Kelane

Kelane, you'll have a blast.

 

They monitor your needs pretty closely, but yes, it wouldn't hurt to remind them as you head back that you would like a cab waiting to go back to the ship. I did not think of it till we were almost back, but I was able to hitch a ride back with the family from the other ship.

 

They have neat t-shirts you can get, $10 for tanks and $15 for long sleeve. I'm a sucker for those soovies from sailing trips, love wearing them back at home for a reminder.

 

Another nice thing is the free photos they take and post online. I took a sail/snorkle trip in Bonaire that was first class, they had a professional underwater photographer taking pix of us. However, the CD was $25.

You can check Random Wind pix out on their web site. Nothing fancy, but a fun reminder of your day.

Thanks!

I agree; the only thing better than sporting a great tan in Tennessee in January is rubbing it in with a cool shirt showing just how/where I got that tan! ;)

I liked the idea of pictures of your day posted on their site "for free". Not a fan of folks seeing me in all my wet glory :eek:; but would like the opportunity to have a picture if there is a great one. :)

Thanks again...the cab to/from was a concern of mine; but now I'm good to go!

Random Wind excursion was our best day in the Caribbean. My neighbor, who is very pick about everything, recommended Diane. We could not have been more pleased. They were on time meeting us, Diane, Eli and Trevor were really fun. Lunch was great, mud bath on the beach was awesome, Tarzan swing had everyone laughing and cheering. Most of the folks had been on this boat before, and I think that says something. Repeat customers is always a good sign.

Don't hesitate to book this adventure.

Reporting back..

The trip was excellent, even tho owner Diane was out of town.

 

I was traveling alone this time, and the other passengers were 2 couples who were spending the week in St Martin, and 2 separate family groups from the Disney ship in port with us. 20, which is the max they take.

 

We (adults) initially dreaded seeing the kids on board, but with the exception of a very young toddler who fussed and screamed until she went to sleep, the other kids were quiet and well behaved, and seemed to enjoy the trip. The first mate had made them a special lunch - mac and cheese rather than the adult chicken dish with sides that we had.

 

When we stopped for the swing, the Captain (brain cramp on his name, but he was a wonderful crusty old guy) helped everybody, but I watched, and he was especially caring and fun with the little ones. They all trusted him, and he coaxed the shy ones to try without pushing them. Very safety oriented.

 

We had an over cast day, but it did not spoil the fun, and no doubt kept us from frying in the sun.

 

Do not hesitate to book this. Service all around is first rate, and they did a great job of making everyone feel welcome. I'll book again next time I am there.

 

NOTE: Diane told me to allow 30 minutes for the cab ride, it was a bit less, but it was early, and only 4 ships in port. Upon return, ask them to call you a cab, and it will be waiting at SkipJacks to take you back (you have to tender out a bit to get to Random Wind).

 

They were very conscientious about getting back to port in plenty of time.

 

Enjoy!

EXCELLENT!

A friend told me Random Wind was a "must do" in St. Maarten; so last week I booked with them for next January. (I didn't want them to fill up while I pondered!!!).

Thanks ockelly & EatonDoolittle for the recent reviews. I'm even more excited now!

EatonDoolittle; we should ask them on the sail back to call a taxi for us??

Thanks!

Kelane

Anyone done this recently?

Looking at the Antiguan Crusoe Island Escape (goes to Prickly Pear) thru Celebrity.

Thanks in advance.

We will be there Feb. 13th and tried to book with Calabaza because friends spoke so highly of them. Gina said she was booked but to try Silver Moon because they were very accommodating. She sent other websites too, but since she referred Silver Moon, we went with them.

 

They required 1/2 payment to hold and requested I pay in cash when we go on our excursion. I hope it's as good as Gina said it is.

 

Good Luck,

Gloria

Hi Gloria!

I hope you are still monitoring this board because I have a question.:)

I also tried to book with Calabaza but they were full & recommended Silver Moon.

I'm going to book with them and have an odd question.

Did you fax your CC info them? Not sure about faxing my CC info including security code.

Just curious if you were given another option or did you fax it.

Also...how was it?!

We don't go until next January, but found out right quick that if we don't go ahead and book...we might be left on the dock!

Thanks in advance,

Karen

Do they have hairdryers on the Dream or do i need to pack one. Trying to go light with no checked luggage to avoid airline fees:D

They do.

Bring a couple of rubber bands to hold the switch down or you'll become frustrated with it turning off on you !

We signed up for the AI at Royal Palms in May. I will come back and let everyone know how it went.

 

For my DH and I, this was more cost effective. Last time when were were there, the mixed drinks were really expenisive so we opted for buckets of beer. Had a sit down meal, and it was wonderful. By the time we paid to get in, chairs, umbrella, food and drinks, we spent well over $200.

