Air Canada phone help is 2.5 hours wait, but the reps are great

In the past two days I have had to call Air Canada customer service to get a seat reinstated when Royal Caribbean had to change my flights.  Royal Caribbean is to blame for the second call both to them and to Air Canada as they did not issue the flight tickets even though I paid in full.   Always request they issue the ticket when you have fully paid. They do not do this automatically.

I checked on line and AI said the average wait time to speak to an Air Canada rep would be between 2 and 3 hours. Air Canada touts it has a call back feature but on both calls this call back was not offered to me.  So expect at least 2 hours to speak to a rep.  The only way I could get me seat reinstated was to speak to an agent.

But when I finally go through to the reps on both days they were great. The first one told me RCL had not issued the ticket and call RCL back. The second rep acknowledged I paid for the seat for my flight and wondered why RCL had changed the booking number. (It appears they didn't have to????). Anyway the cost of my seat had gone up so they couldn't give it back to me at the same price. When there was an issue with the system accepting my credit card (for 9$ - so it must be their system). The rep told me to hold and then did something so I didn't have to pay the extra.  She was awesome in her help to me. 

I also want to acknowledge the Air Canada  rep at the Newwark airport. I advised the RCL had changed my flight to a later one and she got me on the earlier flight (my original) and refunded what I paid for my seat. Again awesome.

Some tips:

- don't use RCL air to sea if you can help it... they are mixed in helpfulness if you have an issue with your flight on a same day cruise (read my other post) . 3x they didn't help me and once they did. Use with caution.  I used them as it was for a transatlantic and could not find flights that leave from Florida and return from Barcelona for RCL's price. 

- Book direct with the airline ... they are more likely to help you if in need. Also they offer more flexible re-booking options if you purchase the flex flight option that includes seat selection and 1 checked baggage. Note this is always the cheaper option if you need to pick your seat and have a checked bag.

- Go in a day earlier than the cruise departure... yes you have to pay for a hotel but its really worth the no hassle. 

Hope this helps 

Marcia

Why you have to go in a day early for a cruise - Especially RCL

 Well I have just re-booked my flights thru Flights thru Royal for my cruise next spring in order to go a day early. 

As mentioned in other posts, I have had many issues with flying in the same day for an RCL cruise.

My flight in March to Houston was significantly delayed due to high winds and I barely made the last RCL shuttle on the day of the cruise and missed out on the first day The Key benefits.

My flight in September was cancelled by Air Canada (they said in the email due to weather - but the weather in Toronto and Newark was great. (I think the plane was not available due to bad weather the day before).  I was in luck that RCL could get me on an early flight because I live close to the airport. I only made it with 15 minutes to spare. 

Now I am rebooking my flight for the RCL cruise next April to the day before as I cannot have another panic attack when the flight is cancelled of delayed the day of the cruise.

I am having to pay a 117 CDN penalty for changing the flight and now I realized that they changed who they booked thru for the same return Air Canada flight. It is code shared with Lufthansa so they used Luftansa instead of Air Canada and the booking was cancelled. I had paid $88 for a seat selection and am currently on hold with Air Canada to see if they will honour the seat selection. 

I have been waiting for  over 1.5 hours to speak to someone from Air Canada customer service. 

So don't go day of and have a panic attack... go in  a day before 

Hope this helps

Marcia

Marcia

Fortress of Louisburg New Brunswick - don't go on a rainy and windy day

 I booked the shore excursion to the Fortress of Louisburg in New Brunswick. The day was rainy with 50 mph winds. But they did not cancel the shore excursion.  It turns out that Louisbug is often windy and rainy. This makes for a yucky shore excursion, even though I was dressed for the weather in a rubber long raincoat and warm clothing underneath.  

Louisberg fortress is mostly an outdoor tour as it has many outer buildings. Walking in the rain/wind is tricky.  While the buildings are dry inside they are NOT heated so you will not get warm.  A lot of passengers went back to the bus to get warm.

There is a lot of history in each of the buildings and I would recommend seeing this fortress but only in good weather due to the amount of walking involved outdoors.

