4 rookies

We did the prepaid gratuities...just checking what else is typically done for tips?

Thank you all so much for all the information! I am a person who likes to be organized but never cruising before makes me feel a little like a fish out of water! I am sure we will have a good time...thanks again!

Hello, we will be going on our first cruise this weekend...just a 4 day to Nassau, Cococay, and Key West, just to see how we like it! My husband and 2 young adult children will be with me. We are wondering how much cash people recommend bringing? Also, if we try to bring our own bottled water would this be better to put in a carry on bag or a checked bag onto the ship? Has anyone used Book a Tour Caribbean for a day pass in Nassau to the Breezes? or Resort for a Day? I recently read where someone had a long wait/tickets to get off the ship for a tender so I didn't know if that was an issue for Cococay? We hope to enjoy as much of the day in the ports/beaches as possible. Suggestions for best snorkeling between the 3 ports? Also, any need for water shoes due to rocky beaches or are they pretty smooth?

Thanks for the information! Still debating between Melia Beach Resort, British Colonial Hilton, Blue Lagoon Island, or Rainbow Reef snorkeling in Nassau, but they all sound great! Also checking into dolphin/snorkel cruises in Key West, but will definitely take time to tour downtown and see the architecture, etc. Thanks again!

We are going on our first cruise in 6 weeks..4 day RC to Nassau, CocoCay and Key West.

My questions include...any recent recommendations for spending the Nassau day at the Melia Beach resort vs going to Blue Lagoon Island? I couldn't find prices for non-motorized water activities at Blue Lagoon, but both look beautiful! We have 2 adults and 2 older teenagers and we LOVE beaches. I called the Melia and was told non-motorized water activities included in $35 fee, but I worry about getting our own transportation.

If we snorkel at Coco Cay, does everyone just snorkel off the beach, or is there a good excursion recommended? Are there seashells to be found? Should we bring our own volleyball for the beach?

When will on-ship entertainment be posted? We have the flex dining, but didn't know when to book dinner since I couldn't find the show times posted. We will probably avoid comedians since we have teenagers and don't want any off color humor...

Is the beach in Key West in walking distance from the dock and is the bike tour fun for all ages?

Are water bottles available on the ship to bring with us on excursions? Can we pack water bottles? What about packaged granola bars, etc or should we bring them?

Any other suggestions welcome...I have gotten tons of great info on TripAdvisor over the years for which I am really grateful!