marina.diom

Did anyone else receive an email today about upgraded features for the online check-in? Mine said:

"Some of the new features include:

Photo Uploading

Expense Account Enhancements

Pier Arrival Time Selection"

I went to Royal's website and couldn't find those. Anyone can help me out and point where to find them?

The time it takes to Cable beach and paradise island is about the same, 15 minutes. I think you will find the pushy vendors more on paradise island, but I've never been to the public beach at Cable beach. Neither have restrooms. The vendors were pretty pushing when we did a day pass at RIU (mad we wouldn't buy drinks from them even though alcohol was included in our day pass).

Thanks! that's helpful to know that the distance is the same. Still thinking what the best option would be.

I don't think the day pass starts that early, more like 9? I'd just go the the free beach at Cable beach, or another free beach.

I read somewhere that public portion of the cable beach can be sketchy. Is that true? With a short itinerary I also don't know if I should spend all the time to get to paradise island. Still considering just staying put in Junkanoo beach. But cable looks so beautiful.... hmm...

Our itinerary on Allure just changed and we will now only have 6 hours at Nassau, from 7 am to 1 pm. I was going to get the day pass at Melia. Do you still think it's doable and worth it? Was hoping to go to Melia resort, spend a couple of hours at the beach, hit the Daiquiri Shack and then head back to the port around 11 - 11:30. What do you think?

We are arriving on Dec 13th.

You think it's too much even if it's splitting time between sapphire and linguist?

Thanks for replying, MS411. I am hesitant because it seems like a stretch. I like your idea of choosing better proximity. What if we did Sapphire Beach and Linguist Beach? Those seem close and I've read how beautiful Linguist is. Could we catch a cab to get us from one to another? Maybe start with Sapphire to try and catch it without big crowds...

I also wonder if we will just miss out by not going to Magen's Bay. We are newbies to St. Thomas and I know that's the place to go. My concern is that it's just too crowded. And I'd be better off going to less popular but equally gorgeous beaches. I like that there is pretty good snorkeling on Sapphire.

Thank you both for your advice. Will skip unnecessary steps. So you don't think we can walk to Junkanoo right after we get off the ship? We arrive at 7, which will get us out around 8 most likely. or no? Melia pass is valid starting at 9 am. I just wanted to use that time before 9 to actually see a bit of the city.

Based on all the helpful info in this thread, I think I've come up with a tentative plan for our short stay. Would really like to hear opinions from the experienced folks. This is our first time in Bahamas, and first time cruising for that matter.

We are going to be in Nassau from 7 am to 2:30 (so short) on Monday in December. I like beaches and decided that my mom and i would enjoy the pretty Cable beach more than Junkanoo. So I contacted Melia hotel and they told me I can get a $40 day pass, no food.

Here is my plan: get out early, walk to the streets, maybe walk to Junkanoo beach and check it out. I've read that in the morning it's less crowded, so that's great. Then catch bus # 10 to Melia closer to 9 am. Stay there till about noon. Some people posted here that there is a Daiquiri Shack somewhere nearby - does that ring a bell? Is it worth stopping. I would also like to stop by the John Walting's Distillery. Do you think we can get a cab at noon from Melia, ask them to take us to the Waltings and then get back to the port? Is that enough time, between noon and 2:30?

Ideally I would love to squeeze in Senor Frogs somewhere here but I really don't think we'll have time. What do you think?

After typing this out, I realize my plan is not very tight for now. I'd love to hear thoughts on how to make this work from those who have been and enjoyed Nassau. Thanks so much in advance.

I'm cruising for the first time and would love to make the most out of our time in what looks to be such gorgeous St. Thomas. Am I crazy to be thinking of splitting time between two beaches? We are arriving on Wednesday at 10 in December and leaving at 7. We are coming to Crown Bay.

Do you think it would be possible to take a cab to Sapphire, spend some time there (more time probably because I have a slight preference for this beach based on what I read) and then catch a cab to Magen's Bay? Is it packing too much in one trip? I am also not opposed to doing it in reverse order. Would taxi's be okay to catch?

And to add to this whole thing, I am contemplating doing a catamaran tour. My mom and I have never really snorkeled before or have cruised so i thought doing catamaran might be fun. We are both pretty comfortable swimmers in the open water. If anyone has suggestions for a good catamaran tour especially if it goes somewhere to the east bay, I'd love to hear it.

So glad I have CC. Yes, you are all right - finally after asking them more specific questions, Costco told me Chef's Table is not a choice. I am still considering it as an option. But for what's included, it seems that people really like Giovanni's. Would that be a good choice?

On my transatlantic cruise in April I purchase the 5 dinner package and the chef table wasn't included. The chef table is not a restaurant.

