mostrow

I drive that road almost daily. I live in Mahahual. Everyone here is devastated. This just doesn't happen here. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the families and those that lost a dear friend. Authorities will figure it out. But, don't start rumors that the driver of the bus was drunk or fell asleep. In my 10 years here, this has never happened. Those buses have or supposed to have a speed limiter which won't let them go faster than 90 Kilometers per hour. That is the law here for buses. The road speed limit is 90 Kilometers. so good chance it wasn't speeding. More likely a tire blow out or an animal darting across the road and the drive trying to miss it. That is more likely on that road.

They are no outlets next to the nightstands in the Breakaway Class. In most cabins you have to run the cord across the floor to the desk area. In other ships, I am able to unplug the light, put in a European to USA adapter and be all set. I also bring a clip on fan. When I get up, I just unplug and store under the bed. Don't freak out if you cannot get distilled water. The water out of the faucet is processed and never caused me any problems.

anyone booked recently? What is the current offer?

Just got off the Getaway last week. Buy 4 cruise next certificates for $ 1,000.00 you get 8 future cruise deposit certificates, or $ 2,000.00 deposit credits. For us, we already have plans to use all of them, so, we just gained $ 1,000.00. You could still buy $ 1,000 worth and they will credit your current OBC $ 500.00. $ 500.00 you get credit OBC $ 250.00. That's the current scoop.

They have been swapping all season long with multiple ships are docking. I was on two sailings and both changed. Last week, they had the Oasis of the Seas and the Regal Princess on the same day that the Getaway was scheduled. 12,000 passengers and three large ships at once. NCL has to do a better job of notifying passengers in advance. I talked to Silas, cruise director and he called corp. and they have tentatively changed dates though out March. What is the worst, is I called my NCL rep, and she knew nothing about any changes.

So,,,, when you show up to the cay, what would you expect. Sand and seaweed? Everyone weave a mat from palm frowns to sit on. Break open a coconut for refreshment?

Yes. Exactly. Wouldn't you ? Coconut milk out of a real coconut is great. If you look at the island before and now, it is nothing but a Disney type created destination. They ruined the eco system. Just look at what they have done. Costa Maya is a very good example on what you can do for us cruisers and keep the environment intact. Most people wish to see the Caribbean natural. This is why you go on a cruise. See different places and see the different cultures. I don't see anything that looks like Belize there. You can get this same going to any beach resort in Florida. No need to cruise.

Those bungalows are not Belizean type houses. Another way to keep all of the money to themselves. They could of done a much better job. Enjoy.

Is it just me, or it seems they have taken a natural habitat and made it into a Disney type resort. Personally, I think it is a crime what they are doing to this caye. Look at the cranes making fake beaches. This is not real. This is fake. In Belize, what is fantastic is exploring different ecosystems on different cayes and islands. I do understand the some love these types of places, but come on, be real. The Caribbean is slowly becoming Disney. But, I have to say that I am not a fan of Belize City, I wish they would of been a bit more creative and use the natural beauty as an asset. No just destroy it. I am not an tree hugger, but this is just crazy bad. Look at the before and after. Not what I understood was going to happen. For those that like this type of thing, enjoy. I would prefer to stay on the ship. Enjoy the quiet and peace of an empty ship. Cheers,

All they do is change the menu, a few signs and make the same burgers you get anywhere else on the ship. We are also on the 9/25 Sailing. Third time on the Getaway. We really enjoyed Flamingos. I think they are trying to up Guy's Burger bar on Carnival. Which is included. No way they can come close. They will get the beef from the same frozen box that all of the food venues use. Maybe a different condiment, but that is it. Location is the problem with the Flamingo's. Never crowded and the bar was always empty. MV, will attract those that just want the experience. But, once they eat there once, they won't be back.

I have a fantastic NCL rep. She calls me when great deals come around and works 24 hours a day. You need to find that person at NCL that really cares. I have sent many friends to her and they are extremely happy. Not sure if I am allowed to give you her name on this forum.( Bonnie in the Mesa,Arizona office)LOL. I email her to get some info on a certain cruise. She knows my preference and books that cabin even before she gets back to me. Just calling the 800 number, you are just being transferred to the next available person.

