endoellen

On 6/15/2022 at 11:10 AM, LindaD22 said:

We are on the Radiance now. She is looking a little tired and really in need of a refresh. There are missing floor tiles in our bathroom, streaks (water? drinks?) on our stateroom walls, torn fabric on our balcony lounges, and just a general sense of being due for a makeover. 
 

This is our first time on the Radiance. I knew it was a smaller ship, which I actually like a lot. But, I wasn’t aware that it didn’t have a promenade, self-serve beverage dispensers, or a larger entertainment venue (ours looks like a high school stage). The shops are only open for several hours each day and otherwise are closed, possibly due to staffing issues. The main dining seems fully staffed, though, as does housekeeping. Staff are as efficient, professional, friendly and helpful as always. 
 

Even with her current deficiencies, I believe I prefer her to a mega-ship like Quantum. 

I just booked Radiance for May 2023 roundtrip from Vancouver.  I hate to hear she is looking worn. We've been on the larger ships & enjoy them in the Caribbean but thought the smaller ship would be better for Alaska so not to get caught up in crowds trying to get into ports, etc.  I looked at the excursions offered on RCI website but wasn't impressed so I will be researching elsewhere.

1 minute ago, Gardyloo said:

Have a look at getting an Alaska Airlines Visa card, which will give you something like 40,000 frequent flyer miles (Alaska's is a very good program) but will also get you an annual companion certificate with which one traveler pays the going price while the "companion" pays $99 plus taxes and fees, usually making the total cost $121 or $122.  So if a round trip to Vancouver on Alaska (connecting in Seattle) costs, say, $600 for one, the price for two is $722, or $361 each.  You get a new certificate the next year and so on, plus the miles can add up, possibly allowing additional travel without out-of-pocket cost.  Alaska flies all over the country (including New Orleans if that's closer than Houston) as well as to Mexico, Canada and Hawaii.  Just a suggestion.

Thanks for info.  I will check this out.  It's a little further to New Orleans for us but not a deal breaker and it's an easier airport to get in & out of than IAH.

1 hour ago, Jacobs Ema said:

I would happily pay more as to never fly into or out of canada again. Will NEVER  fly air canada again, and if Vancouver or Toronto are on the itinerary in any form…port, fly in, fly out then that’s an automatic no.

So, can you elaborate more on why you disliked Air Canada?  We've never flown with them so I appreciate your comment....

I'm looking at booking an Alaskan cruise in May 2023 & the better itineraries seem to be out of Vancouver or Alaska vs Seattle.  Of course, the air prices are

better roundtrip from Houston, TX to Seattle & I'm not finding good times roundtrip for Vancouver, plus the cost is substantially higher. To find any decent flights it looks like I may have to book one way with 2 different airlines.  Any suggestions would be appreciated! How far in advance do you normally book your airfare?  Maybe I'm looking too far ahead??  Just like everything else, airfare has increased dramatically!

Wondering if most of you book your airfare through the cruise line or separately on your own?  For many cruises out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, etc. I have

booked my airfare on my own.  This would be our 1st time to cruise Alaska & not sure what's best.  I do know that with the way airlines are cancelling flights

these days I would want to arrive to our embarkation port at least 1-2 days ahead.  Thanks!

On 4/2/2022 at 6:08 PM, Havin'fun said:

Jr suites do have coffee makers

Thank you!!

On 4/1/2022 at 8:44 AM, ace1zoe2 said:

First time on Allure we got a Grand Suite which was awesome with the added perks. This time we got JS on Adventure which is fine as the suite perks for upper Suites is no where near as good as on the big ships. I would think 90%+ will get JS as the better suites are purchased or bid for with Royal Up. They will sell for more $ than just giving away to Suite Guarantees.

We have a JS on Adventure next week.  1st time in a suite, usually fine with balcony room but those were sold out.  Would you happen to know if the JS has an in room coffee maker? Any perks at all with junior suite?  We got a good price so I'm not expecting anything really!

On 3/1/2022 at 8:53 AM, loohoo1 said:

Paradise Beach is our "go to" beach whenever we are in Cozumel. The AI choice is fairly new and wasn't available last time we were there. I just got on their website and noticed it said "sold out" for our upcoming cruise. I emailed them and asked if they are still doing the $3pp ala carte entry fee where you agree to spend $10pp on food/drink. They emailed me back that they are not doing the ala carte choice (at least for our March 10 date). So sad! We need to find a new beach in Cozumel!

 

I'm really glad I checked their website. I never realized they limited the number of visitors and would've been bummed to take a taxi there only to be turned away.

Looks like things are getting busy again!  We will be in Cozumel 4 weeks from now so I will definitely check websites for availability.  We've been to Mr. Sanchos & Nachi Cocum & enjoyed both of those.  Nachi was smaller with small pool but nice.  I know they limit # of people per day.  I was thinking of trying Paradise Beach this time if available. 

