KRF326RN

Sea days...don't have a lot of plans...thinking Sea Day brunch (8:30-1) and 3pm tea...Camp Carnival looks to be open from 10-1, 2-5, and 7-10...

I'm sure we'll take advantage of the spa, maybe a little trivia, some lazy meals, dinner and then maybe a show...really, have no plans. For a planner like me to not have anything to plan, it's actually a little liberating. Not that I don't LOVE to plan, but when there is nothing to plan, can be kinda nice.

One of these nights will be elegant night. I'm thinking this dress will work for that...http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/personal-essayist-dress-in-navy

Easy to pack, looks nice, I think it'll work. Have another dress from this site that I can't find online. It is more A-line, figured it might work best for the second elegant night...no waist line...:eek:

Anything not to miss on these two sea days? :confused:

Up next, Roatan!

Finally we'll get to board the Dream! So looking forward to this day! :D

I did purchase FTTF. I read a lot about it, and as it will be with several decision I made for this trip, decided it's our first cruise and we should try it out. I do like that we can go ahead and put out carry ons in the room right away. Not sure of the other benefits that we'll use, but we'll see...Our check in time is 10-10:30, but to be able to put our bags down, that alone is worth $60 to me. I realize I could just come later and walk right up and put our bags down...but, first cruise, and if you can't tell, just a little ready to get on that ship.... ;)

After checking out the cabin, I think the best lunch plan is Pasta Bella. I am pretty sure I've read that it's on deck 11...either take the stairs up behind the buffet or the elevator and go to the back of the ship? What's your favorite thing to eat there?

Next, I think we plan to just familiarize ourselves with the ship. I know we'll need to figure out where our muster drill is and that we'll want to get the kids to the kid's club to be sure they meet people before going the next day. I plan to pack our suits and check out the slides and spa (we got a spa cabin) on this first day.

And the first drink, it's a must! I did go with Cheers for this one. Even though I don't consider DH or myself to be big drinkers...haven't ever downed 15 drinks..but doing the math on what I think we'll drink (milkshakes, bottled water, specialty coffees, etc included) I know we'll more than break even. And, I not only pay for the drinks, but need the mindset that it's paid for (heck, I'm pre buying the $3 Jazzy pass for the street cars...I thrive on pre planning/pre paying). I know it doesn't make sense to everyone, but it's what works best for us. I will keep track and when I do a trip report, will let you all know how we fared. Again, it's our first cruise...want to do it all and see what works and what doesn't.

Hopefully before dinner, we'll have the opportunity to unpack our bags. This is one area where I'm not going crazy. Since we will be paying for our bags to travel (and we have Cheers), I'm not packing everything and the kitchen sink. I've traveled pretty extensively and know what I do and don't use. I also don't go overboard on clothing. My clothing for the week will fit in a carryon. I am a RN so I bring overload on medical needs, but other than that, we're pretty sparse. So each of us will have a carry on with our clothing and then two suitcases for the incidentals.

Cabin talk-we went with the spa balcony cabin. A big reason, access to the showers. A HUGE reason I haven't cruised before, I'm weird about bathrooms. Tiny showers=major anxiety. Having the access for DH and myself to use the spa showers, major plus. Again, first cruise=try it out. I'm thrilled with the idea of using the amenities of the spa and the access to showers made it a no brainer. This is probably terrible, but also, kinda love that the kiddos won't have access...serenity now.... :)

One last topic for this post-dining time...I've had all three for this booking...first, we're typically early eaters so I booked the early option...but then, got to thinking..we'll be up late/sleeping in/late back from excursions so I changed to late dining. Then got to thinking that it might interfere with some show options. Or what if we want to eat earlier...uggh, so I switched to anytime. We also have not cruised because DH has major anxiety about eating with people he doesn't know. Not so much that he doesn't like people, but he doesn't want to have to be "on" for every dinner. and I don't want to have to wait on late people....I think we've settled for anytime. I realize we'll have a wait sometimes and might not always have the same staff, but we're used to waiting at land restaurants and I don't mind new staff (might be better than the last!)

Whew, think that might be enough for today. Tomorrow...sea days!

Boarding the plan around 6 and landing in NOLA around 10. Figure we'll get our luggage and grab a taxi to the hotel (Anything I need to know about this? Looks like the cost will be about $56 for the 4 of us, right?). We will stay at the Drury Inn. Got a good deal online and with the added bonus of full breakfast, 3-10 free popcorn/sodas, and free dinner and drinks-couldn't pass it up. Looks like the St Charles streetcar is right there, too? Anyone confirm? Hoping they'll hold our luggage until check in. We'll be there around noon and can't check in until around 3...anyone have any experience with that at Drury?

