Sage Travelers
Sage Travelers
Whale Tales
Some of the best experiences are in our own back yard, but why is it we don’t take advantage of them or when we do, it’s because we have visitors? We have to work on this now that we're retired.
In mid-January Alexander and I took our daughters who were visiting from Idaho on a whale watching excursion in Monterey Bay. I had always thought it would be very expensive but found that it's only about $35 for a trip that took almost 3 hours.
On the way out to sea, we passed California Sea Lions huddling for warmth on the jetty.
Sea otters are especially entertaining and come very close to the pier.
This gray whale put on a show between our boat and our companion boat.
Among the many sea birds we saw, my favorites are the prehistoric-looking pelicans.
The biologist on board had a sense of humor, promising we'd get some "tail" and we sure did!
A large school of Risso's dolphins were an amazing sight.
An up-close shot of Risso's dolphins.
Afterward, we enjoyed a great sea-food dinner on the wharf. Yes, we need to explore close to home more often.
The Journey Up the Central American Coast to Mexico
After Costa Rica, our cruise stopped daily at a port in a different country.
San Juan de Sur, Nicaragua
On Thursday, we arrived in Nicaragua. The infrastructure of Nicaragua is underdeveloped, so it is disconcerting to see never ending trash and shoddy construction, even at resorts considered to be more upscale. But there an abundance of beautiful landscapes and friendly people. We have decided to come back some day and take a more leisurely trek through Nicaragua to fully appreciate what it has to offer.
Coming into the port of San Juan del Sur, Nicacragua.
We stopped at a resort on Lake Nicaragua, the third-largest lake in the world. Here you can see the clouds falling over the cone of the volcano, like icing on a cake.
The lake was calm and the weather very hot. The lake waters offer refuge for many species of birds and assorted wildlife.
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
On Friday we had an entire day in Guatemala. Puerto Quetzal is clean, bustling, and orderly.
Being very familiar with Guatemala because of previous travel, we opted for an "on your own" shuttle to Antigua where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch with our friends from Posada La Merced. This is Adelaida with her son Daniel, whom we've watched grow since he was a four-month old babe wrapped in his mother's rebozo. Daniel is now 4 and will soon be starting school.
At sunset, we set sail for Mexico, our pilot boats guiding the Island Princess.
Huatulco, Mexico
On Saturday, we docked in Huatulco, Mexico. We were told that Huatulco is similar to the Acapulco of the 50s, and it is certainly benefiting from tourism. This really didn't mean much to me until I saw Acapulco. Real Estate development is booming here, and there is a concerted effort to attract Canadians... the prices of many condos are advertised in Canadian dollars on huge banners and there are frequent weekly flights from Toronto.
Huatulco is spread out over a 20-mile coastline that encompasses about seven bays, the principal ones being Bahia de Santa Cruz, Bahia Chahue, and Bahia Tangolunda.
The port has a strong military presence as there is a Mexican naval base nearby.
Looking down on our ship from the overlook at the Huatulco National Preserve.
A little bird told me a tip would be appreciated.
Alexander opted for an "eco-walk" and I for a trip into town, where my group was treated to a lunch of typical Oaxacan fare. Here is the restaurant's mascot.
This woman is wearing one of the typical costumes of Oaxaca.
Acapulco, Mexico
Early Sunday morning, we arrived in Acapulco, our final destination. It was a new experience disembarking in a foreign country. We were not able to get off the ship until about 9:30 a.m., since priority is given to folks who must catch a flight out of town. So there was a line (not too bad) to get off the ship, a line to go through customs once we had our bags, a line to get a taxi, and once at the hotel, the longest line of all to register, a process that took longer than getting off the ship and the taxi ride to the hotel. Alexander got into the "preferred customer" line with only one person ahead of him and I got in the long line with six representatives helping register guests. We made it to the front at the same time.
This was my first visit to Acapulco, and possibly my last. The city is so darn HUGE, with over 2 million inhabitants, not counting thousands of tourists. The infrastructure is clearly being stretched beyond the limits. There was far too much trash and filth on the streets, even in the "exclusive" Zona de Oro where we stayed. The noxious sewer gases emanating from some vents do not add to the ambiance. The hotel was a bargain ($85 a night for a suite on the 18th floor), but the construction gave us cause for concern... well done repairs shouldn't look like amateur patch jobs. Alexander swears he could feel the building swaying in the wind. Add cardboard towels and no hot water to the mix and we couldn't wait to get out of there the next day. Yep, I guess we are spoiled after the cruise.
