MsSWhite

Hello! Celebrity is offering a 9 night Best of Greece cruise. The only date that works for us is October 26-November 4. I'm worried about the weather being cooler. I'm assuming no beaches, pool or sunscreen?? Any experts or past cruisers that can offer advice or info would be greatly appreciated!!

Hubby and I are having a hard time weighing the pros and cons.  10 day Venezia (Nassau, HMC, Grand Turk, Amber Cove) is less expensive than the 8 day Horizon (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).  The only port we haven't been to is Bonaire.  We'd be sailing Venezia to try the new ship herself, while Horizon, it is definitely about the destinations.

I'd appreciate your opinions regarding either ship or itinerary.  

Happy New Year!!

We have sailed on Carnival regularly--thinking about trying NCL.  Drink package alone is a bonus!  Any pros and cons for those of you who have sailed both??

Would you take a 1 year old and a 3 year old on a 6 night cruise aboard the Adventure during Spring Break?  I heard it was one of the ships which has a "splash" area for toddlers.  Obviously the 1 year old will be in diapers.  Any suggestions??

We are thrilled to bring our family on our next cruise.  At the time, we will have TWO 18 month old's.  Looking at Adventure but seeing conflicting baby splash areas?  Also looking at bigger ships like Harmony or Odyssey?  Any thoughts, comments or prior experience?

I read the Caribbean Forum a lot before we go on our cruises to get ideas of places to go.  Thought I would do my part and share.

We couldn't wait to go back to Orient beach post hurricane.  We parked ourselves near Bikini Beach Bar--which was very nice.  We enjoyed parasailing with the nearby water sports company.  What we didn't expect was a wall of seaweed at least 1.5-2 feet high on the shoreline, as well as 4-5 feet into the water.  As many people know, the seaweed has been fairly bad in the Caribbean since the hurricane, but we never expected this.  Didn't seem like any of the beach bars were cleaning it up.  I felt bad for the small children who couldn't play in or near the water.  Just a head's up for those of you who are planning on traveling soon.

Usually the CD doesn't make or break our cruise--HOWEVER--Simon was awesome!  My (now adult) children commented that they have not enjoyed a CD as much since the cruise with Wee Jimmy back in the day (2007).

Yay!  Doing the same itinerary in 18 days!  We have a different CD--Simon London?!?  Anyone sailed with him before?

We have a party of 8 doing anytime dining as well.  Any issues or long waits to get a table?  Do they use the Northern Lights dining room?  

Lastly, (for now--lol) we dock early in San Juan.  Was anything open?  I've read that Old San Juan stores and restaurants may not open until 9:00am-10:00am?

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone used the water sports available on Orient Beach??  I've read that they have jet skis and parasailing.  Looking for the rental and use costs please?!?

So many great responses!  Thanks!  As I am reading through them, I think now I am more concerned about the weather and water temps as a couple of you mentioned.  We enjoy the local shops--but, good point--they may be closed for Christmas.  We'll probably spend more time at the beaches.

Do you think the temps will be better in the Western Carib v. Eastern Carib at that time?  

Have you taken a Christmas Cruise??🎄 Our extended family is looking to finally join us on a 5 day cruise!  Their first!  Cruising with adults and college aged children.

I am looking for your itinerary opinions. I want to make the right decision for all 4 families.  (We have never been to Progreso.)

1.  Grand Turk and Amber Cove

2.  Cozumel and Progreso

3.  Cozumel and Grand Caymen

Also, any insight regarding weather, beaches, seas, etc. would really be appreciated! Thank you!!

Thanks for the info! We leave in 3 weeks and didn't get a notification. Maybe we'll get something today?!?

There were two nights. I know the second night of the cruise was the first elegant night. I want to say the second to last was the last one. Could have been the day before though.

thanks! :D

Do you remember which nights were "elegant" nights? Trying to plan a birthday surprise on one of those evenings.

Can anyone tell me how far it is from the airport to the pier? Any transfer suggestions--Carnival, taxi, etc?

Has anyone sailed on Vista in one of the "Spa" rooms? Looking for opinions whether positive or negative.

Also, any Spa "perks" that you liked/disliked?

Thanks for your comments!!:)

First time visiting Labadee. Can anyone give me some insight regarding the different beaches? Do you have a favorite?

Did you attend Quest? Curious what night they have it?!? I am reading conflicting answers--6th or 7th night???

Thanks. Switching up cruise lines and trying to figure out the tricks of the trade. Lol. I checked a couple weeks ago and nothing was offered.

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I apologize if this was already answered--

I noticed in my Cruise Planner an offer for 20% off the deluxe drink package. Does anyone know if the offer is for a limited time? Will the offer "disappear" if I don't grab it right away?

Thanks for your thoughts and input! You are right, I'm sure no matter what ship we pick, we will have a good time. I really appreciate the information!!:):)

By far my favorite is Quantum, we loved Quantum for the 270 lounge, Music Hall, Solarium, Shows and loved the different dining venues. I don't mind change or different...

 

Norwegian and Royal win with Entertainment because of the Broadway type shows compared to the playlist productions on Carnival.

 

Best food for us goes to Celebrity, but Vista would rate higher in fun than Norwegian and Celebrity. We see ourselves maybe trying Princess or Holland America next but Harmony of the Seas and Anthem are also on our list, oh so many to choose from.

 

We've been looking for a way to maybe bundle a back to back next winter with Princess and Carnival out of Florida.

First of all, thank you for the terrific review and pics! Just read all 14 pages of the thread. May I ask your opinion---DH and I (49) will be traveling with 4 college grads next year after graduation, we can't decide between Vista, RCI Harmony of the Seas or NCL Escape. Out of the 3, what would you recommend for our group?

This helps me alot! I'm not finding anything I want on our shore excursions and the public beach/Calico Jack's looks like what we want :). When we get a taxi do we just ask to go to the public beach? Thanks!!!

Yes :) There's a nice drop off site. Public beach also has a small playground for kids and a volleyball court. $5 per person each way for the taxi. I know some people took the Public Bus for half the cost.

Just returned from Grand Cayman. Here's my experience regarding these beaches:

Public Beach--About a 15 minute cab ride from the port. Home of Calico Jack's. Chair rental $5 and umbrella rental $5. Bucket of Cayman beer 4 for $20. Tropical and Frozen drinks $8-$10. (no prices on the menus...maybe they change according to the time of year, ships in port, etc.) Nice beach, music, etc. This visit was during Spring Break and never found it loud or out of control. Saw many families enjoying local water sports. Jet ski $50 for a half hour. Nothing to see if snorkeling.

Tiki Beach--Walked about 10-15 minutes to Tiki from Public. On this particular day it was extremely loaded with seaweed and murky. Lots of rocks and old coral pieces as you entered the water. Small stretch of sand between the water and the bar/restaurant. Most patrons were lounging in chairs on the deck. Cannot comment on the prices as we were just walking by.

Cemetery Beach--Visited here a couple years ago, but from what I hear, things haven't changed much. Only including it for comparison. Very remote. No merchants, no facilities, nothing! We brought our own snorkel equipment. Found a small grocery store about 10 minutes away where we purchased a styrofoam cooler and filled it with drinks and snacks. Found snorkeling to be ok. Definitely nothing special. Obviously very quiet and picturesque, most likely due to the lack of people.

Hope this info helps somebody. I know how difficult it is to pick from the many beaches of 7 mile beach. Have a great time! :)

We're cruising next month, I'll let you know my thoughts when we return. I've read pretty good reviews on this forum and travelocity.

Sailing in a couple of weeks. Your thoughts (or anyone else's) regarding the sunset cruise with Bounty Adventures? Is it worth the $$?