MillbrookMom

We have cruised Royal for all but our very 1st cruise (which was NCL) and really find their larger ships a great fit for our family. Now that our oldest is off to University and our youngest will be soon too, we are looking to branch out to other lines, and since Celebrity is owned by Royal, we thought it would be the natural choice. We are relatively active people (don't spend a lot of time relaxing by the pool...) in our early 40's. Any recommendations (and why) for a 1st time Celebrity cruise?

Enjoy your rental in OSJ. I've already booked mine for next January and I can't wait!

 

Puerto Rico has so much to offer, it's nice to spend at least a couple days pre-cruise. This will be my 8th cruise sailing from San Juan and I like to spend as much time in OSJ as possible before the cruise. By now I think I'm going just for the food! :p

Speaking of food...is there anywhere in particular you would recommend?

Our first port of call was sunny Barbados! Barbados is one of my favorite islands – I absolutely love the sea turtles, and go see them every chance I get.

 

The ship arrived on time, and disembarking was quick and painless, as it was at all our ports of call – we never had problems getting off on time or dealing with crowds. We always book independent shore excursions, so it’s important that the ship docks on time and we’re able to get off efficiently to get to the meeting point.

 

We booked the full day catamaran sail with Calabaza. This was my third year in a row sailing with them, and they do a great job. Gina is a sweetheart, and so easy to work with when booking this sail online. Her son Danny captains the boat and is a lot of fun. Chad, a local who works on the boat is a great guy. He's always been working the day we've sailed with Calabaza and he is awesome! He loves the sea turtles (and has a tattoo to prove it!), and they love him right back. He's always the one who goes in the water with us and feeds the turtles so they hang around.

 

We had fabulous weather that day and the sailing was fantastic! The water was a little churned up due to recent storms, so the clarity wasn’t ideal, but the turtles always make an appearance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad and "Timmy":

 

 

 

 

Besides the stop to swim with the turtles there was another snorkel stop over a shipwreck. Mark and I just stayed on the catamaran and relaxed. We get to snorkel plenty and it was just so relaxing on the catamaran with the beautiful water and a rum punch in hand. We were content.

 

The full day sail with Calabaza includes an open bar all day, snacks and a delicious lunch that Gina prepares. She is a fabulous cook! Lunch was delicious. We felt so pampered all day, as we always do when we sail with them.

Wow, this looks amazing. I will have to look them up when we finally make it to Barbados.

I am seriously considering changing our Dec. 1 Quantum booking to another cruise....(I have a long list of candidates that I need to narrow down). Might even book 2 as I could do that with these BOGOHO prices for what we are paying for Quantum right now!!

Is a trip to this restaurant possible on a day stop in St. Lucia?

Just got off the Explorer and no real signs of any construction happening.....there is one spot we thought could be it...but it's so far away from the ship it's hard to say if that will be the terminal or not. Hope the get Extreme Makeover "Cruise Terminal" edition to build it...10 months isn't very long........

The person you quoted had rented a car and drove themselves.

 

Which post are you referencing about local drivers?

 

gary

YES, I understand they rented and drove a care themselves, thus the reason for my question, how did the find the local drivers (meaning, are the other "local" drivers on the roads crazy? good drivers? etc)

Before I start, a special thank you to Gary and Karysa (and many others) for their great assistance in helping me plan this day.

 

Last time we visited St Martin a couple of years ago we spent the day wandering Phillipsburg. This time we decided to explore more of the island by renting a car. We planned to visit Marigot in the morning, Maho around lunch time and the head to LaGalion beach and the Butterfly farm in the afternoon.

 

The Oasis of the Seas (our ship) was in port from 8AM to 5PM ships time which translated to 9AM to 6PM local time. If you're planning anything on a schedule, make sure you know if your ship's time will differ from local time as that could easily throw things off.

 

Car Rental

 

I booked a car through the Hertz International call center which of course ends up with the local franchise on the island <http://hertz.sxmrentacar.com>. They were well organized and professional which is a lot more than I can say about some other local car rental agencies I've used in the Caribbean. The price of a car rental at this time of year in St Martin is extraordinarily high... $94 for an economy car. The cheapest I could find was only $20 less though. We opted to go with Hertz because of the corporate reputation. When we picked up our car, I noticed their fleet was all relatively new Jeeps, Toyota Corollas or larger vans with minimal wear. I would highly recommend them.

 

There were signs directing cruise passengers from the pier to the car rental area inside the cruise terminal area. There are a number of rental agency offices right on site... (link to a photo on Google)

 

With Hertz, you fill out the paperwork at the office above and and then they will take you in a van to the lot where they keep the cars which is very nearby (just down the road and across the street from the cruise terminal).

