quote:

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Originally posted by smitty195:
Oops, one more thing: I would definitely prefer a modern ship. I don't want "an old classic". Just like with hotels----some people prefer the old, fancy, 1850's types of hotels with the "charming" broiler to heat the rooms or whatever. I find NONE of that stuff charming. I like modern, new, fancy, hi-tech, etc…..Thanks!

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Most of the time, Smitty, I will agree with you. The older, 1800's vintage hotels have frequently disappointed. A number of years ago, while staying in Glenwood Springs, CO, I stayed at the Hotel Colorado, a 1893 hotel which, at least from the outside, looked interesting. However, the rooms were dusty and dirty, cracks in the ceiling, old radiator heating, etc,..it was a terrible hotel. Hopefully, they have renovated it.

However, if you ever take the Durango-Silverton train and stay in Durango, I can recommend the Strater Hotel, dating back to 1887:

http://www.strater.com/index.cfm/reservations/

Very nice rooms, reasonable prices, good food, and a lot of fun. Especially the "Diamond Belle Saloon".

Richard
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Aloha all. About to set sail. All of you stay out of trouble while I am gone.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Richard: So funny that you mentioned the Hotel Colorado. That's actually one of the places I had in mind when I was typing my words!! It's one of those places that I can see as being "highly recommended" for its "charm", but I wanted to be clear that I don't want charm....I want flat-screen HDTV's, modern amenities, fancy gizmos, etc. I'm not much of a "charming" vacation type of guy.

Vicki: Aloha!!! Have a Mai Tai for me. And when you hit Lahaina or Wailea, go have a nice lunch at Longhi's.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Can any cruise experts give me an opinion on this one? (Don't forget to change the number of passengers to "1" to get the proper pricing). Thanks for any input!

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=R406&tourCode=&resType=C&bID=PCDIR&&ppax=false&noOfPax=1&meta=I&random=690274456514.021#flightsDetails.do?airAvalToBook=tru e
 

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Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
 
I've cruised to Cozumel (from Galveston). It is OK. We got off the ship just to walk around the area close to the ship. It was somewhat interesting. Your balcony price is good. Go for it, or change to Galveston and visit their train museum before or after your cruise.

Next year, we are cruising to Belize. It is an English speaking country a little south of Cozumel.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

That's an excellent price for a single. The $30.00 OBC seems a bit small to me but every bit helps. I'd go with midship since they all seem to be priced the same. This price doesn't appear to include tips. They usually run about $10.00 a day and will be added to your bill. If you want to change the amount (up OR down) you can do so by contacting Guest Relations. A 15% (or more) tip will be added to any bar service so you don't need to worry about that. There is a place on the tab for a tip but you don't need to do that unless you feel the service was exceptional.

I assume you use your favorite airline to get to FLL?

Frank in sunny but cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Okay, excellent---thank you for the info!!

Frank, but of course! (regarding the airline into FLL). I actually have enough points for a coach round-trip, or first class one way and pay the other. I think I'll just take the freebie and go coach both ways.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Well, I think I found a cruise that I like better than the one listed above, and here it is!

http://www.princess.com/find/cruiseDetails.do?voyageCode=R407&date=&resType=C&definition_name=&random=1110435142136.8936&ppax=true&noOfPax=1&meta=B

I am going to try booking it TODAY, and I'm going for the "Mini-Suite". Yay!!! I can't believe it! Princess Cays and Turks and Caicos--wow!!! I sure hope it's warm at the end of January. Anybody know? I'm looking online but for some reason I'm having trouble finding exactly what I'm looking for. I want WARM weather!!
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Hmm, maybe I won't do a mini-suite after all. I was reading Cruise Critic, and people on there said that the Dolphin deck was all Mini-Suites, and that the balconies jut out farther than any of the others, and you are also the lowest row of balconies. This means that everybody above you can see right down, and there is no privacy. Not only that, but debris from others can float down onto your deck (like cigarettes)---does anyone have any advice on this? Should I skip the Mini-Suite and instead just get a regular Balcony room that is higher up so that I don't have this situation? I intend on spending a lot of time relaxing on the balcony, and I was hoping it would be shady too from balconies above me. But if it juts out and creates these other issues, I'm not so sure I want that. Any advice? This is the Ruby Princess, which is similar to a few other ships in their fleet. Thanks!
 

