Cruise questions

[mikeyinokc]

Plenty of advice here, most of it is spot on. Having said that though, I can't stand going on a cruise. Won't ever go on one again...Much prefer going to an all inclusive resort on one of the Caribbean Islands for a week. But that's just me...

Aviator 41, we always bring back a variety of medications when we go south. From Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, etc. never had a problem.

 

[jbrentn]

Thanks for the advice. From what you all have said seems like royal Caribbean gets the nod, but we will look at other lines as well.

We decided to wait a little longer and save up some more $, so that we can do it right.

I love this forum because I can come here with questions and get multiple viewpoints from other people in the state.

Thanks again.

sent from Omicron Persei 8.

 

[aviator41]

Plenty of advice here, most of it is spot on. Having said that though, I can't stand going on a cruise. Won't ever go on one again...Much prefer going to an all inclusive resort on one of the Caribbean Islands for a week. But that's just me...

Aviator 41, we always bring back a variety of medications when we go south. From Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, etc. never had a problem.

You will if you ever get caught.

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/tijuana/buying_prescription_medications_in_mexico.html

 

[Coded-Dude]

" If a U.S. resident wants to bring in a controlled substance (other than narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or LSD) but does not have a prescription for the substance issued by a U.S.-licensed practitioner (e.g., physician, dentist, etc.) who is registered with, and authorized by, the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe the medication, the individual may not import more than 50 dosage units of the medication into the United States. If the U.S. resident has a prescription for the controlled substance issued by a DEA registrant, more than 50 dosage units may be imported by that person, provided all other legal requirements are met.

Please note that only medications that can be legally prescribed in the United States may be imported for personal use. Be aware that possession of certain substances may also violate state laws."
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/prohibited-restricted

" FDA has developed guidance entitled "Coverage of Personal Importations" which sets forth that agency's enforcement priorities with respect to the personal importation of unapproved new drugs by individuals for their personal use. The guidance identifies circumstances in which FDA may consider exercising enforcement discretion and refrain from taking legal action against illegally imported drugs. Those circumstances are as follows:

"1) the intended use [of the drug] is unapproved and for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically either through commercial or clinical means;

2) there is no known commercialization or promotion to persons residing in the U.S. by those involved in the distribution of the product at issue;

3) the product is considered not to represent an unreasonable risk;

and

4) the individual seeking to import the productaffirms in writing*that it is for the patient's own use (generally not more than a 3 month supply) and*provides the name and address of the doctor licensed in the U.S. responsible for his or her treatment*with the product, orprovides evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country/area."*(Emphasis added)

FDA's guidance is not, however, a license for individuals to import unapproved (and therefore illegal) drugs for personal use into the U.S. Even if all of the factors noted in the guidance are present, the drugs remain illegal and FDA may decide that such drugs should be refused entry or seized. "
http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ImportProgram/ucm173743.htm

Is not completely illegal, but can get you into trouble.

Transmitted via Tactical Telecommunications Device

 

[aviator41]

Well, to each his own I suppose. The general rule of thumb is that if you don't have a script from a U.S. doc for the substance you bought and they decide to make your life miserable, they can.

the CBP site says "As a general rule, the FDA does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the United States. "

Wondering how much your time is worth when you get the one CPB agent that doesn't know or understand the complicated law, or feels you've exceeded the "50 dosage units" rule - who makes the dosage? That's the first question asked as you fall through THAT rabbit hole, Alice.

It might technically be legal, but that doesn't mean the stakes aren't high, especially for a new international traveler who doesn't understand where the legalities are and how to defend themselves.

The answer is just don't buy them and try to bring them back. It's that simple. Enjoy the cruise, have fun!

 

[Brandi]

I've wanted to go on a cruise my entire life but never could afford it. Come to think about it I haven't been on a "vacation" since I was a child and my parents took us to Disneyland, Sea World, Lion Country Safari...that kind of stuff. I didn't even realize so many people actually went on vacation until reading this.

If I ever had a chance to go I think an Alaskan cruise would be my first choice. I'm bear crazy so getting to see some in the wild would be amazing plus all the little side stuff they do on Alaskan cruises like fishing, dog sledding and walking a glacier really appeal to me. That and I'm sooooooo tired of this heat, some cool weather would be awesome.

 

[TerryMiller]

I've wanted to go on a cruise my entire life but never could afford it. Come to think about it I haven't been on a "vacation" since I was a child and my parents took us to Disneyland, Sea World, Lion Country Safari...that kind of stuff. I didn't even realize so many people actually went on vacation until reading this.

If I ever had a chance to go I think an Alaskan cruise would be my first choice. I'm bear crazy so getting to see some in the wild would be amazing plus all the little side stuff they do on Alaskan cruises like fishing, dog sledding and walking a glacier really appeal to me. That and I'm sooooooo tired of this heat, some cool weather would be awesome.

We took a cruise and land tour to Alaska in 2005. If one only cruises, the other leg is a flight to or from the "lower 48." We did the cruise and land tour because we did want to see some of the interior of Alaska. I enjoyed the cruise part only because I took loads of pictures. If we were to go again, we'd just fly up and either rent an RV or rent a car and stay in hotels so we could see more of Alaska itself.

With regards to cabins, if one wants to take lots of pictures, avoid the balcony rooms. One might be tempted to stay on the balcony and miss everything on the other side of the ship. I spent most of each and every day on the 10th deck of the Vision of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) where I could easily move all around the ship to take pictures. Our cabin was about mid-ship but on the outside with a very nice window. Our other family members' cabins were in the bow and all they had were small portholes to look out. Ours was like a picture window by comparison.

Oh, and photos of Alaska:

Ride on the White Pass and Yukon train to the summit and back



See that itty-bitty bridge down in the lower center?



Oh, and just for Brandi....this lady was digging for a ground squirrel.

 

[jbrentn]

The white pass railway was cool. I really enjoyed that. I can't wait to go back up there. If I could talk the wife into it, I'd move in a heart beat.

sent from Omicron Persei 8.

 

[IndVet]

Wife and I did a 10 day cruise to Alaska for our 15th Anniversary. Embarked in San Diego, debarked in Vancouver. Celebrity cruise line.

We signed up for an activity at every port, big mistake. We were able to relax on the full days at sea, but felt rushed a bit on our port visits.

If given a choice of a private table or sitting at a large table for dinner, pick the large table. Formal nights (if you have them) can be long and a table full of cool people is fun. If you get stuck with a couple jerks, you can always go to dinner elsewhere.

Treat your Maitre d' nice. I mentioned to ours I liked spicy food. He mentioned it to our chef and the next night he cooked up a chicken curry dish just for me that was exquisite.

The closer to the middle of the ship you are, the smoother the ride if the weather gets rough.

Have fun.

 

[The German]

I didn't even realize so many people actually went on vacation until reading this.
.

I am not sure if it is sad that you don't vacation or sad that you didn't even know so many people took vacations.

I vacation about twice a year, not counting mini trips, and take real big vacations about every third year. Taking the wife to Jamaica next summer for our 10 year and then the kids to Disney over Christmas 2017. If we ever do a cruise again it will be Alaska, but I think I would rather rent an RV up there and hit the road.