charmingtortoise

Whichever line you pick --- Be sure to look at the ship itself to see if it has the amenities you desire. For instance, NCL is an amazing cruise line, love them, but we sail on older smaller ships and they do not have waterslides, go-cart tracks or laser tag. If that's what you are looking for. I would not recommend the the Jewel class of ships for NCL because they do not include all the amenities that kids would adore to have. Honestly, I would love to have at least one waterslide 😁. I don't think Disney Cruise Line is great unless you are huge Disney nerds. The cost is just so much higher than the other brands. 

They take pictures as you get off the ship for port days and also in the atrium in the evenings. Don't worry, we are suckers for photos too 🙂

We brought back Dominican chocolate, Dominican chocolate tea (Yummy!!), and an assortment of spices. For the kids we know we brought back little pan flutes, notebooks and keychains. I hate bringing back knickknacks or shirts with the name of the places we visited since that's not a place they visited, so it won't be special to them. 

Apparently NCL's port is Taino Bay. Which I saw on YouTubers ParoDeeJay that they do have a couple of pools, surf simulator, lazy river and shopping/restaurants to enjoy. I am still confused why NCL says they dock at Amber Cove when they actually dock at Taino. Not that it matters in the grand scheme but still confusing.

We absolutely loved the aquarium. It is a great way to kill a couple hours. 

I've never seen a sale on excursions

Hi there, I see there are three (or so) places to do chocolate tours in Grenada. Does anyone have experiences, good or bad, with any of them? 

Thank you both. Didn't even think about them letting excursions go first. Makes me nervous about trying to do an excursion on our own. 

I am Latitudes Gold tier and it shows that you get Priority Tender Tickets. How does that work? Do you have to go to guest services the day before or something? If you don't have priority do you just show up and get on when you can? We've been so lucky that we've had like 2 tender ports before and I can't remember how it works. It looks like we will have one at George Town, Grand Cayman so just trying to get it set in my mind.

On 1/8/2023 at 10:33 PM, hotmonia said:

Are there busses right outside the cruise terminal, or do we need to walk down by the library? Ty.

I checked the Centre's website and it says:

• Taxis are readily available at resorts, the cruise ship dock, and Owen Roberts International Airport.
• Visitors may also opt to take the official public bus transportation system. The bus terminal is located adjacent to the Public Library on Edward St. in downtown George Town and serves as the dispatch point for buses to all districts.

I know I'm maybe in the minority here but I think they are worth it for the amount that we drink. We had heard stories of heavy drinkers ending up with $1000 drink tabs at the end of cruises so our first cruise we bought the drink package. Now, we always cruise with NCL that includes the drink packages. For us it is worth it to not have to think about money every time we want a drink. It makes it so we don't feel bad being adventurous and trying new drinks. If we don't like it and can't drink it then I don't have to feel guilty that I just threw away a $12 drink. Not saying we are wasteful but last cruise I finally tried a bloody mary and literally could not drink it because I didn't like it that much.

*Just my two cents.

I have a lanyard that I keep my card and a few dollars for tipping in. If I've got more stuff that I want to carry I have a small Vera Bradley purse that I carry that holds my phone and whatever else. 

If I have pockets I just throw everything in my pockets so I don't lose anything. 

Has anyone taken and/or recommends the America's Cup Regatta excursion in Philipsburg? It looks quite interesting on NCL's website but just looking for some first hand experience. 

We went to Ocean World in January 2022. We actually did the swim with sharks excursion. It was such an experience to get to be in the water with nurse sharks! We are revisiting Puerto Plata in 2024 and I would seriously consider doing that experience again. The park itself is rather small but has a lot of critters to look at. Another excursion we saw people enjoying was the sea lion experience. 

Travelled with someone that forgot to pack underwear

On 11/28/2022 at 11:03 PM, spirit rev said:

We like the Courtyard at 54th and Broadway and have stayed there numerous times. The real address is 1717 Broadway. Easy walk to Central Park and Times Square. Very helpful Bellmen for taxis or other car service. 

Thank you for the recommendation. I won't be cruising out of New York until 2024 but I'm starting to collect information. 

I always like to get at least one of the drinks of the day. I also like trying new drinks that I wouldn't necessarily order at home because of not being sure I like it. My very favorite was an espresso martini, it had a little bit of an upcharge but goodness it was delicious. Another favorite is Disaranno on the rocks. That's my go to when I've had too much sweet and sour mix in other drinks. 

Some cruise lines (looking at you Norwegian!!) don't allow you to decorate your door due to it being a fire hazard. I've never really thought to decorate our cabin since it's just hubby and I and the steward seeing it. Now that you say it though, it wouldn't be a bad idea. We will be cruising over our anniversary in 2024. 

I've seen a few on my last couple cruises. I think a lot of people are sourcing them on Etsy these days. I always kind of like seeing the big groups with the same shirts. It looks like a lot of fun. 

I saw one on a Youtube channel, I can't remember which one though. They had little games or activities for each bar. One was asking the team member how to say Merry Christmas in their home language. I don't remember much else, other than it looked fun. 

I'm like many others - I grab a drink. 

On 11/23/2022 at 3:41 PM, LauraAnneC said:

-  we have 2 days at sea to get from NY to reach San Jose. Any ideas how rough the seas will be while sailing south? Should I bring sea sickness tablets? 

I always suggest bringing the tablets. They are cheap and easy to get at your local store or pharmacy. If you need them you have them and if you don't at least you didn't pay inflated prices on the ship. 

I'm on the same Dawn itinerary January 29. I'm taking a peek at your "alternate" ports just in case we change as well. We are trying to take everything as it comes but I'm kind of anxious so I like to know my options, lol. We figure as long as the it sails and there is booze on the ship we will probably be happy!!

Thank you everyone! I think we'll forgo the tournament and just play a few hands normally!