snowdogsmm

On 4/21/2024 at 12:29 PM, Jamman54 said:

We normally do an all inclusive at the Barcelo Aruba,  but since we have Cheers and the Havana area, we'll just take the trolley around the port area and head back to the ship. 😎

Who do you book your day pass through?  I didn't see that as an option directly with the resort.

Stone Island in Mazatlan is a great choice for a do-it-yourself excursion.  There is a water taxi right next to the cruise terminal that they would take.  It is a 3-5 minute water taxi ride then they can either walk down the beach or take a Pulmonia (Mazatlan's version of an open air taxi) to a specific location.  Our favorite is Lety's.  They will set you up with loungers,  umbrellas at no charge (just the cost of your food & beverages)  The ocean there is very mild so it's the best place to swim in the ocean.  We go to Mazatlan almost every year and Stone Island and Lety's is always on the agenda for us.

13 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

Emmanuel came to hang with us

I like the shorts that look  like they're made out of an old school bandana!

On 2/7/2024 at 4:11 PM, Saint Greg said:

For those that want to get deeper into the brewery check out my blog from the brewery tour on celebration. Same brewmaster. Mike is the top guy at Carnival now.

 

https://www.saintgregtravel.com/celebration-pig-anchor-brewery-tour/
 

 

We toured with him on the Horizon and enjoyed it.  He was fun and very informative.

On 2/3/2024 at 3:31 PM, Saint Greg said:

Comedians tonight are Cee-Jay Jones who is good and Tommy Drake who I haven’t seen. I do expect Jimmy Kimmel’s sister Jill to join at our first port stop and Doug Williams at our last port. There are probably one or two others I don’t know about.

 

Jimmy Kimmel's sister is a stand-up comedian?  Is she any good?

2 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

moved down to circa for the last couple nights. I’m so impressed. It’s my buddy’s 40th. They had a handwritten card waiting, checked me in at noon with no early fee (like you find all over the strip), waived resort fees, and gave us free drink vouchers and some freeplay. Top notch. 
 

 

Haven't stayed there but had a ton of fun in their casino...and how about the size of the bar on the edge of the casino.  There must be 100 seats.

1 hour ago, TxTeach79 said:

 

Got anything in mind location/food wise? 

We're staying at Delano (Mandalay) so south-mid-strip although we can Uber wherever.  Love good/authentic Italian.  Seafood, or good pub food too.

5 hours ago, TxTeach79 said:

Two work days til I head to Vegas for my buddy’s 40th trip. Gotta push through. Africa map quiz tomorrow, so that’ll be an easier day. This is the big one, a block day with an ARD and only one short break. Time to McCaffeinate. 
 

Headed to LV right after you.  Interested in trying "new to me" restaurants so if you come across anything worth sharing please post.  Thanks.

On 1/17/2024 at 5:04 PM, TxTeach79 said:

 

Horizon is great. It's exactly as you described it. I'm definitely doing one of those two, but leaning Jubilee just because of the convenience, value, and loving excel class. Still want to get to Bonaire someday. Aruba and Curacao are two of the best. 

Bonaire is my fav!  Doing the ABC's on Horizon again in 2025.

yep it's open.  We took our swim suits and changed in the restrooms in the Havana area and hung out by the pool until cabins were ready.  Best way to start a cruise in my opinion.

for me the answer is always Havana! (Vista Class Havana)

On 4/7/2023 at 5:43 PM, Saint Greg said:

Either that guy is a giant or those are the smallest bowling balls I’ve ever seen….or both.

Duck bowling is a lot of fun!

On 4/5/2023 at 11:20 AM, bobmacliberty said:

 

That's a big trade off.  On the one hand, you're accomplishing something that most golfers go their entire lives without doing...a hole in one. On the other hand, you'd be buying drinks for the clubhouse...a potentially very expensive proposition!  Who am I kidding...a hole in one is worth it.  I say that from experience as I was lucky enough (luck is definitely involved) to get one on hole #14 at Old Silo Golf Club in Kentucky, which is now closed.  

 

Bandon looks absolutely spectacular, especially the new Sheep Ranch course with 9 greens on the ocean cliff.  The biggest problem with Bandon is getting there.  Unless you can fly your private jet into one of the smaller, relatively nearby airports, us east coasters have to fly into Portland and then drive 4 hours, or possibly Eugene and drive 2 hours.  

It is totally worth it once you get there.  We are lucky to have Bandon Dunes in our "backyard" and by the time my son was 12 he had played every course there through junior golf!

