Questions, Questions, Questions

[Bambi]

Just getting a bit excited about embarktion day. About how long will it take for checking in for the cruise? What papers do we need for myself and dh? Do kids need birth certificates or anything for ages 6 and 3 yr old?

If we get there as soon as checkin begins will we get on the ship earlier or does everyone have to wait for a certain time until boarding the ship? I am so new to all this and would love anything to help prepare us. Thank you :)

Oh and we are driving to port canaveral about how long will the drive take from Disney World Property.

[Slowhand]

Just getting a bit excited about embarktion day. About how long will it take for checking in for the cruise? What papers do we need for myself and dh? Do kids need birth certificates or anything for ages 6 and 3 yr old?

If we get there as soon as checkin begins will we get on the ship earlier or does everyone have to wait for a certain time until boarding the ship? I am so new to all this and would love anything to help prepare us. Thank you :)

Oh and we are driving to port canaveral about how long will the drive take from Disney World Property.

Even if you arrive early to check in, you then have to get in line with everyone else until you are allowed to board the ship.
There is a small coffee shop in the terminal building and also a few characters appear to keep you amused.

The drive from WDW to the port should take no more than 1 - 1.5hrs.

Can`t help on the birth certificate issue sorry [we don`t have any kids].

[Cinderella]

YES - if you don't have passports you MUST have birth certificates for everyone that have a raised seal. Adults also need a photo ID in addition to the birth certificate

You won't be allowed to board unless you have these with you

[Cinderella]

The drive from Disney World to the ship will take about 45 minutes to one hour

[dizzyknee]

When we cruised, we arrived quite early. This made going thru security quick and easy. Then we went upstairs and the terminal was nearly empty. It was nice to be there when it was quiet. We got in line at one of the empty desks and waited for them to open. When the check-in began we were checked in quite quickly and went to wait for the doors to open to the ship. We were traveling in concierge so there was a special waiting area. But we watched the line grow and grow and grow and fill up the waiting area. Concierge guests are admitted first. We went through the gate where then each family is has their photo taken. At the time I remember thinking that to do this for each family, would take a very long time...and I was truely grateful to not be at the end of the line.

I would recommend getting there early so you are onboard as early as possible so you can get all the first day business done (Palo, spa etc.)

Go to Palo for dinner, for brunch and for tea if you love great food and a really special experience....and who wouldn't?

[BevW]

Bambi, I know what you mean, I want to get to the ship early also! I've got to start getting info for passports ready. I've got such an odd birth certificate, I don't want to confuse anyone when it comes time to board.

Palo's is already planned for but we haven't really gotten the excursions planned.

Bambi, you know I'm going to bombard you with questions when you come back from your cruise! :lol: BEEEEEE prepared!

[Bambi]

YES - if you don't have passports you MUST have birth certificates for everyone that have a raised seal. Adults also need a photo ID in addition to the birth certificate

You won't be allowed to board unless you have these with you
Oh my goodness I am so glad I asked! I have an expired passport, no copy of my birth certificate -I only have my photo ID's.
So I called my mom she is sending my sister that lives in TX to get me a copy of my birth certificate that has the raised seal. Dh is set he has a valid passport and copy of his birth certificate. So kids only need their birth certificates with the raise seals then, Right? I just want to make sure we have everything we need.

Dizzyknee, thanks for sharing that with me. I will arrive early-we are usually early when we are new to something.

Does the brunch / tea cost extra? Sounds like something I would enjoy. Dh wants me to give him a price list of how much I think we will be spending each day on the ship. So if it does cost do you recall how much? Thanks:)

Do you know how much per day we should allow on the cruise each day? We want to enjoy ourselves. Do you think $200 a day is good. I know the meals are included. But for souvinears , tips and misc. is this a good amount? or should we budget more?
Also dizzyknee my kids are picky eaters do all the restraunts offer chicken nuggets or spaghetti?

BevW I will be delighted to answer any questions anyone has about my cruise. Its stressful being a first time cruiser isn't it? Is Palo's for adults only? We have kids and decided NOT to leave them in any kids clubs.
Bev are you doing the 3 4 or 7 day cruise?

[JuniorMickey]

Bambi if your DH has a valid passport he does not need his birth certificate

[wdwgrandma]

Bev and I (and our DHs) are doing the 7-day western Caribbean cruise! It will be so much fun!

