seamonkey
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Posts posted by seamonkey
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Drunken and loudness at 3:30 a.m. that lasted more than an hour.
Next morning at 7:00 a.m. I pounded on their door and told them that if they did it anymore, they would get a wake-up call every single morning at 7:00 a.m or even earlier as that was when I got up to enjoy the 'day'.
Didn't have another problem.
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I forgot to add information on shoes and socks. Just a few pair of socks.
You will need sturdy shoes that are somewhat waterproof. Shoes you can wipe off as you may be stepping in mud and other things penguins leave behind.
Ordinary tennis shoes are useless and don't dry out quick enough.
Leave the high heels at home. This is a casual cruise
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I forgot to add that a short walk away (ask people who work there and they will direct you) you can grab a bus that you can ask the driver if he does the Loop.....He will then drop you off back where you were.
If so, you can tour the city of Cocoa and Merritt Island for very little money.
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Cruising from Buenos Aires to Santiago Chile in mid April. What kind of weather can we expect at this time. Should we expect cold weather all the way up to Santiago. :eek::eek::eek:
Thank you in Advance
It's not too difficult to pack but you will need to (LAYER).
We used long underwear for the colder parts. NO puffy jackets at all (To bulky) but saw many.
The long winter underwear helped, and packed easier along with sweatshirt, (purchased on the ship) sweaters, a lined fall jacket and a windbreaker. All easy to pack and not needing to iron.
Remember that you can also purchase some of this as you land at each port and have a souvenir.
We took ear muffs (Necessary) and gloves as they came in handy at the Falkland's where you can purchase gorgeous hand knit sweaters IF you get there early..
Weather permitting, you (may) not get there if weather is very bad (wind). This is a tender port.
You will and should see all kinds of weather, that can change instantly from sunshine to rain to rainbows and snow but its all worth the trip. Lots of inside activities but we braved the outside as we rounded the horn.
It will warm up as you go up the Pacific side of the coast and we could discard the long underwear, then the jackets....but be AWARE....A lot of our passengers were seasick, as the Pacific has much larger waves. Hitting Chile is a lot like California....At first the southern part and getting warmer as you go up the coast....Leave ALL umbrella's at home....Take a rain suit IF needed, and we needed them at a few ports. Saw umbrellas whipped into uselessness.
Your going on a GREAT cruise....Have a GREAT time.
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Depends on where your ship docks but mostly NO, you can't walk there. While it's in the port area it is possible to be on the other side of where your ship ports.
Exploration Tower is 7 stories high with an outside deck on top with great views of the port.
Each floor is dedeicated to the history of the area including the space industry.
It's at night that the tower shines with different colors.
You're within walking distance of several lovely restaurants.
You can get a terriffic lobster roll at Atlantic seafood....Ask for some melted butter to dip it in.
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Myself, my husband, and our 19 year old daughter are planning a southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, PR. We have only ever been on Carnival and want to try something different. Which cruise line would be your recommendation? They both go to about the same islands so itinerary can't be a deciding factor. We are looking for good food and a nice large cabin. Opinions would be greatly appreciated. I realize this is a NCL board so I'll post on Celebrity too. Opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
From Carnival to Celebrity?
Celebrity has finer food and is like a Country club atmosphere.
NCL has average food and is more of a mall event, with something happening everywhere. It's livelier on NCL and RCCL and quieter on Celebrity. Celebrity is 'relaxing' calmer.
Depends on the NCL ship. NCL average cabins are smaller. How much time will you spend there?
How about room service charges and water charges on both?
RCCL and NCL are similar. Most who cruise those 2 lines don't do Celebrity as much. it could be because they cater to a slightly, and I mean slightly older crowd.
We've done both, but our kids (16 to 28) like NCL and RCCL.
Best to ask and look at Celebrity's thread.
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Celebrity's casinos are non-smoking and they don't seem to have an issue getting gamblers.
Celebrity hasn't built a new ship since 2014 and they have sold off their older ships. Celebrity isn't growing.
It's one of the reasons Disney costs more.
