cruiseawaits

I would really like to book an aft balcony on the Breakaway - NY to Bermuda in early June. Just not sure of the motion while sailing the wide open Atlantic. We've only sailed from Florida and San Juan which is much smoother. Any thoughts?

Loved the beatiful picture of your family in post #19. I'm loving all of your photographs - you are quite talented. Leaving on the Breeze in 12 days.

We're right there with you! I can't believe it's only 12 days. I usually book about 6 months out, but only booked in February this time around. Such a different mind set--all of sudden it's here. Can't wait to get away from this brutal winter. Woke up this morning, to 15 degrees and winds a howlin'.

Love this review, it's really getting me in the "gotta get packing mode".

Please, opinions. Difference in distance from the port? Any input from those that have visited either would be greatly appreciated as I have no idea what to do!

Does anyone know if there is a schedule of what bands will be on what ships?

I emailed them the other day and just heard back this morning....what sort of info were you looking for?

Do you need to make reservations prior to arrival? If so, "how to" info. Also, please confirm the price(s) for the day passes and what is included. Do you know how from from the port the resort is and also how much for taxis? Oh, one last thing, do you know if it was recently renovated and what that entailed?

Thanks so much for input!

We were just at the Rendezvous in January for the morning 1/2 day pass which included breakfast. The cab to the resort was $8. When we arrived the young man told us the cost was $50 but I had e-mailed and received pricing info beforehand so I said, no it's not. He reached in his desk and pulled out the price sheet that matched mine, the cost was $40 and he knew it. A clever way to make himself $10. I e-mailed the main office when we returned and they apologized. If you go, get the price upfront and then print the sheet to take with you - with date on the page.

 

We loved the resort - the food was so-so but it was a beautiful setting and I liked the swim up bar! When we were ready to head back, the guard called a cab for us but this guy wanted more $ to take us back to the ship then what we paid to arrive. The guard just laughed - I think they were friends. We didn't have much choice so we went, then a guest from the hotel asked if he could come too and the cab driver charged him less then he did us. It cost us a few more bucks but then it cost the driver his tip - my DH asked him if it was worth it to rip us off a few dollars. We also ran in to some not very friendly sales people at the shops at the port. This was the first time we have run into unfriendly or dishonest folks at St. Lucia. Hopefully just a rather unlucky visit and not a new trend... otherwise we love the island.

Thanks so much for your input. I have emailed Rendevous, but have not heard back from them. Any help with this?

We went to Rendezvous on Jan. 19, 2010 and I was surprised to learn that the day pass had gone up to $50 per person. I was still operating under the illusion from CC threads that it was $38! Whoops! Considering that we took our time getting there, it was quite expensive for four hours. But oh it was lovely! An excellent lunch buffet and an open bar, quiet, and not many people. Tall palms provide wonderful shade--no umbrellas needed.

 

If you decide to go, get there as early as you can to get your money's worth.

 

The taxi was $10 each way for a five-minute ride.

Did you pre-arrange "day pass" reservation? If so, please supply me with contact info. Also, taxi was that per taxi or per person. Thanks

When we went in November, we were planning on going to Rendezvous, however they were closed for renovations. We wound up going to Almond Morgan Bay Resort (all inclusive).

 

It was nice. The food and drinks were good. My husband took wind surfing instruction.

 

It was reasonable (don't remember the cost, and I'm not home) It was close to the cruise ship terminal too, so the cab fare was reasonable too.

 

Their web site is almondresorts >>dot<< com.

 

Have gone to Sandals Grande St. Lucian twice- I think Almond was a good value. I'd go there again.

Did you just head over the Almond Morgan Bay Resort or pre-arrange for the day pass? If so, please supply contact info. Thanks

Not hearing many good things about beaches on St. Lucia. Since this is what we have planned during our day in port, I would like to know if there are other(besides Tye Kaye and Rendevous) resorts that offer "day passes". If so, reservations needed? and prices?

Thanks

I haven't heard anything about them removing the outdoor movie screen on the Victory. Why would they do that? Can anyone who has recently sailed her fill us in. Thanks

Our day at Ti kaye was awesome:

 

http://www.tikaye.com/dive-rates.php

 

Their packages are toward the end of the page. They offer diver packages, snorkel packages and a spa package.

