texaridian

Lesters mentioned that the cost to participate in John's FFS activities was only $25 several years ago.  Does anyone have more up to date information?  Was that to be part of all of the group activities?  Thanks for any information.

If you are an AARP member, you can buy a $500 gift card for $450, or a $100 gc for $90.  If you do that, and pay for your discounted Carnival purchase, you save even more!

Thank you everyone for your responses.  I will be taking my phone which has the emails I've sent and received.  I do have my other documents ready (passport, vaccination card) and will have the negative test before I show up.

The onboard experience will really have to wow me to overcome my negative impression so far.

Please read and provide any advice you might have.

I've never been on MSC, but got a great deal several weeks ago and booked a 3 days cruise on the Divina, leaving 10/14/21.  I was able to get booked on the cruise--I have a booking # and a cabin assigned.  But...I can't add my credit card online, and without that I can't get to the page to get my boarding documents or my luggage tag. 

I called Customer Service and got the runaround.  He told me to send an email to a specific address which I did.  When I finally got a response, they didn't address the issue at all.

On 10/4 I called again and got a fabulous CSR.  She listened and commiserated.  She confirmed my information was in the system.  She gave me another email address to write to.  I did and requested they take my CC information and also send me an email that I could reply to with the obligatory photo.  She also said she'd email to me my boarding documents.  (They're still not here.)

So, I wrote on 10/4 and got the automated response.  By Thursday (10/7) I had not heard anything so I wrote again focusing on the fact that the cruise is just a week away. 

OK, dear reader, now here are my questions:

1)  Has anyone else had this problem with the website not working?

2)  If so, what happened?

3)  Will they let me into the terminal without my boarding docs?

4)  Do you have any advice or encouragement for me?

Thanks for your help!

Carol

If the ship itself is your favorite "destination," then a TA is for you.  They have tons of activities.  I've been on TAs on several different cruise lines and all have been fabulous.  I like to cruise to Europe so that the loss of 5 hours is done over the course of 5 days (as compared to flying over and losing 5 hours in the course of a flight).  I typically go in the spring when many ships are being repositioned.   I like to go to a cruise website that shows cruises from multiple vendors and then I choose based on the price.  Right now you can find some good prices on some of the cruises sailing now through May.

I signed up for the UBP on the Star TA in April '16. Yes, the cost of the gratuities I had to pay is about $200 for the 14 day trip. And yes, I don't normally spend anywhere near that amount for alcohol on a cruise. I'm just not a big drinker.

However, I went with this because I want the option to try almost any drink I want. I'll be able to have a glass of wine with dinner each night. I can try the specialty drinks and expand my drink repertoire. Plus, I've never had a chance to compare "house" brands to some of the better brands of alcohol. As long as the drink doesn't exceed $15, now I can see if Grey Goose is really better than Smirnoff, or Patron is better in my margarita than Sauza.

So, based on the amount of alcohol I'll consume, no, this is not a wise financial decision. But based on this opportunity to have a unique experience, yes it's worth it to me.

There are travel agent sites that have a focus on last minute deals. Just Google that.

The best deals I've found have been around this time of year (fall), but there are bargains at all times.

Good luck.

Carol

I just got off the NCL Epic. They had the Quest game on the final night of the cruise. I don't remember it being offered on the Getaway.

This is definitely not a "one size fits all" activity. The game can become very offensive to some people. About 2/3 of the way through the recent game, the CD asked the crowd if we wanted it to get MILDER or WILDER, so he was gearing it towards the people who were there that night.

I don't participate, but I love to watch and laugh.

Someone on here said they are also curious how some people afford to cruise more. I'll give my answer.

Most of the cruises have been family vacations that my parents (and now just my mother) take me on. My mom is 85 and since the late 90's they've been taking me, DH (now deceased), DS and DBIL on a cruise almost every year. So, that accounts for many of them.

In 2004 I moved to Florida, so have been able to take some shorter cruises since I can drive to the port. Also, I've been able to get some last minute deals since I don't have to fly here.

Finally, I saw an ad offering to "be a TA and cruise for free." I responded and here is what happened. I signed up with the sponsoring agency for free, I get all of my training for free, and anything I book I get 50% of the commission. I've booked a couple of my own trips, and a couple for other people since I just do it on occasion. The commissions aren't much, however, the BIG thing is that sometimes cruise lines will offer a FREE cruise to TAs. You just pay port fees/taxes/tips. I took one in October from Carnival, and have 2 booked this month with Norwegian. I would post the name of the host agency here, but I have a feeling it's not allowed. You can probably find it through Google, and I imagine there is more than one agency out there that does this.

Happy Sailing!

Carol

The water is so totally beautiful! That is what drew me to this private beach. I can't compare it to anything else on Roatan, but I thought it was incredible. The island is small, and yet it doesn't feel at all crowded. The water temperature was perfect. There were several small beaches and inlets so you will get the feel of a private island. The snorkeling on the reef was good, but I wouldn't say it was great. The lunch was good, but not great. However, I'd go back tomorrow if I could, just for the relaxing atmosphere and the water. We did get to hold the monkeys which were adorable and my son was able to pet the jaguar.

When I started this thread by asking how you respond to well-meaning (???) friends about cruising, I never dreamed so many people were in the same boat (pun intended! ;)).

I love the ideas and thoughts you all have put on here. To the person who said they are getting grief about actually booking a suite, all I can say is congratulations to you! I'll join you in the suite life someday if I can manage it.

Keep it up everyone!

Carol

Oh my. As I read these posts I alternate between laughing and groaning. Some people just seem so ridiculous and their actions are good for a laugh. However, there are others who are so rude and insensitive, that you hate having to admit you're from the same race (the human race)!

Carol

Ann, I'm amazed that you are still monitoring this! Thank you so much!!! Would you please send the spreadsheet to me at texaridian@bellsouth.net

Thanks!

Carol

I'm the OP. When I posted my comment/question, I had no idea it would strike a chord with so many people. Thank you for all of the responses. They've been helpful.

Most of you comment on the economy of cruising and I totally agree. I live about 2 hours away from Disney, but it costs more per day for us to drive down there and go to a theme park than it does for a day on a ship--Disney is probably twice as much, not even including spending the night in a hotel. And I'm not knocking Disney...

I also really like the comments about choosing not to have the latest electronics, brand new furniture, etc. Yes, those would be nice, but memories last so much longer (hopefully!) ;)

And to the posters who are facing serious illness, please know that I love your attitude of spending the time that you are still healthy doing things with your family. That means so much more to everyone than leaving a chunk of change in the bank.

Let's remember to always count our blessings!

Carol

I just returned today from my cruise. We were in Nassau on Wednesday. I had made arrangements with the "People to People" program that I had heard about on these message boards. I found the contact information on google and filled out the application. A week before our visit I received a call from their office and they also emailed and gave me the name and contact information for our guide.

When we arrived we learned that our scheduled host had an emergency and was unable to meet with us. The office had found another volunteer who was able to show us around. His name is Julian. By profession, he is the aide to the Minister of Finance. We met at 10:30 and he showed us around parts of downtown--the library, the Parliament offices, a museum. He was able to take us in to a session going on in which his boss was speaking about a business registration law. It was like watching Congress in session. There were guards at the door to the building and we never would have been able to go in on our own. Julian also introduced us to several people, including the former Deputy Prime Minister.

We were impressed!

He had to get back to work, but met us at 5:30 and drove us around. We went by his house and met his wife, he showed us the ghetto and also where some bigwigs live. We then went to the Fish Fry. We had conch fritters at Oh Andros and then ate a meal at Seafood Haven. I was a little unsure about eating the conch salad and scorched conch, but both were wonderful! Although there is no charge for the service, we did pay for the food and also tipped him.

An added bonus was that when we got to the fish fry we saw some people dressing up for Junkanoo. That usually just takes place on Dec. 26 and Jan 1, but Food Network was set up to film a show at the Twin Brothers restaurant and they showed some people in Junkanoo costumes making their music and dancing. It was fun to watch the filming for a bit.

Julian had so much information and was a great "tour guide," but the best part was getting to know him as a person and to learn a little about his life. He invited us to come stay with him the next time we are in Nassau since we're friends now. Very, very friendly man.

I recommend this program to anyone who wants a more personal view of Nassau.

Carol

Thanks for telling us about the People to People program. I just returned today from my cruise. We were in Nassau on Wednesday. I had made arrangements with the "P to P" program. We had a wonderful experience. I will post a separate thread about it.