We are booked AI @ Royal Palms April 11...will try to get back and report!

Not Art, but I would highly recommend Ionie McBeam (and/or her husband Lewis) for a private tour in Ocho Rios. My husband and I have taken a couple tours with them ourselves, and we took a couple with our kids when they were younger, too. They will make suggestions, and you can design your own tour if you like. You can reach them at queenmcbeam at cwjamaica dot com. You can tell Ionie that Pam from Chicago recommended you. They are the best!

Having issues with her website...would really like to see her tours/prices, but can't seem to get it to open. Maybe I msg her on FB.

She sounds to have a good safe tour...exactly what we desire 1st time in Ocho Rios!

I don't know the answer to your question about their official hours, but if it helps, we arrived at Royal Palms right around 9:00 am (on a Tuesday) and they were already up and running. I suspect that on days that cruise ships are in port, their hours probably coordinate pretty well with the ships arrival.

 

Dan.

 

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Perfect, Thank you, Dan!

Did you love your day? Plenty to eat and plenty to drink?

I sent in a reservation request and IF they have spots for us, then I'll need to go review this board again.

Appreciate it!

Karen

I emailed the RP and they confirmed that yes, pool is adults only. Too bad..

Does anyone know what time they let folks in?

A group of us hoping to go in April & site doesn't say hours (or I'm too clueless to fid it!!!)

Thanks in advance!

Karen

First time we sailed with Carnival I got the free drink card after about 5 days. They have sent a number of offers since then but haven't responded. Today they offered us a free cruise so of course we did respond to that. Cost us $80 for the balcony upgrade and port fees and taxes. Now I am wondering if that also comes with the free drink card of if I have to earn it again, which I do plan to do. Any info would be appreciated.

If it's a VIP cruise (which it should be if it's free!) then you should be getting several perks; only one of which is the Drinks On Us card when you go into the casino.

Well, the charge ticket does say a $0 balance, so guess what. That means the wait staff gets $0 tip. So tip them and they will return.

 

Sometimes people can be so cheap. You want service - then expect to pay for it.

Not sure this is true. I was told by casino host the 1st time I got the drinks on us card that they get a tip on what the drink would have cost; same 15% as if you were being charged. That's why when you ask for a drink, they bring you top shelf or higher priced wine.

I have had them bring me a drink every 15 mins; even w/o asking.

I DO tip at some time during the cruise; but if the casino host AND the Ocean Players Club are to be believed; the waitstaff ARE getting tipped.

An extra tip hasn't hastened service or lack of tip slowed it down, in my experience. (just my honest assessment of the situation)

They will not turn down an extra tip and "they" will not understand the question if you ask them if they get tipped on free drinks. :rolleyes:

Nobody would serve in the casino if they didn't.

Call the Players Club.

This isn't the 1-800 # I call; but this is what the website says:

For Carnival Cruise Lines, please call 1-866-299-5859.

Bump

However, it is normally held on the first sea day around 10 in the morning. Where will depend on the size of the group. ~ Rick

(I am on the sailing with Barb)

We leave San Juan at 8:30 PM and then are in a port at 8 am for the next 4 mornings! I sure hope they don't wait till Thursday (only sea day) to have the Connections Party! :D

Hmm...so their website says that the walking tour is closed...but obviously you never know and I'm not sure what "closed" entails..does that mean the rum factory is closed?

 

I emailed and FB messaged them to find out what's going on, no dice yet, but just curious if anyone has any idea...

We went to Blackbeard's castle as part of a CCL tour a couple years ago and were "underwhelmed" with it. Rum factory was a little shop with samples and bottle to sell. They didn't do a tour for us at all. Could have just been us; but could have been they were more interested in selling then touring.

Note: I didn't buy any rum; but there are several complaints here about rum not being delivered to the ship as promised. Not sure if you were looking to buy; but "just in case".

We walked the steps down and had the most fabulous drinks towards the bottom at "the bar"; Blackbeard's Revenge! (5 rums). (Totally worth the tour!) They also had the frozen Bushwackers. You come out at a straw market type thing with local "stuff".

I'd think you could easily do it on your own. We took a water taxi back to the ship so I would assume you could do the same in reverse and walk up the stairs.

Good luck...me loves me some pirates, Arrrrrrrrr!:D

 

More "Secrets of the Caribbean": http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

Amazing link...THANKS!

T Little white convenience bags have shown up in the bathrooms; I snag one as a gift for my brother. Told him I brought him a hand puppet from Spain.

.

You know, John...we joke about being brother and sister, but I gotta tell you this...MY "other brother" brought me a "barf bag puppet" from his 1st trip to Europe in '73! I still have it. My 1 souvenir and it came from a plane seat back!!!

That just made me laugh that there is yet another similarity between you 2 little boys! ;)

Great review so far...nice to relive the trip again!

