Crazy planning mom

Palma Majorca also had a very nice aquarium.  We did the aquarium and then went across the street to the beach.

The NCL Gem and Jewel also do Panama Canal cruises.  Those ships are better if you don't like crowds or big attractions.  We sailed the Jade which is a sister to the Gem and Jewel.  It was renovated, perfect for us and didn't require any reservations.  The Joy is a big ship where you do need reservations for shows.

Hope you have a wonderful trip on the Apex!

The entrance fee was included.  I don't think loungers were but we didn't try to get one .  We just put our towels down. My husband did bring his backpack on the Skyride.  We enjoyed the excursion.  When you get to Magen's Bay, go left and walk down aways to avoid crowds.  Definitely, get a bushwacker.   Yum.     

We were on the Apex which is a newer, popular ship and there was maybe 5 kids tops on the whole ship.  Just sail when school is in session.

I would book any must do excursions as soon as possible.  Check your cruise planner.

Royal Caribbean has some itineraries advertised as Cabo overnight.  How long is the tender ride?  The boat would be in Cabo from 1pm to 1pm the next day.  Would it be worth it to tender the morning you are only there until 1pm?

39 minutes ago, RWK1952 said:

 

Go to the first page of the NCL message board and collect down.

1 hour ago, RWK1952 said:

Thank you for your helpful responses.  I am fairly new to Cruise Critic.  I would like to check out that person's Live blog on the NCL Bliss.  I see where to access Live Cruise Reports, but I don't see how to search for a specific one.  Is there a way to do that, or do I just have to scroll thru all of the current Live Reports until I find this one?  Thanks.

Here is the link

37 minutes ago, RWK1952 said:

Do you have experience specifically with NCL, or with the NCL Breakaway in Southampton, or around the Iberian peninsula, on the worth of the Priority Pass?  On a huge ship like the Breakaway, if the Priority Pass also gave you priority disembarkation for shore excursions as well, I could see that being a real benefit.

I have never gotten the Priority Pass.  There is a live thread here on someone sailing the NCL Bliss out of California.  She showed herself bypassing lines.  I have only sailed NCL out of Rome, Athens, and Honolulu.

Getting the Priority Pass would be a good investment to avoid crowds at embarkation, disembarkation and tendering.

6 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I doubt many children would be going to Spain for a spring break cruise.

Except you would need to check the UK and European Union school schedule.

A few years ago, we sailed the Epic in August, and there was loads of Spaniard and Italian kids on summer holiday.

Isn't this a port intensive itinerary?  Wouldn't you most likely be having lunch off the ship and spending very little time on the ship?  On the sea day, you can have breakfast and lunch at the Main Dining Room to avoid crowds. 

The NCL Breakaway does this itinerary also.

To me, it's irrelevant, that some people don't enjoy the shows.  The fact is that NCL was known for offering large Broadway style shows and its something that distinguished it from some of its competitors.  I really don't gamble but that doesn't mean that I think there shouldn't be a casino.  People enjoy it and expect it on a cruise just like they expect to be entertained.

Royal is the other line that is known for entertainment.  After not having a Broadway style production on Odyssey and Wonder, they brought it back for Icon.  

Bonaire is known for scuba and snorkeling so if you enjoy that, it seems like a good choice.

It seems that HAL is geared toward an older audience and is quieter.  RCL, NCL, and Carnival have a more lively environment.  Where does Princess fall?

A friend is debating between NCL and Princess.  She has sailed NCL multiple times and likes their product.  However, Princess is more Alaska centered.

Does anyone know what the food and drink options in the new Nassau port area? Also, has anyone been to the Junkanoo museum?

Our cruise is during hurricane season.  Is it safe to leave our car at the port?  

Is there covered parking?  We haven't cruised out of NJ in a dozen years.

On our recent Caribbean cruise on the Apex they had trivia, golf events (indoor), street Curling (indoor), music bingo.

Glad that you enjoyed your starter cruise.  Hope your dh feels better and you get to go on more.

I like the idea of moving the 2nd cruise to February.  We just sailed the Eastern Caribbean Feb. 24-March 2nd.  It was warm but not oppressively hot like July.  We liked St. Thomas and Puerto Plata.

It says tenderloin for Two but can just one person order it for themselves?

Are there any food places in the port area itself?

Also, Duo Rio was a very good husband wife duo.