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Liverpoollovely

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Posts posted by Liverpoollovely

  1. On 11/1/2024 at 12:42 PM, eric813 said:

    Looking at doing a northern Europe cruise in summer 2025 and am trying to decide which itinerary is better.  Looking at the following:

    1. 1) 9-day Baltic Sea from Dover with stops in Copenhagen, Warnemünde, Aarhus, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge, Le Harve, & 2 sea days.

           Pros: 9-day itinerary running Friday to Sunday means only need a week and half of vacation time.  During our anniversary. Includes 6 countries. 

           Cons: Several ports are far from major cities (i.e., Warnemünde to Berlin, Zeebrugge to Brussels or Antwerp, and Le Harve to Paris or Normandy).

                     Only 2 sea days makes this potentially too hectic. 

     

    2) 12-day Baltic Sea from Dover with stops in Copenhagen, Kiel, Warnemünde, Tallinn, Helsinki, Stockholm (Nynashamn), Amsterdam, & 4 sea days. 

           Pros: Most cities are near the ports, 4 sea days makes this a bit more relaxing.  Includes 7 countries.

           Cons: 12-day itinerary means two weeks of vacation time and may be too much for one trip.

     

    3) 12-day Baltic Sea from Copenhagen with stops in Visby, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Klaipeda, Gdansk (Gdynia), Oslo, Skagen & 2 sea days. 

           Pros: Most cities are near the ports. Includes 8 countries

           Cons: 12-day itinerary means two weeks of vacation time and may be too much for one trip.  Only 2 sea days makes this potentially very hectic. 

     

    4) 12-day British Isles from Southampton with stops in Portand, Cork (Cobh), Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow (Greenock), Invergordon, Edinburgh (S Queensferry), Le Harve, & 3 sea days. 

           Pros: Most cities are near the ports.  More familiar with the cities being visited in general.   During our anniversary.  

           Cons: 12-day itinerary means two weeks of vacation time and may be too much for one trip.  Daughter has been to Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

     

    5) 9-day British Isles from Dover with stops in Cork (Cobh), Dubln, Liverpool, Holyhead, Glasgow (Greenock), Belfast, & 2 sea days. 

           Pros: Most cities are near the ports.  More familiar with the cities being visited in general.   During our kids birthdays.  

                    9-day itinerary running Friday to Sunday means only need a week and half of vacation time

           Cons: Only 2 sea days makes this potentially too hectic. Daughter has been to Ireland and Northern Ireland. 

     

    Any advice would be appreciated (i.e., things I am not considering but should be)...

     

    Thanks,

    Eric

     

    Hi Eric, 


    I have been to most of the ports 🙂 and I live in one of the ports (Liverpool) so whilst option 5 I would highly recommend as well as you saying its in the summer so the water will be calm. 

    I also would suggest option 3, Gdansk in Poland is beautiful during the summer (Beach), Additionally Visby is an island in Sweden which is truly beautiful and can be completed in a short time giving you some rest. Copenhagen is beautiful. There is so much to do in Stockholm (I love ABBA and there is a ABBA museum/Attraction), Helsinki is stunning the locals are truly joyful and have a fantastic sense of humour. This is a cruise of amazing architecture delights. The buildings in almost all of these ports are interesting to look at and almost do not look real. 

     

    The reason why the British Isles cruises don't have many sea days is because it is not that far to go from port to port.  Scotland is truly beautiful also. 

     

    I hope whichever you choose you have an amazing cruise with your daughter!
     

  2. On 10/27/2024 at 11:31 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

     

    Okay… Here is my personal favourite close to Roseau … Soufriere (Bubble) Beach…

     

    Yes, Bubble is ethnic, with a shabby ambience, but it is unspoilt, with great snorkelling, as it’s a protected Marine area.  There are sulphur springs from the seabed, better than Champagne and free.