The beautiful view from our balcony belies construction concerns.
For about $70, you can hire a taxi for four hours and see the major attractions. We had lunch at El Mirador, where the famed divers attract a crowd at 1:00 p.m. every afternoon. There are also illuminated performances in the evening.
The mosaic mural at Diego Rivera's former home is still spectacular, years after he created it.
From the Chapel of the Cross at Las Brisas, an American celebrity enclave, you can see the panorama of city.
This monument at the chapel, "Las Manos de la Humanidad" (the Hands of Humanity), reminds us that we have much in common with people the world over.
~ Lisa
Punta Arenas, Costa Rica... or Not
The Island Princess docked at dawn and began disembarkation at 7:30 a.m. Although Punta Arenas is becoming a popular beach resort town, we opted for a day-long excursion to the capitol, San Jose, a beautiful colonial city.
On the way to San Jose we passed the cathedral in Grecia, Costa Rica, a beautifully maintained building.
The ox cart is a national symbol in Costa Rica. This is an example of an intricately painted ox cart at the Fabrica de Carretas (Ox Cart Factory), established in 1903.
Artisans at the factory paint wagon wheels to be sold as souvenirs.
San Jose's Teatro Nacional (National Theater), over 100 years old, is a beautifully restored building modeled after the opera house in Paris, France.
Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's plant and animal species, although it consists of only .03 percent of the earth's landmass. It is home to about 1,250 species of butterflies and 894 species of birds.
Costa Rica is a safe country with no armed forces.
Costa Ricans, a friendly people, are nicknamed "ticos" and "ticas."
~Lisa
On the way to San Jose we passed the cathedral in Grecia, Costa Rica, a beautifully maintained building.
The ox cart is a national symbol in Costa Rica. This is an example of an intricately painted ox cart at the Fabrica de Carretas (Ox Cart Factory), established in 1903.
Artisans at the factory paint wagon wheels to be sold as souvenirs.
San Jose's Teatro Nacional (National Theater), over 100 years old, is a beautifully restored building modeled after the opera house in Paris, France.
Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's plant and animal species, although it consists of only .03 percent of the earth's landmass. It is home to about 1,250 species of butterflies and 894 species of birds.
Costa Rica is a safe country with no armed forces.
The Panama Canal and Fuerte Amador
The 50-mile journey through the Panama Canal began at 4:45 a.m. and continued for most of the day. The trek from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean took us through a series of three sets of locks. The first are the Gatun locks, consisting of a triple flight from the Caribbean Sea to Gatun Lake. We then we went through a single flight at Pedro Miguel, and a two-step flight at Miraflores. Our ship was raised from sea level to the level of Gatun Lake as it proceeded through the locks. We then sailed the channel through the Continental Divide, accompanied by a pilot boat.
Before going through the last two sets of locks, we passed under the Centennial Bridge, striking in its architectural design and inaugurated in 2004 to relieve some of the traffic on the Bridge of the Americas, built in 1964. The latter is a trans America bridge with a road over it that begins in Panama City and goes all the way to Canada. The only way to get to South America after Panama City is by plane. The Pan American Highway stops in Panama and starts again in Colombia. You can read the interesting story of one couple's journey in Las Americas, on our blogroll. This is the account of friends, Sharon and Jack's journey from the tip of North America to the bottom of South America.... in the company of their cat, Amadeus, and dog, Ewok, both 15 years old. What an adventure! But I digress...
The Panama Canal is truly an engineering wonder that has had a tremendous impact on shipping, saving time and money. It provides an alternate to the dangerous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn. A ship traveling from NYC to San Francisco via the Panama Canal travels 6,000 miles in comparison to 14,000 miles going the route around Cape Horn. Now we can scratch crossing the Panama Canal off our bucket list! It's an amazing experience we will want to repeat some day.
At approximately 4:00p.m., we anchored off of Fuerte Amador (Fort Amador), adjacent to Panama City. We were surprised by the Panama City skyline, striking in its array of condominium skyscrapers, some 84 stories high. We booked an excursion through Princess to see Panama City by night. It pays to book tours online early as I did... space was very limited and we heard of many disappointed passengers unable to go on either of the two excursions offered. Disembarkation was not the unpleasant experience I anticipated. We spent very little time waiting in line... to disembark, to board our tender, or to get on the tour bus. It was well-organized and we were on shore by 4:45 p.m.
