Caribbean Princess Honeymoon...tips/advice?

[micheluvscorgis]

Hi! I am new to this board, mostly b/c my fiance and I just booked our Western Caribbean cruise on Friday.

We're going July 31-Aug. 7. We're staying at the Marriot Marina on the Friday before the cruise, and we've booked a mini-suite. I haven't been on a cruise since I was 13 (the Norway, NCL), and my fiance has never been on one.

The cruise goes to Princess Cays, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Any help would be appreciated! Since it's our honeymoon, we want the trip to be AWESOME, and we want to be well-aware of what's in store. It was sort of a list minute decision, based on being able to make some other friends' wedding in Cancun.

Also, do you know of any good, related travel books to buy?

Thanks! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[GloriaF]

First of all, Best Wishes on your upcoming marriage and Congratulations on choosing an excellent honeymoon! Oh yes, welcome to the Princess CC board also!

Before buying books, research on the internet and at the library since one book probably will not cover all your ports. Fodors & Frommers are both good choices if you are buying.

Princess Cays is the private island, actually a part of Eleuthera, and is a great day at the beach with lunch provided. Lounges and water toys are available as well. It is a tender port

Ocho Rios - well, Jamaica can be a hassle by yourself (hagglers), so I would suggest taking the ship excursion. Maybe Dunns River Falls.

Grand Cayman is said to be one of the best snorkel/scuba places and there are lots of opportunities both local and thru the ship. Sting Ray City with Capt Marvin is said to be excellent.

Cozumel - we did a snorkel party boat thru the ship, but there are a multitutde of things to do.

You will get all kinds of info and advice here on this board. Just post any questions and someone will answer.

Again, WELCOME!!

Gloria

Grand Princess, Eastern, April 2001
Grand Princess, Western,April 2002
Regal to Hawaii, April 5-20, 2004

[THT]

What specific advice are you seeking?

Being your "first time" as an adult cruiser I recommend using all ship planned excursions.

http://thehulltruth.net/photos/getimage.aspx?width=150&photoid=408

THT

[micheluvscorgis]

THT,

What an ADORABLE Corgi!!!

I guess I'm just sort of looking for any advice...stuff you wish you knew before your first cruise, good excursions, MUST-DO events, etc. What to pack? The formal nights (how formal?) I have SO many questions, so anything, really would help!.

And GloriaF, you read my mind about the Dunn's River Falls excursion. FI isn't really into the excursions, but he'll come around. Thanks!

http://www.micheleandbob.com/ws/photo/3/3/2/0/33200/T1GER1F1JW.jpg

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
--Michele

Caribbean Princess 7/31/04-8/7/04

[THT]

Michele.

Cute bunnies... I mean Corgi's there!

My pix are of our Girl "Tiki" when my wife first brought her home. Tiki's job is to whip our 100 lb lab into shape.

http://thehulltruth.net/photos/getimage.aspx?width=150&photoid=414

As for the cruise the wife and I are all about the shore excursions. Both of us have been to the Western Ports several times and we usually do our own thing.

Climbing the falls in Ocho Rios is fun if only to get the t-shirt and say you did it. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Maybe my photo page from last week's cruise will give you some inspiration:

http://thehulltruth.net/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=489

THT

[chamima]

I'm going to give you the opposite advice of everyone else. Don't do ANY ship's excursions.
Go to the Ports of Call boards for lots of good advice on where to book excursions yourself.
It'll be less expensive AND better! That being said, we've been to all of these ports.
We used Phil Lafayette in Ochos Rios, Nativway in Grand Cayman and swam with the Dolphins in Cozumel. However, if you read through the recommendations on Ports of Call there are others that people have used and were real happy with. Anything we've ever done through the ship was more expensive, more crowded and LOTS of hurry up and wait.
As far as advice on the ship. Enjoy your balcony! Have breakfast delivered by room service. Have pre and post dinner drinks (even if that's tea or coffee) out there. Find a quiet place to sit outside.
Our first cruise was our honeymoon 34 years ago and it still remains our favorite way of travel. We have found we like tables for only 2 in the dining room because we go on vacation to be alone, but that's just us--some people like to meet new friends.
A cruise can be THE most romantic vacation. Enjoy!

[CaptData]

Ok, Dunns River Falls, yes do with Pete Taylor or the one mentioned above. Pete Taylor was $30.00/person. He picks you up and you are the first at the Falls. Not crowded. Wear Water shoes here (buy your own before you go). Princess Cay is a beach day. You can check Cruise Personizer to see price of equipment rentals (snokling is not good here). Grand Caymen = String Ray City and Snokling. Coz has Aztec ruins and swimming.

On the ship you can get a honeymoon package, read what is included some like it some don't. Eat at Sabarti's one night for a special night. Order breakfast one morning (with honeymoon package has wine). Snuggle.

In Coz if you have another wedding be carful with the time as the ship and the port may not be on same time and you do not want to miss the ship.

Buy insurance. Use sunscreen and bring a hat.

Hopfully a Hawiian Cruise

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=4169e1&cdt=2006;12;5;11;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500  Until we sail away on the ocean blue



Navigator of the Seas Western Crib 08/03
Dawn Princess - Eastern Carb 01/03
Dawn Princess Panamal Canal 11/02

[Aquarian]

The formal nights are fun. Dress up - it's part of the fun. Be sure and attend the Champagne Waterfall at 11:30 PM on the second formal night (Wednesday). The Maitre`d Hotel and his head waiters build a pyramid out of champagne glasses and then pour champagne over them to make a waterfall. Guests are asked to assist the Maitre`d pour the champagne and it's a great photo to take home. Free champagne and hors douvres (sp?) are provided and lots of dancing and music afterwards. I would recommend doing ship's excursions since it's your first cruise. If you don't mind eating at the same time every night, I would recommend Traditional Dining for your first cruise. We've done both and I think Traditional is not to be missed for the total cruise experience. If you want a more laid-back dining experience and want to eat alone, then ask for Personal Choice Dining. I take along a dry box which I bought in a dive shop to take along for swimming and snorkeling excursions. I can keep my cruise card and cash in it around my neck and then I don't have to worry about watching my beach bag while in the water. Read your Princess Patters everyday so you can take advantage of the shows and entertainment on board. There is as much or as little as you would like to do. Have fun and congratulations! Be sure and have your travel agent let Princess know it's your honeymoon.