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Called AGR yesterday to set up two trips. No waiting on the phone, great guy took my call. He is in Philadelphia. The western call center in Riverside is not quite up and running yet but will soon handle most of the west coast calls.
Arranged Starlight round trip LAX-SEA for June, cruising to Alaska. And set up the Chief and LSL for October, LAX to BOS. Will cruise back home from that trip.
All that for just 110,000 points. Plus they rebate back 5%. AGR is a wonderful thing.
Check your calendar for October 16th Gil. The Boston stop will just be overnight so no chance to see you Tom but still have fond memories of our last visit with you.
Can't wait for our trips. And can't wait for Smitty's report on his cruise in January.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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I've now marked my Oct 16, 2014 Cal, Miss Vickie.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Speaking of AGR, today is the last day to get a 10 to 30 percent bonus if you buy points. Considering you can get 13,000 points for $275, and a one-zone roomette can cost 15,000 points or $700, this can be a really good deal.
I just bought 5,000 to pad my balance a little, without even a specific trip im mind. However, these constant sub-zero temps in Minnesota are sufficient motivation to start planning.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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Is AGR handled by Amtrak employees? I thought they were sub-contracted by some company in the midwest (was it Minneapolis?). I'm not familiar with AGR being in Philly or the west coast---is this new? Glad you had a positive experience with them.
My trip on the Ruby Princess is 12 days away!! Well, technically, I leave in 12 days (fly VA to FLL), spend the night in a hotel, then get on the ship on Monday the 13th. So at this time in 13 days, I will be on a SHIP!! An actual CRUISE SHIP!!!! I can't believe it. It feels like a dream. Is anyone going to watch the Fort Lauderdale "cruise cam" and watch my ship depart the port? It would be neat to know I have an "audience". Hah! Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty, they brought AGR in house a while ago.
I will put the 13th on my calendar and watch you depart on your cruise. I am eager to hear how it goes. I think you will love it. Send any last minute questions, would be glad to help.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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There should be information on when to show up at the dock in your cruise documents. Generally ships come in early -- say 7:00AM -- but often are not unloaded and ready to accept the next cruise's passengers until 11:00AM or so. Your stateroom (AKA cabin) may or may not be ready. If it's not you can wait in any public area. The buffet will be crowded but there may be other venues open to get something to eat. On Celebrity ships our favorite is "Bistro on Five" which has a $5.00 pp surcharge but is more than worth it. Great soup, sandwiches, crepes and salads and decadent desserts.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Getting closer now.....so close! I leave in 72 hours for the flight. Then in 4 days, I get on the ship. I'm actually a little nervous---I have no idea what to expect. The pharmacist told me to buy Dramamine just in case because it's a lot cheaper here than it is on-board, so I guess I'll pick up a box. Although I can't see getting sea sick----I never get sick during motion related things.
I also was able to snag a hotel (albeit a different one) using my dad's Marriott rewards points coming back from the ship. Since I accidentally booked my flight home in the late evening on Saturday, I have ALL DAY with nothing to do. So instead, I'll be at a Courtyard by Marriott all day Saturday until it's time to take the shuttle to FLL for the flight home. Interestingly, this particular Courtyard has a Tri-Rail passenger stop right out front! People said, "Ask for a room away from the train noise!!!". Hah hah....You guys know what I'm going to say. "Give me a room right next to the train noise please!". Maybe I'll study their system map to see if there's any place where I can do a quick trip to somewhere, and then immediately turn around and come back "home". I just don't want to miss my flight.
I haven't even boarded the ship yet and my Shipboard Account has $214 on it. Gratuities ($60), two land tours (one on Eleuthera, the other on Grand Turks), unlimited soda package, and 100 minutes of internet. If you sign up and pay early, you get 20 extra free minutes---so I took that deal. I won't be posting on forums or anything, because the "clock will be ticking" as I'm typing, which is a waste of precious internet time. Instead, I'll do as Frank suggested which is to download all of my mail, go offline and respond offline, then go back online again to send them all. That should keep the costs way down.
I checked with Verizon and they said my iPhone 5S is already set to travel worldwide---just make sure Roaming switch is turned on. Before I leave, I'm to call *611 from my phone and ask them to add a 100 MB package for $25. It will allow me to have 100MB of data (not voice---just data) while I"m in the Caribbean. I need to double check with them, but I think that includes texting.
