ILoveScotland

Has Royal Caribbean discontinued its North Atlantic Route across the ocean?  I had considered that cruise in the past and was searching for it yesterday and couldn't find it listed.

I seem to remember that a few years ago there were perks of some kind (can't remember what they were) for people who owned Royal Caribbean stock.  Is this still true, and if it is, anyone know the amount of stock needed and the perks?  Thanks.

2 hours ago, Katefromupstate said:

Bonaire is known for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing and other water sports.  We do have sandy beaches, but fewer than places like Aruba or Curacao.   The downtown area is charming and easily accessible off the cruise ship.  Since the island is so small, you can do and see a lot in one day, depending on what you like to do.  If you like to snorkel, I'd recommend a snorkel tour that does a drift dive off Klein Bonaire, the uninhabited island offshore from Bonaire.  That island also has one of the nicest sandy beaches for any non-snorkelers in your group.  There are no facilities on the island, so bring water!  If you are a diver, I'd set up a dive in advance with any of the many fine dive shops.  We also have pink salt flats, mountains of salt, a donkey sanctuary, a distillery in Rincon that makes liquor from cactus, flamingos, and beautiful scenery.  I'd look at the shore excursions your ship is offering to get an idea of what's available.  

Thank you.  That's exactly what I was hoping to learn.  When possible I prefer to take excursions offered by local people rather than the ship.  Are there companies that offer private tours?  

I would enjoy snorkeling, but I am not a "beach" person as such.  Plus I live in SW Florida only 10 miles from the Gulf of Mexico so can go to the beach any time.  I would enjoy seeing the downtown area, but  pink salt flats and a donkey sanctuary sound interesting.

I'm booking a cruise for next winter that will include a stop in Bonaire.  I've never been there so would like some recommendations, ideas or general information about the island which will help me as I make plans for my day in port.

I just got off the Allure this past Sunday.  I'd never cruised on one of the mega ships and while I'd never say never, I will say that I would prefer to cruise on a ship no larger than the Freedom class.  Part of the problem was that we had 6200 passengers on board with more children than I could never count, so it felt crowded at all hours.  I was also in a forward balcony almost under the bridge which meant I had to walk a lot.  That's not too bad in general, but it's a chore if someone simply needs to retrieve something from their cabin.  All in all I just felt like I was in a crowded mall at Christmas.

Did I enjoy the cruise?  Of course.  What's not to like when on the sea?  I just prefer smaller ships with 2500 passengers with lots of open spaces.  That means my favorite class is the Radiance class with the huge windows and the balcony cabins on the hump.

I think I may be in the minority, but that's my take on the Allure.  One positive for a TA is that you probably won't have a full ship and few, if any, children.

Beth

 I visited St. Martin/St. Maarten on a private tour that allowed a lot of flexibility in 2011 and while it was not my favorite port of that cruise, I did enjoy having going to Maho to see the airplanes, having a drive around the island that included a couple of hours in Marigot to have lunch and explore the town a bit.  Last week I took a ship's tour and felt very sad as we saw the devastation that remains after Hurricane Irma in 2017.  The island is coming back, but we saw many buildings still boarded up, but it was Marigot that made me very sad.  That lovely town remains and is rebuilding, but it has a long way to go.  I would still encourage anyone whose cruise takes them to St. Martin/St. Maartin to tour the island, buy lunch or perhaps a few pieces of clothing or jewelry or whatever suits your fancy.  It is still a lovely place that will eventually return to its former status.

Beth

On 1/18/2019 at 10:37 PM, ProvoAggie said:

We're on right now. We had it on day 2 and tonight (day 6). It was a tight fit getting ready for dinner after leaving Labadee.

Thanks.

1 minute ago, Ourusualbeach said:

 

No, sorry I read the itinerary wrong.  

 

It will be night 2 and night 5 (San Juan) or night 6 (Labadee)

Okay, thanks.  That's helpful.  I'll plan accordingly.

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2 hours ago, Ourusualbeach said:

Based on your Eastern itinerary and not leaving a Labadee until 6 pm on day 5 that formal nights will be day 2 and 6.

Yes, this is our itinerary:  Sail from Miami, 2 sea days, St. Maarten, San Juan, Labadee, 1 sea day, disembark Miami.

So, does this mean formal nights will be first and last sea days?

Thanks,

Beth

Homerody, when are you cruising?  My cruise was in mid March a few years ago. I don't remember any rough seas as such even during our time in open waters, but that may just be my memory not working properly.  

The bottom line is remember a Hurtigruten cruise is like none other.  If you want formal nights and many menu options at dinner or if you want a theater with entertainment each night, or if you want a casino or lots of options for having a drink in the evening, well you get my drift....if you want all of those things, you will not enjoy Hurtigruten.  However, if you love a cozy cabin, good Norwegian food, beautiful scenery for your entertainment and a laid back atmosphere, you have found the right cruise.  I found it magical and hope to return one year if at all possible.

Beth

Does anyone know which nights are formal nights on the Allure OTS?  I'll be on the January 27th cruise and want to make some spa appointments on a non-formal night sea day.

Thanks.

Beth

Thanks for all the replies.  Are there other food options at Labadee? Or, does one need to return to the ship if she/he doesn't want to eat at the buffet?

Beth

I will be on the Allure in a couple of weeks with a day at Labadee.  Does Royal Caribbean provide a picnic on the beach while there?  If not, what are the options for food while off the ship?

Thanks,

Beth

A few years ago I stayed a few nights in Old San Juan post cruise.  I had one of the days to myself and asked the guy at the desk of the small hotel where I was staying about a local restaurant that had authentic Puerto Rican food.  He recommended Raices.  I went there and had a great lunch.  A couple of years later I was in port for the day and went back.  I was not disappointed the second time.  I can't vouch for the authenticity, but the decor is great, the food was very good as was the service.  It's an easy walk if your ship docks near Old San Juan.  Do a search for Raices Restaurant San Juan.  The website will come up in Spanish, but the site can be translated.  I'm going to be in San Juan again next month, and if I don't do an excursion I think I'll return to Raices.

I understand that ship tours are often drive-thru excursions, but here is the overview of this particular excursion:

Experience the lush beauty of San Juan's National Rain Forest two ways, with a scenic bus drive and picturesque nature walk. Marvel at the tropical greenery on a narrated bus ride to Juan Diego Trail in the rainforest lowlands. Then grab your backpack, explore the sights, refuel with a snack, enjoy a swim or sounds and smells of nature on foot, if weather permits. After walking back, take a short bus ride to Yokahu Tower for scenic views, photo opportunity then a stop at La Coca Waterfall for sightseeing and photo opportunity, before returning back to the ship. 

The excursion is listed as having an activity type as "Active Adventures" and an activity level of "Strenuous."  It lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes.

I will be in port on the Allure of the Seas next month and am looking at shore excursions sponsored by the ship.  One is called "Wild and Scenic Rainforest Nature Walk to Scenic River Adventure."  Has anyone done this excursion?  I ask because it looks like something I'd enjoy, but the information says the activity level is "strenuous."  I'm curious what that means especially for people like me who can easily walk a fair distance but am not a hiker as such.  So, I'd appreciate any advice or experiences others have had.

I went in mid March a few years ago on the RT out of Bergen. It was bitterly cold at times but worth it. I took thermal underwear and also crampons which I did use in port a few times due to ice on walkways. I took the excursion to North Cape which I 100% recommend and needed the crampons there as well.

I was part of a tour group of about 40 people so we had daily sessions with our tour guide which I liked a lot although the tour cost was higher than the regular fare.

Unless it's changed you can take your own alcohol on board and drink it in your cabin. However, since what I usually drink is gin and tonic I soon discovered that I could get a cup of ice and since the G&T is clear, it just looked like I was drinking water.

I seem to remember we had a piano player a few nights in the one bar on the ship - the Polarlys. However, as others have said the real entertainment was the scenery.

I haven't cruised as much as many people on CC have, but if I could only cruise one more time I'd do another Norway Coastal Cruise. I truly loved the informality, the food, the service but especially the beautiful Norwegian coast.

The Hurtigruten ships are working ships that carry passengers. The ships serve as a ferry with vehicles in the hold. They transport various goods to the small villages along the coast. I think they still carry the mail but may be wrong about that. There are day passengers or overnight passengers who sleep in one of the lounges. Meals are good with no choices except there are vegetarian options. Most of the food is local seafood, meats and vegetables. Breakfast is a buffet.