Been on many pre-refurb cruises. Depending on each individual contracts, some take vacations and most spend the time scrubbing every inch of the ship. For some it is a nice change of pace. For others, not so great. Spent 3 weeks on the Dawn last January. Back to Back to back. Had a great time. Love the layout. Yes, it needs some TLC. Going to be better than ever. They always take on contractors weeks before to prep certain areas. It is amazing what they can do in a very short time in drydock.

Jane, David and I will also be on the Getaway 5/1. If you want to have vow renewal in Costa Maya, just contract me. Love to do. Full refunds if ships don't dock.

I live and work in Costa Maya in the industry. Carnival finds reasons not to dock unless it is a Carnival owned Port. The Splendor was the first ship in last week. Supposed to dock first. Our Port Captain was extremely upset that the ship left. Lots of arrangements were made for that ship. It is not a ship that normally comes here. So Captain was not familiar with the dock. We watched the entire docking that day. We don't have three ships in that day that often. Yes, it was windy, but we always have wind. Apparently, for some reason they didn't want to wait for the pilot, who was helping another ship. We only have one pilot. We already had the Valor cancel for next week because of another " Medical Emergency" before they left Home Port. It just seems that Carnival would rather add the Port Charges to your Ship Board Credit and have you spend it with them, then to pay the Port. NCL docks 98% of the time. Carnival it is always hit and miss. Depends on profits when at sea compared to in Port.

Nine month Delay, is much more than improving the "eco" development. They have ruined a very nice island and are having to pay the price to do so. Google, Belize and you will see for yourself. Lots of reef and eco damage. Norwegian should be ashamed on the damage they have done there. They will no doubt pay off the necessary officials and get it open. I have two weeks on the Getaway in April into May. We were just going to stay on the ship and drink our UBP worth of drinks, which won't be allowed on that stop. I have no problem skipping that disaster.

Just another created island. They are all the same. Why not go to a REAL beach in the Caribbean. I am so getting tired of these fake excuses for a caribbean experience. They have destroyed so many natural habitats. Just another way to keep your money in the hands of NCL. Belize City has its negatives, but its real.

For those that want a fake beach, go to a Disney resort in Florida. Looks the same

Just like to chime in. I cruised on the Diamond Princess five years ago, when the market was opening up. I wonder sometimes on how these very bright CEO's get the info for some of the deployments. We departed Singapore from a container port. Checked in at a hotel, then bused right to the ship. Trip ended in Tianjin in a brand new cruise terminal. Build and they will come.I would say that 20% of the passengers were Chinese. 40% were Australian and the rest of us scattered from around the world. What I found interesting is that their was almost no interaction between the Chinese passengers and all of us. Language barrier and culture are so different. The staff and crew were very upset since tipping is not in the Asian culture. I doubt that many English speaking cruisers will go on these ships. Immigration policies for Chinese will hinder many ports of call. Hong Kong won't be able to handle these huge ships. Way too much port traffic and congestion. So, with a no tipping culture, you will have to pay your staff and crew more. So, the bet is pretty much 100% on the Chinese passenger. Ships must be designed and activities will have to be designed for that culture. Just like lots of businesses here, China looked to be the cash cow. Time will tell.

Been going to Estero Beach for years and years. My kids just got back yesterday. Great place to hang on the beach. As for taxi, just get the price upfront and don't give them any money until you get off. No tipping for Taxi's in Mexico. Have fun.

Since it is your first cruise, I would highly recommend the Ships excursion just for peace of mind.

I have cruised on many different ships with my cpap. I decided to purchased a 220 euro power strip, with USA plug adapters for items that can take either 220 or 110. Phone, laptop, tablets all have transformers. Gives me lots of options. I also bring a USA power cord along with

two extension cords. One in my cpap case, and one in my backpack which I carry on the ship. Some cruise lines will take power strips and cords away. On the Dawn, Sun, and Epic, I was able to unplug the side bed lamp, plug in the euro strip, and keep under the bed. I did have to run my extension cord from the desk area on a Carnival Ship. Best to prepared. Just ask the information desk about the distilled water but I always just use the sink water. Never had a problem.

