jdrouin

We just got back from Nassau and took this independent walking tour. We chose certain spots...It was about a 2-3 hr walk . Started by walking to the Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Then walked west on Duke St saw the Government House towards Graycliff where there are the cigars and chocolates. We then took the tour at John Watlings Distillary-nice stop for a little history and cool drink. Then we walked back onto Bay St. towards the ship and walked through straw market - which was a little overwhelming for us. Our last stop was at Pirate Republic Brewery for a taste of beer and some good food.

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I had read about Natural Wonders Tour Co. on CC and decided to book a half day tour to the Yunque for our family of 8. From my first conversation with Ashta to our tour with Jesus... everything was first class!

We arrived in San Juan at 8:00 am and met Jesus our tour guide in front of the Walgreens - which is across the street from the port at 8:30 The drive to the Yunque was about 45min to an hour depending on the traffic. Once we arrived, we decided to start from the top of the rainforest and work our way down to the bottom to avoid some of the crowds. Just a little side note- if you get easily car sick I'd take some Dramamine as the roads are very winding. Jesus told about various plants that grow in the forest and there many uses Our first stop was Juan Diego Falls- it was a short hike up some rocks to the waterfall. Make sure you wear the correct shoes as it's very slippery. There we jumped in the water and took pictures under the waterfall.The water was cold for us Floridians but so worth the dip!

Then we drove down to the tower and walked up to the top for some spectacular views of the rainforest. After a few photo opts Jesus took us to a local place -La Muralla for lunch. They have typical Puerto Rican dishes. We tried a few fried appetizers but the rice with beans and pork was my favorite!

Once we were done with lunch we went to La Coca Falls for some pictures. Our last stop was a swimming hole at the end of the river - called the Big Belly. It was a short hike where we saw huge snails and big termite mound! Jesus showed us the various mineral rocks in the river and how natives long ago used them. We swam for a while and the kids swung off the rope into the river. The water is crystal clear and there are a ton of fish.

After about 45 minutes we decided to head hack to Old San Juan for some shopping. The drive is about an hour depending on traffic. Overall, we had an amazing experience! Jesus was a great tour guide and very accommodating! So if you're looking for a personal tour of the Yunque I'd recommend using Natural Wonders Tour Co.

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How long of a drive is it to the rainforest from the pier?

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Out of curiosity who did you book with? I had the same question.

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You have a beautiful family! Thank you for sharing your exciting trip with us!

Thank you for the information on the vouchers and about printing everything out prior to the cruise.

Just a quick question...and I apologize if it's been discussed before but you wrote:

I did a status match prior to the cruise but still got the regular color room key card.

What is a "status match" ?

Hi, we just returned from our bahamas cruise this week. We did the $30 day pass at Melia and I HIGHLY recommend it! It was great!

Once we arrived in Nassau, we went to the visitors desk inside the building you go through there at the port and asked the lady there about it (just to be sure it was legit).

She instructed us to take the #10 bus and tell them to take us to Melia, so that's what we did. Only $1.25 pp fare. When they drop you off in front of the hotel, just go in to the front desk and tell them you want a day pass and they'll give you a pink arm band.

 

We didn't feel the need to do the all inclusive one because we ate a big breakfast before getting off the boat, and we knew we'd probably leave by 2pm so we could do a little shopping before getting back on the boat. There's a pool bar and also a starbucks inside the hotel, so we just got a couple of waters while we were there and took a few snacks and didn't need to eat at their restaurant.

 

It's a beautiful beach, chairs available, great pools, beach volleyball available, basketball court - my 17 yr old found a group of guys to play with. Also includes snorkeling, paddle boarding, use of kayaks, etc.

 

I would definitely go back and do it again. Great use of our money!

So the kayaks and paddle boards are included in the day pass? or are they extra? TYIA

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review! Can't wait to sail in June!

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Day Two – SEA DAY:

 

 

 

I started day two with a workout in the gym at 7:30. As italways is on any cruise, the gym was packed on this first morning. I could notget on any treadmill, so I opted for weights. After about 30 minutes, I managedto scoot onto a treadmill. There is a sign that tells you that there is a 30minute limit, and most people seemed to do that. As I was leaving the gym, Istopped by the front counter to ask about classes. When I put my card down, thelady saw that I didn’t have the little barbell sticker on my card. Apparently,when I went in I was supposed to sign a waiver and get the sticker. I didn’tsee that stand, so I didn’t do that. Opps! Well, the little lady was reallymad! She called over a supervisor and they fussed a bit, I filled out the form,and …. That is it. Anyway, weird thing…all of the classes were full for thewhole week. ALL OF THEM…at 8:30 am on day one! Oh well!

 

 

 

After working out, I headed back to the room to shower andwe headed to breakfast. Trying to be healthy, I had two boiled eggs and fruit.The buffet was packed, but it was manageable. The kids loved the pancakes, waffles,hashbrowns, bacon, etc. We headed towards the back of the boat and there waslots of seating. The back overlooks the water, and it is very beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

We headed to the indoor pool to swim for a bit, and then wetook the 7 year old up to kids care. It was set to be open from 10:00 – 12:00.When we got there the line was around the floor just to sign them in. We waitedfor about 20 minutes. When we got to the front they told us to pick him up at11:45 (not 12). So, we only really had him there about an hour. We took himback for the 2:00 – 4:00 session (also told us to pick up 15 minutes early) andagain after dinner. Each time he had a great time, but the sign in procedureswere a pain and took forever and the workers were grumpy.