Tips

- wear a heavy duty rain coat.  You will not be able to use an umbrella with the winds.

- wear several layers of clothing under the raincoat and gloves... I was there in early September and it was really cold. 

-  There is only one coffee shop and the coffees start at 4.50 can ...expensive. So bring water or a drink with you

Did I enjoy this shore excursion - not really as the weather made it impossible to enjoy.  

Hope this helps 

Marcia

Portland Maine is walkable but distances farther than you think

 I walked from the cruise terminal to the Portland art museum. Google said it was a 15 minute walk. At a quick pace it took 30 minutes. The town is hilly and has lots of cobble stones. Shopping is all over, but go a couple of streets up from the harbour for better prices. I paid 8 usd for a t shirt that was 25 usd near the harbour.

The art museum is a gem. The Winslow Homer exhibit was the best I have experienced. It’s 4 floors and $18usd for seniors.  Well worth the fee.

The harbour was busy, but fun with lots of restaurants and shops.  The marina is very pretty.

Warning there are a lot of homeless people. They won’t hurt you but constantly ask for change.

Hope this helps

Marcia

Saint John New Brunswick a very walkable port if you like hills.

 If you’re coming to Saint John, you dock right at downtown. Get the walking map and follow it to see the highlights. This is a very hilly town and some of it has broken pavement.  It’s a very compact downtown so it doesn’t take long to get anywhere 

I enjoyed the following:

Loyalist house $5 cdn . It takes about 20 minutes to go through it. 

Two Anglican churches are open and trinity is quite beautiful inside. Both are free.

Old city market… small but the building is the draw

The architecture is quite old and photogenic.  Just walk a few residential streets, especially Germaine Street 

Shopping is plentiful but expensive . I found the street vendors to have better prices and more handcrafted souvenirs. But if your American use a credit card for a better exchange rate.

They take cdn or US dollars for purchases 

There is a great walking path along the harbour… you may see harbour seals. It goes all the way to the reversing rapids.

Overall a nice port for walking and browsing. The hills are everywhere but they are not steep.

Hope this helps

Marcia

St Martin and bay of fundy shore excursion excellent value in Saint John NB

 Rcl’s 6 hour St Matin and bay of fundy shore excursions was an excellent tour.  You will see the reversing rapids twice .. once at low tide ( first stop) and later in the day at high tide. 

They take you to Caves restaurant in Saint Martin and the cave and water views are spectacular. You are served a choice of seafood chowder(amazing) with a tea biscuit. Also baked cookies and pop.

You have time to walk on the beach

The third stop is in Saint Martin with a few shops and 2 covered bridges.

The fourth stop was Saint John city market where you are given time to shop.

Then you see the  reversing tide at high tide.

The guide Jane was funny and informative.

Overall I would highly recommend this tour

Hope this helps

Marcia

Independence of the seas - tales of woe overcome

Day 2::: For an older ship Independence of the seas looks to be in good shape.  The promenade outdoor deck is wide, freshly painted and lots of loungers. However one side of this deck is entirely devoted to smokers. So unusable to non smokers,  same with the pool deck.  It’s just wrong. The only good thing is if it’s cold or windy the smokers stay in the casino.

My first cabin had an infestation of Asian lady bugs on the couch. They  pince your skin. While sitting on the couch I saw them and called housekeeping. They came and tried to tell me it was a lady bug. They moved me to a lesser cabin.. adjoining ocean view that has very loud air conditioning at night.  

I didn’t notice that one of the bugs had pierced my ear lobe until it swelled. I took Benadryl and put the cream on.  It took a long time to heal.  

Maintenance said it was likely the work they do at night in Studio B above me that caused the air conditioner noise . It is fine during the day. I am told to call if I hear the loud noise tonight. Of course they are wrong as when I turn the knob to heat there is no noise. I have asked for compensation. Turns out they had to replace a motor to fix the air conditioner.  For the rest of the cruise the cabin was great. I was lucky that the neighbours were quiet. 

I had booked and was confirmed for early dining. But upon boarding, I was given open dining at 6:45 pm.