I do feel sorry when I see an older pipe smoker, who probably would rather be home, than dragged on a family cruise, and nowhere to go.
I am NOT a smoker. Just giving my opinion that the cruise lines have done a pretty decent job of containing it, by reducing where smokers have ANY rights.
Lets start a perfume thread as I have headaches for hours, from that obsession of dousing oneself in it while in the lift.
Perhaps design is the problem, and Del Rio said that they were going to redesign some of their newer ships casino areas, but I guess not until they go to the spa for an upgrade.
With that being said, it will be interesting if they paid heed to what was said about the casino and designed the Bliss differently.
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Do you think those places where smoking is not allowed, all the casinos have shut down? They haven't.
They don't make nearly the money they do with smokers.
It seems that it goes hand in hand as a habit.
It was the major reason that ships without a casino don't make it.
It's why NCL pulled 2 ships out of Hawaii.
It's why that one Carnival ship stopped the non-smoking cruising.
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Unless YOU are ready to spend the amount of money that the Brinks truck picks up from each ship, except Disney, then you better think about how much the ships have improved the smoking situation.
They don't have those Brinks trucks to pick up anything but MONEY.
From the Casino's.
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We recently flew into Sanford. Got cheap tickets and a direct flight from ABE airport. About an hour drive to port.
Sent from my iPhone using Forums
Yep
I forgot about Sanford.
People need to check different airports for pricing.
Sometimes you can fly out of a smaller airport near you, and into another smaller airport near your destination for less money.
When we went to South America, we kept looking at flying through Miami as they are the gateway to there.
Well, checking Melbourne we flew out of there....UP to Atlanta...Changed planes, and then a direct flight to RIO.
Sure it took longer, but we saved over $600 per person.
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I never cruised out of Port Canaveral before. What is the earliest time I should book a flight from MCO?
Are other airports an option?
Thamks
I wouldn't book the earliest flight.
You always have to face the things that "May" go wrong.
Immigration may back-up on the ship.
Are you driving yourself and need to return the car?
What day of the week are you speaking about?
The number of ships in port adds to the rush.
MCO and getting through the Airport security lines, as you are also against those who are just visiting Disney or the other attractions.
An accident on 528 (Straight shot) that could make you detour.
MCO runs smoothly because of the traffic they have, but it's you that has to make the decision.
The next closest airport would be Melbourne, but the traffic getting there is impossible. It's almost all city traffic while MCO is not.
For those who want to compare airline ticket prices to Port Canaveral.... and have the time... it would be wise to check prices in both airports although you are limited in airlines.
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We are a busy little town now with so many cruise ships.
Keep a close eye on weather conditions though the site AccuWeather just before you leave, so you can decide indoor or outdoor activities.
The map is helpful with it's ability to zoom in very closely. It's helpful to find how far apart some things are by dragging the map around.
I can't say enough about the dock area and the fish shops and restaurants where you can view the ships leaving port, so close you could almost touch them....Hearing the cruise directors and music.
We may be small, but we have many activities, even if not known. Carnivals, festivals and parades at times.
Have a GREAT time!
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https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise
https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation
https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Boat-Ramps-Parks
http://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/
http://www.visitspacecoast.com/towns/port-canaveral/
http://visitportcanaveral.com/
http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/maps/USA_FL_Port_Canaveral_221.php
Use the plus sign to get a closer view....It's a bit of a problem for people to know how to get to the restrarants (Heading NORTH) on A-1-A also called Astronauts Blvd) Keep to the RIGHT... and head towards the Victory Casino boat...but turn left at the first light and it will take you down to the channel/ fish store/restaurants....ASK...ASK..ask. People are happy to show you.
and watch the other lines leave starting at 4:45 pm
Port Canaveral – Tourist Information
I think there is a lot to do near the Port but Walt Disney World and other theme parks are just over an hour away by road!
The locations of the activities listed below are indicated on our area maps.
The activities below are presented to help cruise passengers who have a day or more in the area before/after their cruise. If you are visiting on a cruise ship and planning a shore excursion, please read our Shoretrips section.
