OK... can you explain a dummy booking to me? I think I know but what am I missing?
Book a future cruise on the ship to get a discounted rate... When you do this how much of a discount do you receive? Do you just book as far in advance as you can for the most flexibility? Do you have to know who is traveling with you in advance? Can you change ships & itineraries with no penalty?
Sorry for the questions... I'm learning!
You do this any time while you are on the ship. There is a rebooking desk where you can do it, or you can fill out a card with the quote you'd like, drop it in the box near the rebooking desk and it will show up back at your stateroom with info. You can then call the number on the card and book the quote that way, it will have a quote "number" tied to it. the desk isn't always open and there can be quite a line. I went the card/call route but on a 2 day I'd want to do it early as I can picture it being a bit nutty!
You get 10% off and then the deposit is only 10% down. You can change ships and passengers with no penalty, and even do it online so you can compare the changes. The only caveat is that if you book it, when you make the change, you still have to be on the booking. So you couldn't book it for say the 4 of you, and then change it to 4 totally different people. If you do know what you think you want, it's best to book that as prices go up. But if you don't, booking something really far out for just 1-2 people is what a lot of folks do if they know they won't be using it other than as a placeholder.
I love Key West! I haven't been there but I want to head there someday. Sorry your cruise isn't bringing you there... or is it?
It is a ton of fun, we've been dying to go back since we left.
Thanks for the PM, Cynthia! I am finally here -- we won't even mention the page number.
Jackie's here!
A summer cruise with a stop in Key West will be super fun!!! I am so excited to be along with you on all the planning excitement.
Sadly, Key West is only on the spring routes so it looks like that may be out for this trip, at least from the ship.
I can't believe your kids are getting so old! I guess I shouldn't be surprised since Connor is in the sixth grade and Chelsea is in the ninth grade now. Can you believe she will be getting her learner's permit this summer!
Where is the time going???
I know, it's crazy! Kendall too. Technically I think she could get it now although she is in NO rush to drive which makes us happy, one less stress to deal with. It is weird having a college student!
I'm sure if I had to plan around that many things, I'd throw my hands up and walk away. Nah...probably not, but I bet it would involve a lot more temper tantrums. I know what you mean about planning and looking at all of the options, though. I make crazy spreadsheets and lists and then could care less if I leave them at home. Its the planning that entertains me and I get to move forward with a least a passing notion of what we'll do.
Exactly! I have a spreadsheets coming out my you know what. Typically budget related but I've done touring plans on them, packing lists you name it. Heck I have a grocery list one.
Loved the line from Jeff about his definition of perfect. Sounds like Mark. He just says yes and then when I try and talk details he just says, "Yes, but you'll change it a million times anyway."
So true.
The funny thing is I don't actually change that much once I actually book things, but when I do, they tend to be rather huge changes. It's pretty cute though, Jeff just planned a 4 day get away for us and the boys and did the entire thing himself (for President's weekend...in 2 weeks!
). You can tell he's not used to booking things but bless his heart, he did it all. Of course we are at 3 different hotels in 3 nights so I think I'm not the only touring plan monster in the house!
Your pictures from Key West look like the place is just fantastic and it certainly sounds like you had a great trip. My mom went many years ago and still talks about wanting to go back. We are going to Florida together again, just not Key West.
I love hearing all the cruise lingo...like Tim, I'm just trying to figure it all out.
Key West definitely has it's own vibe.
...and why do I think you still have something suprising coming up?
I can't imagine why you'd think that!
So many choices!
I can't wait to see what you finally decided on.
Too many choices, that's always the problem isn't it! I'm very very excited with how it's playing out.