How long is the trip from ship to Ti kaye? What time do they pick you up at ship and what time are you back on board?

i was originally going to put the liquor in my carry on, and chose not to. Once in san juan, we bought 4 bottles of rum, one bottle of wine and one bottle of champagne. We packed it in our checked baggage. When we got to the port, the first thing you do is give your luggage to the scanner people. They do not work for carnival and could care less what liquor is in your bag. We tipped them 5 bucks, and they were so happy. We then went up to check in for the cruise. Yes, the liquor store people tell you you can carry two bottle of only wine/champagne....they did not mention hard liquor. Once we checked in, we went through another scan done by carnival..where they check/scan your carry ons....i had bought a 5 pack of mini absolute bottles in the terminal liquor store, and was worried. It went through scanner and the guy on the other end pulled my bag andw alked me outside to a "table" where they put these red plastic tie wraps on your luggage. The guy sifted through my carry on to see the liquor and i got lucky bc it was in a gift box and then in a bag and he didnt see it...i told him i had eye drops, maybe thats what came up on the scanner. If you do get caught, they dont take it away at that table. Once you get across the gangway, there is the collection table. Bring a scissor, and you can cut the red tag off before you get to the collection table, but i recommend putting it in your checked bag. Once we got to our room, our checked bags with liquor arrived safely. We then unpacked our 2 carry ons, and went to old san juan. We filled the carry ons with 2 cases of soda and 2 cases of beer....wrapped in towels. We entered the port again, went over to the first scanner for checked bags, gave the guy a 5 dollar bill, a wink and said please take care of our luggage...it was super heavy. He took the 5, thanked us, and it arrived at our door like 2 hours later. Again, if you want to carry it in yoru carry on, you need to bring a scissor to cut the tag they mark your bag with b4 you get to the colelction table. Again, i recommend putting it in your checked bags, because once the non carnival scanners take it, nobody goes through it. We wound up with only a 250 dollar bill at the end, for some casino slots, bingo, and a drink at the bar here and there

you seem so proud of this so called accomplishment . . . And why?

thank you for the location information. We are trying to decide if we should just take the ferry and visit great bay beach (those pictures are awesome) are take a cab to divi little bay.

for beaching it, go to divi little bay. Not as many boats, ships, etc. As in the bay area.

Does anyone know why so many of the "Green Lights" are out in the ceiling of the Atrium area? Every picture I have seen of this area of the Victory, so many are out. Is this supposed to be?

Cruiseawaits....We are on the Feb 7 2010 sailing. If you are already booked, go to "MY Reservations" click on "manage bookings" go to where you can edit your dinning time. It shows early, late and anytime.

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, I booked with a TA and the site will not allow me to make any changes to my reservation. I e-mailed TA and asked him to do this for me. I await to hear from him.

Was looking at my reservation and noticed anytime dinning is now available on the Victory for our Feb 2010 cruise.

What date in February are you sailing? And where on carnival.com did you discover the "anytime dining" information. We are sailing 2/14/2010 and my reservation still states "EARLY DINING". I'd appreciate the info because I certainly would be interested in "Anytime Dining".

Thanks

After posting this, I again went to my reservation and could find nothing about "Anytime Dining" being offered. I then went to the "Fun Ship Fleet" site and connected to the Victory, then to dining(this is a general "dining" site, not specifically the Victory's), then to dinner and finally to "Anytime Dining". Under "Anytime Dining" it lists all ship currently offering this venue. Unfortunately, it does not list the Victory. Did you, perhaps, see "Anytime Dining" for the Victory somewhere else?

Was looking at my reservation and noticed anytime dinning is now available on the Victory for our Feb 2010 cruise.

 

Does anyone know if they use one dinning room for assigned and the other for anytime or use both for both?

What date in February are you sailing? And where on carnival.com did you discover the "anytime dining" information. We are sailing 2/14/2010 and my reservation still states "EARLY DINING". I'd appreciate the info because I certainly would be interested in "Anytime Dining".

Thanks

I fully intend to have a full trip report up by the end of the weekend....

I can't wait to hear all about it. Please don't leave anything out, not even if you think they are just "little" details.

Also, thanks for answering my questions. Appreciate it.

Just booked Victory for Feb. 14, 2010. I have a couple of quick questions. Does the Victory offer "Your Time Dining" yet. If not, does anyone know if and when it is going to be offered?

Also, does the Victory(Southern route) receive its' television reception via satellite out of Denver? How's the reception and what channels are offered?

Michelle :p:p:p

 

Just booked the AOS again!!!!! February 2010.....last cruise on her for us before she heads to Europe :o

Any particular reason you booked so far out? I, too, am interested in sailing her again in Feb. 2010, but thought I would wait to book. I wouldn't think they would discount any rates this far out. Please let me know your thoughts in booking so early. Thanks

Well, we wound up not staying at the Microtel. In an effort to save some money we used some of our Marriott reward points and stayed for free at the SpringHill Suites near the airport. I'd defintely recommend this hotel, about a year old and very modern and comfortable.The staff was super friendly and helpful and good cooked breakfast buffet and parking are included in the regular room rates. For those flying in a free airport shuttle is included. Nextdoor is a Zaxbys and across the small side street is a Ruby Tuesdays and a Longhorn steakhouse.

