bmetz34

Is Holland House kid friendly for a beach day? Is the beach calm?

Yes. You canT really tell where you are on the beach. The chairs are elbow to elbow and where HH stops, more chairs form another establishment start. We had our three yr old there and my sister had a 5, 7, 9 and 12 yr old there. There weren’t any water toys or anything but it wasn’t an adults only vibe.

we also enjoy holland house hotel and have gone there for the past 2 years, how do you reserve on line, we just showed up and last year could only get 2 chairs, I would love to reserve ahead of time

We also enjoyed Holland House. We were there the end of January this year. We took the water taxi across for $7 per person. That includes as many trips on the taxi as you want, you get a wristband. When we got off the taxi, we did get approached by multiple people offering beach chairs, but told them we were headed to Holland House and they backed off. I believe it was $20 or $25 for 2 chairs, and umbrella, 4 drinks (water, soda, beer) and showers. We got the last front row chairs when we got there. When I contacted Holland House ahead of time, they said no reservations, just walk up the beach and the beach attendants would help you. The food was expensive so we just waited to eat until we got back to the ship. We didn't use the showers so I can't speak to them. There were vendors up and down the beach (frequent but not intrusive), and the beach chairs were all side by side very close together. But it was a fine beach day and the water was nice, though there is a bit of a drop if you have any knee or hip issues. The water was nice though not crystal clear like some other beaches in the Caribbean.

Friends of our took a tour of the island and said the damage was obvious and sad. I'm kind of glad we just stayed at the beach. Said friends ended up at I believe orient beach and were surprised it was fully nude. They brought their parents and were telling fun stories the rest of the trip about that surprise!

Yay!! Just saw ships are returning! We would love to see the island and support local business by doing a horseback ride in Dominica. Has anyone used Rainforest Riding?

We went there last week. We didn't pre book just took a taxi,off the ship. The beach was beautiful. Bring some $$ for food and drinks.

The taxi area was a bit chaotic but taxi took about 11 of us right to the beach and we arranged a time for him to come back for us. $5 each way.

 

 

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Thanks! How many ships were in port and was it busy? We’re there chairs in the front row still open? Did you do snorkeling or any other tours from the beach?

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I'm pretty sure we'll (me and 4yo) will do Harbour Lights in Barbados. Is there any benefit to booking ahead as opposed to just taking a taxi there and paying as we go? The only thing I can think is maybe getting a better lounge chair. I'd like front row if possible bc kiddo will be in the water the whole time and it'll be easier to sit and watch her. Thinking of booking one chair/umbrella/ turtle combo and one turtle only, since we only need one chair for the 2 of us. I'm seeing taxi is $5 per person each way. Anything else I should account for for a relaxing day at the beach? Also, we are the only cruise ship in port that day (end of May), think it'll be crowded?

We got back a little over a week ago from an 8 day on the carnival conquest. I stuck to my keto diet the first 5 days and then fell off. Came home 8lbs heavier despite stairs. I retain water like crazy. Now 9 days after getting home I am less than pre cruise weight, so aside from a cold, I’m feeling pretty good with my loss!

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I was all set to book though viator to get to Pirates Cove either for the beach break OR the sea turtle snorkel, however they won't let me because it's myself (adult) and one child. Same price for each so I don't know why they need a 2 adult minimum. I even called and they said I can pay for a second adult to be able to book, but that's my only option.

Has anyone gone there on their own? I've seen mixed info on if it is actually walking distance. I'll have a 4 yr old so we probably won't be walking miles in the heat. Better to take a taxi? Anyone know price on that?

This seems like the cheaper option and I'd love to see the turtles, but I may just go with a Hilton Day pass if it's going to be a big hassle to get there. Thanks!

I just booked with COSOL tours for May 31! Couple questions...

 

should we bring towels or is there time to air dry before getting back in the bus? I'll be the only adult and I remember dragging heavy carnival towels last time was rough. Bring towels. It is a one way boat ride either to or from the snorkeling. you won't know if you are on the bus before or after so better to have a towel. Also, there are limited chairs at the beach so you can sit on your towel.

 

Water shoes? Or are Teva type sandals fine? For the beach, either is fine. It is mostly sand but there are coral rocks.

 

We have our own snorkel gear, but will we need flotation type vests to do snorkeling between the pitons? Taking the 4yr old snorkeling for the first time and I don't want to be worrying about staying afloat while assisting her. Could just stay in shallow water I suppose. Vests are not required but I don't recall if rentals are available.

 

Are there any breakfast meats at the breakfast stop? One in our group is gluten free and was wondering about protein availability. If not, we'll just bring some packs of peanuts and protein bars to get through the day Foods were mostly fried or breaded. There were a couple of meats (chicken, sausage). It is more of a snack to sample small portions of various local foods. Water, soda and beer were available throughout the trip.

 

Hope this helps!

Thank you! That's great information!

I just booked with COSOL tours for May 31! Couple questions...

should we bring towels or is there time to air dry before getting back in the bus? I'll be the only adult and I remember dragging heavy carnival towels last time was rough.

Water shoes? Or are Teva type sandals fine?

We have our own snorkel gear, but will we need flotation type vests to do snorkeling between the pitons? Taking the 4yr old snorkeling for the first time and I don't want to be worrying about staying afloat while assisting her. Could just stay in shallow water I suppose.

Are there any breakfast meats at the breakfast stop? One in our group is gluten free and was wondering about protein availability. If not, we'll just bring some packs of peanuts and protein bars to get through the day

I see your reasoning for sure....but...hmmm.....I probably would have gone for it on an 8 day, especially if from a balcony to a GS!! Have a GREAT cruise!!

We are in an ocean suite already this time. Balcony to gs I probably would have done!

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I got the call a few minutes ago! Upsell an ocean suite to a grand suite on the Conquest this Saturday for $500 for an 8 day cruise. We ended up passing. Last August we took the offer to go from balcony to grand suite and loved it. But that was $400 and a splurge. This time, we’re already in an ocean suite and the extra 60 square feet and bidet aren’t worth $500 to us. I was under the impression the cruise was sold out, but looks like there’s some shuffling going on! Had it been the captains suite I might have bitten!

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I’ve been mentally preparing for our cruise in 2 weeks to stay keto. I know it’s entirely possible to do. It’ll be up to me and my will power to avoid the carbs. It’s not so much weight gain as health that I need to stay on keto for. When I go off, I get headaches and irritable and my chronic hives can flare and I usually end up sick. I want to enjoy the trip without being tired the whole time. But I’m the only one in a group of 11 eating low carb and I find it hard without a buddy for support. I appreciate any tips or advice or encouragement!!

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Super comfy. I ended up there with our toddler a few times.

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We do twice daily. It’s nice to come back to a tidy room and we usually have a tray in there etc and need more ice. We re use towels no problem. But we have the couch turned into a bed in the evening and back to a couch in the morning so we can use the most space. We were encouraged to do once a day and started there, but then left a note to up it to twice a day the next day which was done no problem. Later this month we’ll plan for twice a day.

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I did the early morning stretch one day when I woke up earlier than every one else. It was ok. Three other ppl. I wore my sweats and tank top that I'd worn to bed. I was hoping it'd be in an open area with a view of the water but it was in a small closed room. The movement of the boat was still throwing me off a bit so i didn't love the feeling of trying to be still and balance.

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They had snorkel equipment to use. There were some fish but not a ton to see

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We looooved our day at the Hilton. It was an easy walk. A small beach but not tiny. Just gentle ripples, no big waves. The water was even more clear than half moon cay which is saying a lot.

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Does anyone know if they have a church? My sister is looking to renew her 25th anniversary wedding vows .

We did see a little chapel. There was also a wedding way down on the beach taking place.

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Freeport;

I'd seen a bunch of reviews leading up to this that just said to stay on the boat. I thought that must be an exaggeration and booked the Carnival Beach day. There were various options, family, lunch included, all inclusive etc. We were bussed to the beach about 30 minutes away on a double decker bus. Driving through Freeport, the guide talked about how it was basically wiped out by hurricanes in 2004. No one has rebuilt by the looks of it. A lot of businesses took the insurance money and left. It looked like the hurricanes rolled through 2 months ago. We got to the beach area and it was decent. But we were spoiled by the 2 prior beaches. Seas were rough so they weren't renting out any equipment. People were walking up and down the beach selling jetskis and banana boat rides by the middle of the day. Lunch was lacking for us. We don't eat seafood though, so it might have been fine for those who do. There was a kids play area that was staffed. I stuck close by not knowing how they could watch all the kids at once. My daughter did wander out and came to me on the hammocks near by. I don't know if the saw her go or not. I wouldn't go again and I'd probably stay on the ship. Unless there was some other fun excursion I found. But we were pretty limited having a 3 yr old with us.

Nassau:

We did a day pass at the British Hilton Colonial. It was a great little beach, pretty quiet, and a nice pool too. There were a couple showers this day and we ended up heading back to the ship shortly after lunch. The day pass came with $40 worth of food/drink, which covered a burger and 1 drink. There were a few non motorized water sports to try, snorkel gear available. The hotel itself was beautiful from the lobby. I would go back again for a relaxing beach day. Extremely clear water which I was surprised about so close to the cruise ships. Even more clear than HMC. It was about a 10 minute walk from the pier. We were asked by plenty of street vendors to shop but no one was harassing when we said no thanks. It didn't feel unsafe to walk to the hotel.

Ports:

Half Moon Cay-

Amazing, magical, the best beach I've ever been to! The sand was soft and white and the water so clear. We had a cabana. We could have enjoyed the beach without it, but it made it that much more special. The snacks were sufficient that I didn't even go to the lunch. DH and DD went and said it was average. We saw the eclipse at the beach so that was a cool bonus. Cabanas had been sold out so we went to guest services to be put on the wait list. We were 2nd on the wait list and an excursion ticket just showed up under the door on our first sea day! We were assigned cabana 13, which was perfect. Not far from bathrooms and down the beach away from the crowds. Came with snorkel gear and floats for the water as well. I was very sad to leave this perfect spot to head back to the beach. We did also try 25min beach massages but were underwhelmed. They were pricey and it wasn't super enjoyable with sand all over you.

Has anyone got a massage on half moon cay? Is it still through carnival?

Yes, last week. It's the same spa employees from the ship. They charge your sail and sign card. It was ok. It wasn't open air to the ocean but you could hear seagulls. It was a little warm despite the air conditioner. And was more like an exfoliating scrub between the sand and stickiness!

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Even with FTTF/suite you still have to choose a check-in time, correct? I sail on Wednesday, but the earliest check-in slot was 11:30. Friends are in a Penthouse Suite and are wondering if we can arrive earlier and board?

 

 

 

You've sailed before, right? Every cruiseline I've sailed (next week is cruise #33) adds a gratuity to drinks. Also added to steakhouse, chef's table, other added-fee restaurants. I know Ecstasy doesn't have other dining options (other than Chef's Table), but if you've sailed before, you should know that 15% is added to all drinks.

 

 

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1123

 

 

 

"For your information, tipping applies regardless of the dining options selected, such as eating at the casual dining restaurant or open seating dining.

 

 

 

For beverage purchases, an automatic 15% gratuity will be added to the bill and the charges will be applied directly to the guest's Sail & Sign account. An automatic 15% gratuity will be added to the cover charge of the Chef’s Table and the charges will be applied directly to the guest’s Sail & Sign account. Room Service staff may be tipped as service is rendered."

 

 

 

I'm always rather surprised that people seem to only rely on Cruise Critic or groups/threads on social media for their info but don't seem to go to the source for details.

 

 

 

Prepaying "tips" is only the standard daily charge, which covers housekeeping and waitstaff and behind-the-scene workers. That subject has been beaten to death on the boards.

 

 

 

Of course it isn't obligatory, but it is customary to also tip for the delivery of room service. I don't use it often, but keep a stash of $1 bills handy just in case.

 

 

 

Moving on, I'd like to hear about the ports. We're calling at Princess Cays and I haven't found any feedback since Carnival has started calling there.

Sometimes I wonder if people realize how condescending they come off. I'm sharing my experience. Obviously you know more than me. I'm sharing what I didn't know in case there's another lonely soul out there who might make the same mistake as me. There's no need to quote websites to me, I obviously know now! This is a review for others who can take what they will it wasn't intended as an all knowing guide to cruising. I have nothing to say about princess cays as we didn't cruise there. Might want to unfollow.

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Happy belated anniversary! Thank you for your review. My DH and I will celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary in November on the ecstasy.

Congratulations! Make sure they know on your reservation that it's your anniversary. They sang to us one night at dinner and gave us a cake. We also had a $50 "gift card" dropped off from our room steward to use in the spa, but we couldn't use it with any of the specials and it was non transferable so we ended up not using it. I think we could have used it towards products.

Camp Ocean:

We loved Camp Ocean! We didn't use it every day. And when we used it, it was usually just an hour or two at a time so we could go to a show. DD is pretty out going and social, so I guessed she'd like it but didn't bet on it. We were assigned a phone for the whole trip and they just changed out the battery when it got low. The counselors seemed to genuinely like kids. They were always involved and they always had activities going on. There was arts and crafts, face painting, counting, puzzles, free play time, movies, a dance party the last night. Every time a kid came in, they were checked in, no adults allowed back but you could see in to the room. They got a name tag and taken to wash their hands. Parents were encouraged to come back at any time to check on kids or to call on the phone if they wanted to check in. The last night, the kids got a penguin bag with a couple souvenirs. Really happy with Camp Ocean!