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Posted by railrev (Member # 2640) on :
 
Pretty sure Princess does not allow smoking on balconies, though it probably happens. For a solo, a regular balcony should be sufficient. Don't forget that there are several areas on the ship that have lounge chairs, shade, a pool and other amenities. Cruise critic will have plenty of opinions, but Frank probably is the best option for good information.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
The "Mini-Suites" do have the larger balconies but they are, as you've discovered, not exactly public space. The odd thing is the two TV sets mounted back to back. I think the idea is that the people in the bedroom area can watch one show while those in the living area can watch another. If I remember correctly there is a drape to separate the two areas.

As for smoking I believe, as Railrev said, that Princess no longer allows smoking in cabins or balconies. There was a fire several years ago on Star Princess caused by that.

Frank in dark and cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Okay thanks guys! I actually have a FINAL verdict and plan---we did all of the fine-tuning tonight. Okay, so here's the scoop:

On January 12th, I'm flying Virgin America from SFO to FLL, where I will stay overnight at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port (1 night). The next day, I'm taking the hotel's shuttle to the port for boarding my ship (the Ruby Princess). I will be on board the ship in a mini-suite on the Dolphin Deck, room D329 (which is an "MA" category, which I'm told is the best). Departure out of FLL on the 13th (a Monday) to Princess Cay the next morning (Tuesday). Spend all day on the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera, then back on the boat and will be "AT SEA" all day Wednesday. Thursday we arrive at Turks and Caicos (Grand Turk) for a full day of whatever you want! (I'm lining up a tour of the island---I want to learn about the local people and their history. I'm not into the beach or anything). Then Thursday is "AT SEA", and on Friday morning, it's back to where we started at FLL. So that is 5 nights/6 days on the ship (for a total of 6 nights for me, including the first night at the hotel).

The ship arrives back in port at FLL at 7AM, but here is where I need some guidance. I already booked my Virgin America flight back home for that SAME DAY---Saturday the 18th---for a 5:20PM departure out of FLL to take me home to SFO. Can someone please tell me if I did this correctly? Have I left enough time for when the ship pulls in at 7AM (I don't know when we will be allowed off), and then a flight home at 5:40PM that same day? Will I be okay here? I would love the advice because I am doing this blindly.

After studying YouTube videos of the ship and my various room options, I stuck with the Mini-Suite because it's just so neat!! And the bathroom is SO MUCH BIGGER!! In a regular room, holy smokes, the stand-up shower, toilet, and sink are all RIGHT THERE, which is a little too close for comfort for me. In the Mini-Suite, the shower is a nice big tub-style shower, the counter is nice and big, and things are spaced-out nicely as well.

So I will be "cruising" in less than 8 weeks. How about that??? After all these years, I'm doing it guys and gals!! I'm really doing it! (In GBN speak, I will be on a "Love Tub". Hah hah!! No love coming from this solo traveler though. I'll probably wear a shirt that says, "Leave me alone--I'm a crazy cat lady". That should keep folks away.

But seriously, any advice would be awesome. Oh, I am not bringing nice clothing to wear. I intend to skip all of the restaurants except for the buffet and room service (and any other casual, walk-up food service places they might have, like pizzas, hamburgers, or whatever). This is a t-shirt and shorts trip for me--NO desire----NONE----to get dressed up and go eat in a fancy place. I'll be perfectly happy with the other type of food. I'm going to book one shore excursion at each port (two total) to learn about the people and the history, but that's all. On-board, I'll go to any shows they might have as well as any movies they might show. I really just want to be a big, fat, blob on this trip and do nothing except be in awe that I'm actually on a cruise ship in a suite and I'm in the Caribbean. That will be enough to blow me away!!

