griffy116

We chose a cruise for our first trip to Europe. We did a week long cruise out of Civitevecchia (Rome). We spent two days pre-cruise in Rome to acclimate to the time change and to get to see a little more of Rome. We read all the books we could find and I spent a lot of time here on Cruise Critic getting advice. We found reliable private drivers and tours and since there were five of us, we did these alone to be able to maximize the time we spent at the places we wanted to see. Absolutely EVERY place we visited was special and our drivers and tour guides were incredible. They helped us enjoy wonderful local restaurants, got us out of the ports first and to each place ahead of all the buses. They took care of the tickets needed for museums and such and had the timeline to get there down to a science. Immersing yourself in a European city or country is great, but for a first trip, we felt the cruise was fabulous. No unpacking. No checking in or out of hotels. Breakfast ready before heading out each morning. A meal waiting on us in the evenings before collapsing in bed. We decided to spend one more day and night in Rome post cruise, rather than be in a rush to make a flight on the day the cruise was over. What a terrible sacrifice to have to spend one more day and night in Rome (lol). It was so perfect that upon returning home, we booked another cruise for the following year. I'd go again in a heartbeat. We didn't really find the food much different than other cruises, except I think they may have added a few dishes for the diverse nationalities of the passengers. We spent about a year and a half planning the second one and we had about a year after we returned to plan the second one. Hiring a private driver and guide was more expensive than trying to use the trains but it saved a lot of time and we felt like it was worth it. We wanted to get the most bang for the buck because we felt like this was a trip of a lifetime and we were not disappointed in one single thing.

We cruised both Royal and Celebrity last year. We had been told how much superior the food would be and quite honestly, we like the food on Royal better. Everyone has a different opinion. Some of the dishes on both lines, I could take or leave and I loved some on both lines, but at no time did I feel the food was inferior on Royal.

Yes, there are other options. My issue is with when cruise lines misrepresent their product. Part of that misrepresentation comes from cruise sites. They need to be more forthright with the true quality and services provided. Then the consumer can make an educated decision as to if that particular cruise is “worth it”. Not everyone is picky about food quality, crowds or activities. However, an honest assessment is difficult to come by.

Everyone has different expectations and opinions but I don't understand how you feel the "misrepresent their product." It's a mainline cruise ship, geared for families. They tell you upfront how many passengers and crew they have. Since you mention cruise sites, they all have reviews from passengers, along with photos, who have cruised this ship. I'm not sure what you expect them to say about the quality and services.We've never had a problem with either, but maybe our expectations or opinion on the food is different than yours. Doesn't constitute a misrepresentation just a difference of opinions. There are a lot of reviews from people that actually like the quality and services. Amaraza is affiliated with Royal. They don't have all the activities of a Royal ship, but they are more upscale.

Some folks love to spend sail-away on their balcony, but whether we have a balcony or not, we love to go up to the pool deck for the sail-away party with the party crowd and music. We have to have a fruity drink in our hand when the Captain sounds the horn as we pull out. We always feel a need to wave at the workers on the dock as we leave.:D

That's what we did, but a 4 nighter.

 

We have Symphony booked for next March. After that cruise, we will be 1 point away from next level. So that got me thinking...what if we booked a mini cruise to push us up a level? SO now we have Mariner booked. I'll say that that was what gave me the idea, but in the end, has nothing to do with our booking. I think for us, the next level gets us (small) balcony discounts and a robe.[/quote

 

From what I hear, you can sometimes get a robe if you just ask the steward. I let the steward take mine because I don't use it and I know it's important to a lot of cruisers. The balcony discount can't usually be combined with other discounts so it's not what it used to be. On our next cruise, figuring it both ways, the special discount gave us more of a discount than our Diamond balcony discount. You no longer get the gift. The Welcome basket is a nice gesture and appreciated, but I wouldn't take a cruise just to get it. We're usually cruising with someone who is't Diamond so we seldom leave them waiting on us to go to the Diamond lounge. I appreciate the 3 drinks on my Seapass, as I can at least use this. I've probably missed a few of the perks, but as you can see, you can already get or can get most of the benefits of Diamond status without being Diamond.

We went on Celebrity this past year and as Diamond with reciprocity, we were Elite on Celebrity. They don't have the fountain machines but always got an unopened can drink.

