Cruise Travel

My husband, daughter (will be 6) and I are planning on a cruise to Alaska May of 2008. We definitely want to go on the inside passage. My questions.....

1. Is it best to book your cruise as soon as they are released for purchase? We want to do a budget cruise the first time out.

2. I have heard some say they didn't pay until they went on the cruise. How is that possible? Deposit? Anywhere I have looked they ask for full payment.

3. How do you get the free upgrades I have heard of? ie: better cabin if the ship isn't full.

4. If the price of your cruise goes down after you book, do you get the lower price? How?

5. Should I get a travel agent? Is there any cost to me? And can they really save me more than the internet?

6. Do you recommend travel insurance?

7. We are thinking of going on NCL. Is the room service really free? 24 hours? How is the food?

8. Anyone know about NCL's kid's club?

Thank you to anyone that takes the time to answer my many questions

2007-03-26 09:41:37 · 10 answers · asked by URwhatUread 2

Im going on a cruise in May on the Carnival Victory and the last 2 nights diner is formal attire. How formal is this like prom dress formal or skirt and nice shirt formal?

2007-03-26 08:20:41 · 12 answers · asked by spurge_02 1

2007-03-26 07:24:11 · 4 answers · asked by spoilfish 1

I am going on my first cruise to Mexico in June. I am going to Ensanada and Cabo San Lucas on Carnival cruise lines. Does anyone have suggestions for shore excursions? How much do they usually cost? I am also wondering what spa treatments cost. I am trying to plan ahead so I have enough money saved up! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

2007-03-26 05:24:27 · 5 answers · asked by Evie 4

1. What is the difference between an Enclosed Veranda and an Open Veranda?

2. Do I pay for tips everytime I get served or is that included in the total cost of my trip?

3. Should I cancel my current reservation (I paid deposit already) with Orbitz.com and get a travel agent to help me?

2007-03-26 04:11:15 · 5 answers · asked by HotRod 5

as I dont have time to apply. Id like to leave by june-july 2007.
All these companies as Carnival require US visa, how do I get on a cruise ? Can sail to a french territory, doesnt matter.
The thing is I would like to get on board on Barbados (its possilble - Carnival Conquest, Destiny etc.). Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

2007-03-26 03:35:21 · 2 answers · asked by Martin the baby 6

i am leaving next weekend on a cruise with my mom and soon to be step father and brothers. I am going to be on the legend of the seas and we are going to mexico. i was wondering if i could get advice and prior experiences good or bad. is a balcony room good?

2007-03-25 17:41:57 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous

I'm 18 and i heard in international waters that the drinkin age is 18 on cruise ships

2007-03-25 17:29:32 · 8 answers · asked by What it do dawg? 1

My friends and I want to go on a cruise mext year for spring break. However, not all of us will be 21, so we need a cruise line that does not have restrictions that need adults over 25 accompanying(i.e. Carnival). Leaving from NYC would be the only logical departure port.

2007-03-25 16:59:58 · 4 answers · asked by taker4life666 2

I'm leaving NY in April going to St. Thomas and back. (10days). What should I pack? It'll be chilly in NY and then warm as we go south. What kind of clothes do I need to wear during dinner? And how fancy a dress do I need for the Captain's Ball ? I started packing but I notice I'm practically taking all my clothes... the shorts and the sweaters, the sandals, sneakers, and heels, my casual and party clothes. Can you please help me narrow it down? Specifically, what should I wear for dinner and the fancy captain's ball?

Also, are their activities on the cruise that I need to bring even more clothes for?

2007-03-25 15:43:32 · 4 answers · asked by ♥☆ Star ☆♥ 4

we been going out for 4 years. It would be our first cruise, but I heard there are age restrictions on some cruises. We are thinking about the carnival and royal caribbean lines. Which one will be better for us? or any other ones if you know? thanks a lot...

2007-03-25 15:27:41 · 5 answers · asked by Deesa 2

I live in New York, going on a cruise to the Carribean leaving out of Port Canaveral, Florida. People have asked for me to bring back some liquor. I know that liquor bought on an island or on ship will be held by the cruise ship until we return to Florida. However, my concern is how to get it back to New York via plane.

1) What is the best way to protect the bottles in my check-in luggage?

