wework2play

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Party of 13: 2 in their late 60's, 5 in 30's, 3 teenagers, and 3 under 7 y/o.

What we all agree on is: We want a good beach day.

What we don't agree on: Half of us want a 5 day cruise (say they get bored) and 1/2 want a 7 day cruise (more for your money).

We are also taking children so we have to think about what will keep them happy too.

Any opinions to help persuade us?? Tell me the best beach to be found in these ports.

TIA!!

I always try to get to know our room steward a little bit, as well as wait staff and bartenders. One thing I have noticed and really really wonder about: There have been several staff members tell me that they have left their children and pregnant wife at home while they are making money to support the family. Hmm, I totally believed this the first 2 times I heard it. Then I started wondering. Does anyone else think that some of them give you a story they think will make them more tips? I'm really not a negative or skeptical person. I just picked up on this and it seemed quite strange to me.

What type organizer do you use and what type hook? We have used the over the door shoe holder type for the bathroom door and it has worked awesomely! However, we are now taking our grandson with us on our next cruise and really need to be able to shut that bathroom door! :eek:

I don't know how to describe the organizers I have. One is a shoe organizer, one is really a make up case that folds up and has a hanger attached, and the other is just soft with pockets and also has a hanger (like a clothes hanger) attached. I have purchased them at various places, one in a cosmetics store. One is dollar tree. One at target maybe. I don't prefer one over the other. maybe try ebay?

It's interesting how much opinions differ on this one. I would definitely do the balcony on the legend. But, we are the crazy ones that do a balcony with our 3 kids, all in one room! We hardly ever see our teenagers. They are only in the room to sleep. So it works good. We also aren't in our room much, but when we are, the balcony is so nice.

As said, no refrigerators in balcony rooms. We always take our soft sided and ask the steward on the first day to keep it iced. Next best thing. For our younger child, we would order milk and juice from room service or grab it off buffet and throw it on the ice.

One item I have been very thankful for on our cruises is our hanging organizer. We bring 2 and put one in closet, and hang one in the room on a hook on the wall. I put everything in it from our sign and sail cards (that are on lanyards) to small bills for tips. When room service comes, I just simply grap some cash from the organizer on the wall. We always take our kids, so stuff can get mixed up and misplaced easily. Also things like meds, pens, fun times, cell phone, sunscreen, sunglasses can be put there and easily found when you need them.

Loved the Victory. Very classy ship. I personally did not care the Ecstasy. It felt old and I did not like the way the pool area and lido deck was laid out. Victory hands down.

Unless you have a reason you need a cabana, such as someone elderly is going or someone sunburns easily, I would not get one. HMC is way too cool of an island to want to sit in the cabana. It is awesome to walk around and explore and chill in the water. My favorite port by far!

For those of you that have been on this cruise, do you recall which side, port or starboard, faced the dock while in port? I realize it's a gamble, but I really love people watching from my balcony while in port so I'd like to see what the most common placement is.

Thanks everyone!

Going to Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk next week. Party of 11; 7 adults, 3 teens, and a 4 year old.

At Half Moon Cay how do we go about getting to a more private area on the beach? I saw a post that mentioned a bus than runs the length of the beach..what does it cost? Does it only run at certain times? Is there shopping at half moon cay? Parasailing?

At Grand Turk is there anything that is a must see? I've read about renting a jeep, seeing the lighthouse and conch graveyard. Is it worth renting a jeep over staying at free beach?

Any advice will be helpful. I like to plan my port days ahead of time but since these are new ports I just don't know what to expect.

I'm taking my kids on our cruise next week so I've done a lot of research about this. We are going to paradise beach, and taking a cab. My youngest is 3. The seatbelt laws are different (maybe non-existant) in Mexico so you do not have to have a car seat. If you feel you want one, you will need to take your own. We personally, are not taking ours. I'm very safety conscious, but this is one instance we are going to go without one.

OP- you mentioned their macaroni and cheese a couple times. Is it on their menu? I think my kids and myself would like to try it. I loved reading your review! One of the best I've seen of the Triumph. We will be on her next month. Now I am more excited than ever. Thanks!

Hm... That's interesting. 1.5 liters is two bottles. If I'm correct, Carnival typically allows 2 bottles per person (or 4 bottles for 2 people). So if you can only bring 1.5 liters in a box per 2 people, you are bringing less.

 

Most boxes are 4 x 750ml bottles/box. I had hoped to bring one for my boyfriend and I to share for the duration of the cruise...

 

Thanks!

Now you are helping me out..I wasn't sure how much a box was...so now I think I should call again and question this. Hmm. I'm not sure the carnival reps always know what they are talking about.

We will taking boxed wine on board with us! I called Carnival and they said you can take up to 1.5 liter box if sharing between 2 people. Must be in carry on. :)

This may be a silly question, but is the water warm enough in the western caribbean to go to the beach in the winter months? I really really want to cruise in the winter while it's cold here but I don't want to miss the beach.

Only in the the middle of the ocean! Why can't they get along this good at home?

rsjc,

Just sent you an e-mail asking for the capers. I'm excited to see them. Thanks again!

That is great! Thanks for sharing. So why aren't you putting that on the Carnival board??:D