Advice Appreciated!

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Well, for a "first timer" I would say you are doing pretty well:D

[POA1]

My understanding is that a passport is now required for Mexico (Cozumel). Am I mistaken?

Yes, you are. As long as you are an American citizen, you can use your original (or certificate copy) birth certificate and government issued photo ID.

 

Passport is preferred, but not required for Mexico.

[USN59-79]

Yes, you are. As long as you are an American citizen, you can use your original (or certificate copy) birth certificate and government issued photo ID.

 

Passport is preferred, but not required for Mexico.

Well, I have checked a few places online and the consensus is that the days of using and ID card or driver's license and a birth certificate are long gone. For sea and land travel you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that is the only exception. For air travel, the passport book is not accepted, only a passport will suffice.

[DaveOKC]

Well, I have checked a few places online and the consensus is that the days of using and ID card or driver's license and a birth certificate are long gone. For sea and land travel you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that is the only exception. For air travel, the passport book is not accepted, only a passport will suffice.

 

I agree - get a passport. What happens if you miss your ship or are taken off due to illness? You will not be able to fly back to US without a passport. Why risk it?

[POA1]

Well, I have checked a few places online and the consensus is that the days of using and ID card or driver's license and a birth certificate are long gone. For sea and land travel you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that is the only exception. For air travel, the passport book is not accepted, only a passport will suffice.

 

Have you considered checking with HAL?

 

From HAL's Know Before You Go:

 

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises:

 

U.S. citizens on cruises in the Western Hemisphere that originate and terminate in the same U.S. port are required to have proof of citizenship such as a valid U.S. passport or a government issued birth certificate combined with a government issued photo I.D. Other approved proof of citizenship documents such as a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or certificate of naturalization along with a government-issued photo ID are also acceptable. A passport is still the preferred document. PLEASE NOTE –WHTI-compliant documents are acceptable for entry or re-entry into the United States. You may be required to present additional or different travel documents when entering foreign countries, including some countries in the Western Hemisphere. Birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued prior to July 1, 2010 are not valid forms of proof of citizenship that is accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Guests from Puerto Rico either need to present a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo identification with a validated birth certificate issued after July 1, 2010. Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 traveling on a closed-loop cruise (a cruise in the Western Hemisphere which originates and ends in the same U.S. port) will be able to present their government issued birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card to sail. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy or certified original.

 

While I agree that a passport is a good idea, it's not a requirement for this particular cruise as long as the passengers are US citizens.

[POA1]

... For air travel, the passport book is not accepted, only a passport will suffice.

 

The passport book IS the passport. Did mean the card? In any case, the passport card WOULD be valid for air travel from all the ports on OP's cruise. Here's the link to the US State Department website:

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card.html

 

Please note the information in the table's third column under the heading "U.S. Passport Card"

[Herfnerd]

Well, I have checked a few places online and the consensus is that the days of using and ID card or driver's license and a birth certificate are long gone. For sea and land travel you can use a passport card instead of a passport book, but that is the only exception. For air travel, the passport book is not accepted, only a passport will suffice.

 

 

A drivers license and birth certificate is still acceptable for use on closed loop cruises. At least for now…

 

 

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[muffin]

If I were you, I would book fixed dining now. It fills quickly. Should you decide to go with open dining instead, you can change it before you go, or wait until you are onboard. There will be dozens onthe wait list just hoping you or others change their plan. It is nice of you to advise the dining room BEFORE Dinner on the first night, so they know what inventory they have to work with. In your cabin, in the activities lst for the first day, you can find out where to go and when to meet with dining room reps to do this. Happy trip!

[POA1]

If I were you, I would book fixed dining now. It fills quickly. Should you decide to go with open dining instead, you can change it before you go, or wait until you are onboard. There will be dozens onthe wait list just hoping you or others change their plan. It is nice of you to advise the dining room BEFORE Dinner on the first night, so they know what inventory they have to work with. In your cabin, in the activities lst for the first day, you can find out where to go and when to meet with dining room reps to do this. Happy trip!

