gail811

We have sailed both several times, but I would choose the Legend in a heartbeat. I LOVE the spirit class ships!

No idea if this has been posted yet; could be old news for some. Looks like Carnival will be back in Norfolk in 2015!

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/01/carnival-cruise-lines-will-return-norfolk-2015

You really don't NEED a day pass to sit on a beautiful beach! All of the access points have chair/umbrella rentals...and the beaches are public!

Hey "neighbor".....I live just north of you in Stafford.

A few quick questions. Last time we did a day pass at the Renaissance Island property and loved it, but traveling with friends and might want to save some money and just find a beach on our own. Are there any facilities on the public beaches (restrooms?) And would you recommend one over another as being less crowded on a regular basis? And if we want lunch/drinks can we approach any of the hotel bars and restaurants or are they restricted to just registered guests?

We did this in October last year. We walked a few short blocks to the hotel, took the escalator to the second floor and inquired at the counter. They had passes available and we paid $99 each. We caught the next boat over, grabbed our towels and stayed on the adult side with the flamingos all day. We each got lunch, one drink and the use of a float for an hour or two (can't remember the time limit on that) It was well worth every penny and we will do it again in March! :)

Thank you for the review and pictures! SO tempted for our July cruise!

I got the letter for our back to back in January 2015 and both were cancelled. :( Just off the phone with Carnival to see what our options were for the same time frame and the girl that answered my call said that she was unaware and had not received notification yet. Hoping we can book something on her out of Miami after she repositions.

Thank you!!!!

Bumping this. Anyone use the zip line at the port?!

We have been to Roatan several times and always hired a driver to go around the island. This trip we will have grandchildren with us and have rented 2 cabanas at the beach right off the ship. The older grandkids want to zipline. Is the zipline there near port run by Carnival? I can't find it on their excursion page and want to make sure there is something close by, otherwise I will book that through Victor Bodden for them and their parents. I would love to hear from anyone having recent experience with the zipline at the port!

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We arrived at 8:10 for the 8:45 show and spotted some good seats near the front of the lounge. However, practically the whole row was being saved by 3 scarfs, laid out to cover the long bench seat. I simply walked to the middle of the row and tossed the scarf aside and sat down. Shortly afterwards a lady sitting behind us mumbled something and retrieved the scarfs.

 

 

GOOD FOR YOU MIKE!!!!! Saving a seat for a spouse or a friend is one thing.....that is ridiculous!

At my sons college graduation this year (held outside) we arrived at 0630 to ensure we got good seats. As we went to sit down a woman ran over and told us she had the entire two rows (32 seats!) saved for her family. She had taken an orange napkin and torn 32 pieces off to mark her chairs :eek: We debated whether or not to sit there anyway, but ultimately moved on....sometimes it just isn't worth ruining a special moment with a confrontation. Chair hogs are EVERYWHERE!

So excited for another great review, and on one of my all time favorite ships! Thanks Mike!

We have a separate savings account for our vacations. We make a budget, then put a certain amount into the account each month. Of course, we also have a loose change jar we keep and put in the account when it gets full too.

Not on the list, but someone I request is Cardi. I have used him twice; the first time was a group of 7 women ranging in age from 9 to 76! He was so patient and such a gentleman that I requested him when we returned a year later on our sons wedding cruise!

Melinda, I also noticed the major road project underway that paralleled the road to Bayahibe. Appears to be the equivalent of a US interstate. I imagine once completed the drive out will be much faster too!

As the family cruise/vacation planner I am impressed beyond words at what an amazing feat your surprise was! Congratulations! I can't wait to read the rest of your review!

You are welcome Paul. I took them on my last cruise because the question had come up in conversation at some point and no better way to explain than through a picture!

And we share your philosophy about making memories with our sons! Nothing makes me happier then listening to them tell stories when all 5 get together.....40 days and we will be making some new memories!

There is a lock. I took these pictures of the door leading to the balcony on the Liberty. My grandchildren have cruised at the ages of your children and they were fine in a balcony cabin...supervised of course!

Our favorite store in Cozumel for tequila! They have a Facebook page and you may be able to get the address. We told our driver we wanted to go to the store by name and he knew right where to take us.

Hi Paul and Karen!! So enjoy your reviews!! Can't wait for the next installment. Your handsome boys are getting SOOO big!!

Can you tell me if the hairdryers in the room are the kind that are attached to the wall in the bathroom or are they the regular kind of hairdryers and found in the drawer?? Thanks so much for the info. Trying to cut down my packing list:D

They were in the drawers when I was on in March. Still have to hold the dang button down while you dry too.

Having followed your reviews over the years Paul, I am not surprised that the boys are growing, just how much they have grown in the past year! Handsome young men you and Karen have!

Your pictures are great as usual, and I love the fish eye lens! I think that I will have to purchase one myself! I could no longer physically carry a separate laptop bag and my camera bag (when my DH is not with me to help), so I found a great backpack that works for both! It's made by Case Logic and holds my 15" MacBook, my camera body (in a sling at the top of the backpack for quick access) and enough space inside for 8 lenses, zippered pouches inside and out where I store my cables/cords and such. Not sure how much gear you have now, but it sounds impressive!

Looking forward to the rest of your review!

I used the COMMAND picture hanging hooks, then used binder clips on our door hanging to hook on the picture hooks. The strips held great and left no residue or damage to the door.

I have done mine twice. This is what I did for my cruise on the Liberty in March. We had a group of ladies in three adjoining cabins and we all decorated our doors. It really helps you find your cabin quickly too!

Thanks for the pictures of the Serenity area! Hope to book in the next week!

Pride: twice. Itinerary and we loved the ship

Glory: twice. Second sailing was because they cancelled our cruise on the Miracle to send her to dry dock; we were not disappointed!

Miracle: three times. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this ship!

Freedom: will be twice as of our July sailing

Is the Serenity area where the Unicorn pool is; the aft pool? Last time we sailed the Legend she did not have the Serenity area, and we are considering cruising her again next February. Thanks for the pictures!