KBS1607

We really liked the ABC islands. Bonaire snorkeling was the best I’ve ever done. 

I would second the advice to join activities. I met people by playing trivia. 

We just did an Alaska land/sea trip with Princess and the moving to each different hotel was indeed irritating.

Also agree with GUT that my health isn’t the best and I can rest if need be.

In Cozumel, you might try Nachi Cocom. We have been there twice and it is fabulous. :)

 

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

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This looks so nice!

That's really an unfortunate experience. We have done both private, and ship excursions. I'm partial to the ship tours and here's why. In Naples we were on a private tour, we got stuck in a terrible traffic jam, and barely made it back in time before the ship left. Then in Greece, our tour guide kept talking about the horrible political situations, and disappeared for quite a while as we waited in the van for her to return. In Egypt our driver almost hit a pregnant woman, and people began to shout and scream at us. It was quite frightening. Our excursion in Istanbul was ship sponsored, however, our guide didn't realize that we were delayed because the entrance ticket machine got jammed up, and left without us. We tried to reach our group, but just couldn't catch up with them. On our Caribbean Cruise, all our excursions were thru the ship, and I was much more relaxed knowing the ship would wait for us, no matter what the delay was. I must add that on all the private excursions, we meet some extremely nice fellow cruisers as we were planning the tours on the Roll Call boards. I guess it's whatever experiences you've had concerning excursions that determines your preference.

I made my DH do a private tour in Alaska and we ended up running so late, he couldn’t enjoy the float plane at all. I just won’t make him that uncomfortable again.

Which ship, and what did you like about it?

We were on the Crown Princess. The ship was a nice size, there was free Zumba every sea day, the International Cafe was great too.

It was our second time on the Crown.

We did the ABC 8 day cruise on Princess last Thanksgiving. We loved it. Snorkel in Bonaire; it’s the most beautiful and colorful fish I’ve ever seen snorkeling.

Speaking of the last night lines, my daughter had a problem with her luggage and we were stuck in that line from hell.

We decided it could have been entertaining if we hadn’t been stressed. We didn’t hear anyone removing DSC but a lot of people with questions and some arguing.

Welcome to Cruise Critic! I’ve found a lot of great advice over the years and have saved money because of it.

Let us know when you book. I think we like to travel vicariously!

We just cruised Alaska on the Coral and had that new bed. It was comfortable!!

I’ve had the uncovered mini-suite balcony and it almost unusable on our Panama Canal cruise. And it made the room hot.

It is very touristy but in Skagway, we did the Days of ‘98 show about Soapy Smith. It was kitschy and fun. Hot, though as it was during our whole cruise.

We also booked in April of this year for our July cruise. Our TA was shocked as I usually plan early.

Also, at least in July, every port had lots of tours that you could book right then.

Have a great cruise! Your daughter is a good age for her first cruise. Mine loved the kids’/teen clubs until she aged out.

Great review! I am curious about a really big ship but I’m not sure we would like it.

We’re doing the Regal Princess next year, so that will be a change.

Thank you for your review! It was very balanced.

My husband and I just got off the Coral on August 1. Several times we asked each other where everyone was. The ship never seemed crowded.

I do Zumba on Princess too, it's a big draw for me that I can Zumba on sea days on Princess. I'm trying to get DH to go with me on the Zumba Cruise, though I might just go alone if he won't go. It's the first time it coincides with my college's spring break.

My Alaska cruise on the Coral was a disappointment re: Zumba and me. I missed one due to a spa appointment then it was offered at an inconvenient time. I ended up not making it to a class.

Congratulations! That is great.

Thank you for the review! Glad you enjoyed yourselves.

Even though it is very sad when the cruise comes to an end, and although it may have been a fabulous cruise, we are still ALWAYS missing our pets and cannot wait to go home to them. I know, a little weird, but that is how we feel.

We miss our pets, also. After our recent Alaska cruise, I had to immediately get on another plane to go to my daughter’s wedding shower. I really miss my cats and dogs.

On our recent Caribbean cruise, the ship ran out of change. We weren’t able to get one dollar bills.

We’re taking a lot to Alaska.

Thank you. I hated to ask multiple places but I will.

I also asked on my Roll Call but was hoping more people would see it here.

We leave Thursday and have not received any sort of detailed itinerary yet. I plan on calling my TA tomorrow but everything seems vague.

Thanks!

Thank you for this comparison!

I’m booked and already excited! We’re doing the 11 day Regal Princess itinerary out of Copenhagen on August 6th.

I missed the 13 day Serenade one in my search but my son-in-law has limited vacation days and he’s going to be using them all as it is.

We had this itinerary booked in 2007 and had to cancel due to family illness.