Excursions

[tbbl]

I am taking a large family on a first time cruise. Are there charges to leave the ship to go walk on the island for the day even if we are not snorkeling etc.? Also, we booked two interior cabins to keep costs down. Was this a mistake?

[Sandy]

There are no charges to walk off the ship. You just come and go as you please. Usually, there's a lot you can see just by walking around the area where the ship has docked. What stops is the ship making?

You'll be ok in inside rooms. You're really just in there to sleep and change clothes. Take a night light for each room, as it's really very, very dark. Your eyes never adjust to the darkness.

Keep an eye on the cruise prices, or ask your travel agent to do it. It's possible that prices on an Ocean View room are not that different from an inside, in case you're considering switching.

[peter l]

Welcome to cruise chat Tbbl and to the wonderful world of cruising. I have not had an inside cabin but many have and don't seem to have any complaints while saving some money.
Depending on what islands you are visiting, many ports have lots of things to see and do as you step off the ship or within walking distance. Enjoy your experience and do lots of inquiring here using the "find button" with information that you want to pursue on the islands and things to see and do.

Peterl

[LisaP]

Welcome to cruise-chat! We've booked inside cabins in the past. To the advice you've gotten so far, I'll add to make sure that you have a clock with an AM/PM indicator. (Nice to have if you should take a mid-day nap as we occasionally do.)

[peter l]

Yup, if you are really tired, the am - pm will keep you from missing the day !

Peterl

[BarbH]

That brings up a very good question - are clocks provided in the staterooms?

We are used to using our cell phones as clocks and alarms, but at the rate they are charging to use the cell phones, we won't even be turning them on.

[Midwest Cruiser]

We usually set a wake up call through the automated system on the stateroom phone but a small alarm clock would be helpful.

Beware that you may incur cell phone charges if you turn your phone on while on the ship. If you have a Blackberry it may really rack up the charges while it attempts to download your emails.

[Sandy]

We are used to using our cell phones as clocks and alarms, but at the rate they are charging to use the cell phones, we won't even be turning them on.

Not only that, but the time on your phone can get really screwed up and isn't accurate to where you are. I find that happening on every cruise.

[SailorJack]

Originally posted by Midwest Cruiser:
We usually set a wake up call through the automated system on the stateroom phone but a small alarm clock would be helpful.

.

ACK....wake up calls while on a cruise vacation! Never!!!

[Berick1234]

When I do book an inside cabin, I always bring a small night light...But get one that can swivel up or down...sometimes the light plug doesn't fit one way and you can't use it...and of course, you can always leave the bathroom door ajar...that works too....Have a wonderful 1st Cruise...and you will become addicted like a lot of us....Happy Sailing...

Bob E