    The bars have Bush Rum (have to ask for it)..  Genuinely welcoming and appreciate one’s custom.  Beach shoes are advised for those being of tender feet, because of pebbles in places (not 100% pristine white sand), but Bush is known to relieve any perceived discomfort.  No S.H.T.

    Take it as it is..  It’s not trying to be something it’s not..

     

    Thank you so much, this looks amazing! we love unspoilt island experiences and my dad is partial to a bit of rum, makes him feel young again 😄 
     

    How much would it be for a taxi?

  3. We have never been to Dominica before, my dad, sister and I are coming to Dominica and none of the cruise excursions from the ship excite us. 

     

    We love relaxation, enjoying local food, drinks and a good comfortable beach chair and umbrella's. 
     

    I have been recommended Mero beach and Purple Turtle beach, but unsure which one to choose. 

     

    Has anyone been to either beach? 
     

    If so can you advise the cost for taxi to get to either beach? and the cost of the renting of beach chairs and umbrellas. 


    We arrive at 7am - 3:30pm so not that long in port sadly 

    Looking forward to recommendations. 

     

     

  4. Hi,

     

    My dad (85 on the cruise), My sister (52) and myself (37) will be going to Antigua for a second time, the first time we did a tour of the island through the cruise company, so we want this time to take it easy and enjoy our time on a beautiful Antigua beach; preferably with umbrellas, sun lounger's. 

     

    I look forward to your recommendations. 

     

    Thank you x

  5. On 2/19/2024 at 7:59 PM, PirateAt45 said:

    We are cruising on Carnival Panorama in July 2024. Six adults (3 couples: 2 sisters, 1 brother & spouses).

     

    One couple prefers set time dining, one prefers your time dining, and one sees pros/cons of each. What is your experience with YTD on Carnival ships. I've only been on one carnival cruise so far and heard people complain about wait times for tables, but looking on other questions on this topic, it sounds like the wait is minimal, but service is inconsistent. What is your experience with dining and pros/cons of each type of dining. I'm a set dining/late dining person.  Used to be an early dining person when we had a younger kid.   

     

    YTD is probably the best option for you, we have been on 26 Carnival cruises and never done anything but YTD, we like the flexibility, we have great service and often if we like a particular waiter we will request that wait team for the rest of the cruise, we are prepared to wait. 

     

    you may have issues with ensuring all your party are ready because you do need this when you check in on the hub app all parties need to be present. 

     

    On Elegant nights it can be busier but that is always expected, YTD runs from 5:30pm - 9:00pm so you will all need to agree on a time.

  6. 19 hours ago, bahacca said:

    We haven't sailed since 2018. Do we still need lanyards for our sign and sail cards? I have heard menus are now digital, so you need your phone. If you find you need your phone on you at all times, do you use a phone lanyard, small purse?(Guys, be quiet. Not all of our clothing has pockets like yours!😉)

     

    I like to wear my lanyard for my SS Card and menus are digital, I carry my phone everywhere, but when on island i like to take my lanyard off so I use a small black hobo bag by Miss Lulu its waterproof and can store a lot in it and I carry this around the ship as sometimes I have a bottle of water in it along with my phone and sun lotion.

     

    I have never used a phone lanyard although that would also work - my sister does not use her phone she gets her paper menus and her paper fun times, I do all the checking in for YTD 

  7. 14 hours ago, ProfSnap said:

    I cruised solo last year in Alaska.  It was nice.

     

    We will probably just stay on ship most of the time. Hard for my mom to get around and we like just relaxing.  

     

    I'd definitely use the ships excursions if I was alone, too.  Gotta be safe.

     

    Crusin Karen -  I'm Karin.  LOL  You can hang out with us!

     

    I have never cruised solo, or travelled solo before so i think both you and Karen are so cool! 

     

    we have an excursion planned for Amber Cove and for the other ports we will walk around or head to a beach, this vacation is purely relaxation time. 

     

    Karen and Karin's unite to make a formidable gaming team! 

