Cairnmom

I have heard good comments about Holland but I agree with Tom47 that Celebrity would be a good choice. We're partial to the "S" class but did enjoy the "M" class Celebrity ships, also (but they don't have real grass to putt golf balls across). We are also in our 60's and find the age range on Celebrity very comfortable.....

Thanks. They both golf so having real grass would be a plus!

Hi

We are in our 60s and like Celebrity. Only 1 announcement per day, smoking only allowed on 2 outside decks, excellent food and great service.

I have done some reviews. Click on my name.

Tom:)

Thanks Tom. I forgot about the smoking issue. We want to go with a line that has the tightest smoking restrictions. I think that is Celebrity. Also I am interested in their Blu dining option.

My parents (80's), who are very independent, have expressed an interest in cruising with me on a commercial line. They would be first time cruisers, but are boaters and have their own sail boat. I'm not sure what cruise line would be the best, but definitely a smaller ship would be better. I've eliminated Carnival. Thinking possibly Holland or Celebrity. Thoughts?

Im on the lookout for any solo cruises in 2014 with 0% supplement. Even if 50%.

No supplement-Carnival Valor-Feb 2nd, 2014-7 day from San Juan-$426.68-Inside Solo. I may have to book this one....

Left the ship this morning. We received the beach tote that was posted earlier.

Yay! Thanks.

Anyone know what they are giving out on the Legend?

I use Travelguard insurance. You can customize the coverage you need and add things like a pre-existing condition waiver. You can also buy additional healthcare insurance which covers the expenses your primary insurer does not.

If you can travel last minute, Norwegian Pearl has a great solo rate for the December 1, 2013-7 day- Western Caribbean sailing. $482.41 total for an inside. $75 additional for an O/V.

Good deal r/t Barcelona-Norwegian Spirit-December 1st -9 days- $489.85 inside. Air not such a deal from the US......

Loved your review of both ships. Will be on the Liberty in January and now I'm really looking forward to it!!

GC also has very good sea salt.

Excursion or rental car, bus isn't a tourist option (there is a new Rum Point stop, but you have to call for service, reportedly unreliable). We have often rented a car--it's easy to do (and Rum Point is great :)), but depends on how long you will be in port as you have to factor in RT tender time, time to pick-up/return car and RT trip to Rum Point (allow 1 hour each way, you'll almost always make it in less, but sometimes traffic can be slow, esp. on the afternoon return). Oh, yeah, if you're from the US or another place where you drive on the right, someone in your party needs to be confident with left-sided driving! Last I researched it, this was the only car rental agency in town--we've used them before, no problems. http://www.caymanautorentals.com.ky/ There are others at the airport. I haven't researched in years whether any offer a more convenient arrangement for cruisers to pick-up/return.

 

Good luck planning your day! We'll be there in Dec.--can't wait.

Thanks. I think a rental car is the way to go. I forgot about the tendering, so that is something to consider. So looking forward to our trip- only 6 weeks to go!

We are considering Rum Point for our day on Grand Cayman. What would be our best option? Group excursion, rental car, or public bus?

There are still a few 7 day no single supplement cruises available in January. Carnival Liberty, Glory, Valor & Sunshine have great rates!

I have never heard of Upachaya, but have been to Maya Key and loved it. The snorkeling there is out of this world if you like to snorkel. The island is beautiful and has different things to do there.

 

I have a complete review with TONS of pictures (just click on it in my signature line) if you are interested in seeing/reading it. Just make sure you go to the right post count (since I have my settings on this site to very high, it might not match up). :)

Thanks. I have seen your reviews of Maya Key and that looks fantastic. Looking for someone to chime on Upachaya which I understand only takes 10 persons and includes a nice lunch with 2 snorkel stops.

We are in Roatan from 8-3pm and have decided to either go to Maya Key or Upachaya. What is the difference between the two?

We just came back from our cruise, and in St. Lucia, did the Cosol tour.

 

I primarily chose this tour from the reviews on Tripadvisor. They rate it as #1 and after reading some of the reviews and discussing it on my roll call, most of us did the Cosol tour.

 

And we are so glad that we did. Truly a professional outfit. Knowledgeable drivers/guides ( ours was Bernard "Fat Man"), clean, new vans, good local foods to try, kept us hydrated well ;).

 

From the tour vans we saw at the various stops, they probably all cover the same spots for similar cost. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Cosol.

 

All in all a great tour. Scratch that. This was by far the best tour we have taken of all our previous tours of our 16 cruises.

 

For anyone that has cruised on the Carnival Valor lately, a great Woo Hoo!! to you all. :D:D

I have to agree. A well run operation and a fantastic tour. Don't hesitate to book with Cosol.

Just returned from another cruise and my gift was another hat. I went to guest services and thanked them for my gift and let them know that I had accumulated 4 hats over the last few months and would like to exchange for a Tervis Tumbler if they had one. They had one left and I was thrilled!

Enjoying your review. San Juan is my favorite port of embarkation!

Really enjoying your photos and review of the Valor. I'll be in SJ soon! Can't wait! Please post more!

I've gotten 3 baseball hats over the summer. I hope they change soon!

WRONG!!!

 

I had a senior moment and confused Xcaret with Tulum. Xcaret is close to the Dock at Playa del Carmen. Total travel time, ferry and shuttle, is @ 2 hours.

My humble apology.

Enjoy! Xcaret is fun for adults and kids.

http://www.xcaret.com/

Even better! We have been to Xel-Ha and loved it, so I imagine Xcaret is very similar.

If you do go to Xcaret, bring biodegradable sunscreen with you. If you have to buy it there, it's really expensive! And you aren't allowed to use regular sunscreen!

Thanks for the reminder!

Thanks. Drinks at Fleetwoods inbetween beach-shopping and Luau. Time seems like it will go fast in Maui.

Maui is the best. So much so, that Hubby and I are going to buy a condo there!!

Princess' shorex schedule travel time to and from Xcaret totals 3 hours.

Thanks. With 3 hours travel time, that would leave 4 hours at the park. Should be enough time.