jerseygirl111

On ‎1‎/‎7‎/‎2019 at 3:37 PM, Bellablue said:

Maryanne - was the process easy?  I'm really debating a car rental vs. golf cart rental.  We have about 8 people and 2 cars seems cheaper but golf cart does seem fun.  : ).  Did you have to fill up the car with gas upon return?  Did you have to submit insurance?  I'm just wondering if there is any hassle.  Do you happen to remember the cost of the car and the snorkel gear?  That's a great benefit!  Thank you! 

For us the rental car process was very easy.  We rented from AB Car Rental.  I don't remember the cost of snorkel gear but, it was reasonable.  We did have to return the car with a full tank of gas.  The price of insurance was included in the rental cost which for us in November 2018 totaled $98.37 for a 4 door Double Cabin Pick Up/Manual Transmission. *They did require payment for the car rental at the time of reservation.

Their website wouldn't allow reservation for just 1 day so I sent an email and they were very accommodating.  They had a driver pick us up just outside of the port at the time we requested.  They also returned us to the port after car drop off.  We've used this rental car company 2 times and would recommend them to anyone wishing to rent a car.

Both times we were traveling with friends that chose to do the Golf Cart rental and they had a great time with the carts.  We ran into them a couple times during the day in our travels.

We chose the car rental since we wanted to cover more of the island but I think either way, you should have a great time!

Maryanne

Hi Maryanne,

 

So on this cruise, as we do on most, we purchased the specialty dining package for all 9 nights. Cost wasn’t bad at $261 per person.

 

You’ll notice on Cruise Critic a lot of people complain about the MDR, however our experience in talking to people on the ship that most people like it. Personally we think the food is pretty good, and some dishes are excellent and some are so so. The biggest reason we like the specialty is for not just the food but the quieter atmosphere and more attentive service. That being said, in MDR (if you’re select anytime dining) find servers you like. On the first night if you have a good server Kill him or her with kindness and request them

again and you should have a very enjoyable experience in MDR.

 

 

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We are select anytime dining and currently have reservations for the same time each evening in the MDR. We're hoping to get the same server each night (providing they're good ;p).

Thank you again for this great review!

Maryanne

Enjoying your review! We will be on the Equinox in October and it will be our first Celebrity cruise.

I see that you've been going to a specialty restaurant each night. What is your opinion of the MDR on Equinox? I know food/dining can be subjective but, since this is my first Celebrity any info would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Maryanne

I see a lot of people rent golf carts in Bonaire, but has anyone ever rented a car in Bonaire? Seems to be cheaper.

 

 

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We rented a car for the day last year and plan to do the same again in October. It worked out great for us.

We used AB Car Rental. Their website doesn't let you reserve for 1 day. I sent an email and they accommodated our request. They picked us up and dropped off just outside of the port.

They also rent snorkel and dive equipment, we rented snorkel gear.

Maryanne

The reviews for Woodwind sound fabulous. We have a group of 8 going next February... we will be checking to see if they have openings. Two questions.... how many people do they take on an excursion? Some of our group likes to go but are unable to snorkel (lung/breathing issues)... will they still enjoy the time? Any places they can get in water even if they aren't snorkeling?

When we went there were several beginners and a few that were not strong swimmers. Dee and her crew were great with everyone. I’m not sure about a place to get in the water when not snorkeling. I’d suggest emailing woodwind with any questions, they are quick to respond and very helpful.

Maryanne

Will have to try Norwegian for future I guess .... I tried American and United for London and gave up because flight would have been more than cruise so I did not book the cruise ... Ugh!! We really wanted the cruise but airfare killed it.

The flight is too far in the future. You’ll get better rates when the time gets closer.

Maryanne

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I'd recommend Woodwind snorkeling. We went with them in December and it was one of the best excursions we've ever done. We had a few first timers in our group and the staff, especially the owner Dee, were great with them.

If you're interested you should reserve early as they often sell out. No deposit is required and you pay at the end of the trip.

Maryanne

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Would you reccomend the tour with kids?

Have a 7 and 5 year old that I'd like to take. They are both very at home in the water, so I'm thinking the life vest and mask would be a perfect way to take them snokelling with us.

We did this tour in December, it was one of the best excursions we've ever done. I would highly recommend this for people of all ages and snorkeling ability. Dee, the owner, was great and personally worked with those that were beginners or needed extra help.

I'm not sure if there is an age limit or not. Send them an email, they are quick to respond to questions.

Maryanne

I'm enjoying reading about your escapades. Looking forward to our NYE Epic cruise!!

Maryanne

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We've done a number of T/A's --- same old ocean every time, still enjoyable. Nassau, on the other hand, got very tired very quickly, as did Jamaica. So, it's not simply repeating - it's what you are repeating.

Agree about Nassau! Anytime the ship stops here we stay onboard and enjoy a less crowded day onboard!

Maryanne

We've duplicated itineraries several times. With the exception of a few, we enjoy repeating most ports since there's usually many different things to do.

If we went to a beach last time, we may try to see a bit more of the island/port the next time. Sometimes we had so much fun the first time we do the exact same thing every time we're in that port.

Maryanne

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Have cruised 28 carnival times...princess two times. Time for a change. What do we need to know...is the beverage package a good deal? Speciality dining? Other hints?

The majority of my cruises have been on NCL. I have never sailed on carnival so I can't compare. And I've only been on princess once. I'd say the most important thing is to keep an open mind. Try not to compare to your previous cruises or other cruise lines.

The beverage package as a promotion is great. All you have to pay is the 18% gratuity on the cost of the package. I would not pay for the package. If it included specialty coffee and bottled water I may consider purchasing but, in my opinion it's too expensive.

I'm sure others will be able to give you some comparisons of the cruise lines.

Maryanne

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No, you pay full price for any drink over $10.

Good to know. Thank you.

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If you select a glass that's $13 per glass, do you just pay the difference of $3?

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Likely shorter security and check in lines. Some would rather sit and wait after check in than wait in lines.

Thank you all for commenting! I called this morning and booked the Haven for $1500 more! My family is super excited :)

That's great. Well worth it in my opinion. The second bedroom and bathroom only make it a deal.

February 2015 Breakaway Vibe did have a small menu. It's my understanding none of The Vibes have menus anymore. When we had a cabana they just applied the OBC to our account. It did not need to be for purchases I the Vibe.

We usually put a case of water in a duffle bag and check it. No problem. For us it's easier to transport in duffle or suitcase.

That is incorrect. Anybody with all inclusive drinks package as the booking perk (only available in UK and CE) does not pay anything extra because of that package on top of their cruise fare.

 

But depending on the ports, itinerary and ship's location, one might have to pay VAT/sales tax on all drinks – even with the package.

I am not familiar with UK or CE booking but US bookings with the current drink package promo are charged 18% gratuity on what the cost of the package is if you purchased it.

Does anyone know if this is the same as an ubp,we are led to believe that this package includes everything drink wise but the more I read the more I am unsure,also do you have to pay gratuity on top when you order drinks.....sorry if this sounds confusing but never sailed ncl before and never had a drinks package....we are on the epic in July....thanks in advance

The package covers drinks up to $15.00. any drinks over $15.00 you pay the difference.

You pay gratuities on the package, not on each individual drink, and this is paid with your cruise fare prior to sailing.

One olive, splash of dry vermouth and Bombay Gin! You'll these!

My thoughts exactly. If you're going to have a Martini go for it.

Bombay Sapphire Martini, up with 3 olives..... now I'm thirsty [emoji12]

Maryanne

Same here. I'm not quite at 90 days (3 to go) but I can't access the site today. I get that error message

 

 

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I'm able to get in now without issue.

Yes. First received weird error message. Just tried again and looks like site is being updated.

My bad, I was mostly talking about the sweet and sour. If possible, I would rather just purchase those things. We're in an OS, so we get 3 bottles of liquor, but not sure if NCL has triplesec or sweet and sour. Just thought some of you very knowledgeble CCers might know. Thanks!

We were in a suite on the Gem last year, we had no problem getting sweet and sour mix from our butler. He kept us well stocked.

Maryanne

We were on the Breakaway Thanksgiving cruise and purchased a cabana in the Vibe. Unfortunately it was very windy causing the Vibe and upper deck to be closed for the better part of several days. We had a similar problem during our February 2015 cruise.

It was great the days we were able to use it but not sure I'd do it again on a winter trip.