KPookey

Thanks

I’ve been to Nassau a few times, it’s been a few years. We are coming soon on a Carnival ship. I know I’m not staying in port!!!! Any day pass close to the ship (even Paradise Island) worth it? Has anyone done the excursion with the pigs? I swear I’ve been to that beach area 20 years ago on a booze cruise. Has anyone done the Blue lagoon sea lion excursion. One more question…anyone know the difference blue lagoon family day vs adults only? I assuming different parts of same beach. thanks 😊

Sailed a few weeks ago on Scarlet Lady and The Wake was fantastic. We had dinner and brunch there. I will say that because they don’t generally get tipped, the restaurant staff are not as attentive as say Royal. Not bad service, just not the same feel. I didn’t mind because sometimes on other lines I feel much of what they do and say in in anticipation of a tip. The drinks weren’t pushed, many onboard likely had bar tabs and there were no tips at play. I appreciated that. I loved the free WI-FI, soda, cabin, water available everywhere, even the glass of champagne at sail away. Watch the videos on You Tube, they are very accurate. Just don’t expect the same cruise, no belly flop contest or sexy man competition. I sail Royal often and I like it. Royal is like Virgins grandma. Virgin is modern.

I just got back from Scarlet Lady. I saw the spin room door open early one morning and went in. I found my size shoe, clipped in and used the bike. It had my info up on the screen and there is a monitor attached. I’m not sure how often the door is open, but that was my experience.

Just off, as well. I loved Duel Reality and It’s a Ship Show. I actually really loved the cruise in general. It has room for improvement, but overall I had a really great time.

Ship: Scarlet Lady Cabin#: 10030A Deck #: 10 Cabin Category: Sea Terrace Sleeps: 2 Cabin Location: Aft, close to aft elevators and stairs Terrace/Window/Obstruction: None Noise Issues?: None Wind Issues?: None Connecting Cabin? Where Does it Connect?: No Hammock: Yes Metal/Glass Terrace: Glass Advantages/Problems: It's quiet, you can see the edge of the Dock, if you step to edge and look the lifeboats are below and to the right, they don’t obscure view. Quick access to The Dock and Wake and Galley, but aft is not central to most of the ship, you will walk a lot. Deck 10 is a good choice though. We had no motion issues. Also, location is close to aft elevators and stairs which are not highly utilized. Would You Book Again?: sea terrace, yes!!! This cabin wouldn’t be first choice though

On my 5 day cruise on the Vision, I didn’t buy the package. I would drink a few each day. I brought 2 bottles of wine and a few cans of Pepsi (you can bring 12). I used my 2- 50% off coupons off wine/beer added to my status tier. I used my 2- 50% off coupons for coffee. I had an onboard credit of $150 from the credit card rewards. I stuck to drinks of the day which were $10-12. I generally have a few in port as well which weren’t included in drink package. Note- the canned Truly they had onboard was $8.80 incl tax per drink. Also, we found all the cocktails to be delicious, but VERY weak. I had 1 Cosmo…very weak and pricey. Husband had 1 delicious Mojito, but it was very pricey/weak. So, in 5 days I broke even with my OBC. Considering my husband isn’t much of a drinker (maybe has 1 per day) , the drink package will never make sense for us.

I can’t answer your question, but I will be sailing into Taino Bay next month and was looking for a beach excursion or destination. I came across this one too. I think it’s a pretty long drive from Puerto Plata, so if that gives you reason to pause, look at that. There are a few You Tube videos if you search.

Following…sailing in a few weeks 😊

I’m sailing on Virgin into Taino Bay. Did anyone do a beach excursion that was great? As I know there is sand and a pool, but no access to the ocean at the port. I’m really torn as to whether I should book an excursion because I’d like to get into the ocean water at least after sailing that far. We are beach people. I’ve been to Punta Cana and was blown away by the beach. My hesitation is the beaches and excursions don’t look great, they are all pretty far away and is it a waste of my time as we are only in port so long. Also, one that appeals to me also takes me into the city of Puerto Plata, which I’m not looking for. The port does look great, should I just give up the beach idea and hit their pool?

No copy, sorry. We exclusively used the app.

I’m relieved because my passport expires within 6 mos of sailing and I don’t have the time to renew. I was stressing. Called Virgin and got a special ok from the port manager. So, that is a load off my mind personally.

Close parking, easy on and off. Very good port experience.

You better double check first thing when you board.

My dinner reservation got so screwed up on Vision. I picked 5:15 early seating and linked my reservation with 2 others for a party of 7. We boarded, my dining was bumped to my time, they got a table of 4 at 5:15. I approached the manager and never got a resolution. We all ate separately because the party of 4 had someone wanting to see shows. Other option was our party of 7 could sit between 7-9:15 pm. Good luck.

Solarium is awesome! Loungers are better, there is a bar. No kids. The Park Cafe is attached. The Spa is accessed on the rear to the left, which has a sauna and steam room you can use. They opened the Solarium up a few times as well.

There were a fair amount of kids, go to the Solarium adult pool (16+). It’s quiet, with 2 hot tubs and no kiddies. If the Solarium top is closed and you want sun, go one deck up. Kids don’t tend to hang there.

Regarding Windjammer…. Vision Windjammer experience wasn’t great. It is awkwardly set up and kind of narrow. The buffet is very spread out. I often filled my plate with stuff near the entrance that I wasn’t thrilled with and found deeper into the room things I wanted. Eggs were powdered, no home fries, only hash brown triangles. Often times stuff was empty for a while. Lettuce would run out. The crew were hustling though. The hotdogs/hamburger/fries were actually the best thing at lunch, but I really don’t cruise to eat that. There was a carving station with meats by drinks at lunch that was usually good. I didn’t care for many of the hot lunch buffet items, the fish etc. Breakfast had lots of muffins that were displayed well and fruit. I like the yogurt parfaits, oatmeal and tend to eat a light breakfast. Lunch always had good desserts, sometimes a giant cake they were serving which was delicious. Lunch often had prior nights MDR soup, not all bad if you wanted to try it and didn’t (butter squash) . Windjammer was just a bit repetitive too. What I will say is you will find variety in WJ. Maybe walk the room before you commit to food. I used the Park Cafe at breakfast and lunch often. Dinner was in the MDR and generally good, presentation always excellent. The entertainment is same old thing…but if you like familiarity, you are good. We are simple, we always laugh at the belly flop/sexy man poolside. We like the Centrum party atmosphere. We didn’t sail Vision thinking it was going to be a really unique experience. It was familiar, but fun.

I was looking at that excursion. If you think of it, tell me how it is!! Enjoy yours cruise!

I recently cruised to a port I feel had a little less to do than I expected and feel like I made the mistake of not planning an excursion. I am cruising to Taino Bay. It looks like there is a lot going on in port. I’m interested in Monkey Island and would love to shop a little, sit by the pool, but I really wish they had beach access, DR beaches can be amazing. If I take a beach excursion I feel like I won’t have time to see the monkeys or check out port. I don’t want to snorkle…I am usually ready for land by the port stop lol. So, my question…did anyone do a beach excursion through Virgin that they recommend? If there is one that had a spectacular beach…do tell. Did anyone do an beach excursion that was short enough that they spent time in port too? Did anyone do monkey island and recommend it enough that I should skip the excursions. Thanks!!

The Vision was clean! The crew are very pleasant and positive. The MDR service was excellent, the food is mostly good. It’s not 5 star, I didn’t love every part of dinner. I ordered an extra appetizer if the main didn’t thrill me. Never went hungry. The smaller portions enable you to waste less and get from app to dessert without feeling too full. Order a second entree if you loved it. Order a vegetable plate for the table if you love veggies, they are scarce at dinner. Breakfast and Lunch in Windjammer are a little lackluster. I used the Park Cafe often and also saved my appetite for dinner. Presentation is always top notch when dining. All in all, Vision was a very typical cruising experience for us. It’s almost frozen in time, like a cruise I took 15 years ago. Or, like visiting an old friend when you know exactly what to expect and how it’s going to go. Best update to cruising…the app. Getting on and off the ship and doing muster requirement online is simply fantastic.

We arrived at 1 pm and departed the next day at 1. We got out to Horseshoe Bay easily on day 1. We should’ve booked an excursion day 2. It was hard to get too far since we were required to be on board by 12:30.

So, to be fair…the first days weather wasn’t great. Horseshoe Bay was stunning, but it was windy and stormy. Still, very worth it. Bucket list visit for me…glad I went. We didn’t make Hamilton. Maybe that’s our mistake. I wasn’t impressed with Kings Wharf. I just think it was one and done for me. I’m not complaining, honestly. Just commenting. If I did go back, I would make sure there were other stops on the cruise. Yes, the Vision staff…hardworking and friendly!!!

I just got off as well. I somewhat disagree. Although I like the party…the Solarium can be quiet, especially the side loungers that look out over the ocean. The doors on the back of the Solarium, both sides lead to a small deck with tables and chairs that were always quiet. Deck 5, outside of the main dining room (might be smokers). The Viking crown lounge early in the night. Many were playing games when we walked through. The spa has a sauna and steam room for use free when it’s open. During the day the decks around the Centrum. Also, the sun deck above the pools in the front and back. The Windjammer after dinner is kind of calm. Although the party is encouraged, there are opportunities for peace!!!

Any questions?? We sailed the 5 day to Bermuda. It was very easy to get on and off the ship. The app made things really easy!! Bermuda won’t go down as my favorite itinerary. It is very beautiful, but there was a lack of things to do right off the ship. The Carribean party vibe is lacking in Bermuda, but this cruise is a great pick for families and older people. That being said, we did have a nice trip.