mikebz

I will put in a vote for Blue Lagoon as well. We went there for the sea lion swim, but they also had a dolphin swim and ray swim, in addition to a beach. The staff was great for the sea lion swim, so I am going to assume the staff was equally good with the other interactions. From the description, my wife did not think she would enjoy it, but I signed her up anyway. Bottom line, she thought this was the best excursion she ever did. So, I would say book the tour. We did the tour through the ship due to a limited time in port. If we had more time, I would book it direct. The ferry ride to Blue Lagoon takes about 30-45 minutes each way.

Regards,

Mike

When we were on Allure last year, someone told us about a small linen shop on the main drag from the port, but tucked away under an overhang on the left side. Sorry, I can't remember the name, but we liked this store. Sort of like Mr. Tablecloths in St Thomas. very friendly and reasonable prices, good quality merchandise. They might have some fabric ornaments. We plan on going back in December.

Spring for the extra money. See if you can get the stateroom above Ben and Jerry's. If not, I like the middle of the promenade, deck 7.

I will be on Grandeur in December, docking in St Maarten on December 17, so I guess we will be the first ship. I am planning to go up to Orient Beach, but if anyone has specific questions, I can see if I can answer them.

Regards,

Mike

Sorry to disagree, but last year on Allure, there were so many dirty dishes in Park Cafe, that everyone was bussing their tables, and piling the dirty dishes in one spot. And we were in port that day. So, it happens on occasion everywhere. Eventually, some personel did clean up the dirty dishes.

We made the best of it, and actually met some nice people to share our table with.

I did the scenic railway last year, and I enjoyed it. Next month, I will be going with Thenford. The views from the railway a very good, especially when crossing the bridges.

Hi all, have been lurking for the last week but think it’s time to post and get answers to a few questions. I’m sure they have all been answered before but I haven’t found the answers yet...

 

Heading out on the allure of the seas on May 6th western Caribbean cruise. Hope people can help with my questions.

 

1) we are from the uk so heading to Orlando for a week first. Would you suggest leaving Orlando the night before and staying in a hotel at Fort Lauderdale or would you say it’s ok to leave Orlando in the morning of the cruise and drive down?

 

2) When I booked the cruise I chose mytime dining. But when I log in to my cruise and click on dining it says I can’t book anything and I have to do it onboard? I’m hearing people booking discounted specialty restaurants on the first night but how can I do that if I can’t book anything?

 

3) same with “entertainment and shows” I click on that and it says to book onboard, I don’t want to miss out, is this normal?

 

3) we have just returned from a week in Mexico and love love loved it! (We were directly across from Cozumel) we loved the beach days so much so that we are thinking of just going to the local beaches at our stops, is this normal, all I keep seeing is people booking excursions?

 

4) my gf loves to work on a tan on holiday, anyone left a cruise with a bit of colour? I imagine there is so much to do it’s actually rare to see the sun haha.

 

I will have so many more questions I’m sure,

 

Thanks all

1. I have done the drive from Orlando to FLL on the day of departure, but I would recommend going the night before. There might some traffic delays, especially if you are familiar with the drive. Also, there is enough to do in FLL, so going the night before is not a negative.

2. I think it is too soon tho book dining options. Same goes for entertainment. Allure has a lot going on as far as entertainment, so keep checking to see when it becomes available.

3. Your vacation is just that, yours. Many people just go to the beach, so it is not uncommon. Not what I do on vacation, but that doesn't mean anything about your vacation. Last time we were in Cozumel, we went to Chitzinitza (sp?), but it took all day, and it is what we wanted to do.

4. A "bit of colour"? Be careful, it is very easy to get a bad suntan if you are not careful, especially if you want to go to the beach. Use sunscreen, because the sun is very intense. I also recommend bringing some after suncare with you, and if you can get Aloe with lidacane, I recommend it. Nothing with spoil your vacation than a nasty sunburn.

Let me know if you need any more specific information. I was on Allure no too long ago.

You seem to like the newer NCL ships, perhaps you should stick with what you are comfortable with in selecting your cruises.

