golfb4cruzing

The Ruby in 2012 sold us on Princess. The Coral doing Panama Canal in 2016 is our favorite.

Nothing but Peer Pressure. Different is good.

People today won't complain unless their phones or tablets don't work.

We did the partial on the Coral from Ft Lauderdale in 2016 and enjoyed so much we are doing in again this October but on the Island. I wrote down your info for Cartagena because last time it was our worst excursion. If I remember correctly we did a Emerald jewelry making class and the host and assistants were flat out rude. The Coral was the perfect ship and we spent alot of time in the Lotus Pool area. We are looking forward to the repeat as the Canal and the mechanics are fascinating. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

maybe a reaction to the publicity of the kid jumping off a ship. while not Carnival, it could be a friendly reminder and a CYA on their part.

Hands down the Beverly Hills Ice Tea. We had them on the Coral and have been hooked since. We even bought the fixins for at home but they taste better on a cruise. Soon.

I go all out on formal night. I wear matching socks.

I purchased it once and I can not think of a bigger waste of money. Everything about it didn't work or we gained 2 minutes by having it. It's a pure money grab by Carnival so save your money for fun things.

Been on Ruby up to Regal and the Coral is our favorite. We enjoy the smaller ships. Not all the bells and whistles but the ship had a great vibe. 

7 hours ago, BoopTennis said:

Lotus Pool is the indoor one, right?  which was great this trip because at least two if not more of the days were extremely windy, crap blowing all over the place, inside it was quiet and relaxing.  It got quite a bit of use

That’s correct. We swam every day and most nights. I met a guy, I did not know before the trip, that graduated same high school as me. I graduated with his brother. Small world and we stay in touch via FB. 

We did the Canal in 2016 on the Coral and had a great time. This time we are going on the Island in October so this was perfect. Our favorite spot was the Lotus Pool area.

2 hours ago, Ducman said:

 

<sarcasm>

Don't give them the idea.  Cha-Ching - $5 bucks a chair.   ($10 by the pool) 

 

Some will say Why don't you get a grip, the sky isn't falling,  some will tell you that they don't use them, and others will tell you to open your wallet and don't be cheap. 😀

</sarcasm>

This already happens on Princess in their "Sanctuary". It can get pricey for a full day in your guarded lounger.

We always snorkel on GC but worry conditions negate the ship stopping. 

My bad, I always associated with St Thomas and St Maarten, could be backwards today. All I remember of Belize is the port shopping knockoff area and having a couple of Belikins.

I've read through all postings and didn't see any mention of being Tender ports. I know Grand Cayman is and can't remember about Belize (we have not done the Eastern run in awhile) so sometimes these stops are missed due to a variety of reasons. Always have a Plan B.

Be sure and bring change. I hear they are installing coin operated TP dispensers in all cabins and in public facilities. Could be just a rumor, or is it ?

On 12/16/2018 at 3:00 AM, Belle said:

Sugar.....White packets that say Ship...is the replacement for Splenda. Waiter thought it

was because it was cheaper then Splenda.

We've learned and toss some Splenda in a suitcase because it's all I normally use. Unless travelling from Columbia, it's never been questioned.

Thanks to all for the vast knowledge shared.

19 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

The pilot "has the conn" (is giving the orders) while entering port, so it may be a difference between pilots.  The Disney ships are all prop/rudder (non-azipod) ships, so the pilots will be more familiar with these ships, even given the number of azipod ships the pilots in many of these cruise ports handle.  Azipods react differently when reversing (going to zero speed, azimuthing the pod 180*, then ramping up the speed) than a propeller with variable speed/variable pitch like the Disney ships (basically the prop stays turning at the same speed, but the propeller pitch reverses), so pilot handling will be different.  Then, azipods can be rotated to athwartship to spin the ship, along with the bow thrusters, while the Disney ships will use bow and stern thrusters, and if the pilot is skillful, they can "split" the propellers (one ahead and one astern), and use the "high lift" Becker rudders to act as large thrusters, much like the azipods.  Where the pivot point of the ship is (one third from the bow when moving forward, one third from the stern if moving astern, or midships if stopped) will also affect how the various systems (thrusters, pods, or props/rudders) work to spin the ship.

 

I don't think the Disney ships are any better equipped, each type of propulsion has its benefits and drawbacks.

Thank you for the in depth answer. I appreciate your time. Thank you.

I do see the Pilot boat drop off but still a marked difference

I enjoy watching ships come into the port areas via webcams. I was watching the Disney Wonder come into Nassau this morning and again noticed a difference in approach speed of Disney ships. Hopefully Chengpk75 can shed some light on some specifics. Are the Disney ship better equipped for maneuvers ? They seem to enter the port area quickly and then their 180 turns are quicker as well. Thanks for comments and info.

We also really enjoyed the Coral and especially the Lotus Pool area. The Coral is a unique ship as many features seem to be smaller but still our best trip so far. Our last princess was on board the Regal and was totally underwhelmed for all the hype. I thought the layout was abnormal and the Sanctuary pool area was unusable due to the wind at the front of the ship. We will stick to the smaller ships and are looking forward to the Canal again next October on the Island. Glad you had an excellent time. Depends on what your needs are, big difference between Carnival and Princess.

We fill an empty suitcase with drinks and then that is our dirty laundry coming back. Luckily we drive down so number of luggage doesn't matter. The wife needs her diet dew and I drink way too much diet coke.

On 11/21/2018 at 9:26 AM, serene56 said:

Merging carnival with Princess?   I hope not as its two different cruises entirely 

Why ruin Princess ? 

I talked with our TA and she has been on the Island since the refit and the LaPatis does fill in for the IC. I need my fresh brew. So I went ahead and booked for next October and repeat the Canal trip. Why not ??