Okay, so along the same vein of thinking as the bad weather questions previously asked, how can you be sure of the cruise ship cancellation policy in different situations? Maybe not specifically due to weather, but what if something happens to one of your family members, requiring that you need to cancel the cruise you have booked? I’m not sure if there is complete assurance in all situations that you can get your money back. Of course, I know I can go to the cruise line, but how can you possibly think up all the different scenarios and ask “okay, but what about if this happens?”

I watched a documentary on TV about cruise ships that had departed from the Port of Galveston during Hurricane Ike; those folks had some extreme experiences!! It made me think about my own upcoming cruise, though; what usually happens with cruise ships during bad weather? I figure with all the technology there is nowadays they must know when bad weather is heading toward them. What rights do passengers have if they have second thoughts? Can you get a refund if you cancel due to bad weather?

I was talking to a co-worker about the cruise I am planning, sharing with her how excited I was and everything I would be doing. She was pretty quiet, and at first I thought she was just bored with me, or maybe a little jealous of my vacation. Then she said that had always wanted to go on a family cruise, but because of her son’s autism she guessed she’d never be able to. I was so saddened by that! I really never gave any thought to the fact that some people may not be able to cruise because of medical conditions. Shouldn’t there be special cruises for those with special needs?

Has anyone else had problems embarking and disembarking a cruise ship?

I’m booked to go on a great cruise to South America. Can anyone tell me do you have to have any inoculation to go on a cruise like this? If so, what types of shots will I need? Even if they are not required shots, are there any that I should consider anyway to protect my health? My cruise departs in February, so I’m not sure when I would need to get the inoculation if it’s needed. Do I just go to my own doctor, or is there a specific doctor that the cruise line wants you to use?

If you are planning to go on a cruise during this hurricane season, check the weather update at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and your cruise line web page.  They normally have a 'latest update' icon to tell you about changes in itineary because of the storm or any other news.  Cruise ships are equipped with information systems so they are able to avoid storms.

Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of advertisements for cruise travel that seem to be really good deals. I’m sure some of the enticements are due to the nation’s economic situation, but also I’ve noticed that a lot of the dates for which the sale prices are effective seem to be late September and early October. Can anyone tell me: is late September a good travel month for a cruise? Some areas have alternate seasons from the United States, and I know weather changes continuously, but I just wonder why that particular time frame is being featured. Does anyone have any information?

Now that I’m on a roll about the whole wedding and honeymoon on a cruise subject, what about cruise ship dining? Are guests expected to be at certain meals at certain times? Do you sign up for meals?

I heard from some of my acquaintances that you can eat around the clock on a cruise ship; is that true? I can’t believe they would be like a 24 hour restaurant!!

If I get married on the cruise ship, and spend my honeymoon on the cruise ship, I don’t think I’d want to be tied down to certain meal times. I want to have a flexible schedule.

Okay, so if I were to plan my wedding and honeymoon on a cruise line (see my previous posts), what should I plan for travel and cruise clothes? I don’t know if nights are cool, being right on the ocean; or is it warm because of locations?

Maybe I should plan to pack clothes for all occasions? Casual, beach wear, semi-casual, and dress? I heard that at some of the dinners, guests are expected to really get dressed up. Is that mandatory, or is it something you choose to do?

And at the ports; what type of clothing should I expect to need when sightseeing?

I am wondering how much I should be packing to go on a cruise. When you travel cruise luggage must be an issue….how much luggage is appropriate? Is there a limit to how much luggage can be taken? Will there be room in the staterooms to store the luggage after I unpack? What type of luggage is best?