mikeerdas

I'm also going to use AutoSlash.com to track my reservations. Evidently AutoSlash is great at checking rates several times a day and emailing you if the price goes down. Then you can rebook at the lower price if you'd like. I know from personal experience that car rental rates can fluctuate--just like cruise ship cabin prices--and that it can pay to check for price drops often. In this case, AutoSlash checks for me. Never used the service before, but we'll see how it goes.

The rate is already pretty low. But the more money I save, the more I can spend it on other things (food, gas, etc).

Thank you Susan! Using Discount Hawaii Car Rental (DHCR), I saved around $100 total on my two car rentals. That's $100 less than even the 20% off rate I got with Dollar via my BJ's Warehouse Membership.

Didn't even have to go with a Brand X. The lowest price with DHCR was explicitly stated as being with Alamo and provided an Alamo confirmation #. The only downside is that I saw no place to input my Alamo Insider loyalty program #. I don't know much about Alamo, but enrolling in Dollar and Thrifty's loyalty programs, and including the # on the reservation, has always allowed me to cut to the head of the line; or at least use a shorter, special line than non-members.

This has saved me tons of time in airports over the years.

Hi Mike,

 

Not sure if you've checked Discount Hawaii Car Rental for pricing - they often have good prices, but it depends on how close to your trip you're booking. Use the "Immediate Confirmation - Reserve Yourself" link to get an on line quote. It's a bit confusing with the Brand names, but C is Thrifty, D is Dollar (they can't list the names of the agencies on their site, but once you book, you'll see which company it is.) You don't pay until you get there.

 

Costco travel is another good option, if you're a member.

 

I don't think any rental companies prohibit Saddle Road - it's been improved recently. You'll be OK to drive as far as the Visitor's Centre. When you pick up the rental car, you'll get a copy of the Hawaii Drive Guide (if they don't give it to you, ask for one.) There are maps inside the booklet which indicate prohibited driving areas. e.g. if you zoom in on this map, you'll see where it mentions driving being prohibited beyond the visitor's centre, but no mention of Saddle Road being prohibited.

We usually do Hawaii, no matter what island, on a land vacation and I always look up 'Cheap Hawaiian Car Rentals' on google. They are very good. We usually get a jeep, and yes, can be a little more expensive, but worth it where you say you want to go as well as the exploring we enjoy doing. We've done Saddle Road before with the jeep. A lot depends on the weather and you have to use your head. Now things may have changed since we did that, but we had no problems. Book early tho, as jeeps (all cars actually) sometimes aren't available for when you want them. Most times we end up with Thrifty, but get the better price by going thru the 'cheap rental place'. We actually got a jeep for 2 weeks last year on Oahu for roughly $750. We also have an 'add on' with one of our cc's that literally covers you for everything. Good luck and have a wonderful trip! :)

Thanks for the reference MM. I'm not really a Jeep person, although I appreciate the places "four wheelin'" can take you that other vehicles can't. Once did a trip out to Moab, Utah with a four-wheelin' friend of mine. The deal has half hiking (my preference), half crazy jeep trails. Hair raising to say the least--but definitely got out to some incredible otherwise-inaccessible locations with the Jeep.

Anyone here ever used Priceline bidding for rental cars on the Big Island or Maui?

Interested in the same, but wife and I will be based in Maui (Wailea area) for three nights. Flying into Maui (OGG) from Kona, arriving OGG around 2pm on a Tuesday. Probably too late to take a flight back out that day--and we'd have our luggage--minimal, carry-on only stuff, but still luggage. Does the OGG airport have storage lockers?

Will have to look into driving distance from the Wailea area to OGG for considering a Molokai trip. Unless ferry is a better option considering we'll be in Wailea and not on a cruise vacation this particular trip.

Lanai sounds easier.

Cost is a factor too. I know lots of people think nothing of doing, say, $300/pp helicopter tours. But that would be a budget buster. Can someone give an idea of costs in getting from Maui to either Lanai or Molokai for a day trip? Both flights and ferry. Sailboat option was mentioned. Sight unseen I would guess Big Bucks. :-( Which to me would be $100 or more per person. Hoping ferry would be a lot less costly.