    • Haha 1
  8. On 2/7/2024 at 3:41 AM, ProfSnap said:

    My mom (71) and I (49) will be on this cruise.  We've never been on a cruise on a holiday before.  I usually look for those where schools are not on break.  

     

    I'll be packing a few card and printable board games.  I know some of them are small children's games but I thought they would help pass the time and could be fun.  We have been to most of the ports before

     

    Snakes and Ladders 

    Dots and Boxes

    Battleship

    Wahoo

    Monopoly Deal

    Red Light, Green Light, 1 2 3

    Uno

    Several decks of cards for Gin, Rummy, Go Fish, Old Maid, Crazy 8's, etc.

    Dice  for casual Bunco, Beetle, Shut the Box, Left Center Right, Pig.  Tenzi could be fun if enough people brought their own dice (10 for each player).

     

    This list sounds like a lot but it really isn't if you print out the board.  If you see two ladies (one on a scooter) playing cards, dice, or board games on laminated paper, ask for ProfSnap (no, I'm not a professor, but I love Harry Potter and I couldn't afford the real Professor Snape) and say Hi.  We'd be happy for you to play a few rounds with us.

     

    I also Crochet and will probably have yarn near.  I'll be looking for an un hosted fiber arts group on the ship.

     

    My family and I, have never been on a cruise for Easter so this will be different for us too. 

     

    wow you have a lot of fun sounding games - a lot I have no idea on how to play sadly but I am sure you will find capable gamers on board there are some lovely areas on this ship that can accomodate group card games. 

     

    I am hoping there are some sort of craft classes for everyone too, not sure if they will be running the create your own mask activity like they have in the past! 

  9. On 1/15/2024 at 10:32 PM, Buffettfan 225 said:

    Family wants to know if the soft serve ice cream machines are available. Also any Italian gelato or sorbet? How were television channels ( asking as had to rely on tv one day in Ensenada when storms prevented getting off ship on Carnival Radiance.) Thank you. 
     

     

    Ice cream machines are available, inside java blue on lido there is gelato for purchase.  Sorbet available in the dining room.. pineapple, orange, lime. 

     

    Tv - there are some free to watch movies, but in terms of channels I remember a music channel, a cruise tips TV channel... 

     

    • Thanks 1
  10. 17 hours ago, geovet said:

    There are a couple of Catholic Churches in San Juan walking distance from port if your looking for a mass on Sunday.

     

     

    I am sure that my dad will want to go to a special service in San Juan. 

     

    13 hours ago, dlphn501 said:

     

    Horizon!  We've been looking forward to this for almost 400 days!!

    Have an amazing cruise, never been on the Horizon before but you are sure to have an amazing time. 

     

    9 hours ago, VentureMan_2000 said:

    I'm bringing a newspaper that I can wad up and shake at the kids...   🤣

    🤣🤣 Easter bunny won't be giving you no coconut cake 

     

    9 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

    There are always a few “bad apples” no matter what age! I think for kids and teens it’s kind of the excitement of being on this beautiful ship, having freedom to do what they want, eat what they want, etc. they don’t mean to be troublesome. Two of the lessons I’d like to tell kids is: when the elevator door opens, wait until people get off before you barge on. And DON’T RUN! How many times I’ve carried a plate of food, a cup of coffee or a drink I paid $16 for and don’t want a drop spilled and wasted  lol and have had to move to the side of the walkway so as not to be tackled! Be the kid or teen someone recalls being courteous or kind when they talk about their cruise.  Then we’ll both have a good memory of a small passing moment. 

    Yes I do believe that to be true, excitement and having some independence from their parents can sometimes result in over excited children. It is so exciting to go on a cruise as an adult I cannot imagine what my younger self would do if I was taken on a cruise by my parents! Yes to the no running in case they slip or fall onto someone. 