 

Map, Routes and Traffic

 

I've created a Google Map with the key points of interest we wanted to see and the routes to get there. You'll see we've intentionally plotted routes that avoid the Simpson Bay area which is notorious for bad traffic.

 

Google Map Link

 

We started out at the pier and took the shortest route to Marigot which includes a short cut via Arlet Peters Rd that goes up and over a hill with a fantastic view point on the other side of the entire lagoon area.

 

Here's the view looking towards Simpson Bay...

 

With a photo stop, it took about 30min. to get to Marigot and traffic in Marigot was heavy, even at 10AM. It was absolutely bumper to bumper when we returned through Marigot around 1PM and took 20min to traverse town via the waterfront.

 

Traffic outside of Marigot was relatively smooth except for a bit of a backup north of Marigot on the way to the French airport where some construction was going on. Average speeds were about 20-40kph as taxis tend to go ridiculously slow over the numerous speed bumps that populate the roads at various points.

 

Here are the driving times for the routes we took (as shown on the map - times mentioned are local time)

• Pier to Marigot: 30 min (at 10AM)
  
• Marigot to Maho: 20 min (at 11:30AM)
  
• Maho to LaGalion: 60 min (at 1PM), 20 min to Marigot, 20 min thru Marigot, 20 min the rest of the way
  
• LaGalion to Pier: 20 min (at 3:30PM)
  

 

Marigot

 

Here's a map of Marigot...

 

We started at Fort Lewis, parking the car in the lot there and walking up the hill to the fort.

 

Here's the view of Marigot from the wall of the fort...

 

 

We didn't linger long there and proceeded to walk down the hill to town (leaving the car in the lot for the Fort). We strolled along the main water front street, checking out a few shops including the famous Sarafina's bakery...

 

 

We then headed back through the market place, bought a couple of souvineirs and proceeded back to the car to continue our tour of the island.

 

Maho Beach

 

This was high on my list of places to visit to witness the jets take off and land at SXM airport. It was worth the trek and I'd probably spend even more time here on a future visit. The place is a lot of fun with the Sunset Bar and Grill adjacent to the beach and the end of the runway offring cheap beer and live music (didn't sample the food).

 

We parked in the lot for the resort at the end of the beach. I was expecting to pay to park, but never found anyone collecting.

 

I had done some research on flight arrivals ahead of time and knew that both American and United were flying larger planes into SXM around 1PM the day we were there. There's a few ways to find out what time planes will be arriving while you are there:

1. The Sunset Bar postes the day's schedule on a blackboard

2. The SXM airport website will show you arrivals and departures for the current date (you can check on a day of the week similar to yours a week or two in advance to get an idea of what will be going on the day you are there)

3. Flightstats.com allows you to check SXM airport arrivals and departures up to a few days ahead of time. Again, you can do this a week or two prior for the same day of the week you'll be thre.

4. The only real way to do this research well in advance with any confidence is to consult the individual airline schedules that service SXM. You can check United (via Newark), American and Jet Blue (via JFK), Delta (via Atlanta), and Air France (via Paris), and KLM (via Amsterdam) for the date you're there.

 

Besides the bigger jets, there's a constant stream of small commuter planes and private jets coming and going all day long.

 

The United and American flights I was planning to watch were both early the day we were there... the American flight was 45min early and the United flight 30min. early. This was great, but if you're hoping to take photos, be watching the sky to the west for planes or you might miss some opportunities.

 

Here's a couple of photos of a Canadian charter jet...

 

 

 

We also saw a couple of planes take off, which was perhaps even more dramatic than watching them land, as the jet blast had enough force to create a sandstorm on the beach even when the planes were half way down the runway!

 

My GF was not particularly thrilled with this stop as she wanted beach time and the beach at Maho is not great. It's a narrow strip of sand that slopes steeply into the water which results in some significant waves crashing the beach making it uncomfortable for beginners swimmers. It also offers no shade, and was packed with people meaning all chairs and umbrellas were spoken for by the time we arrived around noon.

 

As a result we hung out at the Sunset bar constantly jockying with dozens of other folks for a seat in the shade, had a couple of beers, took some video/photos (above) and then we left after the United flight arrived at around 12:45PM.

We are in St. Maarten next month and are thinking about doing this. How did you find the local drivers? and was parking relatively easy to find (and free?) at the spots you stopped?