I also need to understand some fine print that appeared but has me confused. I'm going to call Princess and have them explain it to me. But if I'm reading it correctly, because this is a "special" cruise as far as sale prices and deals go, the cost of my Mini Suite ($899), I now have a credit for $899 towards a future cruise. If that's true, then I can take another cruise in a regular cabin with a porch (not a mini suite) and take a quickie 3 or 4 day trip somewhere totally free. I hope I'm reading that fine print correctly! Boy that would be awesome.
My longggggg list of stuff is slowly getting things crossed off. Got my haircut yesterday, printed the boarding pass, printed those weird luggage tags and folded/stapled them onto my bags as they requested, wrote a note and check for the petsitter, and so many other little things that need to be done before leaving for a trip. I can't wait to see what it's like to be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by water, and yet be inside this big fancy cruise ship. I literally can't even imagine it----I guess it must be experienced.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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First, Smitty, even though I'm no cruise fan, I have nevertheless 'been there done that', as well as two TRANSAT sailings in this life. Further, I have sailed extensively along the New England coast while I was in the Fairfield Navy.
While of course, I cannot pass judgement in your particular case regarding the potential for 'mal de mer', I think those concerns are overrated.
First, how long will you be continuously at sea; 24 hours perhaps? I would think that Eleuthera would be your first Port of Call; and that could hardly be more than than an overnight sail, and that likely only at a speed of maybe 15kts (what would one think of being aboard the s/s United States for a WNA - Winter North Atlantic - Xing. She is going to make 35kts, 20ft swells notwithstanding, in order to keep schedule - to not be docking at Southampton fourth morning was like 'The Century' being late).
But if somehow you do get 'mal de mer', try to stay amidships and on a lower deck to the fullest extent possible. If on deck, do not look anywhere you can see the vessel's motion against the horizon. Also, watch your alcohol.
Finally, an interesting book review was in last Saturday's Wall Street Journal:
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Well, if those are the secrets, then I'm covered without even planning for it! My cabin is located mid-ship and I'm on a lower deck---D Deck. That's the level where all Mini Suites are located. And I'm right smack in the middle of the ship! Additionally, I don't drink except for one celebratory Mai Tai that I will have at some point. Other than that, I stopped drinking years ago. So if this turns out to be true, then I've got it made!
Regarding ship speed, etc, I was looking at the map of where we're going and something doesn't make sense to me. If it takes us four days to get to the furthest point away from Florida on this particular cruise (Grand Turks), yet we can sail from Grand Turks on the last day back to Fort Lauderdale overnight------then what are these "Days at Sea"? Certainly they're not required for travel time are they? Do they fool us in the cruise industry with this "Days at Sea" stuff, and are they actually just zig-zagging back and forth in the same location so that we can't see the land and figure out what's up? Any expert cruisers out there know if that's what is going on? Because our itinerary shows us getting from the furthest point (Grand Turks) back to the Cruise Port in Florida OVERNIGHT. Yet it took four days to get there, including two FULL days at sea?? Something sounds "fishy" here.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty. In my experience meds for seasickness are provided free from the ship's infirmary. I doubt you will have a problem. I suggest you keep roaming turned off on your phone except when you need it. You can use your internet minutes with the phone and also look for free wifi in the ports.
If you are checking your bag the airline will likely destroy your paper luggage tag. Best to wait until you leave the pre-cruise hotel to attach them. I always borrow a stapler from the from desk.
I can't wait to hear how you like the cruise. It's great to see someone so enthused. By the way, my phone's auto correction makes a very amusing new name for you if I don't watch it carefully.
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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Bon Voyage! I've got your departure on Monday on my calendar and will try to remember to watch your sailaway.
I'll be interested to hear what you think of the Courtyard. I believe we are booked there on one of the three cruises we have booked from FLL this year (1/20 -- 5 night Caribbean, 3/06 -- Panama Canal to Los Angeles, 4/20 -- FLL to Rome). I think that Mr. Norman would agree that that last one counts as a "crossing".
