Comments on: N@50: We Like to Cruise

By: Renee

Renee — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:10:56 +0000

My wife and I are thinking about taking a Carnival Vacation cruise to Progresso, Mexico, in addition to Cozumel. It is actually five Day trip leaving out of Mobile. Anyone have knowledge about this specific cruise vacation? I can’t dig up much information in relation to Progresso

By: Angela

Angela — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:17:17 +0000

Hi Rini, get back to work!

Shelia, I’m jealous. Don’t you enjoy yourself just a little more when you know you got a good deal? You did extremely well. So when’s your next cruise?

By: Shelia Goss

Shelia Goss — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:34:25 +0000

Angela, I love going on cruises. I usually go by myself and end up meeting interesting people. I went on a 7 day cruise for $450 one year. I booked it the week of the cruise. I decided at the last minute to attend this book conference and the travel agent gave me a price I couldn’t refuse. LOL

I like cruises because of the variety of entertainment and destinations at a low price and of course the people are interesting and the food is good.

By: RINI

RINI — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:03:07 +0000

Hi Dr. Benson,

Got hooked to your blog! Not a good time to write a comment now except the last part of the dissertation. But reading about cruise was refreshing!

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:03:06 +0000

LaShaunda, On the tipping, it’ll probably be included in your cruise fare. Most groups do that. Carnival adds $10/person/night to the tab automatically. You can pay it upfront or on the ship. You can even deduct it if you don’t way to pay. We usually just leave it on the room.

You’ll need dollar bills for tipping for room service, if you use it, but that’s about it.

By: Angela

Angela — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:59:12 +0000

Mildred, we’ve thought about resorts but I’m afraid we’ll spend all our time in the room. Are there lots of activities and places just to go hang out at these resorts?

LaShaunda, you have a REALLY good friend if they’re paying for you to go on the TJ cruise. You really won’t need much money on the ship unless you drink or want a soda or like to gamble or shop. We usually bring sodas with us or buy some at the nearest port. They’re costly aboard ship. Tea and juices are available all day for no cost.

You’ll incur some costs at the ports where the cruise stops. The ship has planned excursions that you can purchase but we usually just go out and negotiate directly with the taxis and tour bus drivers. It’s usually cheaper. How much you spend at a port is up to you. Some folks really like to shop so they spend a lot of money. Some folks do a lot of excursions so they spend a lot of money. We tend to set an amount we’ll spend at each stop and stick to it.

Everyday you’ll get a schedule of ship activities. Since you’re going with TJ, there’ll be lots of activities planned for you. You’ll also find time to pull away and do some reading. It’s really up to you. Keep checking the TJ page. They should have a link to the ship and the TJ schedule and you’ll be able to plan.

Most folks dress casually. We do bring something for formal nights, but the rest of the time its shorts and shirts. Hope this helps.

By: LaShaunda

LaShaunda — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:30:50 +0000

Angela,

I’ve been trying to get on a cruise since I was eighteen. Joined the navy thinking I’d finally get on one. NOT.

Anyway, my good friend is taking me on the Tom Joyner cruise in May. I’m so excited.

Do you have any advice for a newbie? I don’t have a clue what to bring or do while on the cruise.

I wondered about tipping and how much money I would need.

By: Mildred

Mildred — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:02:35 +0000

We went on a cruise last year. Prior to that we had not cruised for several years. We enjoyed it, but I am still a big fan of resorts. I like to get to where I am going. Cruising seems like we’re always on the way somewhere. I know that blasphemy for fans of cruises.

What I do like about cruising is having all the essentials paid in advance. I also like being pampered. But we get that at resorts.

Now for the price comparison, you win. I like the way you sold the other couple that was trying to sale you.