logbook

I suspect that it is two things.

 

The boat they use appears to need a fixed, structured dock to tie up to for offloading passengers, and such does not (currently) exist at Maho.

 

Secondly, I think they just don't want to lose track of their passengers while they are in the water. If people swam ashore/were shuttled ashore for a few drinks, how do they round them up when it is time to head back to port?

 

BTW, there are MAJOR changes coming to the Maho Sunset Bar and Grill complex.

 

gary

What changes are coming to Sunset Bar and Grill?

If we only have from about 2:00 until late evening, and have never been to Seattle, what do you suggest we don't miss?[/quote)

 

You also have the next morning until at least noon/1pm. In the morning I would suggest checking out of the hotel, but leave your luggage with the desk, then head to Pike Place Market for a few hours to enjoy it during the quieter times . Your hotel is only 15 minutes from the pier so there's no need to rush.

 

As for what to do in the evening, it depends on your interests (and weather). If you want an overview of the city, try RIDE THE DUCKS or EMERALD CITY TROLLEY. The Seattle Center has the Space Needle, Chihuly Exhibit, EMP, Science Center if of interest, then hop on the monorail and go downtown. I always take out of town guests on the ferry or on the water taxi to Alki Beach in West Seattle. Fabulous views of the seattle skyline and some nice little restaurants. ... and seals on the buoys, sometimes bald eagles. See gardyloo's photos in this thread:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2015908&highlight=alki

 

You have a year to think about it. I'd suggest reading thru trip reports on the Alaska forum this summer to see what worked for other travelers and look at the Seattle web sites:

 

http://www.visitseattle.org/Home.aspx

 

http://www.seattle.gov/visiting-seattle/points-of-interest

 

Lots of interesting things to do! Thanks!

If you go to SEARCH THIS FORUM then enter the word Maxwell, you;ll find quite a few past threads that mention the Maxwell ... very favorably.

There was one thread where the poster booked his room in Sept '14 for May '15 and paid a little over $200.

The reviews are good that I have seen. We got it for a little over $200.00. Definitely a keeper unless something more interesting comes up! Thanks again for all your help! Another question for you.....:) If we only have from about 2:00 until late evening, and have never been to Seattle, what do you suggest we don't miss?

Did you book it on-line or by phone?

I went directly to their website and booked.

I actually was able to book Maxwell Hotel yesterday for July 2016! I was shocked it was open, as I had called the hotel previously and they told me they aren't taking reservations that far out. But I did it - and got a confirmation, and it can be canceled. I will continue to watch other hotels too.

I think the Maxwell Hotel sounds really nice - and in a good location. The price seems okay. The reviews are wonderful, and that is really important to me that it is a clean place to stay! I think we are all set! thanks again for the advice and information!

Seattle hotels are pricey, but if you're looking now at July 2015 prices they will be even higher because it's practically a last minute booking.

 

ie people who booked the Sleep Inn at SeaTac back in December got a rate of about $100 or so, whereas if you called now the rate would be closer to $200.

I figured (and hoped!) that was the case. :)

Thank you again for all the suggestions. None of the hotels are booking out that far, that I checked anyway. I'm just looking at the prices for this July and August to see what to expect. Wow.. some are well over $300... but there are others. I REALLY appreciate all the help.

it's kind of an awkward location for sightseeing .... not super close to downtown core or to Seattle Center, so nothing is a block or 2 away. Think of the downtown core as 4th/Pine. I mean look at the Mayflower which has been mentioned several times. It's 2 blocks to the Market OR next door you can catch the monorail to the Seattle Center.

 

OTOH, if you can use points or get a great price, a taxi to get you anywhere downtown will only be about $10. So 2 taxis a day might be well worth it.

thanks! I'll check out the Mayflower to start!

Thanks for the recommendations. Does anyone know much about LaQuinta. The ratings look pretty good... just not sure if that location is.

Thanks. We would like to stay under $300.00 if possible. It would be nice NOT to be near the airport.

Having never cruised out of Seattle, or been there at all, this is all so confusing to me reading about the different areas to stay the night before the cruise, July 2016. Are there nice hotels you can recommend that are just in a decent area to go out and walk to dinner? We won't arrive until the afternoon, and leave in the morning, so we don't have much time. I just need a nice CLEAN hotel!!! Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you. I emailed them and they said it's too soon to book, since we are going in 2016. I'll check back later!

We are on the legend and have booked the small excursion off the ship for Tracy Arm. Have you looked into that?

We just booked the Legend and I don't see that Tracy Arm excursion. How did you book that? We don't go until July 2016, so maybe it's just not offered yet?

All of the resorts will welcome nonguests into the beach side bar and restaurant areas, of course you have to act appropriately and follow any of the dress codes for dining, but the beaches are all public, the resorts can not limit you to using the beach, just their chairs, but many will have a pay for chair rental close by.

 

Many folks here like to go to Calico Jacks and use the beach right there as they have a public restroom and Calico is a restaurant right on beach.

 

go to cayman islands dot ky and look under activities and beaches for the full lay out of the beaches.

 

I will be stopping here on my cruise and plan to go right back to my old resort and use their beach...Marriott...kids liked Coconut Joes restaurant across the street and there is a bus top right at the marriott.

If you go to the Marriott, can you rent chairs? Do they have a casual restaurant to get something to eat and a few drinks? Bathrooms to use? Thanks!

Nice job!!! Thanks for all the information!!

When we have a late flight from Ft.Lauderdale, we taxi to Embassy Suites and have the bellman hold our luggage like we are staying there. Lots of places in the Harbor Shops to have a nice lunch. Then we get on the SunTrolly for a dollar each and head to the beach. Head back to the hotel, grab our luggage, get a cab, and 10 min to the airport,

Thanks really funny that you can pull that off! I would never think of something like that!!! :rolleyes:

If you plane doesn't leave until 7PM, I would book a room for the day (you probably will not be able to get a day room in March but will have to traditionally book) and spend the day by the pool or beach, have a great alfresco lunch, shower, then head to the airport.

 

While I'd normally never suggest staying there, the former Days Inn at Bahia Cabana would be a really fun day and it is across the street from the beach. The rooms are yuck but you wouldn't be sleeping there.

Maybe we should consider just staying overnight and getting a morning flight the next day. of course, I won't book that hotel if we do decide to do that!! I don't think I could even book a 'yuck' room for the day if I have to shower and change there! :eek:

thanks, I did see that with Carnival.... just not sure we want to do that, and it isn't very long. We would still end up at the airport many hours before our flight. :(

We are cruising next March out of Ft Lauderdale and the day we get off the ship our flight probably won't be until 7:00 p.m. Any suggestions on what we could do for they day? I'm feeling like our only option would be to rent a car, because we will have our luggage. It will be a Saturday. Any ideas? We have always gone directly to the airport and had an early afternoon flight. Thanks for any suggestions!

Great place to stay and talk about well kept!!! I loved it.

 

The place is old but well maintained. The bathroom in the rooms are real dated but man, have I said this before, it is well kept.

 

I would go for it. We had it for a post cruise night and it worked out well.

 

Tim

Thanks Tim!

About 2.5 miles from port entrance.

Thanks! That sounds perfect!

Also wondering how far from the port they are....

I haven't stayed there but have walked by many times. It looks very nice and well kempt. It is a few steps from the beach and about 2 blocks from the beach shopping and dining area.

Thank you so much for your response!

Really? No one knows anything about this place? :confused: