3Sisters

@Woody14 That's a great idea to leave the currency you exchanged for the cruise with the staff. Since they travel those areas frequently, they would likely put it to good use! That's a pro tip. When I travel with a beverage package I usually let the package handle this tipping and travel the ship without cash in hand. I think I will consider tipping favorite bartenders additionally from now on. Thanks!

@disneyphile I haven't brought a needle felting kit before, but I don't think you will have any problems bringing it in your suitcase. I did notice the line allows needles onboard for medical purposes. https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/special-needs/diabetes-medicine-storage

@Woody14 I think you are right. From what I understand, Royal Caribbean's protocols regarding dogs onboard are pretty relaxed. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/accessible-cruising/service-animals I found this info for the line's service animal policy.

@Danielle That is a great tip! I just looked the cost of Carnival Corporation's stock and it's very low. I just learned so much from this article. https://www.cruisehive.com/carnival-cruise-line-stock-benefits-and-tips/42134 I think I may actually invest in some.

@LukeJ Thanks for the recommendation. I just looked up Oslo, and I didn't realize it is also a choice destination for snow skiing. Almost all of the major cruise lines sail from the port in Oslo. I had no idea the area offered so many options!

@LukeJ That's true. It can be handy at times, but I also prefer to relax by "unplugging" from the internet. I even prefer to stray away from the stateroom television.

@PaulB I see your point but if something comes up you can always revise your plans! I love looking forward to a cruise booking, no matter how far in advanced it may be.

@FJB I would love to stay in a Princess hotel, especially if it's an all inclusive atmosphere at one set price.

@PaulB I would imagine cruising with a dog could be an additional burden. @Kendall James-VargasI wonder the same thing. Where will the dog be using the bathroom onboard?

@Kendall James-Vargas I haven't cruised a large chartered sailing before, but this hip-hop cruise in November sounds fun! Considering all of the fun activities planned, I thought the price for the hip-hop cruise was really reasonable! https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-ship-to-sail-hip-hop-cruise-in-2023/89289

@PaulB One of my favorite parts of vacationing is going on "cruise control!"

@Kendall James-Vargas You can't go wrong with waffles with syrup. It's not the most healthy breakfast, but it is one of my favorite breakfast foods onboard!

@Kendall James-Vargas You could also use the credit for a little onboard shopping!

@Kendall James-Vargas Apparently there is information on when you shouldn't tip. It was a good read! https://www.cruisehive.com/when-you-should-not-tip-on-a-cruise/18416

@PaulB Cruise ships are certainly an incredible sight and operation. It takes so many skill sets to put it all into motion. I believe that's the beauty behind the cruise vacation. It's unlike any other vacation experience.

@FJB I'm intrigued. Please share more about this. Does this sort of cruise structure allow for you to stay in hotels at some point? Do you stay on the ship for the entire duration? When you went there, which cruise line did you choose? @PaulB I think the ocean and beach go hand in hand, making for a wonderful cruise experience. After cruising the Caribbean several times, I would love a change of scenery. Although the hot climates and beautiful beaches never get old, I would absolutely love to experience something completely different.

@JBH488 I'm glad to hear that the Star Link service is working onboard for you! This must be an incentive to entice everyone to get Star Link. If it worked the exact same, I doubt it would warrant a price difference. Did you both pay different amounts? @FJB I have the same question. What is the price difference?

@Cruzer From my experience, the ships arrive quite early but it takes time getting everything docked and off of the ship. What time is your flight? Are you flying out of San Diego?

@HarryI actually heard this exact thing from a Dominican neighbor of mine this weekend! We had his family over for dinner and he shared that the new port in Puerto Plata was not dug deep enough, and the ships were damaging the coral reefs. Hopefully by the time I get there is August this issue is resolved! Apparently Marriott and Ritz Carlton are also building their own separate ports to the area as well. Even Vin Diesel signed a contract to build a large studio over there. The area is booming!

@bombarc Thanks for sharing this information! I had no idea the cruise line was going through some of these setbacks. I'm curious to know how many times you have traveled this itinerary to the Bermuda. It sounds like you are an avid cruiser to this area.

@PaulBIt depends on the package and cruise line. Usually you get added cruise credit (money to spend onboard), but it all depends on the booking package.

@PaulB That's awesome! What is the typical departure port for the fjords? I actually haven't sailed there before. @Traveling nana Where will you be departing from in Norway? I'm curious what departure ports to look into that would take me to the fjords. Thanks for sharing that information! I think I would love to start with the southern half.

@PaulB Please do let me know. I would say if you find a good rate book it! Most cruise lines have a good refund policy, if you change your mind. Just make sure you check out the refund timeframe. I think most cruise lines will refund in full within 3 month prior to embarking.

@Kendall James-Vargas That's right! You are paying for a cruise experience, you might as well what the ship has to offer. @KeithG Yes, I feel limited at Belize as well. It's one of those ports where I get off for an hour or two, but I don't anticipate being off the ship for long. I love the convenience of food on the ship. I don't have to wait at a restaurant or look for a restaurant onboard. It's all within reach, and it's so relaxing to know that!

I personally love cruising with MSC Cruises. Does anyone else enjoy cruising with the line?