 

I had read in another review of a company called Kings Shuttle that charged $12 pp round trip to the pier, the front desk had thier phone number (which I double checked online) and I tried calling there multiple times the day before and day of cruise and nobody ever answered!) The taxi companys we called all gave an estimated price of $30 each way so we decided to just drive and pay the $75 to park at the port(5 nights). Parking was very easy and just a short walk and we arrived at approx 11am. Embarkation was very organized and smooth and we were aboard by noon.

We cruised the Fascination on 10/09/08 and stayed pre-cruise at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Airport Road. This was across the small side street from the Springhill Suites. This hotel was also fairly new, clean and modern. It included free airport shuttle and wonderful complimentary buffet breakfast. The morning of the cruise, the front desk clerk called "Gator Taxi" for us. They were in front of the hotel within 10 minutes. Very new, clean comfortable van. The driver was wonderful. Total cost to the pier(approximately 15 minute ride) was $20(for the two of us) plus tip. I would highly recommend calling a taxi.

The Hampton Inn on Airport Road. Provided free shuttle from airport to hotel(arrived at airport very quickly). Hotel very convenient with a Longhorn Steakhouse, fast food chicken place and a Ruby Tuesdays or Applebees all right in front of the hotel. Free breakfast served buffet style in the morning--very adequate and satisfying. Front desk called for taxi(Gator Taxi) which arrived within 10 minutes and right to the airport(approximately $20 + tip). Booked a Cat. 12 Suite -- great cabin with balcony. DH and I wanted a relaxing quick getaway with a no "have to do" attitude. Only went to dining room 1 night out of 4(one night stayed at Atlantis until later on, one night(sea day/formal night) took a late afternoon nap and slept right through dinner and other night decided to watch a movie late afternoon in cabin and have casual dinner on lido deck. The food was on par with the other 7 Carnival cruises taken. Quite adequate, never went hungry or to the point where we couldn't find something enjoyable. The shows were exceptionally good. The "Mambo" show was quite spectacular -- the costumes were amazing, great upbeat music. Two comedians(both did regular show and late night adult shows). They were good, your usual cruise ship comedians. As we always have -- completely enjoyed the getaway. Not in too much of a hurry to revisit Nassau/Paradise Island or Freeport. Kind of a been there/done that feeling. We had done Freeport in the past, and as done the last time visited "Our Lucaya"(20 minute taxi ride-$5/pp- from the "very unattractive, commercial" port and went to the Westin and beached it for a few hours(not very much time there). Booked a room at Comfort Suites in Paradise Island to obtain "full use" passes to the Atlantis. Took a taxi from Port in Nassau-$4/pp-to Paradise Island. Checked in/out @ Comfort Suites($184) and walked over to the Atlantis(right behind Comfort Suites). Spent the day at the Atlantis touring the "Dig", walking around the resort(very large area)--disappointed that large sections of the resort are closed--including many restaurants. Spent time on the beach, went tubing down the lazy river rapids(rented locker to store personal items), watched a wedding on the beach. Had a nice day and glad I got to see the Atlantis. It is quite a "wow" resort, but left with the attitude that I wouldn't plan a "land" vacation there. My personal feeling is that it is too large a resort -- too much of an "amusement park" atmosphere. My idea of a Caribbean land based vacation is a more intimate, laid back "islandy" resort. Debarkation -- not as bad as what I had read about. We chose self assist debarkation(carrying our own bags) I think they are improving with every cruise. A bit confusing, but all and all we departed our cabin around 8:30 a.m., and we were in line waiting for a taxi to the airport($10/pp) by 9:30a.m. We were at the airport(Jacksonville Airport -- very new, clean, attractive, friendly and convenient) by 10:00 a.m. So, as always, very glad we had a great vacation. Of course any alone and relaxing time with DH is always wonderful. I know you too will enjoy yourselves. Have a great time. Any other questions, just ask.

Just returned from the Fascination's Oct. 9th sailing. Called for a taxi at 10 AM from local Hampton Inn. Taxi arrived within 5 minutes and we were at the port by 10:30 AM. VIP check-in and on board by 11 AM. Very smooth

Getting a bit worried. Sailing the Fascination on 10/09/08. Looking forward to a quick getaway with my DH. Didn't have the greatest summer...mostly spent time recuperating from major surgery. We really need some special time together. Thought the Fascination out of JAX would attract a more sedate crowd. When it sailed out of Miami, it had a bit of the "party boat" reputation. Nothing wrong with that, I sailed on her out of Miami once, and had a wonderful time. Just not up to real party-hearty atmosphere this time around. Not expecting, nor would want, it to be like a nursing home, just a little more tame. Anyone sailed her out of JAX with a report? From the recent review, I get the impression she's still a party girl!!!! Thanks