We disembarked early enough to see some of Panama City by day and night. What we were able to see was worth it: Casco Viejo, the colonial Panama city (a World Heritage site), the business district, the Museo Antropológico, and Paseo Las Bóvedas where the Christmas festivities were being initiated with numerous displays, nativity scenes, the lighting of an enormous tree, and fireworks. Our tour guide was good: a British expatriate named Julian who was very knowledgeable about his new country.
Getting ready to enter the Gatun locks, our pilot boat pulls back and the mules get ready.
The mules are now attached to the ship.
The view from the stern (rear of ship) at Miralflores locks.
Looking back at Centennial Bridge.
We are almost to the Pacific... passing under the Bridge of the Americas.
The Panama City skyline from our balcony.
The Altar de Oro (golden altar) at the Iglesia de San Jose has a unique history.
The Kuna Indians create beautiful tapestries called molas, which are seen here at the artesan market.
More photos to follow!
~Lisa
Before going through the last two sets of locks, we passed under the Centennial Bridge, striking in its architectural design and inaugurated in 2004 to relieve some of the traffic on the Bridge of the Americas, built in 1964. The latter is a trans America bridge with a road over it that begins in Panama City and goes all the way to Canada. The only way to get to South America after Panama City is by plane. The Pan American Highway stops in Panama and starts again in Colombia. You can read the interesting story of one couple's journey in Las Americas, on our blogroll. This is the account of friends, Sharon and Jack's journey from the tip of North America to the bottom of South America.... in the company of their cat, Amadeus, and dog, Ewok, both 15 years old. What an adventure! But I digress...
The Panama Canal is truly an engineering wonder that has had a tremendous impact on shipping, saving time and money. It provides an alternate to the dangerous route via the Drake Passage and Cape Horn. A ship traveling from NYC to San Francisco via the Panama Canal travels 6,000 miles in comparison to 14,000 miles going the route around Cape Horn. Now we can scratch crossing the Panama Canal off our bucket list! It's an amazing experience we will want to repeat some day.
At approximately 4:00p.m., we anchored off of Fuerte Amador (Fort Amador), adjacent to Panama City. We were surprised by the Panama City skyline, striking in its array of condominium skyscrapers, some 84 stories high. We booked an excursion through Princess to see Panama City by night. It pays to book tours online early as I did... space was very limited and we heard of many disappointed passengers unable to go on either of the two excursions offered. Disembarkation was not the unpleasant experience I anticipated. We spent very little time waiting in line... to disembark, to board our tender, or to get on the tour bus. It was well-organized and we were on shore by 4:45 p.m.
We disembarked early enough to see some of Panama City by day and night. What we were able to see was worth it: Casco Viejo, the colonial Panama city (a World Heritage site), the business district, the Museo Antropológico, and Paseo Las Bóvedas where the Christmas festivities were being initiated with numerous displays, nativity scenes, the lighting of an enormous tree, and fireworks. Our tour guide was good: a British expatriate named Julian who was very knowledgeable about his new country.
Getting ready to enter the Gatun locks, our pilot boat pulls back and the mules get ready.
The mules are now attached to the ship.
The view from the stern (rear of ship) at Miralflores locks.
Looking back at Centennial Bridge.
The Panama City skyline from our balcony.
The Altar de Oro (golden altar) at the Iglesia de San Jose has a unique history.
The Kuna Indians create beautiful tapestries called molas, which are seen here at the artesan market.
~Lisa
Ocho Rios: So, where are the rivers?
As a Spanish-speaker, I was intrigued to understand why the Jamaican town of Ocho Rios was so named... after all, it means "Eight Rivers." In researching its history, I learned there are not eight rivers in the town. Ocho Rios got its name from a misunderstanding between two cultures. According to local history, back in 1657 the British fought a battle with a Spanish expedition that had made its way from Cuba. The site of the battle was Dunn's River Falls, which the Spanish called "chorreros" meaning river rapids. The English did not understand the Spanish term and called it "ocho rios" because it sounds similar enough, and the name stuck.
Once a fishing village, Ocho Rios now has a population of about 100,000. It's a thriving tourist town that is a frequent stop for cruise ships. The deep-water pier can berth three cruise ships at a time. If like us, you land here because it's a port of call on your cruise, you will want to maximize your time. Of note is Dunn's River Falls... a spectacular waterfall that provides great photo ops from endless vantage points. If you are up to it, hike to the top of the slippery falls with your guide, or climb up the adjacent rustic stone staircase.
