MamaParrotHead

We were arriving in Isla Roatan on August 14 and I took this sunrise shot. I didn't see the 'image' until after I uploaded it to my computer.

 

 

Can you see it?

whale tail! lol that's awesome!

Gorgeous pics! That last one, you were staying at the Marriott Biscayne Bay, weren't you? Our pics are almost identical to yours but i think we were up a few floors (21st floor).

 

Yup. We were on the top floor, whichever that was, the very end room. It was awesome. My DD spied a MANATEE from our balcony that morning from up there in the little harbor below. It was really cool.

found more sunrise pics.

 

This one is out the window of our hotel the morning we were getting on the ship. It's OUR ship, coming in to port.

 

 

The line up from this past 2011 cruise in POM the morning of embarkation as well:

 

I'm so buzzed about being on my long-awaited cruise that I don't sleep in past sunrise. I normally hop into my OV window for a bit, then get dressed for the day, grab my camera and sneak out of the cabin before anyone else gets up to watch the sun rise. It's very peaceful and calm and not a lot of people about.

 

This is my favorite sunrise picture, the sun rising over Coz. To this day, whenever I heard James Taylor's "Mexico" it makes me a bit weepy and nostalgic, it was a special cruising moment for me.

 

 

 

 

Margaritaville is like....MTV's Spring Break special, lol, depending on whether you're into that scene or not. Jack's Shack is fun...still music and a smaller crowd, but lively. I wish that we would have gone straight to Jack's. That's for sure the plan next time.

We've cruised Carnival several times with different ages of kids in our extended group. Without exaggeration, most of the time we're so active and busy, whether it be in port on excursions or on the ship doing activities (including the kids in Camp Carnival), my kids haven't even ever set foot in a pool on either of their 7 day cruises. I wouldn't let the pool thing deter you, although I also wouldn't risk infecting other passengers by taking your non-potty trained kiddo into the pool (diaper or no).

 

The one thing I would say is to look for cruises that have things to do close to the port and those which don't require tendering. It's a pain with a stroller and lugging a carseat to use for taxi rides.

We actually went with Super Shuttle and was quite impressed. Would highly recommend them and we'd definately use them again.

Is it hot on HMC all the time? I enjoy the sun but I don't want to be scorched either. Our cruise is in late April. Do you think it will still be worthwhile to reserve a cabana or is the sun tolerable at that time?

 

We've cruise twice late April/early May and both times it's been pretty dang hot.

I'd sail the same ships rather than pay the $1200 per trip for my family's airfare. Trade ya. ;)

Thanks for posting the above web site. It was informative and very helpful.

 

Can anyone tell me which site would be considered Blue Bay Resort? Or which site it would be closest to?

http://www.vipshuttleservices.com/vehicle/browse.cfm?CFID=29163284&CFTOKEN=48244471

 

I just stumbled upon them after Googling Miami Van shuttle. Then someone on another thread I put asking about any van services referred me to this place out of FLL. I called the guy and he actually referred me to VIP.

 

I called. $100 (including tip) for up to 15 people and baggage. Not sure what it'd be for smaller groups.

They're offering an AWESOME deal on a 14 pax van but I'm only comfortable booking if I get some feedback on them first.

If you're handy try making them on your computer. I bought shirts at AC Moore for $5 and a pack of iron-on transfers. Much cheaper than the ones Carnival advertises that cost me $33 three years ago.

 

The few times I've attempted an iron-on project, I've had a heck of a time. First trying to get the thing ON (it would NOT stick, and then when it did stick, only part of it stuck and ripped so there was only a part of the transfer on the shirt, so I had to start all over with a new shirt) and then after a few washes, the transfer bubbled/peeled and came off the shirt in pieces. Is there a particular brand you use?

I bought two loose stones (my kids' birthstones) to be put into a "mother's ring" for myself when I returned home.

I did ours at customink.com. They're layout is really user-friendly (lots of graphics and clip art on that site, so you don't have to go hunt for it yourself. Lots of fonts and print color to choose from), plus their artists will tweak your design a bit if need be, to make your shirts turn out great. High quality shirts also, quick turn-around time and shipping.

 

I did a pirate flag on the front, with our group name and sailing date, ship name.

 

 

Then a treasure map on the back marked with our ports.

 

Curious about bringing an inflatable mat (that I can get at Kmart on clearance for probably about a buck), packing it, inflating it on the beach and then deflating it and pitching it before coming home. There aren't "beach toy patrols" out and about, are there? LOL

I'm having flashbacks of our coffee flavored tequila that we tried to "wrap carefully" to stow in our suitcase for the trip home. And ended up with a suitcase full of coffee flavored tequila soaked clothing and shards of glass. :eek: And that was the small bottle. Hoping you're driving, LOL. Reminds me of all those people who buy those gigantic sombreros in Mexico and don't think of how they're going to get it home...if I had a buck for every sheepish looking, 10 gallon sombrero wearing guy on my flights out of Miami, LOL.

I've never seen any at the port terminal either.

My husband has to sleep with a fan going, so we have a special one that we have for travelling. I actually found it from a post here on CC, it's called "O2 Cool" or something. Really thin and light, great for packing. And an extension cord (anything over 6 feet).

 

We have always had rooms in the 2390-2424 vacinity, and haven't ever heard a peep. I don't know if it's under a cooler or what, but there weren't pots and pans clanging or anything.

Just wondering if it's a no-no before I go getting my kids excited about getting a seashell from somewhere OTHER than a gift shop, LOL.

Uh OH! Have a made a booboo? Do I need to change our date? We have several first timers and I dont want to miss anything "memorable"? :eek:

 

I don't know that it's necessarily "memorable" to everyone, but to us it is (for the reasons mentioned above). Whether or not you want to change is up to you. For us, the last night of the cruise is kind of a downer and a time to just get things handled in preparation for the next day. And when we went (we were a party of 10) it took us a good 3 hours to eat. Depending on the size of your group, be prepared that it may take that long when it comes to getting your luggage out and such, and keeping the kids entertained for that long of a period of time.

Agreed that I have read some great reviews and am excited. There are 9 in our group including a 10 year old and 15 month old. Both very well behaved.

 

Question...was told to make sure we didnt book the steakhouse on the "formal" nights because they serve better food in the MDR and we would not want to miss it. Is this true? I have us going the last night of our cruise as a final to the week.

 

Thoughts?

 

I personally enjoy the last night of the cruise in the dining room. The "Leaving Our Funship" song is a tradition (even though it makes me weepy every time) and I enjoy spending one last evening with our wait staff (whom we've usually gotten to know pretty well by that point) and the opportunity to tip them (in addition to autotips, ;)) after dinner and wish them well.

YES it is worth the price. Oh my dear lord yes. :D

Komang, our head water from Indonesia, on our Glory sailing. Remembered our names, always had a smile, loved to chit chat at the end of dinner when he had time, asked what we had done/were planning to do in ports, really enjoyed the kids. He was the best Carnival crew we've had on any of our cruises thus far.

I can't see the youtube videos, it says, "this video is private!". :confused: