This is our first cruise also.

[jdolphins68]

We are leaving as it says in March and I am so excited. I have some questions if anyone is a majesty cruiser.

And if anyone else is going the same time. Let us know. We are not real good at doing things on our own.

[beentravelin]

Is this the Bahamas/Florida itineraryon March 21st?

We were on the Majesty last year to Bermuda and really enjoyed the cruise. The ship is older and slated for retirement so it's in rough shape (needs painting and carpet). But I think our cruise was so special because of the people we met onboard. Sailing from Charleston there were alot of people from NC/SC on board. Much different than say our cruise from San Juan whereas most people sopke spanish.

Is this your first cruise? Have you ever been to the Bahamas? What type of info were you looking for?

[jdolphins68]

Yes this is the one that leaves March 21, from Charleston, SC. I guess my main questions are how much are the alcoholic drinks and is it easier to book the excursions from the boat or should I try to book them before hand. Should I book the cruise online or at the Travel agent. I have always done my own booking thru expedia or orbitz. Is it worth buying the drink card for Soda's. What should we pay the guys on the ship, gratuities. Gosh you can tell I am a first timer. But any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

Jackie

[jdolphins68]

And what is great to do in Nassau, Freeport and Cape Stirrup Cay, and Cape Canaveral.

I have never been to anyone of those places.

Oh wait and what do we neeed for boarding, is birth certificate and marriage license and drivers license alright, or should I go get a Passport Card.

Thanks,
jackie

[Paul Motter]

is it easier to book the excursions from the boat or should I try to book them before hand.

It is easier to book them onboard, but cheaper to book them yourself. In Nassau I would recommend just getting a taxi and going to ATLANTIS on Paradise Island. On Great Stirrup Cay you can snorkel, ride horses, etc. You have to book everything there through the cruise line anyway.

Should I book the cruise online or at the Travel agent. I have always done my own booking thru expedia or orbitz.

I recommend finding a good discount cruise agency - there are many. CruisePlanners, America's Vacation Center, VacationsToGo, etc. You can price shop online and then call them to make the booking. NCL has flat pricing so look for an agency that treats you nicely.

Is it worth buying the drink card for Soda's.

If you usually drink more than two cokes per day, otherwise no. Take a sealed drink container and go to the buffet area and keep filling it with Iced Tea. That's free.

What should we pay the guys on the ship, gratuities.

That should be done automatically by the ship. You will see daily charge on your onboard account of about $10 per guest per day and that covers ALL your tips. There is no need to tip extra on drinks. You can tip $1 for room service for a large load delivered ontime. No other tips are needed.

[Paul Motter]

In Cape Canaveral - go to Kennedy Space Center and take either the "behind the scenes" or the full grounds tour. Be sure to see the Atlas Moon Rocket exhibit. KSC is fantastic and worth an entire day. Get there early.

Read our article...

http://<br /> http://www.cruisemate...ter-122607.cfm

[jdolphins68]

That is so much thank you. I am getting so excited, I know it will seem like forever before I leave and then poof its all gone.

I did want to see Atlantis it looks really cool. OK do you recommend taking the ATM will it work down there? Or should I just take travelers checks

Oh, and what about cell phones, my alltel has an overseas plan on it cause my brother is overseaas in Kuwait, but the question is will it work down in the Bahamas. Or should I just plan on keeping in touch with our kids via boat land phones or email.

Thanks,
Jackie

[jdolphins68]

Rooms how small are they, and the window ones on the Majesty are they bigger and nicer.

Jackie

[beentravelin]

Originally Posted by jdolphins68

Rooms how small are they, and the window ones on the Majesty are they bigger and nicer.

Jackie

We had an large inside cabin and were pleased. We saw a friends smaller inside and we were glad we booked the larger one. The smaller ones were tiny. I haven't seen an ocean view room.

Oh and about Atlantis. I agree with Paul that you should see it at least once. It's super expensive to use their beach though. After you walk around the resort walk nextdoor to Cabbage Beach (it's free).

[jdolphins68]

I want to thank you both for all your help. I think I have most of my questions answered.

Jackie

[beentravelin]

No problem Jackie! Write back and let us know how your cruise goes. Maybe next time you can answer questions for us. Feel free to come back if there is anything else we can help with. We hope you will love cruising as much as we do!