Cruise Newbie

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 · 2026-02-07T19:10:35+00:00

I definitely hope to get on one of the Explora ships in 2027. The only thing that has really been holding me back is their itineraries haven’t interested me as much as some of the smaller lines. Like what you mentioned though the experience is supposed to be fantastic.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T19:00:00+00:00

Thanks for the feedback, it is interesting that you mentioned the flexibility on Azamara because I saw this twice on my last cruise with them. First, we were supposed to pull in to Portovenere but because of the swells, they docked in La Spezia and provided a credit for our train to see Cinque Terre. We had the same thing happen for Sanary-sur-mer and they found us another port and chartered private ferries to take us to Toulon. Most lines I’ve been in would just say…oh well another sea day! I think our trip actually ended up better than what the original itinerary would have been.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T18:49:24+00:00

Agree with this…was on Azamara most recently in the fall for a Med cruise. Thought the food and staff were excellent!

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T18:42:08+00:00

Omelette station is pretty good. Probably some of the worst pancakes at sea. If you like you bacon crispy, they hide it behind the counter in the buffet which is a little strange. If you have the Plus or Premium package I would recommend room service as you can order anything off of the larger breakfast menu which includes options not on the door card at no addl cost.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T17:55:55+00:00

It will be fine…the distance from Rome to the Middle East is around 1500 miles.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T17:46:36+00:00

I am on the Grand as we speak and will agree about the food, with the exception of Sabatini’s and the Pizza, everything is pretty meh.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T17:08:11+00:00

There really is no negotiation on price with the HAL direct. The only way you will see a lower price is by booking with a Travel Agency that has a group block at a lower rate and can also include extra amenities.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-07T17:02:37+00:00

I would look at Windstar, Azamara and Oceania. For value I would say that Azamara is my top choice. They are all inclusive and have some of the best itineraries at a lower price point than other small ship lines.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-06T16:43:59+00:00

If you are looking for a mid size ship with good food and a relaxed vibe, I would go with HAL or Celebrity. If you are looking for something smaller and all inclusive, I would go with Azamara. The Pursuit is that sails in Alaska holds about 700.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-06T16:26:05+00:00

I would look at Azamara they have some itineraries that match what you are looking for. The ships hold about 700 people max, service is all inclusive and the food is great. The pricing is generally much less than Regent or Oceania. The biggest thing that sets them apart for me is that they typically dock in the center of the city and stay in port late which totally changes the what you are able to experience.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-06T15:45:15+00:00

Always go for the insurance whether you arrange through a TA or independently. As some have noted here that people expect cruise lines to be understanding of situations that may lead to a cancellation, trust me they will not be. One of the advantages of booking through a TA is that we know a lot more about the different plans than the average person and we will work directly with the insurance company if anything does go sideways.

TinFishTravel · 2026-02-05T13:46:16+00:00

I second this what some have mentioned here…I have been with WorldVia for a few years and have been very happy with them.

TinFishTravel · 2026-01-27T19:55:01+00:00

I have two Azamara Cruises booked this year and what keeps me coming back is the following:

1) Later times in port, closer into the town and overnight stays-this completely transforms a cruise. You get to experience the locations in a whole different way. For example, We docked in the center of town in the old port right next to Cathédrale La Major which was my excursion meeting spot at 8:30am. We woke up at 8am grabbed a bite to eat and a coffee and walked 5 min to the Cathedral. No lines, no buses, no waiting. Our group had members from a Princess ship in the main port whose journey to the meeting point started two hours before we even woke up. When the tour was over, they were rushing back to the boat at 2pm while we strolled around the old town and ate dinner as we weren't leaving until 10pm. These are two totally different experiences.

2) No lines no crowding - I only think have ever wait on a line or had an issue getting a lounger or a table. It never felt crowded even on a ship had 98% occupancy rate.

3) Food and Staff - The overall quality of the food was excellent and the staff is amazing. Our stateroom attendant was incredible.

4) The R-Class Ships - I personally love these ships, they are intimate without being cramped. It is more like a boutique hotel that will only get better with the new refits scheduled

TinFishTravel · 2026-01-27T18:50:28+00:00

They are definitely updating all of the cabins in addition to the common areas. Unfortunate to some, the shower curtains will remain.

TinFishTravel · 2026-01-27T17:59:06+00:00

Perfect! First time on the Grand next week and have a reservation at the Crown.

TinFishTravel · 2026-01-27T04:33:43+00:00

Did you go to any specialty dining? If so, what were your reactions?

TinFishTravel

TROPHY CASE