Tame excursions on Navigator in April

[2old4this]

I am doing the coast cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Savanah, Hamilton, etc. and back on Navigator in April and I see very little among the excursions offered to hint at anything exciting. While there are many excursions to choose from, the vast majority of them are sightseeing gigs and walks among the posies. My quest here is to get persons to respond who have made this trip before and for them to point out what they did and why they liked/disliked it. I'm still in the excursion selection mode and truly need help. Jack Morris

See my voyages last month . . .
http://awesome.webplus.net/theqm2/

[Travelcat2]

Just checked out the itinerary. Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall seeing this itinerary since we have been sailing on Regent/Radisson. This appears to be geared towards new Regent passengers and also towards those passengers who have been asking for more local itineraries (probably due to the extremely high cost of airfare).

I have been to Pt. Canaveral and recommend (based on quite a few years ago) the Kennedy Space Center tour. My DH was there on assignment many times and, although I disliked the place from the point of view of a wife missing her husband, I was extremely impressed with the tour.

Have you tried Googling private tours - just to see if there is anything more exciting available? As a regular on the boards, I've seen many questions . . . . but, this is a first. However, in my opinion, even if you only walked and took local transportation around the ports, you will love the Regent experience. Remember, Regent shuttles usually take you to and from the center of town.

[azgkrudi]

We are doing this same itinerary (with the exception of Wilmington - we are overnighting in Charleston instead) a few weeks from now. In Port Canaveral , we are definitely signed up for the Kennedy Space Center tour , as well as lunch with an astronaut. We're doing the Ghosts of Charleston walking tour scheduled for 8pm - it actually falls on Halloween - how cool is that?! We also plan a horse & carriage ride or two (Charleston and Bermuda). We thought that would be charming.

Did you consider one of the jeep tours in Nassau? I thought that might be kind of fun, but my husband would rather go to Atlantis.

I think this itinerary is more for experiencing the culture of America's southeast -- Civil War memorials, old architecture, historical landmarks, southern charm -- than adventure. We're really looking forward to it.

[2old4this]

We are doing this same itinerary (with the exception of Wilmington - we are overnighting in Charleston instead) a few weeks from now. In Port Canaveral , we are definitely signed up for the Kennedy Space Center tour , as well as lunch with an astronaut. We're doing the Ghosts of Charleston walking tour scheduled for 8pm - it actually falls on Halloween - how cool is that?! We also plan a horse & carriage ride or two (Charleston and Bermuda). We thought that would be charming.

Did you consider one of the jeep tours in Nassau? I thought that might be kind of fun, but my husband would rather go to Atlantis.

I think this itinerary is more for experiencing the culture of America's southeast -- Civil War memorials, old architecture, historical landmarks, southern charm -- than adventure. We're really looking forward to it.

azgkrudi - I just got off a ship that was all culture, the Queen Mary 2, and I'm looking for a tad more para sailing kind of adventure. I will likely do a private tour during one of our port stops just to get my needed 'high'. See my Queen Mary travelogue here: http://awesome.webplus.net/theqm2/

Jack Morris

[2old4this]

Just checked out the itinerary. Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall seeing this itinerary since we have been sailing on Regent/Radisson. This appears to be geared towards new Regent passengers and also towards those passengers who have been asking for more local itineraries (probably due to the extremely high cost of airfare).

I have been to Pt. Canaveral and recommend (based on quite a few years ago) the Kennedy Space Center tour. My DH was there on assignment many times and, although I disliked the place from the point of view of a wife missing her husband, I was extremely impressed with the tour.

Have you tried Googling private tours - just to see if there is anything more exciting available? As a regular on the boards, I've seen many questions . . . . but, this is a first. However, in my opinion, even if you only walked and took local transportation around the ports, you will love the Regent experience. Remember, Regent shuttles usually take you to and from the center of town.

Travelcat2 - I shall do some googling right now. Thanks for the suggestion to do so. Jack Morris

[Carol From California]

Also, the PORTS OF CALL section on the CC Boards is a good place to check.

