Freedom PHOTO Trip Review to ARUBA, GRAND TURK, DR, & CURACAO

[wrigley80]

If you need two double beds, I suggest you refine your search on Hotwire to include 4 persons. You will probably get the same results, but you will ensure there are two beds. I typically call the hotel directly after booking to confirm. I even have had the room typed changed by calling. I cannot answer the hotel shuttle question, as each hotel is different. I was able to use Priceline in Port Canaveral and was able to pay out of pocket to the hotel for shuttle to the port.

 

I always use betterbidding dot com to research Hotwire and Priceline hotels and to see what winning prices others have paid.

 

Thank-You

[mpcaruth]

Curacao Continued – Downtown Willemstad

 

 

The taxi dropped us off near the dock and we boarded the ship. We quickly showered and ate dinner at the Lido buffet. We were tired, but the beautiful lights from downtown Willemstad called to us. So we headed off the ship, minus one tired little girl. My daughter decided that she didn’t feel like walking into town. So, we allowed her to stay in the cabin and relax watching TV. I am all about getting in as much as I can in port, and sometimes I forget that it can be too much on others.

 

 

We walked off the ship and headed down the large sidewalk toward Rif Fort. There were some vendors along the way and we stopped and got a few trinkets. Rif Fort was a happening place! A nice social spot with a lot of restaurants, bars, and wifi spots. However, none of the shops were open.

 

 

 

 

We enjoyed walking across the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge at night; there was a calming quietness and a slight breeze. My son enjoyed seeing the smaller cruise ships and ferry boats as we walked along the river. One of his favorite things about ports is watching the other cruise ships, pilot boats, cargo ships and cranes. The shops in town were also closed, but there was a large open café next to the river and a live band playing for the café guests, as well as passers-by. Willemstad is really a beautiful and relaxing stroll during the night. Since I am not a true shopper, I did not mind that the stores were all closed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our stroll back to the ship, all the vendors were packing. up. If you want to purchase souvenirs, you must do so before 9:00, or so. Once back on ship, we headed straight to bed and missed sail away. It was a long day and we had to get up early for our excursion the next day in Aruba.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…Aruba – “One Big Happy Island”

[Name Of The Game]

Really enjoying your review!

 

Your pictures are fantastic!

[mpcaruth]

I neglected to add this photo to the Curacao review. I didn't take many pictures on our taxi ride to and from Porto Marie, but I caught this lovely church through the taxi window near the entrance road to Porto Marie. For some strange reason, I love taking photos of churches and cemeteries in the cruise ports.

 

 

[auburngirl]

Did you keep your daily "Fun Times" Activity sheets? If so, can you take photos and post? Thanks!!

[mpcaruth]

Did you keep your daily "Fun Times" Activity sheets? If so, can you take photos and post? Thanks!!

 

Sure. I will scan them into pdf format and post a link to the files, along with the Camp Carnival and Circle C schedules. It will probably be a few days before I can get to it, but I will try sooner.

[mpcaruth]

$$$ Money Saving Tips $$$

 

 

I started off this review indicating I would let everyone know some of my money saving tips. I must admit, I love getting a bargain! I also want to make sure I don’t get too cheap to miss out on what’s important to us: experiences in port.

 

 

 

$ Pre-cruise hotel:

I use Hotwire, Priceline, and hotel reward points. For two nights stay, this can save $1-200.

 

 

 

$ Pre-cruise parking:

I do not typically park at the port parking facility. For this cruise, we used Park N Go, and it was perfect! Cheap, professional, fast, and prompt on picking us up after the cruise. Port paking for 8 day is $15 daily (or $120). Our pre-booked cost for Park N Go was $69.67, including taxes.

 

 

 

$ Cheapest time of the year to cruise:

January and November and the first week of December (based solely on my observation!). Most expensive time to cruise: holidays and July.

 

 

 

$ Cabin:

I always try to book the largest (s.f.) cabin for the lowest price. Ocean View cabins are the biggest quad cabins, and there are also special “interior” cabins that are larger than standard interior cabins. The special cabins include PT (porthole), 4J (picture window) and 4K (French door). The special interior cabins are significantly less than the standard OV cabin. There are a limited number of these special cabins for quads. So… I must always book early. When I originally booked this cruise, there were no special quad interior cabins available. I booked 11 months out for $2500 for an OV quad. This 8-day cruise is very popular, and the laws of supply and demand make it one of Carnival’s most expensive. I watch the cruise price at least weekly between booking and final payment. At about 10 months prior to sailing, a PT quad cabin became available at $2200, and I switch cabins and saved $300. I noticed that the OV quad cabin price went up to $2950 just before final payment. Further justifying the need to book early to save money. Summary, by booking early and watching for a PT cabin, I theoretically saved $750.