 

Next, figured since this trip is really to celebrate the 16 year old and he LOVES all things history related that we'd head to the WWII museum. Looks like we can use the St Charles street car for that? Thinking of purchasing the Jazzy Pass before to have those on hand for street car ease. Oh, but wait, forgot lunch...before the museum, figure we'll be starving...been eyeing the Cafe Soule...Monte Cristo calling my name! Haven't researched it's location...best way to get there from Drury? Then we'll head to the museum.

 

Drury Inn is steps from St. Charles Avenue. You can definitely get the streetcar right there. I have never stayed at hotel that wouldn't hold luggage, shouldn't be a problem at all.

 

WWII is AMAZING. Not sure you will want to leave after a couple of hours. Never heard of Cafe Soule, but I checked the location and it's in the FQ, the opposite way of WWII museum. You can take the street car to Canal and walk from there. But WWII museum has a good restaurant as well, American Sector (John Besh), if you want to just eat there and save Cafe Soule for your return trip? Less running around on your first day.

 

You are correct on the taxi price, but you can Uber now from the airport and it's probably less expensive, though I don't know for sure.

Thanks for the reply! Yes, sounds like Cafe Soule will be bumped. Totally fine...don't want to go in a different direction, especially when I don't know my way around! You are the second one that recommended the restaurant in the museum. Looks like I definitely need to check it out!

Glad to hear that I have a good chance with them holding the luggage. I've always stayed at places where I could, but haven't been to NOLA, wasn't sure if it would be different.

I've only used Uber once...that person drove me BONKERS...talked non stop, it was cheaper, and I felt safe. Might be a good option.

Thanks!!

Well first let me say you are doing your research. But let me point few things out.

Much repeating other person.

Cafe Soule is in the French Quarter several blocks from your hotel, and the WWII museum is like half mile walk from the hotel, so you would be going into the French Quarter then back out of the Quarter, and even if you use the street cars that will take some time as the cafe is not right on the street car and you would be negotiating the Quarter for your first time. And would hope the kids like that fancy cuisine. Think I would find a restaurant near hotel or museum. There are many. Google "restaurants near WWII museum" Herbsaint comes to mind though.

Also if you want a real New Orleans iconic place with true New Orleans food look at Mothers. Will tell you there are often lines a meal times. Just down Poydras from the hotel.

Also the food at the museum is quite good.

Next I think it will take more than couple hours in the museum and the walking tour after will have you running from one to the other and pretty worn out that first day. The museum is not just one building and there are multiple floors also. Lots to see, read about, listen to and all.

I see where Yelp and Google reviews rate the Free tours by Foot very high. I have heard they do well because the better they do the more people pay. I will ask my concierge friends and maybe find out more.

This is exactly why I post here! Need opinions from those who know! :D Thanks! We'll have another chance for Cafe Soule and while DS would love it, DD probably wouldn't. Also DS could spend all day in the museum while DD probably won't. I was hoping two hours would be good for him, but maybe I should make another plan for me and DD and let DS and DH stay as long as they like.

An alternative plan might be a restaurant in or near the museum, let DS and DH do the museum and find a cemetery tour for DD and myself (lord have mercy, it'll be HOT). Then everyone meet back at the hotel, whatever time that might be, to rest and eat. Then, those that want to, do the walking tour. It'll be mom and dad who are tired....my children easily go from 9am-midnight trekking back and forth all over a hilly amusement park in the heat...they are CRAZY...

You mentioned Herbsaint, would that be your choice in that area? Just curious, I know nothing about the restaurant scene! :o

Thanks again!!

We aren't big sleep in kinda people, but hoping we can sleep until about 9am...fingers crossed...

We'll get up, take quick showers and head down to breakfast. After, we'll come back to get ready. The first thing I've booked this morning is another free walking tour. It's of the French Quarter. We will meet at 10:30 in front of the Andrew Jackson statue. DD is kinda obsessed? intrigued? by cemetaries so we'll book one of those, too. They just aren't open this far out to book. Also, thinking the Voodoo one might be fun? Guess we'll know more from our experience the night before.

From there, I don't really have a set schedule. Honestly, just haven't gotten that far. And, the streetcar maps don't make complete sense to me. I'm directionally challenged, it'll take me a bit to figure them out. I do know that we will want to check out the French Market and Cafe du Monde, as well as Rouse's Market and Bourbon Street (during the day). Thinking Mardi Gras World might be fun? I know it will be hotter than Hades so we'll have to head back to the hotel to take a break during the day. The rooftop pool sounds like it might hit the spot.