3 hours ago, lake show cruiser said:

I'm sure it has been said on this thread but the Victor Boddin Fun in the Sun Tour to the Monkeys and then snorkeling on West Bay Beach at the Bananarama Resort does not require a deposit. You pay them when you meet them at their booth at the cruise port. We love that option. 

We used Victor Boddin Tour a few years ago and did the zip lines, monkeys and beach time at the Bananarama Resort.  It was a fun day!

5 hours ago, ChillinCruiser said:

 

Just a friendly FYI. This will be our 6th time on a western Caribbean itinerary and have never once had rain at any port of call (all during January or February). It’s the dry season in the Caribbean, this is why we always book in Jan or Feb, but we also enjoy escaping the frigid Minnesota weather. 😉

 

Enjoy your cruise. 😊

Thanks for your reply!  I hope we have your luck with the weather! We've done Western Caribbean at least 15 times, but only our 2nd time to Roatan.  We've always cruised in April or May & had great weather & good seas.  We'll be departing from Galveston, TX and the Gulf can be rough & windy this time of year.  My husband is taking the whole month of January off & using up remainder of his vacay days & then retiring.  We wanted to head somewhere warm for awhile, even though our cold is nothing compared to yours!!

On 12/11/2018 at 12:05 AM, c-leg5 said:

 

 

I would write direct, they have different passes. I had good communications with

 

christopher.amaro@paradisehotels.com

Thanks for the contact information.  I'm going to try that!

We will be in Roatan in January.  This will be our 2nd time there aboard a cruise ship. Last time we did zip lines, monkeys, etc. , then short time on beach at Bananarama with Bodden tours.  This time I really just want to spend time at the beach and of course hoping it's not a rainy day, but I hear that is a good chance in January.  I'm leaning towards Paradise Beach Resort & would like transportation included.  I found it on Island Marketing but you have to pay in full when booking.  If it is storming that day I would hate to waste our money.  Any ideas on booking that doesn't require full payment or that will refund if the day is a wash out!  Thanks in advance!

Interested in the same exact questions....thanks!

Well, I will answer my own question for you! Just returned from our cruise & our excursion on St. Kitts. It was a nice day. Spent most of it going to Batik store/Romney Manor and the fort which took up a good 3 hrs or more. Then we went to Shipwreck beach for a little over an hour. It was not a nice beach. Very little beach area and sand is very dark, almost black. Water is clean, but lots of shell & difficult to walk out into. Some people did snorkel for short period of time & said they saw fish.

There really wasn't any sense in renting chairs for the short time there & like I said the beach leaves a lot to be desired. The beach bar is very rustic, but we like that. Had a good strong drink called Sand Dollar for $6 and my husband & I shared some chicken nachos for $8 or $10. I'm not sure of exact price. We just sat up at the bar area most of the time since the water was cool & I didn't like the sand or the beach area. Was pretty to look out over the water though.

All in all the excursion was well worth the price!

Hope this helps you!

Hi, We just came back from St. Kitts and toured with Thenford Grey. We did the Grand tour of St. Kitts. It was a great tour and Thenford was terrific. The Bus was about a 20 seater, air conditioned and in excellent shape.

 

The tour itself was fun and he is very informative about the history of the island. The Brimstone Hill Fortress was amazing and Frigate Bay Resort is very nice.

 

It was a very enjoyable tour and I highly recommend it.

Was there a place to eat at the beach he brought you to? and did you rent beach chairs? If so, do you remember cost of chair rentals? Just don't want to spend a lot to have chair for hr or so and will most likely want to purchase food if available. Thanks in advance for any answers!

I too recommend Palm Court Garden. It is walkable from the cruise port. Entrance fee to use the swimming pool which has an infinity pool with spectacular view/photo opportunity of your cruise ship. Hot tub, padded lounges, a few umbrellas for shade. Free WiFi through slow when I visited. Food available, rest rooms and a garden.

What is the cost of entrance fee to Palm Court Garden?

Thanks to everyone who replied!!

This was such a last minute decision & I rarely plan a vacay on such short notice. Reserved Riverside for 11/27/15, booked the cruise on Navigator of the Seas this morning, booked air and purchased travel insurance!!! Was a busy morning making sure I could get everything booked & coordinated.

Got a great price on balcony cabin for 8 night cruise, $1757.00 for 2 with pre-paid gratuities!!

Booked air on United for $400 change fee. Had to cancel flight we had in May due to a medical issue.

Now I only have a couple of weeks to plan for our ports of call. I usually book & plan in advance, but will have to wing it this time.

Appreciate all the great people on these boards. Always good information.

Ellen

Have y'all been back yet? I hope you asked for you know who!

 

To the OP, jump all over The Riverside! It is absolutely gorgeous this time of year!

 

They've restrung every single tree on Las Olas with new LED lights so it is stunning! I walk home from work just gobsmacked.

 

As far as the oceanfront hotels are concerned, with your late arrival, it will be dark by the time you get to the hotel and you will not really be able to see the beach unless with have a bright moon.

 

Aside from Louie Bossi and Big City on Las Olas, I love Royal Pig, Cheesecake Factory, Gran Forno, Sweet Nectar, Fork & Balls, and Roccos Tacos.