There is no dress code, formal nights, etc. There may be a pianist in one of the bars, but mostly the entertainment is the scenery outside the large lounges with huge windows. Cabins are small but adequate. Large luggage is taken to the hold for the duration of the cruise.

So, yes, lots of stops with some being in the middle of the night, but I never woke up during those stops. Other stops are a few hours. This always seemed enough since the areas visited are small. I did do one of the excursions mentioned above when I got off at one port, has a drive through the countryside and joined the ship again at another port.

It's been a few years since I went on the cruise, but I loved every minute because it was such an adventure.

I saw the Northern Lights in mid March 2013 on a 12 night RT out of Bergen. We saw them briefly as we headed north but had good view one night on the way south.

And, yes, it was still very, very cold, but my friend and I loved the cruise and all the snow. We were part of a 40 person group tour so had daily sessions with our tour guide which was very helpful in learning about Norwegian history and culture. We also had some excursions included in the tour price. However, one excursion I would encourage you to take even in the cold is to North Cape. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.

Are you saying that you have time to go to Anguilla for the day when in port in St. Martin and that there are tour boats that will take you there?

Edinburgh Castle is a must if you see nothing else in the city. The location is spectacular. There is an incredible amount of history. It's beautiful.

I would do the opposite of what's been recommended and start at the castle. Then you can walk down hill to see the outside of Holyrood. You could have a look inside St. Giles Cathedral as you go and also take a look inside Canongate Church as well which doesn't get a lot of press but is just wonderful.

Beth

I haven't been to St. Croix in many years, but it remains my favorite Caribbean island. I have spent a total of 2 weeks there and during each week we rented a car for one day. I drove, and yes it was an interesting experience, but I wouldn't have missed it as we drove all the way around and across the island and from the far east to the far west. I was at a resort each week (once just outside Christiansted and once at Carambola) so don't know what it would be like for a day in port, and I don't know how things are yet from hurricane damage. What I do know is that it is a real place once you get away from the resorts, and I would live there in a heart beat if I could.

I will add that I was in my early 60s when I was there and am now in my 70s, but I'd still drive.

Beth

I stayed in Old San Juan a couple of nights post cruise in 2012. Stayed at San Juan Suites. I asked people at reception about a place to eat authentic food, and they recommended Raices which was a short walk from hotel. I loved it. Yes, as someone said it's a bit gimmicky, but that was okay by me. I was back in port for just a day in 2013. It was pouring down rain, but that didn't matter. I made my way through the rain back to Raices and was glad to be there again. I will be in San Juan again next February and plan to eat there once again.

Have enjoyed reading many of these comments this afternoon and decided to share an experience from several years ago. My husband and I were on a 2 week Eastern Med cruise and were seated at a table with 3 couples from Britain and 1 other couple from the US. One of the British couples complained about everything. The food was always terrible. Each of them returned something every night, because it wasn't cooked right, and one night the husband sent his entree back 5 times. They also said service was terrible, and their cabin was terrible, and they were going to complain to guest services. And on and on. They also indicated without actually saying it how well off they were, and I think that was true, but as they talked we all decided they did not come from wealth but had done well which was fine if they hadn't talked about it so much. The couple was simply obnoxious in general and rude to all the staff but especially our head waiter. They were first class snobs in every way. All of the rest of us made sure our head waiter knew we thought he was great, and we talked about this couple among ourselves when we met on the ship.

Now, I wouldn't normally mention that this couple was British except that one of the other British couples was delightful. The husband told great jokes, and we enjoyed their company a lot. They were as down to earth as anyone I've ever met. Then we learned that due to the husband's previous job/position they knew the Queen and Prince Phillip, had actually had dinner with them, had been invited to Charles and Camilla's wedding, and the husband was a board member of one of Prince Phillip's charitable organizations. The contrast between the two couples was just incredible. The ones could could have been snobs weren't, and the others were. Finally the husband of this second couple privately said something to the snobs, but it didn't do any good.

And then....guess who wound up invited to dine with the Captain? Yep, the snobs. We had the best dinner of the cruise without them.

Double post by accident. Can't figure out how to delete so just doing this.