DavidSodapop

I tip throughout my stay at a hotel and have a wait-and-see attitude. If the regular housekeeper is doing a stellar job and responding to my requests even for little stuff I tip and make sure to do so regularly throughout the stay. I always do it after it happens and then make a point of remembering people. I really feel privileged to be able to travel as much as we do and make sure I reward the people who make my vacation time memorable--and frankly it's all about service for me--the ship could go anywhere and I would be most happy with great service--hell it could stay in port---so I like to reward because good service should be rewarded.

We are going in November on Vision out of Venice and someone in our Roll Call for that trip suggested we take the public train from the port to the all the ruins in downtown Athens. She also said renting a car is cheap (so I reserved one and she's right, it's cheap...but driving in Greece I am not sure about) .......and yes our cruise fare was astonishingly cheap...had I not upgraded the airfare would have been more expensive...

I have vacationed in Key West countless times, and the best way to see the hotspots on the island is either to rent a bike from nearly anywhere (for about $15/pp) or what is way more fun are scooters...you can see the Truman White House, Ernest Hemingway house and the Southernmost Point. Ft Zachary Taylor has the nicest beach, admission is $1....or you can walk. There is nothing unsafe about the place. Lots of great dining....Louie's Backyard on the water if you want a fine (and expensive) meal....spending money on a tour is worthless...its a walk able city and everyone is friendly.

The child restraint requirements imposed by this section do not apply to a chauffeur-driven taxi, limousine, sedan, van, bus, motor coach, or other passenger vehicle if the operator and the motor vehicle are hired and used for the transportation of persons for compensation. It is the obligation and responsibility of the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for a child’s welfare as defined....

Most states have a Hack's license exception which extends to shuttle buses at airports, limousines and taxi cabs. It is your choice whether to use them. I checked for Miami prior to visiting there in May and I didn't need them in a cab from the airport.

Can someone explain what the SetSail documents are for? Are they akin to a boarding pass and itinerary? I gave my immigration/passport information over the phone to the RCI representative, do I have to fill something out in advance of departing---I have just checked the MY Cruises webpage and those documents are not yet ready. Additionally, I did purchase an additional "berth" in our stateroom (a minimum of 5 people was required). While I did create a name, etc...I advised them I was just paying the extra cruise fare, not planning on bringing anyone with us...do they need the passport information for the "proposed" person who is actually going to no-show for the cruise. Does RCI do all the immigration stuff prior to cruise, or start it on embarkation day. Wow, sorry lots of questions but you people seem such a wealth of knowledge I"m guessing I"ll get the answers I want :) Thank you in advance. David

i have an old friend from college who lives in Moncton and the airfare out of that city to USA is insanely high! I could go to Europe for less

We vacation to Florida frequently, often for more than a week but if it's just a few days we always pick South Beach. I like the Ritz Carlton South Beach as it is right on the beach, also right on Lincoln Road (the pedestrian plaza with all the amazing outdoor restaurants) and there is the Youth Symphony nearby which has amazing concerts near---it really gives the flavor of Miami in a small area. If not there the Loews and then Delano (if you like to watch celebrities) are all great---South Beach is all about glitzy and glamour and it's a fun spectacle just as an observer if you choose not to partake. And the beach is outstanding. I think if you're there anyway you may as well enjoy yourself.

I think some people enjoy finding flaws in the system and exploiting them, and even justify to themselves that's it's okay if they save money because it's a big corporation. I am the opposite. I have not been on a cruise before but I can read and the rules and guidelines are clearly laid out, which are available to read prior to making your final payment. If a $12 drink costs too much, don't get one. Perhaps remember that lots of people cannot ever afford to go on vacation or considethe people who work on the ship for you (at what appears to be some tough wages) and really rely on your gratitude (via tips) to help them feed their families. It's not frugality you're promoting when you cheat, it's dishonesty...and the more you do it the more you believe it's okay. I don't bother with it. If I can't afford to buy something I don't, and I don't feel bad about it whatsoever. Go explore the country you're visiting on your cruise, smile at the people, and appreciate the good fortune you have for being able to do this.

It depends on what you like to be involved in. I like doing it myself, and personally if you are unsure it's okay to ask the TA how they get paid. I don't think the question is rude at all. A good fit is important, give them your absolute clearest most detailed description to allow them to do their job, and then prioritize what is most important? is it schedule or is it budget? then let them go to work for you. See what they come up with. Some people are better than others. You do pay them and then they pay the cruise company, hotels, airlines, etc. So if there are any billing issues or mix ups on day of departure, you will need to contact your travel agent and not the airline, hotel, or cruise company so having 24hr service and on weekends is essential.

I think a lot of people find tipping to be a little uncomfortable which is reason itself to pre pay and I appreciate the idea of the tips amount being raised, an interesting notion. I appreciate all the insight and thoughts on this. We will likely most rely on our cabin steward (if that's what they are called) and room service people--I really hope that we will be in the restaurant often because I like the social aspect of it BUT my children don't always cooperate so......and I plan to tip people serving us directly early and well .... and then at the end if it's better (as it always is) I will tip again (in addition to whatever is on my sea pass account)...I don't mind because I like people to help me a lot and realize you get what you pay for.

Thanks Candie Christie and Doc. I have read about those HOHO buses in Paris and was thinking of doing that, yes sometimes they are keen on something and then 3 minutes later not so much....and I plan to utilize the many bakeries in Paris for treats (and I might have one or two). I am concerned about Adventure Ocean as we are a little bit freaked out about leaving them with strangers but everyone on here seems to recommend it so that is helpful...having an actual vacation (versus taking a trip with the kids) was never in my mind for this trip...fun to think we might do it. Thanks again all it's soooo appreciated. David

I didn't understand the value of pre-paying gratuities and the RCI rep said it was my decision but strongly encouraged it. I had to book a 5th person to get the room I wanted but that person is not actually traveling with us so I don't want to pay tips for someone who isn't coming (I just wanted the space). As a new cruiser but my no means new traveler I am comfortable with tipping, extra fees etc and wasn't worried about a bill at the end of the trip either so is there any advantage to pre-paying? I don't get a discount so I'd rather keep my 500 bucks in the bank. Unless I am not understanding something, which is why I"m asking this question---

Thank you for additional replies: the stroller issue is something we had been debating I hadn't thought about the size of the hallways being more narrow---I appreciate the recommendation for one that works. And the doubling up on excursions---hahaha we would do that so that is good to hear. I can't say how great it is to discover this blog I find myself reading all the entries. I'm so intrigued how KEEN everyone is on cruising--and so helpful and detailed in their answers. I am chief deployment officer in our family for travel so I like everything to go off without a hitch so these answers are really helpful. Thanks for replying.

Thank you both for the suggestions its appreciated!

We are traveling 19 November 2016 out of Venice on Vision for a week. I booked the Royal Family Suite (4 year old twins need space) and we do find ourselves eating room service in hotels about half of any trip we are on because their mood is never predictable. I have a million questions but the first is about advanced planning: how long in advance do I need to book excursions? I will have already been in Europe for about ten days prior to departure, but I wonder if my kids will just get toured-out after a while. Do most people get off in every port? Is a tour necessary if we know our kids only have an hour or two of patience anyway (maximum). Any thoughts? Thanks in advance