What about internet? Will I be able to go online in my room and use my iPad for email, surfing, etc? Is it free? And what about cell phones--do they work? (I have a Verizon iPhone 5S).

Thanks in advance for any advice. I am so incredibly excited that this trip is really taking place. *I* am going on a cruise---ME!!! How 'bout that???
 

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Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
 
First, your flight time will give you around 7 hours to kill. Princess unloads the boat fairly quick so they can clean and re-stock it then load up the next group.

WiFi is EXPENSIVE! on the boat. You will not have a cell out on the water, you may have a cell at the ports, but your plan needs to have free roaming, or you will pay A LOT! for the roam charges.

On your t-shirt, you may want ""Leave me alone--I'm a crazy California cat lady". You will be shunned!

FYI, my Princess cruise went to Alaska, and my Carnival cruise went to Cozumel. I prefer Carnival.
 

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Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
 
Any of ye ancient mariners around here willing to try this one on for size?

Any bets whether it ever sails; any further bets it will see a landfall?

http://www.titanic-ii.com/
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

Welcome to the world of cruising!

You will have plenty of time to make your flight. The last group off the ship will probably be around 9:00AM. I would suggest you request to be in that group so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the buffet. (Generally no room service on that morning.)

Even though you will be in a "Mini" suite be prepared for it being smaller than it appears in the pictures online. It will be fine for one person, however.

Have a great time!

Frank in sunny but cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
I'm surprised to hear how early I'll be off the ship! I thought it would be closer to noon. Any suggestions on what I can do between the time I get off, and my flight at 5:20PM (I'll be there by 4PM at the latest, so I guess I'm free until about 4). I didn't know there would be that large of a gap in time. QUESTION: I do have the option of one alternate flight. I could take a flight that leaves FLL at noon, getting me home to SFO about 3 1/2 hours sooner. What are my chances of making it to FLL for a noon flight (with checking one bag)? Should I switch to the noon flight, or should I keep my 5:20PM flight?

And thank you for the info about the cell phone charges! That never even crossed my mind. I'll check with Verizon to see how that works and what they charge. (and if my iPhone will even work out in that area). And internet is expensive as well? Shoot---I was hoping to keep current on emails. Does this mean I should leave my laptop at home? Is there WiFi in my room?

Frank: Great idea about the last group off so that I can have breakfast. I was wondering how they worked the food thing on the final morning. A buffet would be great if I can swing that. Who would I ask---my room attendant?
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

I would think the noon flight would be doable. The airport is very close to the cruise port.

You would want to speak to guest relations about your departure time. They usually put something in your cabin mid cruise asking for your departure details. At least that's what Celebrity does.

Wi-fi charges are expensive. About 75 cents a minute unless you buy a package which can reduce that quite a bit. We have reached a level at Celebrity where we each get 90 minutes free and we rarely use all of that. We just go online, download mail, answer it off line and go on again to send. All we travel with now are two phones and an iPad.

As for wi-fi in your cabin (Cabins not rooms and decks not floors, please. ) that depends on the ship. Some do offer it and others have hotspots around the vessel.

An option for wi-fi is the terminals in the ports. Many have free wi-fi that the crew makes good use of. Or just ask a crew member where the cheapest location in town is. They WILL know.

One other thing, make sure you have a valid passport. Generally it's a good idea to make sure you still have six months validity on it.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Okay, I'll contact VA to see if I can switch my flight over to the "nooner" (it goes to LAX where I change planes, but that's okay with me).

WiFi: Yikes!! That is VERY expensive. I'm an internet addict. It's going to be hard to stay away for six days, that's for sure. I guess I'll just bring my iPhone and iPad and leave it at that. (Noted on cabin versus room. Heh heh….I'll learn the lingo and become a pro in no time!).

My passport is good---no issues there. I'm good until 2019, and I've already gone onto the "Cruise Personalizer" page to input all of the stuff that they ask for. I was also reviewing a package in the spa just to get a massage. A simple, 50 minute massage starts at $165!!!! Good grief, maybe I'll have to skip that part of my trip.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
There may well be discounts on the Spa Packages for port days. Go ashore, see what you want and come back for a massage before dinner.

Frank in dark and cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Frank: I just want to understand this correctly. When the ship gets to a port, I will go ashore and somewhere off-ship there will be "deals" listed for things on-board the ship? Do I understand that correctly?
 

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Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
 
My favorite shipboard scam: the lower-back-problems "class" "taught" by a "personal trainer" who said the answer to all our woes was a couple of "orthotic" inserts for our shoes. They were identical to the $6.95 Dr. Scholl's heel pads available in drugstores. She wanted $179 a pair.

This was on Holland-America's Zeendam to Hawaii in January.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

The offers will be made onboard. You will (unless Princess has changed its policy) get a lot of "invitations" sent to your cabin. These will include "In Port" specials. Some people never leave the ship.

I hope that clears things up.

Frank in cloudy and cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Ah, okay---I didn't realize that this sort of thing happened. Hmmm, that would be great to do an in-port special in the afternoon like you mentioned. My tour of Eleuthera Island (Princess Cays---but I'm not participating in that huge tourist trap!) will only be a few hours, and then back to the ship after a stop for lunch. That would be great if I could do it that day.

Also, sort of an off the wall question, but is the pool on-board the ship available for swimming while the ship is under-way and moving? Or do they empty it out, and only fill it when you're stopped in a port somewhere?
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
The only time the pool is emptied is for cleaning or VERY rough seas. I've only seen the latter happen once.

Frank in WET (Well, damp…) SBA
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Just arrived Hilo after five days at sea.

Thrilled to hear about your cruise Smitty. I took that noon flight home from FTL. No problem. We also took the shore excursion that toured FTL and then took us to the airport. It was interesting.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Thank you for the pool info, Frank. Interesting---so I'll be able to swim while "at sea". This sounds like a lot of fun!!!

And Vicki, the noon flight worked? Okay, I will call them in just a bit to see if I'm allowed to change it. I booked the flight using my VA points so we'll have to see if there is a penalty (I'll bet there is).
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Smitty we took the noon flight on standby as we had booked the later flight before they added the noon flight. That might work for you. No penalty then.

You do realize you hijacked my thread.

Just kidding. Hijack my stuff anytime. On to Honolulu now.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Sorry, Vicki!! I didn't mean to hijack your thread! (Or did I?……hmmmmm…..j/k).

I hope you're having a great cruise! Just a short time now until I get to go on my first. I still can't believe I'm doing it. I never would have pushed myself to go if it weren't for you guys and for answering my questions the last year or two. I THINK I'm finally ready to go---not totally sure what to expect. I guess the big mystery to me that I'm wondering about is whether or not I'll be able to tell I'm on a moving ship. Like walking down an interior hall---will I feel like I'm moving on the ocean, or will I feel like I'm in a land-based hotel? Absolutely no clue what to expect here. And I still have questions, believe it or not. I'll try to find the answers on Cruise Critic before I bother you guys with any more of my stuff.

Have fun in Honolulu. Every time I've been there, I haven't felt like I'm in Hawaii. It reminds me of being in downtown San Francisco (with different views, of course). Did you hit Maui already? If so, I hope you got to either hit Longhi's (Wailea and Lahaina), or Cheeseburger in Paradise (Front Street in Lahaina), or Kimo's and got their Mud Pie for dessert!!! (Kimo's is almost next door to Cheeseburger in Paradise). A Hawaiian cruise is something I'd really like to take, but those cruises are just too long for my liking. I don't like being away from home (and my cat) that long.
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Miss my cat too. I actually called the cat hotel to see how he is. Fine but "a little shy" whatever that means. Maui still to come. Going to the Arizona today, never did that before. Awaiting room service.
 

