 Top 5 Items For Your Next Cruise
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Over a decade ago, I sailed on Holland American in Alaska. It was a 7 Night Southbound itinerary from Seward Alaska to Vancouver BC with stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and cruising Glacier Bay.
I was on the cruise with my father and sister and while in Ketchican, they decided to do an excursion I was not interested in. Cannot remember what it was. I chose to do an excursion taking me on a paddle across a lake in the middle of the rain forest. Now, this sounded pretty cool and it was but I was hesitant before I went. See, Ketchican is in the Tongass Rainforest and there it rains 300 days out of the year. Well, that day was one of them. I considered cancelling but I am glad I didn't.
We took a bus to the lake and there we were given rain gear and its a good thing, it was pooring. Appearently it had been raining for several days because one of the docks was under water. We boarded, if you could say that, a 10 person canoe with a guide. Each person had a paddle and we started off across the lake in the rain and hearing some history about the area and information about the rain forest.
When we arrived to the other side, we had a snack and took a brief hike along a trail. Fortunatly we did get short break from the rain but it started as we headed back.
When we got back to the bus, I learned one of my first travel tips. Have an extra pair of shoes and socks when doing any kind of excursion that includes water. I rode back on the bus and walked back to the ship barefoot. And yes, my first stop after the cabin was the hot tub.
Now you might say, it rained, why was that fun. It was the purity of it all and the beauty of the rain forest. Yes, it would have been great if the sun was out and it was warm but I had a great time paddling a war canoe across the lake.
I was on the cruise with my father and sister and while in Ketchican, they decided to do an excursion I was not interested in. Cannot remember what it was. I chose to do an excursion taking me on a paddle across a lake in the middle of the rain forest. Now, this sounded pretty cool and it was but I was hesitant before I went. See, Ketchican is in the Tongass Rainforest and there it rains 300 days out of the year. Well, that day was one of them. I considered cancelling but I am glad I didn't.
We took a bus to the lake and there we were given rain gear and its a good thing, it was pooring. Appearently it had been raining for several days because one of the docks was under water. We boarded, if you could say that, a 10 person canoe with a guide. Each person had a paddle and we started off across the lake in the rain and hearing some history about the area and information about the rain forest.
When we arrived to the other side, we had a snack and took a brief hike along a trail. Fortunatly we did get short break from the rain but it started as we headed back.
When we got back to the bus, I learned one of my first travel tips. Have an extra pair of shoes and socks when doing any kind of excursion that includes water. I rode back on the bus and walked back to the ship barefoot. And yes, my first stop after the cabin was the hot tub.
Now you might say, it rained, why was that fun. It was the purity of it all and the beauty of the rain forest. Yes, it would have been great if the sun was out and it was warm but I had a great time paddling a war canoe across the lake.
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Last Summer I sailed on the Carnival Liberty with my Nephew who had never been on a cruise before. One of the things I had never done was the behind the scenes tour which Carnival calls the Behind The Fun Tour. These are usually not available to book ahead of time so you have to book it once you are on board. So when we got on board, we went right to the shore excursion desk and booked it.
We met in the library with about 15 other people and a tour guide. A couple things to note about these type tours, wear closed toed shoes and no cameras.
The tour took us throughout the ship, mostly in areas where only crew are allowed. The tour took us to the laundry room where they have the coolest machine that drys and folds the sheets. Love to have that my house. We also saw the engine control room where we learned about some of the systems on board and the crew training area.
For me though the highlight was the bridge and meeting the captain. We spent about 20 minutes up in the bridge where we could look at some of the instruments and ask questions. Of course, it was limited on where we could go but what an amazing view. Can't wait to do a tour on a different ship.
For more info, check out the full blog post I wrote about the tour.
We met in the library with about 15 other people and a tour guide. A couple things to note about these type tours, wear closed toed shoes and no cameras.
The tour took us throughout the ship, mostly in areas where only crew are allowed. The tour took us to the laundry room where they have the coolest machine that drys and folds the sheets. Love to have that my house. We also saw the engine control room where we learned about some of the systems on board and the crew training area.
For me though the highlight was the bridge and meeting the captain. We spent about 20 minutes up in the bridge where we could look at some of the instruments and ask questions. Of course, it was limited on where we could go but what an amazing view. Can't wait to do a tour on a different ship.
For more info, check out the full blog post I wrote about the tour.
