Duck Down

Thanks for the tip. Never thought of that.

I got confused for a moment trying to figure out how opening the fridge door would cool down the contents. Then it hit me, keep the fridge door closed and open the wooden cabinet door.... Long day at work today....

fellow cruisers...for those who board 5 or 6 hours prior to sailing how do you occupy your time,other than eating of course.

and while we are on it...for those early risers how do you spend your time before the remainder of the ship gets going?

Once we get on the ship I always say "I'm Home". We drop off our carry-on bags in the cabin and head up to the buffet for a slow lunch. We try for a port side window so we can watch some of the action out in the port area as well as watching all the cruisers arriving for lunch.

After lunch we walk the ship both outside and inside before it gets crowded. Once we are done our walk, we head back to the cabin and usually take a quick nap if our luggage has not arrived. Most cruises we are unpacked and ready to cruise before muster drill.

As for getting up early, I can't help you there. The only time we get up early is if we have early plans in port of on embarkation day.

We were on the Breeze in late August and they had the debarkation down to an art form for self assist.

We received our Platinum letter requesting we meet in the main showroom. We got there and Platinum was seated on one side of the room, and FTTF in the middle. When it was time to leave the ship, they started with Platinum/Diamond row by row. Only when Platinum/Diamond were finished, they were going to let the FTTF out.

It was organized and efficient.

We have the Splendor coming up in a couple of weeks. Lets see how that goes.

Often we just get off the ship and take a local taxi to a beach or pick up a local tour from the vendors at the port.

I have not been able to research much regarding doing this from the port at La Romana?

Has anyone done this, what are the approx. cost, and what did you end up doing?

We have never been on a Bermuda cruise.

When the ship is parked at the dock for a couple of days, does the ship close their shops and casino until they are back at sea? Is alcohol ordered from the bar taxed while in port?

I heard that some cruise lines now have satellite internet while at sea and a land based hybrid system when in certain ports.

Does the Getaway have this system, and does anyone know what ports have this?

To be able to go on a cruise, I need to be connected to the internet for an hour each day.

Thanks in advance

After 26 Carnival cruises, we have booked our first NCL cruise on the Getaway for August this year. We are looking forward to trying NCL and what they have to offer.

I have gone online and made show reservations for Burn the Floor, and Legally Blonde for the family.

Do we have to exchange the reservation for a ticket?

Is the reservation for assigned seating or guaranteed admission?

If the reservation is just for a seat, how far in advance should we line up to get good seats or are all good seats?

We also made a reservation for Illusionarium. Is it the same sort of idea? How are the tables assigned?

And finally, for Levity Entertainment, do we make reservations when we board the ship?

Thanks

We are a family of 4 who just booked a flight deal for a cruise leaving in two weeks. Normally we would drive or fly into MCO. We are renting a van for a couple of days pre cruise.

Do you have any suggestions for reputable shuttle from Port Canaveral to the Daytona Beach Airport? We have a flight out around noon and do not want to rent a vehicle.

Maybe a taxi would be an option. Do the taxis go that far?

Does anyone know what is the dress code for Cucina, Bonsai, and Ji Ji? Is it different for formal nights?

We normally bring dress clothes, but booked a short 5 night cruise and care considering cutting back on what we bring.

Has anyone reserved the cabana bed package? We have not been to Mr Sanchos but are considereng booking one while on a Christmas cruise. There are going to be 6 ships in port that day and our ship is one of the late arrivals at 10 AM.

What can you tell me about the experience? Are they worth it? Are the cabanas near the water or set back? Do they come with sun loungers as well?

We were on a back to back at the end of August and they did not offer unlimited.

We found the internet slower than other ships (even to retreive e-mails). We tried my laptop and their workstations. Both were equally slow. I had to check work e-mails daily with my laptop and found the best location was deck 5 near the fun hub. We had connection issues from our deck 2 cabin. As mentioned earlier, early mornings are best to connect or port days when few people are on the ship.

We are going in a couple of weeks and found this self guided walking tour on the City of Saint John website

http://www.saintjohn.ca/en/home/cityhall/developmentgrowth/heritageconservation/historicwalkingtours.aspx