We visited San Juan last year on a cruise and did a thorough walking tour on our own of old San Juan and both forts. Our ship leaves this time a 2pm so we don't want to go very far and aren't really interested in the Bacardi tour based on reviews. Wondering if there is anything else within walking distance of the port worth getting off the ship for?

Awesome. I am down close to 20 and have just over 20 till my goal, so while I plan to have fun on this cruise, I am still planning to stick with my program.

Does anyone know if they have a scale in the gyms on board (specifically EOS)?

I am on a 6 month fitness program that is a case study. I will have specific workouts to do while I'm gone, and it requires a weekly weigh in, measurements and progress pics. I know I can handle two of the 3, just wondering if there is a scale to check my weight as well.

Thanks,

I didn’t have a Rum Swizzle, but I sat for a soft drink at the Swizzle Inn

Frog and Onion has the best Rum Swizzle anyway;)

GASP.....did you say you thought about NOT doing a "live" report??? Don't say such things. ;-)

Congratulations on retirement.......being able to cruise whenever a great deal is found is sure a huge bonus.

We will be on Explorer again in 47 days.......can't wait!

We have booked a South Pacific cruise on Rhapsody in February 2014, and we will be on the bottom deck, inside cabins, 2537 and 2539. I know the cabins will be small, they are basically the cheapest cabins on the ship.

 

But I would really love to know if I'm the only one who actually likes the idea of an inside cabin: no sunshine streaming in during the early hours, a bit quieter (hopefully), and no looking at the swell (I'm very prone to sea-sickness).

 

Love to hear what others think.

 

:)

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app

We only do insides. I would like to try a balcony at some point, but it's a splurge I don't care to pay for right now. I would rather put the extra $ towards another cruise.

We think of it this way, the only time we spend in our cabin is to sleep and change. Both of which we can do easily in even the very smallest inside cabins. While looking at the ocean is nice, there are so many other quiet spots you can find to just sit and ocean watch that are free instead of paying the balcony premium. I do also like how dark it is, makes it very easy to sleep, but an alarm is a must or you could sleep your whole cruise away.

I must admit, I am anxious to see what our virtual balcony (inside stateroom) on the Quantum will be like......

In the FAQ for today's "reveal" one of the questions was:

Q: Will there be a Royal Promenade?

A: Yes, another signature venue guest can expect on Quantum is the Royal Promenade. Details on this space will be revealed at a later date.

Does anyone happen to know approximately when the summer 2015 itineraries will be released for booking?? We are planning a cruise during that time and would like to know when we might see them out???? Any information helpful and thanks

Based on the past....thinking maybe March or April of next year

Awesome...our kids will be able to watch my husband and I docked there in June!

Looking forward to the continuation of this review

The really nice thing about the weather today was not just that it ended up being mostly sunny the whole tile we were at Hubbard, but that it was so warm that I was down to my shirt sleeves! It was probably the second warmest day of the trip, surpassed only by the perfect day at Wolverine Creek. Now on the important part - the scenery!

 

 

 

I know, the crew boat looked pretty big in the last photo didn't it...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mirror Mirror Icy Wall...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking through the ice pack (not really - it was much thinner than the other side of the island)

 

 

 

 

 

 

First "white Thunder" calving of the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Closer shot of the Blue Fan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winding its way down the mountain - hanging glacier and avalanche field

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up - a BIG calve!

 

 

L.J.

Once again, FANTASTIC photos......my question is, how close would you estimate you actually got to the glacier? I'm guessing the photos make it look like you were a lot closer than you actually were.

OH, and do you have a "online album" of just your photos. I'd like to show some to my husband, and he's not quite as patient as I am to also read your review along the way. ;-)

Hi Millbrookmum,

 

I decided like you to upgrade to a better camera only last week after getting inspiration from this thread.:)

 

Based on LJ's great advice & online research I purchased one of the super zooms that fall between the snap & go digitals & the SLR's, I didn't want a camera as large as an SLR or one I had to change lenses on, plus I wanted to keep the price reasonable.

I bought it mainly because we will be going to Alaska later this year & was really inspired by LJ's photos to get a better camera now so I can learn to use it before I go.

 

I purchased the Canon SX50 HS which has an amazing zoom range & so many features I don't think I'll ever use them all. I'm really pleased so far with the quality of the images I can take & also it has really good macro & video capabaility. LJ used the previous model SX40 for their holiday video & also for some of the ship shots he took as well I believe.

 

I was blown away by the shots people have taken with the camera on this dedicated Flickr page I found, really worth having a browse as some amazing photos on there.

 

It may be an option you find worth considering as well?

 

Whatever you choose - hope you have as much fun as I have researching the options! :D

Thank you.....I will have to look into that. Getting good shots with no heavy lenses to lug around sounds good too.