 

In case you are interested: I once posted photos of our past cabins. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=33702019&highlight=obstructed#post33702019 (FYI, Carnival now uses the term Picture Window instead of Obstructed View)

 

 

 

$ On Board Credit:

I used a Carnival Future Cruise Certificate to receive a $100 OBC. (Sadly, these are no longer available). Following every cruise I book with my online travel agent, I receive a $25 OBC voucher for my next cruise. Through reading Cruise Critic forum, I learned of a Master Card promotion receiving $50 OBC. I also received an additional $50 OBC from my TA. This nearly paid the gratuities.

 

 

 

$ On board drinks:

We do not buy the soda package. I do carry on a few sodas and lots of Crystal Light drink mix packets. Some of my drink packets have caffeine; this is to supplement the nasty coffee on the ship. My husband has a Carnival credit card and earns Funpoints each month. We use our credit cards to purchase everything and pay it off each month. This process really works for us and we get many free perks. My husband cashed in his points for drink vouchers: We got 8 free adult drink tickets and 8 free soda tickets. VIFP (past guests) each get a free drink coupon (with the ridiculous restriction of redemption only from the main dining room at either breakfast or lunch). We redeemed the VIFP coupons at breakfast to get un-opened, mega-sized canned Fosters beer, which we carried back to the cabin and placed in our fridge for later consumption. We also attended the Gold level and higher VIFP party. We drank a few drinks at the party and carried a mixed drink out with us “for the road”. We don’t typically drink during the day, and I only have a glass of wine on formal night. We really only have drinks at the Comedy Club. And of course, for those more daring, rumrunners are an option.

 

 

 

 

$ Casino:

The only way to save money here is to not loose! I only played slot machines during this cruise. I literally set myself a limit of putting $20 on my sail and sign card for slots. If I double my money at a machine, I stop. If I loose half of my money at a machine I stop. I either take a break or move on to the next machine. I have also noticed that the machines seem to pay out more during the beginning of the week and take more the end of the week. With that said, I probably played for a total of 2 hours all week and came home $40 richer. One thing that I had wanted to do, but never got around to it: use a receipt for a Classic Cocktail to get a match and play token in the casino. I have read you can do this. On Royal ships, I always use my match token on the roulette wheel and have always come out ahead.

 

 

 

 

$ Shore Excursions:

 

I use a cash reward credit card and put all my rewards into a vacation kitty for shore excursions. This amounts to over $300 of “free” money. I also put all my mail-in rebates (if I get any) into this “free” account.

 

Aruba: Another great find on CC forum was a coupon code for 10% off Carnival shore excursions. I successfully used this coupon code to get a discount on our North Shore Jeep Safari excursion in Aruba. It saved $30 for my family of 4 ($272).

 

Grand Turk – we did not spend any money here except to buy a shot glass. The pool and beach are free. The ship sells $10 Grand Turk T shirts on the next sea day. We did not buy any food here, as I have a hard time spending money at a facility that is just like the Margaretville in the States.

 

Seavis Tours – La Romana – The tour cost for the 4 of us was $254. Which included transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, rum & beer. This tour would have been worth the money even if it had not had the drinks and lunch!

 

Curacao – The taxi to the beach did not seem like a bargain. It was $100. But there was no acceptable alternative for us, as we really wanted to hit a nice beach and snorkel. As we had packed water and snacks in our cooler, we did not need to purchase food in port. We ate dinner on the ship before going back out to Willemstad.

 

In looking at the numbers above, it appears that we only “spent” (after “free money” deducted) a little over $400 on shore excursions and tips.

 

 

 

$ Souvenirs:

Every person is different is what the want for souvenirs. I always get a cheesy shot glass at each port and try to buy something handmade too. I find the souvenirs tend to be less expensive further away from the cruise dock.

 

 

 

$ Spa:

Sadly, I do not use the spa facilities. I am just too frugal to do it! I keep thinking that my husband can give me a massage (:D), and "do I really need to relax any more than I already am on vacation". I have attended the spa raffle on boarding day, unsuccessfully trying to win a free luxury treat.

