Djford75

On 3/4/2024 at 1:51 PM, MLAW said:

We just returned from our cruise and wanted to report back regarding our beach bed experience.  There were 7 ships in port when we were in Cozumel and all the beach beds were reserved.  We had number 16 on the beach, which for us was the perfect location.  My husband is a beach guy while I prefer the pool so our location meant we were close to both.  The ones on the beach just seem a little more private than the ones by the pool.  Despite so many ships in port, there were still many, many unfilled beach chairs so, although it was busy, it did not feel overly crowded to me.  I liked that our beach bed also included a table and chairs for eating.  They were willing to bring you a lounge chair if you wanted one of those also.  The service was fantastic.  We both enjoyed our drinks and all the food.  I am not usually a napper, but I know I feel asleep at least once on the comfortable bed.  We truly enjoyed our day and this is our go to place when in Cozumel.  Happy to answer questions anyone might have.

We are in a similar situation with 7 ships in port this August.  When did you arrive? Was it busy then?

We are the second to last ship to get into port that day so I'm concerned it will be too busy.  We are used to going to Nachi.

We also have been to Nachi 4 times and enjoyed it very much.  Considering Paradise Beach this time to try something different, although there will be 7, yes seven ships in Cozumel that day and we are second to last getting there.  Not sure now...

Thank you for all your replies!!!  To the ones that say Vista is crowded, we've been on both the Mardi Gras and the Celebration at full capacity, now that's crowded!!  

May go with the Vista as it is 6 days and just outta dry dock.

2 hours ago, dacsmom said:

What ports? I love the Vista, and I  would take a 6 day over a 5 day unless the ports were much better on the 5 day.

They are both similar, Grand Turk, Half Moon, Amber cove.

We have "free" cabins on both ships, cruising in December. Not Christmas.  Those that have been on both, help me decide.  It's our 23 carnival cruise and have not been on either of these ships yet!!  Freedom is a 5 day and Vista is a 6 day.  

Please advise, Thank you

Looking for a great beach bar off of the water taxi.  Big Bastards is sold out the day we are there, is there some where similar with the same deals?

Thank You

The Budget Cocoa Beach location is small.  They usually rely on people dropping cars off that morning that they rent back out to incoming cruise passengers.  There are no numbered spots like the Airports.  I am a fast break member as well, I love that process at the airport, unfortunately it doesn't work that way at the cocoa beach counter.  The lady there is very nice, been going there for almost 15 years. 

I have done this many times.  There is a line for rental car shuttles at the port, you will see the Budget Vans come and go.  If you only have a few of you I would take your luggage with you to the Budget rental location.  It's easier because the traffic is so bad getting back into port Canaveral on embarkation day.  My suggestion is to do this ASAP if you can.  The budget rental counter is very busy on cruise days.  The line is sometimes out the door.

On 1/4/2024 at 2:24 PM, mz-s said:

 

Yes - the casino pays the gratuity. You are welcome to tip above and beyond if you wish!

I try to give a dollar bill with each drink.  It goes a long way with the casino bartenders....especially when there is a line and they see you waiting.  Your drink appears quickly. LOL

Is there a good place to watch the Super Bowl near FLL?  We are staying near the airport post cruise which is the day of the Super Bowl.

Good to hear...I am considering taking the short trip from MIA to FLL post cruise.  Premium seats are only $32 with drinks and food included.  We are in no rush either, so I thought we'd try something new.

Drinks on US premium is the casino's equivalent to the CHEERS package which is available everywhere on the ship.  Compared to Drinks On Us in the casino, valid only while playing. 

Has anyone golfed in St Marteen?  I see there are some very nice courses there, look expensive though.  

19 hours ago, txsmiles said:

@Djford75 we will be there with a late stay in port (10pm), do you know whether they allow you to keep the golf carts past 5pm so you can enjoy dinner further than walking distance from the pier?

I'm not sure, I would contact them to find out.

Wife and I would love to golf while in Nassau as we have been there plenty of times.  Is there a "local" course that won't break the bank?

On 9/20/2023 at 12:49 PM, d-train said:

 

How did it work out with the golf cart rental?

 

By any chance, did you see 4 seaters available?

 

They were absolutely fantastic!! New carts, easy to get to from cab ride.  She said they have four seaters on order and I think coming in October.  Highly recommend, Maureen even gave us a ride back to the Ship!!

Hello...Just wanted to leave a quick review for Jiffy Jeff from MIA to FLL.  We used them last week and they were amazing, we even had the owner Jeff as our driver.  We were on the late arriving Celebration Sunday, the communication was awesome.  5 star recommend them for the FLL/MIA area.

I hope there is a separate line for returns!!!!  Seems they would want the vehicles back ASAP

On 5/28/2023 at 7:58 AM, Gail & Marty sailing away said:

There is a minimum charge.

Is dropping off a rental easy at the downtown location? Uber to Port?

On 6/29/2023 at 2:00 PM, Corby114 said:

The downtown Miami locations get very busy on cruise turnaround days.Make sure to get there early when returning your rental.

What time would you suggest?  And is the process relatively quick? I've heard the horror stories of trying to pickup a car..

Good Morning.... Our 20th cruise will be to Alaska, what are your thoughts on departure ports?  California or Seattle?  We live in western NY, never been to either port, just wondering if there were many differences other than the obvious longer cruise from Cali.

On 6/20/2023 at 7:10 PM, baker bunch said:

The new company - Golfcartrentalbonaire.com - did you have good luck with them?

Carts in good shape?  Hard to find?

Did you have to pay up front?

 

Thanks in advance for your help and info.

 

 

We cruise in August, will fill you in when we get back!!!

That's great, my wife is Diamond Elite with IHG.  We will definitely be staying there!!!

In February we noticed a new hotel being constructed right outside the cruise terminal to Mardi Gras.  Does anybody know which hotel it is and when it opens?  Will be SUPER easy, walk to the ship from hotel!!!

We rented from the new company, young couple.  Golfcartrentalbonaire.com  The only had two seaters at the time I booked two carts.  Very responsive thru email.