12 Things Your Cruise Line Won’t Tell You

PrincessCruiseShip  A dozen little things we learned along the way the hard way…

  1. As soon as you get your itinerary, get on the cruise lines webpage, and verify you have the cabin you want.
  2. Not sure what you want? The ideal cabin is mid-ship, accommodates two people only (otherwise you get bunk beds nailed to each side of your room), and has a balcony. A balcony costs more, but then, what doesn’t?
  3. Repeat after me -“Nothing is included, except the cuisine.”
  4. Pack food and water in your carry-on bag. You won’t mind how heavy it is when you are stuck in a 3-hour security line.
  5. You do NOT look awful! It’s your cabin lighting. Or lack of.
  6. The open ocean is more active than coastal waters. Take Dramamine 1st thing when you wake up on ‘Days at Sea’. Trust me.
  7. You will start showering, using one arm to wash and the other for balance. Two weeks later, I am still doing this.
  8. WiFi internet access is now offered on ships. For the bargain price of $.79/minute.  [Again – See #3].
  9. Coffee is included – except in the coffee bar.
  10. The elevators are always full and very slow, so take the stairs. Less strain and more calories burned.
  11. Travel with friends and family. Bonding occurs while everyone goes through enjoys the same experience.
  12. Don’t stress about packing. You will bring the wrong things, regardless.

One more thing – cruising is a blast, yet not all cruise lines are alike. Do some research and find what you want   😉

Good Luck & Bon Voyage!!

**

photo credit: Port  via photopin cc

 

 

A Canadian Drive By

Day 7 : Victoria
(sort of…)

Same View, Different Port
Same View, Different Port

The Golden Princess began having engine trouble after leaving Ketchikan, and the Captain had to slow our speed way down. We docked in Canada to do required International paperwork, then we sailed out of port within the hour. We needed to reach Seattle in time for passengers to catch their flights home.  Once again, passengers were not allowed off the ship.  All shore excursions were canceled and refunded, along with an extra $25 credit on our final bill. A nice gesture by the Captain, but it hardly made a dent in the scheme of things! Hubby and his bro went ‘exploring’ (a.k.a. to get ice-cream) while I propped my feet up and wrote, tried to beat Level 40 in Candy Crush, and knitted a row or two on my latest project. Yawn.

The Disembarkation process was excellent. They had it down to an organized science. Probably because they were sick of us by now, or we were in the 3rd grouping to leave. Either reason worked for us, just that it was. Organized I mean.

Seattle From Airport Bus
Seattle From Airport Bus

My poor feet began to swell up any time they were not propped up. It hurt to walk or move around. Because of The Rule of Gates, it was Hell at the airport.  For those who are not familiar with the rule, it  simply states that – “The gate farthest away is the gate you must go to.”  The amendment to this rule is: “When your departing gate changes, it will be to the farthest one from the original.”

I suspect you already knew that rule, didn’t you?

The bus from the pier to airport was a 45-minute ride. In a near-vegetative state, dozing with my eyes open, then jerked awake by sharp corners or squealing brakes, I looked forward to getting home and getting some rest. Like I was looking forward to a vacation.

Something is very wrong about that.

Note: We arrived home safe AND uneventfully.  🙂