2012

A cruise is one the best values around because the lodging, meals, snack, some beverages, and entertainment are included. However there are some optional out-of-pocket expenses. These expenses can run up quickly. So if you want a massage, s “fruity” drink, a “special dinner” you will have to pay extra. Don’t forget the shore excursions, the internet use, casino, the arcade, souvenirs, and don’t forget the pictures from formal night that you just have to have.

- Alternative dining. Food on the buffet or in the dining room is free. Ships are now adding other dining. You can also get a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cone, Starbucks coffee or a “special” mean for $25 or higher. TIP – Don’t go! Normally you can find food 24/7 on these ships. Or there is room service. Some of the ships offer specials for the restaurants like 2 for 1 if you eat at 5. Just look at the daily schedule.

- Beverages. Alcohol and wine are not included, except on the luxury lines. Also, there will be a charge for soda, bottled water, some juices and specialty coffee. TIP – Most ships have a daily drink special, a happy hour, or 2 for 1 martini specials. If you are offered a drink in a souvenir glass and you don’t want the glass, they will bring you one in a regular glass. Ask the price, it may save you a few dollars. Look for events with free drinks, champagne art auctions, or Captain’s cocktail parties. You can buy a bottle of win, which can be cheaper than by the glass. Some of the cruise lines now have wine packages. Also some of the cruise lines will let you bring your own a bottle of wine or 6 pack or soda on. Always check the cruise lines policies first.

- Spa Treatments. The spa charges equal that of a very high end salon in the US. A massage is about $110 to $150. An Exotic treatment can run as high as $500. Passes to the thalasso therapy pools can cost $15 to $30 a day. Beware because they work on a commission. TIP – Take advantage of the spa sales, normally on embarkation and port days. Try to resist the sales pitch.

- Laundry. As at hotels, laundry and dry cleaning can be steep. About $2.50 to $3.50 to wash a t-shirt. TIP – Check to see if there is a self service laundry. Normally it runs about $2.00 to $4.00 a load.

- Tipping. The policies vary by line; the nom is 10 to 12 dollars per person, per day. If you have a butler be prepared to tip extra. Bar tabs are automatically charged 15%. You can not save money in this area. You can have it put on your credit card or you can pay cash.

- Souvenirs. Good inexpensive souvenirs include handicrafts from outdoor markets or street vendors. All local products like coffee and jelly can be bought at a local grocery store. TIP – Sale tables appear on the ships towards the end of the cruise.

- Internet. You will pay high rates for often very slow connections. Some pay as you go plans are around 75 cents a minute. If you buy a package it will be less. TIP – You can sometimes find cheaper and sometimes free internet in the ports. So if you have your own computer you could wait till port. Or on embarkation day they have package specials.

- Pictures. You can drop some money on photo. An 8x10 can cost $20 or more. Two things to do to not spend the money. Is simply tell them no thank you and the other is just don’t go look at the pictures. Don’t forget to pack your camera and extra batteries and you could take your own photo’s

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1. Plan early. Typically the honeymoon is the last thing couples plan. This is a big mistake. Advance planning allows you to choose the resort or destination with optimal advantages. If you wait until the last minute, you will get the leftovers that no one else wanted.

2. Talk it over between the two of you and decide where you want to go. If you are having problems deciding, call your travel professional and let her offer some suggestions. The decision needs to be mutually agreed upon.

3. Land or Sea? There are cruises to fit every budget and personality but perhaps an all-inclusive vacation is more for you? If you decide on a cruise, do not scrimp on the cabin. The same goes for a land vacation. Treat yourself to the nicest accommodations you can afford. This is your honeymoon and it should stand out from all the rest.

4. All inclusive resorts are extremely popular with honeymooners. It’s one price and you will know up front exactly what it will cost you. They include everything from tips, to drinks to activities, but beware. If you are not huge drinkers or won’t take advantage of all the activities offered to you, then you will be paying a lot of money for services you don’t need.

5. Have a reasonable budget and don’t scrimp. This is a once in a lifetime experience. You should allow yourself the most you can afford. The extra money will be well worth it. Plan a budget and let your travel agent know what you want but allow about a 10% cushion.

6. Pack a couple of weeks before the wedding and get that part out of the way. It’s one less thing you will need to do before the wedding.

7. Buy travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect from the unexpected. To sum it up….plan ahead, use a travel professional, and budget wisely and realistically. You don’t want to become one of those couples who end up with a story of the Honeymoon from Hell.

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We used the Carnival transfer from the airport and it was a comfortable ride. Embarkation was smooth. It probably helped because we always arrive early. We moved through the lines and made it on the ship fairly quickly. The traffic jam came when we got into the lobby and ALL the elevators were full and we did not know of to get out of that area. The ship is laid out like the other Carnival ships that we have been on, only larger. The ship was beautiful, as was our stateroom. We had a Spa Balcony. Our room steward was great and had the rooms ready by two. We expected long line at the buffet, but these seem ridiculously long. Especially on the boarding day. The Mongolian was great, but slow. Our wait staff in the restaurant was great, but then with two days to go our lead waiter couldn’t work anymore. The replacement tried hard, but he just wasn’t Orlando. The Sushi is free and that is always good. My teenage son enjoyed the waterslide, mini golf, the beanbag toss and the pools. My husband and I enjoyed the Thalassotheray pool and saunas and steam rooms in the Cloud 9. The teen center turned out to be a meeting place and then they would head out to troll the ship. My husband enjoyed the football on the seaside theater, except when they cut the last two minutes off to play Pirates of the Caribbean. Talk about men running to the sports bar. Debarkation was very organized. Luggage came off quickly. The longest line was customs, why don’t people fill out the forms ahead of time? I like the fact that the terminal has an “airport” like conveyor which makes finding your bag easier. We used the transfers from Carnival to get back to the airport. However, we had to wait a little bit until the bus was full to head back to the airport.

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Have you ever been stuck on the tarmac? Well this travel agent has. It's completely frustrating when you taxi out and you're waiting for take off and the plane engines shut down. I'd love to hear about your "stuck on the tarmac" experience.

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shortage of outlets

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