EatonDoolittle

This is a game Princess has played for some time now, Holland America is starting the same thing. They hold those Deluxe balconies (with couch) for 3 people. If you put 3 in the search, available cabins will show up. I have had varying success having my TA call them. I usually travel solo, so just like in restaurants, they save the crappy cabins (tables) for solos. I found a B2B on Sky for 2026 but was unable to get a Deluxe veranda cabin assignment from them, as was my TA, even tho I pay double as a solo. . I raised a stink on social media with Princess chat that I wanted to give them thousands of dollars, but refused to do so until they assigned me the cabin I wanted for 14 days. It is something I detest using "Do you know who I am ??!!" , but it got results. I got Emails from 2 people offering help, and a phone call from Captain's Circle. The CC agent was able to easily and quickly assign my cabin for both legs, and sent a new confirmation. It shouldn't be that difficult.

1860, maybe?

If you are going to Bonaire, the town market under the trees has locally made art, jewelry, and even fun t-shirts that benefit the local animal rescue. Also food and/or spa grade salts from the local salt pans. I always stock up on the delicious salt mixes for myself and a few foodie friends when I go. It is one of the few places that I can think of that has not succumbed to the Made in China trash that you mentioned.

Google maps says one hour. 59 minutes to be exact. Sunday. During the week will be longer, but I don't think it will double your time. If you are part of the "Something could happen and the Beachline (Hwy 528) could close" crowd, there is an alternate route that indicates 1 hour, 9 minutes.

This is my go to place as well. Trusted, and easy to find right in town. Email ahead and Bobbie will have your order ready for you.

Melbourne has a very nice zoo - you could Uber or maybe rent a car for the day. https://brevardzoo.org/

Maybe you missed my reply when you asked this a few days ago. Bimini is in the Bahamas, so a better place to ask is on the Bahamas page.

I researched this a few years back when I had an 8AM - 9PM port time in STT. It was possible, but not at all easy, and very expensive. I feel confident in saying that with a 5PM departure it would be just about impossible, without a private speedboat charter to take you directly to JVD from STT. At that time, I needed to ferry STT to St John, then ferry to JVD. Then reverse it. You must be back to STT (or St John) by 5PM, as the customs office closes @ 5. Remember, you are going to a different country, so passport and associated fees are involved. I wish you happy research, and good luck, but frankly, I would use this as an excuse to book another cruise, one that stops at Tortola. From Roadtown or West End, it's an easy sail to JVD and the other BVIs. Both Kuralu and Aristocat have catamarans docked a few blocks from the Tortola cruise ship pier, and have day trips that go to JVD, Norman, Peter Island and others. If it is any consolation, I have been going to S$B for 10 - 15 years, last time was just last month. It has changed so much, it is almost unrecognizable. Beach and bar were packed, and it was almost impossible to get a drink. Other than as a bucket list item, way overpriced souvenir items, and maybe a logo cup (go early, once they use the daily allotment, you get the plain ones), it is now vastly over rated. Very sad to see. It has become a victim of it's own success, IMO.

Here's the Bahamas page. You might get more info there. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/35-bahamas/

When I saw the pix of the latest tiny ones, I thought "Yep, it's all fun and games until somebody's precious, darling, perfectly behaved kid finds one and chokes on it" . At which point the cruise line will get sued, and then they will be banned.

Agree, on all counts. Additionally, I listened to the recent webinar, and don't recall any mention of this either.

I offered my opinion on the Florida board.

This happens frequently, and they make it as easy for you as they can. My recommendation it to go to 21 first and drop luggage, and passenger, if you like. Then drive to 2, and park there. There will be a shuttle to take you back to 21 to board the ship. It is not walkable. Upon return from the cruise, your car will be right there, and off you go. Those who park by 21 will need to shuttle back from 2, adding another step to the already chaotic arrival day. Its not the best situation, but it's manageable, and should be no cause for stress. Side note, make your life easier and pay for parking when you exit the elevators in the parking garage, before you go to your car. Much quicker that way.

My boys come along also

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