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One of my favorite sounds especially why on vacation is the steel plan. And yes, I learned that its a pan not a drum and will explain more later. While on the Regal Princess last year, they offered a class on the steel pan taught by a gentleman by the name of Trevor Cole. Trevor would often play in the wheelhouse bar and sometimes in the atrium.
The class was held in the Symphony Dining Room which was an odd place but it worked. We just had to wait for the end of a crew meeting. They handed each person a steel pan with letters and indentions on them along with the sticks.
By tapping the letters in a certain order and with some nuances to those taps, we learned the first line to One Love from Bob Marley. "One Love, one life, lets get together and feel alright". The lesson was only 45 minutes so mastering it was not going to happen, at least for me but it was fun.
The class was held in the Symphony Dining Room which was an odd place but it worked. We just had to wait for the end of a crew meeting. They handed each person a steel pan with letters and indentions on them along with the sticks.
By tapping the letters in a certain order and with some nuances to those taps, we learned the first line to One Love from Bob Marley. "One Love, one life, lets get together and feel alright". The lesson was only 45 minutes so mastering it was not going to happen, at least for me but it was fun.
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Last April I sailed a 6 Night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Vista and one of the stops was new to me, Ocho Rios Jamaica. Jamaica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean but its also covered in mountains and green foliage.
I decided to step out of the box a little and do a tubing trip down the White River.
It started with a white knuckle ride up a mountain over some really thin switchbacks. The bus arrived at a staging area where we were fitted with helmets and life jackets and given the opportunity to order some jerk chicken. See this was the ending area so we could pick up our chicken after the float.
They took us down to the drop in point, picked up our tubes and pushed off. The water meet the 3 Cs, clear, cool and clean so I was excited from the start. We floated down a pretty shallow river with guides close by making sure no one got stuck on the bank because the river did move pretty quick.
We did encounter a couple shoots of rapids which were minor but still fun. I did have one incident where I was unable to avoid a tree across the river and had to limbo under pretty far. Thought I was a dead man.
The river was lined with trees and bamboo hanging over. The trees provided a lot of shade, but still got burned which made an interesting tan line where I wore my life vest. And by the way, you won't get thirsty because there was a guy half way down the river selling Red Stripes. You just paid for them when you got back to the staging area.
After a break with a couple beers and a snack, we headed back to the ship on some of those same switchbacks.
The tour company for this was Chukka Tours and I would highly recommend them for your next adventure in Jamaica.
I decided to step out of the box a little and do a tubing trip down the White River.
It started with a white knuckle ride up a mountain over some really thin switchbacks. The bus arrived at a staging area where we were fitted with helmets and life jackets and given the opportunity to order some jerk chicken. See this was the ending area so we could pick up our chicken after the float.
They took us down to the drop in point, picked up our tubes and pushed off. The water meet the 3 Cs, clear, cool and clean so I was excited from the start. We floated down a pretty shallow river with guides close by making sure no one got stuck on the bank because the river did move pretty quick.
We did encounter a couple shoots of rapids which were minor but still fun. I did have one incident where I was unable to avoid a tree across the river and had to limbo under pretty far. Thought I was a dead man.
The river was lined with trees and bamboo hanging over. The trees provided a lot of shade, but still got burned which made an interesting tan line where I wore my life vest. And by the way, you won't get thirsty because there was a guy half way down the river selling Red Stripes. You just paid for them when you got back to the staging area.
After a break with a couple beers and a snack, we headed back to the ship on some of those same switchbacks.
The tour company for this was Chukka Tours and I would highly recommend them for your next adventure in Jamaica.
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Sting Ray City is number one because I never though I would do anything like this and so happy I did. In 2017, I sailed on the Carnival Glory for a 7 Night Western Caribbean cruise that included Grand Cayman. Now I had been to Grand Cayman before but had only shopped and hung out on Seven Mile Beach.
Sting Ray city is located off the west coast of Grand Cayman north of the cruise port. Its a sand bar where fisherman used to clean their fish which attracted the stingrays. Now, they associate the boat motors with food so they come around when to tours show up.
It was a short bus ride over to the port and then about a 30 minute boat ride out to the sandbar. I brought my own mask and snorkel but they will provide them if you want. Prior to getting in the water, they told us a little about stingrays and of course the rules about not grabbing the rays and to shuffle your feet.
Once in the water, its controlled chaos. There were dozens of rays swimming everywhere around your feet and bumping into you. Sounds like it would be scary but it was so cool. You could feed the rays with squid and they also would hold them so you could take pictures. Of course, they would sell you the pictures but if I remember right, the prices were not bad.
The boat ride back was nice with some rum punch to enjoy. The next time you visit Grand Cayman whether on a cruise or flying in, be sure to check out Stingray City.
Sting Ray city is located off the west coast of Grand Cayman north of the cruise port. Its a sand bar where fisherman used to clean their fish which attracted the stingrays. Now, they associate the boat motors with food so they come around when to tours show up.
It was a short bus ride over to the port and then about a 30 minute boat ride out to the sandbar. I brought my own mask and snorkel but they will provide them if you want. Prior to getting in the water, they told us a little about stingrays and of course the rules about not grabbing the rays and to shuffle your feet.
Once in the water, its controlled chaos. There were dozens of rays swimming everywhere around your feet and bumping into you. Sounds like it would be scary but it was so cool. You could feed the rays with squid and they also would hold them so you could take pictures. Of course, they would sell you the pictures but if I remember right, the prices were not bad.
The boat ride back was nice with some rum punch to enjoy. The next time you visit Grand Cayman whether on a cruise or flying in, be sure to check out Stingray City.
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller - Travel Adviser
(904) 534-4318
Reducing Plastic When You Travel
By Mike Miller
When we are at home, a lot of people have made several changes in their lifestyle to reduce plastic use. But did you ever think about how you can do the same thing while on vacation? Here are 5 tips on reducing plastic usage while on vacation.
Each tip will have an Amazon Affiliate Link so you can see and purchase that product or similar products on Amazon.
Each tip will have an Amazon Affiliate Link so you can see and purchase that product or similar products on Amazon.
Refillable Cups / Water Bottles
There are so many options for refillable containers for drinks from RTIC, YETTI or Tervis. Until late last year, I did not consider taking my reusable cups with me when I cruise. But now, I have my RTIC with me so I can not only avoid using water bottles, my drinks stay cold longer.
There are so many options for refillable containers for drinks from RTIC, YETTI or Tervis. Until late last year, I did not consider taking my reusable cups with me when I cruise. But now, I have my RTIC with me so I can not only avoid using water bottles, my drinks stay cold longer.
Reusable Straw
So many restaurants, cruise lines and hotels are replacing plastic straws with paper or eliminating them all together. If you are like me, you cannot stand paper straws. Now, there are reusable straws that come in a kit with a brush for cleaning and either fold up or are in parts.
So many restaurants, cruise lines and hotels are replacing plastic straws with paper or eliminating them all together. If you are like me, you cannot stand paper straws. Now, there are reusable straws that come in a kit with a brush for cleaning and either fold up or are in parts.
Reusable Shampoo Containers
I have used these for years rather than buying the travel size items. You can get a set with a bottle for shampoo, soap, lotion and really most anything else. I just fill them with what ever I need to take and when I get home, I just use what’s left and then wash it when it’s empty.
I have used these for years rather than buying the travel size items. You can get a set with a bottle for shampoo, soap, lotion and really most anything else. I just fill them with what ever I need to take and when I get home, I just use what’s left and then wash it when it’s empty.
Canvas Bags
Will you be shopping for those souvenirs or gifts to take home while you are on vacation? Well, use a canvas bag or shopping bag and just avoid the plastic bags. A little tip for the Caribbean, get a free tote bag with purchase at some Del Sol Stores in the Caribbean.
Will you be shopping for those souvenirs or gifts to take home while you are on vacation? Well, use a canvas bag or shopping bag and just avoid the plastic bags. A little tip for the Caribbean, get a free tote bag with purchase at some Del Sol Stores in the Caribbean.
Laundry Bags
Most hotels and cruise lines will have a plastic bag in the room and most people will grab that for their dirty laundry. But now, you can buy bags for your laundry that can be washing and reused on your next vacation.
Most hotels and cruise lines will have a plastic bag in the room and most people will grab that for their dirty laundry. But now, you can buy bags for your laundry that can be washing and reused on your next vacation.
These are just some of the ways you can reduce plastic use when you travel. Do you have any tips, if so, leave a comment.
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller - Travel Adviser
(904) 534-4318
Carnival Vista in Dry Dock
By Mike Miller
Yesterday the Carnival Vista was taken out of service in order to make some repairs to the propulsion systems. Over the past few weeks, the Vista has been completing cruises but with less ports due to slower cruising speed.