Hi Cruisin' Chick,

Our cruise to Hawaii back in 2006 was with Norwegian and very port intensive. In fact there were zero port days if I recall correctly, and we embarked and disembarked in Honolulu.

I am often a "no rental car" guy, but mostly when visiting non-U.S. countries--often too stressful. But I found car rental in Hilo, Maui and Kauai to be easy. Distances are short (at least Hilo to Volcanoes NP), you already know the road rules, etc.

But it sounds like a trip to Mauna Kea, esp. at night for astronomy, would be best done on an excursion due to low light conditions and narrow roads. Not to mention, some car rental contracts may exclude driving on Saddle Road--one of the roads to take to get to Mauna Kea. Others can chime in hopefully, or look for my other recent post on car rentals in Kona and Maui.

The brilliance of the NCL itinerary is that is had overnight port stops in both Maui and Kauai. And also, if I'm remembering correctly, we were able to part our rental cars overnight right in port where the ship docks in both places, for free. Someone please correct if that's not currently the case.

Anyway, Hawaii was my first ever cruise, having been a lifelong DIY Rick Steves' influenced "Independent Traveler"--was mostly horrified at the thought of cruising. But it was such an efficient way to see several Hawaiian isles in a very short period of time. I've not since found any cruises that have two overnight port stops. I know they exist, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

But if you love sea days (I do not--I cruise for easy access to different locations for exploration and adventure), and your cruise is not port-intensive and has no overnights, maybe sticking to excursions for you is best.

Funny though how Rick Steves finally caved and admitted that cruising can be even more cost effective that cheap budget european travel--having published two excellent books on how to DIY at cruise ports. He has one covering Mediterranean ports and another covering Northern European cruise ports. I own and have used the former book--fantastic. And just placed an order for the latter.

Learned about the Rick Steves' cruise books via Cruise Critic members.

Not sure if the astronomy center you're considering is the same one that my daughter wanted to go to during one of our Hawaiian cruises' date=' but that one turned out to be closed on the day of the week we would be in Hilo. When we're narrowing down possibities of sites to see, I'll try to find the website for the place and find hours of operation. On our last cruise, we were going to be in Lahaina on Christmas Day, and between websites and Facebook pages, I found a place we hadn't seen in our two previous Hawaiian cruises that would be open, and a quick taxi or bus trip away, and we all had fun.

 

My hubby's requirement for the port days is no rental cars. So I get a bit creative on my recommendations. But then we went to Kauai and Honolulu on our honeymoon years before we went on these cruises, and did rent a car on Kauai and drove all over (Honolulu, we stuck with places we can walk to). And we each had gone to Hawaii before we met (I went on one of those 3 islands in 9days type of tour). So we were introducing our girl to Hawaii, but she doesn't need days to visit an area. And we go on our cruises (with lots of sea days such as the Hawaiian cruises) to relax so we obviously have different priorities than you do.[/quote']

If I wanted to take a day trip to Lanai or Molokai from the Wailea area of Maui, what would I be looking at in terms of time--both drive time to wherever the ferries leave from, as well as actually ferry time to these places--and the cost of a ferry trip itself to either Lanai or Molokai?

Probably won't be convinced by any arguments that say "don't do it!" for reasons I can go into if folks would like.

Main thing I'm wondering is, if I commit to doing this, what to expect.

I'll be needing a 4 day car rentail in Kona (Fri to Tue) and a 4 day car rental in Maui (Tue to Fri). In the past, I've gone with either Thrifty or Dollar (same company now?) and seem to have gotten the best rates.

Anyone know of any promotions or codes I could use to get the Dollar/Thrifty rates even lower? I'm signed-up with both of the loyalty programs, so I already get to jump to the head of the line that way. And I know my BJ's Warehouse membership often gets me some small discount off car rentals.

Wondering if there's any larger / more significant discount I could look for.

I should say that:

* I always book an economy, but often get a "free upgrade" to a mid-sized; considered by me to be a *down* grade since I like tiny cars and larger cars guzzle more gas.

* I may want to drive to the astronomy center on Mauna Kea and don't want to violate any rental car agreements. I realize I can't drive to the summit in a non 4 wheel drive vehicle. May book an excursion for the whole visit and then the point is moot. But is it the case that many rental car agreements on the Big Island exclude "Saddle Road" completely?

