Jeanine&Jim

2 years ago in Feb. we rented with a car rental that you pick up at Port. We were in line for almost 2 hours- the shuttles were full every time they came around to the terminal we were waiting act. Quite sure it was Thrifty- by the time we made it to car rental almost all the cars were gone. It was awful! I will always rent from Airport and take Cab or van from Port Everglades. The cab line was long but moved quickly. You can also get Super shuttle to and from cruiseport.

The DR is open from Noon-1:30p for embarkation lunch

 

The boarding times are a suggestion.

Thanks for that info:

I have had skin cancer multiple times- I need shade. I get a balcony but 1/2 the day it is in the sun, so I need to go to the shady side of the deck.

Once I saw 2 chairs in the shade and sat nearby at a table and watched them for over 30 mins. then removed the personal items and put them on a table so my husband and I could sit in the shade.

A group of 4-6 people told me they were saved for their group who wanted a set of sun chairs and shade chairs. I said that is just too rude to comment on, put on my headphones and ignored them.

Hopefully on Regal there are other spots with shade. It doesn't have to be by the pool...

On our Princess cruises, the cabins have always been ready when boarded the ship. There was no waiting to go to our cabin to drop off our carry-on bags, then head directly to the open dining room for lunch.

So it is true dining room is open during boarding.?

Also the times that are listed per deck on Princess website are they enforced or just suggestions?

2nd Princess Cruise but 12th all time cruise.

Have always got on board by 12 or so. Hate waiting in line.

Is this on a resort if so what is the name? Does the beach have a name?

Can you use vouchers for non alcohol beer like O Douls?

SuperShuttle operates at the TPA airport if you all want to ride together - I suspect 2 cabs would be cheaper and faster, but it is your cruise. Good luck! :)

Thanks , we booked private van ( lots of luggage a)for 8 for 88 dollars including tip. Through super shuttle .Not bad

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

Jeanine

Going on Vision of the Seas- what is offered on this ship for Diamond members? My husband likes lattes and I like martinis. Are they offered and where? Thanks Jeanine

I know taxi are plentiful. But our group of 8 like to go together. Anyone know of reliable private van/bus service from TPA to Port.

Obviously, we have different priorities.

 

We are drawn to the traditional dining experience, where we do not have to make plans or reservations, and we know that there is a table waiting for our family to gather together at the end of the day. We like having the same wait team, tablemates, and a rotating menu. We never book specialty dining and we never eat in the buffet for dinner. While the food isn't top quality, it is excellent in our opinion (and not merely acceptable), so I wouldn't call ourselves foodies who need to cruise with Oceania, nor could we afford that.

 

Entertainment is our #1 priority, and the traditional dining experience (again, not necessarily the food) is #2. What draws us to cruising is that we don't have to make any plans. We just show up at the MDR or dining room at the designated time, and there is no work or preparation that I need to do.

We love traditional dining! for all the same reason as above and add this point. I have to have a low sodium diet and the wait staff/ maître-de take my order the night before and insure my meal is low sodium. And it always is. Just adding my 2 cents.

I got a great giggle out of the comments from your microbiologist husband. Esoecially as that never crossed my mind... I am in the health profession and if no one coughs on me, sneezes on me, or spits on me, I consider that a good day!

I appreciate the poster letting me know to repack my cotton balls as I just this weekend took them out of my toiletry kit. Leaving in 2 weeks for Cruise to Bermuda!

I have a pet peeve about washcloths in hotel and cruise ships. I use a lot of them. 1 to 2 a day so I always leave a nice note asking for as many as I need and no problems so far.

Lets all be nice!!!

We booked Coco Reef. Can someone tell me how to get there? On Summit soon.

Thanks everyone,

About the rate for Hampton on August 30-31- originally was 139. government rate- Hotel personal cancelled it and rebooked me for park and stay for 220.

Decided to try again with just booking room alone and could only get AAA rate for 197.

Still a good deal and easy it seems.

Is there a charge for the Westin Tampa shuttle? We have a group of 8 in 2 rental cars.

Thanks, Did you have to pay extra to park.?

I rebooked with AARP and it is 22.00 less than the park and stay package the reservation person made for me after she cancelled my original government rate reservation, stating I needed a park and stay package in order to park. I am a little ticked off because the government rate is no longer available and was even a better rate than AARP or AAA.

When attempting to book online. You must put drop off location if different than pickup location. Will it work if using the Westin without an extra fee for different location?

Thanks for all your help. I am going to stick with the plan and talk with my son about where to meet. However I am going to rebook the Hampton and see if I can park for free. We have a GPS and an easy pass so we will be fine.

Thanks for all your input.

Can you rent a car from here if you are not staying here?

Traveling from Boston by car to Cruiseport in NJ. on 8/30, Need a park and stay for 1 night and shuttle to port.=Booked the Hampton on Staten Island but read that that is not a good idea if driving from the North.

I have stayed at a Marriott in Elizabeth, NJ (next to the PATH) last time I cruised out of Bayonne but had to park at port. I would rather not this time.

When I booked the Hampton was told I needed the Park and Stay package so rate was higher than just a room.

Lastly, My son lives in Brooklyn and we may want to meet up with him for dinner so would Staten Island be the best location or does anyone have any other ideas?

Any help would be great.

Hi We have stayed at Homewood in FLL 2 times. Recently in May. The pool was closed but we were allowed to use the pool at the Fairfield Inn next door.

I use Hilton or Marriott products as a rule.

I have no problems with the Homewood suites.

Room clean and nice staff as well.

We have also rented a car even for a one day post or precruise. Rates are really so good that it is worth it to us, to be able to drive to the beach or a decent restaurant. Vs dealing with shuttles etc.

Food is just such an subjective topic... I will add my 2 cents.

Love the atmosphere at RED fish Grill.

I thought the food was very good to excellent when I went 2 years ago. I am a daughter of a lifelong commercial fisherman from Maine and my family consider ourselves seafood snobs... LOL

Smith and Wollesky is known for steak and is a chain...I have been to it in Boston and that's what I ordered and it was fantastic. I cannot comment on their seafood.

I will have to try Garcia's. Heading to Florida for cruise and spending 2 days in Miami. Good luck

Hello I have walked Old San Juan 3 times. It is uphill from the Pier and on a hot day it is tiring. The 2nd time we took a cab to El Morro and walked back down hill to look at all the sights and shops. I think it was $10. There are good self guided walking tours online. Hope that helps.

Trip advisor has a good rating on Sun Beach. But heard good things about Waikiki Beach and Orange Fever. Would love people's opinion!

You mentioned a good time but who was your guide?

I read on earlier post that shuttle can't go into the terminal and they pick you up on the street and or sidewalk. Any truth to that?