coloradocruisers

Very tragic. A happy occasion like this young lady's quinceanos turns into the worst occasion imaginable. I can only hope the police are able to put a stop to the gangsters that did this.

When we were planning our next cruise, we received lots of brochures including a very nice one for this ship. It is a beautiful ship, with lots of special activities like Cirque d' Soleil (sp?). But after reading MaryLou's last review and hearing what others have experienced on NCL, I can't see booking with them any time soon. Hopefully NCL will put their best foot forward on their new flagship and treat people the way they're supposed to be treated when they're shelling out thousands of dollars.

LOL! I guess that was a little ambiguous. I edited it. I would love to try Costa some day.

Welcome. We only sailed out of Galveston once, and it was in late May. If your planning on driving, you can save a little on parking by pre-paying on the Port of Galveston website. I don't have the link, but you should be able to Google it. Also, that road from Houston to Galveston can get backed up, especially on Friday and Saturday. Allow yourself plenty of time. Have fun!

I can't help Debbie, but I do think Costa would be fun from what I've read.

Someday I'd like to do something like this. Hopefully they steer clear of the pirates.

Interesting case. I think cruisers and the industry generally agree that port fees are necessary for certain infrastructure, but it sounds like some of these projects are quite removed from the cruise ports.

My only suggestion is to have as much fun as you possibly can! Unfortunately, we have to sleep sometime. :D

Thanks Jim! I'll check those websites out.

Quote: "Ship captains do not have the latitude to deviate course..." Hmm, that doesn't sound right, as the rest of the article makes it sound like that's exactly what they're doing. I'm glad they're installing the sensors thought. It will help in determining how and where the oil is spreading.

MaryLou, we have been trying different lines; but if it's any consolation, we don't intend to ever try NCL.

Cool. Now you'll have more choices Jim.

Thanks Ellie. We've been comparing all the recommendations from this thread and an older one that popped up on the same topic. CruiseCrazies are so helpful when it comes to planning a cruise. :D

Thanks Jim for digging up this thread. I did a search, but didn't find this. I'll check some of these places out, as I'm currently looking for hotels in Ft Lauderdale. Our criteria doesn't require it to be fancy, as we are only staying one night. But we would like shuttle services for both the airport and cruise port.

Thanks Larry. We probably won't ship all of our luggage, just some of it. I don't mind shlepping my own suitcase through the airport, but my daughter can only handle her carry on; which means one of us has to handle her suitcase as well. We've managed it in the past, I'm just looking for other options.

If so, please give me some advice. We've been looking at Princess's Valet service from home to stateroom. It's kine of pricey ($170 one way for a bag 31 - 50 lbs.) Clothing only. Purchased items abroad are not allowed, but you still have to clear your bag through customs on the way back (and pay another $170). What other options are out there? Have you shipped to the hotel, or your stateroom? Which carriers did you use (Princess uses DHL and FEDEX)? How much were you charged? Did you ship in a piece of luggage, or a box? Thanks.

Thanks Toni. We're cruising over spring break next year, so rates may be a little higher. In any case, I found a review from another member named James (Elfed). He stayed at the Roadway Inn. Our research indicates they have free shuttles for both the airport and and the cruise port, a continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool. The rate we found was about $120/nt. We haven't booked yet, but we're leaning toward them.

Can anyone recommend a hotel in Ft Lauderdale for one night? Doesn't have to be fancy, but shuttle service from the airport and to the cruise port, as well as a pool would be preferred.

St Thomas for me. Can't wait to go back.

We've tried different lines, and probably will continue to do so. For a number of reasons, we simply liked RCL better than Carnival. BTW, I'd like to try the Starship Enterprise. How'd your TA arrange that?

Very nice. I always love seeing that "Windex blue" ice.

We generally opt for early dining so we can have plenty of time after dinner to do other things. And if it's formal night, we can change back into our relaxing clothes for the evening once dinner is out of the way.

Princess goes to Tracy Arm, which is also very beautiful. I don't think you can go wrong on the itineraries. As far as the view from the ports, the ships go to mostly the same places, so I don't think you'll be able to differentiate based on that. One thing to think about when booking excursions is the weather, which can be very rainy during the summer. My helo tour to the glacier (from Skagway) got cancelled due to low ceilings. Skagway also has a train ride, which you may have to consider if the weather does not allow the helo tour.

Well congratulations on the B2B Rose. I was beginning to worry that you didn't have enough cruises booked!

Click on the "Forums" link, then look under "Destinations." They won't be sorted by cruise line or ship; just location.