Thanks so much Kapoho and Slidergirl! Sounds like I made the right decision. Will definitely be printing out your recommendations and taking them with me.

I used to stay at the Marriott Waikoloa before it was the Marriott. I loved that place. It is a good place to snorkel, has a very nice real bearch (not the fake kind like they had to do next-door at the Hilton) and close to Hapuna beach for excellent bodysurfing and more snorkeling. There is also some very good snorkeling a tad further up at the beach in front of the Mauna Kea hotel.

The ex and I did a evening stargazing excursion from Waikoloa years ago. I have no idea about the company, but booked it at the hotel. Small van, 6 of us. Drove up from the Waikoloa side. Went up before sunset. Stopped at the small visitor's center (pre-Onizuka) to use the facilities. Drove up to the top. Driver provided parkas and gloves - they were needed (In October). Watched the sunset (amazing), stayed and watched some of the observatories open up. Went in side one of them - a big deal for the ex. Drove down a little lower and our driver set up a nice amateur telescope and we spent quite a bit of time looking at the different constellations and having a snack of some sandwiches and hot cocoa.

If you can do it, absolutely do it!!!

 

Oh, there is actually a Waikoloa Village, but it is a little up the hill from Waikoloa Resort. It is a residential area, but it will be the closest supermarket for you. A little further up the coast, then inland is Waimea Village (or Kamuela). A supermarket, and one of the best restaurants I've dined at (Merriman's). Keep on the coast road and go up to Kawaihae for some more good restaurants (Cafe Pesto among them). Drive up a little further up the coast to Hawi. Check into "Flumin' da Ditch" if they have it going - that was a very fun float in rubber kayaks through the old sugar plantation canals, ending up with a nice swim in a hidden pond!

Good choice of the two - I haven't stayed at either, but much prefer the Kohala Coast to Kailua Kona (Marriot Waikoloa is on the Kohala Coast in the same resort as the Hilton.)

 

The Waikoloa Resort is closer to Mauna Kea.

 

I'm not sure about snorkelling at the Waikoloa Resort, but there will be good snorkelling beaches within a short drive. The beach at the Courtyard in Kailua Kona would be just OK for swimming.

 

You haven't included the biggest attraction on the BI in your plans (Volcanoes National Park) ... or will you be stopping in Hilo on a cruise and doing it from there?

Thanks Susan!

Visited Volcanoes NP while in port at Hilo back in 2006. This is an overland-only trip. Back story is that on a 6 night trip to Oahu with friends not too long ago, my wife and I considered taking an overnight trip to BI / Kona. Thanks to CC, decided that would be far too rushed. Now we'll have 4 nights dedicated to BI / Kona. Some might say that would be too little, but I'd disagree. Once did a very long day trip to Death Valley while staying in Vegas. Some said don't do it--but we got up at 5am, returned before dinner, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. I like to get even a taste of a place so I'd know if I'd ever like to go back. Would love to go back to Death Valley some day to see more of it.

Ideally, the Highlight of this particular trip will be a trip up Mauna Kea to visit the observatory (the one open to the public before you get to the summit). Recall it being said appropriate conditions for star gazing are hit or miss. We'll see what happens. But the other highlights would be snorkeling in Kona, visiting one coffee plantation, and, if able to squeeze it in, possibly doing One Very Long DayTrip to the Hilo side, taking in one waterfall and possibly the tidepools / thermal features at Puna. Again, some would say that's too much. On the other hand, don't know when I'll be back to the BI.

Hope the Kona coffee plantations aren't anything like the Dole Plantation on Oahu (seemed to be lots of pushy vendors and had a bad vibe to it). If I could visit only one coffee plantation, what would you, or others, recommend?

Decided to book at the Marriott Waikoloa--rate was similar to the Courtyard King G and thought it may be more quiet than in town.

Still interested in folks' opinions on the differences between the two properties, proximity to Mauna Kea, etc.

Thought it might be better to break this out as a separate post.

