Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
Talk of The Villages Florida - Rentals, Entertainment & More
#16
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We did our first cruise August of 2018. I chose Royal Caribbean out of Tampa. It's just over a 90 minute drive and I parked across the street for $7 a day and walked to the terminal. I did reserve the spot online in advance and it was a covered elevated garage. Going out of Tampa you'll have smaller ships because they have to go under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay. I think our ship was 880' long and most cruises from Tampa stay in the western Caribbean and are just 4 or 5 days. I felt it was a good starting point. I believe we had 2200 passengers and a crew of about a 1,000.
I always heard so much about Cozumel and I like Key West, so our Cruise was Key West, Havana, Cozumel and back to Tampa, five days total. We had a room with a window, but no balcony. With all fees and taxes it was about a $1,000 for two people. We didn't have Passports, so those we got at the post office on 301 in Summerfield. Make an appointment on thier website, that was about $300 for two of them with photos. I enjoyed the cruise, but it's not something I'm looking forward to going again. I really enjoyed Key West the most and hanging out at Sloppy Joe's. If I were to do something gain, I would just drive to Key West or go to Naples and take the hydroplane boat ride over to Key West. If you do drink, get the liquor package, about $350 for two people. I spent about $400 extra just having a few beers and my wife a couple of wines everyday out by the pool. We could had just about as much as we wanted for less with the package. |
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#17
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I suggest you visit and join CruiseCritic.com. You will find a wealth of information on your ship, ratings by people who have cruised on it, meet up groups that will be sailing with you, optional tour operators and more. We have about 25 cruises under our belt (I know, we are rookies) but never cruise without doing the research on Cruise Critic. I'm also one that disagrees with Ed, I'm retired so get me somewhere the slowest possible way. I also recommend a balcony, nothing like sitting on the balcony and having breakfast and enjoying the solitude of watching the ocean go by.
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No one believes the truth when the lie is more interesting Berks County Pennsylvania Last edited by JoMar; 02-15-2020 at 12:52 PM. Reason: Added a comment. |
#18
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#19
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I was terrified of the idea of going on a cruise, when hubby said we needed to do this for our honeymoon. The notion of not being able to see land anywhere - very anxiety-producing. I'm glad I relented and decided to challenge my own phobia. As for getting somewhere as fast as you can - with cruising, the ship itself is the main destination. The places the ship sails to are side-trips. When you're on a ship, you are already in the "somewhere" you wanted to get as fast as you can. |
#20
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Lots of good tips on this thread.
Mrs Spoiler and I have been on a few cruises over the years as well. We always have enjoyed a mid-ship room away from the elevators (noisy)) and a few levels down from the top (noisy). Also the bigger the ship we were on, it seemed to be the smoothest ride. If someone does get an ocean view room, just be sure its not on the level that is looking out at the lifeboats or out at the walking track, as both would obstruct your view a bit. If you can see springing for a few extra bucks, you would certainly enjoy a balcony room a little more. Its really not that much more and certainly worth it. If you want to be cold, go cruise on the Pacific, if you don't want to be cold, the Caribbean may be better for you. Another important point is that when they say what time they are leaving a port... make sure you are on the ship, as they will leave you.. ... . . . Last edited by Spoiler; 02-15-2020 at 03:14 PM. |
#21
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Over 150 days cruising over the years...at least once per year....many years twice....we like 7-10 day cruises.
Neither one of us can recall a "bad day". The complete get away....no security concerns....do/participate as little or as much as you choose. Like most things to each his own. Just take what everybody has to say, pro and con. Then go and judge for yourself......relax and have a good time. One point about excursions we suggest you partake in those that are supported and sold by the cruise line.....the excursions assure you to be back to the ship on time....and the ship will not leave without you. |
#22
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Go low, go middle
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"The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balconied stateroom, choose the lowest level and the most midship one you can find. The higher decks and cabins at the very front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most." |
#23
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I alway's tease the people back where we did live before that we Live On A Cruise Ship. It's just on land.
If it was for free and you picked us up in the Coolest Limo I would DECLINE the trip. No phobias just a wise old man! My vacations from here on out are scheduled to be somewhere we can drive or be driven to with the Grandchildren. I know the statistic are against driving being the safest way to go. We had considered Cuba (Not Really) but I had faith something would gum up the works about going there and it did. You got a whole lot of good info here and that website should help you a whole lot good luck which ever way you decide. Let us know how you do with your decision. |
#24
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Get your feet wet with 5.. then move up..
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#25
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Seasick ?
Get a room towards the bottom center and you're room will have less motion.
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#26
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Cruise length ?
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take a seven day cruise. Everyone I have personally have known has taken shorter than 7 wished they had listened and took the 7 day cruise. Also older ships are used for shorter cruises. If you go on a 3 or 5 day cruise I would love to be there on your last night asking "don't you wish you had just a couple more days". My choice for boarding is to wait until the last hour to board just because I hate to wait in lines. If you arrive early you have long lines but once you finally get on board you will have a few more hours to look around, eat and explore the ship. I personally like the inside cabins to save money and use for sightseeing. Although I have stayed in balcony maybe 6 times and inside maybe 12 times. What are you going to do in the room? If you are like most you will sleep, shower, get dressed and spend the rest of the day enjoying the other activities on the ship. Maybe you are going on the cruise to spend the days on a 25-30 sq. ft. area looking at the water, but I don't think so. I have trouble justify the extra 300 to 500 for maybe 1/2 hour a day to sit in a chair in a private 8 foot wide space then the ship is full of areas with recliners with a much better views. That's like a extra $100 for each days morning coffee. No thanks. If you stay in a inside be aware it will be completely dark when the lights are off. Last edited by GoodGuysAir; 02-16-2020 at 06:19 AM. |
#27
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The top of the ship will sway much more than the bottom of the boat. Although he doesn't agree with the term "stable." But I'm not going to get into that with him as I would be up for another two hours, and it's 11:00 pm here in Australia.
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#28
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Haiti is a great stop on Royal Caribbean. They own their own private beach. Great visit all day.
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#29
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If motion sickness is an issue, make sure it is a newer ship that is equipped with stabilizers. I would also suggest a larger ship. We were on the Allure of the Seas, hardly rocked even in 12-14 foot waves. Amazing.
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#30
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