TennisLover

Hi. We are headed to Ocho Rios (Carnival Cruise) in October. We'd like to do the blue hole and river tubing excursion. The reviews are great except there are several comments about the drive from the cruise port. Here's one example:  The drive to the location was a little scary with narrow winding roads and steep drops.

Can anyone comment on this? We actually do want to do this cruise but a couple of us in our group would be very unhappy with a scary ride to get there. Thanks in advance!

We were just there at the end of July and the Nuggett Falls trail was amazing. Hope it's available to future cruisers soon!

We cruised July 17-24 and didn't have any rain at all.

OMG. We just used Alaska Excursions last month in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, including ziplining in Ketchikan and the glacier wildlife safari (with the canoe) in Skagway. Everything felt completely safe. We were not worried at all.

I know where the rapids are - and am not sure how the canoe ended up there in the accident that happened. The canoes started a bit up-river from the rapids area (at least when we were there at the end of July) and we didn't go towards that area at all. The glacier is in the other direction. It was really an incredible excursion and the water was super calm. Ziplining (my first time) seemed extremely safe too.

Condolences to the family and friends of the man who passed away. Safety should always be the #1 concern.

Note that, although we booked privately through Alaska Excursions, the people on our ship and another ship in port that day who booked through the cruise line were also on our excursion (picked up by the same person at the port).

Has anyone here done the zip line in Labadee and a zip line in Ketchikan? I HATED the one in Labadee. I did it once. Hated it. I signed up again a few years later, chickened out at the last minute. I am terrified of heights. How high up is the one in Ketchikan? It is over the forest, not the ocean so I am wondering if I will still be terrified. I am trying to decide if I should join my family or go off and do something on my own. Really, the only reason I would even consider doing it is to see wildlife. We are going the last week of May, first week of June.

 

Kathy

So did you do it? I am considering the zip line excursion in Ketchikan because my travel partner (my 25 yo daughter) loves them. The other days we will be seeing animals and nature. I don't love heights but I kinda want to try this. Looking for lots of opinions. Leaning towards trying it. Once.

We used RIL for a tour in Florence and Pisa (port - Livorno). I did not plan the tour-it was organized by another CC member.

There were 8 of us in the van, with the driver/guide - MarieClara. She was excellent - extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and on time. We had tix for the Academy in Florence and the Tower of Pisa (RIL had told us ahead what time we should purchase these for - as the tix were not included in the tour) and our Marie Clara made sure we got there at the appropriate time.

We bypassed lines, she dropped us off close to places, picked us up close, explained where to go,, where to look, etc. Everything was exact.

I feel like we saw so much more than if we went on a excursion with the cruise ship with a coach full of people. Of course, the price was better too.

* Extra kudos to our tour guide for wi-fi in the van!

Overall, I would highly recommend RIL. I would use them again in a minute.

We just returned from a cruise that stopped in Barcelona on Sunday, 8/28. We booked the Barcelona City Tour and Montserrat. A few others on our ship did the same, though we didn't do it as a group. Still, it worked out perfectly.

We were picked up from the ship exactly when we were told. The guide was excellent and, as promised, we got back to the ship in plenty of time.

It was very comfortable -- I liked it better than doing a tour with a coach bus with the cruise line. Plus, it was more cost-effective.

I would definitely recommend this company with confidence.

I'm glad to see this thread revived. We have a cruise booked in April with our two kids (DD is a HS junior -- and we're looking at colleges already). Family cruises will be a thing of the past soon -- at least they will be the way we know it. I'm sure we will be doing huge family cruises in the future with the kids' families, but since they are only 13 and 16 now, those are a long way off!

With the economy the way it is, I keep wondering if this April cruise is a good idea. I keep going back and forth. Reading some of these posts makes me think that I definitely should do "whatever it takes." Could be our last family cruise for a while....

Here are a couple of the trail...

First - here's Levi...

