bunzini

We have the same issue flying into Fort Lauderdale. UGH...not sure how to do it without lugging those heavy carseats with us!

I need to find a hotel also. We are a party of twelve.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Definitely I would opt for more cruises. Honestly, they do a great job of keeping the shops updated and although you may not have all the bells and whistles, you still have a quality experience!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

1. No idea, but my guess is fairly soon after arrival.

2. Yes, almost everywhere. However we could not use ours in McDonalds in Copenhagen. Now we have a chip card -likely you have at least one chip card- and they are no problem throughout Europe.

3. Our shop had no problem, but I have no idea. The Archipelago is beautiful!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

A very valid question. We are a party of twelve traveling over spring break. We too communicate, but on a large ship like the Allure there are times when you want to be able to find one another.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Embassy Suites has several 'walk to' restaurants and a Publix across the parking lot. I am entertaining the idea of staying there again because of the convenience. I was upset the last time we stayed because the room was not ready until after 4:30pm and that did not sit right with me. But I don't know of a location more convenient. I did see another hotel close and forget what it was-Comfort Suites maybe? Perhaps someone else will know.

I will be in the shop next month. One of the things you can reserve is the dinner theater, but all it says about the show is that it is a Cabaret. Did you see the show? Wondered if it was worth the money.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

You do have an option to visit th Baths, there is a 7:45 ferry over and a 10:00 return ferry. That would give you only 1.5 hrs there however so not a great option. It's a much better option with the NCL 7 - 3 port times.

I have been looking for specific info on how to get to the Baths on our own. Do you know when the ferry comes back? We are on NCL Escape so sailaway is at 3.

Is it easy to return the rental car at the port? Is the rental car return right at the port? Thinking about staying a couple of days before the cruise and would want a car.

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes, there is now Global Entry at Port Everglades.

 

As mentioned you do need your Global Entry Card.

 

There are not kiosks but you just wait on a special global entry line where you can show the card with your passport.

 

Keith

Is the line easily recognizable (marked) Global Entry?

If you want a certain size table just email them about 7 days before your cruise and ask.

For example, if you want a table for two?

I have never had a problem using an ATM in Europe with my non chip bank card. However, like another poster said, I use a bank ATM-that is attached to a bank. I do have many chip cards for credit cards now, but not a one of them (excluding my Target card), are a chip and pin card. All the new chip cards now are for the most part chip and signature cards. They work fine all over Europe. Actually the non chip cards work too except in a few places (like a previous poster said--bus terminals, etc where one uses their card and there is no one to punch it in). We did have trouble using a non chip card once in Denmark in a McDonalds. You will be fine.

Having sailed Celebrity and Royal both many times, I feel your review is accurate.

I see a couple listed with Amazon....is it the one by Upton?

I have been struggling with this. Used the same agency for many, many cruises and sometimes it was great! But what I have found is that often when I see the sale then contact the TA, it can be too late for the cabin/sale or whatever it is I wanted. And no cruise line will talk to you or do any changes if you book with a TA. So I became frustrated with that and decided to book myself. I watch the prices closely and call if anything changes, etc. So this is new for me. Had thought about transferring the booking to a TA (by the way, at what point should one do this?), but at least for the next two of the three I have booked, I am going to keep it with me in control and I kind of like that!

Been on several longer cruises in the Med, Baltic, etc. and finally did a TA last fall which we absolutely loved! Had no problem filling our time or just relaxing. Plan to do a B2B in September. First leg is Alaska and second in Pacific Coastal. Looking forward to both the sightseeing and the relaxation.

We are on the Explorer in September and I booked an 1130 flight out. Since the ship is scheduled to dock at 6am, I felt it a safe bet. I will walk off with my luggage. I prefer to do that anyhow.

I looked both online and on my app and it is not there. So I called and the rep indicated that there is that offer but it may have capped out. Ugh. So maybe I missed it.

We were on the Allure TA and it worked well!

I hate to tell you this but I have not been on one cruise ship that the Internet is good. We just got off the Serenade of the Seas and the only way I could communicate was through Facebook.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

VOOM internet is a whole different ball game. You can even stream on it. Even on our TransAtlantic the internet was good, but it was VOOM. The ships that do not have VOOM yet do not compare with the internet.

Is there VOOM on Explorer of the Seas yet?

Not for all cruises either. Does not apply to Alaska.

Enjoying your review. We were on the Equinox in the Med shortly after she was built and loved it! We had planned on being on this cruise (and the Caribbean Princess you were on in December), and had to cancel both. Now I am looking to book this cruise again in November of this year, again on the Equinox. Love the idea of this itinerary since it is unique. Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your cruise.

Well, I took a look at their website and it says they're three miles from NASA so I'm not sure who told you they were within walking distance. You really should call the hotel to confirm everything and you can ask them if they recommend a shuttle that will take you directly to the hotel.

I did call the hotel and they were really no help. Maybe I will try talking to someone different tomorrow.