The first of a kind procedure is what makes it really interesting. If you might remember, earlier in the year the Oasis of the Seas was damaged by a crane at the dry docks in Freeport Bahamas. Well, there was also damage to the facilities there as well. Because of that, Carnival has partnered with Vanguard to complete a dry dock while still in the water.
The Boca Vanguard will meet the ship in Grand Bahama and the process begins. The Vista will sail on to a platform that is submerged by filling ballast then once the ship is in place, the ballast are emptied and the ship is raised out of the water. This will allow workers to get to and replace the two Azipods. Once the repairs are done, the ship will be lowered back in the water and will complete some test to make sure all is in good order.
The first of a kind procedure is what makes it really interesting. If you might remember, earlier in the year the Oasis of the Seas was damaged by a crane at the dry docks in Freeport Bahamas. Well, there was also damage to the facilities there as well. Because of that, Carnival has partnered with Vanguard to complete a dry dock while still in the water.
The Boca Vanguard will meet the ship in Grand Bahama and the process begins. The Vista will sail on to a platform that is submerged by filling ballast then once the ship is in place, the ballast are emptied and the ship is raised out of the water. This will allow workers to get to and replace the two Azipods. Once the repairs are done, the ship will be lowered back in the water and will complete some test to make sure all is in good order.
Now, you might be saying, what is an Azipod? These are propulsion units which sit below the waterline in the aft of the ship. They not only control speed but they rotate allowing the ship to turn almost on a dime.
This is a pretty cool experiment and I wonder if it will allow cruise lines to make repairs faster without having to remove ships from service for so long. The Vista is expected to return to service on July 27th sailing out of Galveston TX. She sails 6 & 8 Night Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston year round.
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Cruise Safety Tips
By Mike Miller
Cruising is one of the safest and best ways to vacation but there are things you need look out for. Using these 8 tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation.
Muster Drill
On every cruise you will have a muster drill prior to departure. Now this is mandatory so make sure you attend. They will review over safety procedures in the case of an emergency as well as where you go in the case of an emergency.
Drink Responsibly
You are on vacation so its very easy to get carried away with drinking so be aware of what you are doing. If you are drinking, have someone in your group stay sober. This way at least you have s friend to keep you from doing something stupid.
Use your safe
In your cabin there is usually a safe that is locked by either a code or room card. Place any valuables like jewelry, excessive cash and documents in the safe to avoid loss. Just make sure you check the safe prior to leaving the ship on the last day.
Balcony Safety
Hanging out on your balcony is one of the best ways to enjoy the cruise. Its usually pretty quiet and has a nice breeze. But you need to be careful when enjoying the balcony. Do not stand on chairs and certainly do not sit on the railing. The ship could very easily list a little and that could cause you to fall. Or, you could simply lose your balance.
Don't let kids go out alone. There are usually locks up high on the door so its a good idea to keep the doors locked.
Make sure your cabin door is closed tight. If the door is open and the cabin door is open, it will often create a wind tunnel and items could start flying.
Don't let kids go out alone. There are usually locks up high on the door so its a good idea to keep the doors locked.
Make sure your cabin door is closed tight. If the door is open and the cabin door is open, it will often create a wind tunnel and items could start flying.
In your cabin
Cruise ship cabins are different from rooms on land. The bathroom and the door to the balcony will have pretty high lips on them and they are easy to forget. I suggest when you arrive in your cabin, look around and check for places like this.
Stairs
You will use the stairs quite often so there are things you can do to stay safe. Use the railing when going up and down the stairs. The ship moves so its easy to lose your balance. I have caught my self a few times leaning one way or the other.
Washing your hands
Cruise lines have done a fantastic job at making washing your hands easy. When walking into the buffet areas, you will often find washing stations and in the case of Royal Caribbean, crew singing the washy washy songs. Wash your hands on a regular basis when on the ship. Most importantly, before and after eating and when you arrive back on the ship from port. I don't think I need to tell you to wash them after using the restroom.
Buddy Up
Travel in pairs or groups when going into port. Remember, most of the time you are in a different country as a tourist and any where you go you could be a target for thieves. They are less likely to bother a group of people than someone walking alone. If you are alone, keep your head up and look confident and attentive. Thieves are looking for easy marks and you paying attention does not work for them.
