rutgersgirl27

We took a small boat going, and a large, two level ferry going back. A few cruise lines will offer excursions at a time, so they will offer ferries by cruise line. The ferry ride was really pleasant and we enjoyed the landscape. 

We found the beach closest to the dolphin exhibit to empty, with plenty of shade. And we had a great view of the dolphins, which was fun. We didn't really eat, we were with our kids who just wanted to play and swim. You don't have to sit on the beach, you can explore the island. It seemed like there were trails.

Was it the most picturesque beach I've ever been on? Not really. Did I get to lay under a palm tree, hear the ocean, and swim in the warm water with my family? Yes. 

49th and 6th ave.

Just wanted to chime in. I love reading your review of my city :) I think you did it exactly right!

If you read this in time, don't forget to go to Magnolia to pick up some cupcakes and treats! It's right around Radio City.

I am more annoyed than anything at the concept of DD. The menus look good, but it is frustrating that I am eating at different times on my upcoming Quantum cruise. I liked having a dinner time to anchor my schedule. It's not fun to me to have to constantly check online to see if there are cancelations, or that the first moment of our arrival on the ship will likely be spent trying to see if there are openings.

Maybe there is a way to compromise. Maybe ahead of time, cruisers can pick blocks of time that they prefer for dining, and then they can reserve meals during those times. Early diners can be given access only to times from 5:30 - 7:30, and late diners can be given access to times from 7:30-9:30. This way pax have the freedom to choose when they want to eat, but have a better shot of getting the times they want, and avoid the free-for-all.

I wouldn't worry about elevators. Chances are high someone else will be using them as well (have you ever been on an empty elevator on a cruise?), and your friend can just get off on the closest deck that was picked.

http://hirhurim.blogspot.com/2010/01/halachos-of-going-on-cruise.html

This might be helpful, but honestly talking to a local rabbi is the best bet. Especially since the Conservative movement may be more flexible.

I much preferred the Central Park Cafe for breakfast. We also did room service, and Johnny Rocket's as well. I just think the WJ had too high a volume of food to serve at any one time. It's hard to have it up to standards.

If I have small change in foreign currancy then I'll leave it for the stateroom attendant. Doesn't pay to exchange it, and I figure they can use it if they go offshore. If there are unopened snacks, I may leave them too. I'll write a note, though, saying it's for them.

I don't think dressing up or down makes anyone cultured. I do think that when they say "suggested", it doesn't mean "sure... go ahead and do what you like." It's meant to create a certain atmosphere, and to guide those who aren't familiar.

Personally I think flat out ignoring the suggested dress code means that a person is not being respectful of their surroundings, vs those people who genuinely interpret suggested dress in a different way. Dark jeans with an ironed polo to me means an attempt to meet the standard because you are intentionally wearing something that is clean and neat. There's a difference between that and people who are genuinely going out of their way to ignore the suggestion.

OK, I'll bite. If you aren't going to tip, then just go to the cafes and buffets yourself, bring down a plate, and pay yourself back. Chances are that would be faster anyway. If you are asking someone to do that for you, it's polite to tip.

Otherwise, we do the same thing with tipping (leave money in a central location by the door). If we can't afford to tip, then we really shouldn't be cruising until we have more saved.

Personally, I would take the 500.00 and put that towards a few spa treatments. That would make my cruise much more enjoyable than a sofa.

Enjoy your cruise! Hope you get to land the deal you want.

We use the room safe, and I only bring that which won't make me upset if I lose. I've never been concerned that the safe will be broken into, but I generally don't bring more than inexpensive pearl earrings, etc.

What are the chances they'll have gluten free buns?

Probably better than the chance that they will have vegetarian hot dogs.

Personally, I like having the set dining times, and the MDR. It is easier for my DH and I to agree on food, and I knew I always had a veggie choice. We used the dining time as a way to "anchor" our day, and it was easy to plan what we wanted to do. I liked knowing that I could always get a pasta, or salmon if there wasn't an entree that appealed. I feel like now I have to know what foods I'm going to be into eating months before.

I like this idea in theory, but am worried about it in practice.

I think this is the perfect sized ship for your first cruise. Big enough to explore, and small enough not to feel overwhelming.

Agree on Dizzy's; go for an evening drink, and enjoy the view of the ship at night.

We always take 50.00 in small bills for extra tipping staff, or tour guides. Will throw in an extra dollar when we get drinks at shows, etc. We also will tip for room service.

Bring a sweater, or a cardigan, I find the ships always tend to be on the cool side, and it will likely be windy at night.

We love the solarium, very peaceful way to relax, especially on sea days.

Activities will vary from the silly (belly flop contest), to quizzes. People here reccomend bringing a highliter to go through the activities for each day. There is a small library, and lots of bars/lounges where you can just sit and relax. There are also paid activities, like bingo. Every night they will have a main show that is timed around your dinner hour.