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Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
 
My favorite "lounge area" at LAX is an outdoor bench in the little green space opposite the luggage area. On a rainy day (and with coffee)this would be a welcome alternative.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Oh wow, you've never been to the Arizona? Finally, I've been somewhere you haven't.

Be prepared---it is quite moving. There will be people in "vacation mode" at the movie they show with the park rangers, and people will still be yapping and carrying on as you board the shuttle boat. But then once you get there and on-board the memorial and "take it all in", suddenly things are very quiet and solemn. I'm really glad I got to experience it.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Sorry to continue hijacking your thread, Vicki! But I get the best answers here for my cruise questions!! I've been doing a lot of reading on Cruise Critic (.com), but there are some things that I just can't find answers to. Here is one question that I hope an expert can help me with:

I am taking this cruise "solo"---Me, myself, and I. I plan on eating all of my meals in the casual restaurants on-board, such as the buffet, maybe a "regular" restaurant (casual) if there is one, a pizza place, a hamburger place, stuff like that. What I do NOT plan on doing is "formal dining", where you get dressed up and go to a Dining Room where you have a waiter, etc. So here is my question: Since I will not have a waiter, are they still going to add a gratuity to my bill at the end of the cruise to tip a waiter that I never used or met? How do they know whether or not I ate in the formal dining room, or if I chose instead to just stay casual? Also, is what I'm doing "normal"? Do people just go casual the entire cruise (for a cruise of this length----5 days), or does everybody usually eat in the formal dining room?

Also, I'm reading about "Whole Ship Tours" that people take, and that you need to sign up right when you get on-board. I don't have the foggiest idea where to go to sign up for such a thing. Anybody here know where I would go to sign up?

For the two land tours that I've booked through Princess, how do I know where to go, what time, etc, when the ship gets to a port? Do they communicate to you somehow that you need to be at "x" location at "x o'clock", and they will return you to the ship at "x o'clock"? What if, for example, the land tour bus gets a flat tire and you are late getting back? Is there any sort of agreement or something where the ship will wait for you, or is it just like on Amtrak where they take off without you no matter what?

Thanks for any assistance here! I'm a bit nervous because this is all so new to me...I don't have a clue what I'm doing!
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

Vicki and Art are still at sea so I'll take this one. Short reply because I'm doing double duty in the kitchen. Dressing and green bean casserole down, working on mashed potatoes…

You can go to Guest Relations to have your gratuities adjusted. I would imagine if you explain that you never ate in the main dining room they would remove those tips (waiter, assistant waiter, assistant maitre d'). I don't know anyone who has cruised this way although I am sure there are those who do. You should be aware that most cruise lines add a 15% gratuity to any beverages you order -- there is no need to tip beyond that unless the service has been exceptional. When we have room service -- usually for breakfast and an occasional lunch -- we usually tip a couple of bucks in cash to whoever brings it.

I'm not sure about the "Whole Ship Tours". If that is the bridge, galley, etc. they have always been complimentary on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. You would sign up at Guest Relations I would think.

You will get your ticket for the shore excursion and the meeting place in your cabin fairly soon after you board or the day before at the latest. If not, contact the Shore Excursion desk. If it is a ship's tour they will either hold the ship or get you to the next port. It rarely happens. If you are on your own, you are on your own…

We've only seen the latter happen once. About 40 people, including some entertainment staff, decided to take the train on their own into Paris from Le Havre. There was an electrical outage and the roads were jammed with weekend traffic. They were all left behind and had to make their own way to Dover -- luckily not too difficult to do. Their cabins were packed up and bags were waiting at Customs on the pier. Not sure about the entertainers.

The Captain (Captain Papanikalau -- a legend at Celebrity) waited as long as he could but he was dealing with tides and a time certain arrival and departure from Dover.