K :)

 

(NOOB Hint – whatever kind of drink you enjoy, you can bring limited quantities on board with you. We, each, brought a 750ml bottle of Chianti on board in our carry-on luggage. Security never said a thing about it or looked at it. You can also bring a small cooler of water or soda on board. I forget the quantities of beer and hard liquor you can bring on board.)

 

Since we were dressed up, we stopped for a couple of pictures in different places. I think the picture Karen took with my camera was every bit as good as the one we ended up buying.

 

(Kelani's picture with my camera)

 

(The picture we paid for)

 

 

(Karen and Robert clean up alright!)

 

You guys just are very photogenic!! Beautiful couple. (Oh, and it will be $14.95 for that 5 x 7 please!:D)

btw...NO beer or hard liquor is allowed to be carried on. Not "allowed" ;). You can order "2 items" (new rule. Grrrrrr) to be delivered from Bon Voyage at embarkation or all you want (and can afford) from room service once on board. 1 bottle of wine per person in a cabin can be carried on + water, mixers, soda, etc.

Trust me on this one...I know my alcohol rules. :rolleyes:

The upgrade, if you do it, will be pro rated.

Thank you! I was hoping that was the case. :)

Shouldn't be a problem onboard. Consider waiting to see if it is necessary to upgrade. You may not need to depending on how you feel after a few days.

Thanks! Our itinerary is long port days with only 1 sea day. I question if I'll even want to drink after being on an island all day!!:rolleyes:

Good to know that the upgrade can be made after I've had a chance to experience the classic.

Thanks so much for your reply!

Agree that Premium is the way to go. We upgraded and paid the $10 extra per person, per day + 15 percent gratuity for our Reflection cruise that ended last Saturday. Cost was $161 for my husband and myself. I kept a daily log of what we drank. For the week's cruise, it totaled $1,005.

Did you upgrade before your cruise or is this something you do on the ship? We were given the Classic Pkg as part of our "perks" from the TA we booked with. Wondering if I could upgrade ahead of time for the extra $161 or if it is only done onboard...or if we can even upgrade since it was a "perk". I don't even see the drink package on my cruise details online.:confused:

Not sure we'd upgrade, but should we decide to it would be nice if the option to change it before boarding was available.

Thanks in advance!

Kelane :)

Just booked the Legend for August with the friends and family promotion. For our cruise, the balcony and the extended balconies on deck seven are the same price. Our carnival agent told us to take a regular midship balcony vs the extended because he said the extended are pushed back into the ship and the sight lines are not as good from the extended. Is it true? Is the view from the regular balcony better? I would think an extended balcony would be better. They are usually more money. Do they have lounge chairs?

We are booked in 6234. It is an extended balcony and was the same price as a regular balcony. We were in this one in Jan. '12 also. LOVED IT! The balcony was looooong, had 2 lounge chairs plus little tables and regular chairs. We booked this cruise a year out to have that same cabin.

Yes, it's set in a bit, but it didn't bother us. We looked (directly) down on a life boat; but sitting you looked out and saw ocean. You are a deck higher so your view looking out should be even better. The balcony to the left of us did set out, but the one on our right was even with us.

Personally, I'd take the extended...but that's because we love the long balcony with lounges. We'd order room service and spend many quality hours out there reading, napping, etc. It is a steal, imo. :)

.

Hi, I am booked on the Legend in June (med)

With the Izapod issues she has been having , I will feel better after her crossing.

I wish a great TA....... can you please come back and post after your TA and let us know how it went.

Thanks

Will try to remember to get back here. We have a very active roll call, so I imagine there will be plenty of posting when we get home. :)

:D or:mad:

Oh dear

we just booked a 12 day to the Baltic and were really looking forward to it until we read this!!!

What does the 'urn' ship mean please?

Or "is one mans pinotage another mans balsamic" Michael 2013

It has "Urns" all over it...the decor. Nothing scary at all! I'm "back" on it on the 7th for the TA...we'll get all the kinks out of it before your Baltic cruise. ;)

Look thru this pictorial review and you'll see some of them:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1704270

what/when do you use collapsible cooler?

 

.

We have it in our room to ice down beer/wine/champagne...whatever we want to keep chilled w/o using the mini fridge. We usually order beer from Bon Voyage before boarding then bring our soft side coller (folded flat in our luggage) and ask the steward to please keep it iced down all week (and tip him for his trouble).

Others use it to keep meds/milk/soda chilled.

It dries out and folds down flat for the trip home.

A travel Bible! Love to start each morning on the balcony with the Lord. When I'm relaxed and have no distractions, He seems to talk alot.:D Maybe I'm just better tuned into Him.

Absolutely!

Put Him first and all else will fall in place.

Love seeing just how deep those sins have been tossed! Puts into perspective trying to reclaim them!