MikeK

If you have never been to Rome you will need more than 2 days

I have used the same TA for over 20 yrs. The agency he is with did nothing but cruises for about 10 yrs of that time and is local so I get to talk with him face to face. When choosing a TA I think it is important they have years of experience with the cruise industry. If I were to switch to another TA I would probably go with MEI just from what I have seen on here even though they are not local. Go the TA route, it shouldnt cost you any different.

Make sure the birth certificates are certified copies not like a scanned copy. That is important!

Looking at your picture I would say you are fair skinned. So please bring some good sunscreen and use it often. If you haven't been to the tropics, the sun is different than the sun in Utah. You can fry quickly in the caribbean sun And just because you might not be in the direct sun you can still be burned from reflective rays from the white sand and water. Don.t mean scare you but be careful and have a great cruise.

it will depend on how early you get up in the morning on how fast the coffee arrives. You can order a large pot or a small pot. We get the large pot. Get on the phone to room service first thing when you get up. Also we always tip the server about $5

You need to take into account that everyone and their grandmother will be trying to get out of Disney on Sunday morning!

You shouldnt have any surprises at the end of the cruise as you can check your room tab anytime you want on your in room TV.

Is lobster just a vehicle to eat melted butter>

Is this a joke? My mouth is still hanging open! If it is true I'm not sure the wife would want some stranger fondling her undies but then again she might like it. This is good for a chuckle!

Not sure what kinda room your in but if its not a suite you need to start getting reservations for the shows. The comedy show is R rated so if your feelings get hurt easily it might no be for you. The aqua theatre show is a good one but like the others you will probably need reservations If you haven't already you need to get on the Cruise Planner ASAP and start planning your shows. If your in a grand suite or higher you will have an area reserved for suite guests only at the shows, except for the comedy show.

I have pocket Tshirts I bought for cruising. I havent lost one yet. Knock on wood!

We used to stay at the Radisson but found the Hampton Inn was a much better deal. Since we live in Fl we always drive to the port. The park and shuttle ride is a must for us so we tried the Hampton deal this last time. Dan Curtis was spot on about the Hampton Inn.

All over the caribbean. Do I see them every time on the balcony? Of course not but if you are on the balcony and start looking you will see them and will know what to start looking for. Good Luck!

Don't miss the flying fish! Every morning I order coffee for the room and I stand out on the balcony to enjoy the sea. If you watch closely you can see the flying fish. Depending on how high up you are will determine the size your looking for. If your above seven they will be about the size of a dragon fly. Once you see one you will be hooked.!

The most important thing for all the first time cruisers is having the correct IDs for boarding. They will not let you on the ship without the proper papers!!

St Marks Basilica and Doge Palace are a must stop. Make sure you have guide (tour). It is worth it as the lines are long to get into these places and a guide to navigate all you will be seeing.

This is the same set up in all the European hotels we stayed in. Not sure why they don't use shower curtains or shower doors but we couldn't help but having a wet floor every time. One we stayed in Paris didn't even have a half door. You had to stand and hold the shower nozzle. That was a mess. At least the ships have a drain on the floor so it isn't too bad.

Exactly our thought. Took away from the fun of it and besides it didnt seem like you had a chance of winning unless you rented one of their machines

We always drive to the port so we get the park and ride package at the Hampton Inn. Leave our car at the hotel the whole week and they have a shuttle to the ship and pick us up at the port for a ride back to the hotel. Call the Hampton Inn and see if you can work a deal for a one way trip. You would still have to find something for your port to airport transportation. Good Luck

Last time we played bingo they were pushing for everyone to rent one the their electronic bingo tablets. We decided to play the old fashion way. Well the ones that rented the tablets won about 9 out 10 games. That ended the bingo for us.

This is when a good travel agent pays off!

I qualify for both military and law enforcement discounts but have never received either one. Like WaaayTooo says they are very rare. As far as the tips go I take a large amount of ones, fives and tens with me for tipping cash. I have my doubts how much the waiter at the bar sees of the extra money you might add to your receipt. I used to tip the head waiter and room steward up front with extra money and I believe i received a bump in service. Then one cruise I gave the head waiter a $50 dollar bill the first night. The next night she was not there and I was introduced to my new head waiter. The assistant waiter said she was going to be escorted off the ship at the next port stop. They wouldn't tell me what she did but I'm sure they would have been in trouble for even telling me she was booted. Lesson learned. I now give extra tips in smaller increments as the cruise goes on. Relax and don't try and do too much. Remember your on vacation.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum near Mallory Square

Make sure you have the correct IDs or they won't let you on the ship. Don't be late coming back to the ship when your at the port stops. The ship will not wait for you unless you are on a Royal Caribbean excursion. Every night a Cruise Compass will be left in your room that shows the next days activities and if its a port day what time you need to be back at the ship to board. Sometimes the ship time and the port stop time are different so check that before you leave. Most of all relax and try not to do everything. You will have a wonderful time.

The "no shorts, flip flops and Tshirt" is not true. I see the shorts and tshirt more and more every cruise I go on, even on formal night. They will not kick you out of the dining room for wearing shorts. Swim wear would not be a good idea. I try not to judge people for what they are wearing. It will be entirely up to you whether you wear shorts and tshirts or a tuxedo. What you feel the most comfortable. Have fun and remember your on vacation.