Mitch

Well, we did our first cruise in September. A trip for 11 days to Hawaii. I must admit that we both were apprehensive about it. Now we can say, why did we feel that way. It was the best trip we have ever gone on. Our experience was wonderful.  On our flight home, we said we're going back in a couple years. Taking another cruise there. Why we didn't do this sooner in a 40 year marriage, we don't know. We can't say enough about the cruise, staff, food, and excursions. Thank you to everyone who answered questions for us. We have since recommended cruising to many family and friends. 

Going to be heading to Hawaii 28 days to go.  Looking for any info that would be helpful. Example; what to see, what island is best for shopping, best island for beach/swimming. Never been there so this is all new. I don't want to miss out on something as I don't see us returning to Hawaii.  I will appreciate any ideas, answers to my questions.

 Another thing. Is there a reason cruise ships don't stay in a port for an overnight. I think, (assume) that cost could be part. Being we have never been on a cruise we just wondered. When we look at things to do at different ports. We don't see how we can get it all in. We picked what we felt was important to see.

Thanks everyone

Our plans have changed for Maui. Now all the excursions are gone. So we now have nothing to do. Any suggestions on what to do.

8 hours ago, Jolly Ogre said:

I heard on the news today that the family is blaming RCCL due to having open windows that are hard to see next to the fixed glass ones. 

 

I'm trying to understand how he did not notice that the window was open. I've heard reports that he couldn't tell there was no glass. I have a boat, never is the boat right up against the dock. A cruise ship is no different. The story changes that she fell into the water, she fell on a lower deck, she fell on the dock. This story keeps changing in a matter of hours. Shame on the lawyer to stand and look at a camera and bluntly say  "It's all RCL fault that this happen".  I'd like to see security footage of this. Can anyone tell me if there are security cameras on the ships.

Can someone please let me know does Radiance of the Sea have a washer and dryer for guest to use?

I've been listening to Matt on YouTube. He recommends or says to try some excursions that are not offered from RCCL.  I have a fear that I don't know who to trust. Can anyone give advise on who they have used while in Hawaii.

I have another question. Where do I go to make sure that I have all the documents I will need. I hear horror stories of people arriving and not having a document/paper they need to board.

Ok folks.

Here's a update with our flight out for our cruise. We leave at 9:50 am. arrive 12:30. American Airline changed the flight time from 6:50 to 9:50. We have been told that we will have no possibility of missing the cruise ship. That makes me happy. But I'm still not really satisfied. I have talked to the travel agent in great extent regarding this. Even if they fly us to the first port. We will lose the biggest part of the cruise. Its 5 days to Maui. What would we do for 5 days in Vancouver if we miss the ship. I was told if we cancel this flight we lose lots of money. I can't afford to lose money. I'm keeping my fingers, legs and eyes crossed that this all works out. After the cruise I will let you know what happen. Unless a flight gets changed. 

I have been watching many cruise videos on do's and don'ts for first time cruisers. One thing I see is always arrive the day before the ship is to depart. My first cruise is coming up in 134 days (I think).

Not coming in the day before. Flying in on the day of the cruise via Air2Sea flight with American Airlines. The flight lands at 2:00 and the terminal is 6 miles from airport. Is there a chance  I could miss the cruise ship. The ship pulls out at 4:00. 

Can someone tell me the answer to this.

A friend told me that the pools close on the days that a ship is in port. I was hoping to swim on the days we weren't getting off the ship.

2 minutes ago, princevaliantus said:

Why? What for? 

to get through customs and board the ship.  we wonder why ourselves.

I heard that we need to bring our marriage certificate with us for the ship and to Canadian customs. Can someone tell me if this is truce?

I can understand what Joe is asking. We feel the same way. Its our first ever cruise and we are anxious to kinda know what to expect. Its a bit overwhelming for me. My husband feels the opposite. He said we've never gone on a cruise. The employees have done hundreds. They will be able to help us. Yet, I still don't understand why we take our carry on with us when the room may not be ready. What do we do with our stuff.  I keep reading, when you get on ship, walk around get to know the ship, go for a swim. Where do we change?

Has anyone had any celebration for a milestone anniversary or birthday?  What would be recommended for celebrating 40 years of marriage?

I was told by a lady from church that travels. That a phone card or a visa gift card is a good thing to give the room attendant. She told me to also not forget the people working in other areas of the ship who help. ie: Dining room server,  the cafeteria workers. and the guest services folks.  Yes or no

Good day! I found out the ship is offering a excursion to Pearl Harbor. Our question is. Is there a place where we will  be able to store our carry on luggage while we are at Pearl? 

Can anyone tell me what they like best when in Hawaii? So far we have signed up for, all ship tour and pearl harbor. The rest we are not sure what is great. Would excursions be best to buy with the ship or on our own?

@twangsterThank you for the help. I just found this site yesterday. I'm still learning. I appreciate your help and reply. 

Because I'm new to cruising. I want to ask. Where do you get this insurance?  I've never knew that this could happen. Shocks me.

I read that it is prohibited to bring electrical extension cords on the ship. With my CPAP machine I may need it to reach from the outlet. What do I do?

I guess I'm just nervous because this trip is on a ship and I'm flying. Most of our trips we drive. 

I read about people bringing water, buying water. Why? Is the water from the sink not good to fill my travel mug?

1 hour ago, twangster said:

When you reach Canada Border and Services Agency presumably at Vancouver's airport upon landing, it is much like arriving home to the US from an international flight.   

You will present your passports.  They will ask if you have anything to declare (items staying in Canada) and possibly if you have any firearms.  They will ask questions like how long you will be staying and where you plan to stay.  Typical questions asked when ever you cross a border and enter another country.  You might want to have any hotel information handy and your cruise documentation available in case they ask for it.  

Passports are required for US Citizens to travel to Canada.  If you have a criminal record you will want to pay close attention to the requirements to enter Canada.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html

For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel (e.g., to work, study, or immigrate) generally requires visas. For complete information on visa categories and requirements, consult the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses) may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an “approval for rehabilitation” well in advance of any planned travel. To determine whether you may be inadmissible and how to overcome this finding, please refer to the CIC website.

Entry into Canada is solely determined by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials in accordance with Canadian law. Please see the CBSA’s website for full details.

Travel Programs: Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program.

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Children under 16 need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.

Thank you so much for your help. We are not flyers. All new to us. We have driven all over the  country. Just no planes.

2 hours ago, KLA said:

I'm not sure I'm able to answer your question, but I know there are quite a few on the boards who might be able to assist. 

To that end - instead of titling your posts as "Mitch", it might be helpful to post the topic of your question as the title to give others some context to the question being asked.

ok, thanks

We will fly from US to Canada to get the ship. Coming home is US to US,

Can someone tell me what to expect. Will we go through customs? Any info will be appreciated.

Not that it matters, we are going through Air2sea.

5 hours ago, arebee said:

I think the Arizona is closed until sometime this year.  

We know that the Arizona is closed. But we can see more than that?

3 hours ago, melmar02 said:

You didn't mention what type of cabin you are sailing in. If you are in a suite (Grand Suite or above), one of the perks is that room service does not incur a charge and you can order off the main dining room menu in addition to the room service menu.

We are in a balcony room.  Friends said swing for if we can, so we did. Is that considered a suite?  I see under names, diamond, emerald, diamond plus. What is that?