Yes, Palo's is adults only. And I hope to do it at least twice.

[Bambi]

JM yeah I know but me being a worry wart will take passports and Birth Certificates. Thanks~

Donna, you all will have a blast. I really need to buckle down and start my research on what all there is to do on the ship. We are doing the land and sea.... I am so busy lately i have only made two priority seatings for CRT and fantasmic dinner pkg. Time is flying and nothing is planned:(

[wdwgrandma]

When are you off on your cruise?

[dizzyknee]

Posted incorrectly trying to delete this one ...oops

[dizzyknee]

I have never been so stressed out planning a trip in my life, as I was when I planned our cruise. I was so stressed about it, that it sort of paralyzed me and I didn't do anything about planning until it was almost too late. I kept saying to myself, what is wrong with me, but I had so much fear of the unknown and I just couldn't picture the whole thing. DON'T DO THAT take a deep breath and realize if you do nothing it will be OK. You will have a bed to sleep in, you will have a table to eat at, you will have WONDERFUL shows to go to, plenty of ship board activities to choose from. All you really have to doahead of time is pick your excursion(s) but if you don't do that it will still be OK. You can always explore a port or just take a taxi to a beach. I think we planners freak out b/c if we don't have things planned we are worried the vacation will be a disaster :afraid: Take another deep breath. It won't, it will be wonderful.

So if you are not going to use the kid clubs then Palo is out :( unless there is someone else in your group who can take care of your kids (we had my MIL). If you do go, it is $10 per person I think.

Our kids did not like the kid club, but were willing to go when all 3 of us (adults) went to Palo for brunch (which I must say is without hesitation the best brunch I have ever seen. In fact here's a tip in case you do go...go early in your trip b/c they feed you so much on the cruise that you will not be hungry enough to enjoy it. In fact if you go to the brunch I would choose to go towards noon time and skip breakfast that morning. That way you will be able to enjoy the breakfast selections and hot lunch selections...prime rib doesn't interest me in the morning) Also, my kids were 3 and 6 at our cruise time and this put them into different kid club groups. My 3 year old did not like not having his sister with him, so when our brunch day came along, we put our 6 yr old into the younger group which was fine with her, just be aware that once placed in a younger group, they can not go back to their older group...I don't know why :shrug: some technicality.

At the regular meals there is always something your kids will eat just like WDW. We often asked for things that weren't on the kids menu and they were more than happy to bring us raw carrot sticks, buttered noodles whatever.

I will ask DH if he remembers how much tips were, when he gets home.

I know you read my trip report back when I wrote it but it might help to reread it now that you are in the planning stage again.

Some of the things that we found really helpful are...

There is often a matinee of the evening show. The kids aren't falling asleep and it takes all the pressure off of the evening.

Use the free room service. Especially for breakfast. It is so much more relaxing to eat in your jammies rather that push a tray (and your kids trays)down a buffet line.

Go to matinees.

Take naps. Find quiet places on the boat and take a nap. :sleep:

Get the Passporter Cruise Guide. Go to Passporter.com I know I told you to relax about planning but it never hurts to have info. and then ignore it :blush:

If you want to talk, PM me and we can exchange numbers.

[Bambi]

Aww, thanks for taking the time to reply. I was just thinking about your trip reports today when we were driving to town. I think I am going to print it up and read them. I need a memory refreshner. I found so much of your tips very interesting when I read them a while back.

As for the kids clubs my friend took a cruise in the summer and said too many negative things that is what persuaded us not to put them in one. Apparently, she felt it wasn't supervised well enough. She saw sick kids in there and kids were sleeping on the floor:shrug: Did you feel this way about the kids club?

I am relieved to hear that they will allow my 6 yr old in the younger group just in case we decide to put them in one. It would make me feel more relaxed knowing they are together. I am sure my 6 yr old wouldn't want to leave into the bigger club anyway. She just turned six this week and she looks as if she just turned 5 and the bigger kids might make her nervous.


I am going to look into passporter.com now and I won't stress too much. I may just take you up on your offer about calling you :hug:

And an interesting coincidence both my kids are going to be 6 and 3 when we are on the cruise:) same age as yours were. As for our excursion we will be doing the dolphin encounter. I am going to try and get that booked this week. I guess other than that we will be playing it by ear and not stressing. I will be taking plenty of deep breaths and calling you if ever there is a quiet moment in my house:wacko:

[BevW]

Bambi, we're going on the 7 day cruise. this is my second cruise (well, the first one was a huge ocean liner going from San Francisco to Japan and I was only 9 when that happened. I had nothing to do with the planning :lol: ) So let's just say that technically this is my first "Oh My Gosh I have to PLAN this!!" cruise.

