So, FH told me last night that he really wants to go on a cruise for the HM, instead of just going to an Island.
I'm doing some research online through AAA, but, there is so much I don't know.
We want to do Eastern or Southern caribbean..... preferrably out of S. Florida, but, are willing to go out of Puerto Rico. (We want to try for S. Florida because we would add a couple days to the beginning and drive down to Key West.)
I guess my questions are:
What ships do I avoid (I've heard Carnival)
Should we spring for a balcony, or is a room with a window okay? (I just don't want to feel like I am in a dungeon)
Are there certain parts (floors) of the ship to avoid staying on?
And, really, any other general information would be appreciated!!!
TIA
ETA: Do you need a passport for a cruise? I have mine, but, FH lost his.... and is clearly in no rush to get another one.
AmandaLynn04
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
We're actually not going pres. week, because it's more expensive, and I won't be in a classroom then anyway (plus, PA doesn't have that week off. ) The cruise we are interested in leaves 3/1.
My only concern is that neither of us has ever been to Puerto Rico..... and, *** do we do?
Fly there and sit around and wait for the cruise? Does the cruiseline provide transportation from the airport?
The cruise leaves at like 11pm, so, we could fly in that day. I just don't know anything about PR, and I am afraid to randomly book things there, like, an extra day or two, without knowing anything.....
AmandaLynn04
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
If it were leaving from Florida, or the Bahamas, I've been to those places, and would know what to do..... I'm just so lost about Puerto Rico.
Snowflake08
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
we're going pres. week on a 5 night cruise with airfare and it was $3000 - i thought that was pretty good
i dont get my plane tickets through the cruise line because
A - you cannot pick your flight and i do not want to be randomly assigned one
B - though the ship doesnt sail unil 5, i like to know what time i can get there
We are flying to Ft. lauderdale friday feb 15, staying over and there is a shuttle to the dock the cruise is sat - thurs
you can find out if there are hotels that offer shuttle service so you know you are close to the boat
jsta76
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
Posted by AmandaLynn04
We're actually not going pres. week, because it's more expensive, and I won't be in a classroom then anyway (plus, PA doesn't have that week off. ) The cruise we are interested in leaves 3/1.
My only concern is that neither of us has ever been to Puerto Rico..... and, *** do we do?
Fly there and sit around and wait for the cruise? Does the cruiseline provide transportation from the airport?
The cruise leaves at like 11pm, so, we could fly in that day. I just don't know anything about PR, and I am afraid to randomly book things there, like, an extra day or two, without knowing anything.....
That's where cruisecritic comes in. It will give you ideas about what to do when you're there and how to save money.
'Even though the cruise doesn't leave until 11 you can get onto the boat earlier and relax, have dinner etc.
Also just so you know, the casino's and shops probably won't be open when you are in port because of regulations.
AmandaLynn04
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
Okay..... so, I can get a flight that lands that afternoon, and then set up a shuttle or car service to the dock, I guess.
Oh, and, if you are going to be in Ft. L at night, check out Las Olas..... great area with a lot to do at night, lots of nice restaurants and bars.
Snowflake08
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
yes, i also suggest doing your own airfare because i personally like getting to the dock super early, getting all the paperwork done and getting on the ship early
since you cant pick your flights if you book it through the cruise, you dont know if thats possible
wo0shply
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haha you can spend all day in a hotel room! sit by the pool and relax. My friends are super active and I hardly slept on the boat so this would be good down time to just relax after the big party!
Oh if you're going to do excursions I would suggest not booking them on the boat. They're a rip off and we were lucky a lot of them were cancled and we just booked them for 60% cheaper when we got off the boat!
I would also suggest paying the gratutity upfront. And bring cash with you since the atm fees on the boat and off shore is EXPENSIVE RC atm fee was 5 dollars!!!! we ended up going to the casino and getting cash from there cause they dont charge you a fee cause they think you're gambling with the money
wo0shply
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
Posted by Snowflake08
yes, i also suggest doing your own airfare because i personally like getting to the dock super early, getting all the paperwork done and getting on the ship early
since you cant pick your flights if you book it through the cruise, you dont know if thats possible
Call the cruise line and ask what time you can board the boat. Sometimes they let you board as early as 4 hours in advance. You can explore the ship, they have games and raffles, food and just settle in.
AmandaLynn04
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
Yeah, I'd rather get there early, and get all of the BS out of the way, I hate lines!!!
I was trying to look into excursions last night, and, I guess it's too soon to see what they are for Feb.
I doubt we'll do THAT many, FH really isn't them, as he says, but, I think that might change once we are there!
wo0shply
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My friends and I went to an all inclusive hotel (breezes Bahamas) as our excursions cause they had unlimited alcohol! Now thats what I call an excursions.
We were supposed to pay 90 a head for the that on the boat but we ended up paying 50 with taxi tour and the ticket for the hotel.
MrsD71208
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
You have FM
meg193
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Does the cruise leave out of San Juan? If so I would consider going a day early. San Juan is a beautiful city with really great architecture and lot's of shopping. There are also a lot of old forts that are interesting to go see. I agree with everyone else, cruisecritic.com is a great resource if you are looking for things to do at any of the ports.
JimmysPants
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
Posted by AmandaLynn04
It is a GREAT site!!! I'm assuming that any one of those companies that give prices are okay to use? Maybe you can FM me and tell me the exact agent you used of the choices you were provided with???
The price difference between a balcony and no balcony was about $300, so, worth the splurge, IMO. Plus, they said the window had an obstructed view.
I went on cruisecompete.com too and WHAT A PRICE Difference!! Is this for real? I got a lil nervous b/c it sounded too good to be true! Any catches???
Jumbles
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I went on Royal Caribbean and loved it , my travel agent when we were deciding on a cruise or a resort said she is partial to RC , the food was great and i have also heard that the Exotic southern caribbean is beautiful
jenlen
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Re: HM Help w/ cruises!
I did a mini 5 day cruise of canada and the north eastern states. We had an ocean view room, which was nice...but the window was like this tiny round peephole...so if you can afford to spring for the balcony, I think you should.
The center of the ship is the most stable since the rocking motion pivots along the center...so it remains relatively stable. We stayed in the middle, but I still ended up having to take Bonine for the first 1 day or so until my body got used to it.
And we did need our passports when we boarded the ship....because we would be entering canada.
Oh...and wear loose fitting pant for meals on the ship, because you WILL be stuffing your face will all the food! (there are dress codes for certain restaurants on the ship, so bring a few sets of nice clothes).
