bucky0926

I just realized from the responses I have received thus far that I did not paint a very good picture. I am 65, hubbbie is 66. We always choose our cruises based upon ports and never on the ship. I do enjoy the hustle and bustle of the bigger royal ships but I do not enjoy the lines and waiting and crowds that are associated with them. We have been going on the smaller ships as we like the longer cruises (10,11 days) and the bigger ships are shorter to attract more families and because they can go into less ports due to their large size. One of the reasons I am looking outside of royal is because they do not have an ABC itinerary at all from any Florida port in the first 4 months of 26. Not happy because we will finally be diamond and won't be able to take advantage of it. Someone mentioned that princess tends to be less expensive but the one thing is this ship (majestic) doesn't have any ocean views cabins and I can't do interior so I am back to a balcony. We tend to do ABC itineraries because we are big snorkelers. We like to hang out in the indoor pool area because they are more quiet and no kids (being on longer cruises tends to also lessen the amount of kids traveling). Hope that gives you some insight into us to help guide your answer. Thanks again for all your insights.

Looking for a beach that has snorkeling from shore and also amenities like chairs, umbrellas (or tree shade), drinks. The bad part is that we are second ship into the port and I don't want to go somewhere and then realize there are no more chairs or umbrellas. Anyone have any good suggestions?

Don't dive go snorkeling with the manatees in crystal river. Truly a life changing event.

Is there an actual beach there where we could rent chairs and an umbrella?

Looking for a beach with amenities (chairs, umbrellas or shade, bathrooms, food and drink). Also must have snorkeling from the beach. Reef can be far out I'm a strong swimmer but would prefer no currents. Something like Blue Bay Beach on Curacao or resort like Chogogo Dive and Beach Resort on Bonaire. Been to both and they were fantastic. Does Aruba have something in the same vein? Thanks in advance for your advice.

OK I'm showing my ignorance again, what does WC stand for?

OK a one time credit of 10% on wine/beer/soda and 2 coupons for 50% discount on wine/beer/soda. Is that correct?

Yeah its good for 2 wine/beer per cruise but they weren't honoring it for any. Then its supposed to be 10% off wine/beer for the rest of the cruise. For some reason their POS system can't keep track and even if you tell them it doesn't always happen as it should.

As you can see I did not get the color one, just an etched one. It is a different font than the first one posted. I guess I got the number two where they are all in caps. I guess some people cherish them and others do not. That, my friends, is what makes the world go round.

Can you show a picture of the old style one? If not no problem.....

Could you explain the difference? What made the older ones classy looking?

Hey if it fetches a good price on ebay.....

Got one on my last cruise on Harmony of the Seas (the ship I was on). Just curious, what do people do with these?

I am not Diamond but Emerald and I am supposed to get 50% off 2 wine or beer per cruise and then 10% for all after that. You tell them to do it and over half the time its never done. Then down to guest services to get it fixed. This last cruise they just took off all the drinks in total-so that was great (I think it was a total of 3 for me and DH). But you would think if it is part of the loyalty program that the system would keep track-it doesn't.

Thank you so much. Sorry for my delay but just got off a cruise yesterday. At least I have an idea of what I am dealing with size wise.

I must be dense because I thought the float strap was a wrist strap. What am I missing?

I was at blue bay end of March 2023. It was me and my DH and we took a cab for $40.00 from the terminal. We asked the driver to come back at a certain time and he was there and it was $40.00 back to the pedestrian bridge so we could shop. I tipped him $10.00. It was $12.00 per person for access to a chair and beach and we went under one of those huts to get out of the sun. The snorkeling was great, fish were abundant and so was the coral. The dive shop was right behind us and plenty were going out for shore dives as it drops pretty fast. Clean, great snorkeling, bathrooms, full bar/restaurant (but we did not partake). A little pricey but highly recommended and IMO worth every penny. A ship excursion would be more and then I am on their time and not mine. I was impressed with Blue Bay and my snorkeling site on Bonaire so much that as soon as we got home we booked another cruise next year to the ABC islands.

So if I get a housing for the T6 I think it will sink. After all with the housing and the camera I don't think there is a float strap strong enough to hold up both.

Just came back from there and didn't do any snorkeling because didn't really find anything while researching or even in port. Also heard (but didn't experience) beaches weren't clean. Did not find either port worthwhile for future stops if beaches and snorkeling are on your agenda. The only good things about those two ports were that they led to the ABC islands where the beaches were clean and the snorkeling some of the best I've ever done. Came back and immediately booked a cruise for next year to the ABC's with a stop in Grand Cayman.

25% no tear baby shampoo and water. Spray and rub around. Do NOT rinse with anything. Once you put it on do not let the air get to it. If you take it off, for any reason, be prepared to spray and rub again. I learned this on a snorkel trip swimming with manatees. We were in the water for 2 hours straight and my mask didn't fog once. Have since snorkeled numerous times and don't fog any longer.

I second FlightMedic555. Blue Bay was beautiful with great snorkeling, chairs, bathrooms and restaurant. The dive shop is right on the beach and the people coming back from dives said it was amazing. Also was not very crowded.

Use a safego (on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/SAFEGO-Portable-Indoor-Outdoor-Combination/dp/B017RR15YI/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2KNYRQNJLEFDP&keywords=plastic%2Bvacation%2Bvault&qid=1681271025&sprefix=plastic%2Bvacation%2Bvault%2Caps%2C115&sr=8-16&th=1). We bought one for our son when he went to camp in 3rd grade (it was called a vacation vault then). He is now 27 and my DH and I have commandeered it for the past15 years or so. We attach it to both our chairs so they can't just take one chair. It will hold your phones, cash/cc, sea pass, some smaller kindles.This way we don't even have to take it in the water with us.

A go pro is too complex for this senior woman. I've read too many nightmares where people who know what they are doing couldn't get the photos/videos off the card into their computers or phones. I need something easy. Just would like a video or 2 that I am really proud of and some great stills. Just got back from a cruise that went to Bonaire and Curacao and the snorkeling was outstanding. Going back next Feb. on an ABC cruise and would love a great camera. Going on my next cruise 4/22/23 so really thinking of getting something as I can use it on the cruise and if something happens I can come home and return it. Just a chicken to pull the punch as I've explained in a message above. I'm really jealous of people who don't really have to think about spending $1000.00. To me that is a big purchase and one not to be taken lightly.