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Gem_in_i wrote:What is the price range between the NCL Sky and the NCL Jade?
Gem_in_i wrote:Thanks so much for your comments. I think it would help to point me in a direction instead of being aimless.
shake d livin wake d dead wrote:Gem_in_i wrote:I looking into taking a Cruise next year. But how do I even start to research. I am a bit overwhelmed by how much info there is.
How is a cruise for an old person with knee problems. Would it be to much walking to do on the ship?
Also, am hearing and reading alot about hidden cost.
How many can stay in a room? 4 max? The more the cheaper?
Why stay away from Carnival?
I'd start from the bottom...Carnival is what it is(a carnival, more suited for younger folks, food not so great and well no "class" per say...if you are in to that vibes...perfect for you..
Look at NCL, MSC or Royal Caribbean for that classy experience..if this is your first try a 4 day cruise...if you don't do well in tight spaces, don't book the inner rooms or the oceanview..Balcony and up will suit you( at a higher cost)...each room can hold up to 4 persons and its priced per person...rooms like the suites can hold more..
Hidden costs: in those fine prints you will see for each day you have to pay a $15usd tip(depending on cruise line, prices vary)...wifi costs a lot and it still sucks, excursions can be costly but nice...if you have a good sense of direction, you can see more for way less...
There are activities for all...and I mean all...Ships are usually big..but you can just choose a room closer to elevators...there are shows every night, casinos etc...You dont have to do a thing on the boat but relax..your cabins are cleaned three times daily and all the food you can eat...
Message me if you need more
shake d livin wake d dead wrote:hong kong phooey wrote:shakes is right , just did a Disney cruise left Miami to Cozumel then to castaway keys . Excellent
Next year going on an Alaskan cruise.
As shakes said if you can put out the extra few dollars stay away from Carnival unless you going as a vip . There is Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney etc
And cruises are not to bad in terms of price and the amount of activity you have available.
I looking at Alaska next year too bai...but with NCL...prices hovering around $750-$800...link up???
Gem_in_i wrote:Anyone ever take a Cruise?
Can I get tips and recommendations etc
Soul Collector wrote:Knew I remembered a thread with guys talking about some cruise ideas for the family. Actually, you in there too, lol
viewtopic.php?t=730449
teems1 wrote:Gem_in_i wrote:Anyone ever take a Cruise?
Can I get tips and recommendations etc
I'd avoid cruises for a bit. The first US cruise since the pandemic has 2 positive covid cases.
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/nation ... story.html
shake d livin wake d dead wrote:https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-cruise-covid-test-scli-intl/index.html
msc suffered same as well
Gem_in_i wrote:shake d livin wake d dead wrote:https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-cruise-covid-test-scli-intl/index.html
msc suffered same as well
Like my Cruise plans will have to be put on hold again
francis1979 wrote:1) Book early to get your preferred room location. Especially if booking multiple rooms. Room price changes according to location on ship. - This is dependent on the location you are planning to visit - different locations have different peak times - research this and book 4-6 months in advance
2) food and entertainment are free.
3) alcoholic and carbonated drink ( e.g.coke) needs to be purchased. Only drinks free are lemonade, tea, coffee and fountain water. Unlimited Packages can be purchased at additional cost. Some ppl carry there own bottled water and alcohol ( within limit )onboard. Most lines now do an unlimited non-alcoholic and an unlimited all-inclusive drink package. Juices are also available on selected lines. Carrying your own drinks varies by cruise line - Read their fine print carefully and do not try to smuggle in your suitcase if banned - if found you may forfeit your cruise
4) when In port - tours are not included in price. P.s. you are free to take personal trips. Just reach back to boat on time. If you are interested in tours, do your research - some packages are cheaper from locals and some are cheaper from the cruise line. Most tours have a 100% refund policy if by some reason they cannot be fulfilled
5) it is recommend to book your airfare as part of cruise package because if cruise is delayed in returning to port you will be responsible for flight change fees. ( alternative is to consider insurance) . Or if you plan to stay a few days extra it is not an issue. I would not recommend this - as a rule of thumb - I arrive the day before the cruise departs and leave a day after. I strongly recommend to book your transportation to the port from the cruise line and stay in a cheap hotel close to the airport the night before. Most cruise transports will pick you up at the airport and most hotels have free transport to the airport. Another main reason for this is that most cruise line transport staff will attend to your luggage and takes that strain off of you. Stay in a good hotel when you return as the hassle from disembarking and then going on flight will wear you tf out.
6) boat is fairly stable - and sea sickness is not an issue for most people
Wrong AF - this is totally dependent on the weather, where your cabin is located and if you are prone to sea sickness. Middle-ship cabins from my experience are less prone to feeling the rocking but it is still there. My dad can take any rocking in any ocean down here but felt it out there
7) carry formal clothes ( e.g. suit) for captains night dinner . Some cruise lines have been relaxing this requirement so investigate ships requirement. Some locations have dress code if you want to eat better food. Time slots are assigned to your family.
You can select Early Dinner or Late Dinner when booking your cruise... you aren't automatically assigned - if there are any changes the cruise line will contact you. I have never been denied entry to a location based on dress code but obviously have common sense - don't go to dinner with a short pants
take advantage of some paid services which can be obtained at nominal fees e.g. professional phots. Photographer is free and you just pay for the phots you want.
9) there is usually onboard kids camp at no additional fees
10) not all boats / companies / ports are equal - so investigate and pick wisely and read reviews. Match expectations to cost .
THIS - Investigate all lines - note that Carnival now owns Princess Cruises and Holland America Line - expect the same level of service
This is my rating for lines from best to worst (from experience)
1. Royal Caribbean
2. Norwegian
3. MSC
4. Princess / Carnival
11) not withstanding covid - cruise ships are infectious locations. Be aware of the risk . The cruise industry have processes in place to mitigate this risk, but rare outbreaks do occur
12) no ironing boards in room - considered a fire risk - so everyone use a central location
Laundry on the whole is expensive - depending on your cruise length, pack accordingly - you can sleep with the same suit of clothes 2-3 nights in a row
13) Check your VISA requirements - Investigate where your ship stops and see if you need a VISA to disembark. Some cruises allow you to stay on the ship if you don't - some require you to have the VISA before boarding.
14) Make sure you have a decent limit on your credit card. Your credit card is linked to your room key and is used for all transactions on the ship. eg gift shop, buying drinks, pop up booths. Tips are automatically calculated PER PERSON PER DAY and is billed to your ship account. If you are also buying alcoholic drinks - 15%-18% is also added
15) Pack: Sunscreen, a Power Strip, Insect Repellent, Gravol
P.s. feedback based on two short ( 4 night/5day) cruises in 2012/2013 with carnival lower end ships. I am sure a lot has changed so read recent reviews
Gem_in_i wrote:Did you book on your own or with a Travel Agent?
Is the drinks package worth it?
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