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Carnival Ecstasy Tour
By Mike Miller
Yesterday I had the opportunity to take tour of the Carnival Ecstasy here in Jacksonville. The Ecstasy sails 4 and 5 night itineraries to the Bahamas including stops in Freeport, Nassau and Princess Cay.
Stats
Carnival Ecstasy
This ship was originally built with only Interior, Ocean View, Junior Suits and Suites but with renovations, they added balconies and extended balconies. The balconies in the balcony staterooms are wider than the balcony in the Junior Suites so keep that in mind when booking.
Other than the Junior Suites located on deck 11, all the cabins are located on decks 4-7 including balconies. Extended Balconies are located on deck 6 & 7 and Grand Suites are located on deck 6.
Stats
Carnival Ecstasy
- Fantasy Class
- 70,367 Gross Tons
- 2,056 Passengers
- 14 Decks
This ship was originally built with only Interior, Ocean View, Junior Suits and Suites but with renovations, they added balconies and extended balconies. The balconies in the balcony staterooms are wider than the balcony in the Junior Suites so keep that in mind when booking.
Other than the Junior Suites located on deck 11, all the cabins are located on decks 4-7 including balconies. Extended Balconies are located on deck 6 & 7 and Grand Suites are located on deck 6.
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The Although the Ecstasy is older and smaller than the ships built in the last several years, she looks great.
One thing I want to mention to those who have sailed from Jacksonville before. No longer do you board on Deck 3, you now board on Empress Deck 7 directly into the Atrium which is a much better welcome. The atrium extends all the way from deck 7 to deck 12 where it is topped off with glass allowing natural light to enter.
Carnival Ecstasy was renovated not too long ago so she has some of the staples Carnival cruisers have come to love. Guys Burgers, Red Frog Rum Bar, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar and the Blue Iguana Cantina. Now I sailed on Carnival Elation in January and she did not have one of my favorite venues the Ecstasy does have, the Alchemy Bar. I love the way this is situated in the back of the promenade with its own sitting area. And from there you can go directly downstairs into the main dining room after a pre dinner drink. The dark woods and the old apothecary feel is what makes Alchemy such a great venue.
One thing I want to mention to those who have sailed from Jacksonville before. No longer do you board on Deck 3, you now board on Empress Deck 7 directly into the Atrium which is a much better welcome. The atrium extends all the way from deck 7 to deck 12 where it is topped off with glass allowing natural light to enter.
Carnival Ecstasy was renovated not too long ago so she has some of the staples Carnival cruisers have come to love. Guys Burgers, Red Frog Rum Bar, Blue Iguana Tequila Bar and the Blue Iguana Cantina. Now I sailed on Carnival Elation in January and she did not have one of my favorite venues the Ecstasy does have, the Alchemy Bar. I love the way this is situated in the back of the promenade with its own sitting area. And from there you can go directly downstairs into the main dining room after a pre dinner drink. The dark woods and the old apothecary feel is what makes Alchemy such a great venue.
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The promenade deck 9 is lined with the Casino, a night club a couple of shops including a Everything is $10 Store. I gotta check that place out if I get a chance to sail on Ecstasy. There is also a Cherry On Top candy store and a coffee bar. Located one deck below on Atlantic Deck is the Neon Piano Bar and boy is it neon. There are windows in the bar so I was not able to get the full effect like you would at night. Looks like a fun place to hang out.
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Beyond Alchemy on Promenade is the Starlight Aft Lounge where you would see comedians. If you walk all the way through the lounge on either side, you will find doors to the Serenity Adult Area. This area is for ages 21 and up and provides seating in the sun and shade plus two hot tubs. There are other ways to get to this area, specifically from the deck above. I would recommend this rather than walking through the lounge to get there. Still seems strange to do that.
Deck 10 us Lido Deck so here you will find the pool, a couple hot tubs and of course the food. Forward you have the Red Frog and Blue Iguana Bars. Towards the aft is the food. Guys Burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina and the Lido Buffet, Panorama Bar and Grill. A little tip about the Lido Buffet. Grab your food and head all the way to the back and exit through the doors on either side, there is usually plenty of seating and a great view.
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Up one deck from the Lido Deck is Carnival Waterworks. Waterworks has a splash park for the kids, a twister water slide and 2 racing slides. There is also are large deck area where you can spread out and watch the kids play.
