PhillyLady

These have been crazy times and the travel industry is devastated and making decisions on the fly.

I agree with Traveler that you may not be able to get any cash back from insurance on a cruise that you paid for with FCC.

I am also not clear why you are so upset with NCL for somewhat minor issues, that you refuse to use them in the future, even though you have credit, while you are willing to lose thousands of dollars on airfare with nary a complaint (do you have an air credit as well?).

My advice is to have a more flexible and forgiving attitude, rather than creating a scheming scenario to try to access a cash refund.

Just plan some extra trips for fun--an NCL cruise to a new destination, several long weekends on Spirit Airlines.  Or, see if you can transfer the credits to friends and family.

By the way, I have been on at least eight different cruise lines, and I do not find significant differences across any of them in terms of trying to "upsell" products or activities. 

 

 

My mother smoked when I was a child and my brothers and I have never touched a cigarette. The smell makes me cough and sneeze, and my eyes water.  The stale odor stays in my hair and my clothes much too long.  I always try to avoid any venue with smoke and/or smokers.  I am all for non-smoking cruises!

I am very impressed and pleased with all of those safeguards that AQSC is proposing.  I know that many of the guests are elderly, and therefore, potentially higher-risk.  I have been considering taking my mother on this cruise line for a relaxing experience, so I am very happy that they are being so proactive.

Hi BB1,

I highly recommend arriving a day early rather than flying in the same morning. Miami is a destination unto itself.

My cancelled April RC cruise was set to sail out of Miami and I had researched a dozen different hotels I would like to stay in pre-cruise, from Miami beach to the Seminole Hard Rock and so forth.  One of our favorites is the Loew's--great pool!  I love the busy energy and vibe of South Beach! I sometimes go to Miami just for a few days, no cruise included.

You do not say where you are coming from or how long you will have been flying. You may be sleepy and not really want to do much that early, but there is nothing MORE boring than sitting in the cruise terminal waiting for boarding to begin, since cabins aren't ready anyway. 

If you want to splurge and take an Uber or a taxi, you can squeeze in some sightseeing.

Fun Miami activities I have done:

Nearby the ports area is Jungle Island-- a fun place to visit.

Beautiful Vizcaya combines history and gardens.

Duckboat tours of millionaire's row.

Breakfast at the Biltmore, Coral Gables.

Strolling and shopping South Beach.

Just don't be late and miss the muster or you will have to do it the next day!

 

Hi Katie,

 

Please don't make a cruise for your family this August a major issue to cause yourself stress.  It is unknown whether cruises will be fully up and running anyway in August.  You also may want to wait a bit to see how CDC requirements affect cruise ship processes (e.g., masks everywhere, no buffet, room service only?).

I missed my April Easter/special birthday cruise (cancelled in mid-March) and have still not seen a dime of my refund. I did not choose FCC because I want to keep all options open and may choose to go with another cruise line instead.  It was a quiet time at home but I was safe.

This has been a year of complete uncertainty, and we must give thanks for our good health and our ability to afford cruising.

My recommendation would be rather than book a cruise far in advance, just be flexible and see if something else will suit as a vacation as you move into July.  Then next year if we have an all clear, take two cruises!

 

Is your goal to save money or is your goal convenience?

Do you have time limitations on your overall trip?

First of all, are you doing the pre-cruise tour independently, or are you on  a tour?

How old are the children and are they seasoned international travelers?

In any case, you have already stated that your preference is to fly to Rome and begin your tour there.  Truth be told, you could spend a week just in Rome/Florence and the surrounding area.

You will need to map out in detail and plan all your logistics to ensure that all connections are made and all itinerary items are covered.

Upon arrival you will lose a day (or more) recovering from jet lag, time changes, and getting situated.

Allow one full day of travel used to train to Venice and check-in to your hotel.

Another day of travel used is checking out of Venice hotel, getting to the pier, boarding the ship.

Last year I sailed out of Venice and I flew directly non-stop there from my home city, spent five days in advance, including a day tour to Verona. At cruise end we again flew right out of Venice. The cost may be a bit higher, but the airport is small and the convenience is unbeatable.

My brother took a different cruise out of Rome and flew there in advance to spend time touring.  He has a larger family and they drove ten hours to Canada (and back) to catch a cheaper international flight. 

Because prices and air travel schedules are up in the air, it will be a bit more difficult to calculate cost savings.

Have fun planning!!