paulred

I used Priceline for our pre cruise hotel. I got the Crowne Plaza 3.5 Star in San Pedro, Jan 22 for one night. The winning bid was $75 plus tax. (=$91).

Their web sites says shuttle from LAX is $17 head. In addition they have a free shuttle for anywhere within 5 miles, which puts the Carnival cruise port in the area. We will take the shuttle to the hotel as we have lots of time that day. We will still do the limo from the ship to LAX on departure day.

I have been looking at various bidding sites, and the concensus is a 3.5 star like this will run between $65 and $75. More cruisers are arriving the night before on most cruises, which I heartily endorse. That may bring the price up as the cruise date nears.

with priceline, you pay up front. I use a credit card with a generous trip cancellation policy so I won;t be out of pocket if plans change.

Paul

Chado from last spring's Solstice TA. Charming and efficient.

 

Paul

When you are just going for a cruise and coming back, and use a major airport, then you'll probably have a decent flight arrangement. But most folks are not that lucky.

 

The reality is the internet makes it so easy to book flights, that you would be unwise not to do it yourself, or hire your twelve year old computer saavy grandchild to do it. Given the number of cruise lines and ships that offer similar itineraries, lining up simple and economic air tickets is the hard part. Do the research on that first. Use Orbitz, Expedia or any number of airline search sites. Check the web sites of airlines that use your nearby airport.

 

Its also the way to go if you want a pre cruise or post cruise stay.

 

Last thing, arrive a day early. Do you really want to savour the $100 you saved on the flight, as your ship pulls away from the dock you are standing on.

 

happy cruising.. and flying

 

Paul

Who can forget the fabulous Marx Brothers movie "A Night at the Opera".

While there are a lot of amusing scenes on baord the ocean liner, the best was where their stateroom became filled with various people, all packing into the cabin, and seemingly oblivous to the others around them.

Marx brothers at their peak.