After waiting in a very long line, I was able to switch it for my friends and I. 

Tip do this as soon as you board the ship as early seating fills up quickly. 

The first dinner in  the dining room was good but took long for service. The food was hot but hot drinks lukewarm. Tip ask that your table be served first among their tables for faster service.  Service got better and the food continues to be good. I had a very friendly group of  people at the table. 

The ship is full of primarily retirees as it is a 9 day cruise to New England and kids are back in school. As always trivia is packed as they use one of the smallest venues on the ship. It’s an RCL thing. 

For the rest of the cruise service has been excellent. The food in the dining room at breakfast and dinner has been cooked well and served hot.  I think the dining room food and service for all meal times has been the best I have experienced on all of Rcl ships I have been on. 

Entertainment is typical cruise fare.. all repeat acts  from other Rcl ships. There are no broadway shows on this ship.

Overall one of the better Rcl ships. It’s the staff and responsiveness that makes the difference. I would take this ship again.

Hope this helps

Marcia

Why you should avoid booking WestJet flights to the United States

 I have just spent several hours on the phone with travel agencies because of WestJet unreliability in keeping the flight schedules to the United States.  Since I booked flights in the spring to the USA for a multi city , Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in October and just Fort Lauderdale next April, WestJet has changed the flight times for all 3 flights.  The flights which were supposed to leave in the morning were changed by more than 8 hours later.  The worst of this is they DO NOT send updates to you when they change the flight schedules. When I called my agency apologized but WestJet offered no help. 

For my flight next spring it was changed to 2 hours later. I will still get there in time for my cruise.

So below are tips

- do not book WestJet to the USA. There have been several news stories saying they are reducing flights to the USA. They do not send email updates when they change the flight times. You have to check their app daily.

- if you do book them, make sure it is fully refundable. I did this and was able to book on air Canada instead for my October trip

- book thru a travel agency. Expedia helped me for the October flights and yes it cost me more but I feel better about air Canada.  I used flights by RCL for next spring and the rep confirmed that the new flights were within their boarding parameters. Also Delta sent an update as soon as WestJet changed the flight times. the Rcl flights rep also said if they had changed the flight arrival outside of their 2 pm arrival they would rebook me on a different flight.

But overall, WestJet is too risky to use when you are taking a cruise . 

Hope this helps

Marcia

Lift Lock Cruise Peterborough on Little Lake... just ok

 I took the afternoon (3:30 pm) lift lock cruise in the downtown (small) harbour. It is listed as a 2 hour cruise and ours was less than 1.5 hours.  The length of the cruise depends on how many boats need to go thru the locks.  Its in downtown Peterborough which is quite shabby and uninteresting.

The cruise is $33 CDN for seniors and $35 for everyone else.  Unless you have never been thru a lock before or are interested in how Locks work I would give this cruise a pass.  You only go thru two locks.  The first one is small and takes 15 minutes for the water to fill.  The gem is the large lift lock which only takes 4 minutes to fill up and you rise more than 90 feet.  It was a bit scary to see how many cracks there are in the walls on either side of this lock.  And the old boat move backwards when the engine starts worrying me it might tip over.

The captain give an intelligible commentary thru out the cruise. You can only hear him if you are at the front of the boat as they only have a few speakers.  It's not really worth listening to him as it's a boring diatribe that I think is supposed to be funny. I didn't hear any laughter ... either they didn't hear him or ...

So if you take this cruise .. expect 40 minutes waiting to go thru the two locks and the rest going a short distance thru the locks and the lake.  In the lake they have a huge fountain of water which boaters like to go thru the mist. They say two hours because if there are a lot of boats the wait for the locks will be even longer. 

The best thing I saw was a river otter successfully crossing a road to get back into the river.  