I'm thinking about touring with Levi, also. I keep reading that the hike to Middleham Falls is challenging. Can someone define "challenging" for me? Do you need to be in fantastic shape to do this hike? I really want to do it, but am afraid it might be too hard. I'm not a couch potato, but am not in shape to run a marathon, either.

How can I explain this? There are lots of steps. Small steps. Large steps. Tough on your knees if you have knee problems. Very uphill (you're climbing, climbing, climbing). I definitely felt it in my cardiovascular system. And in my quads. You have to be able to handle footing that is not always "sure." Have some balance.

My kids - 15 and 12 - had no problem. It was harder for DH and me. But we took it as slow as we needed to, with breaks. Levi is WONDERFUL about this. He stays with the slowest person, helping them and encouraging them (he lies too -- "you're almost there"... "just a few more steps..." :cool: ) Safety is the first priority for him. He was great at running up ahead to check on those who were faster, than racing back for those in the back. There were 8 in our group - and we went at different paces - and he managed it all.

I made the mistake of going to the gym on the ship that morning. No need to go on the treadmill if you're going to go up Middleham Falls!

I'm like you -- not a couch potato, not a marathoner. (See my avatar) I will try to post some pictures....

Here's what I brought and what I forgot (Roseau Valley Best):

Good hiking shoes or old sneakers for Middleham Falls. Bathing suit under your clothes. It's a rain forest. It is going to rain (in our case, downpours, followed by sunshine). There was so much rain right, the falls were amazing (only the most adventurous went down to the water) and the trail was very muddy, making it even more challenging (and messy)!

If you don't want to get soaked, you can wear one of those cheap rain ponchos. You might get soaked anyway, but it gives some protection. I left those in my cabin. Not a problem; the rain felt good and with the rigorous hike, it was actually refreshing.

Wear something around your waist in which you can hold your camera. Amazing photo opps at Middleham Falls.

Water shoes for Titou Gorge. I forgot these in my cabin. Very hard to swim with sneakers. Don't be afraid to ask Levi for the life jackets. I didn't need it, but my son could have used it (he only went in halfway as a result).

Waterproof camera for Titou Gorge. I didn't have one and wish I did. Someone else in my group had one -- waiting for them to send me some pics.

Trafalgar Falls -- wear your hiking shoes again. Much easier than Middleham Falls, but still slippery.

Amazingly, there were no bugs anywhere on this trip. Of course, I had forgotten the bug spray in my cabin anyway. No worries, I didn't need it.

If you're going to make a spa appointment on the ship, make it for after you do this tour. You will need it! But it is a memorable day and I wouldn't have traded it for anything!

Hello Everyone,

My family and I just returned from touring with Levi of Bumping Tours. What could I possibly add to the list of wonderful things that have already been said?? We had a fantastic time. Probably the best tour and tour guide we've ever had. Did the Roseau Valley Best with the exception of skipping the Sulpher Springs so we could snorkel at Champagne Beach. Snorkeling at Champagne was awesome. Would highly recommend that if you're into snorkeling.

 

I would definately recommend Levi in a heartbeat :) !

DITTO DITTO DITTO!

We did Roseau Valley Best with Levi on Tuesday, 2/19. He was our tour guide and was the greatest. Easily the best day of our cruise. Unlike rvfosdick, we went to sulpher springs but some of us skipped the snorkeling. If you can handle a rigorous hike, this is the one for you! Middleham Falls and Titou Gorge were unbelievable!!! Our friends, who did one of Levi's less rigorous tours, went to Trafalgar Falls (we did that too) and Emerald Pool. They enjoyed their day with Bumpiing Tour also. I would highly recommend Levi. He is a true professional!!

I am looking into booking with Levi. One question that I haven't heard back from him on --- is the day mostly driving around or do you stop at the various places for a while to enjoy them? I definitely want to see the island but I don't want to spend the whole day in a van (even if it does have great AC!).

Let me know.... thanks!!

