kris2cruise

We'd like to visit both Stingray City & Turtle Farm...

Looking for suggestions/recommendations from anyone who has done a tour to both on same day. I know the cruise ship has an excursion but it's pricey compared to some of the land operators we've found. We'd like a smaller group than you get from ship excursions but I'm a bit worried about timing doing it on our own. The turtle touch tanks are only open for specific times & then I'm seeing 3hrs on Stingray City to get there & back and playing with the rays.

Any suggestions?

I wish we'd taken the kids sooner! Cruising I actually feel like I get a vacation too! No cooking, cleaning, are we there yet, what are we doing today, and the only shopping I do is fun (no grocery store!) It was AMAZING!

Thank you OP! I just got over $600 OBC & a price reduction on my 2 cabins! I'm a happy woman!!

We didn't get to do the decorating class because we weren't aware that you had to sign up as soon as you get on board cause the class fills quickly! So if you want to do it go to guest service desk day of embarktion or you'll be out of luck!

I had the mini version of tiramisu cake and it was wonderful! If you like oreo's the big oreo cake is phenomenal! My daughter ordered one for the day we disembarked to take home to her boyfriend & after traveling 6hrs in a styrofoam cooler it was one of the best cakes we've ever had!

We visited both islands for the 1st time in March this year. In StMaarten we went parasailing, booked privately through SXM Watersports, and it was alot of fun & the views were incredible! Then we hung out on the beach where the company was located, not to crowded. On St Thomas we went to Coral World & did the sea lion swim which was awesome!

I didn't realize Epic was moving to Europe. Oh well, I was just thinking different entertainment might be nice but we'd kinda landed on doing Getaway again before we read about Epic moving to Europe.

We had such an amazing time on Getaway & decided going again will let us do some of the things we didn't have time to do the 1st go around ☺

We were on Getaway this March & LOVED it! So much so that we've booked another trip for this coming March 2015. But now I'm wondering how Epic compares? Thinking maybe a different itinerary and on board activities might be nice. The only thing I'm not sure I like is the bathroom layout....

 

Oh yeah, we're a family 5 - 2 teenage boys & 1 teenage girl. Had this year & have booked for next year 2 balcony mini suites - for comparative purposes

 

So I'm looking for opinions (I know this is the right place for opinions, lol) from anyone who has experience with both ships. Which would you prefer & why?

 

Also, on Epic how did you find the bathroom set up? Weird, annoying, ok??

 

Thanks in advance :-)

LaCucina has pizza on their menu. We didn't get it so can't comment there.

 

You can order a pizza from room service for $5, I think that was the cost, our kids had one & it was pretty big & tasted ok. Nothing wonderfully amazing but tasty.

When we went it was free, that was back in March.

I'd suggest bringing something for them to do while you wait for them to cook.

I suppose being free it's not a horrible time but if it's a choice between doing this and another activity, I think we'd not skip the other thing next time.

Whatever you choose I'm sure y'all will have a great time! Getaway is a beautiful ship & we can't wait for March 2015 to get here so we can be on her again :-)

Wasn't worth going to, imo. Pre made mini pizza crusts, sauce and toppings. Make up a pizza, they cook it & bring it back to you.

We were hoping for more of a hands on lesson...maybe making up the crust. Nothing to do while you wait for your pizza to come back.

212 days :-( Wishing our sailing was much sooner!

Hubby & I saw Wine Lovers Musical last March...we weren't very impressed. It was cute but not great. The food was basically the same as The Illusionsrium, ok but not great. You get 5 different wines to taste. I liked 2. Hubby drank 4. We don't plan to do it again & I didn't personally feel like it was worth the money.

We took our 1st family cruise this past March & it was the best vacation! I just booked our next cruise, on the same ship, Getaway, and I'm so excited! It's 7mths away but that's the only down side! Just had to share :-)

Now to start eagerly planning what to do at the ports...

My most favorite thing is: I actually had a vacation too! I'm also the researcher, planner & executor of our family vacations & by the end of them I feel like I need a vacation to recover from our vacation, lol! Wish I'd discovered cruising years ago!!

I have really thin hair too & I started using WEN products. My hair has never been healthier & the days of frizz are no longer a problem for me!

For those who have done the ropes, zip line & plank....

My hubby is blind but otherwise totally healthy & gets around better than my clumsy self at times, lol. With the harnesses in use we're wondering if he'll be able to do these? He's been zip lining before & loved it, we've climbed mountains, hiked, etc so he's capable but we do sometimes run into places/people who tell us no due to liability issues. We get it, frustrating but we understand, he's just hoping to be able to participate with the kids & I. So out of curiosity, any signs about restrictions other then height/weight?

Really enjoying your review & pics! We sail in 13 days on Getaway & are loving reading about the ship! Thanks for sharing :-)

I saw on dailies for the Getaway that there are yoga & pilates classes & I'm wondering what the fees for these are & do you sign up or just go to class?

Taking or not taking your daughter should come down to what you're comfortable with! Will you be able to enjoy your cruise if you leave her at home? If you'll spend a lot of time feeling guilty or missing her, then take her with! We have & do vacation both ways. As with all of parenting, go with your gut & do what feels right for you & your family :-)

Don't know if financially or with Grandmas schedule it would work but you could always get the type of cabin you usually get & put the extra you'd spend on the bigger cabin towards a cabin for Grandma & your daughter. Then you could have the best of both, time for you & hubby and time with your daughter. We've also done this a time or two with vacations.

Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy your cruise & have a wonderful anniversary!

I've not so lovingly referred to my arm issues as my bat wings & am happy to say that they are going away! I started doing Pilates & the work we do with the rings arm wise is working miracles!!

Best of luck to you :-)

I don't wear a lot of makeup but do love my eyeliner & mascara! So I'm looking for suggestions on what the best eyeliner & mascara for my Caribbean cruise would be :-) Something I can wear in the water without ending up looking like I've got 2 black eyes (yes being a little vain here but want good pics!)

 

What works best for you?

We found a public beach walking distance from the ship called Junkanoo Beach. It was fantastic, and I can't wait to go back in October. It was practically empty. There were vendors serving local food in kiosks and carts. There was a tiki bar serving drinks. The snorkeling was good.

 

 

Do you remember how to get there or if we ask someone will they just direct us? This sounds like what we're looking for :-) good snorkeling, not crowded & a tiki bar! Yes please!

Does anyone have any information about the Carlos Bakery Cupcake/cake decorating class?

 

Watched an intro video & saw somewhere that classes will be offered but can't find any more info on it. My kids love Cake Boss & are hoping to do this!

I posted this in the Nassau & in scuba&snorkeling sections with no luck so thought I'd try here.

 

Can anyone suggest a spot to snorkel in Nassau? Somewhere not over crowded and not hard to get to...