Getting Around
Public Transportation:
The SCAT route system is not always convenient for visitors because it is designed for locals traveling to work and about. But it is cheap!
Routes 9 and 4 are useful for visitors staying in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. You can travel between Cocoa Village, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.
Please note the Cape Canaveral section (near the Port) runs anti-clockwise, meaning the bus drives one way in a loop.
Shuttles/Taxis
If you do not want to drive or use the public beach bus, then shuttle/taxi/Uber/Lyft services are available.
888-transportation has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($3 or more depending on vehicle size) which add to the costs. So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-transportation before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead.
Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area.
Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232 – a fixed rate service that is very popular with locals
Happy Hour Shuttle – Growing in popularity and recommended!
Uber and Lyft are available and growing in popularity!
Expect to pay up around $20 for two people for a one-way trip from Ron Jon Surf shop to the Port for example.
Kennedy Space Center:
The most popular attraction in the area is just a short drive north of Port Canaveral.
A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10.
Beach:
The best beach is Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys (beach chair/umbrella rentals for 2 people are about $20 a day).
If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area Mostly bar food. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) with several restaurants/bars nearby.
TIP – even when the waves do not look that big, the ocean here is deceiving with dangerous rip currents and the (very) rare shark attack. For these reason I suggest you ALWAYS swim near a lifeguard station. Restrooms are also important as well as beach toy rentals!
There are four year round lifeguard towers near Port Canaveral
Jetty Park – closest to the cruise ships with restaurant/shop/cafe/rentals/restrooms but the cafe opening times vary during the year.
Cocoa Beach Pier – the busiest beach with everything you need nearby including bars, restaurants and shops
Shepard Park – the beach of choice for cruise ship shore excursions near Ron Jon and always busy. Bars, restaurants, rentals nearby
Lori Wilson Park – fewer people and the furthest away from the port. Restrooms and rentals but no restaurants or bars nearby except at the Hilton and International Palms
At the Pier and Ron Jon areas you will find several companies for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits.
Activities (Orlando area):
The theme parks are only 75 minutes away.
To save money you can visit Disney Springs (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops), or perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland
Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):
The best activities around Port Canaveral are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun! Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial.
Sunward Tours – They can arrange just about any activity including the great Canaveral Lighthouse tour!
FunDay Tours – Works primarily with pre-formed groups such as shore trips but check them out anyway.
Segway Tours – Will guide you around the Port on segways! Fun trip!
Bike rentals – See our dedicated bike rental page!
Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway or Lone Cabbage. To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper, Old Fashioned Airboat Rides or Switchgrass
Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife – Adventure Kayak, Fin Expeditions for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center.
TIP – from November to March the Manatees prefer warmer water in other areas and may not be seen regularly around Canaveral.
Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach is where world champion Kelly Slater learned to surf, so why not follow in his footsteps? Cocoa Beach Surf Company or Ron Jon are solid representatives of the many surf school companies in the area.
Air Force Space and Missile History Center – The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.
Parker Brother’s Concepts – A living Hollywood museum of their fascinating vehicle creations for movies and celebrities. See the Shredder from the Battleship movie and many other custom fabrications.
Warbird Museum – If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces). It is an amazing museum.
Police Hall of Fame – More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as an impressive though very sad memorial. Policing nowadays get plenty of bad press but it is sobering to see how many perish daily around the country. It is a very dangerous job. Respect.
Astronaut Hall of Fame – Part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location. Be sure to visit using the same entrance tickets otherwise you have to pay extra.
Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek – Much more than a zoo, it is an adventure that the whole family will enjoy! Do not miss the train as it steams from Cairo to Australasia past Lemur Island and into Africa!
Shopping – Dinosaur Store and Museum and Ron Jon Surf Shop are fun for kids old and young!
Wildlife Parks – Jungle Adventures. An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected. Shore excursions often combine the Jungle and a Midway Airboat ride in the same package.
