ncrn2014

Saw the date restrictions, but know that these are used to fill empty rooms, but didn't seem like a bad deal if you were able to get away with a short notice. My daughters are finally getting old enough that taking a short notice cruise might actually (finally) be an option for me and hubby. Didn't see any hidden fees, but then I guess then they wouldn't be hidden! Know anyone that has done this type of thing? What kind of hidden fees?

Has anyone ever used Groupon for a cruise purchase? They look like there are some great deals. Just wondering what the loop holes are, if any. Are you able to pick rooms, decks, etc?

Thanks for all the encouragement. This will be our 6th cruise, but I think I might be comfortable enough to branch out on my own. It anything, I am confident to try something different in Aruba since we don't have to be back on the ship until late evening. We don't drink on the islands, so I don't think the "Senor Frogs" drunk will be a problem for us. :p

Hello all. Wanted to ask some of the seasoned cruisers a question about not booking an excursion through the cruise ship and your experiences with that. We are not new cruisers. This upcoming cruise will be our 6th cruise but I am starting to get tired of the excursions through the cruise line. That being said, I am paranoid of getting left behind on the island and for that reason, have continued to book through the cruise lines. This upcoming cruise, going to the southern caribbean, I am thinking of branching out a bit. How risky is it to just get a taxi and get to a tourist site or local beach. Are the taxi's reliable on the islands? If you set up a return pickup time are they reliable to come back? Any advice would be great. I am thinking of doing my first step out on Aruba since we don't have to be back on the ship until late, leaving me plenty of time to get back to the ship. Advice please. Thanks so much