A New Thing

[pacruise804]

Other Half makes sense, thanks 🙂 

[simplynewt]

Thank you all for your replies thus far. They have all been very helpful. The drinking issue seems to have been worked out for now. Now in regards to coming into another port. Do I need to hang close to the ship or venturing further away, say with a cab, would be alright? We are going to Cozumel where I would like to see the Pyramids if possible. Any suggestions for this activity? 

[klfrodo]

On 12/27/2019 at 5:00 AM, simplynewt said:

We are going to Cozumel where I would like to see the Pyramids if possible. Any suggestions for this activity? 

Cozumel is an island. To see the Mayan ruins or pyramids will require you to leave the island and go to the mainland of Mexico. There is a ferry ride involved.

This is one of the few times, I'd recommend going with a ship sponsored excursion due to the ship waiting for you if there are any delays. If you were visiting the port of Playa Maya, then I'd recommend a private excursion to see the ruins.

[SRF]

On 12/21/2019 at 12:20 PM, LynnTTT said:

Don't simply put your phone into Airplane Mode.  Also turn off your cellular service or your phone may be "roaming" for days.  And do this the second you get on board, or you'll forget it!

Unless you simply have to make a phone call, don't do it.  We have a $ 60 bill from calling India to arrange a visa.

Use the "whatsapp" app whch enables you to use wifi access to make phone calls.  You can usually get free wifi in a terminal or fast food place or cafe while on shore.  But really, who do you have to call.?  Just give your relatives the contact info in the event of a true emergency.

 

1)  If your phone is in Airplane mode, it CANNOT be "roaming for days."   When in Airplane Mode, cellular service is OFF.  You may turn on wifi and BlueTooth separately.  Some newer phones will save the wifi and BT settings so you do not have to turn them On again.

 

2)  Whatsapp is fine for calling others on Whatsapp.  But most carriers and smart phones support Wifi calling.  With wifi calling, you make and receive calls on your phone just like at home.  No special apps required.  No need for people to call in a different way or number.  They just call your cell number.  It works on board if you have a wifi package.

 

You were calling international long distance, did you think that was FREE???  Would it have been free from your house????

[SRF]

On 12/2/2019 at 3:21 PM, klfrodo said:

For your very first cruise, go to a travel agent. They don't cost you any money. The cruiseline will pay them a commission.

 

Get travel insurance. Medicare is not valid outside the US and most likely, neither is any work provided medical insurance.

My recommendation only, don't get travel insurance thru the cruiseline or thru your TA. Coverages are very limited and too expensive.

Consider checking out https://tripinsurancestore.com/

Read thru the FAQs and familiarize yourself about travel insurance

 

Shop around on TAs.  Some charge for every thing they do.  Others do not.

 

Cruise line supplied insurance can be cheaper than 3rd party, if you are older.  Shop around.  Also, depending on circumstances, consider self insuring the cost of the cruise.  I cover my travel for medical, med evac, and many other things, for $32 per trip.  If I can't go on the cruise, I will be unhappy, but it was budgeted and paid for, and will not put me in financial distress.  My break even seems to be about 10 cruises for covering the cruise cost.

[simplynewt]

Ok so now I am considering a purchase on Trip Insurance for this voyage. Could anyone tell me if Travel Guard is worth my time and money or should I go elsewhere? They have given me a quote of almost $100 for the trip. Is that total cost for the insurance?  

 

Thanks so much. 

[mom says]

There is a forum ( look further down the main page) that deals solely with travel and cruise insurance.

[Mike981]

I wish you and your bride a wonderful cruise.

I don't know how mobility challenged your wife is, but I went for a foldable cane my last trip, I'm trying to hold off getting hip replacement number two. I used it 65% of the time and it was a real help when the seas where rocking.

On the drink package, just know with Carnival they have a limit per day. And  you can't stock up from one day to another, use it or lose it and you can't pay cash for more when you hit your limit. I know some can't see why 15 a day wouldn't be enough, remember they don't pour them like home, so one drink at home could be two or more on the ship. And I hate the game of having to keep count or asking the bar staff.

[pacruise804]

21 minutes ago, Mike981 said:

I wish you and your bride a wonderful cruise.

I don't know how mobility challenged your wife is, but I went for a foldable cane my last trip, I'm trying to hold off getting hip replacement number two. I used it 65% of the time and it was a real help when the seas where rocking.

On the drink package, just know with Carnival they have a limit per day. And  you can't stock up from one day to another, use it or lose it and you can't pay cash for more when you hit your limit. I know some can't see why 15 a day wouldn't be enough, remember they don't pour them like home, so one drink at home could be two or more on the ship. And I hate the game of having to keep count or asking the bar staff.

 

I've read that once you hit 10 drinks the drink count appears on your receipt.

[broadwaybaby123]

Just be careful if you choose to buy a drink package from Carnival Cruise Line.  Most cruise lines have different levels of beverage packages but in order to buy an alcoholic package on Carnival, you would both have to buy it.

 

Second, you might want to check out a company called "Vacations To Go".  Tell them the following criteria and they will send you all the ships that meet your criteria:

 

1.) Price point

2.) Time frame

3.) Where do you want to sail from?

4.) Where do you want to/not want to sail to?

 

They will then send you all the ships that meet your criteria for the next year.  They will also negotiate everything with the cruise line to get you special deals and free onboard credit (money to spend on the ship).

 

Most ships allow smoking, some don't so you will need to check with them on this once you book.

 

Most drink packages include water and then some so you may want to look into this if you plan on drinking a lot.  Some ships charge extra for drinks without the drink package.  Royal Caribbean doesn't charge extra and they have stations called "Thirst Quenchers" stationed throughout the buffet area and the Lido deck where you can get lemonade, iced tea, water, or some other fruity beverage for free.  If you were to upgrade to the Soda package, on the larger ships, they give you a cup that you can use to get soda at ANY freestyle machine!

[pacruise804]

12 hours ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

 

Most ships allow smoking, some don't so you will need to check with them on this once you book.

Slight correction: most ships with casinos allow smoking in the casino.  I am not aware of any ship that permits smoking in staterooms (or balconies, though some passengers do break rules).  I am also not aware of any ship that doesn't have at least a small outside smoking section (along with no smoking in other outer areas).

 

12 hours ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

Most drink packages include water and then some so you may want to look into this if you plan on drinking a lot.  Some ships charge extra for drinks without the drink package.  Royal Caribbean doesn't charge extra and they have stations called "Thirst Quenchers" stationed throughout the buffet area and the Lido deck where you can get lemonade, iced tea, water, or some other fruity beverage for free.  If you were to upgrade to the Soda package, on the larger ships, they give you a cup that you can use to get soda at ANY freestyle machine!

 

Most lines include basic drinks (tap water, tea, lemonade, coffee, etc).  Royal does charge extra for soft drinks, bottled water, virgin cocktails, and of course alcohol.

[dustyroad]

 I will give a few tips.  Don't over pack.  That can be the biggest mistake first time cruisers make.  And wear your comfortable already broken in shoes ( not brand new ones that will give you blisters from all the walking you will be doing ).  Also it is a good idea to take some sea-sick medication before you get on the ship and for a few days into the cruise.  Prevention for not getting sick is the best policy.  I have never gone on a cruise during your time frame so I can't comment on the weather for then or give you advice for the drinking situation since I don't do that either.   Just go with the flow, expect a few hick-ups, get to the port the day before if possible and have a great time.