    • Like 1
  11. 20 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

    Our very first cruise was the celebrity horizon in 1992. It was a PBA chartered cruise with our town and neighboring town PBA. Our next cruise was during SPRING  BREAK 1998 with our 2 young sons. Oh yes, I remember kids and college students with their beer funnels! 🙄🫣 As you can see from my signature we survived  that first spring break cruise and it was the beginning of a love affair with cruising. I may not have picked this week if I knew ahead of time, but there is no doubt in my mind it will be another wonderful and memorable cruise. Our sons are now grown with families of their own and sadly my husband is no longer with us so I’ve cruised solo my past 3 cruises. But I am as excited about this cruise as I was for my first! Looking forward to coconut Easter bunny cakes! My Easter bonnet is already packed! 👏🌷🐇 

     

    No doubt in my mind me and my family will have fun regardless! Sorry for your loss of your husband, my sister and I have brought my dad on board with us since 2012 since our mum passed away, my dad is 84 years old and loves cruising. I have never had a coconut Easter bunny cake so I am all about trying that 🙂 

     

    20 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

    I googled. Jaky Tang is CD that week. Marq will be on vacation 😣 I’m sure he/she (?lol) will be great! 

     

    Ohh looking forward to Jaky, I have never sailed with him, I love MarQ remember sailing with him when he was a cruise director and when he was fun squad he is a cool person. 

     

    16 hours ago, dlphn501 said:

    I will be cruising over Easter with my hellacious kids 🤣

    Haha, just kidding; I raised them right 🙂  

    I thought there might be a ton of other spring breakers at that time, but when you have kids, you tend to notice the other ones a lot less.  We can ONLY cruise when school is out and the ships are loaded with kids, so we don't know any differently.  And totally agree with the no responsibility (to a point) - no cooking, cleaning, etc, for a week!

     

    perfect, will you be on the Venezia or another ship? I hope you have an amazing Easter cruise, I don't think children = chaos ... sometimes adults can just be as chaotic 😄 and cruising with a large amount of children is a bad thing, I like Carnival for its family friendly 🙂 

    • Like 1
  12. I have been on both ships. 

     

    Love both of the ships, the Dream class is my particular favourite - bigger ships but seem to be able to accommodate the number of passengers to crew ratio. 

     

    The Sunrise is a gorgeous ship, comparing the two ships they seem offer almost identical amenities / activities and ship offerings, so I would base my choice on the itinerary. One thing to note the coffee shop java blue location on the Sunrise is on deck four - I enjoyed this location as I could get an iced coffee and go to see one of the playlist shows. 

     

    HMC is my ultimate favourite port of call, I would go for the Magic - for the ports, for the extra days and the Magic is a gorgeous ship. also the itinerary gives beach/ pool vibes whereas Sunrise you could do varied activities in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios - Dunns River Falls. 

     

    Regardless I hope you have an amazing cruise whichever one you select. 

  13. 14 hours ago, ChuckF said:

    Wife and I were on the Magic on Easter 2023.  Without kids, so all of those kids activities had no appeal to us, but were excited to see that they offered a non-denominational Easter service. Unfortunately, it was led by one of the Fun Squad members who apparently had never heard the Easter story. She was reading scripture from Matthew and could not pronounce any of the names or places that those of us who have heard that story over and over.  It was very sad. On the bright side, one of the Playlist performers sang a beautiful hymn, and a little girl from the audience said an amazing prayer. It's just sad that they assigned this activity just like any other Fun Squad activity rather than assigning it to someone who knew and cherished the story. 

     

    we don't have children on board with us for this Easter cruise, it might be nice to attend a non denominational service for Easter. I think it was kind that the fun squad member offered to be apart of a special Easter non denominational service, I would be very supportive of anyone who put themselves forward like that, not everyone shares the same beliefs. I must say though I am very excited thank you for sharing your experience. 

     

     

    • Like 1
  14. 15 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

    Liverpool lovey, we will be on the same cruise! This will be my 3rd time on Venezia. If you need any info let me know! 