Hi MillbrookMom - welcome aboard! Well, many people who have been to Glacier Bay (which RCI doesn't go to) will tell you that the only good cruise in Alaska is one which goes there. I guess ignorance is bliss since we have been to GB, but we have absolutely LOVED both our RCI cruises to Alaska. We are RCI loyalists (one Carnival cruise in the Caribbean and we'll never go back if we can help it). In addition to that, reading about all the glass and the views on Radiance made her very appealing - and she did not disappoint.

The biggest issue on routes is doing a one way (north or southbound) versus doing a round trip out of Vancouver or Seattle. My understanding is that you can spend two+ days at sea (open water sea, not Inside Passage), if you do the roundtrips, depending on the cruise line, itinerary and the ship. With the one ways, while airlines and other logistics are more expensive/complicated, is by all accounts (and our experience), highly scenic and photogenic.

I don't know what Alaska is up against, but if you have any interest at all, and found any of the things we did interesting or exciting, you should have a blast taking an Alaska trip. The other advantage of the one way is that, assuming time and money work out for you, they allow you the chance to see a bit (or a lot) of interior Alaska, which is it's own whole adventure. Good luck making your decision!

L.J.

Thank you so much. We live in Ontario, Canada, and one of the options we are considering is taking 3 weeks to do this trip, driving out, flying to Alaska from Vancouver, doing 3 or 4 days pre-cruise on our own (you've inspired me we can do it ourselves with a great deal of research ahead) then cruise southbound, then home. I really do like the idea of a Royal ship, so thank you for giving your reasons.

It's up against a Northern Europe cruise or Mediterranean.

One last question....your photos are amazing. I know I won't be able to get any that come close to what you have, but looking for recommendations on a Digital SLR for a beginner. (we do take tons of photos, but haven't broken down to by a Digital SLR yet, but I think it might be a must for an Alaska trip)

Absolutely gorgeous photos......we've been trying to decide between Alaska and other destinations for out 20th Anniversary trip in 2014 and after reading through your review I'm highly leaning towards Alaska. I do have one question, what made you choose to cruise with Royal Caribbean for both your Alaska cruises? We have sailed on NCL once and Royal twice and love Royal. I am just wondering if we will see enough on the routes they offer to "fully experience" Alaska by cruise ship?

What are you thoughts on Splendor as a 1st cruise on Carnival? Would be family of 4, 2 adults with boys 15,17.

We have been on NCL Dawn once (it was nice, and we became hooked on cruising after this cruise, though not necessarily because of the ship, I think Bermuda had a lot to do with it) and RCCL Oasis and Explorer, LOVED both.

Would like to try other lines and like the convenience of sailing out of NY.

 

 

…and now…for the top-secret area on Deck 11 (and actually, on Deck 12, too).

 

 

At the very, very back of the ship…on both decks 11 and 12…there are PUBLIC-access balconies:

 

 

Hey look - I figured out how to annotate!!!

 

 

A lot of cruisers don’t know about these, because the balconies below these are all attached to a super-swanky cabin…and are private. Cruisers down below in the Boardwalk or Aqua Theater area will look up, and assume that the balconies ALL the way up must be private…but that’s not true.

 

These balconies can be found on either side…port and starboard. All you need to do is walk down the hallways – until the very end – and you’ll find a glass door that will take you out to the balconies.

 

They’re huge:

 

Say hi to Amy...as she scurries back for more champagne for our Sailaway party....

 

 

They’re private:

 

 

 

And they provide a GREAT view of not only the Aqua Theater (perfect for the OceanAria show or the Dreamworks shows), but also a great view of the ocean…It was also PERFECT for a private sailaway party - especially the port side - as it gave us a great view of Ft. Lauderdale as we were leaving....

 

 

 

This is ESPECIALLY nice for the poor souls like me who have an inside cabin – with no balcony whatsoever.

 

 

 

I would head to this balcony numerous times with my Diet Coke and my Kindle…where I’d stretch out on the lounger and read, watch the wake, or watch people run back to the ship at the various ports. Who needs to pay for a balcony when you have these at your disposal??!!! ;)

 

 

If you're looking to escape the crowds and the noise on the Allure, one of these FOUR balconies is your perfect choice…but shhhhhhh…..keep it a secret. The more people that know – the more people that will utilize them – and they won’t be so quiet!

 

This was most DEFINITELY one of my Top 10 Places to Visit on the Allure - it may even be #1!!!!

 

So, glad you posted this, wish we'd know about it when we were on the Oasis, but at least now we know for future cruises.