Haven't sailed with the new menus, but I like the idea of the desserts being on the same menu. Small servings don't bother me. I just order 2 entrees or 2 appetizers. That's what I love about cruising. My adult Grandson isn't a large man, but is still a big eater. He tells the waiter on night one that he's going to need two of some of the entrees or appetizers. He knows they are small serving sizes. We feel it actually makes it easier on the waiter to let him/her know in advance. He doesn't waste it. I usually order a salad along with an appetizer. Sorry to see some of the dishes missing, but I've never been unable to find something I like and never felt the need to go to the Specialty restaurants.

Roatan (Honduras) and Grand Cayman are both favorites of ours. In Roatan we did a catamaran where some snorkeled and some didn't. Included lunch and it was great and has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Love wondering around in Grand Cayman and we've done most of the excursions there, including turtles, dolphins, semi-subs, etc. You can't go wrong with any of the islands you listed. Go to the Royal Caribbea page and look at the excursions offered and try to imagine the excursions that would appeal to your family.

The ferry line in question belongs to a Mexican business man under investigation for corruption charges and most were out of service (for the last 10 months) when explosive devises were found. One line of thinking is that this was aimed at damaging the tourist industry in the area. It will be interesting to see what they find out.

The conspiracy theories that some are coming up with are ridiculous. I think the above post most likely is the correct motive/reason. We love Cozumel and I would never think of staying on the ship. It would be like saying Las Vegas should be avoided after the massacre there. Bad things can happen anywhere, and do.....including the U.S.

I have a pacemaker/defib implant and I have a card, since I can't go through the magnetic metal detectors. I've never had to show the card. As soon as I say I have a pacemaker, they motion me to the side and I have a pat down on the ships. In airports, they have the full body scan which is fine by me. I have to say that the first time I went on a cruise after having the implant, my family was very worried that I would be treated rudely or suspiciously. They were, without exception, extremely professional and courteous. It didn't even slow the process down for my family to get through security. They're fabulous and you have nothing to worry about. I would tell them ahead of time so they know what might cause an alert. The only place I've ever had a problem is at our local courthouse, where they keep trying to get me to go through the magnetic detectors so they don't have to get up out of their chairs.

Seems that Mexico and all the cruise lines are taking this very seriously. When you say you will not be going to Mexico because of this, just remember that there has been incidences in London, Barcelona, Greece, Paris and other cities, including here in the U.S. like Boston and most recently in Las Vegas. We've visited Cozumel several times and I've never felt unsafe. We would love to be able to live there one day.

https://cruisefever.net/cruise-line-cancels-shore-excursions-mexico-warning-u-s-state-department/

 

Possible terrorism. Everyone just be aware and carefule.

Other countries around the world issue similar warnings about the U.S. too. How many people, in other countries and even in the United States, do you think re-assessed a vacation in Las Vegas after the massacre that occurred there? Boston? London? Paris? Barcelona? Greece? There has been incidences of violence that have occurred around the world at various times, including the U.S. They depend on tourism. I'm sure they are taking it seriously.

Check out the Cozumel Amazing Race.

 

 

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I would second the Cozumel Amazing Race. We did it as a family (3 generations) and had an absolute blast.

The cost is higher than $20 now, at least it is on Royal Caribbean. I think it's $30. We always use the "fill the paper bag" special, mid-cruise and send undies, socks, shorts, etc. I like the idea of getting home and not having a suitcase full of dirty clothes.

I agree that an 8 year old might really like to get off the ship, maybe even explore the fort if you've never been. My (now grown) Grandson has been cruising since he was four, so for 20 years. He got the travel bug and the cruising bug early in life and has learned to enjoy something on every country or island we've visited. He was around 8 when we cruised the Hawaiian islands. On one tour, he spotted the chickens that roam freely and this thrilled him. While we were learning a lot during our "cultural" tour, he chased chickens. He still remembers it. I'm sure flying a kite from a fort would have thrilled him. You can also get some great photos of the kids there. The trolley is up and running and will take you to the forts. Kids usually enjoy the open air trolley rides and this one is short since the forts are close to the port. The forts are also a very cheap excursion $7. We always tried to take a short excursion when he was little and went back to the ship for lunch and to let him enjoy the pool and relax. We are going to San Juan again this summer on a cruise and while we've been there several times, we want to put a little bit of money back into their economy.

We travel often with family and friends, sharing our cabins that aren't Diamond. We seldom go to the Diamond lounge because they would be asked to leave. It's just inconvenient and we consider it a little rude to say we are going for drinks and leave them behind or to say, "let's try it and see if they let you in" only to have them told discreetly, that they can't stay. We had one relative that insisted they wouldn't have a problem and wanted to go. They were very nice and quiet but explained that she couldn't stay so we all left, but it was embarrassing.