Hope this helps

Marcia

Canoe Museum, Peterborough Ontario is worth seeing

 I just came back from Peterborough and really enjoyed the Canoe Museum in Peterborough.  I honestly have no real interest in canoes, but this museum  surprise me in that it was really interesting. It costs 18 CDN for seniors or $20 everyone else. The building itself has nice architecture. There is a small art collection and then a big exhibit of canoes from all over the world and many different cultures. They are displayed nicely in a large exhibit hall on the second floor.  Then you can look thru the glass at several hundred canoes stored in the warehouse.  There is a small gift shop and a tasty if slightly expensive coffee shop on the first level.  Lost of washrooms and an elevator if you need it on the second floor.

Another worthwhile thing to do is walk outside to the back of the building down to the lake (less than 5 minutes) to see people canoeing. You can rent canoes and the lake looked calm. There is also a playground and a small beach for swimming with a life guard.

This is a not to miss in Peterborough.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

When is it a good thing to book a cruise via a US travel agency?

I have been looking for a Caribbean cruise in January 2027. It's hard as I wanted at least 10 days.  It has been a roller coaster.  I saw a great price for solo on a celebrity cruise out of Tampa but by the time I was ready to book (next morning) the rooms were gone and the price had risen by $400.  It's sort of a good thing as the flights to Tampa were both inconvenient and expensive $250 more than going to Fort Lauderdale or Orlando. 

So when I saw that Vacations to Go (US discount cruise supplier) was offering Enchanted Princess - guaranteed inside cabin at $1212 USD I thought it might be too good to be true. This is about $1700 CDN (exchange rate plus the credit card 2.5%)  for a 10 night cruise. I checked on the Princess Cruises site and Expedia and both wanted $2100 plus CDN for same cabin type.  All were offering $60 USD on board credit as this comes from Princess Cruises.  If I wanted to pick my cabin it was $50USD more.  However with an inside cabin I will likely get an in-category upgrade when they assign my cabin.  Note all inside cabins are the same size so it's just location.  

With a savings of  at least $400 CDN compared to all Canadian agencies I was able to purchase the internet for the trip (note as an elite member I get 50% off) so it was $125 USD. 

Also Air Canada is having a Black Friday in July sale with 10% off which saved me about $50CDN on the Flex Air price.  Note it's cheaper to go with the Flex air choice if you have to check luggage and want to pick your seat.   You will save about $50 off versus doing it on your own. Also if something happens you get one free flight change.

So when is it best to go thru a US agency - when the price is 25% off or more is always good.

Note I find Vacations to Go (David Roswell is my agent) much more responsive  than Expedia Canada.  He works Monday to Friday want will always get back to you quickly. 

Hope this helps

Marcia

Pros and Cons of Seniors day trips times two

 We have a senior centre about 5 minutes drive from my home. I have been receiving their e mailings for years offering senior day trips to places around Ontario. I took my first one last week to St. Jacobs and my most recent on August 12th. Below are the pros and cons you should consider prior to signing up for one.

Pros:

They are relatively cheap considering it includes your lunch (at a tasty restaurant with 3 choices), transportation and if necessary admittance fees.  Mine was $115 CDN for St Jacobs and $155 for the Canoe Museum and Liftlock cruise in Peterborough

They usually leave the senior centres at 8am or 8:30 and are back by 6:30pm - my first one was one time both ways and the second late by a half hour both ways.

On the first, The itinerary included 1.5 hours at St Jacobs market - although they advertised 2 hours in the email and then they shortened it.  1.5 hours for lunch and then a guided tour on the bus of mennonite country for 2 hours before leaving for home. 

The lunch was delicious at Anna Maes. 

On the second it included 2 hours at the Canoe Museum (too long) and then 1 hour for lunch and then over 1.5 hours at the harbour waiting for the 2 hour lift lock cruise.  You can walk the whole harbor in less than 15 minutes. 

The lunch was horrible at Square plates - most didn't eat it.

Cons:  

They only accept Mastercard or cash for payment 

The bus is usually full with 50 people on my first tour and 42 for the second tour.

They play silly games on the bus (both times)

You need to get there a half hour before they leave as seniors get there really early to get front seats on the bus. I was there 20 minutes early and sat right at the back.

