Crazy planning mom

I am in 2 book clubs and read some of his prior novels. I gathered from his previous writings that he is generally pessimistic about most things in life.

My point wasnt to attack NCL's excursions. My point is that if you went with a private company would you have had better luck getting inside of the Vatican. They wouldnt have necessarily known you were on a cruise if you took an excursion with a regular tour provider. If Rome is purposely trying to limit cruise guests at its major attractions.

It was a few years ago but we had a great experience with Stefano's Rome Cabs Cabs. https://www.romecabs.com/shoreexcursions/shore-excursions-tours-from-civitavecchia/

That's unfortunate. I wonder if you had booked with a private company if it had gone differently.

how far out did shows become available for booking? What time are they? Thanks.

We didn't walk that far.

Sorry to tag onto this post but is it loud by the Hideout Cabanas?

We went to Magens Bay. We followed another cruise critic poster's advice and walked all the way down. It was much quieter. There weren't any chairs there but it was worth it for the peace. Then, we took the cable car. We enjoyed it.

I live in NY and go to 3-4 Broadway shows a year. Our next cruise is on the Symphony of the Seas and I have heard they have an excellent production of Hairspray. Royal's ship on the West Coast is Navigator. It doesn't have a real Broadway style show. Norwegian does but I don't like their port times in Cabo.

Some background about us. We are a fifty something couple who usually sails Royal, NCL, and Celebrity. DH is a meat and potatoes guy. I am a more adventurous food eater. Neither of us have tattoos or are partiers Planning to sail the Mexican Riviera in 2027! The Brilliant Lady is a new ship. Our other option is the Navigator of the Seas which is old but we know we liked Royal. I also like to go in the pool and Royal has more pool space. However, LA can be cool.so maybe the pool isn't important. Thoughts?

So, how was Panorama?

I have flown to PHX airport many times due to family there and there definitely are Arizona and Native American stores there. I have picked up some cactus candy.

George C gave you some great advice- arrive to Barcelona a couple days early, join your roll call. What is different on a Med cruise rather than a Caribbean cruise is that its more port focused with less sea days. Try to enjoy some local cuisine. There are some evenings that you will be tired-just hit the buffet and relax.

I've sailed both lines. What I like about NCL - O'Sheehan's/ Local, the thermal spa, interesting itineraries, NCL allows you to make advance dining reservations with a dining package which Royal hasnt. I love Royal Oasis class ships including the entertainment. Our next cruise is on the Symphony. We will be going to CoCo Cay which has a dock. Great Stirrup Cay does not have a dock. Also, Royal's drink packages work on CoCo Cay whereas Norwegian's doesn't work on Harvest Caye. Bottom line, they both have pros and cons and variety is of the spice of life.

The $250 offered by Royal is not sufficient and pretty cheap on their part.

We have done some great bucket list itineraries with NCL. With their recent frequent itinerary changes, I probably only would book them if I was only interested in the ship and didn't care about the itinerary so much.

We went to Cayo Caribe in February and we found it to be tasty. It's nothing fancy but we enjoyed.

We did the Avocado Guacamole Class a few years ago on Harmony and enjoyed it.

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?