 

 

 

 

 

At noon there was a free Zumba class on the pool deck! IT wasGREAT! The instructor was new to the ship, and she was fun and full of energy.After Zumba, I felt fully ready to start using the drink package! I headed backto the indoor pool to order my first drink of the day (vodka soda). Thewaitress was a little grumpy when we ordered, but they didn’t want you going upto the bar to place your own order….so …. Hmmmmm…..

 

 

 

 

 

The indoor pool was FULL of kids. We chose to sit therebecause there was a lot of seating and it was out of the direct sunlight, butthere were a million kids, so it could get loud. It was also convenient becausewe could grab lunch from the buffet and eat there. For lunch I just had asalad, but the toppings were good. We left the pool about 5:00 to head down toget ready for dinner. This sea day was a formal night, so showering was fairlynecessary!

 

 

 

 

 

For formal night, I saw so many people really dressed up. Iwore a nice dress, my husband wore a suit, and the kids wore slacks, dressshirts, and ties. There were MANY people in ball gowns and tuxes. We did notfeel under dressed, but we certainly could have dressed up more. For dinner Ihad salad, baked mahi mahi with vegetables, and a fruit plate for dessert. Thefood was good, sizes were moderate, and the atmosphere was lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

After dinner I took the 7 year old to kids care and we hitthe jazz bar and la luna. The music was ok, but the vibe was a little dead. At10:30 we picked up our son and took him for late night pizza. He loved that.The older two boys loved the teen club from this night forward. They came intelling us about the kids that they met from all over the world. Such a coolexperience!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF DAY TWO!

Thank you for your review! Where did you go for late night [emoji487] pizza?

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I apologize if you have already answered this...but what internet package did you purchase? Was it covered for everyone in your cabin? TYIA :)

iPhone is your best friend for this!

Have a great time!

 

 

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Some of the best balcomies are on deck 10 and 11 on the stern as they are much larger but they can suffer from water coming down on them from the infinity pool and window cleaning opoerations on deck 14 windows

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this review

 

 

 

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1951878

 

 

 

 

 

Failing that deck 10 and 11 cabins on one of the three humps (but not the smaller cabins on the centre hump)would be better than cabins in the recessed lenghts of the ship and should give you what you are looking for

 

 

 

Pete

Wow! I was so excited about having an aft cabin (11303) and spending time on my balcony! Not looking forward to getting wet ! [emoji20]

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Thank you so much for taking the time to post all these great pictures and answering our questions!

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My husband and I vote for the Galaxy. Delicious food, service was top notch and the atmosphere was awesome! We also ate at Eataly Steakhouse (not Eataly RESTAURANT). We were not impressed by the Steakhouse food or atmosphere. I have heard that Eataly Restaurant is better but that is just hearsay. Can't go wrong with Galaxy in our opinion!:)

 

We cruised this past January, 2017. Hoping that our unsatisfactory Eataly Steakhouse experience will be better next cruise. We want to give them another try.

Hi debating which restaurant to choice for our cruise..What type of food/atmosphere does the Galaxy have that sets it apart from the other one. We'd like to treat our family to a specialty restaurant and want to make the right choice :)

How can I know my dinner time ??/

You can log onto your booking and find it under guest information (scroll to the bottom left) and it says Dining Preferences First Seating or Second Seating.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do the review, I was wondering how much were the loungers on deck 18 and how do you reserve them? TYIA :)

Hi

Wondering if anyone has gone horseback riding through the rainforest? If so, who did you use?

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review, being able to bring on my own water is wonderful news! :D I look forward to reading any further thoughts!

No, I meant they have a package onboard that you can purchase of either 6 or 12 large bottles of spring water delivered to your stateroom. I'm sorry I don't remember the price, but it seemed very reasonable to me when I bought it. They have bar waiters selling it right when you walk onto the ship.

Perfect! Just what I was looking to hear! The other cruises we have been on had the same. Thank you so much!

Yes the bottled water package is very reasonable but the package is not in your cabin. I drink half a gallon of filtered water a day at least. So that can get pricey. Thank you for the feed back

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I have been on other cruise lines that allow you to check in a case of water with your luggage. Does anyone know if MSC does as well?

Did you book a balcony? Inside and OV quads have bunks. So, those are your options. 20-somethings should stil be able to sleep anywhere...EM

Yes it's a balcony with a bed and pull out - not sure tall boys would be comfortable or fit in pull out:o

We will be sailing on the Divina this summer and we booked our 4 (20 something) children all in a quad cabin. I am now second guessing the pull out couch might be to uncomfortable. Any feedback is welcome.

We are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites downtown right around the corner from Mary Brickell Village which have lots of restaurants and shops. Our cruise leaves on Saturday but we are arriving on Thursday afternoon. On Thursday we plan to lounge by the pool then walk to the village and hang out. On Friday we will either catch the free trolley or metromover (also free) and take the five minute ride to Bayside Market Place to look around. Then our plan is to take the water taxi ($10.00 each way) over to South Beach and look around. Breakfast is free at the Hampton Inn as well.

Great choice!! You will love that area. Great restaurants and bars. The metro mover is close by...Bayside doesn't really have many good places to shop ...very touristy. You will like walking around South Beach...good stores on Washington between 5th street and 10 street. While you are there try to make it down to Lincoln Rd. very nice place for lunch and to walk around.

Enjoy.

Looking forward to the rest of your cruise! Thanks for taking the time to share.:D

Great review! Thank you for taking the time to post.