Ask Endora
Dear Endora,
I am considering going on the Exotic Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival that goes down to Acapulco. Has anyone in your office been on this cruise before? I would like to get their opinion of the cruise.
Thank you,
Beth – San Diego
Dear Beth,
Darling, for those living in Southern California this is a fabulous cruise! The itinerary goes far enough south down along the coast so that those on the winter/spring cruises can enjoy the warmth of the sun. Plus it is roundtrip San Diego so no airfare is needed! A couple of agents in the office have been and they both really enjoyed the ports, the ship, and the price! The agents were really impressed with the ship! They thought Carnival was going to be a party ship, but it wasn’t—it was equally as nice as Princess in many aspects. The interesting thing about Carnival is that they now sell their bedding like the major hotel chains! So for sure you will have a comfy bed...
If you have any questions about cruises please contact our master cruise counselor, Pat Ellington at 877-439-1629 or email pat@incrediblejourney.net
Best of luck,
Endora
Dear Endora,
I am from a country where tipping is not mandatory so I always get confused on how much to tip a bellman at a 3 or 4 star property when traveling in the U.S.
Tipping Challenged
Dear Tipping Challenged,
Not to worry dear, as a rule of thumb you will be safe tipping $1 – $2 a bag upon check in. This will depend on how much, and what kind of luggage you are traveling with. For example, when I take road trips I carry along an ice chest, and I might have some grocery items with me in small bags upon check in, so the amount of bags can add up quickly – here I tip $1 a bag. When traveling with just a piece of luggage I tip $2 a bag. By following this rule you will be within the guidelines of tipping etiquette!
Endora
Dear Endora,
What is the difference between the Eastern and Western Caribbean?
Charles – Kentucky
Dear Charles,
This is terminology used by the cruise lines.
In the Caribbean you have the Leeward Islands which are the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands which is part of the West Indies. These islands include: the USVI (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Water Island); BVI (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke); Anquilla; Saint Martin/St. Maarten; Saint Barthelemy; Saba; St. Eustatius; Saint Kitts; Nevis; Barbuda; Antigua; Redonda; Montserrat; Guadeloupe.
The Windward Islands are the southern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands which is part of the West Indies. These islands include: Barbados; Martinique; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Grenada; Trinidad and Tobago.
Endora