Vicki is correct (Of course! ) about the dramamine or a substitute being available either at the Medical Center or, sometimes, the Guest Relations desk. And do NOT put your luggage tags on until you are ready to leave for the ship. The airline, even VA, will most likely rip them off or otherwise destroy them in transit.
Have a great time and we'll be looking forward to hearing about your adventure.
Frank in chilly (for us!) SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I have had a past preference for Courtyard, but after a stay at one in Nashville last April, I am starting to have second thoughts. I have noted such within my Trip Advisor report:
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Oh wow, I'm sooooo glad you told me about the cruise luggage tags! Unfortunately, I already put them on (two tags on each piece of luggage--two pieces total). Should I rip them off now before I leave, of just leave them on and hope for the best? (Either way, I am going to print several new luggage tags right now so that I will have them with me in Florida at the hotel.)
And that's great info about getting the sea-sickness medication for free. I was not aware of that. I just "assumed" that they would charge quadruple for it because you're a captive audience and have no other place to go. But if it's free, then heck, I'll just get it there. Every little penny helps!
I did call Princess today to confirm that their "100% Back" offer is real! So sometime in 2014, I will take another trip somewhere if the price is right! They have a lot of sales, so I think I'll find something in my price range. It won't be a Mini Suite, but a regular room with a balcony is fine with me.
Frank: I'll let you know about the Courtyard. And just so you know, this particular Courtyard has free transportation to/from FLL Airport, however, they only provide cruise transportation TO the cruise port. When you return from your cruise, they do NOT provide transportation. You will need a taxi or some other form of transportation. I called the front desk yesterday to verify that. (FYI the Fairfield Inn, which is where I'll be on Sunday night, provides to/from airport and to/from cruise port). Not sure why the Courtyard only goes in one direction to the cruise port.
So close now......so close.....This time in 72 hours, I'll be on VA Florida-bound! Or actually, I should just be arriving there.
I
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Smitty: Have a great time! I just checked the Ruby Princess schedule and the first and last days are at sea. You actually sail to Grand Cayman which is below Cuba (not the Grand Turks)and also to Cozumel, an island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. You will love Ruby Princess as it's a sister ship to Emerald Princess which we just sailed on at Christmas. Our 10 night cruise went to several Eastern Caribbean islands. I'm sure you will do fine since your stateroom is midship. Ours was pretty far back on the Baja Deck and it was smooth despite rocky seas the first 2 days. This was our 7th cruise and the only disorienting one was 2 years ago when our room was forward. As for food, plenty of choices: main dining room(s), Horizon Court (buffet), International Cafe, plus pizza and hot docks near one of the swimming pools. All of these are no extra charge. Be sure to enjoy some of the shows after dinner in the Princess Theater as well as hours of relaxation. Two additional pointers: drop your luggage at the designated curbside spot then it will show up at your door before you sail. Once the luggage arrives, unpack it and stow the empty bags under the bed. Much easier than getting into a suitcase on the train. Port Everglades can get very busy with vehicle traffic so do arrive plenty early. Have a wonderful time!
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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I endorse the notion of taking a ride on Tri-Rail if time and energy permit. I would let schedules dictate whether you go north to West Palm Beach or south to Miami as both rides feature urban sights. A ride north to Mangonia Park (nothing there) or West Palm Beach (stop is at a nice former Seaboard, now Amtrak) station is slightly longer than the trip to Miami. I hope that works out for you.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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SilverStar: Thanks for the info on the sister-ship. As I understand it, the three newest Princess ships were all built exactly the same: Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, and one more---with Ruby being the newest.
As for my itinerary, I think you must be looking at something else. My itinerary is as follows:
Monday: Depart the cruise port at 4PM Tuesday: Arrive Princess Cays (it's actually the island of Eleuthera, where I have a land tour scheduled through Princess) Wednesday: At Sea Thursday: Grand Turks (I have a land tour scheduled here as well) Friday: At Sea Saturday: Arrive Port Everglades Cruise Terminal at 7AM
I'm not sure what the Ruby is doing before my trip, but as of an hour ago I checked the Princess "Bridge Cam" and they were parked at the dock at Port Everglades. If they are going somewhere, it will have to be quick in order to get back in time for a Monday morning departure.
