cruisemom43

I was recently on the Grand Princess doing a 15 day to Hawaii and back from San

Francisco. The Meet and Greet was disorganized with no one from the ship initially welcoming us and no food or goodies. Some of us hung around talking and after most had left, the Captain arrived. He was very hospitable and encouraged us to ask any questions we had. He was a very hands on Captain and could be seen during the voyage stopping to talk to people. Really enjoyed the cruise, partly because of him and the wonderful Head Chef.

I did use Capital Parking. All went smooth; the shuttle was at the ship at 8:00-8:30 a.m. and I was home before 10:00 a.m. It is a dusty parking lot however with a wooden fence. And I've noticed the fees have gone up a dollar since I used it. I have also heard about Premier Parking, same idea, which I might look into as well next time I cruise out of Tampa.

I will be using Capital Parking tomorrow, Feb. 4th through Feb. 13th as I am sailing out of Tampa on the Jewel. I spoke to the owner who said this particular lot is a new one for the company but advised the company has been in business for 2 years. I paid up front on a credit card which I wasn't real comfortable with but that's how they do it. He said there is shuttle service from the lot which is less than a mile to the cruise port. Sooo......I will report back after using the service. I'm hoping it will beat the price of RCCL parking which is $15 a day. The gentleman (I hope) said the lot is open from 8-2 on cruise days and when you pre-pay, a voucher is sent to you. They run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. according to him. We'll see. Wish me luck!!

Cruisemom43

I am a 67 year old widow and have travelled alone many times to many parts of the world. I would suggest staying on cruise ships, river boat cruises, take the tours suggested by the cruise line instead of going off in a cab by yourself because, if something happens, i.e., they are late getting back to port, a flat tire, etc., the ship will take off without you. If you take the cruise sanctioned tours, the ship WILL wait if you are late. I always meet so many interesting people, especially on longer cruises. Seven day cruises are mostly filled with working people, naturally, who want to fit everything into their 7 days at sea. I love the transatlantic cruises which leave from Florida (where I live) in the Spring and go to a port in Europe and vice versa in the Fall. Good luck. Once your mother has taken a cruise alone, she will get back her confidence that she can cruise, and/or make other trips that are structured alone. I wouldn't have it any other way. GOOD LUCK.