Ocho Rios has something for everybody... for a price, of course. Choose from Coyaba Gardens, horseback riding, the Sky Explorer chairlift, golf, the Chukka Cove Farm canopy experience (zip lining), jeep tours, exploring the Green Grotto caves, kayaking from Laughing Waters Lagoon to James Bond Beach, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, and much more.
Interested in shopping? An American dollar converts to about 89 Jamaican dollars and getting spending money is easy at an ATM. Most Jamaican vendors will accept American dollars but give you change in JD. The local craft centers offer an array of goods, from mass-produced items to individually hand-carved wooden figures. Bob Marley and "rasta" figures abound, as well as beaded necklaces, tee-shirts, sandals, and typical touristy souvenirs like key chains. Although, I enjoyed looking at the interesting array of crafts, I've out-grown the desire to shop for souvenirs on every trip -- in my case, they end up as soon-to-be dust-catchers. Downsizing has a way of making you see with new eyes all the STUFF we've collected over the years. My favorite "souvenir" now is a digital photo.
Be prepared for very aggressive vendors at the Dunn River Falls Park craft markets... we were warned by our guide that when vendors place a necklace on a tourist, they expect payment even if they tell you it's "free." If you want spirits or wine, we recommend Cruise Booze, just outside the cruise ship dock. They have the best selection and prices. Stay away from Jablum, where they will charge more then two times as much for the same bottle of rum available at Cruise Booze. One disappointment for us: Margaritaville, where we went for lunch. Apart from the good music, the service was very poor, the menu overpriced, and the food cold. We should have stuck to a place frequented by the locals, but we were tired and hungry and it was close by.
For the residents of Ocho Rios, tourism is an important source of employment and revenue. Ocho Rios would be a good place to rest and relax for a few weeks if you enjoy beautiful, fairly clean beaches. The locals are friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed the informative tour by our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Lovelyn.
Cuba as seen from the balcony.
The pilot boat at Ocho Rios assists anchoring our ship.
Ocho Rios at 10:00 a.m. is hot and humid, but overcast.
This enterprising fire eater at Coyaba Gardens will expect a tip.
Locals and tourists alike will take the challenge of climbing the falls.
At the top of the falls after the climb.
The pristine beach where the falls feed the ocean.
More photos to follow!
~ Lisa
Once a fishing village, Ocho Rios now has a population of about 100,000. It's a thriving tourist town that is a frequent stop for cruise ships. The deep-water pier can berth three cruise ships at a time. If like us, you land here because it's a port of call on your cruise, you will want to maximize your time. Of note is Dunn's River Falls... a spectacular waterfall that provides great photo ops from endless vantage points. If you are up to it, hike to the top of the slippery falls with your guide, or climb up the adjacent rustic stone staircase.
Ocho Rios has something for everybody... for a price, of course. Choose from Coyaba Gardens, horseback riding, the Sky Explorer chairlift, golf, the Chukka Cove Farm canopy experience (zip lining), jeep tours, exploring the Green Grotto caves, kayaking from Laughing Waters Lagoon to James Bond Beach, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, and much more.
Interested in shopping? An American dollar converts to about 89 Jamaican dollars and getting spending money is easy at an ATM. Most Jamaican vendors will accept American dollars but give you change in JD. The local craft centers offer an array of goods, from mass-produced items to individually hand-carved wooden figures. Bob Marley and "rasta" figures abound, as well as beaded necklaces, tee-shirts, sandals, and typical touristy souvenirs like key chains. Although, I enjoyed looking at the interesting array of crafts, I've out-grown the desire to shop for souvenirs on every trip -- in my case, they end up as soon-to-be dust-catchers. Downsizing has a way of making you see with new eyes all the STUFF we've collected over the years. My favorite "souvenir" now is a digital photo.
Be prepared for very aggressive vendors at the Dunn River Falls Park craft markets... we were warned by our guide that when vendors place a necklace on a tourist, they expect payment even if they tell you it's "free." If you want spirits or wine, we recommend Cruise Booze, just outside the cruise ship dock. They have the best selection and prices. Stay away from Jablum, where they will charge more then two times as much for the same bottle of rum available at Cruise Booze. One disappointment for us: Margaritaville, where we went for lunch. Apart from the good music, the service was very poor, the menu overpriced, and the food cold. We should have stuck to a place frequented by the locals, but we were tired and hungry and it was close by.
