Dancing Shoes

Just back from the Apex. Pros: Great views from the deluxe Oceanview room, entertainment, plenty of outdoor space, variety at buffet for breakfast, good food @ MDR, can pick which one you like, friendly staff, and ship didn't seem really crowded. Cons: Unless you are in retreat, no view from the bow of the ship, chair hogs at pools, staff would pull stuff away if mentioned, smell of smoke near the pool bar, no clothesline in shower for swimwear to dry.

That is great news. I am hesitant to book on the Volendam, as some are saying HAL is dropping this stop last minute because they don't want ships with over 1000 passengers.

Just off Apex. I selected early dining, 6 pm for my husband and I. When we got to our room there was a card that said, "To ensure a flawless dining experience we kindly suggest you to join us for dinner for the First Evening only at 5:30-9 in NORMANDIE". We went down at 5:25. We liked Normandie so much, that we kept going back about that same time and always got the same table. Best to be done with dinner by 6:50 if you want to catch the 7:00 pm show. p.s. between 6-6:45, and 8-8:30 is usually the peak time and you might experience some wait time. We will make every effort to to accommodate you as soon as possible.

Are some ships still stopping there? They are showing this port.

We did this excursion in Aug 2018. I have read that if you can't make it up Tracy Arm that they substitute Endicott Arm. It did sell out on our ship.

Update: Canceled snorkel tour and booked the Coral Beach excursion through Celebrity. Yes. it was expensive, but a small bus took us there and was ready waiting for our return. The area had plenty of loungers and umbrellas to sit under. You need to take about 7 steps down to the sand. Water was warm and no sargassum. Lunch and a rum punch was provided. Restrooms and a souvenir shop on site. I am sure a taxi can be taken, the return trip could be a hassle.

I like that using Uber was easy. We are planning on doing the same. I tend to get nervous that it will be a circus with many people waiting. Did you have much of a wait for a car? Thanks.

Having been on the Millie (Seward to Vancouver) and an Edge class ship recently I would favor the Solstice. It is nice to be able to go to the front of the ship for viewing. I favor Vancouver rather than Seattle. With Seattle, they must stop at Victoria on the way back.

I know! I read that the Sargassum had started to arrive early in Florida and was surprised that it had made its way to Belize. We have been fortunate to snorkel at so many places around the world and have experienced currents before. We canceled our snorkeling trip @ Grand Caymen and went to 7 Mile beach. No Sargassum there. You should have seen the pier @ Cozumel!

Not right now at Hol Chan. Sargassum 😞

Just back from a shore excursion to Hol Chan Marine Preserve. Worse snorkel trip we have experienced. Boat picked us up from our ship. 24 people, who broke off into groups of 8 with guide. No where on board to dip your mask into prior to going out. Couldn't reach the water from the side to accomplish. No ladder to enter, didn't want anyone to get hurt with fins on. Started out ok, till you were forced to snorkel through a big area of sargassum! Too many people next to each other. Not many fish, coral was decent. Others saw 1 turtle on other side, and I think a nurse shark. I get it, you may not always see everything. Current was super super strong headed back to the boat, and our group was the last and my husband and I needed assistance. I would have cancelled had I known of the terrible conditions. When I asked about the current, I was told it was due to the rain that they had. Guess we are spoiled. We have been fortunate to snorkel Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Key Largo, Great Barrier Reef, and Galapagos. Oh, and one of the 3 outboard engines sucked in the sargassum and seized up. Took an extra hour to get back, but things happen. At least another boat picked us up over at Caye Caulker (think that was the name) while the tour got our lunch. It was good.

Observed in the Oceanview Cafe/Apex last week. Man, looked to be in his 60's, big build, not particularly good looking..... Tee shirt read: I don't need sex. The government fu*%$ me every day. Really!!!!

If you look on the app under dining, you can see the menu of the other restaurants in case you forget their exclusives. You can ask to see the actual menu.

Key West, beach near the southern point, a lot. Grand Cayman, 7 Mile Beach, none. Cozumel in the water near the pier some, and Belize out at snorkel site reserve, way too much.

I am so sorry for your injury. We took a snorkel tour in Belize to Hol Chen marine reserve this week through Celebrity. It was the worse. If I had known what we encountered, we would have asked to cancel. No mention of seaweed and a strong current that required people to be assisted back to the boat. Tour operator should have canceled. My husband and I are experienced snorkelers. Avoid this tour. I told the lady at the excursion desk and she gave me a link to a survey.

Hi Jim. Missed your photos and meeting you two. My husband came back to the room and spoke of chatting with a couple up at the smoke area. He was the glass guy that lived on Maui and we are going to Amsterdam next month. Great cruise everyone. Best small show was Caravan in The Club. Apex is a beautiful ship. Yes, there were chair hogs at the main pool.

May need to fly into Miami for our Saturday departure. Is there a shuttle service near airport if needed. As of now, our flight is still a go.

Was planning on eating at this German restaurant in FLL. The lady just called from the Old Heidelberg, they are closed due to water damage for a few days.

Glad I have trip insurance. Arriving Friday afternoon! Yikes!!!

Oh gawd, and I thought it was just me.

Hi Jim. Erasing previous question about Tulip festival. Won't be in Amsterdam till Wednesday 5/17. Enjoy.

I booked through Celebrity. It is The Original Stingray City, reef snorkel. You are NOT at the sand bar. It is a 3 hour trip.

Thanks for the link. We get in at 7, tendering and the other ship gets the dock at 11. Will get off early before the 4k passenger Anthem of the Seas docks.

This is a tender port. I would be concerned about getting off the ship in time for the 11 slot. The thing with mountains is, you never know when clouds roll in. The time of the day has no bearing, like morning fog at the ocean beach. I would go with the late time if it was me.

We are staying at Hotel Fita near the Van Gough museum. They provide breakfast for free when you book directly with them. We will use Uber to get to the hotel from the airport and to the cruise terminal. Staying 3 nights pre-cruise.