Hi Ali,

We have booked a cruise & stay holiday with Virgin cruises. We are flying to Miami, staying for one night, then flying on to Bahamas, staying for five nights on all inclusive basis at Paradise Island. We are then flying back to Miami where we will board the Emerald Princess for a seven night cruise around the Eastern Caribbean. Virgin do a lot of cruise & stay holidays, hope you find one.

Sue & Paul

Hi again Ali,

Sorry forgot to say, this holiday is booked for October 2009.

Sue & Paul

Hi Sue & Paul

Can't believe that is such a coincidence as we have booked that one as well, fly to Miami, one night there, then 4 nights in Bahamas, then the eastern Caribbean cruise, we've booked to go with another couple.

We are travelling on the 12th October 2009, is date your date also?

Ali x

Hi Ali,

We are a week later than you. Fly from Heathrow 19 October, join cruise 25 October. Who did you book with? Which ship are you on?

Sue & Paul x

Hi Sue & Paul

We are on the emerald princess, booked with Virgin Cruises, I think it's the 12th although I could have the wrong date, have't got the itinery yet.

Ali x

Hi Ali,

We received our holiday confirmation last week. Oh it is the same then just different dates. We will be boarding the ship as you are leaving. Hope you have a good time. Have you cruised before?

Ali, are you aware that transfers are not included in Miami, I was not told this when I booked. I rang Virgin when I received my holiday confirmation as it said transfers not included. When I rang they said that transfers were included in the Bahamas, but not in Miami. Taxis, they say are cheap and easily available, hope so.

Sue & Paul x

Hi Sue & Paul

Yeah, we know transfers aren't included, we'll just get taxis should be quicker anyway.

This is our first ever cruise! Not really what I would have choosen as I think there are too many flights invloved and time waiting at airports as you fly to Miami, then fly to Bahamas then back to Miami before boarding the cruise! But it's our friends 50th so it was their choice.

I must say now it's all booked Im quite excited, not sure of the dress codes on the ship though, do you think it's fairly formal?

ali x

Hi Ali,

I think? on a 7 night cruise, there will probably be 2 formal nights, rest will be just smart casual. We have decided just to take a dark suit for Paul though and not bother with the full tuxedo thing. I am a bit concerned about luggage allowance on flights to Bahamas. Virgin did say that luggage allowance was 46kg pp (never had this much allowance) but what will luggage allowance be on internal flight to Bahamas?, still waiting for Virgin to get back to me on that one. Of course we will not be taking the full allowance of 46kg, but usually manage to fill 2 suitcases quite easily. Last year we went on a fly cruise for 2 weeks round caribbean with P&O and allowance was 25kg pp. It was our first cruise last year, in fact is is exactly one year ago today. We loved it, one of the best holidays we have had.

Sue & Paul x

Oh I never thought about the luggage allowance, should be the same though shouldn't it? Otherwise what's the point of having that much in the first place, as surely we won't have to leave stuff at Miami??

My hubby's got a nice beige suit he's just bought, so he'll probably take that, I think I shall buy some new dresses Any excuse

I'm not sure if there's a hire shop if we decide to go v formal?

Ali x

Hi Ali,

When I spoke to Virgin they said they would presume that luggage allowance would be the same, but would check this for me. Don't want to get stung with having to pay extra, will keep you posted if I hear anything.

Of course you will need loads of new dresses and shoes, a girl can never have enough, I always say.

You can hire tuxedos on board.

Sue & Paul x

Hello Ali

Are you sure you are right with Miami being where your cruise is from ?? The Emerald Princess departs from Fort laurderdale on 11/10, there is no mention of Miami on the itinerary.

Taxi fare from the MIA airport to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) is around $75.
Taxis are plentiful.... it is about a forty five minute drive (27miles).
Are you sure they do not provide a shuttle service? I would check that again.....?
You can pre-arrange a shuttle - http://www.floridasunshineshuttle.com/miami-airport-transportation.html - it looks like it's $95 one way for up to 4 people, not per person. There are lots of shuttle services based at the airport.... Supershuttle, Mears Shuttle come to mind.
If you book a shuttle ask if you will have a direct trip or make rounds picking up other passengers before getting to your destination..
When you get back from your cruise to Port Everglades , Princess has shuttle bus service to local airports. I think it's around $25 each to Miami.

Hi Beegee

Yesyou are right it is Fort laurderdale we are leaving from, we fly to Miami, 1 night there, then 5 nights in Bahamas then fly back to Fort laurderdale to get the cruise...lots of flights!

Well that's a lot simpler then- taxi from FLL to the port is about $13, takes only a few minutes.
Happy cruising!

Well, now booked on an Orlando cruise and stay going on The Emerald Princess on 11/10/09. Got a great deal from Cruise 1st including scheduled flights from Manchester. Upgraded to a balcony cabin which I thought was worth the extra. 1st time cruising so will need to get lots of info before October.

Nice itinerary on that cruise!
Be sure and go to the Margaritaville on Grand Turk-
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2511277440098669841fjpuVk
This should get you in the mood for a cruise!