 

 

 

 

 

I am sure there are other money saving tips that I just cannot currently bring to mind. If something pops up, I will add it later. Cruise Critic Forum is a wonder place to learn about money saving opportunities from fellow cruisers. Just post a question or use the search function.

 

To be continued...

Edited February 5, 2013 by mpcaruth

[auburngirl]

Thanks!! I need the Circle C. Do you still have the code for the 10% off a carnival excursion? Thanks for everything!!

[mpcaruth]

Thanks!! I need the Circle C. Do you still have the code for the 10% off a carnival excursion? Thanks for everything!!

 

The coupon codes change often and expire. Search the Carnival forum for current codes. There are many nice CC members who share coupon codes. When I booked the Aruba excursion, I knew of two coupon codes, but only one worked. The good thing is you can start the booking process and if the code does not work, you can cancel and try again with another code.

 

Good Luck!

[almondglaze]

In Curacao we did the $20 Eastside tour thru Irie Tours. It was a tour of the Island on an open air school bus with all of the soft drinks, water and beer you wanted included in the price. We toured the island, the Curacao Liquer Factory and then were taken the Sea Aquarium beach. Lots of fun. Make your reservations online so you won't have to wait for a bus when you get there. We met the bus right outside of Rif Fort.

[Butterflywings]

Your pictures are beautiful!!!!

[mpcaruth]

In Curacao we did the $20 Eastside tour thru Irie Tours. It was a tour of the Island on an open air school bus with all of the soft drinks, water and beer you wanted included in the price. We toured the island, the Curacao Liquer Factory and then were taken the Sea Aquarium beach. Lots of fun. Make your reservations online so you won't have to wait for a bus when you get there. We met the bus right outside of Rif Fort.

 

I had actually inquired about this tour. I think it would have been good for me and husband, but I don't think the kids would have enjoyed it. It sounds like a great deal!

[y7anks3]

Hey

Great review just curious any chance u have the funtimes and if so if u can scan them would love to see them.... doing the same trip in august......

thanks in advance if possible

[cruises42]

Originally Posted by mpcaruth View Post

I will give you a heads up on Aruba: We did the North Coast Jeep Safari booked through Carnival. The tour was conducted by ABC Tours. I give this tour a 4.5 out of 5 (just because I gave the Seavis tour a 5/5). I highly recommend this tour! Check it out.

 

We're thinking of doing that tour. I heard it's very bumpy, is it really hard on the back?

__________________

[mpcaruth]

Originally Posted by mpcaruth View Post

I will give you a heads up on Aruba: We did the North Coast Jeep Safari booked through Carnival. The tour was conducted by ABC Tours. I give this tour a 4.5 out of 5 (just because I gave the Seavis tour a 5/5). I highly recommend this tour! Check it out.

 

We're thinking of doing that tour. I heard it's very bumpy, is it really hard on the back?

__________________

 

Yes it is very bumpy, but tolerable in my opinion. The vehicles are not really jeeps, but are Land Rovers. They are equipped with shocks and struts for off- roading. The seats are probably 4 inches thick and supported with inner springs. With that said, we "bounced" rather than jerked around. My husband has back problems from a bad car accident, and the excursion didn't bother him. For comparison, I think jet skis are really bad on my back, and this tour much more kind to my back.

[mpcaruth]

OK Folks! I have scanned and uploaded the Funtimes, Circle C Schedule, and Camp Carnival (9-11 y.o). Enjoy!

 

 

Here's the link:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/show.php?i=1556555&cat=2

[me-shel]

OK Folks! I have scanned and uploaded the Funtimes, Circle C Schedule, and Camp Carnival (9-11 y.o). Enjoy!

 

 

Here's the link:

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/show.php?i=1556555&cat=2

 

Love this, thank you for sharing! We'll be on this ship/itinerary next month so I've been loving your review and all the FABULOUS pictures.

 

One question about your Circle C experience: We'll have a 10-almost-11 year old who's used to hanging out with her teenage sister. I keep promising her the groups are broken out into a 9-11 group so she won't be with the "little kids" but on the schedule you shared I see a whole lot of activities that show ages 6-11. Are they really combining all these ages together?? :confused:

 

My only experience with kids on board is with my then-13yr old who didn't want to have anything to do with ANY of the kids activities so this part will be all new to us.

