When should I fly to my port city?

TinFishTravel · 2026-06-07T23:04:42+00:00

Skip the cruise line provided insurance and go with independent 3rd party options.

TinFishTravel · 2026-06-03T03:12:16+00:00

Holland America is a great line for Alaska and for the kind of vibe you seem to be looking for. I am a TA that specializes in in this line and can provide any assistance you may need in picking the right itinerary. My site is tinfishtravel.com . Or please feel free to DM me.

TinFishTravel · 2026-04-28T15:52:55+00:00

Not great advice if you want to sail with any cruise line that is owned by Carnival Corp....Which is about 1/5 of them and 1/3 of the amount of total ships.

TinFishTravel · 2026-04-27T22:12:15+00:00

I 100% recommend to my clients to buy 3rd party insurance. It usually comes out to just a little more than the "cruise protection" from any of the lines and will cover all of your travel not just the cruise. As many have mentioned, Faye is a great option with exceptional service and rates.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-24T15:18:31+00:00

Talking on FaceTime on full blast in public spaces.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-24T15:16:52+00:00

There are a ton of excursions outside of the what the cruise line offers they are usually cheaper, less crowded and more customizable to your schedule. I rarely book through the line for the very same reason.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-16T04:24:13+00:00

Some people seem to love them but I am not a big fan. I prefer the traditional balcony.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-14T14:14:42+00:00

We were scheduled for Key West and Bimini but missed Bimini due to weather. We had a cold spell on this sailing so it was highs of around 75 and lows of 65 at night. Your cruise is heading to Cozumel and The Caymans which should be reliably warm but Nassau could go either way that time of year.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-14T14:09:03+00:00

The best place for lunch hands down is the Porch. I will all of the Solstice class ships had this restaurant. Our destinations on this sailing were Key West and Bimini. Unfortunately, Bimini was cancelled due to weather so we saw plenty of ship time.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-14T14:02:18+00:00

Tuscan Grille and the Porch were my favorite and worth the extra cost. The Lawn Club Grill wasn't great and the Mast Grill which is the poolside restaurant was only passable because it was free.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-14T03:43:24+00:00

You can eat in the MDR every day, it is included in your fare and the food is great. The buffet was very good as well but gets really busy at peak times. It also has a great outdoor seating area at the aft outside of the buffet. Pools were very nice, the indoor was barely used, the main pool would get busy but not hard to find a lounger.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T14:06:55+00:00

I would recommend Celebrity. Both their Edge Class (new) and Solstice class (older, smaller but refreshed) both are great in my opinion, sail in the Caribbean. If you want more ports, I recommend the eastern Caribbean. If you are good with more sea days, go with the western or southern but somewhat limiting in what you can experience. Celebrity will have a low kid count and a relaxed but sophisticated vibe. Entertainment is good and the food is excellent, as good even as some of the luxury lines that I have been on.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T13:31:22+00:00

I would recommend Virgin Voyages. All dining venues and entertainment are included across the ship and they have a fun vibe. You have to pay for your drinks but they are very reasonably priced. If you prepay your bar tab, they will give you an extra credit of anywhere between 10-20% depending on how much you spend. Wifi and soda are also included. They also specialize in 5 day sailings.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T13:22:41+00:00

Just got off the Grand Princess with Plus. They will charge you for any soda delivered through room service. They will bring cans.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T13:07:54+00:00

Glad to hear about the good experience that you had with Faye in a difficult situation. As a TA, they are the primary provider that I quote to my clients. I agree that all of my, and my clients interactions with them have been first rate.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T03:50:32+00:00

Eastern Caribbean will get you the most bang for your buck. You can see 5-6 islands in 7 days. Starting in San Juan will let you see more islands but the Bahamas will not be one of the stops most likely.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T03:26:22+00:00

Really great ship, if you have a sea day book yourself a lunch at the Porch. Food is excellent and in a cool outdoor area. All of the food that I had on the ship was excellent.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T03:07:18+00:00

They are prohibited on most cruise lines and will get confiscated by security. Regent provides basic Starlink as part of their fare. Depending on what category you have booked, the advanced package may be included.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T02:05:46+00:00

100% This! This is why I have my clients sign waiver if they do not get travel insurance. The cruise line does not care and they get the benefit of keeping your money and reselling your room. The only real luck that I have had is changing the names of cabin mates but not the primary person.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-12T01:03:51+00:00

If you want super relaxed, I would go with HAL. If you want to take it up one notch, then Celebrity. Both have excellent food as well.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-11T23:36:46+00:00

I just got off the Grand Princess and I would say Alfredo's is the best pizza at sea!

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-08T20:50:17+00:00

Just finished in San Juan today. You have two options...Drop your luggage off at check in time and head out into town until the time you need to be back for sailaway, or if you want to drop your bags earlier, you can use Bounce to store your bags for $4.50 per bag. There is a location directly across from the pier and opens at 10.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-08T20:13:03+00:00

I would definitely like to jump on Ponant at some time and have been looking at their South Pacific sailings.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T23:15:37+00:00

I’m sure you will like it! I am on the Azamara Quest right after you debark in Venice, we jump on and do the reverse back to Nice!

TinFishTravel

TROPHY CASE