I know I'll have to get a hurricane at Pat O'Briens...any recommendations for lunch and/or dinner this day? I know we can snack at the hotel, but don't want to miss anything here that is a "must do". We will have a day after the cruise to hit up anything we must do, but I imagine we'll be tired and want to take it relatively easy that day.

As always, opinions/suggestions/"dont you dare" miss or do always welcome!

So very excited!! :D

Goodness, getting so excited and still 300ish days out! These next 10-12 posts will be a detail description of each day we're going to be on vacation. Feel free to make suggestions, question, etc. Not going to hurt my feelings...this is my first cruise, first trip to NOLA, and I'm sure, even with extensive planning there will be mishaps and silly choices made. Help me avoid as much of that as possible! :D Even underlined my questions! :cool:

Day one...decided to fly (bought airline tickets today!). DH has decided he wants to try to DRIVE to the Grand Canyon later in the summer. I am NOT doing two trips in the car. I told him the only way I would consider would be to definitely fly for this trip. He agreed. So I started doing the research. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad flying out of our local airport. Decided to go for it...that was last Thursday....over the weekend, checked again (different computer), return flight was $60 higher. Signed in this morning to all the sites, yep, $60 more for the later flight (leaves 90 minutes later). The earlier flight was still the same price. Went ahead and booked them. I know prices can change, but they were at a price I was comfortable with and a times that would basically work for us. So, we fly out at 6am! The airport is very close to our house. I plan to get us there at 5am and have a dear friend come pick up the car later in the day so as to not pay parking the whole time. Can't ask her to leave her house at 4:30 am to get us there, even though, I know she would and I would for her. Anyway...

Boarding the plan around 6 and landing in NOLA around 10. Figure we'll get our luggage and grab a taxi to the hotel (Anything I need to know about this? Looks like the cost will be about $56 for the 4 of us, right?). We will stay at the Drury Inn. Got a good deal online and with the added bonus of full breakfast, 3-10 free popcorn/sodas, and free dinner and drinks-couldn't pass it up. Looks like the St Charles streetcar is right there, too? Anyone confirm? Hoping they'll hold our luggage until check in. We'll be there around noon and can't check in until around 3...anyone have any experience with that at Drury?

Next, figured since this trip is really to celebrate the 16 year old and he LOVES all things history related that we'd head to the WWII museum. Looks like we can use the St Charles street car for that? Thinking of purchasing the Jazzy Pass before to have those on hand for street car ease. Oh, but wait, forgot lunch...before the museum, figure we'll be starving...been eyeing the Cafe Soule...Monte Cristo calling my name! Haven't researched it's location...best way to get there from Drury? Then we'll head to the museum.

After a couple hours in the museum, figure we'll be exhausted..remember, we got up at 3:30am :eek:....thought we'd head back to the hotel, officially check in, partake in free popcorn/sodas and nap. After a couple hours of relaxing...down for the free light dinner and drinks. I know it's not an official full meal, but from the sample menu, seems like my bunch will be able to fill their tummies to last a few hours.

The last thing on the agenda for today....not so sure about this. Has anyone heard of the free walking tours? They have very high ratings on Trip Advisor and TA has yet to steer me wrong...you book a tour, show up, participate and pay what you want at the end? I figure there is nothing to lose. I booked the Ghost tour. Guess we'll see. After that long day, bed time!

Next, well rested full day in NOLA! :D

Have done some research now and am feeling a little more confident...still a nervous wreck, but a little better. For some reason, the excursions stress me out more than any other part of this. I guess it's because I haven't done it before and them going well relies greatly on information yet to come and honest people....

So here goes...

First port, Roatan...haven't decided on that one...

Next port, Belize....son is excited about this one, but everything I've read seems to point to not so great. I had considered staying on the ship and bypassing all together. Kiddo wasn't having that. I think I've posted about it already, but I've booked it now. We're doing the Shark/Ray Alley Snorkeling and Caye Caulker tour. I think it will be the best option for all four of us.

Last port, Cozumel. I had originally thought we'd do Nachi Cocum...but recent reviews say it's not what it used to be. I was a little hesitant about it anyway because of DD...only 8 and is going to want more to actually do. I've booked Playa Mia. I did the math and figured we'd spend more than $12 on food and $15 on drinks so DH and I have the AI package. DS and DD have the entrance and buffet package. From pictures and reviews, seems the best for all of us. I like that taxis are there at the waiting to take you back. Seems like we have very little chance of being left behind.

Now, just to decide on Roatan. Still leaning toward the Dolphin Beach Encounter at Anthony's Key, but can't book out this far so still waiting to see for sure...

Next step, figuring out the to and from for each port stop...

