Flyingirl

So dissaponted as I was reading a great one on the Marina. Hope this gets fixed. 

@Gracebest- ours was the Norman Island. That operator has never missed getting people back (which I like) and was well versed in our times that we ported and that we had to be back on board. They customized the times to our ship. (We departed a little earlier and back a little earlier than the website stated.). Only caveat I have is that it would not have been great for kids. But, I don't think kids hanging with adults that have full use of alcohol is ever a good idea.

Just travelled Escape last week. We had a boarding time of 2 pm and showed up prior to 1 pm with no problems.

@Volk- I don't remember for sure but I am guessing it was a mix of other CC reviews on Tortola and Trip Advisor. I use both when planning. Honestly the best snorkeling we have had in several years. Probably since Ambergris Caye. And, I loved that it was walking distance over to their dock from our port. I never felt like I had to watch time to account for a taxi ride after.

@Chesney Girl- our BIL flight out of MIA was at 938am. He got off as soon as we were cleared and was there by 8 am. (Ticket was only $95 ow so, worth the gamble).

DH and had a noon flight out of FLL. My Uber recipt shows we left at 924am and arrived at 956am. We did walk off and got off the ship about 845 am.

@Lido Deck- we did have reservations one night for Brat Pack but, dinner ran real late and we missed it. I did hear that they were both good but, since we kind of winged dinners- we didn't get much else scheduled. 😂

@Warm Breezes- we live in Colorado so I am not big on humidity either. The Thermal Suites did not seem at all humid in general. There is also 2 saunas- one that is hot and a little more moist and one that is kept cooler. The salt room was a little too cold for me so I didn't use it much but, it did not seem humid either.

I think this will be the quickest review in the history of CC. There are so many detailed and concise ones that I just wanted to post what we found. (In no particular order.)

The blow dryers were awesome and be sure to bring your own conditioner. We were fine with the shampoo, lotion and shower gel.

We bought the Thermal Suites ahead ($200pp no gratuity) and they were $219pp onboard. There was never a sale or promotion on price. The suites were worth every single cent to us. It seemed to be the only calm and quiet place on the ship. I am sad to admit that I took a nap every single day in the heated lounge chairs! 😀 We would hit the main pools for a little each day but 90% of the chairs were saved and unoccupied. There was some quieter jacuzzis up on 17 forward (if my memory is correct). Best deal at the spa was the personalized scrub you could have made for $9 for a large jar. (I had a lavender salt scrub made that I used for 4 days)

If you don't have the UBP- the best deal going on the ship is O'Sheehans for pitchers of beer. They are $13.95 and you can have Heineken, Amstel Light or Nut Brown.

We found the main dining room food just mediocre as a whole. We only did one speciality restaurant (Moderno) and, our next cruise will be mainly specialty. That was our best dinner hands down. Tried to get into La Cucina the next night (last night at sea) and could not. So, my recommendation- make reservations early on. We wanted to wing it and have no schedule but, should have had a schedule. 😳

Talking about reservations, make all your entertainment ones ahead of time. Shows, comedy etc. They sell out too. 😮 We made it to one comedy show and loved it.

If you are going to the airport after the cruise- take Uber. BIL headed to Miami and took a cab. It was 8miles and it was $35. We went to FLL which is 24 miles and the ride was $29.

In Tortola we used Aristocat or our day snorkeling excursion. There was about 25 of us on the catamaran and the snorkel spots were FANTASTIC! Loved the laid back group and we had a ball. I would repeat in a heartbeat. $120pp included lunch, drinks and snorkel gear. Walked to the port from our port.

In St Thomas we used Catania Yacht Charters. We were the only 3 on a 1926 sailboat that the captain was born on. His parents sailed the world 3 times in the boat. It was $150pp and included a fantastic lunch, drinks and snorkel gear. Loved his stories about living aboard the boat as a kid and the history. The spots we went to were secluded and beautiful beaches. Snorkeling was adequate but the scener was awesome. Had to take a taxi to other side of island for this one.

The gym onboard was awesome and had great equipment.

Should you need anything medicinal after the onboard store is closed- medical was great. This will be entirely TMI but, BIL has had chemo that killed part of the movement of his colon. Needed something late and was able to purchase at medical for $5. They also have a coin operated machine in front that you can buy things like Tylenol, tums and condoms.

Breakfast and lunch in Savor and Taste were MEH to all three of us. I was the most disappointed to find the food at the buffet tastier. 😳

Hope this helps someone out there!

We were planning on Saphire Beach because of the Windsurfing and SUP availability. Did you see any of that? Was that available at Coki?

Thanks for the heads up.

Did you find out anything? Interested too.

Just starting out planning for Atlantis/Nassau. How much is a day pass?

We are on the Star on Sept 13 and still no room assignment either. Hoping that is a good thing! :D

Anyone know how easy it is to get to Copenhagen from Germany? The way the air currents are for this week, if it blows soon it could effect Scotland and Englad. With next weeks forecasted current it could effect the scandanavian airports . Our flight over is on the 6th and I think I just need to be aware of other routes to get there since it is now sub- glacial and melting the glacier.

May I please have the information on Tallin too? We just got our cruise booked for next month and I would love to have one port taken care of! Thank you so much!

Gretchenflys@juno.com

We love having a drink in our room while getting ready for dinner. One of our favorite traditions! And, doing it with local wine is all the better!

Just off Windsurf and they did not care a bit if you brought on wine. Just make sure to take your own wine screw and enjoy some in your cabin with the room service or chocolate cake!