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Areas I did not explore but know it has is the Spa, a mini golf course, kids area and jogging track.
Overall the Carnival Ecstasy is a great ship and I would love to sail sometime next year. I will say the Fantasy class ships like Ecstasy are not for those looking for the adrenaline fun you find on bigger ships or the loads of attractions. The Ecstasy is perfect the guest looking for less crowds, lost of area to lay out in the sun and like to eat and party. I say all of this just to set exceptions for those interested in the Carnival Ecstasy. The one thing that would improve this ship would be the outdoor movie screen but I believe space is a reason they have not added this feature.
If you are interested in sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy or needing assistance with any other ship, hit me up at the contact information below
If you are interested in sailing on the Carnival Ecstasy or needing assistance with any other ship, hit me up at the contact information below
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
Carnival Makes Changes to Specialty Dining
By Mike Miller
Aside from the Fantasy Class ships, all of the ships in the Carnival fleet have specialty dining venues including the steakhouse, Cucina Del Capitano and JiJis Asian. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made ahead of your cruise.
Up until now, you when you made a reservation, you sent an email and had to wait for a confirmation. Sometimes it was a week but other times two weeks. Soon, you will be able make the reservation for the day and time you wish and get immediate confirmation. But, you will need to pay in full at the time of the reservation.
Cancellation can be done with out a penalty so the full amount will be refunded. The only exception to this will be the Chefs Table where there is a 25% penalty for cancelling.
From personal experience I know both Princess and Royal Caribbean are already doing this so the change is catching up with industry standards. I think its a plus to have a set reservation especially if you want a certain night and time. Plus, paying for it ahead of time helps with the control on on board spending.
As of right now there is no roll out date but like with anything the cruise lines do, it will slowly roll out on different ships probably starting with the newest ones in the fleet. So look out for the change coming soon I am sure.
Up until now, you when you made a reservation, you sent an email and had to wait for a confirmation. Sometimes it was a week but other times two weeks. Soon, you will be able make the reservation for the day and time you wish and get immediate confirmation. But, you will need to pay in full at the time of the reservation.
Cancellation can be done with out a penalty so the full amount will be refunded. The only exception to this will be the Chefs Table where there is a 25% penalty for cancelling.
From personal experience I know both Princess and Royal Caribbean are already doing this so the change is catching up with industry standards. I think its a plus to have a set reservation especially if you want a certain night and time. Plus, paying for it ahead of time helps with the control on on board spending.
As of right now there is no roll out date but like with anything the cruise lines do, it will slowly roll out on different ships probably starting with the newest ones in the fleet. So look out for the change coming soon I am sure.
Freedom to Roam Travel
Mike Miller
(904) 534-4318
mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com
11 Things To Do On Sea Day
By Mike Miller
One of my favorite parts of a cruise are the sea days. Don't get me wrong, I love to visit favorite ports and see new ones, but there is something about a sea day. Here are 11 things you can do while sailing the open ocean on your next cruise.
1. Sleep In
No need to rush out of bed since you don’t have to get to an excursion or get off the ship. Enjoy that comfortable bed for just a little longer.
2. Get Up Early
Not one who likes to sleep in, get up early and take advantage of the peace. On sea days, a lot of people will sleep in and be slow to get out of the cabin. Heading out around 7:30 will usually ensure not many people will be around. If I do this, I grab a quick bite and then head out on deck to watch the ocean with a nice cup of coffee.
3. Lay in the Sun
Now it can be tough to find the perfect spot on sea day but if you are flexible, it can be done. Find a spot and enjoy the sun, safely of course.
4. Trivia
During the day there is usually several trivia games open to everyone. Typically they will have a theme, like Harry Potter, a genre of music or geography. Check the planner to find one you want to play.
5. Take A Nap
Whether it be in the cabin or out on deck somewhere, find a place to close your eyes and get a nap. Just be careful if you have mean friends, don’t tell them where you will be.
6. Hit The Shops
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Can't shop in port, shop on the ship. Most ships now have a variety of shopping options including clothes, jewelry, liquor, souvenirs and more. And if its near the end of the cruise, you might find some great deals.
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7. Activities
Ships now a days are loaded with lots of fun activities. Waterslides, flowriders, rock climbing walls and even escape rooms. the lines might be longer on a sea day but who cares, you have no where to be.
8. Casino
When you are at sea, the casino is open. A lot of times you will find blackjack and slot tournaments happening.