You need to be able to go with the flow and not worry when they shorten times  or lengthen times in the places you are visiting 

The bus while newish had pretty uncomfortable seats for the long drive back and forth.  It was clean and had a washroom at the back (for both trips)

Given the good and then bad contrast of the two tours I will be cautious about booking another.  I would highly recommend you look up the restaurant and attractions and read the reviews before booking with them.

Overally they do several of these a year ... many are to plays/musicals with lunch, the casinos but there are also ones to attractions in Ontario.  You will be supporting the senior centre.

Hope this helps

Marcia

I found a Good Deal on Brilliance of the Seas Spring Transatlantic 2027

 Every time I travel on RCL, the long time Diamond Plus cruisers and dinner wait staff say their favourite "older" ship on RCL is brilliance of the seas.  I was determined to try it given the accolades re the staff, the dining and general comfort of the ship.  I particularly like ships with covered solariums and a promenade outside deck for the transatlantic crossings. This has both.  I am ok with older ships as long as they are clean, safe and comfortable.

 So as I was browsing for next year's 14 night transatlantic I found a terrific deal for a solo passenger in an Oceanview cabin (mid-front). The cost after applying the SAILSAVE promo ($50 off RCL promo that you sign up for before you book) was $1695. CDN.  

All other cruises on my favourite cruise lines (Princess, HAL, RCL, MSC) were significantly more .. all starting at $2500 CDN and most over the $3000 range.  By booking thru Expedia I was given a $50 OBC from Expedia and a $38 OBC from RCL.  

The itinerary is Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona with stops in Nassau, Cadiz (my favourite Spanish port), Malaga, Tangier, Valencia and Cartagena.  It departs April 23 and ends on May 8th.  Hopefully this means nicer seas/weather on the crossing. 

Yes its a year away and I had to pay a non-refundable $730 but its a deal that is hard to beat for a solo.

Hope this helps

Marcia

Are the cruise lines trying to dissuade solo passengers going forward? ABSOLUTELY

I have been watching various videos and reading blogs that are warning that the Cruises lines (all of them ) are now doing everything to entice more families and dissuade solo travellers.  I find it alarming but not surprising.  Royal and Norwegian do not have solo cabins on their upcoming new ships.  I also have found that only the luxury liners are offering 50% or less single supplement.  I find this sad, annoying and short sighted on the part of the cruise lines.  Given that solos that travel are one of the fastest growing traveller segments and have much more disposable income than most families and often travel more times in a year, the cruise lines will be losing out.  Here are some suggested ways to combat this off putting trend and the higher costs they are charging solos.   

The number one way is to only book when the cruise lines have 75% or more off the second passenger offers.  Or huge sales.  Yes they will limit the number of solo passengers that can take advantage and possibly your cabin options but you will not have as high of a single supplement for a standard cabin.

Choose the cruise line that offers the best itinerary and treats you the best while on board.  For me this excludes NCL as I have a lot of issues as a solo on their ships.  Princess and Holland welcome solos but their single supplement rates have been increasing significantly. It's often more than 100%, at 150% for a solo. 

Book early - at least a year out so there will still be cabins available for solos.  Most cruise lines are recommending at least 8 months out. 

If you have a destination in mind... browse the the ships going, track the prices and once a week (I like Thursdays/Fridays) see if there is any type of significant drop. If there is don't hesitate - book right away as now all the cruise lines are doing dynamic pricing (changing prices as demand increases/decreases) daily.

There are sites like vacations to go that importantly show the single supplement rate/percentage. They also offer single cruises, and cabin mate matches.  There are also other sites that do cruise cabin mate matches.  

Try more alternative vacations.  I have been saving a lot of money and enjoying city escapes as many hotels have single rooms especially in Europe.  I have also found the bus tour companies are waiving single supplements in the off seasons.  Globus and Cosmos tend to have the best offers. Sign up for their email newsletters.

