Our Christmas trip traveling to Puerto Vallarta and saving money

My wife and I booked our first Christmas cruise after much deliberation. Cost, what are the rooms like, will we sleep next to the anchor or engine? Thank goodness the internet we were able to cross-reference the rooms that were available with the rooms having a video that was put online. We were able to look at the rooms and see if we were going to have to travel with one suitcase or the usual five suitcase. Just kidding, I pack three I’m carrying two more. The next item on the agenda is to get passports so we can explore the island, and we found out that if you don’t have a passport and something happens and you have to go back to the US, the situation gets very complicated. The consulate comes into play and there are probably plenty of other hefty expenses that can be avoided. Two different sources strongly suggested a passport, so we go get photos and fingerprints and we’ll be “legal”.

We got a room for only $500 up front and payments were allowed which I thought was amazing in this day and age. On top of that, the booking agency said they would arrange a group and offer discounted rates if we could get enough people to sign up for the cruise. This was great and we are already planning our 2015 cruise which will be heavily discounted due to the group and we found out that cruise lines double the price in the winter. Thank God for the “supreme status” and discounts.

My wife researched our cruise and it turned out it was going to be a seven day cruise leaving Los Angeles and we’d be in Puerto Vallarta on Christmas Day. For me this is amazing. I’ve always wanted to give my wife something special and now we’re excited. With combos, they offer discounts and special “privileges” such as extra money to gamble with. Moreover, we found out that we can order room service at no additional cost. This is great because we can avoid the crowds and focus on what we want to do instead of standing in line for meals.

My wife and I have traveled in 40 of the 50 states, now our first cruise and will be booking another as well. I wish all the best to each and every one of you and any advice for first time cruisers would be appreciated.

Thank you again!!