Isa65

I've looked at that hotel as an option quite a few times, but never end up booking it because there seems to be almost no restaurants and stores to pick up wine/liquor and last minute items within walking distance. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

If you're only in town the evening prior to embarkation, this hotel is fine. There is a sundry store inside the hotel for wine, water and last minute items.

Anthony's coal fired pizza is right around the corner and inside the hotel there is Kiki's restaurant.

The rooms are modern and very very clean.

If your son cannot be around crowds, please inform the Special Needs dept.

They do an excellent job with children - we had a private mustard drill in the library with the assistant CD.

But the regular mustard drill is very comfortable in the dining rooms or theater.

I haven't stayed at the other 2, but the Crowne Plaza is nice and VERY close to the port. We stayed there 3 times.

There is a sundry shop to purchase wine and they have an inhouse restaurant for breakfast and dinner.

Check LMT Club to see if you can book the Crowne Plaza for a lower rate.

Unfortunately you will not find any good snorkeling close to the pier. The closest decent snorkeling would be at Blue Bay - about 10-13 minutes away by taxi.

We sail her on the 2oth of July.

Hey, me too!!!

We made a 10.55 a.m. international flight the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year when MIA was BUSY. It was stressful as the ship docked at a different location than originally scheduled and customs was slow.

But we made it with time to spare. Self assist debarkation will take off some of the stress.

Saraphine - the Best Western Miami Airport North is more than fine.

New, great service, clean, breakfast included. I believe the low rates is because they're still trying to attract guests to this new property.

The area is not unsafe, you can walk to early dinner and there is a convenience store nearby to buy last minute items.

The distance to Chobolobo is about 12 minutes by car from the pier.

Dinah Veeris Herb Garden about 25 minutes. So absolutely not walkable.

You will need a customized tour to do both. At the cruise pier there will be plenty of taxis to take you.

We will definitely be visiting here again and even are considering an extended visit on their AI package.

THIS is what we want to hear!! Glad you had a great time and hope you come back again.

Depending on the time of day and day of the week, IA to the port is 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Rush hour in Miami is evil!!

 

I have never spend more than 25 minutes in a cab or shuttle going from the airport to PoM. And I do go that route often.

I've searched for more information, but all threads are dated.

Does anyone have recent experience with Sixt Car Rental? We are thinking about renting a car at MIA and return at their down town office.

Usually we go with Alamo, but for our dates Sixt is substantially cheaper.

Any positive, negative info or tips are more than welcome.

And just so you board the right ship - the cruise line is Carnival.

The closest Catholic church is the Santa Ana church.

When you exit the cruise village, walk straight towards Main Street (do not cross the bridge).

Mainstreet is called Breedestraat - enter this street and after a couple of stores you will find the church on your left.

I have difficulty walking long distances, but I always go to Jack's. I just walk slowly.

Last time we took a cab ($4 per person) and I might do that again next time.

I don't know about the rudeness of the owners, because I don't interact with them. I order the yummy food, have a drink and spend my time in that gorgeous water.

I love the value of the 1As. I would stay put.

When traveling with young kids and teenagers, you can collect all S&S cards when getting off the ship in a port of call.

Whenever you're back in line to board, give everyone their cards and make sure everyone has lanyards when walking around on board.

Many thanks for sharing. I'm just looking into this resort for our cruise in October. I've been sent the info from the resort and just had one query. Under the section that states whats included it say "house brand beers". Do you know if that includes Budweiser? Thanks again

Budweiser is not considered a house brand anywhere on the island (not very popular). I'm a fan of Bud Light myself and it's not being served at lots of establishments.

$209 OBC for 3 people really isn't that much to spend. You will go through it before you know it.

Yes, you will find bottles in the souvenir stores at the cruise port as well as downtown.

I wonder the same thing myself because I know on our last couple of cruises, the artwork displayed for sale in the corridors and public areas, etc was UUUUUGLY.

 

Like seriously ugly. Like, painted by a drunk college student ugly.

I KNOW!!!! It's a matter of personal taste, but I keep thinking - WHO likes this stuff??

Yes, you can. There are many cabs at the cruise pier.

In order to get to Plasa Bieu they need to take you over the high bridge over to the other side.

While I'm not 100% certain of the cab fare, I don't think it can be more than $15 each way. If you share with a couple of guests, it won't be expensive.

Please ask the driver to come back and pick you up, otherwise you have to walk back to Main Street to catch a taxi.

Sounds too good to be true. Are all the food, drinks, and transportation included in the $99?

Yes, they are.

So sorry for everyone who will be affected by this change! Im pretty nervous now about our booking...its April 17 2016 thru returning on the 23rd.

Don't worry about it. It's a once a year charter by Tom Joyner and your sailing date won't be affected.

We will also be arriving late ..... 2:00 . Really want to go to the beach. Considered Seaquarium but $40 car

is pricey for such a brief time.

 

Looking for suggestions for a close beach with amenities that is nice....cheap cab or walking distance.

 

Someone mentioned Pirate Bay .... is that a nice spot ?

You will not find any beaches within walking distance and no nice beaches that are close by.

Pirate Bay is a nice spot to have dinner, but the beach is not nice (LOTS of pebble stone and no clear water).

The closest that are nice with amenities (without paying hotel day passes) are Seaquarium and Blue Bay. Maybe you can find others on your roll call to share the $20 per trip with.

It all depends how well (or not) the cruise is selling for the rates to drop.

But since you're past Final Payment - no reduced deposit will apply to your booking.