Mr. Jailerman: We were in V15 (I think I said that earlier). No noise from the weight room. No traffic. A short walk to nearly everything. Enjoy!!

P.S. We went Christmas week so we paid a ridiculous price. Could have done a 7 nighter earlier in the month for the same price (or less), but we couldn't work out the timing (and the coverage for our kids).

Relax and have a great time!!!

I am booked in Feb,2008 on the Inspiration Cabin V-9. This will be the Inspirations ...Question #1 Is this a decent location? I booked it months ago and now there are NO CAT 11's Left. (All sold out) ... Question #2 I understand the Balcony is a bit tight but in your opinion with a little chair maneuvering can a 6'1 290lbs "JAILERMAN" sit comfortable on this Balcony??? My only other option is to take an even deeper hit($) and grab one of the last Cat 12's that are still available. I know the Cat 11 room would be just fine size wise but the Balcony has me a bit concerned. Thanks for your time and opinions. have a great day.

Mr. Jailerman: I had V15 on Fascination in December. The location was GREAT. The hall was very quiet and it seemed that we were just steps away from everything. The balcony was defintely smaller than the standard balcony on a Conquest class ship. I am 5'6" (sorry, no weight ever written down anywhere! :cool: ) and I had to maneuver the chair around to get comfortable reading out there. You're definitely not having a party out there with you, your friends who you are going with as well as the people you meet on-board.

I'm sure CJW will give some input as he is the expert on this. Not sure what the price difference is to Cat 12 (and how much bigger the balcony actually is), but if the balcony is really important to you, you might want to consider.

I feel for all of you who have had horrible tragedies and too-close wake-up calls. These are real reminders that you have to live for today; who knows what tomorrow will bring. ("Live Like You Were Dying" always brings tears to my eyes.)

I haven't had those experiences, but I do know that you only get one chance at this life -- on your last day, you won't be wishing you worked more.

DH and I work really hard. He has commuted to NYC for more than 20 years; I have my own business. Our kids (now 11 and 14) have insane schedules, with school, homework, sports, music, activities. There is no down time. We considered cruising without them next winter because it's so expensive on school breaks. But he reminded me that we have so little family time... and my DD will be heading off to college in less than 4 years! So we're taking them again -- to new places for new experiences and lots of new memories to create.

It is all worth it when I watch their faces on our trips. How happy they are on the ships. Their wonder at the Panama Canal. Their excitement and fear with the stingrays! Their fun frolicking in the warm waves of the Caribbean. Swimming with the dolphins. Exploring ancient ruins (which they have studied in school). Their pride in climbing Dunns River Falls without falling (I'm the one who came home with scrapes). They've had so many great experiences on their cruises (they will be halfway to Platinum on Carnival after our next cruise) and have had so many great memories.

Family time is precious. You can't always escape the realities of the rat race in your every day life, but you can certainly always find time for a vacation -- whatever fits your taste and your budget.

We've cruised with my parents and our cousins who don't live near us. I just so appreciate all this time we have together (and my kids get to spend time with their cousins too).

After one of our cruises, my mother-in-law (who never goes on vacation - for varous reasons) questioned why we have to go on this big vacation every year. At this point, I find it non-negotiable. That is family time and a break from our crazy lives that I just would never give up.

We were in V15 on Fascination. Great location. Don't think "suite." It's the same size as balcony cabin on the larger Carnival ships. Balcony views can be seen on my webshots page:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/556815558ngJSUy

We were on Jewel of the Seas 2 years ago this summer and Tommy McPhee was incredible. I just got back from another cruise on the Jewel and Tommy is no longer there (I asked someone and they said that they thought he was moving to another RCI ship).

Fishinglady: I just heard that Tommy McPhee is now on the Navigator (where we are headed in just over 2 weeks). I am so happy to see that you loved him! I see that the compasses say that the piano player is only 11 pm-1 am. Is that really it?? Please tell me more about him!!!

Navigator info anyone???

