soudersmes

You could almost think about taking the ferry to Moorea for the day and picking up a tour there. The ferry dock is a 5 minute walk from the cruise port. There are many, many tour operators on Moorea that could take you snorkeling, or whale watching, or jetskiing, ATVing, etc. Does your ship visit Moorea?

Yes it does. Thanks for the information...Margaret

Thanks everyone for your comments. It's comforting to know from those of you who are experienced Dolphin travelers. I like the comment that you can see the stars at night. That is a problem when you have a covered balcony.

I'll just enjoy my mini suite and the extra room on the balcony. Yes, the worst that someone would see is me in my pjs. Fair warning :)

I really appreciate your comments and it's great to have such a forum like this to ask questions...Margaret

Good Afternoon,

We are booked on the Crown Princess in a mini suite on the Dolphin deck. I was worried about the noise on the Emerald deck so I went with the Dolphin deck. Now I'm reading all these negative reviews/quotes about the balcony being so public and open. So, did I waster a lot of money getting a mini suite that is so open. On previous cruises I've seen people on their balconies.

So any information would be appreciated. We are stuck in this room since we will be leaving in October.

Thanks...Margaret

Hi Everyone,

So now I'm freaking out as we have booked a mini suite on the Dolphin deck. While I sort of realized that they were open as I've seen them below us on the Baja and Caribe decks, I didn't realize that people are so offended by them.

Can someone who has used these mini suites tell me if it's that annoying or problematic not having privacy? Maybe just reassure me that I have spent a lot of money on a bad room?

We are on the Crown Princess and leave in October, so we are stuck. I was worried about the Emerald since it's over the clubs. I read the starboard side is quieter.

Thanks Margaret

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I already figured out there were too many people for such a small island and not enough ships dock there like in the Caribbean. I am on the CC board for this cruise and it's very active. Thanks for the Avis tip as we have rented cars in many islands.

Margaret

Hi Everyone,

We are going on a 28 day cruise to all of the South Pacific islands. Unfortunately the ship's excursions are full. Has anyone done a private tour on Papeete? We will be there overnight and then until 5pm.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks...Margaret

Has anyone been to Pago Pago and the Two Dollar beach? What type of transportation did you use to go back and forth? Would like to know since it sounds like a fabulous beach.

Thanks..Margaret

We just got back from a 14 day South America cruise on the Golden Princess. It was from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Here are some tips for Princess shore excursions.

Be careful booking in Puerto Madryn as we weren't allowed to dock there and if you have private prepaid excursions you will lose your money. Luckily we were with Princess.

Don't book the Otway Sound Penguin tour. We did 2 penguin tours and this wasn't any good. The penguins are roped off and you aren't close to them like in other areas.

Puerto Montt and Ushuaia we did private tours which were cheaper and better.

The place to see penguins is on the Falkland Islands. Take the North Pond tour or the Volunteer Point tours. You go on 4 wheel drive vehicles and get to stand next to the penguins. We did the North Pond tour and saw King, Magellan and Gentoos. It was unbelievable. Had an awesome driver named Mike who told us so much about the Falkland war and general information about the Falklands. Drove us around town and even to see some of the battle areas. We still had time to walk around the town.

Montevideo--We did the Estancia or ranch tour. It was phenomenal. The family who run the ranch are the original owners and do it because they enjoy showing their ranch to outsiders. It's not a commercial run venue. We met the grandmother, children and grandchildren. Delightful 12 year boys and a 4 year girl and 3 year old boy. We rode horses, milked cows and learned so much about their farm. Awesome barbecue too. Really authentic. We started out with a city tour which isn't much since Montevideo is pretty small and not very touristy.

In Buenos Aires we took the Tigre river cruise which is a must.

Our city tour was private since we stayed in BA for 3 days after the cruise. It was with Signature tours and we had a school teacher who was our tour guide since it was their summer vacation. Her name was Florencia and a wealth of knowledge.

Let me know if you need any additional information concerning our private tours.

This is a fun cruise and we learned so much about South America and their culture

Margaret

Just back from a 14 day South American Princess cruise. We went from Santiago to Buenos Aires. Since I joined a roll call for this cruise, I found some incredible information concerning private tours. Saved a lot of money too!!

Puerto Montt--GV Tours http://www.gvtours.com

Awesome company and they are Americans. We had lunch at an authentic Chilean restaurant.

Ushuaia--5 1/2 hour tour of the National Park and Glacier.

http://www.tourguideushuaia.net/tours

Edward was our contact.

We went up on the chair lift, to Ensenda Bay, Roca Lake, end of the PanAmerican highway. We had an excellent guide who enjoyed hiking and we got to see and do a lot.

Margaret

Appreciate all of the insights and replies. I figured you can't predict but I'm worried about not bringing enough warm clothes. Glad several of you posted about it being chilly the closer you get to LA. Let's hope the seas are calmer....

Can't wait to get on the ship tomorrow :) Margaret

Thanks for the replies. Appreciate hearing from previous cruisers :)

Margaret

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone tell me what the weather will be like for our 15 day Hawaii cruise. It's from 11/30 to 12/15 and leaves out of LA and returns there.

Just wondering what others have encountered going and coming?

Thanks...Margaret