First day of school for the 2016-2017 school year! YEAH!!! Now, maybe with a normal daily schedule and not more vacations in the near future, I can plan this one :D

I feel like a lot has changed since I last posted. Plans have changed...I don't do change very well, but I think it's a must.

Still on for the same cruise, have paid off almost half of the cruise, have purchased FTTF, Cheers for DH and myself, and Bottomless Bubbles for son. That's about it...everything else, still unsure. And, DS has pretty much stopped drinking soda (student athlete)...wasted BB package... :(

I do want to thank all of you who suggested looking for other flights outside of Southwest. I have always ignored our local airport due to the smallness and (assumed) subsequent high cost...have been following it for a while now, we can fly out of here (instead of driving 3 1/2 hrs both ways) for just a little more. We do have to pay for luggage, but that's less than parking and the convenience! Going to surprise DH!! He'll LOVE it! He hates driving to an airport!!

While on vacation this summer with the kiddos, we talked (pretty much for the first time) about what we'd do on this cruise. I need to go back and look at the excursions I'd thought about. Also, thought he'd be really excited about exploring New Orleans. He always has enjoyed checking out new places. For some reason, he thinks NOLA won't be that great. He's a history buff, so I know he's wrong, but thinking, our plane lands around noon the day before we get on the ship. Maybe we'll stay closer and enjoy the day and then only do two nights on the other end of the trip. Uggh, don't know....gotta get back on it and get this thing planned! :eek:

Hi AllieOleo! Love a fellow planner! I have so slacked lately...work and life have gotten in the way of my planning and I feel so discombobulated!

Honestly, we've got a couple trips this summer (week at a resort about 2 hours away, 17 days on the Oregon coast, and a last-weekend-before-school-starts getaway) that have totally taken all my planning brain!

Have to share a funny...at the time, not so funny, but now, totally makes me realize why I do what I do....

About three weeks ago, hubby calls me at work on a Thursday afternoon and says, "why don't we go to OKC for the weekend?"....He wanted to eat at Kevin Durant's restaurant while they were there playing...wanted to take the kiddos to the Memorial...just an easy weekend. I go into uber fast planning mode. Found a great hotel (the one that overlooks the Redbird stadium-AND there was a tourney that weekend!)...found a super fun activity for Saturday (the Boathouse district has this AWESOME area with white water rafting, ziplines, climbing walls, ropes course, etc). Staying in Bricktown we knew we'd have many dining options. We planned to eat at a popular taco place on Friday night. We get there and it begins to rain (line out the door and only tables to eat at are outside). My very manly, brave, super hero by day husband is TERRIFIED of lightning. I mean, crazily so. We RUN to Spaghetti Warehouse (me in flip flops and a tee shirt dress-not good in rain). It's closed. He decides we must go drive around and find a restaurant (because it's raining). He starts asking me where to eat....um, never been to OKC...no idea. He gets so mad because I have no plans. Um, we "planned" this YESTERDAY...this is why I don't do spontaneous. This is why I ENJOY planning...back up plans, knowing the area, etc...we got into the most ridiculous argument over finding a place to eat. Him, "you have a computer in your hand, why can't you find a restaurant?"...followed by him, "why are you looking down (I was looking at my phone) I need you to be watching for a place to eat!"....I mean, really...come to find out, the rain let up in about 15 minutes...no lightning...we should have just waited...Nope, we ended up eating the grossest burgers I have ever eaten in my whole 39 years...oh well, this is why I plan! :eek:

So, just to catch myself up....spa balcony is reserved, FTTF is purchased, Cheers is purchased. Waiting for Verizon to reload the gift cards so I can purchase those and pay off the next chunk of the trip. Two of the three excursions are decided...need to reserve those and decide on Cozumel...and, pretty sure flying is the best option...waiting on flights to be posted so I can book those. All this, and I STILL really need to start thinking about the second half...the 3 nights/4 days in NOLA after the cruise!

Opinions on things to do (not do) with a 16 year old and an 8 year old in NOLA in the oppressive humidity of the southern summer? :confused:

Looks like Mr Sachos is winning!

Wow, it's been forever! With the many, many activities of the end of the school year for the kids and the beginning of a very busy summer, I've been slacking on my posting!

I said the next post would be our plans for Cozumel...but that's just it...I don't know what we're going to do! I thought I was set on Nachi Cocum...the 100 only limit, the beautiful pictures, the serenity for our last port stop...all seemed perfect. But, the more I read about Mr Sancho, I start to doubt myself. I don't want my kiddos to be staring at the huge floating toys and wish they were on them...but, I don't know that I'd let them out there to do those anyway? And, I can only imagine that they'll be crowded?