 

The dining reservations terminals were set up in the Pinnacle Bar in late 2016 and early 2017 - at least as late as the April repositioning cruise. I made the mistake of going to the MDR, waiting for it to open, only to find out that I was in the wrong place.:confused:

[OlsSalt]

The dining reservations terminals were set up in the Pinnacle Bar in late 2016 and early 2017 - at least as late as the April repositioning cruise. I made the mistake of going to the MDR, waiting for it to open, only to find out that I was in the wrong place.:confused:

 

I guess it is different on Eurodam, because we always go to the Explorer's Lounge to make any dining table changes.

 

We first go to the dining room to find the actual table (not easy because the tables are not numbered in order) and then see if we want to try and get the location changed. If so, then we next go to the Explorer's Lounge on the ships we have sailed on - mainly Vista, R and S class ships.

 

Too much information here for a newbie, but good to start studying the ship's deck plan and get an idea where these public rooms are located - which deck - front, back or middle - near the multi-story atrium stair case or not. After almost 400 days I still have to think - do I go to the pointy end or the back end when we leave our cabin door.

 

Plus OP is not on the size ships I am referring to - OP is on a Signature Class ship - which is a very nice layout with lots of nice extras BTW OP. So if one goes to the Pinnacle Lounge instead of the Explorers Lounge on these ships, then that is where you go. Good for me to learn too, because we did like the Nieuw Amsterdam - Signature Class.

[USN59-79]

The passport book IS the passport. Did mean the card? In any case, the passport card WOULD be valid for air travel from all the ports on OP's cruise. Here's the link to the US State Department website:

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card.html

 

Please note the information in the table's third column under the heading "U.S. Passport Card"

You are right, I did mean the card. However, looking at your link, it is bolded that the passport card cannot be used for international air travel. Assume that includes Mexico.

[POA1]

I guess it is different on Eurodam, because we always go to the Explorer's Lounge to make any dining table changes.

 

They did away with the Explorer's Lounge on the Eurodam in order to make room for Lincoln Center Stage. (For those keeping track, that's a previous revenue generating space that was turned over to free entertainment. Also, the Lincoln Center Stage group is a quintet, replacing the Adagio duet. That's a net gain of three classically trained musicians and a net loss of one bar. I'm sure there's still plenty to complain about though. ;) )

 

Pinnacle Bar is on Deck 2, aft - but forward of the main dining room's lower level.

[FirstTimerInMichigan]

Check the Roll Calls section for a thread for Eurodam on your sailing date. If you are lucky and have an active group it is often possible to arrange shared private tours. Even as spontaneous as hiring a taxi/van for the day right at the dock which split six ways (three couples) can be pretty reasonable and a much better experience than being herded on to a big motorcoach.

 

We too opt for late, partly because we eat at that time at home and partly so there is not a seating after us so no rush to leave the MDR. We also like having the same waitstaff every night. But we've done open dining too and liked that - especially when we planned to eat in specialty (extra cost) venues or the buffet frequently. opening dining can also be a plus on days with late port stops.

 

Thanks much! I've checked the Roll Call for that sailing but there is none (yet)! I really like your idea of renting/hiring a taxi with a fun group from the ship, thank you for that.

[FirstTimerInMichigan]

Welcome to HAL! You have chosen a wonderful line for your cruise!!

I've not sailed the Eurodam yet but wanted to comment on your ports, all of which I have been to with the exception of HMC.

Cozumel is quite safe and very built up for tourism; you will have no issue to DIY there. Georgetown, GC would be the same.