For the residents of Ocho Rios, tourism is an important source of employment and revenue. Ocho Rios would be a good place to rest and relax for a few weeks if you enjoy beautiful, fairly clean beaches. The locals are friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed the informative tour by our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Lovelyn.
Cuba as seen from the balcony.
The pilot boat at Ocho Rios assists anchoring our ship.
Ocho Rios at 10:00 a.m. is hot and humid, but overcast.
This enterprising fire eater at Coyaba Gardens will expect a tip.
At the top of the falls after the climb.
The pristine beach where the falls feed the ocean.
~ Lisa
Get ready, get set...
Packing for trips always challenges me. What to pack? How to pack it? What am I forgetting? You would think that by now I'd be a pro, but truth be told, this old dog is still learning some new tricks. And now that most airlines are charging a fee for a second bag, and some even for the first, avoiding added fees are an incentive to pack light. Plus, it's no fun schlepping a bunch of suitcases through a busy airport.
The days of folding clothes in my suitcase are over... now I prefer to bundle wrap whenever I can, utilizing tips learned from some very sage travelers out there. I hate to do laundry or iron while on the road, so I buy clothes that require very little care. Fabrics that shed wrinkles and stains are a good choice. Also important: I mix and match tops and pants or skirts in creative ways that look as if I have lots of outfits. I stay away from anything too "memorable" but will use accessories such as a scarves for a new look. Shoes have to be comfortable and versatile enough for walking and it's a bonus if they pass for semi-dressy. Or I may take a dressy pair of pumps depending on the destination.
What about travel gadgets? Well, let's see... I'll take my inflatable travel pillow for the long flight, head phones, iPhone, small digital camera and Flip cam, pedometer, small but powerful flashlight, LED night light, and a travel alarm clock. Alexander will pack his Swiss Army knife in the check-through bag... it has a lot of handy tools, but the only one I will likely use is the cork screw. Some people might think we're crazy, but we always take a laptop. Alexander likes to keep up with downloading/editing his photos and I like to keep up with my email. On this upcoming trip, I'll be taking my netbook because it takes up very little room in my carryon bag. I will also take about 10 books or so... but I cheat. They are stashed in my Kindle, along with backup pdfs of our travel documents.
What I won't be packing: hair dryer... the hotel or ship will either have one or I'll do without. I'll take a few velcro rollers, lightweight and good for quick hair fixes. Another unnecessary item: travel iron. First of all, irons are strictly prohibited on cruise ships and I avoid packing clothes that tend to wrinkle anyway. Years ago, I remember wearing a linen suit on a trip to Europe. Although I "only" spent 12 hours in these clothes, I looked as if I had spent 12 days in them! What was I thinking? The other mistake I made was packing too many clothes, some I never even wore... I just tended to wear my favorites. So, I will pack only what I know I'll wear.
Our agreement is that we each must carry our own bag. So to help me get organized, I use a list created on my computer and I modify it according to the trip. If it's not on the list, it doesn't get packed. I also research the weather to avoid taking jackets or bulky sweaters I won't use. Well, I'd better get back to packing 'cause we leave tomorrow.
~ Lisa
Definitely NOT on my Bucket List!
In 1992, I was in Pamplona, Spain around the time of the Running of the Bulls. People came from all over the world to partake in this annual event. The whole town was abuzz with the excitement of how the spectacle would unfold. It turned out to be a good year... no one got killed, although every year there are hundreds of injuries. Back then, I really couldn't understand the attraction to doing something that could get you trampled, gored, bruised, and broken, not to mention I felt sorry for the bulls. So I was not disappointed when our itinerary required us to leave before the first bull run.
Well, today my friend Larry sent me the link to this video clip about the Running of the Bulls. After seeing it, I am amazed anyone would actually want to participate voluntarily. Gee... I could maybe see it as punishment of some kind, like for being an idiot. By the way, you will notice that there are no women foolish enough to run with the bulls...
Turn up the volume, and see for yourself what this looks like at its craziest.
~Lisa
Why Travel?
These are people who say their lives are perfect and stress-free, so they have no desire to "escape" through travel. That's great if it works for you and you are content to stay within the boundaries of your world, but it is a rather narrow view. Life is never an either/or situation, and people travel for many reasons. You can love your life and love to travel... or not. Or you can hate your life and travel to get away... or you can hate your life and stay home, miserably thinking about the "what ifs." There is no "one way" to live your life.