9. Sea Day Games
The activities staff on cruise ships know how to keep the fun going. On sea days you will find games by the pool like the men's harry chest contest, scavenger hunts, belly flop competition and even an ice carving. Carnival does Groove for St. Jude to raise money for St. June Children's Hospital.
10. Special Presentations
Sea days will usually include talks and presentations. Often they will be shore excursion and shopping talks or even Q & A with crew. Some of them have great giveaways so there is your incentive to take a break from the sun.
11. Explore The Ship
Take the opportunity to walk around the ship and find those areas you are yet to discover. This is great on the first sea day so you know your way around for the rest of the cruise.
So sea days can be fun with lots of activities or simply relaxing and enjoying the sea air. Remember, you are on vacation, so enjoy.
For all your travel needs
Mike Miller
Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
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Keeping everything organized when you are traveling really takes the stress away.
Check out this hanging toiletry case available at the Amazon Affiliate link. Hang it in the bathroom and save time looking for what you needs. |
Travel Tip Tuesday
By Mike Miller
When traveling away from home, you might not always be able to depend on internet access. I always print a copy of my itinerary, boarding passes and confirmations prior to leaving home. You don't want to be that person standing in line trying to get your boarding pass to load.
Something else I learned was printing maps. I was in Nassau Bahamas and searching for a couple of places. Unfortunately, the map you get when you leave the ship is typically for shopping. In Nassau, you don't wander around without purpose so I gave up on my search.
Before you leave, either take a screen shot on your phone of the area you are visiting or print out a map. This might seem crazy to print something but it will save you time and hassle.
For more tips, be sure you follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
Something else I learned was printing maps. I was in Nassau Bahamas and searching for a couple of places. Unfortunately, the map you get when you leave the ship is typically for shopping. In Nassau, you don't wander around without purpose so I gave up on my search.
Before you leave, either take a screen shot on your phone of the area you are visiting or print out a map. This might seem crazy to print something but it will save you time and hassle.
For more tips, be sure you follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
Cruise Check List
By Mike Miller
So you are just a couple months away from your cruise vacation. Excitement is brewing and you just can't wait. But the worry comes in of forgetting and worrying about things going wrong. Well, here are just a few things for your checklist to take away some of the stress.
Online Check In
Every cruise line now offers online check in saving you time on embarkation day. For the most part, these are the items you will need. As an agent, I can complete this process for you or at least assist.
Once this is complete, you will print your boarding pass and luggage tags. By the way, for your luggage tags, Amazon has luggage tags that fit Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess tags.
- Proof of Citizenship (passport info)
- Credit Card for On Board Account
- Emergency Contact Information
- Arrival and Departure information
- Picture (Royal Caribbean)
Once this is complete, you will print your boarding pass and luggage tags. By the way, for your luggage tags, Amazon has luggage tags that fit Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess tags.
Shore Excursions
Prior to your cruise, you can see all the excursions available for when you dock in port. These can range from snorkel adventures to city tours. Take a look at the excursion and decide if there are any you just have to do. If so, book it and pay for it ahead of time. Most of the time, the popular excursions will sell out prior to sailing or very soon after.
Dining Reservations
Most cruise ships now have specialty dining and those will require a reservation. For special occasions or maybe you really want to eat in a certain restaurant on a particular night, making reservations ahead of time is a great idea.
The cruise lines vary on how they handle reservations. Carnival, allows you to make the reservation through an email and you pay at the time of dining through your on board account. But Royal Caribbean and Princess both require you to pay for the dining experience upon reservation.
Royal and Princess also offer dining packages where you get 2 or 3 maybe even all the specialty dining for one price. Carnival has been testing but its not fleet wide as of now.
The cruise lines vary on how they handle reservations. Carnival, allows you to make the reservation through an email and you pay at the time of dining through your on board account. But Royal Caribbean and Princess both require you to pay for the dining experience upon reservation.
Royal and Princess also offer dining packages where you get 2 or 3 maybe even all the specialty dining for one price. Carnival has been testing but its not fleet wide as of now.
Onboard Expenses
There are a few on board expenses you can pre pay and some packages will be cheaper if you do so.
- Drink packages
- Internet Plans
- Prepaid Gratuities
- Order bottled water for the cabin
- Dining Packages
Never been on a cruise, be sure to check out my first time cruiser page. And for any questions, me at mike@freedomtoroamtravel.com