dorchrislen

I know it must be a pain for the staff, but if they are going to post the 40 minute rule, I wish they would enforce it. I know others have said some do, but I've never seen it. And my honey and I have had difficulty finding two chairs together to relax in for a bit, anytime after 9am on a sea day. I don't want to risk confrontation by having to move aside personal belongings or ask the staff to do so. So now my husband knows it's a pet peeve of mine and has told me he's going to go out at 6 and grab 2 chairs. I REALLY don't want him to do that, because it's not fair and I don't want to be a hypocrite, but he is set on it. Ugh. Maybe we'll just have to hang out on the balcony.

Some ships are better than others. We're going back to the Sunshine next, during spring break, and the last two Sunshine cruises during summer were rampant with CHOGGING.

probably a double of liquor on the rocks without all the mixers. You can get a double for less price than two single shots. On my last cruise at the comedy shows, I would enjoy a double Malibu rum; no need for a mixer.

Thanks for the review. How far in advance did you have to get in line to ensure a seat at the comedy club? and is there sushi somewhere on the boat without paying for JiJi's? Thanks.

Thanks. We will try to stay positive and go with the flow. I appreciate the response.

Not hating, but can someone please reassure me that the deck chair hogging issue is not something I need to worry about, and I can get into the comedy shows if I show up only 30 minutes in advance? Please?

Haven't been on her since 2014. Our son liked the lido pool, but one thing that irked me was we could never find even 1 lounge chair on the outside decks to keep an eye on our son. In fact, I walked the whole 9th and 10th floor once with my son looking for a single chair to sit at while he was at the water slides, and found nothing, just mostly chairs with nothing on them but a book, shirt, shoes, etc to stake the claim. It was very annoying. Also, when my husband and I went to Serenity we ran into the same issue most of the time, no open loungers.

Please tell me this has gotten better. We are set to try again in March 2018 for 8 days with 4 sea days.

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the glaringly obvious final and best option evar...

Purchase FTTF.

;p

It would be $930 with tax for our upcoming cruise for Cheers, but we were thinking about it. Yikes, no thanks! Bottomless bubbles much less, but I think a bit of inconvenience is worth it to save the expense.

When packing at home, we fill up a smaller suitcase that nests into a slightly bigger one. We keep it nested in the bigger and check it with the airline, making sure beforehand that it's less than 50 pounds. The morning before the cruise, we walk to a liquor/grocery store and purchase our 12-packs and then pack them into the slightly larger suitcase we nested the smaller in. Then we roll it on board and lug it on to the belt for inspection. They've never opened the 12 pack boxes.

We also buy the type of 12 packs that have the perforated end, great to store in the closet closest to the desk on top shelf and just reach in to grab a can as needed, or restock the fridge.

In Nassau we did the trip to Blue Lagoon with Carnival and were disappointed a bit. The tour advertised they would point out some sights and famous homes, which they never did. It was just a boring ride with no narration. The island is meh unless you like to pay for every entertainment and money is no object. We went for the snorkeling, but that area is small, with no lifeguard, and a bit more advanced than our liking because the current takes you our and around the rocks quickly and you can't get back in easily.

Previously we also did Atlantis and thought it was worth it for the water park with lunch. But only if you are the first boat in and can get in quickly and on the slides before the masses; otherwise I would avoid it.

In Freeport, we did a day pass at a Lucayan resort. It was okay if you just want a beach with some minimal activities.

Our March 2018 sailing on Sunshine has 4 sea days. Does that mean 4 sea day brunches?

On our March cruise we have 4 sea days, so I'm going to use some of these ideas (I especially like the naked checkers and Cheers bar hopping).

Last month on Splendor we did the Behind the Fun on sea day. If you've never done it, do it! So worth the experience and little extra touches. I also like to go to the Love & Marriage show, and relax in the cabin with a book or magazine.

I was on Inspiration last week and at Alchemy every night. Tried everything on their menu. They DO have a revved up margarita, and it was divine!!!! Also, if you tell them to surprise you with a premium tequila drink, they'll make something up as well.

One thing I dislike about snorkeling excursions is the limited amount of time you get. I really want to find a great spot to snorkel with out own equipment and without a 45 minute to 1.5 hour limit. Has anyone had any luck snorkeling on their own in Nassau? TIA.

Can't wait to try all three of those shots next month! Thank you!

Just an FYI the 50.00 drink is a myth. There is a 60.00 you can get with a 25% discount. Other than they there is a 20.00 shot. And you can change the recipes to add different liquors.

 

Sent from my SM-G900P using Forums mobile app

Which shot?

How did you use the app without incurring roaming charges from your carrier (mine is Verizon)? This is what worries me. Usually we just turn our phones off before we embark. I'd like to take advantage of this, and even possibly the $5/cruise option, but am worried if I leave my phone on I'll get Verizon surcharges.

Atlantis online: the only problem with this is that they are nonrefundable. So if the ship doesn't dock for whatever reason you are still out the cost of the day passes.

We are the last of 3 ships coming in July and I'm worried about waiting to get day passes that day at Atlantis, so we may just have to bite the bullet and do the ship excursion. We did if once before and it was okay, but a bit rushed, overpriced, and the lunch that you pay for isn't very appetizing.

We walked to Governor's Beach last June and regretted not taking a taxi. It was hot and uncomfortable, and we stepped in wet concrete and got all dirty. Next time we will grab a taxi. But the snorkeling wasn't that great there either, so this July we are going to try the Baoba? Rock Point in the other direction.

Sorry, I don't know but am wondering the same thing. Is there one elegant night or two? If there's only one, it'll probably be on the sea day, which is the last night right? Did you find out?

I'm hoping eventually we'll get some tips on really nice (pricey) drinks we can order from Alchemy??

I'm confused as well. This is the second time I saw this exact same post and it was discredited there too. I'm wondering if this person works for RCCL or has some other motivation. Sorry if it's not true, but it sort of looks that way. It is probably a much better cruise line, but I for one can't afford it.

can I order a Long Island Iced Tea or other "menu" item from Alchemy and get it with Cheers? or am I limited to drinks with just one type of alcohol and 1 shot in them? Thanks!

We've been cruising Carnival every year in June in the Carribean. Summer is our only option due to school schedule. But after this last cruise I vowed "never again" because of the lack of chairs everywhere on Lido and inability to get in to comedy shows unless we went very early.

So my question is, can anyone compare Carnival to RC and tell me if RC is worth paying more for less crowds? or what about Alaska Carnival cruises in June, do you think it will be less crowded?

Thanks so much!

I fill up a smaller suitcase and pack it nested in a larger one. When I get to the port city the morning of the cruise (Carnival), we walk to a gas station or grocery store and I purchase one 12-pack soda for each of us and one bottle of wine for my spouse and I, and we fill up the suitcase that we nested the smaller one in. We bring it on board as a rolling carry on and don't have to lug the drinks in our arms.

We buy the 12 packs that open on one end, so we can pack them in the top shelf of the closet in the cabin. They take up little room and the sodas are easy to pull out from the end (the tear off portion).

We bring insulated drink mugs, and fill up with soda and ice and take to the MDR with us for dinner. We also get vanilla soft serve in cups and add root beer.

We avoid expensive excursions by researching the best beaches and snorkeling, and taking taxis or the public bus from the ports.

We take an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it up with water fountain so we don't have to buy a bottled water.

I know some of these things sound cheap but they make a difference in the long run.

We also don't do the chef's table, coffee bar, spa, or really any other premium cost activity. We try to just enjoy everything offered with the cruise fare.

Everyone told us the snorkelling in Roatan was the best, but we were disappointed and the cabbie ripped us off. We heard that a particular beach was free but the cabbie told us they charged now: $10 each. Back on board the crew told us it was free. (I like to ask crew for advice BTW as they always know).

 

Believe it or not some of the best snorkelling I've had is in Cozumel. (I suspect if you're going to Roatan you might be hitting Cozumel as well). We got a name from a Lonely Planet book and asked at the cab station. The name had been changed to "The Money Bar". There were 6 of us. $2 each to the beach, no charge if you bought a drink ($2/beer) and a $2 cab ride back.$6 Total each. We were there a couple hours when all of a sudden all the snorkelling excursions from the cruise ships arrived. They were paying a gazillion $$$$$$$$ and we had the same place to ourselves for 2 hours for $6 each. There is a current but nothing I couldn't handle and I'm not a strong swimmer.

 

Another tip:

 

I save a pop bottle and get my filtered water from the fountains in the onboard gyms.

We had jut the opposite experience last summer. The Money Bar in Cozumel was just so-so, but Tabyana Beach in Roatan was the best snorkeling (eagle ray, barracuda, parrots, lobster, lots of variety in color of fish and coral.