afcruiser

I prefer St Pete Bch over Clearwater Bch as it seems less crowded. From Tampa to SPB it's a straight shot on I-275 over the Howard Franklin Bridge from Tampa into St.Pete and then about 14 mi to the Pinellas Bayway exit to the beach.

 

We have stayed several times at the Alden All Suites. Nice hotel, good rates, and all suite rooms. www.aldenbeachresort.com

 

For a more Mom & Pop type hotel, The Keystone is at the end of the beach on Pass-a-grille Beach. It has beach on one side and is a block from the bay on the other. The bayside offers great fishing and charters. There are a few restaurants, bars and a more artsy feel to this end of the beach. This end of the beach has more Mom & Pop style hotels and B&Bs over the larger ones.

http://www.keystonemotel.com/

 

 

 

From this area, you are only a few miles to Ft.Desoto Park and Beach. There are two fishing piers, kayak, canoe and bike rentals plus the beach with clamshell and beach toys rentals as well.

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

 

 

 

Good luck

 

Thanks,

St Pete's it will be.

I have info on Hotels to include the one's you just listed. We haven't booked anything but that's part of the fun. Have the Expedia app on phone. Hopefully no trouble finding a room.

You've helped us before and Thanks again.

 

:)

OMG. Where has the time gone??

We plan on a 2 day post cruise stay and have looked into the St Pete area. Looking at a map Clearwater is a straight shot over.

We are winging it and haven't booked anything yet.

Any recommendations will be appreciated. Just lookin for a smaller hotel on the beach to relax and unwind. Will have a rental car.

Might do some fishing. Hoping for nice warm weather. It's snowing here today. BBRRRR.:eek:

Thanks for any info.:p

For our January 6-11 cruise on the Carnival Paradise I went ahead and booked Nachi Cocum for the day since it sounded perfect for us. We want to try parasailing on this cruise. Does anyone know if they for sure offer it and how much it costs? I'm not sure if we should do it there or try to do it in Grand Cayman. Any advice is appreciated.

Hubby and I will be at Nachi on Halloween.:p

We plan on parasailing, if weather is good. Haven't booked parasailing. We did book Nachi.

Will post when we return and let you know.

A question for those who have taken a recent cruise.

 

On formal nights were there military wearing mess dress, mini-medals w/tux or ribbons on suits? Very many?

 

I will for sure wear my mess dress on the Princess Veterans Cruise in November but wondering if I should on our 11-day cruise to Hawaii in Sep/Oct. or stick with the tux option.

Yes, wear it and wear it proud.

My SO wore his on a cruise for formal night. We were recognized the rest of the cruise. Really made him proud. He's 22 years retired Air Force.

The next night was my 40th B-Day and he proposed on stage. What an outpouring of gratitude we received.

Unfortunately he can no longer fit into his Mess Dress.

It's either my cookin or to many cruises.:p

I love seeing Military in uniform.

Happy Cruising.

And Thank You for your service.;)

Keep us posted as we're in the planning stages as well. We'll most likely just rent a car but renting one way is more than just keeping the car while were cruising. We're flying into Orlando 2 days prior and staying 3 days post cruise near Tampa.

Norma, your Meet and Greet party is my B-Day. Might check out that cruise as well. Who says I can't buy me a cruise for my B-Day right?:p

Love to cruise.

Mary

OP- Loved, Loved Loved your review. We sail in April and your post is just what I needed. :p

Love the food pic's and the one of your cabin. I could find our balcony and was wondering about the life boats. Not a problem.

Thanks again for the great review and Pic's.

Glad to hear you had a great cruise.

Keep cruising with a positve attitude.:p

We'll be in Progreso the end of April. Plan on doing the double decker bus and then hit Buddy's. Next trip we'll head to the ruins, then to Merida the next. Something different every time. I cruise for toe's in the sand and a cold DOD. Sure beats a day at work.:p

Haven't cruised enough to stay on the boat for a tour. We're helping the locals expand by spending our hard earned money at their local establishments. All ports of call had to start somewhere. :p

Happy Sails