Carol

Wearing my cruise perfume. For every vacation I go on, I buy a new perfume. I won't wear it (after having tested it to make sure I love it!) until the first day so I don't have other memories to associate with it. Then, after vacation, every time I put it on, I am overwhelmed with memories and for a minute I feel like I'm back there again. I love it! (I still get this feeling from the perfume I wore in May, and now I'll have a new one soon!)

This is a WONDERFUL idea. Scents are so strongly tied to memories. I cruise in a week and just may go buy some perfume this week! Thanks for sharing this.

I'm with you there! I work to cruise. I rarely buy clothing, my house is old and out of date, and my fridge is more than 20 years old. And I buy my cars used. I figure when I am on my death bed, none of that will matter. I'll (hopefully) have my memories of great times with family in exotic locations, holding stingrays, climbing waterfalls, snorkeling with nurse sharks and swimming with dolphins. Can't beat that! Most the people who make negative comments have spent there money on other things that I am simply not interested in.

Everyone here has some great comments. I agree that it's nobody's business, but I just get so excited about cruising that it does spill over into my conversations.

I particularly liked the comment quoted above from ksobgynrn. She's put many of my thoughts into print. Thank you for that!

Carol

I love to cruise, as I guess most of us on here do. But sometimes when people find out I've got another one planned, I get the impression that they are wondering about my finances. When it comes down to it, I think a cruise is a very good use of entertainment money. I seldom go to movies, never go to clubs...I just save up for cruises.

Still, in these times of financial hardship for many, I almost feel guilty for being able to afford this pleasure. Has anyone else encountered this? If so, how do you respond?

Carol

There have been many wonderful moments, but I will mention 3.

In Juneau I took my sister on a non-ship's excursion. We helicoptered to Mendenhall Glacier and rode on the dog sleds through the snow and ice. It was a memorable experience and was even better because we were celebrating my sister's 50th birthday.

I love Magen's Bay in St. Thomas. I took most of my children there when we were on a cruise. (One son is in the Navy and wasn't able to come on the cruise.) I didn't plan it this way, but I was able to spend one-on-one time with each child (well, they're adults, but they're still children to me) just hanging out in the water. It was special for me.

Lastly, we went to Granada. The waters were rough and I chose not to tender in with the rest of my family, but just spent quiet time on the ship instead. It was special because very few people were around and I just relaxed by a quiet pool. You can't do that on a sea day.

I have to jump on the bandwagon and agree with so much of what everyone has said:

Planning and Anticipation

Catching the first glimpse of "our" ship

Choosing who gets which bed and dividing up the drawers

Watching and meeting people

The casino

The food

etc...

In addition, I love to play! I like being chosen to participate in the magician's or hypnotist show. I don't mind being a little silly because I can laugh at myself too. I guess I'm a participator. I like the trivia contests, watching the Newlywed Game, entering the putting contest...all of that stuff.

I love being able to stay up really late if I want without having to worry about the next day. And I also love being able to nap in the middle of the day to prepare for another late night.

I love seeing the clear blue, turquoise, or aqua waters and wanting to dive right off the ship into them.

I love being away from work.

What's not to love about cruising?

I love watching the countdown clock as I head to the next cruise.

Most of all, I am grateful to be so blessed to get to cruise. I love spending time alone on the balcony thanking the Creator for this wonderful world.

Carol

IMHO, some people act blase' [sp?] and jaded because they think it makes them appear "worldly".:p

I think Monkeythyme hit the nail on the head. I had the same feeling, but never had the words to describe it. It reminds me of "Hitch" where the couple goes to a gallery on a first date. A couple of men keep calling everything "disgusting." They are perfect examples of what we're talking about.

Thank you for this discussion. I read it yesterday and then checked out Temsco and some other private tour operators. I chose Temsco because they are cheaper than booking through the ship, they do the sledding on the Mendenhall Glacier and the people were as nice as could be.

I'm not worried about getting back to the ship. The tour is supposed to get us back around 5:15 and our ship doesn't leave until 10 pm. Hopefully the weather will be great, but if it's not, we're guaranteed a full refund if the tour is cancelled.

I'll be taking my sister with me. We're going on the last flight of the day so that we both can do something earlier. My sister wants to go to the Salmon Bake and I want to see the Underground Gold Mine.

Carol