Which Kona-side Marriott hotel is closer to Mauna Kea? The Marriott Waikoloa or Courtyard King K? They both seem to be about equidistant and both routes, I believe, take Saddle Road. That being said, if I choose to do an excursion (for night time astronomy), is one hotel closer to excursion pickups than the other?

Also, which Marriott hotel's beach has better snorkeling, the Waikoloa or the Courtyard King K?

Finally, if I wanted to take one *very* long day trip to Puna to see the tide pools, black sand beach, and some of the thermal features, would beginning the journey from one hotel be any better than the other?

I know the "best" answer is probably to "Stay in Hilo." But the hotels I can stay at are on the Kona side. Also want to fit in a visit to a coffee plantation. Will be on the Big Island four nights total. Already staying two of the four at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Don't know what the noise situation is, but would also prefer a hotel that is more sedate, e.g. light sleeper. Would there be a lot of traffic noise staying at the Courtyard King K? The obvious answer seems like it would be "Yes" but thought I'd ask anyway--you never know. :-)

Just wanted to say "Thanks." Ended up doing Oahu-only, no side trip to Kona / the Big Island, and had a fabulous time. Will be going back to Hawaii soon--this time with 4 nights in Kona, 3 nights in Maui.

Will be staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village for 2 nights, then looking for another place to stay for the remaining 2 nights in Kona.

My two choices since I'll be using Marriott points:

* Marriott Waikoloa (close to the Hilton)

* Courtyard King K. downtown

Some questions:

* For snorkeling at the hotel beach itself, which is the better property of the two Marriotts?

* Would it be better to stick to the Waikoloa Village area or experience downtown at the King K? Not interested in nightlight, and really prefer peace and quiet, but like the idea of being downtown in walking distance to restaurants as well as be a bit closer to some of the better snorkeling and one of the coffee plantations.

Also wondering which Marriott is closer and/or more convenient for an astronomy trip to Mauna Kea? May try to book an excursion due to the night time driving hazard mentioned here about Saddle Road. But both locations seem equidistant, well, close enough, to Mauna Kea. I realize Hilo is closer to MK, but I will be staying on the Kona Coast.

Good stuff, thanks CruiseMom. Not sure I'll be able to go to Istanbul at all this Spring as Award travel seats are rapidly disappearing. If I'm unable to go, will still file away this great info--thanks as always for your help.

There is Character and there is Free. If a lodging is affordable (we all have different definitions of that), safe, clean, and quiet, then it's fine by me. The free hotel night certs I have are perishable and must be used by the end of 2014. So that's a strong incentive to go for hotel chains (have free night certs at Hyatt and Hilton, plus some Marriott points that do not expire).

What price range per night could one expect at these boutique hotels in Sultanahmet you mention, let's say in mid to late May or late Sept / early Oct. Just a ball park figure.

Would definitely give Istanbul a min of 2 nights, probably a max of 3 for a first visit.

The two Hyatts you mention are definitely on the "new" side of Istanbul; however, if you are going to be there two nights (or better, three) the time it would take to get back and forth from the sites in the old town (that area is called Sultanahmet, by the way) wouldn't be a big loss.

 

I always like to stay near where the "action" is for me (e.g., the historical sites) but there is plenty of modern "action" where you'd be based also. I'm not sure if one or the other would be any quieter. On the other hand, several free nights isn't something to disregard either. And I think you can still plan to use public transportation to get around. (I haven't stayed on that side of things myself, but have taken the trams from Sultanahmet to Taksim for dinner and then back.)

 

Another reason I like staying in Sultanahmet is the availability of staying in a more traditional boutique hotel/inn converted from the old Ottoman mansions. But you may prefer the familiarity and sameness of a Hyatt.

 

In the end, you'll have to decide what fits you best.

If I go to Istanbul, I have the option to stay at a Hyatt for two free nights (have two free night certificates), possibly three if I use Hyatt points for a third night.

But the two Hyatts, The Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt, don't seem to be near the old city center, or whichever area is said to be walking distance to most of the sites of interest--may also be called Spice Market?

Anyway, what's the public transportation like getting from either of the two Hyatts to where the major sites of interest to tourists are? And might it actually be a plus to stay away from the old city center? My wife and I are very light sleepers and prefer peace / quiet.