Hope this helps

Marcia

Updated September 2016…Royal air to sea -good prices horrible emergency phone service

 I recently used Royal Caribbean’s air to sea for my flights to Galveston and from Barcelona. While the price was better than would I could find on my own the support when there were issues with both flights was inexcusable. On the flight from Toronto to Houston due to high winds in Houston we were 2.5 hours delayed. There were 4 of us sitting close, that were going to the same ship. One of us called the royal air to sea emergency line to advise them of our issue.  Their phone message was there will be a 30 minute wait please call back later. We were going to land sooner than that. We all ran to the baggage area and I informed the rep that there were 5 of us and she said she would hold the Last shuttle for us all. She also allowed 2 without shuttle tickets who had missed their private shuttle to come with us. 

On the way home, late the day before my flight I got an email from KLM stating they were cancelling my first of two flights. Of course I went to customer relations and they called the emergency hotline and this time Royal air to sea stated the lines were all busy, please hang up. We called again but no one answered. 

Luckily as that was happening I received an email from KLM and Delta and I was now on a direct flight to Toronto. 

I received an email after I arrived home from Royal air to see stating they were aware that I had made “independent” arrangements?..

Would you trust RCL air to sea after this experience…not me.

I used them my Air Canada flight to and from Newark airport as I was going to use their shuttle as it’s cheaper. Air Canada runs several flights a day to Newark, so I am less worried about using them.

Another issue. I recieved a notice from them at 2 am that my Air Canada 8:30 am flight was cancelled when I saw this at 4am i called the number and yes I got a rep. Because I am close to the airport I was able to make the 6:30 am flight, just barely. The seat was in business class so I hope they don’t charge me.

Note the automatic rescheduling they do online got me there after the ship left port.  Tip always call the emergency line. But note it’s often a busy signal.

Another issue ... I had to rebook my flights for next spring to go a day earlier.  My fault as I should have done this in the first place ... a $117 can penalty. But they again did not issue the tickets so I had to call back as when they rebooked they gave me a new booking id and I lost my return seat selection. 

Still in the future I will not trust them.

Tips for mitigation include:

- fly a day early for the cruise … I am ding this on my next two cruises 

- download the airline app with whom your flying and make sure the airline has all your correct information 

- always take the flex option for their flights (50 CDN extra) that way you can rebook

- take direct flights

- use reputable airlines… not the lowest cost one with very few alternative flights

Hope this helps 

Marcia

Murcia Spain shore excursion not worth it if the cathedral is closed

 I took the Murcia on your own shore excursion via RCL. It was 60cdn for a 4.5 hour tour. As always with RCL on your own tours is just a bus ride to/from the destination. The guide only speaks to tell you when you arrive in Murcia where the Cathedral is and when to get back on the bus at the pickup point.

The cathedral is a five minute walk from where they drop you off. It’s one of two must sees in this town. I had about 10 minutes inside before they said they were closing..no explanation. 

The other place to see is the Casino Real about 5 minutes from the Cathedral. Ask for directions as it’s a side street. It is amazing outside and inside with the arabica tiles, sculptures and art. If you just go to the first floor it’s free. I paid the 5 euros to be able to go upstairs. It’s not worth it, as only one room is open.

The other thing to do is wander the streets for shopping and bakeries. Note I found only one souvenir shop across from casino real. This is not a tourist destination. 

The river that runs through the middle of town has a whale sculpture but the pathway is overgrown.

This excursion is only worth it if the cathedral is open. 

The drive to and from is just the highway with some fields. 

Hope this helps

Marcia

Alicante cruise port..how to have an easy day

 The ship will try to get you to take the port shuttle for 7 euros saying it’s 35 to 40 minutes to the port. It was exactly 4 minutes by bus or a slow 20 minutes walking. Don’t let them rip you off.  To have a pleasant easy day in Alicante below are tips

- go to the town hall first. It’s straight ahead from the ocean museum thru the old gate. It’s free and an interesting building. 

-next before the 10 am opening time go to the castle elevator. It’s across from the beach promenade about a 10 minute walk from the town hall. You will pass by their church which is not open to tourists. If you get there before opening you will have a quick wait for the elevator and it’s free for seniors. It 2.7 euros otherwise. Up at the top the views are great. Note it is the same view regardless of how high you climb. It’s really just remnants of the castle walls that are left. There are free toilets and a shop, and a small kiosk with ice cream.  You can walk back down through a colourful neighborhood but I took the elevator.