Opinions?

Just to let you know I am from right outside New Orleans and have sailed Carnival from New Orleans few times and will again come December.

Lets do this first things first.

If you are flying in for one night and heading to ship in morning I would suggest you google "New Orleans cruise hotel packages". This will show you local hotels near the airport that will have shuttle to hotel free, then bring you to port next morning. Hotels listed in Kenner are closest to airport but Metairie is close to airport also. This with one booking gets you off the airplane and to the hotel and to the ship. Also cheaper than staying in New Orleans for one night.

Now also in the first post will tell you my feelings on Cheers. If my wife drank more I would do it, especially if I think I can afford it and it were my first or very special occasion cruise. How often will you want a specialty coffee in the morning, or bloody mary morning on sea day, grab a drink when returning from excursion to sip while getting ready for the evening. Then go grab another to sip on the balcony. Couple drinks while seeing the comedians. Makes them even funnier. One or two glasses of wine with dinner. See someone with a pretty drink and want to try it, believe me on that first cruise that happens a lot, of course the cruise line knows it and is why they have colorful drinks. And all that and not worry about what it cost because I paid for it already. Also there is a 15% gratuity over the $49.95 price when you buy it.

This is your first cruise make it special. You can always cruise Caribbean again or Carnival again, or this ship or that ship again, but there is only ever ONE first cruise.

I personally think you are doing great planning and budgeting way ahead, makes it less strenuous money and planning wise. Plus its fun for many of us.

Thanks ekajun! I will definitely look into your google suggestion! I'm not so worried about the NOLA experience the first night, since I know I'll have that time after cruising. And Cheers, will be purchasing it this week. I got FTTF last week and Cheers is my second purchase to make! I just want to see if it's worth it on a few levels (price, convenience, ease, etc) this first time.

Yes, planning like this is what my family expects and we all vacation better when I do. We made a short weekend trip (last minute-less than 24 hours notice) last month. There was a HUGE basketball game going on and our dinner plans had to be changed. I had no Plan B, because I hadn't had time to plan. DH got "hangry" and it was BAD for about 30 minutes. I love to plan, and one of the reasons is completely due to the relaxation it affords during the actual vacation! And financially, it's nice because I have budgeted for all prepaid things and will have them paid by the end of the year. Then, I can save that same amount for incidentals. I think that will greatly reduce any money stresses while away.

For planning, the next big step is purchasing Cheers and paying the next chunk on the trip. Still watching for flights to come up for that time frame. Just realized that a year from today we will we waking up for our first Sea Day! That's very exciting! Next purchases will probably be port excursions so I'll need to make some final decisions on those.

I think I still owe you a post on our Cozumel port plans..we'll say that is up next time! Until then, have a fantastic summer!:D

It's been FOREVER! Crazy life getting in the way of vacation planning! I'll do a "real" post this weekend. But, I just got FTTF-YEAH! :D

Another day, another port...this time, Belize.

One of my best friends in high school had a sister who dated a boy from Belize. I don't remember a lot, going to the airport and picking him up, he always smelled amazing, he was a snappy dresser, and frequently talked about the beauty of Belize. I know his Belize will be different than the Belize we see, but I'm still excited to see it. My only other "history" with Belize is that my supervisor got pregnant while on vacation in Belize. Might not sound like much to others, but she had been told she was unable to get pregnant and after years of trying had given up hope. Doubt I'll be there long enough for any exposure, but I will for sure remember her story while there! Hoping we are able to stop there as I know being a tender port, it isn't always possible.

For Belize, wasn't really sure what we might want to do. After researching, I think our best bet will be the Shark/Ray Alley Snorkeling and Caye Caulker Exploration. I like that DH and DS can go snorkel and DD and I can explore CC, but we're all on the same excursion.

Here is a review from WSOXFAN...

We used Coral Breeze just last week for the Shark Ray Alley tour. We pre-booked, as did everyone else on our boat. The parties were divided by cruise ship to better coordinate with the tenders. Not sure how or if walk ups would work. They are actually located just outside the gated pier area so you won't just see their stand as soon as you get off the ship. Pre-booking is very easy online and they will send you an email shortly before sailing with clear instructions on how and where to meet them.

I cannot say enough good things about this excursion. The guides were excellent. They were very accommodating, friendly, interesting, timely and safety conscious. Our boat took a slightly off-course route to Caye Caulker through the mangroves in hope of spotting some dolphins, and sure enough there were 4 right near our boat at one point. The captain stopped the boat for a bit so we could watch them.