For a Tri-Rail trip, it would have to be on Saturday which means a weekend schedule. I already looked, and it's one train every hour. If I took it all the way to the north end terminus, it's about 90 minutes. Then you wait for 30 minutes, and take the same train 90 minutes back to the FLL station. So that's about 3 ½ hours of time---not sure I'm going to do that since I'll have a hotel room for the day. I might just stay there and snooze, perhaps do some laundry, and get caught up on emails and Facebook stuff. Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Don't sweat the luggage tags. You can always get the porter who takes your bag(s) to put new ones one. Be sure to tip them a couple of dollars per bag. It's not "required" but they do appreciate it.
I assume you've done your online checkin and have your boarding document. That and your passport and the credit card you plan to use are all you really need for checkin.
On one of our three visits to FLL this Spring we don't arrive until 12:16PM. The hotel shuttle stops running at midnight. They said it is about a $25.00 ride from the airport to the hotel. I imagine it would be about the same from the Cruiseport to a hotel.
Again, Bon Voyage and I'll try to watch on Monday.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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I better check to see if I still must "check in" online. I do have a printed "Boarding Pass" that I got from my online Cruise Personalizer, however, I do not recall doing any type of "check in" like with an airline. All I did was print out that piece of paper that says, "Boarding Pass". Is there something that I must do online that says I am checked-in? If so, I have NOT done that. I didn't see an area to do it. And I do have my CA Driver's Lic and my Passport, as well as the same credit card that I registered to be used against my shipboard account. So it sounds like I've done everything except check-in? Or do you think since I have a piece of paper that says "Boarding Pass" on it, am I already checked in? I'll start looking through my "Personalizer" now to see if I can find anything about checking in online.
Also, after I wrote my last message, I went ahead and removed the Princess luggage tags and threw them away. Then, I re-printed 4 brand new ones and I put them in my carry-on inside a magazine to keep them "neat". I have a mini stapler that I will use once I get to the Florida hotel to put new tags back on (the mini stapler will go with the checked baggage, just so the TSA people don't freak out and think I'm going to take over an airplane with a little two inch stapler, never mind the fact that I'm retired LEO with nationwide CCW---they don't care about that, which is a shame. But I digress...).
Sorry for all the questions, but I have one more and then I think that will probably be the last one. I'm assuming I should tip the tour guides (for the two land tours I'm taking at both Ports of Call). It is a Princess-organized/guaranteed tour, and at the end I need to tip them---correct? My question is, how much do I tip, AND, can I tip in American money or do I need to convert to something first? FY the first land tour is on Eleuthera and is 4 hours---includes them taking us to lunch. The second land tour is on Grand Turks and is 2.5 hours, no lunch. Any suggestions?
This is going to be so neat knowing that a few of you will watch my ship depart from the cruise port!!!!! If any of you know how to do a "screen capture", would you mind capturing a freeze shot as the ship passes by the camera? I'd love to see it when I get back. I'll add it to my iPhoto thing that I'm doing of all of the pictures of my trip.
Still can't believe this is actually happening. It's like a dream....all this time saying that I need to take a cruise, and here it's actually going to HAPPEN. So many internal questions that only I can ask and answer---can't wait to see if I'm right or wrong.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Well, Smitty, I guess you will be winging your way on VX/VRD/Redwood into, for you, uncharted territory (I believe you once noted here you had never been to the East Coast), about this time tomorrow (VX 340 leaves KSFO 810A).
If they offer an air-ground communications (on United it is at the Captain's discretion) monitor, your call sign will be Redwood 340.
As for me, can't think of when I would ever have occasion to fly them - even though they do serve KORD. I know my way around United's KORD Terminal 1, i.e. where the restaurants I like are located and where the gates the puddle jumpers, which seem to be the only aircraft I fly on, all leave from.
Otherwise, Bon Voyage; while I may have to eat my hat on this one, I sincerely think that any cruise with a Caribbean itinerary, any concerns about 'mal de mer' are between minimal and unfounded.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Smitty -- On the one cruise we took, after we got married in 2005, I got one of those "seasickness patches," since I am VERY VERY prone to "mal de mer." The patch seemed to work fine. But, on our last night at sea (return from Nassau to Port Canaveral), the seas were EXTREMELY ROUGH -- we were rolling back and forth all across the bed all night. The patch seemed to prevent me from having any mal de mer effects (plus of course I was laying down then and not sitting up), but if I didn't have the patch, I believe that would have been a very very VERY uncomfortable night.