[cruiseclues]

Remarkably excellent photo review...especially liked that Grand Turk Photo from shore of the 2 cruise ships...framing was great...nice border, too...that Seavis Saono sea spray & shore palms photo was outstanding. :)

Edited February 6, 2013 by cruiseclues

[cruiseclues]

Curacao Continued – Porto Marie

 

 

After snorkeling we played around in the sand and found tens of tiny hermit crabs. This occupied by daughter for nearly ½ hour. She wanted so badly to bring a crab back with us, but we managed to spare all the little cute critters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After we released the crabs, the sun was beginning to go down and we packed up our gear and enjoyed the serene view. We had pre-arranged to have have our taxi driver pick us up at dusk.

 

 

 

To be continued…

 

Had to mention that tiny crab in your hand Photo...The first one in this group with the kids and the bird on the right...it's hard to come up with adjectives adequate to describe your photos. CC software said I had 7 images?... so I had to remove one to complete this post...tough choice. :)

Edited February 6, 2013 by cruiseclues

[mpcaruth]

Love this, thank you for sharing! We'll be on this ship/itinerary next month so I've been loving your review and all the FABULOUS pictures.

 

One question about your Circle C experience: We'll have a 10-almost-11 year old who's used to hanging out with her teenage sister. I keep promising her the groups are broken out into a 9-11 group so she won't be with the "little kids" but on the schedule you shared I see a whole lot of activities that show ages 6-11. Are they really combining all these ages together?? :confused:

 

My only experience with kids on board is with my then-13yr old who didn't want to have anything to do with ANY of the kids activities so this part will be all new to us.

 

 

Yes they did combine the 2 age groups most of the time. This has typically happened on all our Carnival cruises. We only cruise during the off season, and there are not many children cruising then. So, it may just be something they during the off season to combine resources. Maybe someone else who cruising during the holidays and summer can help answer.

 

My daughter never seemed to mind the younger kids. There were about 5 girls her age that she hung out with at camp.

[mpcaruth]

Had to mention that tiny crab in your hand Photo...The first one in this group with the kids and the bird on the right...it's hard to come up with adjectives adequate to describe your photos. CC software said I had 7 images?... so I had to remove one to complete this post...tough choice. :)

 

Aaaawwww, thanks! The crab in my hand is one of my favorites. He was just so darn cute!

[mpcaruth]

Aruba: Our last Port :(

 

We booked an excursion through Carnival for this port. I don’t typically book ship excursions as they tend to be over-priced and over-crowded. I had tried to book directly with a jeep tour company, but ABC tours responded back to me and said I had to book through Carnival. I really wanted to do an off-road excursion in the “desert”, get in a little sightseeing, AND get a little beach time. So we booked Carnival’s North Coast Jeep Safari.

 

We had to meet for the excursion at 8:30, so we got off the ship as soon as Carnival released passengers. We took a shuttle from the dock area to a parking lot lined with probably 12 safari jeeps (actually they were Land Rovers). 8 people were assigned to a jeep and we were off!

 

 

It didn’t take long to get out of town. Our first stop was at the Ayo Rock Formation. This is where my DSLR camera lens malfunctioned and wouldn’t auto focus. I think the beach and sand from Curacao tested it’s limits. There were many paths at Ayo Rock to follow. Some will take you on a tiny path through the rocks. It was very hot, so a lot of people didn’t make it up to the rocks. My son loved climbing through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…

[mpcaruth]

Aruba continued:

 

 

Here’s a photo taken of the jeep behind ours, just after leaving the port area. See the Carnival tail in the background:

 

 

 

 

 

The next stop was the ostrich farm. My family was not a big fan of this stop. We have been to ostrich farms near our home, so the experience was nothing new. Plus, the stop was way too long! It was very hot and there was no shade. The farm tour guide made everyone stay with the group, so you could not just go to the shade. I would say about half of the tour group seemed to really like this stop. Those who fed the ostriches seem to have a blast laughing, while the other half of the tour seemed hot and bored.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this: cactus, palm branch, and sea.

 

 

 

Some new little critters to entertain my kids:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…

[mpcaruth]

Aruba continued:

 

Pictures taken along the ride:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another church:

 

[mpcaruth]

Aruba continued:

 

 

 

We made our way to the Natural Bridge. I was really impressed with the beauty of this coastline. It was like none I had ever seen. There was a little store her for souvenirs and drinks. My son needed to use the restroom, but had to come back out and go to the jeep to get money – yep, you have to pay to use the toilet!

 

 

 

 

Far:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Near:

 

 

 

 

 

The collapsed larger bridge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What appears to be some sort of tradition: stacking rocks. I forgot to ask our tour guide why. Stacks were all over the place, so each of us decided to add our own to the landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued...