YankeesFan4Life

Jersey weather sucks Nov-March. Not uncommon to have a foot of snow dumped on us at any given time. That being said, Newark Airport very rarely closes because they have one of the best ground crews around. Kudos to them!  However, like people said before, don’t think you’re getting outside for a couple days, probably at least til you get down to The Carolinas. Always the casino and plenty of indoor activities. I live 25 minutes from Bayonne and have never and will probably never cruise in the winter from Jersey just because I think it’s a waste to not be able to utilize the whole ship for 3-4 days. Just my two cents…

Just got mine back this morning.  11 days total

2 hours ago, Nessa1dc said:

I would like to thank you all for this information.  I filled out the RCCL form, and I assume they send you an email saying something eventually.  I have a CPAP and I thought it would just be my problem, as always...RCCL is there to assist.

 

Thanks again everyone.

They got back to me within one business day! Very professional 

10 hours ago, Doug S said:

As has been said, RCI will provide, even if you forget to ask special needs. Cabin attendant will bring you some distilled H2O.

 

On Oasis class ships there is an outlet at the head of the bed, so no extension required. Other classes an extension is required to run from desk area.

 

If you travel with your CPAP, carry it in its provided case. I once put it in with my other luggage to have one less bag and TSA made me open it so they could inspect. No inspection only if it is carried separately in its designated case. And don't give it to a porter. I'd carry it on.

They said not to give it to a porter, what if I put it in my luggage and then give it to a porter? I’m getting to the ship pretty early and would hate to have to carry it everywhere I go for a few hours!  

Just checked, $25 each way!  A lot cheaper than Royal!  At that price I might just take them to the ship and do the airboat excursion and drop off since our flight is at 3:30!

I just called since I canceled it one week ago today, and the rep said usually 7-10 business days (OK....) but since they're issuing a lot of other refunds, it might take 30-45 days!!!  I put it on my CC with the intention to cancel and rebook, and now I am going to have to pay freaking interest on this!!!!  Hope its sooner than later!

10 hours ago, Nitemare said:

You're from Jersey?  What exit???

135!!! 

16 hours ago, GTJ said:

 

Not in full agreement on some assertions here, and so a few quibbles:

 

While some might argue what constitutes a "subway," there are, in effect, three distinct subway systems in this area. The largest, and what comes to mind immediately, is the largest system which is operated by the New York City Transit Authority (also referred to as MTA New York City Transit). Another is that which is operated by the Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority (also referred to as MTA Staten Island Railway) . . . it does not actually ever go underground. These two systems are both entirely within the City of New York. The third is that which is operated by the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (also referred to as PATH or as the "Hudson Tubes"). These trains operate not only in the City of New York but also several cities in New Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, Harrison, and Newark). All of these systems operate 24/7, frequently at all times except overnight.

 

From Hoboken, there are no direct New Jersey Transit trains to Pennsylvania Station (or anywhere else) in New York City. Theoretically, you could travel indirectly by NJT train, by going westward from Hoboken to Secaucus, then another NJT train from Secaucus to Pennsylvania Station. But compared to the PATH trains, the NJT trains require the aforementioned connection, operate less frequently, take longer, and cost more.

 

The operator of the ferries that cross the Hudson River, New York Waterway, has cut back substantially over the past few years. The ferries from New Jersey do not go directly to midtown Manhattan, but discharge passengers on the west side, from which everyone then has to walk crosstown or travel by bus (no further charge) the rest of the way. Additionally, the ferries from Edgewater only operate during rush hours, so unless one "commutes" to midtown, it is not especially convenient (that said, NJT does operate its route 158 bus route from just outside the Edgewater ferry terminal, direct to Port Authority, and further south New York Waterway does operate regular service daily from its terminal in Weehawken).

 

The waterfront in New Jersey has been developing over the past several years, as its former use mostly for railroad transportation has subsided. A good part of the new development is, however, a bit sterile, and so while there might be good views from these locales across the river into Manhattan, the New Jersey side, itself, is not particularly memorable. The main exception is Hoboken, which, along its main street, Washington Street, is as traditional as it gets (though Washington Street, while parallel to the Hudson River, is four blocks inland and has no river views). Exchange Place, in Jersey City, while both directly on the waterfront and a "traditional" city center, has largely developed into a financial center, less lively and now more sterile than neighboring Hoboken. South of Exchange Place, and north of Edgewater, the New Jersey waterfront does not have a lot to offer, so best to stay within these limits.

Wow, you seem like you could write for Frommers!  Stick with this guy, he knows it all!

34 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

I was simply following up on a theme introduced by someone claiming to be a New Jerseyite (or is the correct term New Jerseyist?  - it is a far away region of which I know little) and I was neither challenging nor endorsing his interesting conjecture.