From there we went to Caye Caulker for a quick break to order lunch for after snorkeling and use the restroom. The snorkeling was a lot of fun but honestly this is only my second time ever so I don't have a lot to compare it to. We broke off into small groups, each with our own guide, with each group going at their own pace based on ability. Shark Ray Alley was cool and the waters are pretty shallow there so even my kids (who were only signed up as observers) could get in and swim with the dozens of Rays that were around. Unfortunately we didn't see many sharks that day.

Finally we went back to Caye Caulker for lunch. The island is incredibly beautiful and laid back. I enjoyed the snorkeling but also wished I could have spent more time here. What a great place!

Our guide made sure we left the island on time to make it back to the tenders without cutting it close. I would definitely use Coral Breeze again if I ever make it back to Belize. Next time though I would probably skip the snorkel and just use them for the ride to Caye Caulker. Again, nothing against the snorkeling experience at all; it's just that I would like some time to see a little more of the island.

I should probably mention that if you really can't handle small boats then this may not be the tour for you. The ride is a bit bumpy at times and they were going pretty fast. It felt like a very safe ride but my wife gets seasick pretty easily and I don't think she was fully enjoying that aspect of it.

Wondering a little bit about lunch, sounds like this person ordered before and had it later? Don't know, but I'll look into that more.

If we all do the whole excursion, the total cost would be $279, if the boys snorkel and girls don't, it becomes $230. Not sure yet which we'll do.

What have you done in Belize? Any favorites? Any things to be aware of? I know it's a tender so might not even be able to stop...what else should I be aware of?

Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT fly Allegiant at least out of Tulsa! Look at their reviews online, they are 90% horrible. My friend just had a really bad experience with them today. :eek::eek::eek: And as for Cheers, we won't sail without it. It's the best value on the ship in my opinion. Did you say you're sailing on the Dream? If so, check out the cove balconies. They are fantastic. Close to the water, private, they are just amazing. You have an up-close view of flying fish and dolphins. (And if I'm wrong and you're not booked on a Dream class, then never mind. LOL) Our first day tradition is to get a fun ship special and sit in the lobby and watch people board. The music is playing, everyone is so excited, the energy and the feeling in the air is just awesome.

Allegiant doesn't work with our travel dates. Any potential savings would be taken by the additional hotel, meals, entertainment for those days. Sorry about your friend!

I think I'll agree with you after on Cheers! Knowing it only takes 5 mixed drinks to break even, I really think that even on port days, we'll drink that plus the other stuff. We'll see after, but I really think it's going to save us.

Yes, on the Dream. We did consider the cove balconies, but the Cloud 9 won us over this time. I do think we'll try a cove when it's just me and DH so we don't need the easy access to another shower!

I love to people watch! Looking very forward to that part of the trip!!:p

For excursions, we’ve tossed around a few ideas. Maybe a dolphin encounter? Maybe sting rays? Maybe explore the local area or just relax on a nearby beach?

First port-Mahogany Bay…8am-5pm…

I’m thinking the Dolphin Beach Encounter at Anthony’s Key Resort? Cost is $69 per person. I think this might be the one for us because you can just walk out to them. The whole family can swim, but this situation sounds more enjoyable than others I’ve read about.

This is the review by IslandGallery…

The encounter portion of the experience is the more hands-on portion. You will be waist deep in the water, having walked in from the beach on Bailey's Key. You will be in a small group with one trainer and one dolphin. Each trainer has one dolphin at the beach and, depending on how many people are booked, there will be a small group with each trainer. You will be in a straight line, part of your group on one side of the trainer and part on the other. The trainer will have a cooler with fish and will ask the dolphin to perform certain behaviors. You will get to touch the dolphin, the trainer will tell you and your family about dolphins in general and about that particular dolphin. You will get to watch many behaviors. Someone from the Photo Shop will document this. You will leave your camera on the beach until the last few minutes when they allow you to go get your camera to shoot some shots.

Then you will go to the beach and get your snorkel gear while the trainers finish up with the dolphins. You will get your gear on and get back in the water inside the enclosure. A trainer or two will be with your group for the swim. The dolphins will be released from their stations and will now be out swimming and checking you all out.

During this time you will stay roughly together in a group but spread out enough that you will each sort of be doing your own thing. The dolphins are not forced to interact, it is their choice how much interaction they take part in while you are in the water. They do this all the time so for them they know the drill. You will get to watch them swim, dive, etc. You will see them interacting with one another.

Sometimes they come up to you, rub against you, allow you to reach out and touch them. Other times they will bring you a piece of turtle grass to throw and fetch. Sometimes they go off for minutes at a time and you don't see them for a while.