On the one hand, I generally like Rick Steves' advice to stay in the heart of tourist attraction areas--e.g. big win for me and my wife staying in Rome within walking distance to the Forum, etc. On the other hand, when we were in Venice, we stayed at the Hilton Molino Stucky free on Hilton points--loved the hotel and loved being away from the congestion of St. Mark's--although it does thin-out nicely at night.

So what are the trade-offs visiting a city like Istanbul?

My husband and I traveled to Istanbul a few years ago and wanted to do something different. We asked at our hotel about a Turkish bath and Suleymaniye_Hamam was recommended. I'm not sure if this is the only

co-ed hamam in Istanbul but I believe it is the oldest and we had a fun time. They put you both in a small changing room, provide an outfit to wear and send you off to the hot marble slab. Thank goodness there was another person in the room because we had no idea what to do or how long to stay. After sweating up a storm two guys took us both to another room where we got a massage, body and hair wash. Very relaxing. Finished off the afternoon there with a cup of Turkish tea.

 

Going back to Turkey and plan to go to another Turkish bath in Kusadasi.

 

Go and enjoy this once in a lifetime experience, you'll talk about forever and take your camera. :)

 

Pat

Thanks Pat!

Any thoughts from anyone out there?

Thanks as always CruiseMom for the detailed information. When I was last in Kusadasi, that was a very pleasant port. Three hours for Ephesus wasn't nearly enough--but thanks to you, my wife and I got to enjoy the Terrace Houses--a real highlight from that particular trip.

Thought Istanbul is a place I ought to see, being a crossroads of several Western civilizations. And a port stop isn't often nearly enough. But hmmm, for the ruins I crave... how long would transit take to get to other bases flying into Istanbul? I imagine most international flights go to Istanbul from the U.S., and I've found some really great deals on flights to Istanbul.

But also for Athens I've found some good flight deals. Wife and I have been to Athens together only once on a port stop--enough time to see the Acropolis, but insufficient time to see my favorite ancient site in Greece thus far--Delphi. Or other sites in the Peloponnese like Corinth and Acrocorinth, Mycenae, etc. So am considering flying into Athens at some point. Would there be cheap flights from Athens to another base in Turkey besides Istanbul? Really looking for overland only so we can spend more time at various sites.

There are so many fantastic ruins in Turkey. The only problem is that most of them are not located very close to Istanbul. I'd suggest you focus on Istanbul if you only have 3-4 nights. But do plan a return visit that takes in more of the great ruins along the coast and inland. Kusadasi may be a better base for that. I stayed in Kusadasi for 3-4 nights (can't remember without checking) and from there was able to get to several places including Pergamon (one day), Priene, Miletus and Didyma (one day) and Pamukkale/Hierapolis (one very LONG day). Antalya is another good spot to base oneself for a few days to see nearby sites (such as Perge and Aspendos), but you can also look for cruises that stop there -- it's becoming more popular as a port.

 

I don't agree that Troy isn't worth visiting, especially if you have a keen interest in the history and in ruins. However, it is a confusing site and deserves the time spent (and possibly a good guide or very detailed guidebook) to help sort it out. If you do want to go, you can overnight in Canakkale as suggested and perhaps spend an afternoon there and then return again the next morning before going back. Be sure to read or re-read at least some parts of the Iliad before going. ;)

 

There aren't too many ruins in Istanbul from the early or mid Byzantine period, but you can visit the Palace Mosaics museum next to the Blue Mosque (in the Arasta Bazaar), which is the only way you can visit a portion of the old Byzantine palace (the mosaics are in situ). You can also walk along the old walls; a good place to do that is near Chora church. Of course, there's the Hippodrome, Haghia Sofia, and the assorted cisterns. Do not miss the Archaeological Museum either. If you need any additional suggestions, please just ask.

Thanks JB. Yep, sounds like Troy would be too much of a stretch and not worth the effort (not interested in battlefields). Good to know what Canakkale would be an overnight base though, as that's a destination in itself (this is where the calcite springs are, correct?)

Would love to cruise on one of the smaller vessels, but that would very likely be a budget buster. :-(

Troy is well over 200 miles, about 6 hours, from Istanbul. And that's going the "quick" way along the European shores of the Dardanelles Straits, then taking the 20 minute Eceabat to Canakkale ferry. So needs an overnite, though you might find a seat-on-bus long-day tour out of Istanbul.

IMHO what's to be seen at Troy isn't worth that sort of a journey, though you could combine it with a tour of the Gallipoli battlefields of WW1 if that's your scene. Canakkale would be a convenient overnite base.

 

Or keep your eyes open for one of the few cruise itineraries which stop at Canakkale. Only small cruise ships stop there.

 

JB :)

In the following thread it's claimed there's only one co-ed hammam in Istanbul:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293974-d1631821-r115328242-Suleymaniye_Hamam-Istanbul.html

Considering a land-only trip to Istanbul, probably for 3-4 nights. If I was to use one of those days to take a side-trip to any ancient sites, what would be feasible to arrange? Already been to Ephesus (one of my favorite ruins along with Delphi) and it would be terrific to return to explore it further. But that seems a bit far afield from Istanbul.

How difficult would it be to get to Pergammon or Troy, for example? And are there other ancient sites I should consider that would be feasible as day trips from Istanbul? The idea being that I'd like Istanbul to be a base for site-seeing in the region. And it would be nice to get away from the city into a more rural setting where I can see some awe inspiring ruins in situ.

Failing any easy day trips to such sites from Istanbul, are there any itineraries folks would recommend that would take me to ancient sites with one overnight away from Istanbul? e.g. will have to return to Istanbul to fly out. If so, what town would you recommend staying in and do you have any hotel or B&B recommendations?

Finally, since Istanbul is a port stop on cruises--and one I've had my eye on for some time--I thought it would be nice to skip the cruise this time and take advantage of things to see that tourists on a single day in port don't have the opportunity to see. For example, in Greece, I suppose one could take a day trip to Delphi from Athens--but it would be terribly rushed (which is why it often doesn't appear as an Excursion option from Athens / Piraeus). But you'd have to forget about Meteora (one of my not-so-ancient favorite historical sites; but if I recall correctly was around an 8 hour one-way trip trip from Athens).

Considering a trip that includes Istanbul and thought it would be interesting to visit a hamam (turkish bath). However, I imagine most are gender-segregated. I'd want to share the experience with my wife, so that's out.

Are there any co-ed hamams in Istanbul? Even "for tourists" ones, perhaps in a luxury hotel?

Failing that, it seems like Budapest has a very large number of spas--I bet Cruise Mom could tell me the historical explanation. Are any of those co-ed? Budapest isn't super high on my list of places to visit--but the occasional pictures I see of Budapest's spas are beautiful. I

Developed a fondness for spas after having a spa pass for the Carnival Dream's Cloud 9 spa. The Cloud 9 spas are the only ones I know of at sea where *all* common areas (like multiple steam rooms, heated loungers, thassalo pool, etc) are co-ed. Others seem to have a single, small co-ed area, like one whirlpool.

Failing co-ed spas in Istanbul and Budapest, where else in the world can I find co-ed spas with a large number of interesting common rooms? It's one of those things I would / could add to a trip that would make it special if I knew it was there.

Someone posted a large number of photos from the Carnival Dream's Cloud 9 spa here. It really is a wonderful place to pass time. Never thought of myself as a spa person (in fact, had never visited one) before this:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1721126&page=2

The Cloud 9 Spa rooms are all coed. The free steam room is not coed, but it also isn't very nice.

Still wondering--are there any co-ed spas on land, anywhere in the world, similar to Cloud 9? Especially loved the different steam rooms.

Since I'm contemplating a trip to Istanbul one of these days, either by ship or land, and since Turkey is famous for baths (hammam), wondering if there are any co-ed spas there.

Are there any *co-ed* spas on land similar to Cloud 9? And by co-ed, I mean that, aside from treatment rooms, that all or most of the common rooms are co-ed.

For example, Istanbul is known for hammam spas. Wondering if any place in Istanbul has co-ed hammams.

Thanks ALR.

Here's a thread with lots of pictures of the spa:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1721126

Be sure to at least click through to the second page of posts in the thread above to get to pictures of the steam rooms, etc. The photos go on for at least 4 pages, giving you a nice idea of what all the rooms look like. Photos don't do it justice though. Didn't see any night photos of the steam rooms, etc, and that gives a nice ambiance.

@CM, my feeling is that the T-pool on the Dream was actually lukewarm rather than hot. I personally wanted it to be a lot hotter, but it was pleasant.

My wife and I most enjoy the two co-ed steam rooms on the Dream so I'm not sure we'd book a spa pass on ships without those. Also enjoy the t-pool, the heated loungers (and view from them)--the Dream has two heated lounger rooms. There's also a separate room where you can sit and have tea / read a book. The best part is probably hopping from room to room in the spa, enjoying a variety of things. As well as the serenity and under-booking (never crowded). Again, probably spoiled for any other set-up now. If they did not limit the total # of general spa passes purchased, my feelings about the spa would change. I was really pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed it.

Not sure why other lines don't have all co-ed non-treatment rooms. Cloud 9 on the Dream didn't feel lecherous or unsavory at all (if that's the rationale for non co-ed spas). If it was otherwise, that would be my last time in that given spa. Carnival turned me into a spa customer. Ordinarily it's not something I'd ever been interested in.

The Western Caribbean ports on our itinerary turned out to be so-so. Having spa access helped compensate a lot with that and made our cruise special.

@CM, why not plan to take a free tour of the spa on your embarkation day to get a feel for what it's like? It may or may not be for you.

One last advantage--we rarely take advantage of pool hot tubs due to crowding and, worst of all, kids in them (even if marked as off limits to kids). No offense to children, but ruins any ambiance in my personal opinion. Even though the spa is a shared facility, there's no significant crowding. And I don't recall any kids at all. If we felt one room was "filling up" and wanted more relative privacy, we'd hop to another room. Not the type of thing we've been able to do in general ship areas; e.g. one hot tub fills with kids, you search for another, then that might be full by the time you reach it. A spa pass removes that particular frustration-point.

NCL depending on ship has various features. Epic had a huge co-ed area with large T- pool with various stations and a hot tub and heated tile loungers. The Dawn and Star have a lap pool, T-pool and hot tub, but no heated tile loungers. The Jewel had the T-pool and heated tile loungers in the co-ed area. The sauna and steam room are non-co-ed.

 

The spa pass on Carnival has the T- pool, heated tile loungers, aromatherapy steam room, sauna and heated chair loungers in a different room and huge rainshowers.

 

image by alrichards4003, on Flickr

Thanks CK and ALRichards. We feel much the same. The spa on the Dream felt like a sanctuary--it was never crowded. Felt especially great when we escaped to it on rainy days. Used it every day regardless.

My wife and I really aren't Ship People--we select cruises to maximize port days and by which ports are of most interest to us (vs. those whose ideal is a Cruise To Nowhere). But if we happen to end up on a Carnival ship having the large co-ed Cloud 9 spa, we'll buy the pass every time now.

Fortunately (too tempting) or unfortunately, I've never seen anything like the Cloud 9 spa on any other ships. Non co-ed spas don't interest me and my wife. We're not "treatment room people" and so we exclusively use the shared thermal rooms. Seems the spas on all other ships and lines are largely non co-ed. Having a single co-ed room, like a whirlpool / jacuzzi, isn't enough of a draw for us to buy a spa pass elsewhere.

If I'm wrong and other ships and lines have followed Carnival's lead on having large co-ed Cloud 9-like spas, please, someone, let me know.

Come to think of it, not sure there are very many on-land co-ed spas with thermal rooms either.

We had spa passes for both the Dream and Breeze. We always think the thermal suites are a good value since we both use it every day and it is nice on a ship of that size to go to a space that is not overcrowded.

 

We paid $249 for a couples pass for 8 days in April on the Breeze, it was the same price as 7 days for the Dream the year before.

 

If the Spa balcony is $250 or less it is worth it, if more you would need to determine if the 2 free classes and different decor and toiletries is worth it.

 

I think they are exactly the same, the positioning of the T-pool may be a little different.

 

I cannot imagine selling on a ship with a T-pool and not buying the spa pass, we feel it enhances the experience, while others don't think it is worth it. Just depends on what is important to you.