Pontoon Boat rides on the Banana River – To see wildlife including manatees (not many around from Nov to Apr). Start with Island Boat Lines and also Wild Side Tours
Forever Florida – A a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.
Cocoa Beach Skatepark – Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.
Brewery – Florida Beer Company – Offers an interesting tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.
Obstacle Course (like American Ninja Warrior) – Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures – Climb high and complete the challenging zip line course way up in the air!
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I can give you some sites and you can pick out what you and your kids might like if not interested in Disney.
The Kennedy Space center is terrific even for kids and they added even more.
These are a few sites that can advise you on more to do. I also suggest you go to the inlet to eat and see other ships leaving.
You can rent by the hour small scooters that hold 2 people and have a lot of fun discovering the pier and city.
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If you've got 3 sea days, I'd rather order the mussels on the first day than the third, y'know?
Can NCL ships take on supplies anywhere besides US ports? Whenever I do the bahamas/FL route out of NYC, you always see them taking on tons of stuff in Port Canaveral.
It's cheaper in Pt. Canaveral than N.Y....They don't charge as much for delivery.
Also they can supply fresh seafood, as it's also a fishing community...Look to see if a different fish appears on the menu after that port stop....I don't eat mussels and they are farmed in Florida.
I have seen the Asian crew on the ships, purchasing their own FRESH caught that morning or during the night for fish from a certain shop, at the docks, which are in another area from where you board the ship.
Pt. Canaveral itself does nothing for the crew, but a person who used to work on ships took up the mantle. He takes very good care of the ships crew because the port offers nothing for the crew for those who have off time.
Crew buses are provided and they do a loop of Cocoa Beach stopping at BJs, Wal-Mart and the Mall... with a special spot at the Mall where crew can make calls and use the internet, along with some snacks from their home nations....There is another in Key West.
OK ....That was longwinded and off the subject....We once ran out of lettuce on a Trans-Atlantic cruise of 14 days so no salads but only the last 3 days. The chef rejected the lettuce he inspected at a port.
The longer cruises usually have a contract with suppliers in the ports they stop.
While cruising along Chile, we took on supplies all along the coast at each port, as most people know, it's where we get most of our fresh food during the winter months and it's summer down there.
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I'm assuming you are taking multiple suitcases. :D
Even though it is just two of us traveling, I always try to split our clothes (especially underwear) between the two suitcases...just in case something happens that one of the pieces of luggage gets lost!
Enjoy your cruise!
Best advice!
Split up the clothing so if a suitcase gets lost you can get by.
Print out the following
Place your name, address, phone number, name of ship, port, departure date, itinerary...Place this in each suitcase at the top as tags can be ripped off.
Print out a reverse itinerary for returning home and place this at the bottom or with your papers you will carry.
You don't want your bags in the lost luggage department store in Alabama even if it's just one.
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I can't imaging lugging around a huge bottle in the casino, nor keeping track of it.
What is NCL thinking?
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A full 40% of NCL is owned by another company.
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We are renting a car from FLL and staying in FLL for 1 day from Avis and driving around FLL and hitting the sawgrass mall are there any tolls on that route that we need to know?
Thanks alot.
Vicky
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This is the best I can find.
http://www.flaswim.com/pdf/meets/ftlauderdalemap.pdf
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/maps/UpdatedMaps2011/Sawgrass_Expressway.pdf
http://www.quickr.org/Map_of_Books_A_Million_Sawgrass_Mills_Mall_Fort_Lauderdale_FL_33301
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It's been a long time since we lived in Ft. Lauderdale.
We now live in Cocoa Beach about 2 miles south of the inlet.
I understand that there is one toll.
Here are a few maps I consider pretty good of the area.
One is information on the turnpike which you didn't ask for.
I hope it helps you.
http://www.miami-mia.com/maps.php
http://miami.about.com/od/transportation/a/driving_in_miami.htm
http://www.aaccessmaps.com/show/map/US/FL/miami_metro
Florida 112/Airport Expressway is not part of Interstate 195 because Interstate funding for that freeway was not available. Rather than wait for more Interstate money, the city and state decided to build the route to allow for needed access between the airport and the beaches. As a result......
....It was built and funded as a.... toll road
The Airport Expressway (Florida 112) is a six- to eight-lane freeway from Miami International Airport (MIA) east to Interstate 95 and Interstate 195 for a distance of 5.4 miles.
The Interstate 95/Florida 836 interchange is a four...level stack, but all four flyover ramps all have left lane exits, which makes the connection difficult for slower vehicles such as trucks and out of staters.
Ohhh I just noticed where you're from.
I know the area.
Are you coming down I-77?
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I just want to be sure I understand this whole toll stuff. We will be driving down next week from Atlanta, stopping for the night in Orlando. When I checked on the sunpass website I determined it was cheaper to just pay the tolls roundtrip. I have no idea what route we are taking from Orlando, just following the GPS! I do know we were on the turnpike on our last trip to Orlando which is tolls.
So....what is the quickest route and how much should I expect in tolls? Thanks!
I don't know where you're headed in Orlando.
Orlando roads are like you threw spaghetti at a wall.
It's mainly because of all the small lakes.
These might help you a bit ........
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/about_system.cfm
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/maps/UpdatedMaps2011/Western_Beltway.pdf
http://www.floridasturnpike.com/maps/UpdatedMaps2011/Mainline.pdf
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...thanks for the help, but if I pay the tolls at the toll booths on 528 I don't need to worry about the tag in the car, correct? Or is another option, I buy a transponder and register it to my rental car and go that way?
Thanks again, but this technology is sure changing things.
Bill
Correct.
You only need to worry about the TAG registry IF you are NOT using the toll booth
OR
If you are using a cashless toll exit.
There are none that you would use on 528 to get to the port.
Stay to the ...Far right.... about 5 miles after you enter 528.
You will see signs to warn you of the toll 2 miles from the booth.
Be aware of the speed limit.
It changes after I-95 to 65......Then drops to 55....As you exit 528 it drops to 45 and the police are everywhere making cruise addicts miserable before and after their cruise.
There is a photo red light camera light enforcement in front of Publix another 5 miles down A-1-A.
Beware of that.
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Do I need a Sunpass to get out of MCO in a rental car and go east on the Beachline Express way or can tolls be paid?
Thanks,
Bill
At this time there is ONE toll $1.25 on the Beachline ....Rt 528....from the airport.
They are almost done building another closer to the Cape... don't know when it will open but pretty soon.
They have booths at both of them.
Those who live around the area know how to get around most of the toll booths around Orlando IF they have time but not on 528
Alas I also have to use a transponder for picking up and dropping off family at the airport.
UNLESS the TAG of the car you are using is registered with the Sun pass... you will probably get fined.
So this is one consideration when renting and purchasing the pass.
Make SURE the tag is registered by the rental company and you should get it in writing.
People need to squawk at the Florida AG about getting ripped off.
http://myfloridalegal.com/contact
She's really great at ripoffs.
Haven to normal cabin
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
We also have at times found that "some guests" in the Haven treat others with disdain and selfish behavior.
Certain people think we should enjoy their screaming, running kids 8-10 years, while they partake in longer sleep, or private time, and send their kids to the pool area in the Haven for others to babysit, with a Oh I forgot something, will you watch my child while I run back and get it, only to return over an hour later. Sometimes you only see the kids with no parent.
DO NOT be responsible for others children!
At some time, NCL is going to have to address this situation, as people should not expect the staff, nor the other paying guests to accept this indifferent attitude of self-important, entitled behavior and ruin others valuable time.
The same people who treat the staff like dirt by ordering them to fetch this and that without so much as a please or thank you and leave their cabin a total mess for the crew to clean.
I would say that 98% of those in the Haven are perfectly enjoyable. There are however, the few that are self absorbed grandiose who think they paid for this, so they take advantage.
As for other cabins? Give me anything with a balcony and we're happy. We do miss the back elevator.
If you hear a loud WHERE's your Parents? That will be me.