Neither. We just say we’re From Jersey!🤣🤣🤣

47 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Are you suggesting NJ residence does that to one?

Hey! I resemble that remark! 🙂

3 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

Or jersey city waterfront, I believe one subway stop from Manhattan.

It's not the Subway, the Subway only runs in NYC.  From the Jersey side of the river, there's a few different options.  Either take the Ferry from Edgewater, or you can pick up the PATH from Jersey City or Hoboken  to 33rd St or even down to Wall St.  You can also take NJ Transit from Hoboken into Penn Station, which is not far from the 33rd St PATH Station.  

Jersey City is REALLY built up nicely with some AMAZING restaurants and nightlife.  Any one of those waterfront areas are nice, Hoboken, Weehawken, JC and Edgewater.  Stay away from places like Cliffside Park, Leonia, Ft Lee and and you'll be fine. Not saying those towns are unsafe or anything like that, but staying in Hudson County you'll have a much better experience with food/drinks and nightlife.

Nothing to do in Bayonne. I’d stay in Hoboken or Weehawken if you want to stay on this side of the river. You can catch a ferry from Edgewater right to downtown and midtown 

Anyone have an idea of when they issue the credit?  Booked the DBP, canceled when the price dropped and repurchased it with ZOOM, and still waiting for them to refund the money.  A couple days, week, month??  

5 minutes ago, Ashland said:

That can vary based on sail date etc. etc. Easy to verify in your cruise planner under items purchased what the details are.

And there it is!  Thanks so much!!!  Really is a good deal and saving a few bucks if you bought separately...

So we finally got the pricing down on the Deluxe Drink Package and Voom internet.  With both of us on board, we didn't want to share the access, so I tried to purchase another VOOM package.  Fortunately, the card I was using had an expiration date of 2030, and their website can only accept up to 2029, so I called.  The woman on the line said that this includes VOOM Surf & Stream for TWO devices!  I'm both thrilled and cautious, because I'm not 100% convinced that this is the truth.  Can someone who's booked this package please confirm?

5 hours ago, o-state girl said:

Were you docked at Mahogany Bay?  If so, I think most of the independent tour operators have to meet their clients a little ways up the hill outside the port gates.  

No, I believe we were at Coxen Hole on an NCL ship. Still trying to find the name of the restaurant we ate Iguana at for lunch right outside the port as we’re going back in August!

15 hours ago, kathynorth said:

I've always just called special needs and they arrange for Distilled Water and an extension cord to be in my cabin upon arrival. Never an issue. The steward usually uses duct tape to secure the cord to the carpet. 

You just answered my question about taping the cord down! From what I heard (haven't cruised since I started using my CPAP) on NCL they do not offer a cord, and it's BYO....

14 minutes ago, Joseph2017China said:

 Also, you can buy a secondary CPAP without a water supply for travels.....they are cheaper than you think and well worth the money.  I think ours was only $150.  

Cheapest I've seen is $350-400.  If you can maybe post a link of the one you got for $150, that would be fantastic!

You can also buy a bottle of Smart Water in the airport if you need to use it right away. I've found that hotels overseas usually do not have distilled water, if you happen to be flying in the day before.  I was in Chile last year (pre Covid) and bought a bottle in JFK, and it got me through until I could find a bottle of distilled in the area I was in.  Not easy to find everywhere, crazy as it sounds! 

22 hours ago, vacationlover_mn said:

Also, we give at least $1 tip per drink tip, even when we have package.

I’d go broke!

Just curious as I'm sailing on Allure and debating whether or not to purchase the Voom internet.  For anyone who's used it, can you use iMessage to text back to the kids while at sea?  I know there's other apps like WhatsApp and FB Msgr and such, but just hoping to make it easier if possible. 

So heading back to Roatan two years later, and last time we were there, our tour guide took us to a little non-touristy restaurant which sat below a zip line.  I think they might actually both be connected.  Had the most amazing lunch there, and yes, it was Iguana!  I am trying to find out which restaurant it was, and I know it was near the port at Coxen Hole.  Just trying to figure out if we can walk there from the ship or not...

We used Rony's, paid them via Paypal a few years ago.  Had a fantastic driver, Brian, who showed us around in his private car.  Was a little sketchy though because he had us meet him outside the port and take us to his car on a side road.  Wife and daughter were a bit nervous, but all worked out fine!  Took us to the chocolate factory, rum tasting, one of the sloth/monkey places and to a church to give out some school supplies to the children.

25 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Nasty !

Bro I’m with ya! But all she wants to know is if the windjammer or other coffee spots have it for her coffee. 

My wife is trying to convince me that she needs to take her own almond milk on board. Can someone please clarify if they have on board or should she bring it? TIA