Shih-tzu

**sigh** i guess all good things have to come to an end.....?I looked forward to seeing if there were more posts added each time I loģged on. Say "hi" to Hermoine for me.....looking at tge spaghetti models it may come right up the Bay of Fundy...hopefully it will fizzle out.

Dont suppose you could take another cruise so I have great material to read????

Great job...hopefully will see you in Saint John!!!!!!

I have to say that I don't consider myself a stupid person (I work in finance related field) but I am finding it much more difficult to figure out what is what at the best price.

As an OP mentioned, you can take the price of the inside cabin on two or three different lines...but the promotion isn't applicable to a certain type of cabin, you need to upgrade (i.e. more $$). Then there's other items to consider (does the cruise line charge for room service? what activities cost more and how much? - Do both people in the cabin have to purchase the drink program if only one drinks, etc). If you don't drink, is it worth taking the promotion or is what you need less expensive on another line?

Long story short - I wish that they would all just publish the cost of their cabins by category. Publish the cost of a drink package. Publish the cost of the special dining packages.... Give us the base price and let us select our own add-ons..... And when something is FREE, then it is REALLY free.... Sitting trying to figure out the "real" cost of the cruise now is like being in the casino - roll the dice and hope for the best....

Disappointed that you're camera wasn't working during the Nun Run :-( Looking at that train that was on the 75% grade....reminds me of a roller coaster first glance... What am I supposed to read once this review is done:confused:

I did the HAL Veendam cruise where we spent 3 nights in Bermuda (from Monday noonish to Thursday noon. ). That ship is small enough to get right into the dock on Front Street in Hamilton which puts you only a couple of blocks from the central bus station and the ferry. You can get a transit pass for 2 or 3 days (forget which) for unlimited use of buses and ferries. We preferred it as its more central to the island (as opposed to King's Wharf which is at one end.)

There were a few kids on the ship when we went but that was early May. I notice they have more sailings in 2017. I would think they would enjoy the Aquarium in Flatts, the Crystal Caves and the beaches.

Enjoy your trip.

Beautiful photos of market. Some stalls done up so colourful....minus the sheeps heads....Ewwwwwwwww that would make my tummy do backflips, eh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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So, were they taking pictures of you at the same time, or maybe reading CC? Love your pictures.... and the one of the market with the no picture sign (your camera was acting up again just like in the Sistine Chapel....?)

Do you know WHAT those pink things are with the eyes (sort of look like a mini dinosaur of some type)?? Nothing I'd be buying for sure but really curious....

I apologize for my delay in writing lately. I just started a new job and it has me extremely busy. I will try to write some more tonight. I'd hate to ruin Shih-Tzu's Saturday morning ritual of reading this review while enjoying some coffee on his back deck!

 

 

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No worries...I got posted to a new position as well this year so totally understand. SHE'll enjoy her coffee and reading more just whenever you're ready and able to post more.

The lemonaid on the Lido deck wasnt bad really either....it was free 24/7. I just added a little sugar.... of course in the morning and evenings I would sit out on deck with a coffee or tea when it was cooler, and watch the sea go by.......( its free too)

Thanks for the tip! I was thinking of getting Bottomless Bubbles for myself but didn't know if they included virgin drinks like Shirley Temples. I remember drinking a million and a half Shirley Temples on my first Carnival cruise, but that was over 10 years ago and I'm sure it's not the exact same system in place today. I'd probably get the package if I could get virgin mixed drinks and skip it if it was only straight soda/juice.

No, Bottemless Bubbles does NOT include the virgin drinks.......would be nice if the had an in-between package. They weren't as expensive as the ones with the alcohol though.....I think they were $5.75-ish. I usually had one a day...... the Bottomless Bubbles I believe is fountain pop (not canned) and as with any fountain pop/soda... (sorry, Canadian wants me to say pop) I find it doesnt taste as good and with the heat the ice melts quickly making it more watered down...

I bought a Tervis (?) Tumbler from tge Red Frog pub and filled it the canned pop I had pre-ordered. Stayed cold for a long while, didnt lose it bubbles as quickly.....

Have a great cruise!!!!!!

On the contrary, I am actually wondering what we are going to do with our free bottle of wine from making a reservation at the steakhouse on day 1...I kind of don't want to make a fuss by asking for something else (if that's even an option), but I'd also like to have something I will actually be able to use. Maybe I can give it as a gift?

We were given a complimentary bottle of wine....it was in our room when we arrived (from travel agent). At the end of the cruise i wrote a note stating something like "I (name) from room # ______ have given this bottle of wine to _________ , our room steward and signed the note. I figured that way he wouldnt get in trouble/they would know he hadn't taken it.

I don't drink and have never felt left out. There are some of the frozen cocktails (I remember a mango one and the Miami Vice) that i got without the alcohol. Still came with the umbrellas' cherry, etc......and they were yummy. I also preordered a 6 pack of Coke from the Fun shop. It was in my room when I arrived and I popped it into the fridge...... You'll have a great time..... ( and check online for a Carnival bar menu......thats how I knew about the frozen drinks.......)

Lady Tripp looks like she's having the time of her life!! The merryground reminds me if Ile le Groux off the coast of L'Orient in Brittany! Im going to be lost when this review is done..... first thing i look for each time I log on CC.:D

When ever I'm un the US and purchase anything it's in USD. In turn my card charges me a certain exchange rate. Only hear of this happening on ships....which shouldn't be done in my opinion. My CC has a good exchange rate even better than if I go to a bank and purchase USD (cash). You can almost bet the cruise companies are making $$$$

Both HAL and Carnival charged me in USD

Thanks again everyone......more to think about. Mardi Gras would be fun but I see where airfares to NOLA and Houston are quite a bit more. I would love to do the Panama Canal some day.....but not this time unless there's a great bargain comes along

Which always makes me smile.

