packercruising

We keep them in our pocket and have not lost one in 20 plus years.  Wearing them around your neck in port makes you stand out as a tourist.  Rather not give that impression  out.  

We were on NCL Star. It was in 2011, before there was an expansion to the locks. I would suggest a smaller sip so you go through the original locks, but that is just an opinion. Whatever works best for you. It is something you will be really glad you did.

Just get it and don't worry about it. ? 

We did a 15 day from Los Angeles to Tampa. If you do one, do the entire route. Some itineraries go half way and then turn back. It was terrific. We lucked out and had port side a balcony, which happened to be the side that allowed us the best view of the locks. Also, do some reading. There is a fascinating book, that is well worth the time.
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
by David McCullough

Another great run to maximize the value of an AFT balcony too. Doing Vision in December in one of them.
 
Location, location, location!

Good list, except we stay on a Labadee. We don't do beaches. #3 goes for all Jamaica ports for us. I agree that getting off the ship doesn't have to include an excursion. 

365 days a year! Next year I get a bonus and get 366 days. ? I must be really good at being retired.

We did a 15 day from Los Angeles to Tampa. If you do one, do the entire route. Some itineraries go half way and then turn back. It was terrific. We lucked out and had port side a balcony, which happened to be the side that allowed us the best view of the locks. Also, do some reading. There is a fascinating book, that is well worth the time.
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
by David McCullough

We did a 15 day from Los Angeles to Tampa. If you do one, do the entire route. Some itineraries go half way and then turn back. It was terrific. We lucked out and had port side a balcony, which happened to be the side that allowed us the best view of the locks. Also, do some reading. There is a fascinating book, that is well worth the time.
The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
by David McCullough

I don't want to have to do the math.

I forgot about this!  I think I’m mostly excited about robes lol!  Jane

365 days a year! Next year I get a bonus and get 366 days. ? I must be really good at being retired.

365 days a year! Next year I get a bonus and get 366 days. ? I must be really good at being retired.

Congratulations! you also get a signature lapel pin and an invitation to top tier events.

If you have cruised the line before, you probably only have to ask. Bribing your cabin steward may not be the best idea. If we are going to tip extra (which we usually do), we tip toward the end. Same with MDR staff and favorite bartenders. Some people tip at the beginning, thinking they will get better service. Maybe they do but service on the ship is usually very good anyway. If you are one of those that wants to tip in advance, that is fine. I just wouldn't do it to try and get him to break the rules.

Congratulations! you also get a signature lapel pin and an invitation to top tier events.

The added benefit of not booking your schedule full is taking time to relax and wind down.  Some folks feel the need to do something at every port.  By the time the cruise is over they need a vacation from their vacation.  
You can also see how the weather is and make plans based on how the day plays out.  
In Cozumel there are a lot of shops in the cruise port area if you feel the need for the t-shirt to prove you went there.  That Cozumel compound is secure, only ship guests can access it, not than Cozumel has many safety issues.
Roatan has a small area of shops lining the port area.  
 

If you have cruised the line before, you probably only have to ask. Bribing your cabin steward may not be the best idea. If we are going to tip extra (which we usually do), we tip toward the end. Same with MDR staff and favorite bartenders. Some people tip at the beginning, thinking they will get better service. Maybe they do but service on the ship is usually very good anyway. If you are one of those that wants to tip in advance, that is fine. I just wouldn't do it to try and get him to break the rules.

365 days a year! Next year I get a bonus and get 366 days. ? I must be really good at being retired.

365 days a year! Next year I get a bonus and get 366 days. ? I must be really good at being retired.

We like being on the ship when it is more quiet. Nothing wrong with doing that if you choose to. We have been to most of the ports, so for you it might be fun to at least check the port out.

You use your set sail pass that you used to board the ship. That acts as your seapass card until you get the actual card. You can get drinks, make purchases, etc.
Happy sailing!

Indeed, the view is spectacular!
 

Indeed, the view is spectacular!
 

There are locks on both ends of the canal. If you do a round trip, you miss one of them.