I think you have answered your earlier question about why it takes 4 days to get to Grand Turks, but only one day to get back -- apparently you are stopping at Eleuthera on the way (and spending a day there, I assume?), and Eleuthra is NOT on the direct route between Miami and Grand Turks, and you will be returning on the direct route. (to keep this on an AMTRAK topic, the same reason is why it takes 3 nights to get from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Texas Eagle, but only 2 nights to get back on the Southwest Chief!!)
Have a great cruise!!! Tell us all about it when you return!
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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Tipping is at your discretion for a shore excursion. Some people do, some don't. For a full day tour we usually time $5.00 each. For half-day $3.00 each. For this cruise US Dollars should be just fine.
Ask away on questions. We were all "newbies" or "cruise virgins" once.
Frank in clear and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Rich notes X-ing the Gulfstream - the most turbulent sea anywhere Smitty will be sailing.
Must say, I am really surprised that a cruise calls at Eleuthera. That is a Bahamian island which is reserved for the 1% - or at least so I thought.
Eleuthera is an 'almost been there almost done that' with me (my Father and second wife were over there and I did get a 'care to come join us?', but didn't).
Eleuthera did make the pages of a book, Skygods, that chronicled the fall of Pan Am. 'World's Most Experienced Airline' (I once flew 'em overseas - got there got back) reads more like 'world's most entrenched bureaucracy'. Case in point: Pan Am once operated a JFK/KJFK-ELH/MYEH Daily flight. One thing sorely missing from such were 'faces in the windows and fannies in the seats'. About the only 'f & f' that ever showed up were Juan Trippe and party' (in spite of the foreign sounding name, he was a Blue blooded Yalie WASP); other days it was nothing other than Mr. Trippe's New York Times and Wall Street Journal.
Talk about a 'Ubi est mea' cxulture.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Smitty, The cruise personalizer and all the associated instructions can be confusing as far as whether all advance check-in steps have been followed. The best thing to do is to call the Princess reservation number (no matter if you used a travel agent), give your booking number, and ask if everything has been done to complete the advance check-in. That gave me assurance as having everything in order ahead of time makes this a very fast process. We drove to Port Everglades for the most recent cruise but when we have traveled by train to Vancouver, Seattle, and San Pedro for cruises, we have left the cruise line luggage tags in place before leaving in case the luggage is delayed en route. At least that gives some chance that it will find its way to the ship. I simply checked to be sure the tags were still afixed to the bags after detraining. Sorry that I mistook your itinerary. I consulted some private web site which had it wrong. The official Princess site is THE place for definitive info and it matches what you said. At Princess Cays you will use tenders and they had the system down very smoothly. The beach there is very nice and has lounge chairs for your use. We liked the fact that there is a barrier to keep unwanted sea life from disturbing swimmers. Never have been to the Grand Turks. Have a great time. I'm ready to sail again.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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If you want to read more info and reviews of your ship,check out www.cruisecritic.com. Lots of good info and you can get your questions answered.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Frank: Thanks for the Boarding Pass info. Whew...I'm all set! Good info on tipping as well. I'm glad I can use US dollars.
GBN: Eleuthera is a really interesting island. The main reason the ship stops there is because Princess has their own private beach called "Princess Cays". The ship anchors offshore and they use tenders to bring you in. Everything on the beach and around it is Princess. I'm not really hanging out there, though. I'm taking a land tour because my dad has talked about Eleuthera his whole life. He was in the US Army, and was stained there for a year to build a runway. That runway is still there today (the one next to Governor's Beach). He did demolition, and his assignment was to make a runway so that airplanes had a place to stop and refuel, resupply, and rest. So I'm going to take pictures and show him what it looks like today.
SilverStar: Great info, thanks! And actually, I became a Cruise Critic registered member about eight weeks ago. I even created my own little "countdown clock" like everyone else has, that shows my upcoming cruise. From what I can tell, this is definitely going to be an older folks cruise. I have not read anything about a younger crowd being on-board. And you know what? I LOVE IT!!! The younger crowd is not my thing---too selfish. I enjoy hanging out with the older folks because it's more "real" and you can have actual conversations.
