Royalcot

Thanks for all the posts that help to plan our cruise!

Questions:

1. Where do ports dock in Ho Chi Min and Bangkok? Distance to these cities from port?

2. Has anyone done Ankor Wat from Bangkok?

3. How did you contact private tours? Which ones would you recommend?

4. Does Azamara offer any "off the beaten path" or are they typical bus shore excursions?

5. What is the average price for shore excursions in Vietnam?

6. Would you recommend Azamara over Holland America? Why? Is it just because of size and itinerary? Would you consider them similar quality?

7. Azamara is offering either upgrade of cabin or U$S 1000 on board credit as a special promotion. Can the onboard credit be used for shore excursions?

Thanks again

"We had 6100 and it's actually a lot larger then 6102."

 

We had the cabin with only one window, and it is second away from the outside door. We were on the Amsterdam, and at least for the Amsterdam, 6100 was a lot larger than 6102, with both cabin doors in a different place right on the main hallway. The deck plan for the Amsterdam used the deck plan for a different ship, so we were surprised to end up with the larger cabin. But it was a nice surprise.

 

That said, if you aren't on the Amsterdam, I'm honestly not sure what you will get space or set up wise. You could check Cruise Deck Plans and see if there are any pic, or ask your TA.

Thanks!!!!!!!! Happy New Year!

Wow, have to go back 3 years in my memory here... we were a bit leery of booking these cabins since we had always had a balcony, but our friend suggested them and we trusted him so we booked both. Great suggestion! We had 6100 and it's actually a lot larger then 6102. Easy access to the outside door (just steps away) and it is very nice to see where the ship is going! The windows do slope and keep in mind because of the way the light plays and the fact that the bridge is right above you, you can not have the window shades up at night if there is any light on in your cabin. The bridge will notify you quickly to put the shades up, or so the sign said under the window! Since you are at the very end of the corridor, it's very quiet. We didn't have an issue with any loud music or noises, and because of the sloping of the windows and a barrier, anyone on the outside observation deck (and it will fill up) is not able to see in to your cabin.

 

Views were great! How could they not be? You see what the bridge sees! Lots of space in 6102 (the one on the right, if I am remembering the cabin number correctly) large bathroom, lots of closet space, room to move around, very nice. I would recommend.

Thanks so much for your prompt reply!!! The only thing I did not quite get that clear is which of the 2 cabins is larger, if the one right in the middle line of the ship (6100) which has 1 window, or the 6102 (more to starboard and towards the door to the observation deck) which has 2 windows. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

I would appreciate any comments on these two cabin.

Did you get nice views? Was it very noisy? Was the slamming of doors to worry about? What about the cabin arrangement, are these bigger than the ones in a similar category? Those of you who cruised, would you recommend them?

Happy New Year!

Would you say Oceania compares to Silverseas more than to Celebrity?

We are interested in cruising Indonesia in January 2014, but we are worried and confused about the rainy season. How bad does it get? Does it mean non-stop rain? On the other hand most cruise lines sail at this time of the year! Please, enlighten me on this!!!!!!

Mero Beach, Scott's Head or Champagne? Which one would you recommend?

You could still go to Sapphire. There were people there from the Oasis the day we were there. It's just a longer cab ride, but I wouldn't imagine it would be too bad or much more.

 

Here is a picture of all the ships docked that day (we had 3 of the biggest ships there-at the time we went-which was Epic, Oasis, Carnival Dream and another). You can see the 3 ships docked at Havensight and the Oasis in the upper half of the picture (over the hill) at Crown Bay:

 

 

Oasis may be a little hard to spot because it is turned facing us.

Nice picture! Would you still recommend Sapphire over Magens Bay?

St Thomas

 

 

I was really skeptical about this island due to all the negative news reports after the shooting of the teenager from the cruise ship a few months ago and all the gang related violence taking place on this island. However, I’m SO glad I decided to go ahead with my plans for the island.

 

 

We knew before going on our cruise that we wanted to go places on our own by taxi instead of a tour service. Our plans were to visit Paradise Point first for pictures, then on to Sapphire for some snorkeling, then on to Maggens for a short period before heading back to the ship.

 

 

When we arrived at Paradise to get on the skylift, they were not open yet to my surprise. They did not open until 9am. It was only 8am. I was not only disappointed but shocked knowing that the ships come in this early, you would think that they would be open this early to make more money. We did buy our tickets on the ship (which is actually CHEAPER than purchasing them at the skylift box). Our cruise line also offered your money back if you didn’t use the tickets. WOW. The only time you would ever see that happen.

 

 

So, we decided to walk back to the port and catch a cab and go on with our plans to Sapphire Beach. A lady was there to take us to the beach. She waited until that van was OVER PACKED and people sitting on laps before she would leave. People in the van where complaining and saying “seriously you think you are going to fit more people in here-no way” only for her to get more people in the van. 4-5 people in a 3 person seat!

 

 

The driver was very talkative and talked about the island. She told us how they basically only rely on the cruise ships coming in to make a living. She stated how much it hurt them if a ship didn’t come in that day or rearranged their schedule. She told us that living in the “ghetto” would cost you no less than $250,000 per house and above. She said the nicer homes would cost you an average of 1 million. WOW.

