bayou cruiser

My reasoning and logic: I booked the Empress out of Miami, five nights, overnight in Cuba then to Cozumel. The four night and the five night were the same price. And I didn't want just the day option in Cuba. I'm always concerned at this time of year, hurricane season, due to weather we'll have to miss the port and that's the entire reason for booking this sailing. Two chances to get there are better than one, I'm hoping! I was concerned about which ship but as my husband said, we've done the bigger ships, this trip isn't about the ship, it's about the experience.

I really want the 4 night with the overnight because it's two full days in Cuba, but it's the same price as the 5 night. And it's easier to fly into Tampa direct on SW rather than into FLL and shuttle to Miami, but Miami has the most time in Cuba. UGH!!! I've never been on either ship. Do they both basically look the same?

I want to overnight in Cuba and I see both ships have that option. Any other differences that I should be aware of as to the ships themselves, things you prefer one over the other?

I love the fact that there will be a RCCL ship sailing out of NOLA! The ride to the mouth of the river is awesome, but crossing the Gulf in the winter months is not, sometimes a very rough ride.

The only only way I've been able to do this on RCCL is with lots of OBC from Visa points.

Caymus is fabulous, but if it's a lot more expensive on the ship than I would pay at a liquor store or in an onshore restaurant, I drink Conundrum. Same family of wines (winemaker got his start at Caymus) which I discovered on an RCCL sailing. But if this sailing is a special trip or if the one dinner is a special event, or if you have lots of onboard credit, splurge. It's a good wine and only you can determine if it's affordable and/or worth the splurge.

Quick question as this is only the second time I use a TA instead of booking direct, can I manage my cruise planner through RCCL and purchase precruise directly (dining, excursions, beverage pkg.) or do I have to go through TA?

Help! I normally use my rewards points for onboard credit when we cruise. I've never used them for a free cruise, but I'd like to do that this year. Any suggestions on how to get the most bang for the buck (points) on a free cruise?

Went to Tyme N Place on Wednesday. Absolutely loved our day there. We were the only guests from the ship. I couldn't believe it. We had paradise all to ourselves. Tony was such a wonderful host from the second we arrived until the moment we left. He is dedicated to preserving the area and we spent a lot of time talking with him about his love of the area. Our jerk chicken lunch was delicious, as were the "knock you out" drinks and cold Red Stripes. The water is shallow and crystal clear. The bathrooms are clean. Spread the word, cruisers, this is an awesome true Jamaican experience, not a high dollar resort tour. We never felt unsafe walking out of the port to meet our driver and had absolutely no worries at Tyme N Place.

We will be going on Allure on June 12th and this "live with Radio" is just what we need to get the anticipation going to an even higher level. Just when I was about to have Trainman withdrawl, I get Radio........PRICELESS!!!!

Is the petri dish art the art that is hanging randomly along the walls and ceiling that I've seen in pictures along a hallway? I LOVE those.

I'm editing this entry because with a little googling I found that it these are indeed what I was talking about, petri dish creations by Klari Reis. I too am interested in what they sell for if you don't mind. I think I have to have at least one.

I take Bonine and ginger tablets starting the night before the cruise and every night I'm on the ship. Better to be safe than sorry is my motto. Lots of people complain about being sleepy or sluggish if they take medicine so taking it at nighttime works dual duty giving you a great night's sleep and keeping you protected for the daytime too. I've only gotten seasick once and it was crossing the Gulf from Galveston in December in very rough water. Here's wishing you calm waters and a great trip.

Just back from Brillance 4/9/04 sailing and the food was excellent. No complaints at all in the dinning room, the Windjammer or Seaview Cafe. Only tried Chops, which was fabulous, not Portofinos. Wait staff was also super and met or exceeded all of our expectations. Hope you have the same luck we did.

Cherisse