Lobster was my grandmother's favourite food.

She was never allowed to take a lobster sandwich to school, because lobster was food for poor people and the homeless and her family couldn't have the townsfolk thinking they were poor.

Oh, they wre poor, dirt poor. But they'd rather die than let on.

Which is why many older folks from here and PEI do not like lobster.......I've heard the tales of how they would throw out their lobster sandwiches while walking to school so people wouldn't know they were poor....?

On another note - I love lobster (Maine and Bay of Fundy ones) but I always look at it before cracking it open and think to myself "The first person who ever tried this must have been a very brave soul!"

Thanks everyone.....a lot to take in for sure. Bermuda in September and October would offer the warmest water Temps but if a hurricane rerouted it to Halifax or Saint John I would be crushed to think I spent money on a cruise that would have me doing shore excursions in my back yard:eek: I've been to Bermuda in February (by air) and in May by ship.

I think I read here that Galveston is a port that isn't easy to get to.....so thinking I'll have to stick with either flying to Florida ones or driving to Boston or New York ...

Thanks for the tip on President's week......definitely didn't know about that one.

Thanks for the info so far.....

I suspect that February is a good time but it's so "iffy" with the weather to fly......So maybe May, September, Oct and early November..... for a start anyway..... Our school breaks are in March so although it may not affect the cruise itself, it puts the airfares way up there.....

As I mentioned, we don't mind kids at all, just don't want to be overrun by them... av10 day cruise may be stretching it as usually I can only get a week off at a time plus the day ahead to fly in.....but would love a 10-14 day long one....

Keep the ideas coming though......

I get cruise feet......and it's not alcohol because I don't drink it. I think know it's a combo of a lot more walking and the desalination of the water....you can't taste it but there's still a higher amount of sodium than you get at home (unless you have a water conditioner that uses salt)

Three "old" ladies (well, not THAT old) looking at booking a cruise for some relaxation and fun filled week (no......this isn't a classified for companionship - ha ha):p

I have read several posts that to avoid a lot of crowds that we shouldn't travel during school and Spring breaks. Being from the great white land north of the 49th, we actually have no idea when the "traditional" breaks are in the US.

We can find the traditional holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving (different date than ours ) but a general idea of the breaks would be helpful. We don't mind kids, just don't want to be cruising when there's the possibility of a higher than normal percentage of them or college students getting hammered/loud.

We would be doing an East Coast departure .... to Bermuda or Caribbean. We're going to be catching up with conversation, probably toting a few good books or a Kindle, enjoy the pool and beaches, visit the piano bar and our drinks of choice are the frozen non-alcoholic type. Our knees etc aren't in the greatest of shape so won't be doing rope, climbing walls, zip lines and we won't be entering the Hairy Chest contest......

Any recommendations along with break dates would be welcome......the Serenity area on the Carnival Sunshine has drawn our interest as it looks wonderful...but would be only if you could get a seat:) Don't mind sea days either.....

Me too (although I'm feeling a bit sheepish over the goat comment).....

Not sure about Canada, but in the U.S. we call them sheep. And they are baaaaaa-d! Glad you're still enjoying the review!

After a much closer look, I believe you're right.......I just saw the floppy ears....they must have been recently sheared....... Ya pulled the wool over my eyes that time......;) I Think of sheep being big, white and fluffy looking with black legs and face. (like clouds with legs and a head)..... Too many Serta commercials I guess.....

As an aside going to take a Saturday drive to Saint John tomorrow and the Sunshine is supposed to be in port so I'll see her while crossing the Harbour Bridge.

Sarafina was disappointing as well. The pastries were pretty but so dull and bland. The line was long, the employees blank-faced and unhelpful. Still not sure if I paid for the baguette I ordered and didn't get, because I didn't get a receipt.

 

I'm thinking it could be a European thing. When I was in France I'd see the most wonderful looking things......but they didn't seem to have much taste or as sweet as I expected them to be..... seemed to almost the presentation over the taste.

Great ideas here. One thing I always run out of is zip lock freezer bags (extra large) and sandwich size. great for putting a wet bathing suit in while on shore excursions or for putting things in that you don't want to get damp/wet (I had my iPhone in a sandwich size bag at the beach.....still took great photos and didn't have to take it out of the bag). Also handy for ice for joints that refuse to cooperate and need a cold pack.

The lip balm and hand sanitizer is a great idea.....

With all these ideas you may look more like Santa Claus coming on board! If I think of anything more I'll let you know......but please post back after your cruise to let us know the reactions of your group:)

Before I contribute any ideas..... how many people/goodie cups are we talking about? I could probably come up with an idea or two.......but wouldn't want to suggest something that would make it cost prohibitive (buying for 10 is a lot less than buying for 50....):)

We had never been there before, but we didn't sign up for a tour or excursion. We got a cab to Marigot and walked around there for a couple of hours, then we got a cab to Maho Beach, rented a lounger and stayed there for a couple of hours and watched the planes, waded in the water..... If you're at Maho (or maybe even the other beaches), you need to get a taxi to make sure your back at the ship on time - our on board times was 4:30 - the taxi driver recommended we be at the taxi area in Maho around 2:00-2:15.