2) I have a wheeled duffel-bag type of bag. Would this be sufficient to protect the bottles (I do not think so as it is soft material throughout), or should I buy a "traditional" suitcase that has a definite shape?

2007-03-25 13:58:42 · 3 answers · asked by LewAR26502 4

2007-03-25 13:17:20 · 6 answers · asked by dustoff62003 1

2007-03-25 11:10:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous

13 of us did (3/19-3/23/07)on our spring break with our kids and will never do it again! Its old,small, and dirty and the people not that friendly. We had cold water 2 days in our shower and no water 1 day. The drains back up in the bathrooms and the halls smell like leaking septic. The pool is small and not enough pool seats. The dinner is just okay, seems to have the same thing on it each day. Johnny Rockets was the best part of this cruise and the evening shows. We cruise alot and will never do this one again....love to know if any others have had this experience.

2007-03-25 10:14:40 · 3 answers · asked by sweet4saucy 2

With the short stop in Nassua it seems that shopping would be best. The St Thomas and St Maarten stops I am thinking of renting a car.. Any thoughts from people who have been there.. Thanks..

2007-03-25 09:26:40 · 6 answers · asked by Dako 2

HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- More than four hours after they fell from a cruise ship into the Gulf of Mexico, two vacationers were pulled from the water about 150 miles off the Galveston, Texas, coast early Sunday, according to the cruise line and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 22-year-old man and 20-year-old woman apparently fell from a passenger's cabin balcony on the Grand Princess about eight hours after the cruise ship left the Galveston port, said Julie Benson, spokeswoman for Princess Cruises.

Coast guard officials "found the man nude in the water but he was then clothed and is now on the ship's deck in a wheelchair," Shaw said.

Huh...accident? you be the judge?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070325/ap_on_re_us/passengers_overboard

2007-03-25 05:46:53 · 7 answers · asked by ? 3

I've noticed that majority of front line staff in Cruise line jobs are caucasians, and the Asians do all the dirty work like housekeeping, cleaning, laundry etc. Is this the norm?

2007-03-24 23:46:57 · 8 answers · asked by ichigo 2

We are taking are children. And we need some suggestions: Such as what to pack or take, and What not to forget, and helpful hints about the experience, it is our first and we are so excited. Any help would be useful, just a week away. Thanks

2007-03-24 16:32:57 · 8 answers · asked by Stephanie 2

I am planning a cruise and wondering how the two compare. I've been on one cruise before to Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Which is more exotic or tropical? Which is more fun? The cruise I'm looking at goes to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

2007-03-24 15:28:23 · 7 answers · asked by don_megaWC 2

2007-03-24 14:47:03 · 2 answers · asked by Nursing Girl 1

One of our friends can't join us for a cruise because he says he has an old warrant for not paying fines. He says he is lucky he hasnt gotten pulled over because thats the only way it would come up, since they wont bother to look for him. I was wondering if things like that would make a difference in cruise travel?

2007-03-24 14:35:15 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous

2007-03-24 14:09:07 · 9 answers · asked by Karen68camaro 1

2007-03-24 11:35:59 · 18 answers · asked by cohenbros21 1

Is it big? Is the atrium big and cool looking? What about the regular buffet restaurant? Is it too claustrophobic or roomy? is there a lot of room to tan or no? really good pictures would be great!! thanx!

2007-03-24 11:10:36 · 1 answers · asked by :) 2

All the excursion through the cruises prices are ridiculous any advice on whetther or not to wait. I am going to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Please Help.

2007-03-24 10:54:00 · 4 answers · asked by hazelmr20 1

2007-03-24 10:04:52 · 9 answers · asked by Voyager 8 2

We have booked two back-to-back cruises to Alaska in May and we are each being charged $50 twice -- is this the way it is supposed to work?

2007-03-24 09:56:23 · 3 answers · asked by slimwishing 1

My husband and I are taking a R.C. Western Caribbean Cruise on the Freedom of the Seas in May. I've cruised before, but never on this ship. There's a ton to see, I'm sure since it is the largest ship in the world. I'd like to go with some inside info.
Just wondering if anyone who has been on this ship had any tips? Anything to skip or any must sees? Activities that are great or not so great? Must sees for shore excursions or ports?
Thanks!

2007-03-24 09:12:06 · 5 answers · asked by Melissa B 2

2007-03-24 05:12:44 · 6 answers · asked by Ron & Cindy 1