On 3/22/2023 at 5:24 PM, Cscomedygrl said:

Got back yesterday from a couple weeks in Bonaire for scuba diving. We went in to the port area one day to do some shopping. A Holland America ship was there. Was very busy on the island when we were there. The island has just exploded with people since we were last there in 2019. Out of the 2 weeks there was only 1 day a ship wasn't in port. 

Bonaire is my favorite island.  Would love to do a land vacation there someday.

On 2/19/2023 at 10:09 AM, Saint Greg said:

For future things like I said news on the rest of this year will wait until the football schedule comes out in May. 
 

Make sure you’re subscribed to this thread with notifications turned on for that news.

 

Next year I have three cruises in the first four months. That includes Jubilee, Spirit, and Horizon. All three ships are new to me. One new home port for me (Mobile) and four new ports for me (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Bimini). 

 

If anyone has tips or suggestions for any of those ports, feel free to leave those here because my planning hasn’t really begun for any of them. 

 

I can also say I have my first balcony room booked on a future cruise…but I won’t say which one until we get to it.

was on the Horizon in August and Bonaire is my new favorite island.  We did a snorkel trip on the Sea Cow which was fantastic.  

Did the 8-night Southern on the Horizon in August and loved it.  Aruba and Bonaire were my favorites.  Both are newer/large ships with lots to keep teenagers busy but I would go with the extra day and the southern itinerary.

We had an extended aft on deck 8 and loved it.  Thought next time deck9 would be better because they have a little more shade.  did not have any noise issues.

4 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Good morning from a very sunny and HOT Bonaire. We are heading over to the Plaza Beach Hotel and Dive Resort for an all inclusive day pass. Nice long day here. We don't sail until 10PM. Have a great day everybody! 😎

Bonaire is my favorite.  We had a short day there back in August.  I loved it so much I want to go for a land vacation sometime.

3 hours ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

No way it’s random.  Too bad it’s not more transparent but I’m sure it’s an algorithm based on spend, time in casino, points earned, etc.  We get offers all the time with and without having other cruises already booked.  Slot players tend to get better offers than table players - unless that table player is betting $25-$50 per hand for hours per day.  $10 table bets won’t get you much.  

I disagree- I never play slots and I bet minimum at table games and my bets are always consistent.  My husband plays the majority of the time at the slots but when at the tables does mix up his bets.  He hasn't received any offers but I get them all the time.....and we have only cruised Carnival twice.

We sailed the Horizon in August.  both my husband and I gambled each night.  He won, I lost (not big maybe $400) and I get casino offers all the time.  Free inside cabins, or $1,070 off rate plus $1500 onboard credit and DOU when playing.  Plus all the Australia offers.  We do not have anything else booked so maybe that is it.

56 minutes ago, shdixon said:

I asked about The available times morning vs evening and he kind of just stood there and smiled . So then I asked when is the latest he can come and he still just seem hesitant and smiled. So I just said forget it come when you like lol

We had late morning service on the Horizon and we asked the Steward to put our ice bucket in the fridge and it lasted all day and well into the night.  It was a great solution.

3 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

DH’s precheck didn’t go through. This is the second time Spirit has had an issue with his precheck. 

I had the same issues 2 trips in a row until I realized mine had expired.  Whoops.  They don't send reminders to renew.  At least you can renew online!

How do you get rated at table games?

1 hour ago, Yankeegirl49 said:

If you want to relax I would not suggest Amber Cove even though its easier to get to the pool. I was there in June and it was LOUD. Think Margaritaville with the DJ and everyone partying. Then add the kids running around. There werent many places to "get away". On St Maarten you might have to hop a cab to the beach, but you can then find a quiet spot to just read and relax.

100% agree.  Was at Amber Cove in August and the pool was so crowded and noisy we only stayed an hour or so.  St. Maarten is beautiful with lots of options for a relaxing beach day.

58 minutes ago, ninjacat123 said:

Just booked a Havana Cabana room for Jan 2025!!  I know it's far off but I have a few questions for you Havana people😄.

Does the Havana Bar stay loud till late into the night?

Do you wear a wristband or does security check your Sign and Sail card?

Did you find many children in the Havana pool area?  How young?  Our room says only 12 years and up can stay in our room.

Thanks in advance!!

The bar is busy on the nights they have live music.  Our cabin was on deck 8 and we did not hear any noise from the bar.

Everyone must have a wristband and they monitor the area.  I saw them  send people away everyday.

No one under 12 allowed in the Havana area.  We didn't even see teenagers the week we sailed.  It was the best purchase (vacation-wise) we've spent.  I am spoiled now 🙂  You will have a great trip.