If you have never had a dolphin experience before, it is great fun. It is certainly something your family will remember. You will begin at the resort side of the property- over on Roatan (the main island). You will go and get on a boat that will take you over to Bailey's Key (not far at all, takes less than a couple minutes to get transported there). There you will receive a briefing from the training staff. There are areas there to leave your things while you are on the encounter and swim as well as showers and restrooms.

I also read that the pictures can be purchased on a USB for $70 in 2012. Assuming they are probably more now, but even double isn’t bad to fully enjoy the encounter and have pictures we are all in.

Thinking we’ll book this one when the June dates come open. It does look like this is one that requires full payment at time of booking. Haven’t looked into the cancellation policy, but will before booking.

Anyone done the Dolphin Beach Encounter? Thoughts or opinions? Anyone know how we get there? Hope you all have a FANTASTIC Mother’s Day weekend!

We will be sailing out of NOLA again in Jan 2017. We always drive - 7 hours away. We stay the night or two before at the Wyndham Belle Maison - we use our timeshare points but you can find it on any hotel booking site. We park at hotel and can walk/trolley to all the great areas of NOLA. It is also only a few blocks from the port - we park at the port as it easier than shuttling with bags. We pack a bag for NOLA that does not go on the cruise. NOLA is such a fabulous city to visit. Enjoy your well deserved first cruise...I am so ready for the excursions to be posted as I am a planner too!

 

We always book a balcony as I love my outdoor private space just looking at/listening to the beautiful ocean. We have 3 ports on this trip are plan to book an excursion in Montego Bay, Jamaica as it is the least safe of the ports we go too. We love the all inclusive package at Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel - great beach day! No plans yet for Grand Cayman - maybe just wandering in port and shop - hear Stingray City is something we should consider doing? Sea Days - we spend doing activities onboard - nothing really planned but relaxation and in our case some casino time. No Cheers for us as we mostly drink in ports, and only a few each day on the boat - I could not drink 15 drinks a day!

Yes, I'm ready for some excursion planning, too! I think I know what we're doing in Cozumel..still thinking on the other two. I'll definitely have a post about those soon!

Oh goodness! I can't drink 15 drinks a day! :eek::eek: At least not alcoholic ones! I figure 4-5 a day plus the non alcohol drinks will be easy to consume and that more than get us our monies worth. But again, just trying to get what we want and see if it was a good choice or not for next time!

Happy planning to you, too!:D

Nothing to do with your planning, but I'm a Colorado native (the fishing really is great!) and saw you mentioned Colorado [emoji3]. Our family of 4 are going on our first cruise this June!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

DH gets to CO 3-4 times a year, but it's still not enough! It's his absolute favorite thing to do! I really think he'd retire there if given even an inkling of a chance. :D

So no first day traditions? How about, what’s the first thing you do on the ship that makes you know that now you’re on vacation?

First two days will be sea days. I really don’t have any big expectations. I want DD to go to her club. I know she’ll love it. She’s a very social child and won’t want to hang with mom and dad. DS, he’s much more a “hang out with M&D” kind of kid, but he prefers to be alone. I think he’ll go to his club, but will probably hang out on the balcony a lot…oh, and eat, like a lot…seriously a lot of food will be consumed…it still astonishes me how much food that kid can put away.

DH and I, I plan to spend a good amount of time in the spa, thinking of the Steakhouse one of these nights. Thoughts/opinions? Since we’ll have Cheers I’m sure there will be a fair amount of beverages consumed. DH likes to gamble a little, but is very sensitive to cigarette smoke, so probably won’t spend a lot of time in there.

Any recommendations for things to do on the first two sea days? Anything to avoid?

Let me ask you a question…first Saturday in weeks with no plans…no wrestling tournaments, no fishing trips, no business plans, no end of the quarter reports due, no gymnastics responsibilities…what do you do? Sleep in? Yard work? Maybe even sleep in and then clean hours? Nope, no my DH…up at 6:45 and time to declutter…not clean house, just declutter…which, in my house, makes a huge mess for me to clean up…In the end, we have a decluttered, messy house that needs a major cleaning. And next weekend, already packed with responsibilities…oh well, gotta love him!

While he’s waist deep in the closet I snuck away to get back to planning. Please keep in mind, this is only planning, and we’re 400 days out. Many, many things will change. So where were we? Left off arriving in NOLA, we’ve slept (sounds like either Hilton Riverside or somewhere near the airport since we’ll be back for 4 days/3 nights post cruise) Breakfast will be had at the hotel. Then, gotta get to port. Sounds probably like a taxi, depending on where we stay night one. I plan to get FTTF, two reasons-Belize and DH will want to see the room ASAP. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. I check daily, but I know this far out is unlikely to open for a long time.

