timothy998

We just wrapped up a four-night Bahamas cruise on the Navigator of the Seas.  We had the Key, got to the terminal about 9:30am, checked in, did security, sat in the Key area and were literally the first to board at 10:40am.  

We had already dropped our luggage with the stevedores, but should have waited and dropped it at the Key area on deck 4.  Information was sort of scarce.  We didn’t receive our bags until about 5pm.  Fortunately we had packed swimsuits and sunblock and were able to enjoy the pools and slides.

-The internet package was great.

-We didn’t know until the last day that the Key acts as a “fast pass” for the water slides (grr).

-The Chops lunch was excellent (filet)

-We only used the priority seating for the ice show, but there was plenty of room at the other shows.

-Our departure breakfast this morning was really nice.

-Info on departure procedures was a bit sketchy, but we left our baggage in the cabin during breakfast and after we grabbed our luggage and just went to the bamboo room to be escorted off (shorter line) 

-Our “checked luggage” was with everyone else’s, no specific “Key” Area was marked off at customs. 

We’ll sail RCI again!

We are visiting St Thomas in March. We're a 3-generation group of seven with ages from 9- to 77 (active.) we are looking to have a relaxing day...maybe a little shopping, maybe some beach and snorkeling time. We don't want to pay an arm and a leg but do want to see a bit of the island. What options do we have for getting to the beach? I trust that those who want to snorkel may rent gear if they wish. It is just a place we have never visited before. Thank you for your ideas.

We just booked two VEs on the Navigation deck on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam for late March for our family of five, and my in-laws also are booking the same cruise. We like the Explore4 drink package (particularly my FIL!) and particularly look forward to the included Pinnacle Grill dinner. The only catch is that HAL will decide which night we go, but with seven of us it will be a very enjoyable evening. My carnivorous older son, who will be 17, is looking forward to trying the Porterhouse (so am I!)

N. Amsterdam, March 22, 2015, Eastern Caribbean. This will be our third cruise, and St Thomas will be our only "new" stop, but we enjoy the ports and the relaxation!

We used the organizers on our two cruises...since there are five of us in two connecting cabins, it kept the kids' shoes and sandals in place. Plus we put belts, sunblock and other things in it to keep the bathroom clutter to a minimum. I can see using one for a week in a hotel, as well. "Don't leave home without it!"

I'll tell you soon and try to get photos to Joannie...as our connecting cabins will be in about the same location, but on the starboard side of the ship. Can't wait...we fly down in just 2 weeks!!

We're a family of five cruising on Westerdam in March 2009 (first cruise for all of us). We'd already booked our air using award miles from ORD-FLL on UA to learn this week that they're discontinuing service ORD-FLL. Soooo, I told UA that since I'm a million-kajillion miler that they needed to help us out. Fortunately they rebooked us to/from MIA, even though we're on award tickets (the agent had to get a supervisor to override the system to get us award seats on the last day of Spring Break).

For MIA to FLL, taxi rates are about $77, flat rate, and car rental vans are about $65, but what do Carey & Limoway charge, roughly, for MIA to FLL area hotels and/or the cruiseport, for a group our size?