CSloan

Sounds like a good way to spend an afternoon!

Thanks for the info on Tiger's. I checked out their website. It looks like more of a "party" boat. I'm looking for something that is more focused on snorkeling, and not so much on the party atmosphere.:)

Has anyone visited/snorkeled at the Cenotes near progreso?

Awesome, thanks. I'd rather do a snorkeling boat with multiple stops. But if I can't get that together, this would be a good plan b.

Very helpful, thanks. Looks like about $20 for a taxi...

We just took a taxi. It wasn't a long drive at all, but I will warn you to pay attention to pricing and agree with the taxi driver on price before leaving. We knew how much it costed to get there but hadn't 100% decided where we were going when we got in the taxi so the guy charged us almost $10 more then what it should have costed to get there.

Good to know. I really don't look forward to dealing with taxi drivers in Mexico. How much should it be from the ship, do you know?

We have enjoyed visiting Palancar several times although we haven't eaten there yet.

 

Here is their website which may help with further details and contact for further information.

http://www.buceopalancar.com/index_en.html

Thanks so much for posting this! :D We'll be in Cozumel, via Emerald Princess, on Nov 14. I'm having a heck of a time booking a boat snorkeling trip that's not on a giant party boat. This looks like a good alternative and an excellent snorkeling site. I've never been to Cozumel, but I love to snorkel. I just sent them an email asking for specific info. Hopefully, they'll answer the email. Looks like you just go and sign up for a boat there, after 9am.

I didn't see any pricing, but I'll look again.

How do you get there from the ship?

If this is anything like the Salsa y Salsa we did in Matzatlan a couple years ago - it will be a blast. At the one we went to.. you learn how to make several types of Salsa, while drinking unlimited Margaritas, then learn how to Salsa dance. Fun time!

I'd like to do an independent snorkel tour while in Cozumel. I don't want a big party boat. I've been looking at Cozumel Cruise Excursions. They say they limit their tours to 10 people per group. Any comments on experiences with this company?

My husband doesn't snorkel, so I'm considering the Dune Buggy tour, which includes snorkeling from the beach. But, I think the snorkeling would be much better from the boat snorkeling tour they offer.

Thanks!

I agree. We've been to Coz about 10 times and have snorkeled the heck out of the "tourist" spots. None of them compare to some other Caribbean islands and we've always been disappointed.....until we went to the East Side and snorkeled there. It can be rough (thankfully it was a calm day when we were there) and the reef is pretty far out. There were dive boat out at the reef, but we snorkeled all the way out. It was amazing. In 30 ft of water, the reef came right up to the surface. The water was crystal clear and we could see divers below swimming through the little caves and tunnels in the coral. The coral heads were extremely colorful (unlike the west side where they are all but kicked to death by tourists and hurricane damage) and there were gorgeous fish. I'd wished I was diving that day, but having had so many "blah" snorkeling experiences and wondering what all the fuss was about....I finally found it on the east side.

Did you take a boat tour to the east side? I'm just starting to look at snorkeling options for next month. I don't get to snorkel often...

Thanks for the replies. We ended up having to fly into/out of IAH, due to scheduling. We're using Princess xfer from the airport to the ship. It's $48 for both of us. We thought was was a pretty good deal.

Just booked a cruise out of Houston for Nov 11. We're flying in a day early and staying 2 nights after.

For the pre & post cruise nights, we're looking at the Best Western Seabrook Suites. They have a free shuttle to/from the cruise port. We're trying to figure out the best way to get to the hotel from the airport (HOU-Hobby).

Any suggestions?

Thanks

For those who have brought Olive Oil home - how did you pack it?

For those who have done this, did you book it thru a private tour company?

Two weeks ago we had planned to do the island drive excursion but cancelled and decided to do a DIY around town. Not sure what we missed but were happy we made the change. Just wandering in Mykonos was very enjoyable. Link to pictures below.

 

http://markandkareneurope2013.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

Looks like a great day! Thanks for sharing the pics. Did you stop to eat anywhere? Buy anything? We'll be there in August...

After checking their reviews online on cruisecritic and trip advisor, I would choose a different tour company, google their name and you will understand what I am saying. as I said on a different thread, sometimes saving money = spending little more!!

Yeah - I came to that same conclusion. It's too far to travel to have a messed up excursion!

Haven't seen any recent reviews re: this company. I wonder if anyone has toured with them lately?

Thanks.

Here is how it really works.

 

You may redeem reward points in increments of 10,000 points which will be applied as a $100 OBC. You cannot redeem for partial credit, i.e. if you have 15,000 points you cannot redeem for $150 OBC. Obviously if you have 20,000 points you can redeem 2 lots for $200 OBC.

 

You can request the redemption by phone or online. You must redeem in advance of your cruise. I believe they recommend 15 to 20 days in advance.

 

When they are applied to your sailing account, they will reside in "Special Services" and will not immediately show up in your OBC totals.

 

They are NOT reversible. The official policy is that once they are applied to a cruise you must take the cruise and use them or they will be forfeited.

Ok, then. Any leftovers go into the slots!

Is this card available in the UK?

I did a web search for Barclay UK, and found the card. But, don't know if they have the Princess Card...

Well, I doubt I'd really have any left. But, I have FCCs and TA credit that covers the auto-tips. Usually don't spend a whole lot onboard, other than that. But, now that I think about it, the casino is a great idea!!

If I get some back, would it go back to my "points" balance?

My understanding is they are just a credit to your onboard account. Are you talking about buying more in total OBC's than your entire account can use? I would think those would be lost.

 

Kirk

Yeah - If I buy $100 OBC with points, and only spend $75, I'm assuming I would just lose the $25 balance?

If I purchase OBC with the Barclay Princess card points, what happens to the OBC if I don't use them all? Would I just lose them?

THanks

I've always packed by rolling my clothes, and have had pretty good luck with the wrinkles. I'm tempted to try to ziploc bags next month, but I don't understand how you pack with them. Is the idea to fold a couple of items, then put them is a each bag, then pack them flat? Does that keep them from wrinkling? Does it work equally as well with pants and shirts?

Thanks

Did you wear booties instead of fins on the drift snorkel?

Where did you buy the Northern Light candles?