 

Falmouth is another kettle of fish though. I've been to Jamaica both by ship [calling at Ocho Rios] and on a land trip when I stayed in Falmouth. I see that you are a same-sex couple and Jamaica is one of the least friendly countries in the area for gay men [some others are only marginally better but c'est la vie]. I would highly recommend taking a ship's tour there as you will be in the comfort and anonymity or a large group; as long as there is no PDA you will not even be noticed when traveling with a group. I, personally, have not felt in danger there but it is something that was in the back of my mind on both visits [especially the cruise visit since I was with DH that time rather than a female friend like the first visit]. Usually the Dunns River Falls tours [highly recommended] are not that expensive through the ship anyway. LGBT issues aside, Jamaica also has some of the pushiest vendors of any place I've been [much like "RMSLincoln" stated above] so I even recommend ship's tours to my straight friends who travel there. The funny thing is, nature-wise, Jamaica is one of the prettiest islands in the region, IMO. Their beaches are lovely and many still have a rustic feel with tress for shade rather than just expanses of endless sand.

 

Hi there, I really appreciate your feedback on the matter. I didn't do too much research into HAL's policies, or lack thereof, regarding LGBT travelers. I'd just as soon be considered another guest than a gay one, but you bring up very valid points when it comes to Jamaica and I love you for it!

 

I'll plan a morning excursion or tour in Falmouth, then perhaps that would be a prime opportunity to sneak back onboard for a killer spa day. Thanks again.

 

Andy

[FirstTimerInMichigan]

I contacted my TA this afternoon and we are officially in the later seating. We generally dine later up here in Traverse City, MI so why not do the same in the Caribbean?!

 

I do plan on taking advantage of the other restaurants on board (as well as our balcony one night!) and will absolutely contact the MDR as early as possible to give someone else a chance at our table, that's a good reminder. I've been in restaurant hospitality for 18 years (wow) so I appreciate that there are still people out there looking out for their fellow diners - thanks, Muffin!

 

As for the passport situation, my invoice clearly states that one is required so I guess that's that! I'd rather be too prepared than not enough anyway.

 

You're all awesome. It's so nice to come here and see excitement and sharing of advice and ideas. Such a pleasant departure from the mayhem of the world these days!

[POA1]

I contacted my TA this afternoon and we are officially in the later seating. We generally dine later up here in Traverse City, MI so why not do the same in the Caribbean?!

 

I do plan on taking advantage of the other restaurants on board (as well as our balcony one night!) and will absolutely contact the MDR as early as possible to give someone else a chance at our table, that's a good reminder. I've been in restaurant hospitality for 18 years (wow) so I appreciate that there are still people out there looking out for their fellow diners - thanks, Muffin!

 

As for the passport situation, my invoice clearly states that one is required so I guess that's that! I'd rather be too prepared than not enough anyway.

 

You're all awesome. It's so nice to come here and see excitement and sharing of advice and ideas. Such a pleasant departure from the mayhem of the world these days!

 

If you're confirmed into late fixed, which is called Main Seating in your documents, you don't really need to do anything. You can scope out your table location once you are onboard, but that should be about it. Just make sure to check your room keys when you get them to make sure your dining time is correct and your tables match. (We requested a specific table last cruise. We got it, but it was at the wrong time - early seating.)

 

If you're not going to be in the MDR on a particular night, because you have a specialty dining reservation or are eating en suite, be sure to let your waiters know. It's the courteous thing to do - especially if you are at a table for more than 2. (I don't know what you requested.)

 

Have a great cruise!

[FirstTimerInMichigan]

Ha, I already am having a great cruise; this is all a lot of fun and actually helpful.

 

POA1, I think it was around 1:30 last night I read that your seating had gotten mixed up. What a fun account of your trip. Actually, you seem to be the perfect person to ask...and please don't take offense at this 😉...how well are the various bars stocked onboard? If I asked for a Last Word (equal parts London gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo and lime; shaken; up) will they know what I mean and have the ability to make it?

[POA1]

Ha, I already am having a great cruise; this is all a lot of fun and actually helpful.

 

POA1, I think it was around 1:30 last night I read that your seating had gotten mixed up. What a fun account of your trip. Actually, you seem to be the perfect person to ask...and please don't take offense at this 😉...how well are the various bars stocked onboard? If I asked for a Last Word (equal parts London gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo and lime; shaken; up) will they know what I mean and have the ability to make it?

 

I saw Chartreuse. By Luxardo, do you mean the maraschino one? If so, I didn’t really look. I know that they have Peter Heering, but that's not a great substitute. (Too sweet.) The bartenders will generally make anything as long as they have the ingredients and the recipe.

 

I'm not 100% sure that they'll have all your ingredients. The two bars with the largest stock were the bar by Billboard Onboard (the casino bar) and the Gallery Bar. They're both on deck 2. Check them first. Most of the bartenders will know what's stocked where. You may want to have a backup cocktail ready though. (This is why I drink Bourbon on the rocks. They have it everywhere. It even works if they run out of ice.)

 

Glad you enjoyed the Live From. We really liked the Eurodam.

[bluesplayer]

Bring a couple of lanyards and take your room card to the front desk to have punched. A good way to keep track of your key. Have a great cruise!!!

[OlsSalt]

Bring a couple of lanyards and take your room card to the front desk to have punched. A good way to keep track of your key. Have a great cruise!!!

 

My own key card solution is to get it punched and put on a wrist coil if I don't have pockets. Dangles from my hand but doesn't seem to be a problem for me and if I am wearing long sleeves I can tuck it under the sleeve. I also learned to bring a shallow, flat basket and put it by the cabin entry area and my key card goes automatically into that container, along with camera, chargers etc and other items that get used from time to time so I know exactly were I put it.

 

There are flat folding travel containers that have snaps on the corners to turn them into a shallow basket. Having some sort of container system for loose end items, desk item or toiletries save me a lot of grief and makes it easier for the stewards to clean up the room.

[Mr. Boston]

Ha, I already am having a great cruise; this is all a lot of fun and actually helpful.

 

 

 

POA1, I think it was around 1:30 last night I read that your seating had gotten mixed up. What a fun account of your trip. Actually, you seem to be the perfect person to ask...and please don't take offense at this [emoji6]...how well are the various bars stocked onboard? If I asked for a Last Word (equal parts London gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo and lime; shaken; up) will they know what I mean and have the ability to make it?

 

 

Those are killer! My sister in Detroit sent me the recipe as it was first formulated at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1900's. I purchased the very pricy ingredients and made them at home, needless to say one is all that's necessary! Such an odd mix of ingredients with such a great flavor when combined.

 

 

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[FirstTimerInMichigan]

Those are killer! My sister in Detroit sent me the recipe as it was first formulated at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1900's. I purchased the very pricy ingredients and made them at home, needless to say one is all that's necessary! Such an odd mix of ingredients with such a great flavor when combined.

 

 

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Yes! I commend your knowledge of cocktail history, sir! I could talk about spirits and cocktails all day.

[kpgibbs]

If someone has already told you this, I apologize.

 

Beware of doing excursions on your own. If something happens and you don't get back to the ship at the assigned time, the ship will leave you. However, if you are on an excursion booked through the ship, they will wait on you. Just something to think about.

 

I went to Falmouth on my last cruise. I loved it. When you get off the ship, it's a gated shopping/eating area. Pretty large. The locals are not allowed to hassle you. It's a very nice port. I never left the property. Some of my group when to Margaritaville and spent the day in their pool. Very nice place and neat swimming pool. We were warned about leaving the property on your own. It's not advisable.

 

Just have fun! You will be hooked on cruising after this.

[KroozNut]

Over the years we have switched back and forth between fixed and anytime dining, but we recently realized that we're really 'old school' at heart; so we're back to fixed (early) on our upcoming Oosterdam sailing in September. :)

[ithaca gal]

If you have read POA's cruising reports, you must have read about his experiences when renting a retreat cabana. If you want some private time to kick back and be spoiled by cabana stewards, you must do this! (We rented one a few years ago and now will not cruise on a ship without them!!!)

 

Call ship's services and book one NOW. To rent one for a week, you can purchase it now. If you just want to rent by the day, you must wait until you board and see if there are any left.

 

The cost for a retreat cabana is $299 for the week and it is worth every penny!

 

HAVE FUN ON YOUR CRUISE!!!