Colorado Kat

In St. Thomas, check out Fury Sailing. Good snorkeling.

The buses aren't regular big sized buses. More like 16 passenger vans.

Just flag them down when you want to return. Very friendly. Try to have exact change.

The last time we were at Calico Jacks was terrible. We got there early and got a picnic table in the back. But then a large group of people showed up. Off a cruise ship, since they had smuggled food off, and were bragging about it. Never ordered anything, since they brought their own booze.

They sat at 4 tables around us, but decided they wanted our table as well. I was sitting on the picnic bench, and one drunk guy sat down very close to me, and rubbed his back against me. We had already ordered food and drinks, but the waitresses would not come near the group. I asked the bar manager for help, but he refused to do anything.

We didn't have anything else to do but pack up and leave. It was just myself and two teen daughters. Not a pleasant experience.

Unless I have a cruise planned, I just don't come on this board. Too depressing, I guess.

The.turtle Farm has changed a lot since I was there. Souns fantastic now. But I urge you to try the StingRays. Have her wear the life vest. They will take photos you can buy after.

I think you will be fine with Nativeway. They will have far fewer people than a ship excursion.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, then stick with the ship excursion. Have a great day, no matter what you decide.

Keep in mind the Money Bar is Cozumel, not Cayman.

Eden Rock is great snorkeling. The shore is ironstone - very sharp. You go in via a ladder. Have some kind of footwear to wear till last minute.

I really like Royal Palms. Nice beach area. Great pool in back. (Adults only pool). Nice outdoor showers to rinse off. Very pleasant.

We went with Nativeways, and they were very kind and helpful.

We had wonderful weather and they anchored right at the sandbar.

The bus is very easy to use. They are more 15 passenger mini buses, instead of full sized ones. Keep in mind things are pricey in the Caymans, for the rest of your day.

You could look into touring the turtle farm, and 7 mile beach on the way back.

If you're on the ship and wonder this, ask a crew member. Or follow someone carrying a laptop.

Put the daughters in the bunks. Keep luggage under the beds. Have the kids minimize toiletries. If you are all getting ready for dinner at the same time, send a couple of kids to shower in the spa.

I book 1-2 months out, due to scheduling concerns.

I remember by Smoking=Starboard. The upper deck is the closest to the smoking areas. You can only smoke in the casino when actively gambling.

As long as the ports were decent, I would cruise from Baltimore. Plane travel is just a pain these days. Besides, you might be able to extend your vacation a bit by visiting with mom either before or after.

It also depends on what ship you are on. Dream, Magic & whatever the other fancy Dream class ship is have roughly the same things, but Sunshine is lacking some of the amenities.

Now I remember. Dream, Magic and Breeze!

we have cruised in March on the Dream with no problems with "spring breakers".....I actually thought the cruise parties and night clubs were pretty tame.

Night clubs don't get going till 11:30 or so. On formal nights, at one or two am they get very lively and fun.

Thanks for sharing the pics, I didn't think the windows were so big or that you could sit in them! We are booked in a deluxe ocean view room on the Breeze, can't wait!!!!:D

It's very handy to have a bathroom and a half. Two people can shower at once, getting ready for dinner.

With 2 small kids, pick the one with less driving!

As for the ports and excursions we will be doing easy ones this trip such as walking from the ship to see things or taking a cab to nearby beaches

 

We do love historical things so if anyone knows of any we can either walk or catch taxi or bus to let us know.....Would love to snorkel but health issues will not allow me to .

San Juan has 2 great historical forts, and the downtown area is full of wonderful historic buildings. From the ship, grab a cab up the hill to the Forts, and walk back down towards the ship.

Your room will be ready about 1:30, unless you buy FTTF. You can find a spot to eat lunch from the buffet, and take turns sitting with your stuff while the other grabs food.

We only get room service for breakfast, and we tip $2-5, depending on how much we order. My daughter loves the lox and bagels.

Forgot to mention. Room service is free, but please tip the waiter. 24 hour pizza free. Nice deli area for free. Hamburger etc grills free. Free soft serve ice cream.

A ton of options.

Free drinks are iced tea and lemonade. Coffee, Hot Choc & Tea. Juices at breakfast. Cappuccino used to be included after dinner, but they stopped doing that. There is a very nice pay coffee bar.

The dining rooms are open every day for dinner, and brunch on sea days. I think they are open for breakfast on port days as well. All ordered off a menu. No cost for anything in the dining rooms. Well, drinks are extra.

There are one or two pay restaurants on a ship. The steakhouse charges $35 per person. The newer ships have an Italian place as well.

You carry on your own bottle of wine. You can drink it in your room. If you bring it to a dining room, they may charge a corkage fee.

If you forget a corkscrew, the stewards will bring you one. Glasses will be in your cabin.