Dress- I like to dress up because I don't get to wear my fancy clothes every day. I would say work-causual seems to be a good way to go for the evening, and you can get dressed up more for fancy dress nights. There's always photographers who will take your photo (photos are usually pricey, but we will pay if there's a good pic).

The best part of cruising is that there's always something going on that you can't do at home. Even if you are reading by the pool, you don't get that experience reading on your couch. Go with an open mind, and have fun!

Still worth it, especially compared to what it would cost on land. If it crept up a dollar more, I would start to think twice.

Echoing what other posters have said, you can bring food back to the room. I've found, though, that portions are generally right sized. Enough for you to fill up, but also to clean your plate. I would say you might enjoy getting small meals/portions at the dining venues, and then getting a freshly prepared snack when you are hungry.

My thoughts? I'm not in the medical field, so I can't comment on how the dr respond.

I go on cruises knowing full well that they are in control of the contract, and that I'm at their mercy to a certain extent. Even so, I would be upset if were the OP.

However, I do know that everyone has a responsibility to make sure that the ship is aware of potential health issues they may face when on the ship. They are responsible for safety once the ship leaves. If you have fibromyalgia, and have cues for migraines that are prevalent on the ship, you might consider having a dr's note explaining your symptoms, and any cues that could set them off. There might have been any number of things the ship could have done to help the OP have a safe and comfortable cruise. Isn't there a separate drill for pax who have different needs?

Or at the least, there would be something on record that the ship dr can refer to as a way to inform his opinion, especially with such a short time between the muster drill, and sailing. Would there even have been enough time to reboard after leaving at that point?

When I sail, I bring along the pharmacy's description of medicines I'm taking, that include symptoms, etc. My husband sails with a note about his diabetes. This way we have something to show in an emergency. I assume that a ship's dr will know the basics, but I agree, it's like my going to urgent care. They don't know me. They know symptoms. There's a huge difference to me. Whatever vacation the OP takes next, I would urge her to prepare differently.

I actually found myself doing more on my Ex cruise then on my last Carnival one. Royal has its share of silly fun, like the belly flop contest, or paper airplane contest, and Ex has a beautiful promenade where they have parades, parties, etc. You can't miss Quest, the highlife of the cruise for many guests. But there is also great entertainment, a fab ice skating show that is quite impressive considering the moving ship, and an incredinly hard working staff. We enjoyed going to the shows, people watching on the promenade, and relaxing in the adult solarium (adult only pool deck). My husband played in the dodgeball tournament, and I enjoyed shooting hoops in the mornings.

My husband and I are in the 20's-40's demographic, and there were enough of us there to feel perfectly in place. I agree with the lack of pushiness in regards to alcohol, etc. Royal too me feels less hectic. They do have their share of crazy watch sales, etc. But its easy too avoid.

I am willing to bet most people fly in the day of, and without much of an issue. If you are really worried, pack some extra basics in your carry-on bags so if there are luggage issues, you arent stuck. You may even consider only bringing carry-ons so you can go straight through when you land in San Juan.

I would say to check if you can get travel insurance, as an extra precaution. That would give me peace of mind. If you can get it through carnival, perhaps they would be more willing to help that day if there are issues.

For me, travel ahead of time is preferable because there isn't anything better to do. It sounds like you have a very exciting reason to fly in that day, and I certainly hope it works out :)

Omigosh what an experience! Ive had minor illnesses on cruises, but both times it was apparent to staff that it was more from the change in my every day diet than a virus (must eat more junk food to acclimate my system before cruising ;)

I'm glad you took the time to post this. I'm sure a lot of ppl are so concerned about going to medical. But if you need to go, then you need to go. Its cool that they can do lab work. Wasn't expecting that for some reason.

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Just like some people are planners, and follow their lists down to each letter, some people sign up ahead of time, but end up just doing something else. I wouldn't worry about it, or let it stress you. You have a good shot to see the comedy shows, and i'm sure you will have an awesome cruise :)

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I like it for the non traditional items; like the miso soups for breakfast, or the broiled tomatoes. Lunch as a vegetarian is hit or miss for me. As with all cafeterias, timing is everything. Get there when items are being replenished, and its different than eating cold food.

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Omigosh what a cutie :) . Great start to the review!

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To add, snacks generally are 3-4 dollars. I usually bring my favorite splurges, and pack them in my suitcase. Depending on your ship, there's lots of places to get free snacks on board, plus there's always the free, and for fee ice cream/yogurt.

We thought at first we had less than stellar service on our last cruise. My DH and I are very low key. We don't ask for much. Our only real request wasn't listened to in a timely fashion (it was for a sharps container), and we felt like we weren't given attention. By the end of the cruise, though, we realized how hard the steward worked. I actually felt upset at myself for thinking that we were getting a slacker, when it was really the opposite.

I know that doesn't seem to be everyone's experience. I really do think that having to add rooms is making it harder for the staff to do the job we all expect.