Ah, but for me... travel opens a window to the world, one you can't get to by reading a book or watching a video. Being in a busy marketplace in Guatemala, seeing the colors, hearing the sounds, smelling the flowers for sale, touching the textiles... this is to live in the moment, absorbing the richness of the experience. It's seeing with new eyes the universal bond we have with people all over the world.
How else do you get the full impact of standing in the Generalife gardens, looking toward the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, the breeze blowing gently as you experience a moment of deja-vu? It's been 21 years since I was there, but that experience remains rooted in my consciousness. A photo cannot do justice to actually being there.
I guess it boils down to the idea that although I don't "need to" travel because I love my life, I "want to" travel for the very same reason. Yes, it seems the more we travel, the more we add to our bucket list, hoping to pack a lot of new experiences in the life we love.
~ Lisa
Guatemala Reunion
Last night we had a reunion dinner with the 18 graduate students we took to Antigua, Guatemala last summer. These future teachers were completing the first phase of their student teaching experience. I went as a volunteer faculty but Alexander has coordinated the Antigua program for the last four years. This celebration was the last one... he has now officially passed the baton to another faculty member since he'll be retiring in December.
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Click here to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
~ Lisa
View Slideshow
Students shared how living and teaching in a third world country has made them more sensitive to the needs of students in their California classrooms. It was very validating to hear how much the experience meant to them and the impact it has had on their world view and values. We laughed, shared stories, good food, and memories of an experience never to be forgotten.
Click here to learn more about Antigua, a World Heritage site. Below are photos... my digital memories of our time in Guatemala.
~ Lisa
Beware: The Hidden Costs of Cruising
Cruising can be an excellent travel value because of the all-inclusive amenities: lodging, all meals and snacks, entertainment, a variety of activities such as lectures, workshops, and demonstrations, and use of facilities including work out rooms and pools. But it's easy to spend more than you planned because of hidden costs.
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
So, what are some expenses you may not have anticipated? These include fuel supplements, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages and soda/specialty coffee drinks, laundry, Internet/cell phone charges, and tipping. And if you're planning to spend time in the casino or souvenir shopping, this can add up quickly although most travelers account for these expenses.
The first time we cruised, we were surprised with a fuel supplement surcharge. Currently the cruise line were traveling with in December has suspended the charge but it could be initiated without notice if the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) oil price exceeds $70 a barrel. This charge will run about $7-10 per day per passenger. Check the fine print of the booking information or your contract... that's where you'll find it.
Shore excursions are optional but offer a wide range of activities, allowing passengers to pack a lot into the short time in the port of call. Some experienced travelers take off on their own, hiring a cab or a local tour company. While this can save money, you might be taking the risk of being left behind if you are late returning to the ship. Cruise ships will not wait for late passengers! Another potential risk is being at the mercy of an unscrupulous cab diver or tour guide who may up the fees once you are well away from the ship. Before taking an excursion with a company not affiliated with the cruise line, check to make sure they are reputable.
If you want to drink anything other than iced tea, hot coffee/tea, and tap water, be prepared to pay for it. Check your cruise line's website for information on their alcohol policy and beverage costs as these will vary. And don't plan to bring your own alcohol aboard for a nightcap... not allowed. If you buy wine and spirits at a port of call, it will be confiscated and returned to you when you disembark.
Most cruise lines charge a daily "service fee" of about $12 a day per passenger and it's used to tip the wait staff, cabin stewards, and other staff. This fee will appear on your final bill and can be adjusted by the passenger. You may want to tip additionally to individuals who have provided exceptional service and it is always appreciated by the staff.
Unless you stay in one of the higher-end suites, you will need to pay for laundry and ironing. Travel irons are not permitted. If you pack creatively, this is usually not a problem for short cruises of 5-7 days.
Someone we know used her cell phone daily on her cruise without first checking on the fees. Big mistake. The result was a bill of more than $800, not by the cruise line but by her carrier. You will be subject to roaming charges while at sea. When we cruised to Alaska, I made all calls from the ports of call rather than at sea because my plan has unlimited long distance.
Most ships offer Internet access for a fee, and it can be steep. For example, be prepared to pay about $55 for 100 minutes. That's only 1 hour and 40 minutes, and I can easily use that up in a day or two. So we generally avoid going online while at sea and it makes for a more relaxing trip. In the ports of call, we may go to an Internet cafe if we need to check our email... it's far more economical.
These extra costs can quickly add up, so be aware and prepare. Ka-ching!
~ Lisa
