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98Charlie

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Posts posted by 98Charlie

    Check in question

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    22 hours ago, PrincessArlena'sDad said:

    We just did this.  

     

    If you add the other booking to your account, you can check in one after the other, literally seconds apart. 

     

    I had to check 4 cabins in, and I got 10am for all 4, and was done while the clock still read 12:00.

     

    Also I didn't have to close out the check in window.  It had all bookings own at once.  

     

    It is a little confusing how it is organized, though, when there is more than 1 booking. 

    The other couple will not be platinum for this cruise. They are listed on our booking page as "Additional Cruise Companions". Is that going to work?

     

    Charlie

    Check in question

    in Carnival Cruise Lines

    Posted

    1 hour ago, PrincessArlena'sDad said:

    We just did this.  

     

    If you add the other booking to your account, you can check in one after the other, literally seconds apart. 

     

    I had to check 4 cabins in, and I got 10am for all 4, and was done while the clock still read 12:00.

     

    Also I didn't have to close out the check in window.  It had all bookings own at once.  

     

    It is a little confusing how it is organized, though, when there is more than 1 booking. 

    Thanks. I'll give that a try.

     

    Charlie

    What does "Free Air" include?

    in River Cruising

    Posted

    4 minutes ago, Daisi said:

    Don't only look at the free air to purchase any cruise.  We originally booked for next year with Avalon at a "guaranteed" rate, which looked good because they were talking about air increasing to make up for the no-fly year this year.  When the air price came in, it was with an airline we don't care for, so said we would skip it.  I played around on their site with the airline we like, and it came out cheaper...we got that booked, and it includes transfers.  I will tell you that the taxes etc., that are not included in the above quote are possibly as much or more as the cost of the flight itself!

     

    If we do get to go, it's going to be nice to get off of an 18 hr travel day and be greeted by someone instead of having to work out our transport!

    In the past when I've flown to Europe it has been for personal vacation. Fly in, have a car rental waiting, first and last night hotel reserved and the rest on my own. Is it common now for airlines to add transfers to the flight? Or do you make a separate arrangements?

     

    Charlie

    What does "Free Air" include?

    in River Cruising

    Posted

    I've been researching river cruises for 2022..In looking through the terms and conditions for various river cruises it looks like there may be costs normally affiliated with air fare that are not included in the cruise lines "free air" offers. This comes from Avalon:

     

    "airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking;"

     

    It looks like there could be an extra $100 pp for the round trip. Compared to the cost of a cruise this isn't much. But I like to know upfront what the cost would/could be.

     

    Does anyone have any insight?

     

    Charlie

     

     

    Huatulco Excursions

    in Mexican Riviera

    Posted

    On 9/26/2019 at 9:14 AM, woody14h said:

    I believe this is a benefit and I would never have found it on a particular roll call.

    On 9/27/2019 at 11:36 PM, CanWeGoYet? said:

    The other issue is not recommending an excursion unless you've been on it.  That is another rule.

     

    Thanks CarolAndNate! I don't see anything in your post that actually recommends any of the tours. 

     

    I'm preparing for a cruise next (2021) September and was happy to find the results of your research. The ship excursions weren't particularly exciting/interesting. 

     

    Lahaina Luau, Maui

    in Hawaii

    Posted

    On ‎1‎/‎10‎/‎2019 at 11:42 PM, SissyFace said:

    http://drumsofthepacificmaui.com

     

    Drums of the Pacific is very popular - excellent luau in a great location at the Hyatt resort on Kaanapali Beach.  I would opt for it as an excursion - with no worries!  

     

    Very high praise on the TripAdvisor Maui Forum.  

     

    Maui has a wonderful selection of luau ... better than Oahu, IMHO.

    We will be docking at Kahului. The Drums of the Pacific is the offered cruise ship excursion. The reviews are very mixed. Some say great. Others sound like the cruise ship patrons are given second class seating and last option at the buffet.

     

    OTOH going to another (distant) luau and worrying about getting back to the ship on time is not an option 🙂 

     

    Does anyone have any personal experience to share on either the Drums luau or making it back to the ship from another venue:?

     

    Charlie

     

    Driving to Miami, parking at peir?

