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EatonDoolittle

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Everything posted by EatonDoolittle

  1. I didn't even have to open the link. The answer to @babs135 question is this: "Influencers" and "Content Creators". More accurately known as "People who Refuse to Get a Job and Work For a Living"
  2. It has also been my experience that no, the shop staff do not know (or care) that you are on a B2B. If you shop late enough - say after dinner on the last night - you should be able to carry it with you.
  3. I don't know how people can miss the corridor cameras. Look up. They are not hidden. Must be people are looking at tacky door décor, or searching for plastic ducks. Yeah, I went there.
  4. Yes, the beach and Margaritaville pool are free. Well located Loungers get snapped up early, especially if you are on the second ship to dock. Retail shops, food and beverage, and umbrella rental further up the beach will incur costs.
  5. Yes, millions of people have cruised to St Lucia, as well as the other islands you mentioned. . You will only possibly see the Pitons from the ship from a long distance and yes, it depends on the direction of travel. Holland America captains stopping there always make a point of passing closely and turning the ship so all get a great view. They are the only company that does this, to my knowledge. Ther are many ship sponsored and private excursions to see them.
  6. If you cannot find a car service to come to Disney, I'm sure the hotel can easily get you to the airport. From there, you'll have multiple options - all listed frequently on this page.
  7. I just had this conversation a few days ago. My sister (nosy), Lexus (car GPS), AAA (auto insurance app for discount), and Publix (grocery store) all know that I do my weekly food shopping early on Thursday morning. Heck, Ben and Jerry's probably even know that I only buy their ice cream when it is BOGO, since I always pay with a credit card.. It is waaaay to late to worry who or what knows all about you.
  8. My suggestion would be to do a Google search for San Juan tourism specific sites, and/or Trip Advisor search for the same, since your need is a bit outside the realm of being cruise related. .
  9. Puerta Plata is the name of the nearby city. There is lots to do. Take a look at this board, and at the excursions your cruise line offers to get some ideas.
  10. Looks like you've done your research, but have you thought of calling the hotel where you will stay? I doubt any of those places have a concierge, but a competent front desk or reservations agent should be able to advise if they have a certain cab or transport company that they work with frequently. Most lodging places do. I'm sure you are not the first to ask that question
  11. Hmm, assuming you meant May 26...Short sailing, over a holiday weekend. Not sure I would expect anything less than partiers, Celebrity, Carnival or any other mainstream line. Long weekenders are typically not experienced cruisers.
  12. I am curious to know how Celebrity cruisers experience car rental, hotels, traveling in Florida, etc. differently than anyone else.
  13. They don't have them every day, so be sure to pass by and check daily.
  14. Thanks for the R. Crumb flashback! I was just going to recommend edibles, for the reasons you mentioned.
  15. @Sam.Seattle The PE phone app schedule goes out one day less than a month. Right now, the schedule is posted up to June 17. So, to be certain, ask again on June 14 or 15, and I'll look it up for you. Or, you can download the app and you'll have it.
  16. This, exactly. I retired from the hotel biz, early on at the property level, then many years in corporate. Of course they will take care of their contract and frequent customers first. Next will be property direct reservation bookers. Last, and most likely to be cancelled, are third party reservations from sites like VT, Expedia, etc. The third parties demand a huge discount (sometimes up to 40% plus) from the hotel, and then mark it up to sell it to you. Lowest rate will be the first to get cancelled. Every time. Even if you shop on line and find a room at a few $ cheaper on a third party site, call the property and speak to someone who can make rate decisions. Chances are, they will meet the rate you found (as long as it's legit). They still come out ahead, revenue wise.
  17. Off topic, but possibly essential information - there is an outlet mall at that exit, just in case you need one more outfit for the cruise...
  18. Looks like you started at the Pan American pier. For day stops, the ships use the Old San Juan pier, on your map just across from Walgreens. Pan American is for ships using SJ as a home port.
  19. Its a 6 minute walk, according to Google Maps.
  20. Have you checked TripAdvisor? It might be a better information source, since most cruisers leave the island before sunset.
  21. Yes, but when you hand your card, I highly recommend you point out the E+ / complimentary status. Especially if the order is taken at your table. I have several times been charged at the secondary location. Guest Service removes the charge, but why waste a trip or call. Frankly, the staff up there is always so busy, and many have less experience. They cannot always be counted upon to be up on all the tier benefits or even check for eligibility all the time.
  22. The Ft Pierce exit is primarily a truck stop, but some mid and low level motel franchises are represented there. Unless have a particular reason for choosing this exit, I recommend you drive about 15 mins. north and stay in Vero Beach, or 15 mins south, and stay at Port St Lucy. Both of these exits have nicer lodging and services. Have you checked the hotel search engines for customer reviews? Hotels dot com or Kayak dot com might be a start.
  23. This is a game Princess has played for some time now, Holland America is starting the same thing. They hold those Deluxe balconies (with couch) for 3 people. If you put 3 in the search, available cabins will show up. I have had varying success having my TA call them. I usually travel solo, so just like in restaurants, they save the crappy cabins (tables) for solos. I found a B2B on Sky for 2026 but was unable to get a Deluxe veranda cabin assignment from them, as was my TA, even tho I pay double as a solo. . I raised a stink on social media with Princess chat that I wanted to give them thousands of dollars, but refused to do so until they assigned me the cabin I wanted for 14 days. It is something I detest using "Do you know who I am ??!!" , but it got results. I got Emails from 2 people offering help, and a phone call from Captain's Circle. The CC agent was able to easily and quickly assign my cabin for both legs, and sent a new confirmation. It shouldn't be that difficult.
  24. If you are going to Bonaire, the town market under the trees has locally made art, jewelry, and even fun t-shirts that benefit the local animal rescue. Also food and/or spa grade salts from the local salt pans. I always stock up on the delicious salt mixes for myself and a few foodie friends when I go. It is one of the few places that I can think of that has not succumbed to the Made in China trash that you mentioned.


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