MMR555

Thank you everyone. We will be stopping in Nassau, Tortola, and St. Thomas. I'm not stressing, just gathering all the information I can. It's part of the fun. When I get on the ship I will enjoy every minute of our vacation.

I have learned so much all ready, and I promise not to take more than 5 suitcases filled with all of your suggestions (just in case).😉

Which port?

Any port. I don't know what to expect. What is the process when you get to a port? I haven't decided what excursions or who to book with yet.

Some ports-- like grand cayman -- have 7,8 sometimes 9 ships

 

because there is so much to see or do you really will not be seeing those huge crowds

 

except maybe with shopping when its almost time to get back to the ship

 

in st Thomas there are multiple docks-- all are located across the island

 

I think you should book your excursions through the cruiselines or prebook those before you leave

 

take a look on the port of calls boards to see what tickles your fancy

 

You have a lot of time to catch up on some reading-- have fun planning

Thank you. I have been doing lots of reading and taking notes. This is all new to me and I am enjoying all the information and planning.

First time cruiser...I checked to see how many ships will be in port with us and there will be 5 ships! Is this the normal amount and will it cause a problem with excursions etc?

I don't know what to expect so what should I know? What advise can you veteran cruisers give me? We will be going to Nassau, Tortola and St Thomas.

Thank you!

If you go to Sandals.com you can do a live chat and get information immediately. I just did that when I was inquiring about a day pass.

This will be my first cruise and I probably asked questions that have already been asked before. It's easier to ask again than trying to find a previous thread.

I appreciate everyone's answers and love to see how many cruises people have been on. It makes me think that my first cruise won't be my last! :)

Thank you everyone who takes the time to help us newbies!

Martha

You are right there! It's a great location. The hotel is on the backside of Miracle Mile.

 

You will have lots of restaurants all within walking distance. Ortanique on the Mile, Swine Southern Table & Bar, Bricktops, Hillstone, Mortans, Ruth Chris' Steakhouse, Tarpon Bend, Season 52, etc.

 

The first two I mentioned are great!

That's awesome! Thank you. Carolyn . Have fun on your cruise next week!

Hope you find the drink package worth it.

It was free so it doesn't matter. I wouldn't have purchased it because I wasn't sure it would be worth the price. Now we don't have to think about it! :)

For those traveling by air one bit of advice I'll give is this. When we get to the security point, where the X-ray machines are before we put our things through the machine one of us goes through & waits as if there's a delay ie someone sets the machine off your passports, wallets etc are just sat there & anyone could pick them up & walk off with them.

We always do this too.

302 for first cruise.

On which cruise line will you be sailing?

Some cruise lines allow us to immediate access to our cabin, others don't.

That does make a difference in what we do first. :)

LuLu

LuLu ... we will be going on our first cruise December 5, 2015 on Norwegian Escape! Very excited!

I give my DW a big hug and kiss and say, "Sweet Baby" we're on vacation. :D

I love it! Whenever we go on vacation as soon as we leave our driveway we look at each other and say "we're bound!"

I would absolutely stay at the Aloft Brickell.

 

Great location, nice pool, cool public spaces.

Thank you for your input. We have friends who decided to cruise with us so I changed from the Aloft because they only had a king bed available with my points. I ended up booking The Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables for the same amount of points.

The Miracle Mile looks close... is it close enough to walk to?

Newbie here..... what are the first things you do when you get on the ship?

Y ay, I just rebooked and got the beverage package for an additional $100. Very excited!

What is your budget? Do you want high end? Moderate? Beach or downtown? Coral Gables? Coconut Grove?

 

That weekend expect to spend $150 for a good, safe hotel.

Thank you. I ended up booking The Westin Collonade in Coral Gables with my starwood points.

We stayed at the Brickell pre-cruise two years ago.

Great location, several good restaurants right around the corner.

Room was clean and comfortable and the breakfast had many god options.

Cab to the port was inexpensive.

We would stay there again if cruising out of POM.

Very helpful. Thank you!

What is your budget? Do you want high end? Moderate? Beach or downtown? Coral Gables? Coconut Grove?

 

That weekend expect to spend $150 for a good, safe hotel.

I would like the best price possible of course, ☺️but safety first! It's basically just a place to sleep so something near the port in a safe neighborhood. I can probably use points to stay at the Aloft. Have you stayed there before?

Review can be found here: http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g34438-d3783841-Reviews-Aloft_Miami_Brickell-Miami_Florida.html#REVIEWS

Thank you. I was just wondering if anyone here has any experiences to share.

Has anyone stayed here? I have Starwood points I could use to stay here the day before our cruise. Is this a good area?

Martha

Don't wait! Book something now!

 

That weekend is Art Basel and it brings about 150,000 people to Miami to party and check out art. Hotels will be expensive and occupancy limited.

So I should book a room now too? Which hotels do you recommend?

And......I booked the flight! Yay! Now, just need to find a good deal on a hotel for Friday, Dec 4th and wait very impatiently! LOL

Thank you everyone for the wealth of information on here. I have read for HOURS and I even took notes!

I am looking forward to our very first cruise and according to you all here it won't be our last. I hope you are right.

Martha

Ins. from DL...why...Sorry I would buy a travel ins policy to cover everything....much better investment.

I bought travel insurance when I booked the cruise and she said I can add my flights to it. I've learned a lot from all of you here! 😊 Thank you!

If that is roundtrip, I would have booked it yesterday!!

I think I will. Trying to decide on connection in LaGurdia or JFK.

It's round trip on Delta. Yes, we are planning to fly in the day before.