I have been on that very same cruise on that exact ship. My husband and I went on it for our honeymoon a couple years ago. Actually, we are 'loyal to Royal' and have cruise with them several times. My favorite ship so far in their fleet...Navigator of the Seas. (I've yet to sail on Freedom.)
First things first. You've asked about tips. Royal asks the following:
Suite attendant: $5.75 USD a day per guest
Stateroom attendant: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Dining Room Waiter: $3.50 USD a day per guest
Assistant Waiter: $2.00 USD a day per guest
Headwaiter: $.75 USD a day per guest
It adds up to about $70 total per person, and believe me, it's worth it. You can charge your tips to your seapass card and royal gives little vouchers and envelopes for you to give to your crew. You can always add a little cash to those you feel deserve more. We typically add another $20 to our stateroom attendant and sometimes waiters because they work so dang hard.
As for your stops, it's a great vacation all around. Cabo was my favorite stop because it's a small town and the water is so crystal clear. We went ocean kayaking there and it was the best thing we did on the entire trip. I highly recommend it.
Mazatlan is a big city. Around half a million people if I remember correctly. Take your time here to head up to the mountains and see some wildlife. You won't miss a lot here, IMHO, if you skip the city. We did a tour of the small villages around the mountains of Mazatlan.
In Puerto Vallarta, the most hilarious this about this stop is right next to the dock is a Walmart! We all got a chuckle out of that! Here, we did a tour of a tequila distillery, which was interesting. We also spent some time exploring on our own and had dinner at Senor Frogs. This is a good chance to eat out because you'll be there until about 11:00 at night.
Cruising is so much fun I can hardly begin to describe it to you! A couple of my suggestions:
* Pack a highlighter in your luggage. Royal gives you a 'Cruise Compass' which is like a little newspaper everyday that tells you what events are happening when and where. Highlight those you want to check out so you don't forget them. Don't try to do everything because you won't and you'll only wear yourself out.
* If you bunking in an inner cabin with no port, take a nightlight. Those cabins are VERY dark! We didn't expect it on our first cruise either! I couldn't even see my hubby to kiss him goodnight! We ended up leaving the bathroom door ajar with the light on.
* Take a small travel alarm clock. In those inner cabins, it's incredibly easy to sleep until noon with no sunshine coming in your room!
* If you want to take advantage of the ships spa, book your appointments during shore excursions. They always have good deals (like 1/2 off!) while everyone is at shore.
* A lot of shore excursions are very popular. If there's one you have your eye on, book it as soon as you can before it fills up. You can even book them online ahead of time, but I rarely find that necessary.
* For your first day of cruising, take a small carryon suit case and pack with it a change of clothes, a swimsuit, any medication you need, and anything you think you may need immediately on the ship. It takes several hours for the porters to get your luggage to your cabin. Remember, they've got thousands of pieces of luggage to sort out in a short time.
* Royal sells a $6/day soda pass. I've never thought it was worth it. There's always tea, lemonade, water and punch in the Windjammer. $6 a day turns to $50 a week and that just seems like a lot of money to me for pop! I'd rather drink a pina colada anyway.
* Always, always, always have your seapass card with you. It's your room key, your credit card, and you idtification while onboard the ship. With this you will need nothing else.
* There will be food, all the time. If you don't want to pack on too many extra pounds along the way, the easiest exercise is TAKE THE STAIRS!! You'll burn so many more calories this way, you'll see all the artwork at each deck, and you won't be standing around waiting in the always present lines for the elevators!
If you have anymore questions, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to extend any more advice. Most of all, have fun! You're going to have an amazing time, believe me! Take plenty of film and batteries for that camera too!Need cruise tips/advice please!?
I have never been there, but when you are on the ship, wash your hands ALOT!
One time, I got sick, and it was REALLY bad.
I just went on this cruise in October 2006 and I must say was the best cruise I have had yet... Service was excellent, staff was friendly as can be and lots to do on board.
Best port for excursion was in Cabo San Lucas - Do the Jeep Safari tour you will see some of the baja dessert some wildlife as well.
Mazatlan - I was unable to leave the ship was ill
Puerto Vallarta - Awesome place - Lots of beautiful scenery
While in route look for dolphins in the path of the ship that was the coolest thing seeing them jumping in and out of the waves of the ship.
Check out these cruise review websites..........
http://www.cruisecritic.com/
http://www.cruisediva.com/
I have been to all three cities. In Cabo there are great tours that are offered at the pier where they take you to see the coastline, sea lions, pelican rock, and the tropical fish. Try the Glass Bottom boats. You can buy the same tour on the ship, but you pay twice as much.
Puerto Vallarta is very Americanized. You are going to see Blockbuster, Wal-Mart, Starbucks, blah blah blah. BUT go to downtown where the little shops are that was fun. Go do a Dolphin swim here. So much fun. Don't do a tour that only says encounter it must say swim or it is only like going to Sea-world.
In Mazatlan you should go see the cool divers. The jump off high rocks doing tricks into the ocean. That was cool. I think they were called the Papantla Flyers. And if you like Shrinp go to the shrimp Market. YUMMY! So good.
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