The verandah is child safe too. There is a nice plexiglass wall rather than wide open space between the railings. Still don't leave the kiddos unattended, but there is a bit of peace of mind.
It all started with my breaking of my old lens back in October. Remember this?
To replace it, I chose two different lenses. The first was an inexpensive 50mm lens. I immediately learned a number of things with the purchase of this lens, one being that this was not an everyday, every situation type of lens. (Remember I'm a budding photographer here, lots to learn.) :)
The second lens was a wee bit more expensive and I was still just a little unsure if it was what I really wanted. Being a little unsure and pricey doesn't exactly make a great combo. So a friend of mine, Wicked Kate, mentioned BorrowLenses.
So I checked them out. It sounded like such a crazy yet brilliant idea--rent the lens, but it solved my dilemma. I had the opportunity to really check out and experience the lens I wanted with a not-so-crazy price.
I also took them up on the offer of adding the insurance for a mere $6 in the event that something happened to the lens--especially because I was doing a fair bit of traveling. If something had happened, I would only pay 12% of the cost to fix or replace the lens. Not a bad deal considering the price tag of the actual lens. I was especially comforted when we stepped off the boat in Nassau and watched in horror as some other passenger's camera strap failed causing the camera and lens to fall to the ground with a sickening crunch. Total bummer.
Anyway, the whole experience went really well--even with my having waited too long to order the lens and get it shipped to my house...hence why we had to stop by FedEx in Orlando to pick it up. I rented it for two weeks. They sent it via 2 day Fed Ex and my rental agreement didn't start until the day it was delivered and then I had to have it post-marked no later than 2 weeks from that date (because I did a two week rental). They even sent me a reminder e-mail that my rental time was almost up and after I returned it they sent me an e-mail informing it had been received and that everything checked out (ie. no damage). Bottom line, I had a great experience and would easily go back to them as a return customer. There's some fun lenses I'd like to play with but don't have the desire to actually own.
Oh, and maybe you're actually looking to purchase a lens? They actually sell some of those lenses that were previously rented at a discounted price. I have not been that lucky to find my dream lens there yet. Maybe someday soon.
As for playing on the verandah, I definitely have to say, if you plan on going on a cruise and can do it, splurge and get the room with a verandah. It was awesome and so nice to have just a little piece of outside all to ourselves instead of sharing it with all the other passengers on the boat.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not to saying that you can't find yourself a quiet little comfy cozy plush chair with a fantastic view of the sunrise with a cool breeze as you're nearing Nassau...
...but its nice to have the opportunity to roll out of bed and eat a little breakfast in your jammies too.
Hehe...just make sure you somehow let your husband know you're doing that as my love woke up in a little bit of a panic when he discovered I was not in the room. Fortunately I returned right when this all happened, so he wasn't panicked for too awfully long.
Oh, and that brings me to another point that I have to bring up! I can't speak for other cruise lines, but Disney has this awesome (and unexpected) cell phone system on-board. Each room is equipped with two cell phones. They only work on the boat, but it allows the family to split up and yet still remain in contact with each other. Plus, if you decide to use the nursery on-board for the kiddos, they have the ability to contact you if needed. Seriously awesome. Like I've already said, Disney knows what they're doing.
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I'm glad this worked out for you!! I didn't know! I haven't tried it myself, but I definitely think that renting a lens before purchasing is a fantabulous idea. I have friends who are photogs that do weddings, and even they don't own some of their lenses! It makes for a fun solution.
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