KarlK

Exactly. We are among those that do not pre pay any gratuities and have them removed. We tip directly who we see fit. We also do not use the MDR. We are on vacation so I only pack shorts and it takes too long. We buffet all the way. Did MDR only our first cruise of the 4 we have done and have never done specialty sit down restaurant due to cost.

Have always wanted to do Halifax, Fortress Louisburg, Maine etc. cruise. I wish they were available in other times of the year. My job restricts any vacation time July-Nov. It is on my bucket list someday. For now, a winter cruise every couple year in the C aribbean is working 🙂

We always seem to cruise in a group of 7-10 folks. I think among our group ages 19-65 only 4 have passports. We only cruise the Caribbean, so that works. Those 4 never brings theirs on shore (I am told by them). It might be a good idea if you are on a Euro cruise I imagine.

Towels are pretty light weight. I have never seen one too heavy to move off a lounge chair before. I have no issue in finding a chair and moving a towel.

I find it totally acceptable. Then again, I am a 99 cent Gas Station coffee swiller.

We just booked a cruise for March of 2025, it will be our 4th. We try to cruise every 3-4 years if financially viable. We did take time away from cruising for 8 years, feeling a child under 8 does not benefit from a cruise that much. We often (atleast in Belize and Roatan) try to visit both a local grocery store, local neighborhood, local school and even visited an orphanage on Roatan. A visit to a local zoo or recognized natural Park is also educational. I know my kids loved wandering Cozumels undeveloped side of the island as well, crashing waves, rock formations, little critters all new to them. As young teenagers now, they still learn stuff. Basically, we tend to make the trip educational for the kiddos and not just waterslides and beaches

I think I have a stop at Costa Maya nailed down to one of these two. I imagine pressure from "Beach vendors" is the same. Both are same area, both have food recommendations. Any words, warnings or opinions from this crowd?

In my young 60s, retirement not in view. I wish it was, very tired and sore, still doing physical work. I am able to swing enough time and money for a cruise every 2-3 years. Would love to be done by 70. Good news, cruise coming up March of 2025, less than a year!

So true, the windjammer is so crazy on embarkation. We eat a huge brunch enroute to the port, that we can get on board and relax without food being any priority. Sail away is a great time to explore the ship staying inside and away from the crowds up top.

There are things I should bring and don't, and things I do bring. I don't bring a tie and I don't even bring a long pair of pants. It is shorts, it is winter and I am on vacation down south. I have a few times only brought sandals. One serious thing I have forgotten on 3 of my 4 cruises are sunglasses, just never wear them at home, but find they help in the Caribbean. Now, as for essential AND fun, I need books, one won't do. Gotta be paper not on a screen. So 2 books are lugged around and get read several times a day. Oh, and I always bring my appetite. I don't own a phone and would not even consider hauling my laptop along, it is one of the things I need a vacation from.

Does the Wet Lizard still provide various tours these days? Has anyone taken one and have a review?

Who have folks used to tour the local brewery? Years ago I simply booked through the Wet Lizard.

Wife and I do not have any phone, except for the old landline in the house. It has never been an issue cruising for us.

exactly! I remove then pay cash to whom I see fit though out the cruise. Some receiving only after the week. I rarely use MDR so daily tipping there is a waste. Some cruises I drink, others I do not, so bartenders may or may not receive. Plus I have had some bad room keep in the past, VERY rare, but it has happened. I like having the control who gets my hard earned money

Do people actually cruise for the food? I will admit, I am a pizza in the windjammer over MDR kinda guy. I hit great foods while in port, a true goal of mine, be it stewed cows foot in the Caymans, gibnut in Belize, Mexican seafood off the boats in Ensenada. Mass knocking out meals on a boat cannot compare to a land based restaurant. Even back in the day when I would go to the MDR, I would not say the steak or lobster was prepared spectacular. Is what it is, never horrible, but fine dining in this day an age of more people on board means more money is past history.