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    LOL - that's the terminal letter I couldn't remember (and I was just there yesterday.

     

    And it is not on the opposite side of the port from the other ships. The ship line up for the terminals have been NCL, Carnival, MSC , Oceania and then a Celebrity if the Royal Caribbean Corporation side (the opposite side from most of the cruise lines) is full.

    J has also been used by Fathom EXCEPT on March 12 when we were scheduled to depart. We pulled up to J and there was nothing! No cars, no ship, nada. I'm wondering if we had the wrong day:eek:

     

     

    There was one passenger standing there and she said that the Adonia had docked at E. The passengers that had parked at the J terminal were bused back to J to pick up their cars. We parked and departed from E and returned to J. Then the busing was done back to the E parking area. All's well - - great cruise even with one "man overboard".

     

    Charlie

    Driving to Miami, parking at peir?

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    I have used hotels that offer parking for the length of the cruise. There are several sites that have hotels offered. Just Google "stay park cruise" Some have free shuttle to the pier. Some are paid both ways and occasionally some are free both ways. You park your car and keep your keys.

     

    If you are planning on staying in Miami the night before you might want to check it out.

     

    RE: Driving

     

     

     

    • I've made a number of trips from OH to FL (3 this year). I just time myself to avoid the main part of rush hour. The HOV lanes have always worked for me.
    • I have a SunPass and it's great for me. If you are just doing a one time I personally wouldn't mess with it. YMMV
    • I have become a big believer in the WAZE app for my smart phone. Last trip south it told me to get off I-75 even though the traffic was flowing steadily. I did and was routed on to a 2 lane road running parallel to 75. for 13 miles. After the first mile we could see to our left that 75 was at a near standstill for miles! Saved us at least a half hour and probably more.

    Hope you have a great cruise regardless!

     

    Charlie

    Santiago de Cuba - On Your Own Questions

    in Cuba

    Posted

    I have booked the "Magic of Santiago" tour. But I'm leaning toward OYO at this time.

     

    Since this is a one off opportunity I want to see the things that I want and not have to get back on the coach if I'm interested or stand around when I'm ready to move on.

     

    OTOH I'm thrilled about the chance to see a slice of Cuba. So no matter what "it's all good"[emoji2]

     

    See you on the ship.

     

    Charlie

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

    Santiago de Cuba - On Your Own Questions

    in Cuba

    Posted

    ericstacie -

     

    Here's something that was posted by ONT-CA on another thread that you might find somewhat useful. Click Here to get to the full thread.

     

    When on foot, the hilly streets of Santiago De Cuba can be challenging. There is an abundant number of Pedicabs operating in Santiago that hold two passengers. Should you be interested in having the driver of one show you around, note the following. Few if any of the operators speak much English. You will be quoted a price but later that price can be revealed to be per passenger and that price may or may not include a trip up to Revolution Square without an additional cost. Because they are licensed and as some do gamble on operating without one, ask to see his "permiso", for if caught without one by any of the abundant police bike patrols, you will be asked to vacate the vehicle wherever intercepted.

     

    The Pedicab may be the only source of income for these operators and their families and they can successfully take you about showing you places of interest like the old Bacardi distillery for example but they, like most tourist ventures have learned how to maximize the "adventure". So do hale one if you are so inclined but I recommend that before climbing aboard you have full agreement on the total price, the areas covered (or duration) and that he is licensed to take you around.

     

    It doesn't directly address your questions but may add some insight about traveling OYO in SdC.

     

    Charlie

    Fathom Excursion Question: Magic of Santiago Featuring El Morro

    in Cuba

    Posted

    Anyone back from Fathom Dominican Republic cruise that had the itinerary change to Cuba?

     

    I'm wondering about the Explore the Magic of Santiago Featuring El Morro excursion. Where did they actually go? The web description has some here or there comments ("You will either learn about the importance of dance..... Other travelers will visit one of the famous music clubs......") and other statements that sound like we would be seeing some sights from the bus as it cruises by without a stop (".....keep an eye out for sites like the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, and Plaza de Marti.")

     

    Getting the itinerary change is a bonus for me. I just want to make the best use of my time in Cuba.

     

    TIA

     

    Charlie

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