Other than that, did you enjoy the play Mrs. Lincoln?????

You know that Maryland does not allow the casino to open on the first night, or you would if you researched this thread on CC. Grandeur is an older ship, and does not have stabilizers. Again, you would know this if you did some research. Rough weather is very possible, because we are still in hurricane season. If only someone did some basic research....

I seem to think there is a theme here.....

Should be two formal nights. Dress code varies. As far as the robes, if you are a certain level in C&A (I think Platinum), you can request them from the cabin attendant. They used to be provided without asking, but I think they changed the policy a few years back.

Regards,

Mike

Sailed on Grandeur many times. The crew makes this ship very enjoyable. Will be sailing in December. One tip: if you are travelling southbound on 95, make sure you are in the extreme right lane when you enter the tunnel. The exit ramp for the port comes up very soon after you are out of the tunnel.

Regards,

Mike

I do not flaunt my status, either on ship, or off. I am on vacation, and I do not think the people on shore would treat me any different either way. I am respectful to anyone, and expect that in return. I have met some very nice people who have a higher status than me, and have also met rude people regardless of their level. Fortunately, I have had very few problems on ship that I needed to go to Guest Services. When I do have a problem, I tend to go at off hours, because, like you said, unless it is an emergency, it can wait.

Actually, the best experiences that I have had with other passengers, has been when the windjammer or Park Cafe is very busy, and I offer to share a table. Embarkation lunch tends to be the best when you have someone join you that is a first time cruiser. They seem to be overwhelmed by all the activity, and it makes me think back to the first time I cruised.

Regards,

Mike

Angry much? My statements were informed by facebook posts of people who are actually living there, who describe dealing with constant power outages and working hard just to get through the day and help feed those around them who need help and who have no shelter. Your need to feel good about your conveniences doesn't change that. I never said that one should wait years but neither is sooner any better. Would you head to a New Orleans a month after Katrina and expect the locals to throw you a parade? Of course, your version seems to be "throw up some shacks so I can have some beers on the beach; I'll just nap as we drive past the people whose lives are so difficult." Abundant labor and supplies? Not sure where you've read that (although I suspect your "news" comes from one cable station).

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Actually, you sound angry and very negative. I will be in St, Martin in December. I plan to be at Orient Beach if my tour operator is up and running, I will be there. The internet is spotty, but I have been in contact with him. Yes, he lost equipment, and his house, but he is confident that he will be up and running by December. Yes, peoples lives are difficult, but why can't you be a little constructive. I have asked what he needs, so even if he is not running, I can still make a difference. If he asks me to lend a hand on my vacation, I would help. So sorry, "I will not be napping and having some beers" while ignoring people.

BTW- I was in New Orleans shortly after Katrina for a conference, and while no-one was throwing me a parade, they were happy that we were there supporting their economy.

I will enjoy my cruise, and I hope you enjoy yours.

Regards,

Mike

Correct, it wasn't on our last two cruises; I looked for it.

It might still be available in the ports. There are two types, coffee and berry. I always bring some back as gifts, everyone enjoys them, so I hope they are still available in the ports.

Mike

The zipline is just for one ride, but before you go on the real zip line, there is a "practice" one. I have done the "Dragon's Tail" roller coaster. When I did it, you had a choice for only one ride, or unlimited. I did the unlimited. I liked it.

The one thing I do not like is the "straw market". Way too aggressive. I went through one time with my wife to see what they had to offer. I decided to go back to make purchases, and my wife refused to go with me. She prefers the building that is off to the side with multiple vendors. I haven't been back for a few years now, not by choice, the cruises we have taken have not stopped there.

Regards,

MIke.

The Solarium is an option, although the choices are limited. Although we have no mobility issues, we are in WJ early for breakfast and it is not crowded. In my opinion, if you can go early on the first day, and explain to the staff at WJ, they will help you the rest of the cruise. Breakfast is usually the same items each day, with minor substitutions. Get a table for your mom, and then ask what she would like.

I am not a fan of using room service all the time, as it might isolate her, but that is just my opinion. Try to talk to the officer in charge of WJ on the first day. Grandeur has a great crew, I am sure that they will help.

