ILCruzr

You are making me excited. 5 more months til I get to board that beauty. My first NCL cruise and it look like it wont disapoint :)

We have two:

One was in Cozumel. We had booked the Cancun tour to take us from Coz to Cancun. Well that got canceled, so we decided on the Playa Del Carmen shopping/city tour. That tour was the biggest waste. We thought we would be taking the ferry over to the mainland and then hopping on a bus to see the area and then coming back to shop. Well, we got ferried over and then sent to some hotel with a very rocky beach where we were told to be for the next 2.5 hours. We didnt bring swin suits and so we just sat in the sun and shade. Finally we begged the guide to let us go early to see something because he said the bus part was excluded. We ended up walking down 5th avenue in Playa which was nice, but the tour turned out to be a dud. We went back on the ship, complained and a got a refund. So bad.

The second was in Aruba. We booked an independent tour and when we got there, the tour guide said they couldn't fill up the tour so they canceled it. We were supposed to be on a private tour anyways and he said no. Mad we ended up finding a tour to do, but then we saw our originally tour company drive by with a full van! It was like WHAT THE HELL? Our tour was lame. They took us to some rocks (where we had to stay put for an hour bc our van driver had expired insurance), some church, and a lighthouse. It was an ugly island with rude people and I haven't been back to Aruba since.

You are going to get comparisons from here on out because the change in this port just blew me away! I could not believe the difference since we were here last in 2013.

 

This used to be the entrance. None of the props, bar and so on was here last time. The color scheme was different too. Before it was like stucco at the entrance and now it's like metal.

 

Before:

 

 

Now:

 

 

The "streets" looked a little fuller than it did before and more lush.

 

 

Last time we were here, everything was so colorful from bright yellows to reds to blue and pink. Now everything was more rustic looking.

 

Here is what the tower used to look like:

 

 

Now it looks like this:

 

 

What a big difference!

 

 

I was blown away by tthis port too! I went there in Feb. 2013 on Carnival and we were there until 5 actually. We did the Chacobbean ruins (which were a waste)....but when we walked off the ship this go around we were like WOW! Like you, I was in shock with the changes. It was like a completely different port. It used to look so dumpy! But thats what these cruise lines do. I bet La Romana looks much nicer now that when I went in 2011. It used to be a kwanza hut surounded by barbed wire fence. I need to go back to see what Carnival did to that port.

Luckily I had my camera that I used on that cruise with me and had the pictures even on it of the original port. I was showing the pics to everyone haha. It was really trippy!

I was so lost in your post because of the quote, but hopefully I picked out what you posted.

The Bliss is one that I haven't been on yet. Maybe I'll check it out.

Sorry-Kim, I did it on my phone and it was hard to reply....but the Bliss is their brand new ship they are launching in May or June next year. It will be in Alaska until our cruise-Sept. 30 and then it is going down the coast for a short 5 dayer (Which is what I am doing with my family and I am trying their studio rooms), and then will do mexican rivieria for like 2 1/2 months until it repos to Miami for caribbean.....

It looks amazing!! We booked it right when sailings openend and there was nothign posted about it yet-so its been exciting getting little tidbits about it thru the months. Like the racetrack and the waterworksish type waterpark..plus it will have Jersey Boys as the musical. I can't wait to try NCL....I am looking forward to seeing what their line has to offer.

Also, if you get the chance, you should try regal princess. That was a great ship with AMAZING food :).

Now I understand. Robin knows best! :D

 

 

 

 

LMAO!

 

 

This is the lens adapter that allows you to put filters and other lenses on.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080DIYZW...4JOB29CH&psc=0

It comes with a lens cap too. then if you want to use filters like a circular polarizer you can put 40.5 mm filters on. we just got this for ours.

https://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-3-Pie...2HT7MS5GVRQXY0

polarizer filters cut reflections and glare and deepen the blue color in skies. kinda makes colors truer and brighter. I use it all the time when shooting outside landscape scenes. then just take the filter off for underwater shots.

 

Oh yes, I already have that. It came with my fisheye lens and stays on that all the time. Yes, I know what polarizers do (I'm a dslr girl too with a lot of equipment ;)). I guess I never thought of using one on this camera. Maybe I'm see if the ones I have here at home with fit it. Although I have to say I love when I turn on my Diorama feature on the Olympus because it really pops the picture and I like the effect it has on the pic. I wonder if I put an orange filter on the camera when scuba diving if it would help?

 

 

 

 

Right. I almost just want a repeat of this cruise just to go back!

 

 

 

Thanks and thanks!

 

 

 

Thanks and glad you like the pics. I did do pretty good overcoming my fear.

 

Thanks and we do have a lot to celebrate!

 

 

 

Well hello there and I wish we would have met!

 

Yes, the friendship rocks could have been from us...or two other ladies were also doing them on this cruise (which is where I got my idea from). I wish we would have found more.

 

 

Back in the day (1980's) when I cruised, we actually used to dock at Playa Del Carmen. So I have been there before. The ship used to stay there all day and we didn't have to be back on the ship until midnight. Those were the days! I can only imagine how much it has changed now. I would love to do a land vacation in Cancun and take the ferry over there and go to the Xcaret. It's definitely on my to-do list. But coming by cruise ship, I just feel there wouldn't be enough time there. So, I'm holding off.

 

 

I have checked out the ocean deluxe rooms in the past, but honestly, I'm not sure we would get too much use out of them. We are shower people, so a tub isn't needed. Coming back from the beach Sakari and I are usually the only ones that get in the shower because the hubby spends most of his time on the beach. But we are super quick with the shower. Maybe some day I'll try it out.

 

 

Have a great time on the Harmony. It looks amazing. Kendra has been begging me to try Royal. We haven't sailed RC since the 90's and it was so different back then.

 

 

Is Bliss doing a Mexican Riviera? I didn't know that or I would have booked it instead of the Star again next year to Mexican Riviera out of CA. Hmmm

 

We absolutely love the Epic. It's not for everyone. She's definitely a different type of ship and one of a kind. She just holds a special place in my heart (hubby's first cruise ever).

 

 

 

 

 

It's a very popular place so I imagine that it could become pretty crowded. But, it is a pretty big place though, both at the beach and at the pool area. Yes, we also add a tip to the price depending on how the driver was.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the congrats and for enjoying the scuba pics! Much appreciated.

 

 

If hubby gives the go ahead...DO IT! You'll love the TG cameras. They are amazing.

 

 

YES absolutely that's a porcupine puffer! They are SO ADORABLE and have such a great personality.

 

 

 

 

I want one so bad. They are just so cute and every time I go to the fish store, they have just sold one or they have one that's too big for what I'm wanting to start out with. I have heard (and seen videos) of them coming to the surface and spitting water at you during feeding. I can't wait to get one!

 

I had a cowfish back in the 90's and he was the cutest little thing with his horns. Back then I didn't realize just how poisonous they were. Someone told me that if you piss them off and they release their toxins, it could wipe out an entire tank! I might have to pass on getting another.

 

 

Glad you are enjoying the pics.

 

 

 

 

Thanks and thanks Heather! Glad you are enjoying them!

The tub has a shower in deluxe ocean view FYI

The bliss is doing Mexico after our cruise thru next December before she heads to Miami.... then back to Alaska In summer. She was built for Alaska.

We were on the same cruise! I think I might have seen your family at some point and I did see those friendship rocks throughout the cruise, so now I know where they came from!

Yes, this cruise had really bad weather and it was VERY rocky at times, but we made the best of it. When we were in Cozumel, we took a ferry across to Playa Del Carmen (You should do that next time you are in Cozumel, super cheap around 12 pp RT on the ferry) and got caught in the monsoon. The ferry ride back was VERY rough, like and up and down. And people were vomiting non stop. Luckily we werent! :)

I do have to mention, we stayed in the deluxe ocean view rooms. We had two bathrooms (One full with toilet and one bathroom with sink and shower). It was amazing! I highly recommend it because the extra bathroom has a tub in it :) No shower stall! Loved it!! Plus it saved time on showering.

Also, I noticed how gross the water was on this cruise. I think the only place it looked beautiful was in Costa Maya. IN belize and Honduras, it looked like sewage. We did a tour in Belize down the River Wallace to Altun Ha, it was very overcast with dirty water. Our tour guide said shes never seen the water like that before either.

But, I didn't really mind because I am going next month on my dream ship, Harmony of the Seas, and I know the eastern caribbean will have beautiful water! But after Harmony, I will be going on my first NCL cruise, the Bliss, but down the California Coast. I am really excited to try NCL because we are considering down the Breakaway from New Orleans in Feb 2019....My parents went on the EPIC and hated it, so I am hoping the Bliss is a better experience.

I am looking forward to the rest of your review! Crazy we were on the same cruise because I have been reading your reviews for awhile now and they are great!!

2 :) Sailing the Magic Saturday!

Thanks for the awesome review. I am sailing on the Harmony in January and I cannot wait for my first Oasis class experience. I am leaving tomorrow to sail the Magic this weekend and that will be my first Dream class experience on Carnival. Like you, I like the ships big and fun!

You should try the Regal Princess out of FLL. That has been my favorite ship so far and the food was AMAZING! Best lido at sea!

Most ships stay on the time from where you embark......except when I went on Princess last December and we changed to the island time! Which was an hour ahead of Florida where we embarked....it was trippy!

the 8 day. Curacao is my favorite! Gorgeous place!!!

glory! They just upgraded her nicely. I have been on her twice and enjoyed her both times. Also been on Miracle and while the layout is different, I like the theme of the theater and comedy club which are phantom and alice in wonderland. I much prefer conquest class ships more.

I have done the cruise out of San Juan and while it was amazing and you visit so many places. It is busy busy busy. I really much preferred the 8 day that did Aruba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk. 3 sea days for R&R and 4 port days, one of which is a beach, so its like an extra sea day.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Thanks for the review! I leave Friday for FL to sail the Magic Saturday! It is my birthday cruise and I cannot wait!

So excited!! Never been on a Dream class ship, so this is my first time :) I am excited for all the options the Magic will offer us.

Thanks for the review! I am sailing on the Magic 11/11 and I cannot wait! 10 more days :), these pics got me excited!!!

It's the only way affordable cruises are sold. Cruise lines that offer affordable cruises would be unable to stay in business offering Caribbean cruises if they had to unilaterally bear the impact of hurricanes on those itineraries. As such, along with the affordable prices, they include terms and conditions that make clear that as needed they can vary ports-of-calls and sea days, embarkation port, disembarkation port, duration of cruise, etc., especially in response to changing circumstance beyond their direct control. Passengers and cruise lines sharing the risk of such circumstances is an essential part of what allows those of us who aren't rich to afford cruises.

That is so not true! Cruiselines alter because they need to, not that they want to.

And I don't understand where you are bringing in if people are poor or not?? You make no sense...

My brother and sister in law just did Quantum from Shanghai for their honeymoon and loved the Japan ports but not the people. They said the chinese were rude, pushy and the spit all over the ship. They found it disgusting that kept seeing crew members scold the passengers.

I myself am not interested in this kind of cruise, as I would just like to visit these places by land. My brother said Japan was unreal and at some points they didnt even want to go to back to the ship because it was that bad.

My brother has done two carribbean cruises and he said the experience was way different and he would never cruise Asia again.

Big sexy Josh Waitzman and I am looking forward to Dr. E in November!

Effects of Irma: so far the only physical effects seem to be trees down and lots of branches and foliage piled along the roads for eventual cleanup.

 

The biggest issue appears to power outages. We just went to OSJ and pretty much everyone is out of power. The restaurant we ate at (ChocoBar) is running on generator. The lights are very dim and they are serving everything on paper plates and in to-go cups. Still delicious! Except the churros. I think the fryer is having difficulty getting to temp so they were kinda dense and dry. No biggie.

 

 

Also, just looked up our flight path from yesterday. I am a bit nerdy so this is really cool to me. Here is usual path they fly on this route:

 

And here is what we flew:

 

Check out the difference in flight times!

 

One more thing: I am SOOOO thankful we switched to layover in Charlotte instead of Miami. Technically Miami was still functioning yesterday and American said I didn't need to change, but I just felt more comfortable doing so. Turns out that flight from Miami to San Juan was cancelled and we would have ended up stuck in Miami during the storm if we hadn't switched!

 

 

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and to think the airlines know what they are talking about hahahaha.......you know what's best for you and now you are in paradise...enjoy your cruise. The ABC islands are my most favorite, Curacao being my fave. They are not in the hurricane path so you should have beautiful weather and blue sunny skies! Enjoy every minute of your cruise on AOS! I am jealous of you right now!!!

Good luck getting to San Juan! I love it there and I am hoping Irma didn't devastate OSJ. Let us know how it looks when you get there. I am sailing on harmony in Jan which goes to SJ and St. Marteen, but I doubt we will be going to St. marteen. i love it there and was there last December. Such a great place and I pray they pick up the pieces, same with Barbuda. I wish cruiselines went there too.

Have a great cruise! My parents went on AOS and they loved it. It is one of RCL's WOW ships!

Looking forward to the rest of your review.

I sail on the Magic in November and cannot wait! We are doing the western route tho, but I love eastern! Going eastern in Jan on a different cruise :)

My brother left today for China to go on the Quantum with his new bride. It will be their honeymoon cruise. They are doing the 6 day cruise I think you are doing. I am very jealous of him because my goal is to do a cruise in Asia. I have always been fascinated with the culture there, so it sounds really cool to go there. I hope one day I can. Enjoy your cruises and now I can live vicariously through my brother who will be on the QOS this week!

I was on the Victory last monday and we left at 6 due to them loading materials on board.

Sad when they would care so little about their customers to treat them this way

Amen! It's greed!

While, I sympathize with the OP...We just got off the Victory on Friday and that was the WORST CRUISE EVER. They too are doing construction. Re-doing rooms while at Sea. While we got a very nice updated room, they were doing the rooms above us (Deck 9) and we would wake up to pounding, sawing, dropping things starting at 6 AM!!! That was not relaxing at all. They had clearance to do work 24/7. It was even worse on the balcony because we could hear it even more. Carnival did not ONCE mention any construction to us or give us the option to cancel, which we would have knowing the construction was RIGHT UNDER US. Crew on the Victory called it "wet dock". It is so sad Carnival has to be greedy and sail ships while there is working being done. People are not paying to vacation in construction zones. This was probably my last CCL for AWHILE. As you can see, I am booked on Royal and Norwegian next. Had a fantastic time on Princess in December, so looking forward to what other lines offer. Oh, and I should mention, the Victory was our re scheduled cruise from the Libery back in November being canceled. Carnival is 2/2 for now!

what about 8289, we sail on her Monday!

Is that area updated?