- I then walked along the beach promenade and sat on a bench people watching. It’s a very clean beach. If it was warmer water I would have brought a bathing suit.

- the main promenade across from the marina has restaurants and shops. The back streets are full of hotels, shops and restaurants. This is definitely a beach town more so than a cultural Mecca.

- the walk along the marina is scenic with many people with take out lunches having their food on a bench 

- they have set up a large market place with shoes, souvenirs, clothing and lots of junk for sale in the stalls

Then either take the shuttle or walk 20 minutes to the ship.

This is definitely a beach destination.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

Malaga Spain walkable to main sites, beach and shopping

 If you love to walk this is the city for you. The ship docks on a lovely promenade. It’s a quick 10 minutes walk to the beach. Below are my recommendations for what to see if you’re not doing a beach day.

Centre Pompidou is your first stop just past the beach and before the main street. You can’t miss the checkered glass. The museum is underground and its 5.5 euros for seniors for the permanent and visitor exhibit. If you love modern art and interesting architecture it’s not to be missed.

Then turn left and walk on the park promenade about 10 minutes to the castle, cathedral and main shopping and restaurant area.  The cathedral had a huge line so I skipped it and I had been to the castle on my last trip here. 

On the way back walk along the waterfront promenade with lots of hand made crafts kiosks, restaurants and shops bak to the ship.

It’s easy to get lost in the maze of streets around the cathedral so just ask a local in the shops or restaurants to point you to the waterfront.

It’s become quite expensive to shop and eat in restaurants here, so a cheap lunch can be had by getting a sandwich or pastries at the bakeries and sit on the shaded benches in one of the parks or promenade.

Hope this helps 

Marcia

Royal Caribbean The Key program not worth it unless it’s just a couple of dollars more per day over the internet price

 This is my first time getting the Key on RCL. It was only $32 cdn more than the price for the 16 days of the internet. So here’s my recommendations

- only get the key if you are definitely getting the internet package 

- watch for a sale for it when you book your cruise … RCL does surge pricing so the earlier you book your cruise the better the key and internet price will be

- only book it if the daily rate is $2 or less more than the standard alone internet price per day.

- you get a special lunch day one, free carry on bags to your cabin, special seating area for shows and preferred times for flow rider,etc. also a special breakfast on the last day. The chops grill lunch is 30 USD dollars value and the special seating area is great at shows as it’s hard to get a good seat on the mega ships

- only do it on the oasis or quantum class ships that are always crowded and over booked. You do not need it on the older and smaller ships

Hope this helps

Marcia

Nassau Bahamas is more cruise passenger friendly. Some tips for walking around on your own

 I have been to Nassau many times. But I began avoiding it as it was not safe or cruise passenger friendly. The last time was about 10 years ago, so when I saw the new port area I was impressed. 

It’s clean, fresh with stalls/stores as you exit. There is a taxi kiosk if you want  to go to paradise island, cable beach etc. farther afield. Use this for safety and a guaranteed fare price.

A straw market building just outside the port fence is still packed with vendors but few selling anything with straw. It’s much cheaper here for t shirts and hats. So within a 5 minute walk you can shop til you drop. However for a little bit of culture walk for 5 minutes up to king street to Christ church. It free and quite beautiful inside. 

walk another 5 minutes up the hill to the government building and turn right at the lights. You will see a sign post with Graycliffe hotel. You can’t miss the street with the colourful umbrellas overhead. There is the hotel with security but they let me walk in and look around. There is also a winery and chocolate factory and shops and restaurants. It’s a cute, safe area, but with the better quality goods more expensive.

I then walked back down to the main shopping street just one street up parallel to the port. It’s a flat area with many different types of shops. It’s worth a bit of window shopping but the best prices are at the straw market… haggle the vendors down to 65% of their first price. 

I spent 3 hours doing this at a slow pace talking to locals, enjoying the church and, graycliffe area. All of the locals I came in contact with were friendly and quite humorous.

Hope this helps 

Marcia