Regards,

Mike

Huangxiu Chang is by far the most memorable crew member on Grandeur in my opinion. Most of the crew is of a similar disposition, which is one of the reasons I come back to Grandeur, The ship may not have everything the bigger ships have, but they have a very good staff.

I am not sure where you will be going, but by far the best chowder I had was in Freeport. I cannot remember the name of the place, but it was off the main street, almost in a basement. Very few places to sit, and you ordered by size and type (clam, halibut, etc...). Don't even ask for Manhattan clam. It reminded me of the "Soup ****" on Seifeld. The best lobster roll I had was right on the water in Portland.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Mike

Okay, I have to say something. I have been on RCCL numerous times, and when I had a problem with a booking, I just called my TA, and the issue was resolved. Maybe not exactly what I wanted, but enough to make me satisfied. I keep all my transactions clear for each cruise, so I can always verified what has been charged. Maybe with five (5) bookings and the complicated switches you made, something got lost.

No need to vent here, we cannot give you resolution. Maybe no one can.

Whatever you decide to do, remember it is a vacation.

Does anyone know if the scenic train tour passes Fort Brimstone? Or does anyone have a route of the train? I understand some is by bus and some by train; is this a suitable tour for those with mobility issues (scooter; but can walk short distances if needed)

I took the train with the option of bus return. The other option is to return by boat. The return trip by bus passed the entrance to Brimstone, but did not stop. As far as mobility goes, the train is two levels, but the access to the upper level is by a narrow winding stair. Would not recommend the upper level for people with mobility issues. You will not see as much on the lower level, but the restroom is on the lower level as well. You will have to transfer to the bus for the return trip, so I think you would be alright.

I had a good time on the train, and it is an excellent overview of the island.

Cuban cigars can be had at the port. There are several smoke shops there. As for tours, book with Thenford Grey. Google his name for the website. Can't go wrong with him.

I had an excursion booked on St. Kitts for a tour around the island. My tour was cancelled due to "operational issues". I had booked this during one of their sales, and they suggested a tour that was about the same but more expensive. So, I booked a tour with a private tour company for about the same price. People that have taken this tour in the past have said it is better than the one offered through RCCL. So, the way I look at it, RCCL is just losing the business.

Just want to say that the staff can make a great cruise, especially with so many sea days. The staff on Grandeur is one of the best, which is one of the reasons I keep sailing with them. I definitely like the bigger, newer ships, but sailing on Grandeur is like spending time with family (in a good way).

My cruise in December will stop at St. Maarten, St. Thomas and others. Yes, St. Maarten is a mess, but two Dutch ships tied up at the cruise pier last night to off load supplies, so I think the port is functional. There were no submerged debris. This is a huge plus. I am hoping that we make our scheduled stops in December. I will make the best of it, and I am hoping that my plans will still be intact, but if they are not, I will make the best of it.

There was a convention I went to six months after Katrina. Had a good time, and helped support the local economy. This is not that much different.

Regards,

Mike

I remember after the earthquake in Haiti, a lot of people here were criticized for vacationing at Labadee. I had a cruise booked shortly after, and I can tell you that RCC was able to deliver supplies to a functioning port, and I and other guests helped bring supplies as well, not just money, which was also needed. I have a cruise for this December scheduled, and if the ship is able to dock, I will be there spending money and helping how I can, especially around the holidays, I think the emotional support will help.

Regards,

Mike

Eating in the MDR, at least for us, takes time, but that's the way we prefer it. We order multiple apps, eat at a leisurely pace, talk to our tablemates. etc... That is one of the reasons we enjoy cruising. We have a slower pace than when not on vacation. We do show up on time though. For us, it is more about relaxing, than what to do next. We have always enjoyed Grandeur. The crew makes for an enjoyable vacation. Been on the larger ships, but sometimes on Oasis class ships, there was so much to do, we felt that everything was too scheduled. Definitely would go back to Oasis, but sometimes you need to sit back and relax.

Regards,

mike