I know we'll all have a great time....once we get on that ship! :lmao: :whistle:

[Bambi]

When are you off on your cruise?Oh how did I miss your post Donna!

We are doing the land/sea April 10-17th and if we like the 3 day we will try for the 7 day next time :) The 3 day seems so short to me all of a sudden. Getting so excited with just about 8 weeks to go.

And Bev you will have a great time I know it. Ecspecially being on a cruise with John and Donna. It will be great!

[wdwgrandma]

We are really looking forward to it, Bambi! Seven days of magical cruising!!!

Originally we had considered a land/sea trip, but I've never cruised before and felt that the shorter cruise wouldn't give me the real "feel" of cruising! And I didn't have to twist Hubby's arm.

[Bambi]

We are really looking forward to it, Bambi! Seven days of magical cruising!!!

Originally we had considered a land/sea trip, but I've never cruised before and felt that the shorter cruise wouldn't give me the real "feel" of cruising! And I didn't have to twist Hubby's arm.
My girls wouldn't ever let us hear the end of it if we went to FL w/out going to disney world. I am glad you didn't have to twist his arm because I know how rough you can get :D

[wdwgrandma]

Hey, you are gonna give me a bad reputation with that kind of talk, Bambi!!! LOL

If DH and I were taking kids on a cruise with us, I'm not sure they'd spend much time at the kids' clubs. I'd want to spend as much time with them as possible! At least on one of the shorter cruises... On the longer cruises I'd probably let them visit the clubs just so I'm not tempted to toss them overboard!! LOL

[Bambi]

I haven't heard the greated reviews on the kids clubs so we definately won't put the girls in one. (though one sounded neat )

And you couldn't harm a fly..your the sweetest:hug:

[wdwgrandma]

A friend and co-worker of mine is going on her third Disney cruise in as many years and her kids love the clubs! They provide the kids with so much to do! And I know they are looking forward to it again in Aug. They are doing one of the cruises that go through the Panama Canal.

[BevW]

I think if the kids are older they enjoy the clubs more...but if they're younger, they'd rather be with Mom and Dad. :) That's why we're not taking kids with us on this cruise. We're going to be the kids.

[Mickeymac]

My son loved the cruise, but my daughter who was four, not so much. I know if we went on one now, I'd never see the kids all week, especially the teen. :rolleyes:

Donna, could you PLEASE tell your friend to log in her so I can hear about that cruise! I'm dying to go on the August transitioning cruise with the kids, so bad!

[wdwgrandma]

She's checked out our site before (I don't think she joined), MM, but there's not enough cruise info here for her, so she belongs to another site and posts there about cruising.

[Mickeymac]

Shucks. She could have our rapt attention. :D

[BevW]

she would have our undying attention!

[dizzyknee]

As for the kids clubs my friend took a cruise in the summer and said too many negative things that is what persuaded us not to put them in one. Apparently, she felt it wasn't supervised well enough. She saw sick kids in there and kids were sleeping on the floor:shrug: Did you feel this way about the kids club?
I didn't love the whole set up. I thought the area for the young kids was dark and smallish. It seemed like a bit of a free for all. I stayed for a while on the first visit and sized up the kids that were there and found a kid that I thought looked like a good playmate for Ben. I got them involved together and he seemed OK for me to leave. I'd have to check my trip reprt to remember what I went and did but it was probably laundry or something like that. It wasn't a long time before I went and checked on him, and when I got there he was engaged in an activity with a counselor and some kids and he was fine but did not want to stay. I was so sure that my dd was having a great time in the older group I didn't want to interfere... :oops: that was a mistake. When we went to check on her after lunch she wasn't happy and had apparently had a hard time getting someone to call us (she said) I think this was my fault for not making sure she knew what to do and who to ask to make the call to us. Anyway that was how the first experience went with them and they didn't want to go back. DD was interested in the sounds of some of the special (Captain Hook, p.j. party etc.) events but we didn't push it, b/c we always had plenty to do. I was a little relieved b/c I had been worried that they were going to want to be at the clubs the whole time and we would never see them. But obviously it was not so horrible that they wouldn't go back when we wanted to go to brunch. I do think that age plays a big part in their ability to enjoy it and to be fair to your assessment my kids were 3 and 6 but they both celebrated a birthday onboard and they returned from the voyage as 4 and 7.

I am relieved to hear that they will allow my 6 yr old in the younger group just in case we decide to put them in one. It would make me feel more relaxed knowing they are together. I am sure my 6 yr old wouldn't want to leave into the bigger club anyway. She just turned six this week and she looks as if she just turned 5 and the bigger kids might make her nervous.
If you do it remember it is not for a really long time. Also you might not even be able to get Palo ressies b/c there are only so many slots available on a 3 night cruise. On a 7 night cruise there are more than twice the number of opportunities to get in. I do hope you try. I would think that you could always cancel w/o penalty - better ask. So you could try for a ressie, do a short test run with the kid club, if it goes well, great...if not cancel..no biggie.


I am going to look into passporter.com now and I won't stress too much. I may just take you up on your offer about calling you :hug:
I would love that!

And an interesting coincidence both my kids are going to be 6 and 3 when we are on the cruise:) same age as yours were. As for our excursion we will be doing the dolphin encounter. I am going to try and get that booked this week. I guess other than that we will be playing it by ear and not stressing. I will be taking plenty of deep breaths and calling you if ever there is a quiet moment in my house:wacko:
Is the dolphin encounter OK for your age kids? I thought I remembered it was for older people. We did very low key things like just going to the beach and snorkeling.

[Bambi]

Dizzyknee
Yes, the encounter is age appropriate for my girls. The swim you have to be 5 yrs old. Lena is too young for the swim. The encounter is for any age and ages 3 has to pay childs fee. We are booked already for the encounter on the 15th. My 6 yr old is very much into dolphins. Rich started to just have me go along with her but my 3 yr old insisted on it. It will be lots of fun and can't wait.

I have to ask Cinderella about Palo's if its still available. She is our agent and has done all of our bookings so far :)

Such a short cruise wish we were doing a 7 day now.

[dizzyknee]

Dizzyknee
Yes, the encounter is age appropriate for my girls. The swim you have to be 5 yrs old. Lena is too young for the swim. The encounter is for any age and ages 3 has to pay childs fee. We are booked already for the encounter on the 15th. My 6 yr old is very much into dolphins. Rich started to just have me go along with her but my 3 yr old insisted on it. It will be lots of fun and can't wait.

I have to ask Cinderella about Palo's if its still available. She is our agent and has done all of our bookings so far :)

Such a short cruise wish we were doing a 7 day now.

That's wonderful that you all can do the dolphin encounter, you will have the best time!

I didn't know you could book Palo ahead of time...when we went I think we had to book on the boat. I hope she can do it for you. Take what ever you can get. Both dinner and brunch are fabulous (like I haven't said that enough already :wink: )

Don't worry about the shortness of the trip. You'll get a taste and next time it will be much less stressful to plan b/c you'll have it all figured out.

BTW my dh couldn't remember what we spent per day, or on tips, or stuff. I have to tell you that this is really unusual. He usually knows all that kind of stuff, but I'm telling you something happens to your brain out there. I think it jumps overboard. Our minds just went to mush :wacko: I know we didn't buy much in the way of souvenirs b/c when it came to disembarking (ooow that's a bad word) all we had to declare was a hat and a 3 dollar necklace. But I had a friend on-board who upgraded her diamond in her ring and spent $3000 for a diamond that here would be $5000. They were so happy and figured they paid for much of their trip with what they saved.

The Passporter and Magical Disney Cruise Guide (http://allearsnet.com/cruise/mdcg.pdf) will have tipping info. and everything else. BTW if MagicalDCG doesn't open for you then you need to down load Acrobat files.

[dizzyknee]

Just looked in MDCG and saw that tips on a 3 day should be under $200 depends on how much you use room service etc.

If you haven't read MDCG yet, go to it immediately. I think all your questions will be answered. So much so that you might not even need a Passporter except to have it on board with you and to have access to the deck plans, weather charts and that type of thing.

[Bambi]

I found out that I can't book Palo's until I board the ship. You can only book it ahead of time if your in a suite. So as soon as I board I will book it along with a kids club for the girls. You really got me wanting to eat there. I am hoping for brunch because we always like eating dinner with the kids. I will take what I get though.

