brandy4598

Any updates on the Xpedition cruises for 2026? 

I tried searching and I didn't see this topic. How does PG handle any food allergies in their dining venues? The other cruise lines I have been on typically have me order the night before for the next day. Does PG do the same thing? Or, can they make custom dishes upon order?

9 hours ago, lovethegators said:

We sailed on Equinox late June and I had a mixed experience with GF offerings. You can order ahead in the MDR, but there were literally only 3 options - steak, chicken, or salmon. The food was overcooked, dry and seemed like it had been under a heat lamp for hours. They offered bread, but it was dried out GF sandwich bread that was not worth the calories. In the OV cafe, GF options are noted clearly and there was a decent selection. I was worried about cross contamination, but did fine.  Food in the specialty restaurants tasted much better, but I was apparently gluten-ed at Tuscan grill because I was very ill after the meal (others in party of 10 were fine so I think it was gluten). For lunch, I liked some of the GF options at the spa cafe. Overall, I was disappointed in the food. The good news is that I did not gain weight on the trip!

Ugh! I will be a first time Celebrity cruiser in September on Equinox (barring any hurricanes). Not thrilled to see this. I know to bring some bars and snacks with me on any vacation; but it sounds like I'll have to take extra this time. I was really hoping that Celebrity would handle this better than some of the other lines. 😞

16 minutes ago, Ozmodiar said:

Not sure if you are being literal with "ferries" but from Trieste they will bus people to Venice, and individuals can take the train. Way too far for tendering - 60+ nautical miles.

 

I agree with others that Trieste itself is worth a day exploring - either get there a day early and explore and take tours to Venice, or do Venice pre-cruise and spend the day in Trieste if they stay overnight.

NCL has Venice listed as a tender port. So, I wasn't clear on what that meant. Some people earlier in the thread said something about the tender taking 90 minutes. So, again, I wasn't clear on if that meant a 90 minute boat ride or via buses, train. If they're actually taking people from Trieste into Venice for the day, then I will likely use that day to explore Trieste instead of going into Venice. 

I am on the Pearl next year out of Trieste. Venice is listed as a tender port. Does the ship stay in Trieste for the Venice day and NCL ferries people over to Venice? Wondering if it would work if we fly into Venice a couple of days early and then use the "Venice" day to walk around Trieste. 

3 minutes ago, nini said:

Is there a stop in Edinburgh? That is where the Military Tattoo takes place.

Yeah; but it's not late enough to go to the Tattoo. 

I noticed the 2025 British Isles cruises don't have an overnight in Glasgow for August. Is that new? I was hoping to do one in 2025 in August and include the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. But, I will have to look around to see if that will be possible on any other cruise lines. 🤔

If it had been a private excursion, they could have still gone to the medical center, but they would have been charged for it (out of pocket likely). 

Link here to the re-opening plan: https://www.exploregov.ky/reopening-plan 

We had an early May cruise planned. We cancelled that and have rebooked for December. Hopefully, our September cruise will still go as planned.

Hi,

The local tribe with artwork near Puerto Vallarta is the Huichol.

They are known for beadwork that can come in the form of jewelry, animals,wall hangings etc.

Here are some examples:

https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/an-introduction-to-indigenous-huichol-art-in-15-stunning-artworks/

I have bought from a store on the malecon in Puerto Vallarta where they usually have a native person working.

Do you happen to remember the name of this store or maybe where it's located on the Malecon?

Sandcastle on the Beach would work for you. Snorkel toward the south of the restaurant.

I never replied. :( Thanks for the tips!

I think eliminating the oldest ones first would be a good idea. After a couple of years, the places you visited (or the ships themselves) may have changed. So, I think taking those off makes the most sense.

Is there a beach that has both good snorkeling and facilities (bathroom, food, etc.)? I found reviews for several beaches that have good snorkeling reviews; but it looks like they are out of the way and don't have any facilities available. Ideally, I would like a beach where I can snorkel and my husband can sit and relax (and drink).

Are there any shops selling unique or locally made items close (or fairly close) to the port? Or, is it all jewelry, t-shirts, typical souvenirs, etc.? If so, where are the shops located and can you walk to them from the port? Or, would a taxi be needed?

I'm glad I found this thread as I have the Anguilla Splash trip booked with Blue Safari for Jan. 12th. I just emailed them but am more concerned that their website no longer exists. I hope that whatever their situation has become better. Might just have to take the ferry over to Anguilla if their tour is out of business.

FYI - I just received an email from Blue Safari's booking agent stating that Blue Safari is no longer in business and that they will be refunding my deposit for a tour I had scheduled in April.

I don't know about shoreexcursioneer; but you can also book Secrets through Resortsforaday which has fairly good reviews.

The Fe Catamaran tour seems to have a lot of great reviews :)

What is the FE catamaran tour?

To make sure I understand correctly, you don't need cash for purchases at Princess Cay? You can charge drinks or other items to your ship card?

Thanks for the information, everyone! I am checking out Bio Island. Hopefully, they will recommend someone to use for transportation to/from Fajardo from San Juan.

We did the Bio Bay in Vieques with East Island Excursions. This tour company took us into the bay by an electric powered pontoon boat--there were no kayaks.

Thanks, dz. Unfortunately, I don't think that East Island Excursions does that tour any more. :( It is listed on their website; but says that it is "Not Available."

There are 2 operators who use an electric boat to go into the biobay in Fajardo. Do a Google search for "electric boat Laguna Grande biobay fajardo" and you should find info.

Great. Thanks!

All of the Bio Bay tours I've seen have been with kayaks. My DH and I have tried kayaking before on other excursions and have decided for the sake of our marriage that we will not do it again (at least not in the same kayak). Is there a tour operator who uses another means of transportation to get to the bay? Or, is there one that offers individual kayaks? Thanks!

October is not in high season, but keep in mind, when the ships are in, everything gets more crowded. I would not chance trying to rent a palapa at Amsterdam Manor. I know folks who were there the same time that the lady posted on here that she was able to rent a palapa. They reported that there were some that stayed empty all day, which was probably the reason that Amsterdam Manor decided to rent them out. They quit renting them a while back, and I wouldn't count on any being available. That being said, there are some nice shade trees in some sections of Eagle Beach. MVC rents chairs and palapas, and you could try there first, and if none are available sit under a tree. There are also a few more vendors who rent chairs along Eagle Beach.

Thanks! I'm still deciding. But, I appreciate the information. :)

Is the end of October considered part of the high season? I would like to go to Eagle Beach; but I need a place where I can have some guaranteed shade, whether rented or trees. I know there is more of a chance of getting shade at Palm Beach; but I am looking for a quieter/not as busy beach.