brzymom

Many things we’ve learned about booking our own excursions: 1- define “small group” with exact number of participants 2-are entrance fees for sights included? 3-check pick-up and drop-off locations carefully 4-read reviews on whatever site you are booking through and by looking up the company online as well. 5-be sure to triple check departure time and only do excursions that state return time is at least two hours prior to back on board time. Will continue to book our own as the cruise lines add up to 100% to the price of the excursion, are often crowded large buses with sometimes sub par guides.

Isn't that a damn shame?

Yes—after she mentioned it I looked it up and now understand. Was surprised though! You’d think there’d be exceptions for cruise ships bringing tourists to US ports!!

Thank you all for your very helpful information. Trip is 9/2025, so I will begin the research! Funny note--we then noted the ship was repositioning right after our sailing and we were considering a B2B for the next leg from Vancouver to LA--prices were awesome. My TA advises there is some weird old law that prohibits this. She thought it was the Jones Act or something like that. Who knew?

Hello fellow cruisers! Just booked an 11 night on Celebrity for 9/2025 with a 4 night pre cruise add on tour that includes Denali, Fairbanks & Anchorage.. Wondering would it be realistic and more economical to book the pre-cruise portion on our own?

We were in 8239 an infinite veranda. Never heard a thing entire 12 night cruise in October. Just letting people know that cabin is noise free.

Thank you both so much for your helpful tips!!

I ordered yaktrax from amazon--any idea how easy/difficult they are to take on and off?

Ahhh now I get it. Thanks for clarifying.

Did you get the $100 shipboard credit?

Reminds me of about 20 years ago I was incensed when the Honolulu resort I was staying at wanted to charge us $25 per beach lounger per day. Walked down the strip to an ABC store and purchased two sand chairs for $25 each. Used them for all 10 days at that resort and another. Last day saw cute family at beach w just towels and asked if they’d like them. They were happy to take them.

I am a beach lover but am very fair and need shade. I bought this tent online from Amazon and it worked well. Has its own carry bag with a strap so can be carryon. Opens and sets up super easy (prior to this I had one where you had to connect all the bars and string them through straps on exterior. This is much easier). Two adults can easily fit inside. I have even used it elsewhere with small fold up sand chairs. I hope CC lets me share this link : Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent, SPF 50+ Beach Tent Provides shelter from The Sun for 3+ People https://a.co/d/gTBPXcy pacific breeze easy setup beach tent spf 50+. It’s $59.99 and there’s a $5 coupon right now. Folded up in carry case it’s 40” long. We take it everywhere we go.

Sailed the Beyond on 9/28/23. IV Cabin 8239 with friends in &243 and 8259. None of us heard anything. No creaking or popping. We had an excellent cruise and it’s a gorgeous ship. Sorry to hear not all had same experience.

Personally on a longer trip like that--if my steward was really good I would leave an extra $50-$100 depending on how good they were. Last 11 night we left a card with $50 for our steward who really didn't do much for us and saw him twice after and he didn't even acknowledge the additional tip. Oh well.

Hello--we are doing the Viking Venus in February--In Search of Northern Lights. Don't ask where--cause I've been scouring these boards for information on this cruise and the ports--but I found a link to this very detailed review of the ship, the ports, and excursions. It is long--but there is s much information including the names of the tour operators used. My group have two northern lights chases booked--one each in Tromso and Alta--there really wasn't much availability through my usual operators and I didn't want to get shut out. We are still looking for wonderful and unique things to do along the way! Safe and happy travels!! http://www.thepreismans.com/venus_p1.htm