Thank link never came up for me -not sure if its my computer though because lately our computers been VERY slow.

Oh and again thanks you have given me such great information:hug:

[Cinderella]

I didn't know you could book Palo ahead of time...when we went I think we had to book on the boat. I hope she can do it for you. Take what ever you can get. Both dinner and brunch are fabulous (like I haven't said that enough already


You should have been able to book it ahead of time. Anyone booked in a suite or on the Romance package can book Palo and spa appointments ahead of time.

[wdwgrandma]

Jo, as you well remember, John and I have booked the Romance at Sea package for our upcoming cruise. And I remember you telling us that the package allows us to book Palo in advance! My question is, even tho there are two of us, can we book it for 4? I had a special couple in mind that I thought we might invite to join us (shhh.... it's a secret...)

[BevW]

Oops..backing out..quietly..don't want to mess up a secret....

[dizzyknee]

Actually I did know I could book Palo ahead of time but as I wrote that post I was thinking about what all the books had said, before I had decided to go in a Cat. 1. We did actually book on the boat b/c another wonderful perk is that they save spaces at Palo in case any concierge guests haven't booked ahead of time. In fact they even offered us the opportunity to go twice (stupidly we didn't know better and didn't take them up on that offer) Oh I loved that Cat. 1 ...that was so special.

Grandma not only can you book dinner for four, but if the special couple wants to do the same, you can both go twice. Something I would recommend.

While the food at the regular restaurants is OK there wasn't a restaurant meal that I wouldn't have sacrificed for another Palo meal. We had only done one Palo meal b/c it was our 1st cruise and we thought we should have every experience in all the different restaurants. They make each night sound so un-miss-able, but the reality for me was that Palo was just so good anything was miss-able.

Also we went just before sunset which was a great time to be in the room and see the panoramic view all around us.

Bambi don't forget that you can either book a Palo dinner late enough that you can sit with your kids at dinner then go to Palo (no nibbling don't ruin your appetite) or you can get a faster meal at the fast food place (which is what your kids are eating anyway) or get room service for the kids while you are getting ready. Then you drop them at the club on the way to dinner.

I had trouble getting MDCG at first b/c I didn't have Acrobat.
How about I try to e-mail it to you?

Grandma have you read it yet? Or do you have any guide books you are using?

[Tinker]

You will absolutely love Palo's . The food was superb and the sunset was breathtaking . Oh what beautiful memories ! One day DH and I will do it again . Have a magical cruise to all of you !

[BevW]

I wanna go NOW!!!!! :lol:

[dizzyknee]

Unfortunately I can't e-mail the MDCG b/c it's a PDF. You will have to get Acrobat.

[Bambi]

Thanks anyway dizzyknee.

BTW I just viewed and am printing up the cruise tips. Let me just say you should write you own disney cruise tip books. I read the thread before but forgot how excellent your tips are.

Donna and Bev you both must read her tip thread before your cruise!!!!!!

[Cinderella]

Jo, as you well remember, John and I have booked the Romance at Sea package for our upcoming cruise. And I remember you telling us that the package allows us to book Palo in advance! My question is, even tho there are two of us, can we book it for 4? I had a special couple in mind that I thought we might invite to join us (shhh.... it's a secret...)

Of course I remember and I can't wait for you to go and come back to tell us all about it.

Normally when booking ahead of time they will only allow us to book it for the people that are on the plan or in the suite but I will see what I can do to work around that.

When you get a chance let me know which day and what time you prefer so that I can make a note of it

[BevW]

Donna and Bev you both must read her tip thread before your cruise!!!!!!

:lol: You read my mind Bambi....I have to wait till naptime though...that way I can read without interruptions.

[Cinderella]

Bambi

The Brunch and Tea at Palo are not available on a 3 night cruise just dinner

[dizzyknee]

Thanks Bambi
I forgot I started a tip thread. I'm sure I just compiled it before we went on a cruise. I'll have to check it out again and see if there is anything I can add from my own actual experience

[dizzyknee]

Bambi sorry I've been calling the download by the wrong name. I think it's the same company but a different download. Anyway here's the link for Adobe Reader (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html)

Hope you can get it. Because the MDCG will really help you out...have I stressed that enough now :rolleyes: :rotfl: :blush:

[Bambi]

Bambi

The Brunch and Tea at Palo are not available on a 3 night cruise just dinner


Oh no :( I was really looking forward to the brunch. If Rich doesn't mind we will have to try for the dinner then.