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Oh! I knew I had a question that I've been meaning to ask, and it's probably a really dumb one. But I'll ask anyway: By chance, they don't have ATMs on cruise ships, do they? I'm assuming I'll need to hit an ATM in Florida somewhere before I board?
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Yes, the do have ATM's on most ships. The rates are fairly high, though, so if you can get the cash you need -- which won't be much -- before you'd be better off.
Frank in dark and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Wow! I am absolutely stunned. ATMs on ships? In the middle of the ocean you can walk up to an ATM?? I really thought you were going to say no.
This is going to be fun. I know it's hard to believe, but I just can't picture this whole deal. I've seen the pictures, I've watched the YouTube videos...but I'm still trying to imagine the experience. I am so jazzed!!!!
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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How about bringing an umbrella? Forecast changed effective today. Instead of sunny and in the mid 80's the whole time I'm there, it now shows 81 and rain for Tuesday in Eluethera, and party cloudy and 82 for Thursday in Grand Turks. If it rains, do they give you umbrellas or is it up to you to bring your own? I don't mind bringing it, but would rather not pack it if I don't have to (I already feel like I'm bringing so much "stuff").
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Bring your own umbrella or pay about 10 times what they would normally cost.
Also, if you are scheduled to board at 12:15, and you arrive at 11:30, go ahead and board. No one will stop you.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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For some reason, my itinerary says to board between 12PM and 3:30PM (with a 4PM departure). Then it says, "To avoid long lines, board between 2:30 and 3:30). I guess I'll just leave whenever time the hotel checkout time is.
Amazing how they keep these ships turning over and over and over with passengers. There really is no "rest" for these ships is there? Constantly on the move, loading and off-loading people and "stuff".
Posts: 2355 | From: Pleasanton, CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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On cruises that go to other countries where dollars are not usually accepted, the ATMs are stocked with the foreign currency. The rates are not generally very favorable on board, though. We prefer to just find an ATM ashore.
On some cruise lines -- Celebrity is one -- there is an umbrella in the closet. They also usually have them at the disembarkation point if you've forgotten yours. They do ask for them back, however…
Frank in sunny and cool SBA
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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New cruise ships can cost over $1 billion to build, so there's a strong incentive to keep them occupied. The Ruby Princess was built in 2008 at a cost of $500 million.
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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Thanks for this link. One of our favorite ships is Celebrity Century. We have three cruises booked on her before she is transferred out of the Celebrity fleet to one of the RCCL European subsidiaries. We are doing the Panama Canal in March and Singapore-Dubai and Dubai-Rome in 2015. DXB-FCO will be the last cruise for Celebrity.
Frank in sunny and cool SBA where some light yard work is calling.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
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Smitty -- I have been reading this interesting thread, and wanted to say "Bon Voyage!" and best wishes for a GREAT time! I myself am not at all into cruises at all, but I very much enjoy sharing other people's happiness.
We will try to remember to be watching the FLL Cruise Cam before 1 pm PST on Monday, Jan. 13, and will try to get a screen capture for ya! No promises, but will try.
Hey! Anyone have the URL for the live FLL webcam? All we can find is archived YouTube videos! No can do screen captures without good URL!
Posts: 211 | From: California | Registered: Dec 2004
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Frank, I have never seen an ATM on a cruise ship. They do money exchange at the front desk for astronomical fees. Maybe just HAL does not have ATMs but I didn't see one on the two Princess trips I have taken.
On another note, those hotel/motel fees in SBA are out of sight!
-------------------- Vicki in usually sunny Southern California Posts: 951 | From: Redondo Beach, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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Thanks, Vicki, but -- all that shows right now (11:53 am PST) is a nighttime view of a cruise ship going R to L -- when it is only 2:53 pm EST over there! What that URL goes to is a YouTube playlist of past videos. The one that plays first is dated "02-23-2013"!
Does anyone have the URL of the live webcam for FLL, or wherever Smitty will sail from on Monday, Jan, 13???
Posts: 211 | From: California | Registered: Dec 2004
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