Frank in overcast and cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
How did the food turn out, Frank? Happy Thanksgiving to all! I just returned from my parent's home (a really nice retirement community that they just moved into), and the dinner was AWESOME!! Best turkey and ham I think I've ever had. Cooked to perfection. Mmmmmm…..but my stomach is so stuffed right now.

Okay, I understand on all of those answers. Thanks much! I think the "mystery" of this whole process will disappear once I'm on-board and see how it all actually works in-person. For my shore excursions, I'm definitely booking both through the Princess cruise site.

Oh, and thank you for the info about tipping room service---I would not have thought of that, and just assumed it was all part of the final tipping package. I'll make sure to tip when they bring breakfast.

I can't wait!!! I fly to FLL on January 12th, and set sail on the 13th!!!
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
PS: For my flight home after the cruise on Saturday, Jan 18th....I booked this flight using my VA points, so unfortunately, nothing can be changed without severe penalty and a complete re-booking of the ENTIRE itinerary at the current point level (which has gone up). I also risk losing my seats, as I have aisle seats and as of right now, all aisle seats are taken. Soooooo, it looks like I'll be hanging around FLL until my 5:20PM flight (instead of the noon flight). But I've got a couple ideas, one of them is to go back to my hotel and see if they allow a half-day charge? Since it's a cruise port, maybe they will? Or if not, I can do a little shore excursion and tour the everglades in one of those big-bladed boat thingys. But either way, it looks like I can take my time getting off the ship on the final morning and I will take them up on that buffet breakfast offer.

I booked my two land tours! On Eleuthera (Princess Cays), I'm skipping all of that touristy beach stuff and instead I'm taking a 4 hour tour of the island and having a "local" type of lunch. It looks like a lot of fun! And in Grand Turks, I'm also taking a 2.5 hour land tour that includes their museum and local spots. I prefer seeing the area over laying on the beach. Honestly, I can lay on the beach anywhere---I want to see what it's like in other parts of the world where I've never been. I'm bringing my camera, and can't wait to see the sites! Oh how I hope it's warm weather. I'm planning on shorts/t-shirts every day.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

You might check with Princess. Cruise lines often have a post cruise tour package that does something for a couple of hours and then drops you at the airport. Your bags stay with you on the tour bus. Just a thought.

Frank in dark and still warm SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Thank you, Frank. So far all I see is the one tour offered to take a tour in one of those air boat things, but other than that, Princess has nothing listed. Shoot....I think my post-cruise day is going to be quite long. Lots and lots of time to do nothing, followed by a long flight in Coach. I'm looking forward to the trip, but not the after-trip stuff...
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
I'm back!

Smitty stop worrying. All the info you need will be provided on board. Your tips are taken care of via a hotel daily charge. That money is spread among many people, some of whom you don't see as they are behind the scenes.

And you might try taking the earlier flight on standby. We were successful with that.

I am currently on the Surfliner using Amtrak wifi wending my way back to LAX. Car is parked there at the $6 per day rate. Home is about an hour drive. Already miss my ship but looking forward to seeing Pepe my "devil cat".
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Welcome home! I know a certain "Words With Friends" acquaintance will be especially glad to have you back in range!

Frank in sunny but cool SBA
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Welcome home!! By chance, did you ever get to stop by Longhi's in either Wailea or Lahaina? Or Cheeseburger in Paradise? Or Kimo's? I LOVE MAUI!!!

I will be happy once I take my first cruise, so that the mystery will not be a mystery any more. I have a thousand questions running through my head, wondering what it will be like. Stupid things, such as, will I even know I'm on a ship? Or will it be so smooth and quiet that you can't tell? I will discover this once we are under way. Maybe some of you guys can "wave" to me on the FLL webcam as we exit the harbor. That would be neat.

Oh, and regarding standby, the airline recommended that I not try it UNLESS I called them on the morning of the flight to see what the "load" looks like. This is because the noon flight takes me to LAX, and my destination is SFO. That means I would have to fly standby twice: Once at FLL and once at LAX. If LAX can't get me on-board, then I'm stuck in LA. Bummer. I think I'm just resigned to the fact that I will have an entire day to blow in Fort Lauderdale. I'll find something to do....I hope! I can't believe the trip is just over a month away. It'll be here before I know it.