 

I suggest you go out for a stroll and eat somewhere outside. The boulevard is simply gorgeous this time of year!

Thanks for the great advice/opinion!! I love these boards for all the helpful information. Riverside location sounds perfect for our pre-cruise evening!

Another option to look at is Hyatt Place. Very close to port. You can book on valuetrips.com for $139 plus tax. It includes pick up at the airport and breakfast in the morning. There are lots of places to eat nearby and stores for last minute wine etc.

 

That being said, if I had a choice, the Las Olas area is great and is nice for a night time stroll and meal. You'll need a cab to the hotel and port in the morning. ($20/$15 or so for the rides)

 

(Just wanted to add another cpopular cruiser choice in the mix that had the transp. and brkfast included if you wanted that.)

Thanks for the addtl info. I reserved Riverside, but I can cancel up to 2 days before if I find a better deal or change my mind.

Thanks for the replies! I'm going to reserve today!! Think I'm leaning toward Riverside because of the location. Just wish I could get a flight that would get us to FLL earlier!

We've never cruised this time of year. Usually cruise in April or May & have been very lucky with good weather & good seas. Due to a medical problem we had to cancel our vacay for this past May. And I really need to cruise!!!

Ellen

Just looking for a clean room/bed to stay in for one night pre-cruise. Will most likely not arrive in FLL until 4pm or later & head to cruise port the next morning. I'm thinking it's not really worth renting a car with such few hours to use it, so will most likely take taxi from airport to hotel & from hotel to cruise port the next day. So, I would like a hotel where a restaurant & bar would be within walking distance.

By mid- price, I'm thinking around $150+taxes for the night. I'v been checking rates for 11/27/15. May be booking Navigator of the Seas for 11/28/15 sailing. Good rates for a nice ship!

I've come up with these few hotels in mid price range: Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Blvd, Bahia Mar near the beach & Harbor Beach Inn.

Has anyone stayed at any of these? Opinions please & would any of them be good to stay at without having a rental car?

Thanks in advance!!

We just returned from our cruise & was our first time in Roatan. We used Victor Bodden tours and did the Zip N Dip. I think 18 yr old boys would enjoy the zip lines plus they take you to West Bay Beach to spend time as well. I felt like it was well worth the money and everything from meeting them at their booth at the cruise port and being returned to the ship on time went very smooth!

Rather than a ship excursion, we chose to book with Victor Bodden tours. It was fun and a great day for the money spent. We took the Zip N Dip group tour. The cost was $65 per person. The van picked up 10 of us at the cruise port and after about a 15 minute ride we arrived at the Mayan Jungle Canopy. We paid for our tour & were on our way to the zip lines. It does require climbing quite a few steps & inclines along with a cable & rope bridge crossing. There were a total of 12 zips thru the jungle from tree to tree platforms. Although I'm not very brave it was an experience I'm glad I did. My husband loved it. From there we took a short tour of the little zoo/monkey business. You can go in the pen with a couple of the monkeys and they love to dig in pockets and can open zippers on back packs in a few seconds! After this we left in the van for Bananarama on West Bay Beach. Beautiful beach, great water and delicious drinks there. Of course the drinks were not included. They did have lounge chairs for our use while there. The driver gave us the option of about how long we wanted to stay before returning to the ship. The group decided on about 1 1/2 hrs. It actually went by way too fast & we could have stayed longer. All in all it was a great day for our first time to visit Roatan.

Rather than a ship excursion, we chose to book with Victor Bodden tours. It was fun and a great day for the money spent. We took the Zip N Dip group tour. The cost is $65 per person. The van picked up 10 of us at the cruise port and after about a 15 minute ride we arrived at the Mayan Jungle Canopy. We paid for our tour & were on our way to the zip lines. It does require climbing quite a few steps & inclines along with a cable & rope bridge crossing. There were a total of 12 zips thru the jungle from tree to tree platforms. Although I'm not very brave it was an experience I'm glad I did. My husband loved it. From there we took a short tour of the little zoo/monkey business. You can go in the pen with a couple of the monkeys and they love to dig in pockets and can open zippers on back packs in a few seconds! After this we left in the van for Bananarama on West Bay Beach. Beautiful beach, great water and delicious drinks there. Of course the drinks were not included. They did have lounge chairs for our use while there. The driver gave us the option of about how long we wanted to stay before returning to the ship. The group decided on about 1 1/2 hrs. It actually went by way too fast & we could have stayed longer. All in all it was a great day for our first time to visit Roatan.

Went out with Stingray Sailing on March 12. Had an awesome time. They sent clear directions ahead of time with important info. Met up at the tender dock right where they said they would be. The transportation to the vessel was comfortable. They did not crowd the boat, were patient with customers and tried to make it a good day for all. Spent time on the sandbar with the rays and on a lovely reef snorkeling. Had a wonderful day and would recommend to friends.

Would also like to know how to contact them for reservations & what the cost was? Thanks:)