Booking on Monday--what to ask????

[carjac1]

We are going to do it and book our first cruise on Monday. Any suggestions of what I need to ask for, details? We are doing a 7 night Eastern Carribean on RCL Freedom of the Seas the last week of Oct. I am concerned about hurricanes, transfers from Orlando to Port Canaveral, travel insurance. Anything else I should ask my TA?

[alcpa1]

We are so glad that you have chosen to join Cruise Critic.

There are many ways we can help as fellow cruisers.

Please familiarize yourself with the Stickys. You will find valuable information about when and how to book your flights - most will recommend you book independently and book at least a day prior to sailing. Always remember you must be onboard 90 minutes before sail away to satisfy Homeland Security. Since you have to travel back to Orlando for your return flight, absolutely do not book a flight before noon. The docking time has little relationship to the time passengers are permitted to disembark.

Book travel insurance independently as well. Check out Insuremytrip.com for travel policies.

Don't be persuaded to book through your travel agent.

In the event of a hurricane or just plain awful weather the captain has the right and responsibility to keep the ship, its crew, and the passengers safe. There is absolutely no guarantee that you will make every port. The ship is the destination and it is always great to assume that you will have a wonderful vacation.

The best location for a new sailor is midships and on the lowest deck with the cabin class you are booking. The ship has stabilizers but it is a small floating object in a mass of water.

Ship cabins are not very large until you hit the suites, and even then they can be about the size of a modest hotel room. The cabins are well designed with more than adequate storage room. The baths are tiny, but who cares, you are on a cruise.

This is just a few of my recommendations after 25 or so cruises.

Come back to Cruise Critic with any and all of your questions.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I would agree with the above. Go ahead and book your own flights, and make sure you get into your embarkation city at least a day ahead. Often if you go with air through the cruiseline, you'll get less than desirable flights (the one time we did that, they tried to stick us with a red eyed flight that got us in early the morning of the cruise; we changed the flight to the night before...but nowadays, you'll get charged to make any changes like that). It's really easy nowadays to book your own flight and hotel.

 

Check out the deckplan ahead of calling. See what's above and below and around the different cabins.

 

Don't worry about hurricanes. If one if forecasted for that time, the captain will change the itinerary (east c. to west c. and visa versa). Just don't book any independent excursions without making sure of the cancellation policy (you won't want to get charged, etc.). If you book through the ship, you don't have to worry about this -- they'll cancel the excursions for you.

[emmtee]

You might want to ask about tendering. Also, you'll need to chose a dining option: Traditional early seating, Traditional late seating, or My Time dining. If you choose My Time, you'll need to pre-pay your tips. If you go the traditional route, you can pay at the end of your cruise.

[trish1c]

Ask if the price quoted to you includes taxes & port charges.

Ask your TA to go over exactly what is included in your fare & what's not. Extras generally include tips, casino, alcohol, speciality restaurants, spa, excursions, art, photographs etc.

Ask if there are any discounts that apply to you or if there are any specials running.

Ask what happens if the price goes down after you book.

Ask if the TA knows of cheaper modes of transportation to / from the AP / cruise ship.

Before you buy travel insurance from a TA, check out insuremytrip.com.

[tgptmp]

You did not mention what kind of room you are booking. If you are booking a balcony (the way to go) or an outside room make sure that it is not an obstructed view.

 

Also ask if your fare is refundable. It is ok if it is not ( I have done non-refundable rooms many times. You just need to know. Your cruise insurance should cover issues that could cause cancellation.

 

Others about have given wise counsel.

 

By the way if you don't have a passport and have not applied for one yet---I would do so ASAP. You don't want to put that off.

[firefly333]

Do be aware you are giving control of you booking to the TA so if you have a question you cant call RCL.

 

Ask if they have fees, such as change fees, or cancellation fees.

 

I would look and pretend to book first on my own so I am armed with knowledge.