98Charlie

Where does it say that it is tendering? I have looked at all the info I have from Fathom and my travel agent (vacations to go) and can't find any info on whether it is a tender or a dock at port. I believe we are on the same sailing in March?

It was in the Booking Confirmation email that I received 12/22/16.

The Booking Itinerary says: "March 14 Sangtiago de Cuba" and under that "Tender Required".

I booked directly with Fathom.

Charlie

Thanks Again.

I figured that the tender dock would still be near the currency exchange.

Charlie

Thanks!

I went back and checked the revised itinerary and it does specify "Tender Required" for our stop in Santiango de Cuba. Possibly there is another ship that has docking priority.

Guess we'll find out when we get there.

Charlie

We will be in Santiago de Cuba for one day in March.

• What is the location of the tender boat pier? I've looked at several maps and found what looks like the probable location.
  
• Do you have any "must sees" in Santiago de Cuba?
  

Charlie

ONT-CA - Thanks so much for the reply. The PediCab info is very helpful. I'm confident that my Spanish will be good enough to negotiate the terms.

A couple of other questions if you know:

• What is the location of the tender boat pier? I've looked at several maps and found what looks like the probable location.
  
• Do you have any "must sees" in Santiago de Cuba?
  

TIA,

Charlie

We're sailing in March and also had the itinerary change to Santiago de Cuba.

We've currently opted for the PTP tour (your #2). However I'm still exploring the option of DIY. Hopefully someone who has made the stop will add to the thread here with some insight.

Charlie

There are lots of variables as noted. Another one is late-comers in your section if you have assigned dining. If you're having your first course set down and your table mates or others in your waiters section arrive it can really put a damper on how efficient your waiters can be.

For some people the fact that they are 15 minutes late (or more) and the dining room doors are shut has no effect on them.

We were on one cruise (not Carnival) where a family had a table for 8 or 10. They arrived each night as we were eating our entrées.

Charlie

Agreeing with others. Always insure. Insuremytrip.com is my go to for that also.

There are a lot of variables you may want to consider that may or may not come with cruise line offered insurance. Some of the biggest costs are things like flight home from a foreign country for medical reasons, repatriation of remains & medical costs on board.

You can also get cancel for any reason insurance in case you can't go but the reason is not covered by other policies. I've called IMT on different occasions and the staff has been very helpful in making a decision. Never felt any pressure to buy more than I needed.

Hope this helps,

Charlie

Just a note about balcony size on Legend. If you look at the deck plans you will see that some balcony cabins are recessed from the side of the ship.

Those balconies are about 50% larger than others.

I am getting in a day early & staying at Homewood suites. I know it near the port & Im platinum so if I head to the port about 10:15 would they let me in to park Then to check in?

 

 

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Lisa Botzenmayer

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Added bonus that I just found is a voucher program that can get you a 40% discount by staying at certain hotels. Homewood is on the list!

Click here for a link.

Let us know if this works out!!

Charlie

How far are you driving to get to PC? I've found it easier to drive in the night before and use a stay/park hotel.

For a 7 night cruise the parking is about $130. I've usually found a hotel with shuttle for the same total price.

Same goes for other ports.

Charlie

You have 5+ months until the cruise. Plenty of time to sort out any problems if you apply for new passports now.

If it were me I'd get the renewal in ASAP. The current turn around time according to the State Dept. is 6 weeks. If you haven't yet received an offer on the house what is the average closing time in your area? (Ask your realtor.)

And if all else fails you can still go on a closed loop from US port cruise using your birth certificate and government I.D.

Charlie

I've always stayed somewhere on 17th St. and have probably used all the hotels along the strip. My selection has been based on overall price including shuttle costs and any hotel loyalty points that I may be able to apply. Extended Stay is the only one that I would not use again. Not bad but just not comfortable for me.

As others have said it is often less expensive to stay at a hotel that does not have shuttle service. Taxis are readily available as is Uber.

Charlie

Two things one use small hair iron second product from the supermarket call wrinkle free it's a spray goes on fabric to help release wrinkles used a few times now it's fantastic.

Lot's of recipes out there for homemade wrinkle release. Most are just a watered down fabric softener. Some call for vinegar and others for rubbing alcohol.

I've used a fabric softener and water only (1/3 c water to 1 tsp fabric softener.) recipe and get results equal to the "store bought" wrinkle release.

Charlie

For me it would be a no-brainer. Book for 4 and get the cabin that you are comfortable with now. Especially if you want a balcony or suite.

Charlie

It is Sharon we have been working with. This is a private charter, not the public tour. She said "8:15 am central time" in the reservation confirmation.

Sounds like she's using ship time which means that you have an hour and 15 minutes to get to the pier. Shouldn't be a problem.

Again FTTF might make you feel more confident.

Charlie

You might want to check out the "Ports of Call" board for Bahamas. Click Here to get there.

As for us (after 3 times there) the favorite thing to do is stay on the ship.

Charlie

Generally the performances are in closed venues. Only the ones booked through the promoter are allowed in.

We were on one cruise where a section of aft deck was cordoned off for a performance/dance. We were sitting in the half that was open to the public and could watch and listen.

Charlie

You are traveling in January? You will be using Central Standard Time. Grand Cayman is actually on EST (Eastern Standard Time) and does not use Daylight Savings.

In essence 7:00 on the ship will be 8:00 on the pier. I would certainly double check with Native Way about the departure time.

As far as tenders in GC you will not have the distance to cover getting to the port from the ship. It's a relatively short ride.

You may also want to consider the Faster to the Fun pass. It's $60 but only one in the cabin needs to pay for it. You get priority tendering with that. Along with other perks that a generally for Platinum and Diamond members.

Click Here for a link that explains more about that.

Charlie

I was interested in the carry on question also. I started another thread with that question. It was suggested that we can check carry ons at guest services once on the ship and pick them up when cabins are available.

I'm on my phone now and can't link to the thread but it's here on the MSC boards.

Charlie

Are we able to drop our carry-on in our cabins at embarkation? Or do we schlep until the cabins are ready.?

We were Loyalty Matched to Black

Charlie

Sounds like we should make sure we have dinner clothes in our carry on. I know most lines are lenient about the dress code on embarkation. I just personally don't like wearing shorts into the MDR if I can help it.

We started out this morning. Friends/family to visit on the way.

Thanks. We'll be checking out of the hotel by 11.

When were cabins opened? Thanks to the Match Program I'm Black with MSC.

Any recent Divina cruisers know (approximately) what time they start boarding the ship?

This will be my 1st MSC cruise. On the other 5 lines I have cruised they are generally in a hurry to get you on the ship and I've even made it to my cabin by 10:30 on one sailing out of Port Canaveral:p Generally I've found the ships are starting to load by noon unless there are extenuating circumstances.

The e-docs say 2PM just like all other cruises.

Charlie

We are flying from the north east and can only fly into FLL, but our ship is sailing from POM. Southwest looks like the best deal for us, especially since they are one of the few airlines that do not charge for luggage, that is a huge savings in itself. Our decision is whether to stay overnight in FLL or Miami? Anyone have any input?

For me it would be staying in FLL on 17th and taking one of the shuttles to POM the next morning.

There are a number of hotels on 17th of varying cost/service levels, a Total Wine store is in walking distance for any carry on wine for the cruise, plenty of restaurants to choose from (Southport Raw bar on Cordova is my favorite and withing walking distance) and if you have time there is the water taxi that will take you up to Las Olas past the homes of the rich and famous (or just plain rich).

Charlie