We are pretty much stuck with cruising during the summer because of school schedule. We usually book more than a year in advance, and may occasionally see a small drop, but in our experience, the closer we are to final payment, the more unlikely it is that we will see a drop in price. Our only comfort is that our hearts don't sink seeing a drop after we've made final payment. Hope it works out differently for you.

Because I would rather be crammed in with people that I know than with people that I don't.

Whenever we fly to catch a cruise, I have one daughter (grown) who insists on choosing who she sits beside because she hates flying. None of them want to sit next to me because I fall asleep before the plane ever takes off and sleep through the flight. They're perfectly fine with my head bobbing over onto the shoulder of a total stranger. When we flew to Europe, they woke me when meals were served. I'm probably one of those people you would prefer not to be crammed in beside...lol

We had one of those "cool" cruising teens that didn't want the lanyard. After 3 lost Seapass cards in less than 2 days, she asked for a lanyard. She got tired of standing in line at Guest Services to get a replacement and causing her cabin mates to have to get their card replaced (because it voided theirs when she replaced hers. I've yet to see anyone who is not wearing a lanyard be deemed automatically cool, and I'm not impressed with anyone that thinks a lanyard deems someone uncool.

Has anyone ever seen anyone put food from wj in plastic bags or containers? I'm thinking fruit or desserts for a snack later.

I take zip lock bags in different sizes on every cruise. I'd prefer bringing anything from the WJ not be in an elevator with a bunch of people breathing on it, and I'd prefer not to spill anything on the ship. I grab some fruit in one baggie, cheese in another and crackers in one. I put the cheese and fruit in the fridge and late at night we have a nice snack to have with a bottle of wine. I could go to the WJ and fix a plate, slide it in the WJ and leave knowing it's also helping keep the heat inside it to get through the long haul to the cabin for breakfast. Also, if you want breakfast, you can still get the Continental breakfast from room service for free, which includes cereal, oatmeal, fruit, juice, milk, donuts, pastries, etc.

It's possible, since you seem like both are ship sponsored and they have said it's doable. I would probably try it if both were important, and just cross my fingers that I could make them both. I think that ordering lunch from rooms service would be almost impossible because of the time it would take for them to deliver it during your one hour (possibly shorter) time frame. I would not chance it. If you carry some zip lock baggies, you could get a few sandwiches, chips and cookies the night before from the cafe or make your own in the Windjammer the night before, put them in the fridge, scarf them down while changing and probably make it to the area to meet for your second excursion.

We've actually cruised numerous times with my Grandson, Nephew and their friends. We have not, however, cruised on NCL. We've booked them in cabins across from us and down the hall from us. They were all good kids who we trusted. As their ages increased, and their experience with cruises under their belt, they knew the rules. Bed check and NO leaving the cabin and no one entering the cabin...for their own safety as much as for them following of the rules and respectful behavior. They had the same cabin steward as us and the same Muster Station. We always requested specific cabins with no upgrades. No one else can make this decision for you. You can "skirt" the rules, just as we did by putting on paper that an adult would be in each of the cabins. I'm certainly guilty of that. I just would not personally be comfortable with 14 year olds six floors away.

I hope he’s easier to live with than he sounds, for your daughter’s sake!

I have no idea what makes their marriage work. I've tried to figure that one out for 24 years. I can take him in short intervals, but in a car for that many hours? I'm ready to chew my leg off to escape.

Why they will never drive again, or why the SIL isn’t going/flying? Could be a double question.

Everyone had a different idea of what the temperature inside the car should be. Everyone needed wanted to go to the bathroom and the SIL griped every time we stopped. We wanted to stop and actually eat. SIL wanted to grab chips when we stopped for a bathroom break. One of my daughters swore that everyone had a more comfortable seat than her...even after we switched seats. Disagreeing on whose turn it was to drive. Poured rain, construction, traffic. SIL isn't afraid to fly. He's too CHEAP and wanted to drive straight through to the cruise and we ended up driving straight home to avoid a big argument...and these are just some of the highlights. On the cruise he cheaps out on everything. For YEARS, we paid the tips for his son on the cruises because he didn't see the "point in paying tips for a child" so we would get my daughter to get the envelope and we would put the tips for my Grandson in. We prefer to drive, get there without the hassles, and enjoy our time pre/post cruise, not trying to recover from the trip to get there or home from our cruise.

The forts in San Juan are either $7 or $7.50 pp. You can do both forts for the one admission if you save the receipt for the first one and show it at the second fort.