Hmm, my package says 1 specialty dining experience. If for some reason Chef's Table is not available, I'll go with other options. Which ones did you enjoy? Debating between Giovanni's, Chops and Samba Grill.

Thanks for the advice. I now only hope that they will have spots to Chef's table on the embarkation day. If not, I'll hope to have options from other restaurants.

Yes, thanks. I already called twice. They told me to rest assured that it's available for any restaurant on any day of the cruise.

Do others have experience with Chef's Table? I'm trying to see if it could be a problem to get a spot there on the day of embarkation. I've never cruised before. And also, any other restaurants that people really like? I read here about Giovanni and Samba, also considering those. It's only one time experience that I have a deal for, so it's going to be a tough choice among so many great options :)

Some of those offers from travel agencies have restrictions, such as: Only good on port days. Check the fine print. Or just call them and ask. It's their offer. :)

Yes, thanks. I already called twice. They told me to rest assured that it's available for any restaurant on any day of the cruise.

Is Chef's Table something that is often included in these deals? I thought they were excluded (it is significantly more, after all.)

 

I would assume the free meal would be at Chops, 150 CP, etc.

I called and double checked (it's a special deal from Costco) -- any specialty restaurant.

That's helpful, thank you! I might shoot for the first night then.

My tickets have a complimentary dining at one of the specialty restaurants. I think I'd like to try Chef's Table. We are going on Allure in December. I was told by my TA that I'll get a voucher on the day of embarkation. Do you think I'll have problems finding a night at the Chef's Table? I read here that they only reserve dinner for 14 people so was wondering if it will be a problem. I don't think we have any preference which night and it can wait till the end. But I was concerned that waiting till embarkation might not give us any options for the Chef's Table. How fast do those reservations go?

Cruise booked, RCI Allure in December with some complimentary dining at specialty restaurants and a small credit for beverages; sodas. So excited. Now onto exploring our ports and planning for that. Thanks to everyone who patiently answers newbie questions. My mom and I can't wait!

This is so helpful. I've realized there are a couple of deals for December 2017 that look great. What are your thoughts on Eastern Caribbean in December - is that too cold? Sorry if this is very amateur question.

Thank you everyone who responded! Very helpful.

The more research I do, the more I change my mind. But I've got time and will continue doing so. It does seem now that wow factor (bigger ships/entertainment) brings me to RCI - Harmony, Allure, Oasis. I think it would be exciting to watch some cool shows, Solarium on those ships looks great and more relaxing if we want to escape the kids.

I just seem to think now that Celebrity has greater food/more stylish, but not as much entertainment. Basically that it would be too quiet.

I think by now I'm pretty set on Eastern Caribbean as destination. So it will be the matter of finding better deals.

Speaking of RCI - does anyone have experience with sailing out of NY or Baltimore? Those are more limited options but they are closer to us. So I need to assess those compared to Florida ones. Are they just not as good of cruise experiences?

Hi everyone,

As many other first-time cruisers, I'm getting overwhelmed. I've called a few travel agents and looked at some websites as well as here on CC but thought it might be better to ask the experienced people.

Here are a few details about us:

1. We've never been on a cruise, I live in DC area. My mom is from Ukraine (not much english but I"ll be there to translate).

2. Looking to go in winter around January - February (I was told prices are better in January, second week).

3. Willing to fly to Florida and leave from there.

4. Budget for a cruise (without flights/hotel to and from Florida) would be up to $2500. That would include cruise, drinks, and stops at ports. Is that a realistic budget?

Here are some questions I have now:

1. It seems that most frequent cruise lines that come up are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Holland America. But I'm not just dedicated to that. Which ones would you recommend? I know there are fans of each.

2. I called Costco travel agent and they had some interesting deals for Celebrity. What are people's experience with those? Is it worth it?

3. Is it true that Eastern Caribbean might be better for nicer/not super crazy party/activity? As compared to Western? I'm flexible on destinations. But would love the advise about at sea vs. port times, and which ports would have nicer beaches (east vs. west, or even south?).

4. My mom would like probably a wow factor (ship entertainment, cool shows) but I don't want to have too many children or younger people partying all the time around. Would Celebrity be better?

5. It seems that NCL is not that high end. Costco travel agent had a deal with on-board drinks for about $2,000. That seemed interesting. We are not heavy drinkers but would like to have a few, probably 5-6 a day tops.

6. Am I right in thinking that interior room would be fine if we want to spend time outside of the room? Is my money better spent on port excursions or elsewhere on the ship?

I think I'll stop now. Would love to hear advise. Thanks so much to anyone responding in advance.