sandy toes

We are taking a 10 year old that still loves everything Barbie and Princess in April. It will be a surprise for her. I am just glad they are extending the age. BUT I don't want to see it become consumed by adults that are Barbie crazy leaving no room for the chhildren (have seen this on Disney options where the children don't have room to attend yet 3/4 of those present are adults). I know I may get a "smack down" for this attitude but I do think the little ones should come first!

A VET is a VET forever and all the lines honor you all for your service to our country. You will get special OBC and also check out the discounts you can get when you book. Some lines give them almost all the time, others all the time but only on certain ships and certain sailings. It is worth looking around for the best deals. Then several times a year there are special friend and family deals where you can book some additional cabins as linked with yours and your friends/family can get a nice discount too. I thank you all for your service to America.

IF anyone has a major issue with the seat, you can ask maintence to refit the toilet with a handicap seat. They are larger and a bit elevated too. I sailed with a family friend 2 yrs ago and they do this all the time for her DH, he is not weight challenged just as he says, "has a boney rear end". I have never found issue in the seats on any ship but I do agree with Europe and also Asia as having some very odd BR/WC items or lack there of.

This all has me so thankful that each time we have had a claim we were able to have it processed without issue. We have sailed with RC, CCL, NCL and Celebrity. Have purchased the cruise line ins and 3rd party ins. Can't recall which we had when but do know of 4 claims over the years. Someone way back told me to always purchase ins when I made deposit. Guess that was good advice.

There are a lot of different boats that "taxi" you to Paradise Island. They are not all part of the same "company" and they do charge different rates. So ask up front (a good idea in any port) before getting on board. Also, some have actual deck seats and others only chairs that can fall over if the waves kick up. Have been to Nassau many times and use the water taxi as it is relaxing compared to the land taxis!

If you receive something and are not charged for it, then a tip is the "proper" thing to do. So many times we read in these boards and elsewhere how many people feel they are owed something, so they do not tip and often go out of their way to make sure they do not have to. I am glad I do not have to lug my baggage at MIA or anywhere else. If I can get out of doing it for a few dollars, it is worth the price.

Thank you so much for sharing such tear-maker if a story with such a wonderfully happy ending! I called my 4yr DGD up, told her I wanted to read her a story. She was all excited. She said, "OH, no! The Baby Bear will be so alone without his little girl" I could hardly finish the story because she was so concerned about the Little Girl and the Baby Bear. I am so very glad you were able to get the bear back for her. I know my DGDs Pooh Bear means alot. I cannot imagine the extra heart felt tenderness that this special bear from Daddy must mean.

Christy, what a cutie!

He's not only topless, I'm pretty sure he's bottomless.

The baby is very cute! That pool is not even taking up as much room as a deck chair. It is safe for the child and shows respectful, smart parents. I am sure someone will disagree. But IMHO I think it is a great option. We used something much like this on out balcony and at night in the shower as a tub.

I think these would be a good investment for you:

http://www.safetrafficsystem.com/

 

They're actually recommended by car seat techs. People use them when they have center lap-only belts and need to put a child there. This was the issue I was researching when I ran into this recommendation and I thought it would be also good for travel...

 

Your kids are a good age for them and they would be easy to store in the cabin and bring on excursions.

 

I wouldn't chance rental car seats. The only time I did, it showed up old, beatup and the wrong size. Never again!

 

Most states allow three year olds to be in boosters but techs prefer "4 & 40" rule for the age and weight. There has been recent publicity around some accidents involving 3 yo's in boosters, whether a 5 point seatbelt would have saved them, etc. etc. I prefer not to debate it and have ordered a 5 pointer that goes up to 65lbs (higher exists) for my three year old.

 

If you get these vests for this trip, they would be good for that use too, patching your little one until he or she hits 4, if that issue has come up in your house.

Thank you for this link. This will be something good to post at work. There are always people asking about different safety seats for travel. Great post.

I don't have any small enough for car seats anymore but we rented a car and left it at the pier for the convenience. Was only 145 for the week so allowing for transfers shuttles etc worked out about even. Also All of the ship tours we were on in Jamaica had MANDATORY seatbelt use last week driver stayed parked until we were all buckled up.

Wow! Last time I was there, I thought the driver was going to trun over a van and there were NO seat belts to be found (someone in the group actually asked and complained loudly about his driving). 4 mo ago no seat belts were seen anywhere when doing the Southern route ports.

From the rental drop off back to the port you can take a free shuttle. I would use the car seats up until I got to the dock. On the bus shuttle (ship transfer) there are no seat belts. On island, I doubt there will be seat belts in even a taxi. If you find one with seat belts it would surprise me. I cruise several times each year and have never found them. For the ship sponsored excursions, most of the time you will ride in a van or an open air van. You don't know until you get ready to go to where ever. It is not like you can choose. I know it is upsetting not to be able to do what we think of as standard at home but when on holiday many things are not the same as back home. Just be flexible and stay as safe as you can.