oneboysmom

Loved your review!!!! Thanks for taking the time and doing this. You seem like a really fun couple and would love to know when you're going to take your next cruise and join you guys!!

In St Thomas, on our first excursion with the turtles, they said nothing about not touching them. Both hubby and I were able to very briefly. After getting back on the boat, several of us were talking about touching the turtles, and one of the guys mentioned that he thought you weren't supposed to touch them. So we asked the captain about it...he said it is bad for the turtles to touch them, it damages their slimy protective coating on their shells or something like that. But he also said that he "knows" these turtles we were swimming with, and knows that they have been touched so many times that the damage is already done. So he knows they won't be harmed by being touched more. But he said that when other boats are in the same area he makes a point of telling us not to touch because the other boat captains would get upset if he didn't. So technically I guess you aren't supposed to touch them, and I guess it's illegal in the US (which I assume would also be the case in St Thomas, being a US Territory).

 

In Barbados they didn't say either way, there was no discussion about it. I know people did touch them, and no one said not to. Now after the fact, I'm reading up on it and feel bad that we did.

 

We booked Calabaza via email with Gina directly. We were a little uncomfortable putting our cc info in an email to be honest, but didn't have any issues.

Awesome, thanks very much!

Loving your review! Will be looking up calabaza whenever I have the chance to do this cruise. That is one of my dreams, to swim with turtles!!! Were you able to touch them? Would they allow you to? Did you just book through the internet with him?

Glad you had a wonderful time on your "honeymoon". Can't wait to read the rest.

Becky

Absolutely loving your review so far! This is for sure on my bucket list of cruises to do!! Your pictures are wonderful as well, especially the sunrise pics while fishing, breathtaking! Looking forward to reading the rest of your review!

By the way, I absolutely love NC. Been to the coast and through the mountains. Driving the BlueRidge Parkway last Fall was so beautiful. We went at a perfect time! The fall before I went to my first ever State fair in Raleigh. Wow, it was pretty huge!!

Hey Mike,

Been absolutely loving your review. Am trying to make the Breeze my next cruise in April 2014 if everything works out. Flights out of Buffalo and TO are insane right now, so they have to come down.

Between yours and GaPearl's review, have to go on this ship! My son is 12 and would have a blast!

You have a beautiful family and hope you enjoy your time away with Tracy. Goodluck with the house and hopefully welcome to Ontario!

Absolutely loving your review!!! Your body looks fabulous as well!!! I'm hoping to take the breeze next year, its 1 of the 3 narrowed down. But, unfortunately, my Son has to get braces so that might put a damper on the cruise...hoping not tho :confused: Glad you had a great time and can't wait to read the rest!!!

This has been an amazing review...your pictures are wonderful!! Alaska is on my bucket list, but I think i'm a few years out for that still! I'm glad you had a great time!

Aruba Continued:

 

 

Went spent about 45 minutes in the water at Arashi, then packed up for our trip back to the ship. The drive back was along the main stretch along the tourist beaches of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. The hotels were amazing looking and the beaches looked great. I took some photos from the jeep:

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were dropped off across the street from the pier entrance. My daughter and I walked about a block to an open air market (lots of locals selling souvenirs from booths). The prices for the T-shirts, bags, purses, and other typical souvenirs were probably the cheapest we have seen on any of the islands we have cruised to. So…we loaded up on shirts and novelties.

 

 

 

 

Aruba Final L:

 

Back on ship, we went to an upper deck to watch sail away. So sad this was our last port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We slowly sailed in front of the airport runway where we saw a plane appear to be waiting. My son asked if the plane was going to take off over our heads. We told him it was probably not allowed, since the ship was so close and with so many passengers. Then “bbrrmmmmm” a loud sound startled everyone on the ship. The plane was waiting on the runway for the plane that was about to land. I caught a picture of the plane just before landing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aruba is truly "one big happy family"! Of all the ports I have been to, this would rate as the top for a future land-based vacation.

 

If you recall, my favorite port day was La Romana (Seavis rocks!), and my son's favorite was Curacao (he loves snorkeling). Now, my husband and daughter selected Aruba as their favorite (they loved the off-road adventure and the unknowns). So, as you can see, we are all different, but we all had a GREAT time at the ports!

Most beautiful airport ever landed in. Took a cruise out of this port back in '99. Loved your review! Making me double think what i've been planning, but the island tour in the Dominican looks amazing!!

Thank you for your amazing review. I loved being able to visit Italy, without having yet been there. Now, I know what to expect when i'm finally able to get over there!

So, for your somewhere cruise next spring...how about the Carnival Liberty 7 day Eastern out of Miami??? That way, you can do a report, and I can relive it through you!!!!!!:p

No, just kidding! It was great to see everything you two experienced and hope you have 30 more years together!!

Thanks!!

Absolutely loving your review! Am planning on the liberty next March/April on same cruise. What would you say would be the best side to get your room on? We are doing a balcony, just unsure of the side yet.

Thanks for all the wonderful pics! Looking forward to the rest of it!

Hi Guys! I feel like I know you now!!LOL...am really really enjoying your review. I am going on the liberty next year and was trying to decide between the eastern or western, but with the pics you posted of st. thomas, the choice is pretty clear!! So thank you for that!

I loved HMC and agree the music was quite loud. We actually sat in front of the boat as thats where my son's friends were and he wanted to be close.

Many happy wishes for you both!

Awesome review so far!!! Can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about HMC...I was on the ecstasy on the 13th out of Port Canaveral. I absolutely loved HMC, was the nicest beach i've ever been on.

I'm looking at sailing on the liberty next year, have it narrowed down to that ship, the victory or the conquest.

Hope your hand is ok!!

Thanks for sharing your pics...i want to do that exact same cruise next year...love the ship!!! Gorgeous family as well :)