DjaOR

We just got back from a cruise with our 13 and 16 year old and found that the more choices they can make the better it will be. We gave them an on-ship amount and let them decide if they were going to spend it on smoothies or stuff from the gift shop or activities...whatever. They registered in the Teen program (against protest) and then started picking activities on day 4 to go to. But it was all their own choice so it took the pressure off of us, and let them decide how to spend their vacation. Have a great vacation!

We were on the Dawn in cabin 11172 and only heard noise coming from the Garden Cafe above and while we were in the bathroom, nothing from the cabins beside us. The overhead noise wasn't bad, but then I don't need absolute quiet to sleep.

I just got off the phone with NCL (should have checked this forum first!). They said it is all based on the 50lb. limit. Bring as much as you want, make sure there is a luggage tag on it and if weighs less than 50lbs it counts as one of your luggage pieces. We will definitely be doing this when we leave from Tampa this weekend!

Thank you, that helps make up my mind. There are 2 ships including ours at the port that day so we will just wing it and see what everyone wants to do. That should give us a little flexibility to sleep in or whatever.

Don't wait too long if you want Tropicante! I tried to make reservations 3 weeks ahead of our travel date and the loungers were already full. Steve said he may be able to get us into the place right next to him that does not have a website and is more of a local place, which is great, but doesn't make me super comfortable since I don't know what they serve or anything about that establishment.

We are cruising for the first time this January and I found this thread to see what types of guidelines people were using for teens of different ages. I was already planning on talking to the kids about keeping their drinks with them, but would have never thought about some of the others. Thanks CC!

Tropicante lounge chairs are all booked the day we are in Costa Maya this January (NCL Dawn and one other ship there on same day) and it's thrown me for a loop. Has anyone used Yaya Beach before? We can reserve online at $35 for an open bar and shaded lounge chair. But I've also read that you can walk in and only pay for the food and drink you actually want to order. We would love the flexibility of just showing up if possible for our family of 2 adults and 2 teens, as long as it really works. Should I book online or just use a taxi and take our chances at Yaya and maybe have to find another place somehow?

It's our first cruise so any info is appreciated!