Cash On Hand When Cruising

In speaking to a client this morning who is planning their first cruise they did asked a question that has been asked before so a good one to put on here today.

The question was "How much cash should we bring on board?" Needless to say there is no definitive answer for this. The ships themselves are basically cashless and upon checking in you set up an onboard account with credit card or cash and then sign for drinks, purchases, etc on board during the cruise.

The casinos will take cash (and take and take and take if you don't watch out) so I guess you need to figure how much you need for that if planning on spending time in the casino. Of course you can also charge money to your onboard account (there is a service fee in some casinos to do this) if you run out of cash. Again - caution and don't overdo it.

When in port you do need some cash for those "island nick knacks" drinks, etc. but we also recommend for anything purchased over $40-50, use a credit card. That is for your protection.

So how much cash does one need? Only you can figure it out. You should not carry a lot of cash in port anyway (safety) but only what you might need. You do have a safe in the stateroom to keep your money secure. Never flash money in port or even on the ship for that matter for your own safety. There are also ATM machines on the ship (fee usually $5.50 unless it is your bank and then a fee from your bank too. We normally see Bank Atlantic on ships).

You need some cash but cash is available if you need more. Traveler Checks can also be cashed on board and of course that is another safe way to carry money.


We normally take $100 or less into port with us and of course have our budget for the casino but then we only take so much with us and leave the rest in the room safe each day. If we win (and we do on occasion) we just add that to the "stash".

So thanks to our clients for giving us a topic for today Smooth Seas and Blue Skies to you all.

Disney Names Their Two New Cruise Ships

The two newest ships soon to be released by Disney Cruise Line have just been named... Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.The Disney Dream is scheduled to set sail in 2011, with the Disney Fantasy to be released in 2012. Like the current ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the names of the two new ships were chosen to celebrate Disney’s unique ability to create incredible worlds of fantasy where dreams really do come true.

For more information on Disney Cruise Lines and planning your next Disney vacation contact us at 302-266-7910 / 888-452-9805 or visit us on line at
www.jhammond.cruiseone.com

Back from Our Cruise

We just returned from our cruise aboard the Disney Magic sailing to Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and yes Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. So now I'm back in the office answering emails, paying bills, and doing all the things, which make it necessary to take a vacation in the first place. The following posting is our journey.


Arriving in Orlando

What a day it was!

We had set-up to take the Disney express to the ship, and upon arrival we were greeted with open arms from Disney. Arriving at the Orlando airport and getting checked in with Disney was a breeze. They have you go down to the lower level where Disney has an area for the parks and an area for the cruise line. We had been advised while checking in for the shuttle that you can now check in for the cruise line, so it is easier when you get to the ship and you don’t have stand in any lines to check in (very nice).

Welcome Aboard!

After getting onboard we walked the ship and looked at and admired all the Disney memorabilia that was onboard, boy what a walk down memory lane.

My wife, Jackie, and I were lucky enough to be seated at dinner with two great couples George and Barbara from Georgia and Angel and Toni from Miami. What a surprise it was to find out George and Barb were on the ship visiting their son Brandon, who is one of the cast members. What a day it was ending it with a great show in the Walt Disney theatre. Everywhere you went onboard you could always run into the characters. They were around every corner,in the elevators (don't blink) you might miss one of them.

Key West

First order of the day is having breakfast in Parrot Cay with Mickey and friends. While eating breakfast we had been surprised by Brandon who had all the characters come to our table and pose for photos with Jackie and me. (how cool is that?)

Time to tour!

Touring around in Key West is like walking into a mesh of festive,
innovative and artistic individuals living amidst a fairy tale land of colorful ginger bread style homes, eclectic shops, and an ever-present lively 24-hour “night life.” Shopping was like no other shopping in the world. If you think you have everything, you are in for a big surprise!

Key West has something for everyone from diamond stores, artist markets, butterfly art, key lime treats, color changing souvenirs and plenty of watering holes, not to mention spending time in the southern most point in the United States.

Grand Cayman

A five-minute tender boat ride from the ship, Grand Cayman Widely known as “Brand Cayman” thanks to its stellar duty-free buys on just about any name brand merchandise. You can get everything here from china to watches to jewelry and not to mention some of the finest design houses in a very small area. The island is also known for its pirate past-treasures coins and other artifacts. Caymanian rum and rum cakes are also some of my favorites to bring home for family and friends.


Cozumel

The history of Cozumel is linked to the Mayan civilization. Cozumel was a sacred Mayan shrine referred to as Ah-Cuzamil-Peten, or “Island of the Swallows.”

Cozumel’s famed Avenida Rafael Melgar and the connecting streets are filled with what I think is some of the world’s best shopping. The streets flower with Mexican arts and crafts, the finest sterling silver, onyx carving, and leather goods from around the world, and locally cultivated tequilas and vanillas.

A walk down main street is made all the more pleasant by sampling the exotic drinks and tastes in the local shops along the way. My favorite place to eat while in Cozumel is Ponchos Backyard great Mexican food and music to enjoy while you eat. Also don’t forget to do some shopping there when you are done, as they have a wide variety of Mexican arts and crafts.


Castaway Cay

WOW!

Disney really outdid themselves on this island. There is something for everyone to do here. You can snorkel and swim in the lagoon, whale dig in Monstro point, rent bikes to ride around the island, visit the sports beach where you can get in a game of volleyball, tetherball, or soccer. The island also has a boating harbor; children program area, a family beach, and serenity beach (for adult only) where they have cabanas so they can indulge in a relaxing massage. I will definitely go back to Disney’s private island again and again.

For more information on Disney Cruise Lines and planning your next Disney vacation contact us at 302-266-7910 / 888-452-9805 or visit us on line at
www.jhammond.cruiseone.com