For many years I was not a NCL fan. But we have been on 6 Norwegian cruises in the past two years. I think these problems is being caused by the FREEBIEs given away over the past few months. Having the drink or dining package included, just clogs the system. We are booked on the Sun for a 11 day cruise in October. We have both. Free drink package, but I paid for the Dining. Bar waiters, maybe are being told to hold back to save money. Not sure. What confuses me was the comment on the staff. We have been on over 110 cruises, and Norwegian staff has always been the best. We are platinum or equal on Princess, Royal, Carnival, Norwegian, and Holland American and as of today, we are booking Norwegian. But, this coming cruise will be our first Del Rio's led cruise.

I would like to chime in. We have cruised for 40 years,and 8 NCL cruises in the past two years. I always have brought food back for my sleeping bride. But never heaping. ( not sure what that really means), Putting out the room card, for some reason, I never have the right time down. Either I am sleeping or waiting. Yes, I have brought mounds of chicken wings back to the cabin. But I never have put anything plates outside the door. The room stewards have alway told us not to. So, yes, this new policy impacts us and our coming 11 day Sun Cruise. We pay much less for our balcony cabin than we did years ago. I do bring my own booze on board, but still spend 100's on drinks in all venues. We do go to the pay restaurants each and every night. I just add that costs to my cruise, and its still cheaper now than before. In my opinion, the new policy was done to discourage the hundreds of room service orders for just a pot of coffee,a cookie or a banana. People have complained on how long it takes to get room service, well, bingo, this fixes that problem. I would rather pay the $ 7.95 for a REAL and expanded room service, than wait an hour for a free cold sandwich. Will this make them more money, Of course. This is as much about expanding the menu, REAL choices, and eliminates waste. For me, it is a win win. Time will tell. We have only read one post from someone who actually cruised while this was changed. I will await more posts from cruisers that have just got back and not speculate.

Spent two weeks on the Sun in January We had a facing mini suite. It was great. Clean and a perfect place to hang out on the balcony. We have been on over 100 cruises from mega to tiny and we just booked the Sun for a 11 day Mexican Riviera cruise. In our opinion, it is the perfect size ship, great staff, and all around very nice. Not a fan of the buffet, but really enjoyed the wings at the sports bar. Yes, its older, but after 40 years of cruising, we would rather enjoy an older smaller ship, to the mass marketed Mega ships. I would assume that those that thought the cabins were dirty, that they did mention something to information and they took care of that problem. Maybe they went to their cabin too early before it was cleaned. This does happen. Like any hotel, resort, or ship, nothing goes 100% perfect.

S.S. Norway. 1984. My son was 9 months old. The original S.S. France.

I was on the Glory and Conquest in June. Not a problem. I have an European strip with our type plug in adapters. The CPAP machines have a transformer that converts 220 to 110 to 12V. I always bring my own extension cord just in case. But I just unplugged the lamp and put in my adapter. You can get the strip on line. Best to be over prepared.

All bars around the pool will be open. You can get buckets of beer

EA is a company that makes computer games. I have to assume that EA pays for the right to have their name at the Sports bar. You can play EA sports games on two large screen TV's in those bars. Carnival, most likely wanted more money to have that right. Typical Carnival.

What is the difference between a box of wine and a dozen bottles of water. Bringing water is taking away the revenue as the box of wine will. You can bring water, but not wine. Its very simple. They make more on booze than on water. You are allowed to bring a six pack of soda. That is taking away from the soda package. We spend more money for our cabins so we can enjoy a drink on our balcony. We still spend hundreds if not thousands at the bars. It is the passengers that don't want to spend a dime, that are the most vocal. This posts had nothing to do with should we or should we not bring liquor on board. Its about a box of wine. Lets keep this forum on the issue. We take the wine bladder out of the box and carry it on. Normally, the security at the port is an outside contractor and only is looking for arms, etc. Never been caught after 105 cruises. Cheers.

On the Epic, it was opened when we got on at noon. It was my favorite place for a snack. Loved the chicken pot pies. So, unless they changed the times, I would for sure check it out.