Tonimarieb

Question for those that did the west beach hop tour. It’s listed as a 6 hour tour. We’re only in port for 8 hours for a cruise. Did you have time to look around port/shop before or after the excursion?

Have seen several recommendations for Irie tours. Not interested in the East side tour and the 6 hour West side beach hop would leave us little time to explore on our own around port. Noticed a 3rd option-Surf and Turf that still visits 1 beach on the west side but is only 4 hours. Has anyone tried this tour? Wondering when then excursion leaves/returns to port as well.

Good to hear. Anyone with kids use the waterpark area. On prior larger ships it was very hard to find a chair near .

16 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

We sailed on her in early December, Eastern Carib.

 

No issues, just the usual stuff that has been noted about her in general.  This is what I noted: certain areas bottle-neck a bit more easily than they do on other ships, the Limelight Club for comedy shows is awkward and gets full quickly, and you have to walk through the smoky casino to get from fore to aft or vice versa on Deck 5.

 

We liked Serenity, and there weren't actually all that many chair hogs, just lots of people!  And the Havana Bar area was great - never really filled up with folks, even near the end of the 8-day cruise.

 

Dang, now I am remembering what a great time we had, and I want to go back now!

I’ve heard lunch at the Havana Bar is great! 

Excited to be sailing on the Sunshine this March. We’ve done larger ships are we’re ready for something a little smaller. Loved the southern Caribbean itinerary and the waterpark and serenity deck on this ship. I know she had issues in October but curious if anyone has sailed recently?

We’ve actually looked at that very excursion. Wondering how our 9 year old would do? We’ve been to the blue hole which is similar. Also thought about zip line which we’ve never done.

Yes this is true. I’d don’t know if they would ask for ID but our 9 year old was disappointed 

Gets busier as the day goes on but it is huge. vibe by bar is like Grand Turk but you can find quieter chairs a little further away

Yes-I think we have decided it’s not worth the cost. We don’t dock until 1pm and the day pass is only good until 6pm. 

Sounds like there will be plenty of places to get chairs and food. Maybe we will try a sunset cruise that evening instead 

Our ship gets in at 1pm. If you get a day pass how long can you stay?

I will check them out-thanks!

Thank you! It doesn’t look like that resort offers day passes. I wonder if a resort near by does? 

Early is best but you’ll have no problems finding chairs. This is our favorite stop is Cozumel. The pool is Amazing! Enjoy!

Paradise Beach was better in my opinion. It’s not all inclusive but the pool is breathtaking and admission so cheap you’ll still pay

less by the time you buy food and a few drinks. We’ve been to both and would return to Paradise beach hands down!

Our family was at this port last year. Enjoyed the pool and water slides. Wondering if there is more to this port?

Bummed our son was too young(9)to zip line at the pool. Is there good zip lining near? What would you recommend for a family of 3?

Avoid the city and take a private tour to Caye Caulker! Beautiful water and quite island vibes. Went with a large group

and all ages enjoyed! Felt very safe!

Family of 3 and walking is no issue. Is it best to explore port by foot on your own or book a tour?

What should be on our don’t miss list?

Family of 3 (son is 9) first time in Aruba. Thinking of making it a beach day as our other ports are Curaçao and Amber Cove.

Thinking of taking a cab to Eagle or Palm beach. Edwardos beach shack is on my list. Which beach is it near?Which beach is best for families?

Any don’t miss shops or restaurants?

Any ship with Cove Balconies. My wife tends to get seasick and I like balconies. The coves are low enough that she really doesn't feel much movement. If we choose a ship without them we get an oceanview on Deck 1 or 2.

Yes-love the cove balconies! Wish they had them on all the ships

For those that have sailed on the Sunshine how was the smoke? We enjoyed the Magic but the common areas were so smokey!

We liked the Sensation. It’s a small ship but never felt crowded.

Definitely leaning toward the Sunshine. Port Canaveral is my favorite and like the itinerary. Have not visited Aruba and it’s been on my list.

Starting to plan for next year’s cruise. What’s your favorite ship and why?

We have cruise on Ecstasy,Sensation,Breeze and Magic.

Loved all the amenities of the Breeze and preferred it over the Magic as it was way less smokey.

Also loved the Sensation as it never felt crowded.

For the next cruise debating between Sunshine(serentity deck looks amazing) or trying the new Horizon....

Sailed on the Breeze last year, and Magic this year. Prefer the Breeze hands down. Over all the Breeze feels much less crowded in my opinion, and decor is more appealing. It was the smoking on the Magic that really bothered me. Would not cruise on the Magic again for that reason. Smoking was allowed not only in the casino but outside common areas as well. The smell of smoke was even in the elevators. Have not experienced this on any other Carnival ship.

Have not traveled on the Sunshine but did Magic this year and Breeze last year. I would not sail on the Magic again. The smoking is out of hand on that ship and is allowed in way too many common areas. We were really bothered by it even in the elevators. The Magic also felt way more crowded as others have stated. We could never find a lounge chair and did not have this issue on the Breeze even though it was just as large. The Sunshine was in port with us and looked like a nice ship. May consider it next year.