Dizzyknee that link works and I will make sure I read the MDCG. I will let you know what I think after reading it.

[PumbaNY]

When you check in purchase your advanced beverage stickers or a wine selection for the week these are a great savings. I think the soda pass for the week per child or adult is somenthing like $14.99 for the 7 day? It works out to be a savings, and you have a sticker on your room key so all beverages (soda) are free once you pay. There is also a Beer deal where you pay for a smaller size & for the legenth of the cruise you get the larger size. these and the wine selection are at the minute you walk on the ship(after) your famly name is anouunced & you meet Mickey. they are right there to take your beverage order.

I dont think that you will have a problem with $200 per day, ynless you buy a lot of the ship photos. those also work out to a savings if you buy a package of a greater number of photos. Their phoogrophers seem to be everywhere & every evening there is a huge grop of people looking for their photos. unless a package is pre purchased they can eat up your expense money. any thing I could help you with please ask away, we have been on both the Magic & Wonder, I would try to arrive at the peir by 12:00 it seems to have always worked for us.

[Bambi]

When you check in purchase your advanced beverage stickers or a wine selection for the week these are a great savings. I think the soda pass for the week per child or adult is somenthing like $14.99 for the 7 day? It works out to be a savings, and you have a sticker on your room key so all beverages (soda) are free once you pay. There is also a Beer deal where you pay for a smaller size & for the legenth of the cruise you get the larger size. these and the wine selection are at the minute you walk on the ship(after) your famly name is anouunced & you meet Mickey. they are right there to take your beverage order.

I dont think that you will have a problem with $200 per day, ynless you buy a lot of the ship photos. those also work out to a savings if you buy a package of a greater number of photos. Their phoogrophers seem to be everywhere & every evening there is a huge grop of people looking for their photos. unless a package is pre purchased they can eat up your expense money. any thing I could help you with please ask away, we have been on both the Magic & Wonder, I would try to arrive at the peir by 12:00 it seems to have always worked for us.
PumbaNY hope you had a wonderful Birthday! I think 200 dollars a day is more than enough also. I think it will be plenty. We don't buy many pictures probably just one on the cruise ship. Most of our money will be spent at our dolphin encounter since we are likely to purchase a dvd and pics if available.
I recently got an email that Disney is no longer charging for soda during the daytime on the cruise. So we just have tipping to pay and souviners. Don't think I am missing anything else.
I did get the passporter cruise guide as dizzyknee suggested its been very helpful and I just started reading it.

[BevW]

Is that $200 per day just for expenses on the ship? Or does that include tipping? I'm getting a little confused. I know we're supposed to have a $500 ships expense thing cos they don't accept money on the ship or Castaway Cay.

I'm hoping I don't go over that $500! I don't drink, and Rick only does an occasional beer. And since sodas are free, I'm covered! woohoo.

[Disneybuff]

We just left the Magic Saturday completing a seven night cruise. You cannot use cash on board the boat. Everything will be charged to your room using your key to the world card. (also your room key) I was very hesitant about the large tips that are expected at the end, but it was worth every penny. On the 7 night, the tips ran just over $300 total for 4 of us. 2 adults and 2 children. Especially if your children are picky eaters, you will not mind paying this because your servers will get them whatever they want! We did very little shopping on the islands, so we spent very little cash. Even the things we bought on the boat and at castaway Cay went on the key to the world, which we had a credit card covering. Total, including tips, we spent about $550. That included all the trinkets both kids wanted and everything. We don't drink at all, so that obviously helped. I hope this helps. We had the time of our lives and want to go back now! Just as an aside. If you use the Disney credit card, you get 6 months to pay for it:) Happy sailing!

[BevW]

Cool, thanks Disneybuff, that does help alot!

[PumbaNY]

glad your trip was great!

[Bambi]

Thanks disneybuff ! I was hoping someone would eventually answer Bev's question about no cash on the cruise. I am glad to hear your trip was great :)

[uscwest]

Did that $500 cover sightseeing excursions also or just purchases?

[BevW]

Good question....Donna and I have talked about doing an excursion...and you and Rick can follow us if you guys want to :lol: