EugeneD

Wow.. this has always been a worry for me. Baby monitors capture crying just fine (and, following some books, some intentionally start to ignore at certain ages to train infants to not wake up expecting midnight feedings). They don't capture things like this. This is why I don't have much faith (or much use) for monitors on land. I think this thread did a great job highlighting the added dangers at sea (waves, fire, intruders, etc).

In a way, though the cruise caused this, it was fortunate being in the same cabin (vs on land)? Can't imagine if this happened to mine at home, in her own room.. wow..

You know, I just realized something that I must have been blocking out. And it took your post to realize it. Lord500 is asking about an 8 month old -- I was thinking this child was older -- a toddler.

 

My daughter was exactly 8 months old when we found her blue and not breathing in her pack n play (during naptime) on the Disney Magic. If we hadn't been in the same cabin, she wouldn't be here NOW. :(

 

The cause -- she caught something on the ship. My daughter had never been sick a day in her life. She was a perfectly healthy little girl and she almost died. So now I am going to BEG you not to leave your child. Their immune systems aren't developed enough, you really just never know. Because I didn't. :(

I can't imagine blowing off a stop because the beaches are too hard to get too. Our continent's history began on Hispanola - visit www godominicanrepublic com to learn a little of the history and the culture of the island. It is amazing to me that our European ancestors were able to wipe out an entire civilization in about 50 years. To learn about that and how they over came those obstacles are worth 1 day out of my life. But like all else - that is JMHO.

I hear you, and appreciate the history. Where are the museums in relation to the Samana port, though? Have to weigh against the cost of an excursion & time spent being driven, which not everyone tolerates well. That is the perspective I took in considering the op's question -- the time / cost / comfort involved in reaching points of interest, not the points themselves. I took this perspective because the Q was port rather than country-specific.

Majahual consists of a few blocks of dirt streets with low buildings that stretches along the beach. It's just a small village with some shops that sell trinkets and t-shirts...not a Diamonds International, Columbia Emeralds or Del Sol in sight! .

That's how I like it. My wife got a scuba excursion from someone walking the pier when you first walk off -- it was $25 -- my friend and I cheered her on from the shore, then all of us got to enjoy the adjoining bar & beach chair amenities of the 'resort' affiliated with that company. All I really need at a peaceful day on the beach.

But -- I do remember them building a Diamonds International actually... may be done now.

Grand Turk was one of my faves, been twice, very easy to step off the ship and proceed to the beach. Free beach, free chairs, zero cost for cab. For shopping, also easy -- all walkable from the ship. Very knowledgeable sales staff at one of the watch/jewelry places. They're building some water ride near the Margaritaville, too -- also walkable.

I'm actually planning not to get off at Samana (Dominican Republic) as I've heard the beaches are 30-45min cab ride through some rough roads, and no guarantee you'll catch one easily on the way back.