Hogladyrider

@WannaSea...BIG THANK YOU for your feedback, keeping it on our list for sure! It will be a quick overnite for use for sure!

Havanna is the ONLY way we would cruise on Vista class....way too crowded IMO!

We stayed at Kantishna Roadhouse in 2014 it was AMAZING!

Interesting, I am sure it is brewed in several places!

I'd be happy with a sad face emoji!☹️

@WCB enjoying following along as well. While we are not seasoned HAL cruisers like you and Mary Ann we both enjoy doing our own thing when in port. I am enjoying seeing your photos on your blog and the confirmation of my research that Kalapaki Beach is within walking distance. We will also checkout the nearby window shopping and dining options. My other half has discovered Kona beer here in Utah so he is anxious to visit Kona Brewing when we are in Hawaii! We will be doing a Kualoa Ranch tour on UTV's when we overnight in Honolulu. Since we have HAL shore excursion credit we have booked the Molokini Crater and Turtle Snorkel excursion when in Maui. We are very excited to get back on a HAL ship this coming January!

Times sure have changed over the years....the youth of today are driving their own bus; unlike us retired folks who worked 40+ hours a week for 40+ years before retiring! Good for you as long as you are happy that is what counts.

@#55worktoplay...I was thinking the exact same thing....lots of free vacation time for a young person. Maybe is is wealthy or won the lotto and doesn't need to work.

@jam19872016...wow you have sunset and we have lunch!

@WCB...Bill & Mary Ann I am very sad to hear no shuttle to Walmart. We will be taking our first cruise to Hawaii on Koningsdam in January and research had shown the shuttle was running but guess not anymore....very sad. I look forward to see the photos on your blog when it posts since the photos are not available on CC. Enjoying your reporting as always!

@jam19872016...that is a LOT of food and desserts, was that both yours and your mom's! When I was much younger I would order 2 entrees on Carnival, not anymore, age has its privileges in that I get full faster! I too really enjoyed a cappicino when it was free on Carnival, but then we have pretty much moved over to HAL from Carnival for many reasons with the food and live entertainment being on top of the list. Looking forward to this cruise on a new ship for sure looks like it is going to be interesting.

@TravelBluebird....WOW that cruise just flew by with the blink of your eye lids.....please continue on. I will admit 6,000+ is way too many for my taste, but there are lots out there who like those types of big ships. It has been fun following along looking forward to your next one as well.

@TravelBluebird....how would you rate driving in St. Thomas vs St. Marteen? We always found St. Thomas to be a HOLD ON TIGHT riding experience. We would often take a cab or open jitney from the port to Secret Harbor or to Red Hook. Maybe it is because they drive on the opposite side of the road from in the states but definitely crazy drivers. St. Marteen much more sedate IMO. Last time we were in St. Thomas a lot of the island still had a long way to go to recover from the hurricanes whereas St. Marteen recovered very quickly.

I would say yes, Random Wind is more about partying/Tarzan swing etc than relaxing. Snorkeling not so much, areas we went to were not the best; best choice for swimming and having a good time. Celine is definitely more geared to all adults good time!

We originally met Neil as he provided the Celine as a "backup" boat as overflow for our group who booked Random Wind. Both excursions were amazing and the food and beverages were outstanding. Neil is an amazing host along with his crew. We would not hesitate to do either excursion again. Yes boats were damaged during hurricanes but they have returned stronger than ever!

@TravelBluebird....LOUD is not on our agenda for anywhere, cut not our cup of tea, we are old!

Another great private excursion in St. Marten is Random Wind and Celine! Done both and both amazing!

@TravelBluebird..that does not look like a Maine lobster (no claws), just checking! IMO BIG difference in taste.

thank you!

Will you be updating on this thread, a different thread, or a new one?

@TravelBluebird....when I was scuba diving if we got seasick on the boat our instructor advised us to jump in the water, IMMEDIATE relief....hence a pool or hot tub on a ship would work just as well.

Hope it tasted better than it looks....it sure does not look appetizing or inviting!

That's the beauty of choice!

@TravelBluebird... I am thoroughly enjoying following along on this new adventure. I can so relate to trying new cruise lines. So far your review is confirming that we prefer the smaller ships on all cruise lines. To each his/her own for sure. Also I have never been a fan of Starbucks, give me Dunkin anyday!

It seems soooooo strange...you are checking in for dinner and I am fixing breakfast!