 

 

 

She took us to Sapphire and dropped us off. Upon entering this beach area, all I can say is WOW!!! I had found Paradise finally! The beach was absolutely beautiful. The beach was lined with natural shade grape trees, clear blue water and white sandy beaches. We quickly put out things under a tree and claimed our area then headed out to the water. Instantly fish greeted us. I didn’t realize just how many where under there until I put on my mask and went under. They were SURROUNDING ME! They followed us all over the place. They were very friendly and would get right up in your face. I couldn’t believe it. We swam over to the shaded area that we knew were coral and started investigating. When my husband went under the first time, right in front of him was a jelly fish. I ran back and got my camera and started taking pictures. I found it very hard to focus on something that clear in clear water to begin with. It was a task and I wasn’t very happy with the results, but continued on exploring for fish. They were everywhere. So many different species, colors and types of fish and coral everywhere. We were absolutely amazed at this place.

 

 

 

I ran up and grabbed the box of fruit loops I had brought with me and began feeding the fish. They became our friends the rest of our visit and even took the food right out of my hand. It was amazing. We swam over to the right (in front of the Sapphire Beach Resort) and found even more types of fish. We snorkeled nonstop for hours only getting out a select few times to rest for about 10 min. When we did get out, we were exploring the sand and trees that were full of huge Iguana’s at that point looking down on us and watching us like a hawk. How amazing was that! The best of both worlds-sand and water animals!

 

 

 

I have to say hands down, this was the absolutely BEST beach I have ever been to. We decided right then and there that we not only wanted to come back someday soon, but we wanted to actually stay on the island for an extended visit (not just on a cruise ship). I was that impressed with this beach.

 

 

We had brought our own snorkeling tube and goggles, but I was having a problem with my goggles fogging up for some reason. My husband did not. We were also lacking the fins to be able to adventure out deeper. So we decided to rent the entire snorkeling package (which included everything you needed) and it was only $7. The hut also sold ice cold pop and beer that hit the spot. I mean ICE COLD. We spoke to the workers there for awhile and they commented on how much they LOVE their job there at the beach hut. What a wonderful way to spend your working day.

 

 

 

We snorkeled for awhile longer and decided that we had better head back toward the port if we wanted to try to squeeze in our trip to Paradise on the skylift. (As much as we hated the thought of EVER leaving this paradise)!!!

 

 

We quickly caught the skylift up to Paradise Point after only having to wait for 1 round of trams to pull in (there are 3 together-one set going up while one set comes down). It was beautiful up there. Breath taking. However, I was very disappointed that I had my camera on for HOURS non stop taking fish, beach, and Iguana pictures that my battery was now dead. I managed to get it to come on long enough to snap a picture, then it would die, then another picture, then it would die again. I did this several times before it would no longer turn on. We then order the famous Bushwacker drink. We were going to order food, but the waitress was taking FOREVER 1) giving us a menu 2) coming back for our drink order 3) coming back with our actual drinks then 4) coming back again to see what we wanted to order. This process was about ½ hour already. So we told her to forget the food, we’d just have our drinks. She acted very disturbed about this and rolled her eyes and walked away. It took another 15 minutes for me to flag her down to tell her we were still waiting on our check for the drinks. Then another 10 minutes to come back with the bill. Geesh. Either they need more help or different people. I did not find them friendly at all.

 

 

There was some type of parrot/bird show going on up there, but we did not have time to watch it since we had spent so much time just taking care of the drink situation. It was time to head back to the port and catch a few stores along the way before boarding again. The ride back down did take a little longer. We caught the 3rd tram that came up. But, they run every 7 min (the guy up at the top said 5 min to us so I’m not sure). Either way, it didn’t seem too long. Each lift holds 8 people per cabin. We noticed only 6 per cabin seem to be getting in. Had people been filling them the way they should, we would have been on much sooner.

 

 

All in all, we didn’t find really GOOD prices on tee-shirts there or any good discounts you would normally see in tourist spots. We got a tee for $18.99 and sun glasses for $20 (since my husband accidentally broke mine the first day on the cruise). We stopped in the jewelry stores to find that the prices they quoted us were outrageous compared to those on the ship.

 

 

My final conclusion: St Thomas is by far is a beautiful island of Paradise. I hate the thought of everything bad going on at the island and hope that things continue to improve in the months and years to come. It would really be ashamed if cruise ships stops coming to such a beautiful place. I really hope to visit again soon and actually stay on the island. I would still like to visit Maggens Bay. But if you want to go somewhere with excellent snorkeling and beautiful beaches, I highly recommend Sapphire!!

 

 

If you have any questions that I might be able to answer, I'd be happy to try.

 

 

Here are some picture I took while I was there. Enjoy!

 

 

http://kimbakerphotography.smugmug.com/Vacation/4th-day-St-Maarten-1/13875332_BZdcm#1017703050_nhpoV

Thanks so much for sharing comments and pictures!!!