     

    woohoo that is fantastic! oh wow so you must really like the ship, this will be my second time I do enjoy her layout. Do you know who will be the cruise director? last time I was on it was Joey Boyes.

  15. 19 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

    I would expect more kids because Easter can be the start or end of a school's spring break. I have cruised over Thanksgiving eight times (I think) and even though it's heavy on the kids, I have had a good time.  The adults this last Thanksgiving cruise, not so much.  Fortunately we cruised over Martin Luther King Day which is the third Monday of January (a Federal Holiday that Americans get off of work usually) and the adults were much better behaved.  I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

    Thank you, I am looking forward to it, ten days of not cooking, cleaning, being on a beautiful ship with my family. I am sure I will have a good time regardless. 

     

    19 hours ago, WhiteOptima said:

    This👆🏻.  We cruised on Celebration last year and Easter was embarkation day.  We ate at Rudi’s that night so not sure about menu in MDR but they did do the Easter egg hunts.  And yes to a lot of kids!  The bulk were of course teenagers left on their own playing on the elevators, running down the halls and taking ridiculous amounts of food in the buffet and leaving piles of it on the tables.

    Perfect thank you, I have Steakhouse booked for Easter Sunday. I will be aware of a busy ship for this sailing 🙂 

     

    5 hours ago, Crusin Karen said:

    I am too (Venezia) had no

    idea it was over Easter when I booked so kind of bummed. We’ll be in San Juan Easter Sunday and was worried they would not have any excursions but they do and  I booked one. I bet they’ll have at least an Easter dessert theme! Coconut bunny cakes?!? 

    Hi Karen, I have not booked anything for San Juan, But excited to see if there is anything on offer or open when we get into San Juan. Coconut anything sounds delicious! 

     

    2 hours ago, kwokpot said:

    Easter is a terrible time to cruise if you're looking to avoid crowds and families with kids. It's probably the worst time to cruise during the Spring months in the US, even worse than the dreaded College/University Spring Break weeks. There will be kids everywhere on the ship, everywhere. 

    thank you 🙂 I am sure my family and I will have a great time regardless of crowds. 

     

    1 hour ago, Crusin Karen said:

    Yep-I’m sure. Wish I had checked calendar before I booked. Didn’t think Easter would be so early this year. Oh well-I believe

    in “fate” so you never know-might be my best cruise yet! I have 8 young grands (whom I’m goung to miss seeing on Easter 😣) so I’m pretty much bullet proof!!! 🫣🤞

    Yes Karen I believe in Fate, I am sure you will have an amazing cruise, and I intend on doing so with my family too 😄 

    • Like 1
  16. 18 hours ago, shof515 said:

    Easter
    When:  March 31, 2024 | April 20, 2025
    Activities for guests of all ages and some specific for children and their families will take place on Easter Sunday.

        Family Easter Hop N’ Stop Hunt
        Family Hidden Egg Hunt
        Easter Egg-stravaganza Bingo
        Easter Traditions Trivia
        Themed Youth Activities
        Non-denominational Easter Service (excluding those ships in their home port on Sunday)

     

     

    Thank you, looks like a lot of family fun to be had 🙂

  17. I have sailed Carnival during many holidays/ celebrations like:  Halloween, Thanksgiving, St Patricks Day, Cinco De Mayo, Dia de los muertos, and even Earth Day.

     

    But we have never sailed during Easter ...

     

    • Do Carnival do anything to celebrate or acknowledge this holiday?
    • If you have sailed during Easter what was this like? 

     

    I look forward to your responses and if you have any reviews to share I would love to read these also 🙂 

    • Like 1
  18. Oh wow I loved reading this entire review, I was actually on your 15 day sailing on the Venezia, embarkation day rained so heavily and then when it come to getting off the and it was raining again I remember thinking not again! haha but it was not so bad on debarkation day. 

     

     Thank you for sharing I cannot wait to read more cruise reviews from you and your talented wife, amazing photos! 

    • Thanks 1
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