Am I making any mistakes by not brining a jacket or anything? I'm traveling as if it'll be shorts/t-shirts the whole time. Am I wrong? Or should I pack a jacket?
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Florida people help here. Will it ever be cold enough to need a jacket or long pants?
 

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Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
 
Yes, especially here in N Central FL. Readings in the 50's midday are quite possible where you're going at this time of year. Pack a jacket or windbreaker, or sweaters, and something to cover your legs.
 

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Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
 
Smitty, why not try a ride on the Tri-Rail commuter line before your flight home. If I remember correctly there is a stop near the Ft. Lauderdale airport. A jaunt up to W. Palm Beach and back might be a good way to wind up your trip. I think it's about an hour ride each way. Might even see one of the Silver trains.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Oh my gosh, Florida could get into the 50's?? I'm really glad I asked---I was not expecting that answer! Okay, I guess I'll pack a pair of jeans and a mild jacket. My fingers are crossed that the cruise weather will be nice and warm though.

palmland: Hmmmm, not a bad idea at all! I would love to ride Tri-Rail. Let me take a look at their website to see where the nearest stop is, when they run, and how much (it can't cost that much). I wonder if they are a "regular" back and forth service, or if they operate like the ACE train where I live, which only runs in one direction in the morning, and the other direction in the afternoon? I'll see what their schedule looks like, but yes, I would like to take TriRail for a ride. That's a fantastic idea. Thanks!
 

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Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
 
It's not typical, smitty, but it's possible. Now today, we are likely to set high temp records where I live.
 

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Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
 
For some reason I'd missed most of the posts on this thread, and only now got to them.

Smitty's post about the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor was interesting to me, because when my wife and I visited the memorial last January we hearkened to the Navy's request that pictures not be taken on the memorial itself out of respect for the entombed sailors. But 90 per cent of the visitors had their cameras out, flashing hither and yon. I could not believe it. The park rangers said nothing, presumably because they didn't want confrontations.

No wonder the Mormon Church doesn't want non-Mormon visitors in its Salt Lake City temple.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Henry--

Perhaps there was a language problem. On our last visit to the Memorial more than half of the people on our launch were Japanese tourists. Friends in the Islands tell me that they are now being replaced by Chinese tourists.

BTW, I was looking through some books to send to the thrift store and came across your Zephyr book -- well worn and well used. It will be staying here!

Mormon Temples are sometimes open to the public before they are "sealed" or dedicated. I remember visiting the one on the Westside of Los Angeles.

Frank in sunny but cool and breezy SBA
 

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Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by sbalax:

Mormon Temples are sometimes open to the public before they are "sealed" or dedicated. I remember visiting the one on the Westside of Los Angeles.

Frank in sunny but cool and breezy SBA

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quote:

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Originally posted by Henry Kisor:
Smitty's post about the Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor was interesting to me, because when my wife and I visited the memorial last January we hearkened to the Navy's request that pictures not be taken on the memorial itself out of respect for the entombed sailors.

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quote:

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I plan on eating all of my meals in the casual restaurants on-board, such as the buffet, maybe a "regular" restaurant (casual) if there is one, a pizza place, a hamburger place, stuff like that.

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That would be a real shame. The places you mention tend to be impersonal without the same opportunities to enjoy the experience with others and to make new friends, which in my opinion are so important to maximize your cruise enjoyment.

My suggestion? Give the formal dining room a chance at dinner only. You are not obligated to remain there if you do not like your companions.
 

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Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
 
Smitty--

I tend to agree with Don's suggestion. We have met some wonderful people just by being seated with them at dinner. When we cruise alone we usually ask for a table for two next to another table for two. You can talk and if things work out end up with a table for four. To each their own, though.

