LadyBerard

In Bermuda, they walk the drug sniffing dog up and down the corridors when you arrive in Bermuda. I've seen it numerous times. Now for another story, we were on a Holland America ship last year (the Statendam), not going to Bermuda, but sailing the Caribbean. The very first night, we were sitting in the aft pool area (the smoking area). One guy came and joined our group and lit up a joint." We were at a table very close to the bar area. I told him it was not allowed on cruise ships. He said it was legal in his state and he didn't care. I told him that did not matter, and if he was going to smoke weed, he should be a whole lot more discreet about it other wise, when we get to port, he may be arrested. Now, he also smoked cigarettes, as did we. This is the area the majority of people go who smoke cigarettes. Well, we never saw hide nor hair of him after that night. We think he may have gotten arrested and put in the brig and then put off the ship at the first port of call. Exactly. The dog did not hit on my purse, (or on our person), but continuously hit upon the safe. We tell anyone we are traveling with that we know who smoke weed this story and tell them, do NOT try to bring any drugs with you to Bermuda. Well, one of my husband's cousins did NOT listen to our warning and brought some a couple years ago. He said, "It'll be fine, I have it in shoe, wrapped up with baby powder", yadda yadda yadda. Well, he did get caught, got thrown off the ship, had to spend a couple days in Bermuda (on his dime!) and was charged a very hefty fine (which he could not pay). Thank God his father was with him and paid it (but took it out of his inheritance). It was thousands!!!! He learned his lesson!

Exactly. The dog did not hit on my purse, (or on our person), but continuously hit upon the safe. We tell anyone we are traveling with that we know who smoke weed this story and tell them, do NOT try to bring any drugs with you to Bermuda. Well, one of my husband's cousins did NOT listen to our warning and brought some a couple years ago. He said, "It'll be fine, I have it in shoe, wrapped up with baby powder", yadda yadda yadda. Well, he did get caught, got thrown off the ship, had to spend a couple days in Bermuda (on his dime!) and was charged a very hefty fine (which he could not pay). Thank God his father was with him and paid it (but took it out of his inheritance). It was thousands!!!! He learned his lesson!

Dogs can and do smell drugs through the doors when they are walked up and down the corridors. Many years ago, my husband and I were on the NCL Majesty docked in St. George's and were on the promenade deck while we were waiting for my inlaws to get ready for dinner. Anyway, my sister-in-law came running out and said that there were numerous people (ship's security, etc.) outside our door and there was a dog with them. We went to our room and were asked if this was our room and could they come in. We said certainly. The dog started hitting on our safe. They asked if I would open it. I obliged. All that was in there was my purse. They asked what was in my purse. I emptied it out in front of them. The dog kept hitting on our safe. (Meanwhile, my husband and I thought this was so cool......watching the dog in action. We knew we don't do any drugs and were innocent.) The dog's handler gave the dog a correction and everyone apologized profusely stating that in the previous sailing, there were drugs in there.

That's what I thought, but wasn't sure.

We will be traveling with another couple the end of May to Bermuda. Although we've been to the Swizzle Inn many times, we were docked in St. George's. We've never been while docked on the western side of the island (Navel Dockyard). My question is, should we ferry to Hamilton or St. George's for a less expensive taxi ride after docking? I know we can take the bus, but prefer to just taxi after the ferry.

We've done the Rising Son catamaran snorkeling cruise and the Rising Son sunset cruise. We enjoyed them both, and the crew was outstanding.

Today, I was checking pricing for our shore excursions for our Jan. 20th cruise on Eclipse, and they were 20 percent off. Check your pricing people.

No, I did not try to contact the independent tour operators I was considering. That's a great idea though. Thank you!

Cruised on the Pearl last Aug. and we had a room, starboard side, right near the mid ship elevators. We did not experience any noise issues whatsoever.

Local family owned travel agency which has been in business 50+ years.

I did not book direct with NCL.

I booked an inside room on a Gem cruise a couple weeks ago for a sailing the end of May. I noticed that the confirmation has listed VIP listed on it. We are currently Platinum, but after this cruise, we should be Sapphire. Although we may visit the casino for a bit, we are not heavy gamblers. May spend about $500 total in the casino during a week cruise. I don't ever recall seeing VIP listed on any of our previous confirmations. Does anyone know what this status means?

Will be heading back to Barbados with Celebrity Eclipse in Jan. I'm looking for some reviews for the above excursion. Unfortunately, booking any of the recommended snorkel with sea turtle excursions privately will not work, as we are not expected to even arrive until 9:30 a.m. If you've taken this excursion through Celebrity, will you let me know if there was enough seating for everyone, how the lunch was, etc. Thank you.

Confirmations being sent from Royal Caribbean was backed up for hours earlier this week.

Ate at the Tuscan Grille twice last month on the Silhouette, once for dinner, and since it was so good, once for lunch. Had the filet both times and it was delicious. Lovely aft view on the ship. That being said, last year, ate at the Tuscan Grille on the Summit and the location and the food were just ok.