[TahoeTraveler]

Jack, as we are on the same cruise as you (and agree completely about the less than exciting excursions offered), I did some research on the Ports of Call section (thanks, Carol!!). The following CC link describes Bermuda in much detail: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1490583 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1490583) and hopefully you can find something of interest there (check out the night boat adventure over the Triangle...sounds like fun!!). As for the southeastern ports, those are geared more towards a historical perspective, and thus, you won't find much adventure there. But, being from just south of Savannah, I can guarantee you won't find the area lacking in character (or "characters," depending on how you look at it!!!).

Tami

[2old4this]

TahoeTraveler - Thanks for the pointer to the triangle piece. I visited all the comments and pictures and have come to believe the glass bottom boat and the night trip to the triangle may just end up being some of the best fun of the entire voyage. I am also looking forward to my hours in Savannah. Never been there and I hope I will have the chance to mingle among the 'characters' and get a feel for your Georgia hospitality. See you on board Navigator. Jack Morris

[TahoeTraveler]

Jack,

Here is the website for the nighttime glass bottom boat Bermuda Triangle trip. Why Regent doesn't offer nighttime tours in Bermuda when we are there for 2 nights is beyond me, but I can only assume that they are not willing to expend the money. So, I guess it is up to us to do that.

http://www.fantasea.bm/sightseeing-cruises/bermuda-triangle-nightlife-cruise/

Tami

[2old4this]

Jack,

Here is the website for the nighttime glass bottom boat Bermuda Triangle trip. Why Regent doesn't offer nighttime tours in Bermuda when we are there for 2 nights is beyond me, but I can only assume that they are not willing to expend the money. So, I guess it is up to us to do that.

http://www.fantasea.bm/sightseeing-cruises/bermuda-triangle-nightlife-cruise/

Tami

Tahoetraveler - I viewed the web site - Thanks! My guess is that people don't want to miss another dining experience given there are so few dinners on this vacation. This might be keeping Regent from offering up a night excursion around the 6 PM hour. Probably an inquiry directly to Regent Hq would get the reason for only daytime outings.

Being docked there for two days might provive an opportunity to walk the close by area after dinner on board. I'm assuming it is safe to do so. This is not always the case. I remember a cruise we had several years ago that included Jamaica. We were advised not to linger ashore when the sun went down. Some did it anyway and were strong armed for their wallets and cameras not in the business area but inside the chain link walkway leading to the ship. Two men scaled the tall fence, grabbed what they wanted, and back over the fence. Jack Morris

[TahoeTraveler]

Jack,

I hear that Bermuda is amazingly safe, although the word is to use taxis, not the buses (which apparently are not quite as reliable). We should be docked in downtown Hamilton, which will give us lots of opportunity to walk around (unlike the mega ships which have to dock out at the Dockyard area and take a ferry into town).

Regent really ought to consider night tours, however. Trust me, they'd be better off putting me on a $30 tour than springing for the dinner and alcohol that I will consume onboard instead!!!:eek:

Tami

[RachelG]

In Wilmington, highly rec visiting the Battleship North Carolina if you are at all interested in WWII. You can explore all through it, and there are quotes posted all over from men who were actually aboard during WWII. It is a good 2 hrs if you see everything.

Downtown Wilmington is great for shopping and just wandering. Lots of unique little shops there.

[OrpingtonT]

Jack,

I hear that Bermuda is amazingly safe, although the word is to use taxis, not the buses (which apparently are not quite as reliable). We should be docked in downtown Hamilton, which will give us lots of opportunity to walk around (unlike the mega ships which have to dock out at the Dockyard area and take a ferry into town).

:eek:

Tami

We docked in Hamilton last year and were right on Main Street. You walk off the ship, through the terminal building and youe are right on the shops, restaurants and so on. We felt absolutely safe and there were plenty of taxi drivers around to take you anywhere you want to go.

We liked Hamilton very much and are sorry our November TA doest dock there this year.

[TWG_ag]

Did this cruise in 2009. At Port Everglades we did the airboat and it was excellent. A bit of a ride but great modern boats, bus parked 200 feet from were we boarded and got off, the tour had headsets so you could hear everything the guide said and ask him questions even when the airboat was flat out. Saw tons of gators. Several guests did NASA and the lunch and said it was outstanding as well. In Charleston we did the Plantation tour and it was pretty nice, got a city tour on the drive as well. The ship docks three blocks from the main market and walking distance from where the Sumter tours run. In Bermuda, it is mainly island tours and boat rides. Most are fine. Bermunda as others have said is easy to get around in and the ship parks right on Front Street. In the Bahamas, nothing special, if you have already seen Atlantis. Great beaches there with lots of local vendors who will rent you jet skis, or take you parasailing.

