Soul Brother

On 11/21/2020 at 12:03 AM, Biker19 said:

There are many ships already sold and confirmed to be going on the beach waiting for a spot - neither Empress nor Majesty are anywhere near that status yet.

That's good to know!

I hope not but having Empress and Majesty so close to Aliaga doesn't bode well.

Could be they're waiting for a spot on the beach to clear out after the old RCI and Carnival ships are done there.

Our cruise last year on Empress was probably our favourite cruise we've done.  

Got to meet a lot of people and see them over and over throughout the ship.

Found the staff to be superb too.

Would definitely sail her again if we have the chance.

On 11/2/2020 at 10:40 PM, Hoopster95 said:

I am amazed that the #1 excursion for years and years mentioned on this forum by an overwhelming majority has not yet been mentioned:

https://www.woodwindbonaire.com/

 

In my view (may I speak for others?) this is one of the top 5 excursions in the entire Caribbean.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2310655-adventureabcs-aug-20-272016-review-wlots-of-photos/page/6/?tab=comments#comment-49701646

 

We did this on our Freedom cruise based on recommendations from these boards. 

It was incredible. 

They catered to all folks' snorkeling level, provided noodles for anyone that wanted one to help float and pointed out so many things we would have missed if snorkeling on our own.

I even had a sea turtle come right up to me practically face to face.

IMO, this is a must if visiting Bonaire and if you're hesitant about snorkeling, they will help you with no issues.

Dee even picked out the right mask on the first shot for my son who wears glasses.  

Truly an excursion you won't forget.

I wonder if RCI is waiting for the results of the election today to determine the fate of these two ships.

They were both their Cuban ships which was closed last year by the current President.  If he gets re-elected lower possibility of them opening Cuban itineraries again.  No need for those ships any longer I would suppose.

We were in Bonaire last week and booked Woodwind back in June based on the rave reviews on this site.

Have to say, it was actually better than I could have ever imagined.

Dee and her crew are amazing, they have all the gear you could ever need (I'm a big guy and they had stuff that fit me) including a dive shirt.

The walk from the ship is so easy and close.

The Woodwind is a beautiful catamaran with ample covered areas if you're not wanting too much sun.

The guide we had was amazing, pointing out many things that we would have never seen on our own.

Saw 2 sea turtles and one actually got partially on my back (turtles doing, not mine) as I just floated there.

We did the 4 hour tour.  It included one dive, then snack of watermelon and cookies.  Then a second dive off the deeper part of the reef (where we saw the turtles).  Followed by a great stir fry type lunch as we headed back. Unlimited drinks as well including beer/wine.

Do not miss this tour if you're able to get it.  It's the best time and value we had during our entire cruise.

Just off the Freedom NYE cruise (formal night was day 2 as well as NYE) but it seems that question has already been answered.

I didn't find formal night any different for dress than other formal nights. 

In fact I saw more tuxedos and ball gowns on the second formal night than on NYE.  May have been due to the party on the Promenade factor and so many people close together as we counted down the New Year.  People not wanting to get their nice dresses stepped on or drinks spilled on.

Through so many fantastic reviews of Woodwind, I reached out to them to book for our December cruise.

I received an email back from Ulf that he was currently picking up the new Woodwind and was not currently in Bonaire and would confirm availability when he was back.

Maybe they're getting a larger boat?

I didn't see any deals on the last day on our Allure cruise last week.

There was (on the second day I think) a $50 off your all picture package ($350) if you signed up for it on that day.

We did the early self disembark on Sunday from the Allure (11:50 flight) and made it with hours to spare. We walked off with our bags and straight through customs.

We made sure we left just before the call for the first timed passengers were called to leave (the boards read 7:40 a.m.) when I suspect it can get a lot busier with folks trying to collect their luggage and then proceed through customs.

If you leave before the first timed passengers disembark, you should have no problem and no wait. The Fort Lauderdale airport is very close. So close that you can see the ship if your plane is facing the right way on the tarmac.

I was on the Allure last week and I can say could have had specialty dining at Izumi, Giovanni's or Chops for 50% off any night.

At lunch in the Windjammer they were coming through the dining room offering deals every day. We had booked and prepaid Giovanni's but we did take advantage of the 50% off the hibachi at Izumi (30 % for sushi).

Not sure if this was a blip because they weren't sold out or the norm. My wife and I were saying we should just wing booking specialty restaurants until we're onboard next time and get the discounts.

We had an over the water Cabana at Nellie's Beach last week and we tipped $10 per person. There were 6 of us so $60 total.

I was lurking this thread as I too was on this cruise and found your posts very entertaining before the cruise.

I'm just catching up to it now (didn't check it when onboard) and it looks like I bumped into you on the cruise.

On the last sea day I was wandering around Boardwalk and went up to the Tequila Bar. I was looking for a "fruity" drink and you suggested the Bushwhacker to me.

I realized this when I saw your pic with you and your son with the drinks at the bar.

Good to have met you, kind of....LOL.

The Bushwhacker was a great recommendation BTW and I'm not sure if I thanked you so......thanks for the recommendation.