Newbie: First, second and third cruises

With the advent of my Medicare birthday, I have turned to cruising with a vengeance. Although we've not actually gotten our feet wet ... yet. We head out in January on our first cruise with Regent; the second November 2015 with Silversea and the third in 2016 with Azamara. Details below.

January 27, 2015

Regent Navigator, 10 Nights

Miami to Miami, Owner's Suite

https://www.rssc.com/cruises/NAV150127/summary/default.aspx

November 20, 2015

Silversea Whisper, 17 Nights

Barbados to Barbados (and the Amazon!)

Royal Suite (waitlisted for Silver Suite which we'd prefer)

http://www.silversea.com/destinations/plan-voyage/?voyage=4530&year=2015

August 11, 2016

Azamara Quest, 15 Nights

Norwegian Fjords (Amsterdam to Amsterdam)

Ocean Club Suite (waitlisted for Owner's Suite)

http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/view-cruise-itinerary/15-n-norwegian-fjords-and-n-cape-voyage_QS15U006-1470888000

Wish us luck!

Welcome to Cruise Critic. Looks like three fine cruises.

You mentioned Medicare. Are you aware that it does not cover you outside the US? If you have a supplement, it may or may not provide coverage out of the country. Check your plan.

Thanks, I think.

Since I am new to this, I'm amazed (appalled even) at how quickly the larger suites fill up. We booked our August 2016 Azamara Norwegian Fjords cruise last month, that is September 2014, almost two years ahead of sailing, and still could not book one of the four (or is it six?) owner's suites. Yikes.

Suites, Penthouse and Owners Suites fill up first as they are the most desirable for those that can buy them. Also having where you want to go and see and the ship to do it is also first on the list. We look for where we want to go, find a ship that takes us there and then book one of the few Penthouse Suites that are on the ship. Yes we are spoiled, but if you do not do things First Class, including flying First Class to your destination and back your children will!!!

In my book, there's nothing wrong with being spoiled.

You really are jumping right into the cruising bug.

All your cruises sound wonderful.

On HAL we have a hard time getting the PS -- their highest cabin category.

Once you try the top category, you will be spoiled.

Usually, the most expensive (suites) and least expensive (inside) cabins sell out first

You have selected wonderful great cruise lines to try.

Enjoy each cruise.

Keith

Welcome to Cruise Critic. Looks like three fine cruises.

 

You mentioned Medicare. Are you aware that it does not cover you outside the US? If you have a supplement, it may or may not provide coverage out of the country. Check your plan.

Medicare Supplements that do cover Forergn Travel generally have a lifetime max in coverage between $25K -$50 depending on the policy. That's a low amount and can be wiped out immediately if the person has to be airlifted off the ship.

OP might want to consider purchasing private travel insurance that has both medical and evacuation coverage. Some companies even offer yearly policies.

Some websites to compare travel insurance coverage

http://www.insuremytrip.com

http://www.quotewrite.com

http://www.squaremouth.com