[NCCruzQueen]

Tami & Jack,

You will dock in Wilmington, NC one week before the Azalea Festival. Hopefully all the plants and flowers will be in full bloom. The house and garden walking tour might be a nice excursion. The older part of town has lovely old homes. But Rachel is correct that the Battleship NC is interesting to see.

[2old4this]

My thanks to all who responded to my 'Tame Excursions' thread for April. As I read ALL your comments I am pleased to find this little voyage in April may turn out to be a good one and not so excursion 'tame' after all.

The flowers in Wilmington ought to be great for the camera. The air boating in the Everglades not to be missed. I never gave a thought to the Battleship but will reconsider now. And exploring Hamilton on foot next to the ship appears to be easily done and without arrangements. Jack Morris

[TahoeTraveler]

Thanks a bunch for all the replies. We have booked the Port Canaveral airboat adventure, the plantation and historic tour in Charleston, both the historic tour and battleship tours in Wilmington, and a couple of island tours in Bermuda. It sounds like we have managed to pick the best of the bunch in all cases. And I am absolutely thrilled that we will be in Wilmington right before the Azalea Festival...having grown up in south Georgia, I can honestly say the azaleas are the one thing I really, really miss about that area (do NOT miss the bugs or humidity, however!!!).

Thanks again...now the excitement level is growing!

Tami

[NCCruzQueen]

....... And I am absolutely thrilled that we will be in Wilmington right before the Azalea Festival...having grown up in south Georgia, I can honestly say the azaleas are the one thing I really, really miss about that area (do NOT miss the bugs or humidity, however!!!). Tami

Tami, I'll put in an order for no bugs or humidity for the day you are in Wilmington!!! :D

[gf]

Another vote for the battleship - excellent!

[2old4this]

Another vote for the battleship - excellent!

gf - Several have selected the battleship as an excellent experience. What is there about this ship that makes it so? If the visitor has visited other retired ships from America's past such as the submarine in San Francisco and the aircraft carrier in San Diego, is there still more to anticipate? Jack Morris

[RachelG]

I have been aboard all 3 of these ships with my husband and sons. Now they are huge WWII history buffs, but I found all 3 very different and interesting. The most interesting thing about the battleship in Wilmington in my opinion was that all over the ship, they have posted quotes from guys who were actually on board, discussing everything from the chow in the chowhall to the laundry to the hospital on board.
A lot of the original furnishings are still there. I found the hospital part very interesting of course. My son, who was in signals intell in the Marine Corps, was happy to tell us all about the crypto room which has much of the original equipment still there. The intell guys who worked in the crypto room were the only enlisted ones on the ship who actually had their private quarters where they worked. So they could send and receive messages any time day or night. But they also got better sleep since there were only a few of them in one room, and they had better, more comfortable beds.

[2old4this]

I have been aboard all 3 of these ships with my husband and sons. Now they are huge WWII history buffs, but I found all 3 very different and interesting. The most interesting thing about the battleship in Wilmington in my opinion was that all over the ship, they have posted quotes from guys who were actually on board, discussing everything from the chow in the chowhall to the laundry to the hospital on board.
A lot of the original furnishings are still there. I found the hospital part very interesting of course. My son, who was in signals intell in the Marine Corps, was happy to tell us all about the crypto room which has much of the original equipment still there. The intell guys who worked in the crypto room were the only enlisted ones on the ship who actually had their private quarters where they worked. So they could send and receive messages any time day or night. But they also got better sleep since there were only a few of them in one room, and they had better, more comfortable beds.

RachelG - You've sold me on the battleship. Thanks! A private quarters arrangement is something very few enlisted experience. My guess is your son and his mates cherished that portion of their time at sea because they had a compartment and bunks to themselves.

Your comment about the crewman quotes being posted seems both novel and fascinating. And having the ability to roam about without tight controls is attractive, as well. Jack Morris