beach spring

We have been there three times, inclu. one all-inclusive week. Wonderful and would return in a heartbeat. I think they may charge non-guests for chair rental, with palapa, but the beach is perfect, quiet, and there is a nice bar and restrooms. Tip: don't take the cab, just walk over to the bus station and go "local." Easy and inexpensive. Bus stops right there. Did I say easy? The hotel itself is across the street. One add'l note: very quiet; only two disturbing (?) things were the pelicans which dive right in and may startle the swimmers, though not every day; and the swimmers may be topless. It is Dutch, after all :o

While this probably won't apply to you, maybe others on similar sailings of late October might get something. We were on the Sun Princess in the Caribbean which covered Halloween. What fun! Huge deck party that night and lots of hilarious costumes and creative foods offerings. One group of guys were dressed as Dalmatians, complete with their own version of Cruella d'Vill(sp?), so funny. And the few children aboard were taken around for a trick or treat. As for the weather, cannot comment. Have only been on one affected by a hurricane, Irene, 2011, on the Veendam Bermuda cruise. But that's another long, sad story. :rolleyes:

We spent a night pre-cruise at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde and were pleased with all of it, except for the eating part. We walked a ways to find a specific restaurant we had read about, so did not try the hotel dining room. (We did not have a car.) The pool was great, with a swim-up bar, and a great area separate for children. I think I remember even a playground. Beautiful beach area and hammocks. Casino. DH sprang for a suite, with a kitchen, corner room, with fantastic view. Some people say it is too close to the airport, but we were not even aware of that. Previously, we had stayed at Caribe Hilton, for a higher rate, which was pretty, with a nice beach area, but not such a great view. We would definitely stay at this Courtyard again.

Here is our experience last September: We took a taxi from Kusadasi, just one we found outside the shops near the ship. Our driver spoke fairly good English. We requested he take us to the House of the Virgin Mary first, then shopping. The shrine visit was fascinating and we were impressed by the reverence of the hundreds of tourists there, so quiet and respectful.

After some more driving around, we arrived at what our driver considered "shopping," which was at a rug establishment. Out front was a donkey and demonstration of the process from start to finish. Inside, we were seated in a showroom where numerous carpets, large and small, were unfurled, even a "flying carpet" demo. While this was going on, we were served a light snack with wine.

My DS and her husband actually bought two large carpets, their daughter a smaller one. We did not feel there was a "hard' sell but the salesman was very good, obviously. Personable and had been to our part of the US a couple of times. (The beautiful rugs did arrive at their home as promised and are lovely.)

After the purchase, we were seated in the courtyard and served a fine meal, with wine. Quite pleasant.

Next, our driver took us for more shopping, but this time to a leather store, but we were tired and ready to return to ship by then. He was very accommodating, of course, and probably well fed.

Just goes to show, some independent tours can be pleasant and memorable! :)

I like to read "light" while asea (as well as in plane) so I turn to tried and true characters. One most enjoyable and she really is a CHARACTER is Agatha Raisin, an amateur sleuth. She stars in about a dozen "cozy" mysteries by MC Beaton. Light and fun and she can be maddening! Tip: start with #1 Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death.

Also, light is the Goldy culinary mystery series by Diane Mott Davidson. As if I needed to read about FOOD and recipes while on a cruise:D .

While not exactly light, Nelson DeMille's novels are still easier than Patricia Cornwell's. Like both authors, as well as Anne Rivers Siddons' novels.

One final question: why do not more ships have actual librarians and offer book discussion/groups? I really enjoyed that on a Celebrity Infinity crossing from Hawaii to Vancouver!