Jules7226

3 minutes ago, PATRLR said:

OK, so this begs the question do people get bumped from cruises if they can't get enough "Move Over" volunteers?  Or in airline parlance, involuntary denied boarding?

UGH! I really hope not.....😐

Can anyone explain why they do this?  Did they overbook the cruise like a flight and are trying to scramble to free up some cabins?  I got this 3 days before my cruise leaves (2.4.24) and I am trying to understand why they would do it?  We already have flights booked and there is no way that I would take them up on it, but just trying to understand the reasoning.....

We are bringing friends on this cruise and would like to do the Barcardi tour.  My husband and I did it like 10 years ago and I remember it being fairly inexpensive.  I saw a lot of posts saying to book the tour online ahead of time, but the prices are WAY higher than I remember.  For those who have been there recently, is the tour really $80 now?!?!

I would love to hear some feedback on your idea?  Did you ever find anything close to Jack's Shack vibes?  We loved that place!!

2ish days until Glory!

Jules, which plan of travel insurance did you use?

I got it through insuremytrip, but Nationwide was the carrier. Bought it again this year. ;)

Maybe you could go to the county you were born in online (or in person if you still live there) and see if you can order a certified copy on a rush??

Good luck, that is a bummer!

I like the kayak, hike, and snorkel excursion to Hassel Island offered by VI Ecotours. Completely different experience because of the historic ruins and views from the hike.

 

St John is easy to do on your own and as long as you leave St John by 1 p.m. you will make it to your ship on time. The ferry is very reliable and taxis are always waiting at the docks and at Trunk Bay on St John. There will be plenty of other cruisers on St John.

Thanks so much, I appreciate your input. :)

My hubby and I are heading to St. Thomas for the 4th time next month, and we're only there from 7 - 3. Looking for ideas on what we can do this time. We are in our late 40s and early 50s with no mobility issues at all. We've done scuba, Megan's Bay, Mountain Top, and Sapphire Beach. I've been searching these boards for inspiration and keep coming up short. I was hoping that someone would share your favorite excursion so that I can maybe get some ideas. We were toying with the idea of taking the Ferry to St. John, but I'm a little nervous about getting back on time. Please share your favorite(s) if you would, we'd be grateful.

We've always purchased through private companies and thankfully have only used it once. Last year for the first time I bought a cruise specific plan. Our cruise got completely re-routed due to the hurricane damage. Instead of Eastern Caribbean stops, we hit the Western stops. After returning, we turned in a claim for itinerary change and received $750 each. I've purchased insurance for 20 years and had never used it prior to this, but it totally paid off. We cruised with 8 other people (all bought their insurance through cruise line). The cruise line didn't give them anything for the port changes as their fine print says that they reserve the right to change at anytime.

Only you can decide if it's truly "worth it", but there is no way that I would ever not purchase it. It is pretty inexpensive (based on age) and the peace of mind is definitely worth it IMO.

No bowls, just a big pile of deliciousness! I had naked burritos several times on my last two cruises with zero issues. Fries at Guys are also safe, as well as the fries at Pig & Anchor if you’re on the Horizon.

Thanks for your response. We'll be on the Glory next so no Pig & Anchor dang it!

I have to eat gluten free, so I get a ‘naked burrito’ (no tortilla). For the rest of the cruise, the guys behind the counter call me Naked Burrito Girl:')

I was hoping that someone mentioned this....I have Celiac and have to eat g/f too. Do they have actual bowls there or do they just pile it on the plate?? haha

We sailed from San Juan in 2012. Got on, got off, went to the Bacardi Factory, got back on in time for dinner and it was super easy. That was my favorite cruise of all, hope that you enjoy. :)

We always bring our own creamer. In the past because of preference, but now I can't have dairy. We've brought the large bottles of refrigerated stuff and also the individual containers. Never once have we had it confiscated or been questioned. You should be fine. :)

We were at Trunk Bay on May 20th. The beach was absolutely gorgeous as always.

 

The trees and woods that used to surround the walkway and bathroom area are pretty much gone. :( The sea grapes and palm trees backing the beach don't have much in the way of leaves, so there's not much shade to speak of.

 

But the beach is still wide, and while we were there we saw a couple of sting rays, a good-sized crab, and lots of tiny fish.

 

When we arrived, I was lamenting that I had accidentally left my National Park pass back on the ship, and the ranger at the entrance said I didn't need it, that there was no charge. So if you have one, your pass will work here if needed.

 

The snack bar is not running, but the chair and snorkel rental is. The showers are working, cold water only.

 

When we were there, the ferry from Havensight was not running. But the vinow site can tell you all that.

 

Have fun!

 

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the info and awesome pics!

Several helpful threads just below this thread with that info.

 

Posts 13, 21, 24, 26 -

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2634995

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2599390

Thanks for the info!

I'd like to see them reverse course, get away from trending toward mega ships, and get back to building ships the size of the Conquest class ships, with more public space and fewer passengers. I'm probably in the minority here, but I'd LOVE to cruise on a brand new Conquest class ship.

I would LOVE this too!!!

My hubby and I have been to STT several times, but never have been to St. Johns. We'd rather not pay the outrageous cruise tour prices. I know that you can take the ferry at Red Hook to Cruz Bay. Looking for people who have done this recently and can report on 1 - the cost of a round trip ride and 2 - what kind of shape are the beaches of St. John in after last year's devastation. Also - looking for recommendations on a place to find good lunch and drinks. Thanks for your help!

Or just get a Tokyo Tea.

Sounds interesting...what is a Tokyo Tea?

Not fruity at all, but The Deal Closer at the Alchemy bar is pure heaven! I get them for dessert cause they're sweet with a kick. Can't wait to have one in September.

I second the vote for Calabazza. What an amazing time we had! I've been on 18 cruises and this was my favorite excursion of all. Gina and her crew are amazing and take care of your every need/want. We weren't near any other cats at all. We found our own little amazing place. From the homemade food to the ever flowing beer and rum punch, to the littlest details like sending us photos to remember our journey along with the recipes for all of the food that she served, everything was AMAZING! Gina even took special care to make sure that my food allergies were not ignored and I had plenty to eat! I hope that you'll give it a try and that your experience is just as awesome as ours was!!

days for me and seriously getting excited now!! Well technically there are 3 days until sail away on Freedom of the Seas, but only 2 until fly away. Ha ha

Thanks so much for your responses!

Where exactly is Scotchie's? Is it in Montego Bay? I've searched the posts and also google and it seems like it's in Mo Bay, but there are several tours in Ocho Rios that include lunch there so..... do people just take a cab if they want to go outstide of a tour? How far/how much did it cost?

We just had our entire itinerary changed 17 days prior to cruising and now we are going to Ocho Rios and I'm trying to find stuff to do not far from the cruise terminal. Are there any bars/restaurants near there? Don't want to venture too far out.

Thanks!

Definitely following. We board the ship this Saturday and my parents are onboard now for the first part of their first B2B.

Thanks for the review and enjoy your cruise!