Assuming we get FTTF, we’ll board, find our room, drop the carry ons and explore. I really want to get the lay of the land early on. Recommendations for lunch on day one?

At some point we’ll head to our station for the drill and of course enjoy some adult beverages, but I plan for just an easy, relaxing first day. I think I remember that they do a kind of “meet and greet” for the kid’s camps so we’ll go to that. Anything to do or not do on day one? Any tradition you always do first day?

If you drive you can leave a suitcase with the clothes for NOLA In your car so you don't have to worry about doing laundry or dragging extra clothes with you on the ship.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

I thought of that, but we would still have to drive home...I think laundry in NOLA might be better than a 10 hour drive, but no plane tickets have been purchased yet...there is still plenty of time! :D

I can't comment on some of your questions because I have yet to do NOLA myself. But, I can tell you that we prefer to fly - a 10 hr car ride (heaven forbit there is traffic) takes a lot of that relaxed feeling away fast. I can also tell you to simply pick an airline that allows you to use carry on bags. There is NO reason that each of you can't fit everything you need for a 7 day cruise in your own personal 22" suitcase. Plus, you can use a back pack or beach bag as your carry on. There are tons of threads on here about packing light and I can promise you it is the best advice you will get about how to cruise, and travel in general. Ladies will look lovely in space-saving sundresses, and no one will even notice or care if you wear the same pair of black sandals to dinner each night. And men need a pair of dockers and some collared shirts for dinner. The rest is swimsuits, cover ups and shorts and t-shirts. Easy peasy.

 

And you have picked a great room - any balcony will give you the privacy and relaxation you need. And if the spa sounds delightful, I say go for it.

 

Enjoy the planning - for us OCD people it allows you to get on board informed, well a head of the game (can't tell you how many people 5 days into the cruise still can't find their way around) and makes relaxing so much easier. Just don't forget - NOTHING will go 100% as planned - just expect that you could miss a port, have an excursion cancelled etc and be ready to go with the flow when needed.

I'm totally with you on the packing...We fly across the country (parents live on the west coast) once or twice a year and I only did the two suitcase thing per person once...it was AWFUL. Way too much stuff. I don't bring anything that can't double as something else. My biggest issue on this trip, the NOLA trip after. I don't really want to find a place to do laundry after getting off the ship...could have them do it for me...haven't really gotten that far in the plan. Southwest, so far, has really been the cheapest for me. There are just not a lot of options out of here. But I will definitely keep looking.

I think I am with you. I might have 5 drinks a day, but that will be a couple specialty coffee, a glass of wine with dinner, and (if at sea) a cocktail or beer in the afternoon (not 5 $9 drinks). I would spend all of my time napping if I drank more than one or two drinks and then spent any amount of time in the sun!

 

I'm drinking a glass of wine after dinner right now - and I suspect I will want a nap shortly! HA HA

 

Not knocking anyone who can maximize the cheers package AT ALL. I am just a little person and really just couldn't keep up.

HA! I may feel the same way, but just once, gotta try it and see. I will definitely do a review after and let everyone know how we made out. I *think* my biggest thing is that I tend not to order what I want because I can drink water, free drinks, whatever. I'm interested in what I'll do when there is essentially (I won't get to 15 per day) limit.

We are driving from Ohio for our summer Dream cruise. This is so we can take in some Bayou sites, plantation homes, etc before hitting New Orleans. We are like you (the drive back - ugh), as we often drive 14 hours to New England, so we know long drives. But we can make it a journey and spend extra time on the way down to explore.

 

As for Cheers - we can no way spend $800 in beverages...and getting the package would make us want to maximize it. We will bring two wine on board, and have ordered water and a bottle of wine for our cabin. Buying soda ahead is just convenience, and not a money saver. I guess you have to decide if the package is worth the convenience for you or not. Another option is just putting a couple hundred on your account (gift cards through your grocery store might give fuel points?).

 

Cabin - yeah we like the idea of a morning coffee on our balcony.

I know, $800 sounds like a HUGE amount to drink...but when I think about individually, I think we'll be super close without trying and will probably come out ahead. Who knows...I'm going to do it this time and may never again. Gotta try it or I'll never know. The convenience is definitely a big factor...that and the fact that DH forgets we're not independently wealthy while on vacation...:rolleyes:

That's true.

However, your trip isn't until next May, right?

Schedules may change by then.

Use Google Flights to search for the best flights.

It's an excellent tool, and it searches for most airlines except Southwest.

Absolutely! I assumed they always fly on those two days. I'll definitely keep checking...not like I don't have plenty of time... :p