I also love the piano bar but have been very lucky on my Carnival cruises -- had 3 great piano bar players, 1 ok and 1 terrible. I hope we have a GREAT ONE on Navigator on 2/17. Anyone have any info?????

BTW - on the Carnival board, the piano bar thread is great, with some of the piano players participating.

C'mon RCI cruisers -- surely some of you are singers!

Here's a bathroom photo -- sink area -- that didn't make it onto my on-line photo album.

Hi, everyone. I am back from my cruise in V15 (Cat 11) on Fascination.

This was my first time with VIP check in. Even though we got to the port (Miami) early, it was nice to be whisked into a beautiful office to go over the simple paperwork (did Fun Pass ahead of time) rather than get in line! Wish their were more perks to having a Cat. 11!

Now, onto some details about the cabin.

Location. What can I say? It was perfect. The hallway was soooo quiet. No one is ever walking by. The stairs to go to the Lido Deck and the Promenade Deck are right there. I felt like I hardly walked at all (as compared to all my other cruises when we were on Deck 6 on Conquest Class). In addition, we hardly ever needed the elevator. This was also a much smaller ship than I am used to, so even the walk to the back (where the pizza is!) didn't even seem that far.

Does it rock up there? We had one rough day -- it must have been windy when we left Key West and that night I believe it was raining. I thought it was rougher on our deck than on the promenade deck. Before dinner, I went down there to get more solid footing. I definitely felt the swells when I lay down in bed that night (but I kind of liked it -- maybe it was the margaritas!). Not sure if it was worse on our deck, though, because people all over the ship were having "problems" that afternoon.

The cabin. Very clean and up-to-date. It was the same size as the standard balcony cabin on the Conquest class ships. Having a flat screen tv on the wall seemed to give a little more space around the bed. There was only one outlet in the cabin (plus one just for shavers in the bathroom). I did not see a hair dryer (didn't look hard as I brought my own). Love, love, love the bedding. I know that CJW wants to know about the couch, but we just used it to throw clothes on (just like at home!).

The bathroom. The updating was very nice, but there was a lot less shelf space as compared to Conquest class ship bathrooms (I don't know if Fascination Cat 11 had more before refurb or not). There was a shower stall with the dreaded curtain. The shower seemed to be in a better place than on the Conquest class standard balcony bathrooms so you didn't have the curtain all over you when you were in the shower. There was an aloe body wash dispenser and a Dove dispenser (not sure if that was soap or hair care product -- I think it was hair care).

The balcony. Seemed much smaller than on the Conquest class ships (in comparable standard balcony cabin). There were 2 chairs and a table, but you couldn't really sit in the chair when it was facing outward because there would be no room for your legs. I spent part of our sea day out there with a book and had to rearrange everything. I had one chair on the far left, facing toward the back of the ship, and I put the other chair sort of behind the door (to the cabin). Good thing DH was out and about and didn't want to join me out there. The view from the balcony wasn't what I was used to either. When you look down, there is another deck (not like this on Conquest class). It didn't seem very private, but at least we didn't have the lifeboats blocking our view.

There are some photos of the cabin, balcony and view in my on-line photo album at:

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/556815558ngJSUy

If you want to read more about my cruise, my review is at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=463063

I am definitely glad I had this type of cabin on this cruise. I appreciate all the info I got ahead of time from CJW and others on CC and would be glad to answer any questions for others who will be on this ship or in this type of cabin in the future.

When I first read the question, I immediately thought of the red Firebird I had in high school (1980). FUN CAR!

Since it's not on the list, I went with Honda Odyssey, which is what i drive. Practical car yet luxurious (comfortable, leather), there's something for everyone and lots of fun features.

I will be on the Fascination in 2-1/2 weeks in a cat 11. Will take photos! If anyone has anything else they want me find out or take pictures of, let me know. I will do the best I can (until my DH thinks I'm crazy!). But, I owe it to all of you for all the great info you have given me.

FYI - We are going to Key West and Cozumel. No kids on this trip! :D