Derbie

My DH and myself were on HAL Thanksgiving week, and I wasn't allowed to leave the ship. He went ashore and I stayed on the ship. Before we got on board, I stated I hadn't been vaccinated, so I received a letter in the room stating, I wasn't allowed disembark in Grand Turk. I didn't mind. I had been there several times in the past.

thank you for the reply! I went back to the Carnival website, after I asked you the question and found the excursion. I think we may have to pass. There are 8 people, and I don't think I want to pay almost $1350 for all of us to go. I may pay for our son and his wife to go and hang around with the grandkiddos that evening. Thanks again!

Hello all! DH and I are traveling with our son, his wife and four grandkids the last week of March. We have been to MX Riviera several times, but not with the kids. I would like your take on what is worth the extra money for the kids on the ship? Which restaurants to drop some coin on? We are not really drinkers, but I like my nice coffee over lido coffee. I have asked questions on the ports on the Mexican Riviera board, but anyone have anything they would like to throw in, I would appreciate it. Anything on the ship we should not miss-be it kids or adults? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks so much all you Mensa brained cruisers!

I am very much enjoying your review and pictures! I have a quick question for you. We will be in port the same timeframe at the end of March, as you were. We would love to go back to Rythm of the Night but didn't think we would have time. Seemed like when we first saw the show, our ship was in port until midnight. I didn't see the show as an offering on the Carnival excursion list. Did you book through the show's website? There are 8 of us going, and I would hate for our families to get let at port! It was only $99 pp, when we went some years back. It has gone up in cost, by quite a lot. Thanks for any information you can provide.

My husband and I have been to the MX Rivera several times, but our son, wife and children have never been. We are considering taking them to Stone Island for their beach day. We would like to take them on a reasonably priced whale tour. We did this years ago, but I can't recall the name of the tour. Possibly, walking around Romantico area, Lands End etc. We are wide open to suggestions; however, there are eight of us, and most likely the grandparents are paying. So, we are trying to be a bit conservative. We will have some OBC, but I think the kiddos will want to do some fun things on the ship. Any and all suggestions are welcome, for all ports. I have been reading the posts on there for several weeks. Also, our cruise is the last week of March, if that makes a difference to anyone. PV 9AM-9 PM, Maz-9 AM-6:30 and Cabo 6:30 AM- 3 PM. Thanks in advance!

My husband and I still talk about how much we enjoyed the Rhythms of the Night. This was just Broadway quality, with a great dinner and boat ride over. I agree with you 100%!

Just an FYI for anyone that sailed on this ship. My husband started feeling bad on Saturday. I started feeling badly on Sunday evening. I think you all know where this is going. He tested positive on Monday and I did this morning. This is the second time for both of us, so I hope it will be a little easier this go round. Again, just an FYI in regard to passengers on this cruise.

It is disheartening when a favorite place cannot be entered. I hate sharing this information, but I thought it was important. Maybe, we will see this lifted soon.

I should have clarified my point on kids. I never want to excuse bad behavior. My point was I feel sorry #1 for the lack of activities for the kids. #2 that their parents made the decision to take them on a cruise that is not directed to kids.

I agree. The other choices are much better for families with kids.

I just got off the HAL Statendam yesterday. I can tell you that I was not allowed off the ship. I received a letter in the room that stated I was not allowed to leave the ship, since I was not vaccinated. I stayed onboard, and my husband went over alone. I had been there before, so it was not a disappointment for me. Just wanted to share the information.

