobile, AL on the Carnival Holiday (now retired) and there was rain and heavy fog. The ship was not allowed into port due to poor visibility. When it finally was allowed in the passengers did not disembark until 4:00 pm (we didn't get embark until 6:00 pm and couldn't get into our rooms until around 7:30 pm). Needless to say I'm sure there were a lot of people that missed their flights. Between weather, traffic accidents and Murphy's Law anything can happen.

Take Care,

Patricia

4. If you criticize the food on the ship, please also include the magazine/newspaper you write the food column for and include at least 3 personal references, and pictures of the offending dishes. I have never had a bad meal on a ship, if i didn't like it i ordered something else, besides, you didn't have to cook it, serve it or clean up.

lmao!!!!!