Saddleshoes

Going on the Sunshine on March 4th to Aruba, Curacao and Grand Turk. Would like some tips of excursions we can do on our own. We are seniors and love snorkeling and sight seeing. Which beaches are best and is walking each port on our own a viable option?

Just home from 8 days on Splendor. Had a great time on ports and onboard. Our room steward not as good as one on Sunshine in April, we hardly ever saw him. Our fridge broken and two days later gave us an ice chest not a fixed fridge. Had some room theft from our room and our son next door which is pretty stupid as only certain people have access am going to complain by phone. Son reported it and one of their souvenirs broken and Guest Serviceaughed it off, which is not acceptable. But these are personality matters not fault of ship or itinerary. Food was great as usual.

Thank you Aldofont for the suggestion - will certainly check it out! Thanks for taking the time to post this info for us.!

We too are booked on Splendor in December and our Itinerary says we tender in Belize and Grand Cayman.

This is only our 2nd cruise and first time in Roatan. We are a senior Mom and Dad along with our grown son and his girlfriend. We all like the beach and will bring our own snorkelling gear and are looking for an economical day. All of the excursions on the Western Caribbean cruise we are taking in December on Splendor seem really expensive and times four makes many not doable. We are not into ziplining or extreme sports but would enjoy Mayan ruins tour or the beach. Anyone have any suggestions for us?

Just came back from our first cruise on Sunshine April 16-24 and we loved it! Never smelled any off odors or sewer smell. We were on 6th deck balcony directly over the Fun Shops. Worried because casino on deck 5 below but our room was so quiet. Never even heard our neighbors or their TV! It was exceptional! Our steward Paul was so attentive and in Our Time Dining we asked to be in a certain section because the wait staff there were outstanding (and funny) Ketut, Alejandro and Kim - what a great bunch! Sunshine came in late Saturday into Pt.Canaveral because of a detour to Bahamas because of a medical emergency onboard (staff member) so all passengers waited about 2 hours to board. Talking with others they said this was not usually the case. All passengers, Platinum, Diamond and FFTF all waited together - no advantage this time. However, even in the midst of that, boarding was done efficiently and without chaos. All waited together and bottled water and snacks were provided. We were on board about 2:30 after arriving at l2:30 and they called one deck at a time. Only downer for me was the amount of kids on board (600) as some schools even in mid April were on Spring break. Mainly 8 to l2 year olds (seemingly without parental supervision?) jumping from pool to the two hot tubs and completely monopolizing them. Thank goodness for the Serenity deck and pool! Food was delicious, room service prompt - had it 2 mornings for breakfast to get early port day start. So impressed with the organization on port days etc. Musical shows were well done and performers very talented but music was LOUD! haha. Thoroughly enjoyed our 8 days to Eastern Caribbean and plan to be Carnival cruisers from now on. Can't beat the price compared to other lines in my opinion. Can't think of one negative about our trip even with the delayed boarding and wait. And in attending a talk about Shore Excursions I even won one to St.Maartens on a Catamaran and snorkeling trip on the Golden Eagle - it was wonderful and I checked off #l on my bucket list to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters with tropical fish.:)

Thankyou so much to all who replied to my Newbie questions. Its a big deal for us and rather intimidating taking our first cruise. We have never been big travelers so are nervous and anxious to learn exactly what to do etc. I do appreciate your good wishes and welcome and all the info you all shared!

My husband and I are going on our first cruise in April on Carnival Sunshine to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. How long is the check in procedure? and how is it done? Is it first come first served or do they call you for processing by name or cabin? We will each be bringing only a carry on bag. At St.Maartens and St. Kitts we plan to visit beaches by taxi for the day, renting chairs etc. I am packing a beach bag but bought my husband a new bathing suit with pockets to hopefully put in a plastic bag our boarding card and some cash. Is this how others do it? Am nervous leaving our money and pass in the bag on the beach while we swim. Thank you for your advice.