My husband I were on this sailing. It was our first sailing on HAL. We both had to adjust ourselves to so much less to do, than other lines we have sailed on. We really like to stay busy when traveling, be it land or sea. I honestly felt sorry for the kids on the cruise, since there appeared to be very little for them on the schedule each day. I heard people complaining about how many kids were sailing; however, it was Thanksgiving week for Americans, and schools were out for fall break. We booked a balcony room on the 5th deck, and found it quite nice, and the views were beautiful each day. We had the HIA package. Neither one of us drink much, but I did take advantage of the Dutch cafe and the lattes each day. Wifi was terrible at best. We had once a day room service from the staff. Our steward offered to clean twice, if we hung out the notice on the door. We never asked for it. We did dine at Pinacle and Caneletto. The food in both restaurants and service were very good. I would say the placement of what is supposed to feel like a quiet Italian restaurant is, well anything but. Lido is right there, and there is a constant march of people going by the windows towards the buffet. I found the afternoon tea nice, but certainly not the best I have encountered before. Thanksgiving dinner was disappointing, but service was always good. My husband was really looking forward to BB Kings, as he is a lover of the blues. The band was very solid, but it was not' the genre of blues at all. It was much more R&B and should be noted by blues fans. The rock band was very talented as well. The classical group were excellent musicians. We only saw the comedy show once, but he was very funny and quite clean. I understand so many people have a lot to compare this cruise to, since we met so many wonderful people who had been on many HAL cruises, so I understand as I miss SO many options on other cruise lines from times gone by. I am waiting to see if an item is removed from our account. I wanted a delft blue cup and saucer for my sister. Our heritage is Dutch and Scott, so Delft is in our blood. LOL. Customer Service sent me to the Dutch Cafe. They sold a set that had two cups (not the same as they use) and coffee. I went ahead and purchased a set for what I believe was $32.00. Well, there was a tip added for well over $6.00. I am liberal tipper and added $ on my paper receipts many times during our cruise. I refuse to pay 18% on a gift. I went to CS and they advised me they could not remove it. So, I asked them to take the item back and remove it from my account. It was still on my account, along with a coke from the fridge that we had put in there ourselves. As of yesterday afternoon, it was still showing. It was refreshing to not have the constant pushing of items for sale. I thought we would see the cruise director out more often, but we never saw here accept at talks, etc. We are planning on a two-week Alaska cruise/land trip this summer with HAL, that was cancelled twice due to Covid.

Thank you all SO very much! I do have one quick question. Would you all recommend we head to the Dutch Cafe for lunch when we board or another spot? You all are the best!

Sorry all! It posted twice, and I can't figure out how to delete the second one!

DH and myself are sailing out tomorrow on the N. S. Any last-minute suggestions? We have two restaurants booked. One excursion in place. We have been to all of the ports several times in the past (except for Half Moon Caye). I have been watching this board for several months, so I do have a good idea what to expect with Wifi, drink package, gala nights, etc. So, I thank you all for the great information. Anything else anyone can think of, please post. I will be watching for your clever ideas and fore thoughts. We fly out tonight and spend the night in Ft. Lauderdale and then the port at 11AM (assigned time). If the snow storm in NY doesn't cancel flights for Nashville! Thanks in advance!

DH and I are heading out for the Thanksgiving week cruise on HAL. I saw a service that was less expensive on here that will allow you to utilize the government issue tests they supplied for free. I couldn't locate the name of the company on the board. Someone posted about this company awhile back. Fingers crossed that they get rid of the test requirement (as Princess has now done) but I want to be prepared. Anyone remember the name of the company or use them in the past? Thanks a bunch!

Thanks for sharing this! I often do the stuff the bag on other lines. Although, I don't see a price on this option. Any clues on the cost? Thanks in advance,

that is a shame! My husband has often taken the full amount of our points, and paid literally a couple of dollars to fill his tank. We are in the Nashville, TN area.

Is there a way to get notice from AARP on the cards? We are members. First cruise on HAL; although, we have probably been on 15-20 cruises with other lines. I am also thinking of buying Carnival stock. Getting geared up for retirement in the next year or so. Money, will not be as plentiful. Looking for all ways to save a dollar. Also, we purchase gift cards when our local Kroger store has 4 times the fuel points. Purchase $500 in cards, and save $2.00 per gallon on gas. That works on our end as well. Thanks. I look forward to your reply.

Would you mind sharing where your purchased your shares (if this is allowed on this board)? I want to take advantage of the same kind of opportunity. Thanks.

I wanted to ask you what you would recommend at Trunk Beach? This is where the tour drops us (from the description on the tour). Any suggestions, are very much appreciated! Details are great/ ;0)

Do you happen to know if the Niew Statendam has latte's etc., in the main dining room, and other spots? Thanks,

I just went back and read the description of both excursions a second time, and I may just try to do the taxi to the ferry; per, your "detailed" instructions. ;0) The reviews complained it was too limited on time. One person said they only got 90 mins total on the island. I would like a little longer than this. I think I strongly consider your recommendation! There seemed very little difference in the two tours; except, for (I believe) where they drop you off in St. John. Thanks so very much!

Thanks, we were on the same page. I appreciate you replying!

That was my guess, given day 6 is Thanksgiving.