[BehrItAll]

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Originally Posted by Cryostar (View Post) <- still waiting on cruise ships. Juli, a lot depends on where the boat is. If you just missed it, i.e. it's not out of harbor yet, they can race you in a small boat to board the ship, usually for an extra charge. If the boat's sailed the harbor already, there's really no way to get you there.

Originally Posted by FreedomsBullets (View Post) Do they at least refund your money?

Originally Posted by BehrItAll (View Post) Then you could try to get a flight out to the next port ad board there. Don't know how the refunds and stuff work. I am sure if one purchased the insurance they would get something... otherwise you're probably screwed. More pics are coming. I haven't been online much this week so I have to get them together.

[Cryostar]

It's pretty much what Steph said.

Cruises aren't very flexible. Their idea is that you know when it leaves, be there. I had friends that were going on a carribean cruise, leaving from New Orleans. Then Katrina hit. They moved the port to Galvaston and 1 day up for departure saying "you'll get an extra day for free". If they didn't take it, they only got 40% of their cost back. Since they had to run out to Wichita to drop their kid off, it was a mad dash to drive out to KS and then down to TX in time to meet the boat. Thankfully, they could do it, but they said the boat was only 70% full.

[BehrItAll]

Always a good idea to buy the insurance. At least you get something back should something happen.

We were going on a cruise when Hurricane Andrew was on it's way to Miami. THANKFULLY we made our flight, and got on board. But many people did not and their spots were filled by locals booking that day just to leave Miami before Andrew hit.
And then we sailed away from the storm's path.

[BehrItAll]

Please excuse the double post. I am finally posting some more vaca pics.

Please excuse the double post. I am finally posting some more vaca pics.
September 26. Day 1
First sight of the ship, the Independence of the Seas

Ship Facts
Passenger Capacity: 3,634 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 160,000
Length: 1,112'
Max Beam: 184'
Draft: 28'
Cruising Speed: 21.6 knots



our cabin



art work on the ship - deck 9





After checking out the cabin we wanted to first see the Royal Promenade, which is basically like a shopping mall. It's got stores, a pizza place, Seattle's Best Coffee, Ben & Jerry's, a barber shop, a bar called The Dog and Badger. Also the Guest Realations is there.
Various angles of the Royal Promenade.




The windows you see are cabins. Yes, you can get a cabin that looks into the Royal Promenade. We didn't have one of those cabins.

[BehrItAll]

part 2. cause said there were too many images in one post

Then we went for a snack at the Windjammer. My mom took this pic of my dad's wine with her Nikon. I love how it came out:


The Casino Royal:


There is a skating rink on board. It was closed this day but outside there are these pretty sketches of the costumes the skating performers wear. They put on two ice shows.





Also outside of the skating rink is a Karaoke stage and the walls had all these famous quotes. Well this one made the ship especially awesome:


On deck as we set sail: The pools with those large colorful figures is called the H2O Zone. Very cool playground like pool area for the kids.








Last one of Day 1. My dinner. Salmon. Yum.

[FreedomsBullets]

That is a beautiful ship! It kind of makes me want to take a cruise.

Did you cabin have a little kitchenette? It looked really nice.

[BehrItAll]

It was, is, a beautiful ship I was awed when I first saw it. Pictures don't compare.

No, no kitchentte. No point really when there is food available all over the ship and room service.

[FreedomsBullets]

Oh, what I saw must have been a little desk or something.

That picture you have of the grand interior looks like one of those massive shopping malls. It makes me

[Cryostar]

Steph, was it an all inclusive ship? It looks beautiful, and it's big....the inside is just huge.

It's been a long time since I was on a cruise, but I should get to go one day. We're saving up for it.

[BehrItAll]

It was like a little shopping mall.

All inclusive. For the most part. Alcoholic and soda drinks are extra and then specialty resturants are extra $.

Oh cool that you guys are saving

More photos are on the way.

[FreedomsBullets]

It surprises me that soda is extra.

[Cryostar]

Me too. Alcohol i can see, but soda would seem to be necessary.

Our cruise is going to be a norweigian cruise....nice and cold.

[FreedomsBullets]

Are you just going to see Norway?

I would die without a can of soda a day, at least.

[Cryostar]

That's the intention. The one's we looked at hit Norway, Sweeden, Denmark, Finland and Estonia. Then again, we're also saving up for a trip to Ireland with the girls.

[FreedomsBullets]

That sounds like an interesting list. Are there a lot of cruises up there?