We are trying to figure out how to get to FLL and home for our short cruise in January. I think we'll non-rev -- it should be doable the last part of January.

The Japanese were keeping a pretty low profile after the Earthquake/Tsunami and taking closer vacations -- Guam, Saipan, etc.

The Chinese are not just going to Hawai'i. They are everywhere. We were on a tour steamer on the lake at Queenstown, NZ and were, for lack of a better word, overrun by a large group of Chinese tourists all dressed alike. I asked their tour leader if they were a team or something. His answer was that they were all workers and family from a factory. The trip was a reward for beating their goals. He had been with them in Australia and said that there had been a couple of serious problems with Aussies who weren't having any of the rudeness! Go, Oz!

Frank in dark and cool SBA

P.S. Vicki, we think this may set a record for pirating a topic!
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Well, then let me make sure I understand the dining thing so that I don't miss out on what you folks are talking about. I am traveling solo (Me, Myself, and I). If I went to the formal dining room, I am imagining one of two scenarios: 1) I sit at a table by myself, looking like a loser just sitting there with nobody to talk to, or 2) They assign me to a random table with random people. What if it's a family of four, and they add me to their table? Wouldn't the family of four be upset as to "some guy" sitting at THEIR table? I didn't think cruise dining was "Amtrak style" where it's known that you will be sharing a booth with 4 people----or is it?? This is the main reason why I don't want to do the dining room, but maybe I'm not understanding something.
 

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Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
 
Smitty, on both Holland-America cruises I took, one could sit as a singleton at one's own table if one wanted. Or one could tell the maitre d' that one would like to sit with another singleton. Generally those wishes would be heeded.

When alone, I preferred to dine at the buffet.
 

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Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
 
Smitty, you can do Amtrak style seating. When you arrive they ask if you wish to share. Just say yes. A family of four usually sits at a table for four. Most of the six and eight table are couples and/or singles. Always interesting conversation.

By the way, if I might bring some rail talk into this thread, I met the "train master" upon our return to LAX. He stayed with us while we waited for a redcap to take us to the car. He said his job was quality control and overseeing the train staff, he sometimes came to the platform like this to help and observe. His other job is being in charge of all the trains in the station. Nice guy.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
Hmm, interesting. So I can dine in the dining room---either alone at a table, or with strangers. What to do, what to do....That would also mean bringing alone nice clothes, which I wasn't really planning on doing. I'm going to need to think this one out. I really don't want to miss out on whatever they are offering in the dining room, but then again, sitting at a table by myself just seems "funny" to me. Gosh.....I don't know what to do now.

Vicki: Glad you met him. Not sure if it's the same man that I met once when I boarded a PV (on #14---he wanted to see the interior), but it was a job that I did not know existed until I met him. The man I remember was "older", grey hair, and wearing an AmSuit.
 

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Posted by DonNadeau (Member # 61606) on :
 
If you book a moderately-priced cruise as most of us do, e.g., Royal Caribbean, not the Queen Mary, you need only to feel comfortable by wearing a suit a couple of times a week

Given that you said that you want to be on "a nice classy ship, not Carnival," get with the program, or you will feel out of place in any public area of the ship on more formal nights.
 

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Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
 
On our Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, we dressed casually, and shared a big round table for 8 with other people, mostly other couples, but it was a random assignment. We did not have the same big round table every night or for every lunch. On the formal night, we ate at the buffet.
 

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Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
 
That's good to know, Mike. I think I'll just bring some slacks and polo shirts, and that'll have to work. If not, then I'll just figure it out. I'm not taking a vacation to get into uncomfortable clothes, that's for sure. No suits for this guy!
 

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Posted by Mike Smith (Member # 447) on :
 
I had my black wrangler jeans and some polo/golf shirts and it was A-OK, except the one formal night they had.

In addition, you do not need slacks. Jeans and khaki pants are OK. I also used t-shirts with a pocket without any problems in the restaurants I used. I think the ships had 1 formal restaurant and 2 informal restaurants, and the buffet.
 

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