GMoney

I haven't done this particular trip but I've been out with SP many times and they are top notch. 

I've snorkeled Maho dozens of times and you are almost guaranteed see turtles. There's also good snorkeling on the north side of the bay. 

Christmas Cove has decent snorkeling. I saw an eagle ray there once. Pizza Pi is fun if you've never been. 

It sucks. You're lucky though - at least you're still going to the BVIs. VG was replaced with STX on my March cruise. 😡

Thank you!

7 hours ago, dani negreanu said:

My in-laws are booked in an inside (we’re in a balcony), and they’re worried that the room might be too small.

Were u in an inside by any chance?

Thanks, 

I was in an interior and loved it, but I was by myself...

On 1/19/2020 at 10:30 AM, debenson0723 said:

I had a friend on the Encore last week.  He did not pre-book anything prior to boarding.  He used the screens once he got on and booked his shows, dining, laser tag and go-karts all from the screen.  He also said Vibe passes were being sold in Q.

Any idea what time he boarded?

2 hours ago, retired dude said:

could you tell us if the following entertainers are still onboard.....singer finis henderson, band midnight , band from detroit horizons-motown band.,,and who were the comics and the magician???thanks much for your help, we said this friday.

  I don't recall the entertainers highlighted above.

There was a Caribbean deck party; I think it was the night sailing between Bonaire and Curacao.

I made my own kummelwick sandwiches several times in the WJ and lunch MDR.

3 hours ago, gdy0354 said:

There is another post currently on wearing shorts in MDR.

Just coming off ship, what did you notice with shorts being worn?

 Hope the OP doesn't mind others responding. I was on the same sailing. There were definitely people wearing shorts to the MDR. 

I agree with the above. Internet is very slow. I had surf and stream, but couldn't stream most ofd the time. I knew I wouldn't be able to. The network was unavailable on the morning of the last sea day. 

Cards were offered  most notably at cafe promenade. I don’t recall what day, but it was late in the cruise as you’d expect 

The Caribbean band Hott Spice is excellent 

I had great luck with the bartenders in the Schooner Bar. 

The entertainment is really weak, but I don’t rely on RCI for amusement. 🤣

FYI. Ship docked around 640am. Self disembarkation started around 740am. I was at the gate for my flight at 810am.

no facial recognition and only 3 CBP agents

Finishing up a great 9 night cruise on Explorer. Was very concerned by some reviews going into the cruise, but things have gone well. Service good to excellent (especially in Schooner Bar and Giovannis Table). Ship is older and shows her age in spots, but no major issues or anything impacting my cruise. I’ve enjoyed sailing on the last Voyager class ship that still resembles her original design. The 9 night itinerary is the best - perfect pace of sea days and islands (ABC). 

On EX currently. 1pm. 

11 hours ago, SECdawg said:

Can anyone give us information on the Royal Caribbean Sail and Snorkel excursion? I know it goes to Trunk Bay, Are there chairs, food, drink or restrooms at the beach? Yes.

 

Is it very crowded? Depends on your definition. It’s generally one of the busiest beaches on STJ, but it’s not the Jersey Shore. I would not let this deter  you from going..

 

Is the snorkeling good? We have considered going by ferry and would like to hear other snorkel spots that are good. IME it’s average. It’s not practical for day trippers to reach the best snorkel spots on the island. Other North Shore beaches (Maho, Francis, Waterlemon) have better snorkeling than Trunk, but taxi service is hit or miss without some kind of arrangement.

 

Is it hard getting a taxi back on St, John to Cruz Bay to catch the ferry. It’s easiest from Trunk. You can catch taxis back from Maho or Cinnamon, but it’s hit or miss unless you make arrangements.

 

Any information from your past experiences would be appreciated.

Donna

 

11 hours ago, SECdawg said:

Can anyone give us information on the Royal Caribbean Sail and Snorkel excursion? I know it goes to Trunk Bay, Are there chairs, food, drink or restrooms at the beach? Is it very crowded? Is the snorkeling good? We have considered going by ferry and would like to hear other snorkel spots that are good. Is it hard getting a taxi back on St, John to Cruz Bay to catch the ferry.

Any information from your past experiences would be appreciated.

Donna

 

You have 2 hiking options. 

From the VINP visitors center, access the stairs to Lind Point Trail. Early on, the trail splits into an upper n lower path. They are very similar, but I recommend the upper Trail for access to an overlook of Cruz Bay. It’s well signed. Both trails will take you to Salomon and Honeymoon beaches. 

From the Mongoose Junction shops, Which is roughly across from the visitor center, hike up Caneel Trail. It’s less than a mile up to an overlook in a platform about 700 feet above sea level with great views of Cruz Bay, Caneel Bay, STT, and Jost.

The crown bay ferry is awesome but the return time doesn’t work for you if you’re ship sails at 5, all aboard us 430. 

You sail on a boat that docks near the shop in Crown Bay marina

I’ve walked from the airport to Crown Bay, passing Emerald several times. It’s short, easy , and safe with sidewalks most of the way.  Just pay attention to traffic like you would anytime you’re walking. 

17 minutes ago, CruisingMomma88 said:

I was hoping to get an idea as the what (those who sailed that week) thought. I don't want to create any bias by posting my thoughts first. Hope that makes sense. 

🙂

 

Not really

You'll dock at Crown Bay. It's a 3 mile walk to the Skyride.

Thanks for your review. I'm sailing Encore in February. Any idea what time disembarkation started today for people without priority?

While it's on Jost and not Tortola, Soggy definitely accepts credit cards. No need for soggy dollars any longer. 😃