Have not cruised in 5 years!

[ralmyers]

We have not been cruising in 5 years! SHAME on me!
Anyhow, things appear to have changed quite a bit! Any advice?

I booked our cruise via ***************** and have never done that before. I have used Expedia,etc for other things. I am wondering about purchasing shore excursions ahead of time or can I do it on the Carnival website? Can I also purchase gifts etc if I am not booked directly through them?
Is Cruise insurance really worth the extra $100.00? And last.... any good word on things to do in San Juan, St. Thomas, or St. Maarten. This board is so great and informative! I have been lurking, and joining in occasionally -- great advice. Thanks!

Triumph
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Fantasy - 94
Imagination - 95
Ecstasy - 99
Triumph - 04

Triumph - 04

[InMN253]

5 years since your last cruise?! I feel your pain. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You can't book shore excursions ahead of time, but you can research them on Carnival's website. After you board, you can book them using "funvision" on the TV in your room.

You should still be able to purchase gifts through Carnival's website, but you'll need your cabin number.

I'm a believer in cruise insurance. You never know when you might need it. I've always just bought the cruise insurance through Carnival, but others on the board have said that you can get a better price on it if you check around. There's a website, but I can't remember what its called. Maybe someone will post a link.

[finoky]

Try www.insuremytrip.com (http://www.insuremytrip.com) to compare all the options available to you.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1tehj/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/carnival.jpg

Tony

2004 Legend March 28th
2003 Paradise
2002 Paradise
2000 Destiny
1999 Fascination
1998 Fantasy

[ralmyers]

Thanks a lot. *********** offers their own, but I would like to check around in the next couple of days before buying it.

Triumph
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&timezone=GMT-0500">

Fantasy - 94
Imagination - 95
Ecstasy - 99
Triumph - 04

[imatarb]

Welcome back to cruising. I'm with you...this will be my first cruise in 8 years! I don't know what I was thinking to put it off that long.

As for excursions..head over to the Ports of Call boards, and you'll see more tour companies than you can name, and many are very reputable and much cheaper than the ones through Carnival. Also less likely to cancel due to weather.

For gifts, head to the Carnival website, and order away! You can also call if you have a gty. category. Your items will be waiting for you in your cabin. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Enjoy!!

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours