K32682

Not impressed. We have three cases of passenger were allowed off early. In this thread we not had an example of anyone who was denied disembarkation for any of the reasons cited by other posters. Compliance lawyers in large companies set policies and for cruise lines they would be applying policies to prevent violations of locals laws that would attract large fines and perhaps prevent future sailings. I strongly suspect those cruise companies have sailed the waters far more often than any single sea captain.

I am quite sure the personnel in charge of the boat are competent on the relevant laws for the waters in which they are sailing and policies would be in place to prevent any violations.

First time cruisers should maximize the experience by getting off the boat and visiting the ports. You don't have to stay for the entire stop and can return to the ship at anytime. Most cruises have a sea day or two and you'll have plenty of opportunity to sample the amenities when not in port. Depending on the itinerary I would hate to miss visiting a place I might never get back to because I decided to stay on the boat.

I would expect the cruise line is better informed that anyone here on the current requirements of the Coastal Trading Act and the specifics of the example that seems to concern you. On this thread we have three examples of cruisers who left ship early without great drama. We did not have to beg permission like errant school children asking teacher if they can go pee, nor did we tremble in fear about cabotage or "breaking our contract." The process is quite easy. Inform the cruise line of your intentions and they will expedite the process. There may be an extra cost and in some limited circumstances the cruise line may not be able to facilitate the request. Ignore the passive aggressive posters who are determined to make the process far more complicated than it actually is.

As predicted last January. Despite all the hand wringing, dire warnings about cabotage, seeking "permission," declarations cruise ships did not do this anymore a fairly simple process was followed and you disembarked one stop early. Despite what some posters believe it is not a massively complicated task to get off a cruise ship.

When I visit a country I always have the equivalent of a few hundred in local currency. I generally get it from a very good local currency exchange or the first available local ATM or exchange even if it's at the airport. Local currency is used for tips, small vendors that don't accept cards, outdoor flea markets, etc. and the occasional facilitation fee. Americans who regard the greenback as some sort of global currency for retail purchases are ignorant and disrespectful. I grew up in a Canada-U.S. border town and worked summer vacations in the hospitality and tourism industry. We loved fleecing Americans who insisted on paying with USD.

A rum and coke lowers it on the fru-fru scale to the gin and tonic level. It takes a tick higher if you use diet coke. Calling it a Cuba Libre takes it up another notch. 😁

On the "fru-fru" scale it would be higher than a gin and tonic, even with a Cuba Libre and lower than a pina colada or banana daiquiri. 😉

I always specify whether gin or vodka when ordering a Martini. I like both but not prepared the same way. Very dry for vodka, a little more vermouth with gin. Lemon twist with vodka, olives with gin. A pickled onion is a nice garnish but that would make it a Gibson not a Martini. Ordering a Gibson is pretty much guaranteed to earn you a puzzled look from a bartender. 🙂

Maybe they do things differently on Silversea? It's good to know this isn't standard practice on other cruise lines. Thanks.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35282308-post733.html

Princess Cruises to the Caribbean in the mid-90's. My first experience was not a positive one but ten years later came back to cruising and until COVID cruised selectively when it was the best means to meet certain travel objectives.

I read in another forum that Silversea is still requiring cabin stewards to zap their passengers each day. Are all cruise lines still doing them?

Does that apply to all countries? Does it apply to situations where a cruise line informs officials in your final destination that you are COVID positive? And even if it doesn't a positive tests puts you in lockdown for the remainder of the cruise. Unless seriously ill I won't be seeking onboard medical attention even if showing symptoms that might be COVID.

The concern is less about being incarcerated in a cabin but what happens at disembarkation. Is the cruise company obligated to inform immigration officials that you have COVID? If so then what? This uncertainty is why I would not seek onboard medical attention if mildly symptomatic.

We often book three across in economy for long flights. The way to prevent someone claiming the seat is to rquest a boarding pass for the second seat otherwise the gate agent will assume it's a no--show and issue the seat to a standby passenger.

(Inadvertent double tap.)

I'm not inclined to share personal health status with complete strangers. I cover my mouth when I cough or sneeze. If that is not enough for someone and I get "the look" they get a "look" in return which suggests further interaction would be ill-advised.

I have seasonal allergies. Sometimes I cough and sneeze. Anyone stomping up to me, shouting "WEAR A MASK" and shoving masks in my face may well find the response quite unpleasant.

I'm a packing minimalist. The less the better but it's your vacation. Make yourself happy. Pack as much or as little you choose and that you are willing to schlep around. The only time you "overpack" is if you bring items you don't use and never really needed or wanted. Otherwise it's right sizing.

You can expect amazing scenery, variable weather where layers and rain gear are required, interesting ports where everyone speaks English and a more mature environment than a typical short Carribean cruise.

Provide the name of the ship and the address of the port.

The locals in Key West don't like the mega-ships and not without reason. I've been in Key West on a land visit when a couple of mega-ships were in port. There's nothing like being accosted by a drunken German cruisers at 11am demanding to know "Ver ist der Schloppy Choes?" 🙄 On the original question the ports are why I cruise and I visit all of them usually for the maximum available amount of time.

To declare all hotel safes secure based only on your experience in U.S. hotels is a leap of faith that not everyone may be willing to make.

Were these hotels where you worked in North America? I'd be less concerned there than in a developing county.