ljandiernp

Thank you both for your replies. Laurie

Hi, I'm sailing on the Sky later this month (8/15) and I'm interested in the spa options on this ship. Not the treatments, but what are the pool and sauna area options? It's an older ship, but I'm wondering if salt or thalassemia rooms were added on any of the dry docks? Thanks, Laurie

So I'm curious, did you go on this trip? Which ship did you decide on and what did you think? Laurie

Ok, thanks for all the replies. I guess I should have been more specific. I was asking a very general question about whether NCL would do anything to win my business over my sailing with Princess. So if we were talking equal deals (same itinerary and month from the same port) would NCL try to get me on board, especially if I was a returning customer? If I call a cruise TA at NCL would he or she work to get my business by offering me a little discount versus losing the sale to Princess? I though I was making this point by saying that I realized I was comparing apples to oranges, but I guess not. And to the poster who said that Princess is the better line, I generally agree. But I have done all their Caribbean itineraries and can't take the time off to make Europe worth doing yet, so I've branched out a bit. As a big ship I like the Breakaway and I love the convenience of leaving from Manhattan. I don't actually like the Regal or Royal Princess very much, so I'm not sure I'd actually take a Princess cruise out of the city. Of Princess ships I prefer the Caribbean Princess sized ships and I'm a frequent Princess cruiser, so no argument about the quality of that line from me, LOL! I don't mind the way NCL does business; I didn't buy into anything that made me feel "nickel and dimed" at all. I was given the dining package as a perk of my first cruise and although as a result of it I only ate in the main dining room twice, I thought all meal options were great for a ship feeding thousands. I'd gladly purchase the premium package for meals again, but I/we average less than $40.00 per day in alcohol charges, so maybe that's why I'm tolerant of the cost for restaurants. Take care, Laurie

I currently have a credit on NCL and want to cruise from Manhattan to Bermuda; I have done this trip before on the Breakaway and it was lovely. We prefer aft facing cabins and I have a current booking offer in an aft cabin that includes the dining package (all the specialty restaurants) and a drink package for about $4,000 for the week. This seems VERY expensive (we don't drink a lot and the dining package is $119 per person for a week when purchased). We really love Princess and I looked at their Manhattan offerings to give me SOME comparison. They offer a 10 day cruise to the Caribbean in an aft cabin for about $3,600 with beverages included; the cruise is in October, versus June for my current booking on NCL. I am aware that I am trying to compare pretty different cruises (June versus October to begin with as Princess only does October cruise from Manhattan) but there is pretty big difference in prices on similar, large ships. Thinking about these comparisons got me to wondering, do the lines have to compete with one another or not? In other words, does saying "I can go with line "xyz" for $3,000, so why don't you match that price in order to sell me a cabin?" work or there plenty of fans for any given line that they don't have to work for a sale? Thanks for your thoughts, Laurie

Found these to be very helpful in planning for a trip; there is a link on the first one to transportation infprmation:

http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hub-1-St.-Georges-St.-Davids-Summer-2016-Guide.pdf

http://nothingtodoinbermuda.com/

http://www.bnt.bm/visit/museums-historic-buildings

I traveled to Bermuda in May 2014 and had tea at Sweet Pea's at the Bermuda Perfumery in St George. Very nice tea with sandwiches, pastries, scones with jam and cream, and for an extra fee, champagne if desired. Pretty little garden location and a lovely interval in the company of friends and pleasant staff. Thought it was worth the cost (sorry don't recall price) and we enjoyed the perfumery, although none of us purchased scent. I was disappointed by the perfumery based on web site description because I thought there was a real tour of perfume making and I imagined the garden as much larger, but despite these differences it was a lovely afternoon. Laurie

We are thinking cruising to Bermuda out of NYC on 5/1/16. Has anyone been in early May? Is it warm enough for the beach and to get into the water? We have been before but in August and I'm worried it won't be warm enough in early May for the beach.

Hi, we sailed from NYC on the Breakaway in May 2014 (third week) and for me it was too cold to do more than wade to just above my knees. The beaches were windy and sunny, but in the coves out of the wind it was better. This is one location we enjoyed: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147258-d148432-Reviews-Jobson_s_Cove_Beach-Warwick_Parish_Bermuda.html I think it's hard to judge for another; think about kids, they'll swim in the Atlantic ocean here in New England in May, LOL! But I prefer the warm waters of the Caribbean, so I would have preferred it warmer. Also we were using the public bus and ferry system to travel the island, and I didn't want to be really wet and cold on the 30 minute bus ride to the port. In hindsight, especially at Jobson's Cove, we could have changed right on the beach without worry; there was no one but us girls there. This year I'm doing the same trip with my husband, but we're going in the 3rd week of June. I think I'll enjoy the water more then. Laurie

I will be in Bonaire around Christmas and would like to do some shore snorkeling, I will have all my own equipment with me, I will be with my wife and two teenage daughters that are comfortable in the water, Are there places you can go snorkeling of the beach without doing a tour? Any suggestions on venue or location, I understand you can take a water taxi to klein easily, Thanks for any help in advance.

I know you said no tour, but I'd suggest that if you've never been there before you hire a guide once, early on. This will give you an idea of where to focus your time for the rest of your vacation. I would highly recommend Renee's snorkel tours; she is very reasonable and very exceptional at what she does! http://reneesnorkeltrips.infobonaire.com/#_=_

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147268-d3310066-Reviews-Renee_Snorkel_Trips-Kralendijk_Bonaire.html

Laurie

Please tell me who provides the culinary tour in San Juan Puerto Rico for Royal Caribbean? Thanks, Laurie

My sister lives in San Juan so I spend a lot of time there.

 

There are food carts that have very good street food. The tripleta sandwich has three kinds of meats on a big roll and is usually for sale to the left of the port (looking from the ship). There is a very good place called Punto de Vista (Point of View) which I'm told recently moved from the cruise port area to a few blocks away. Find out where it is and go there for cheap, good Puerto Rican food.

 

I have tried numerous times to like mofongo and have never gotten through the first few bites, so be sure to read what it is before you order it.

 

Another touristy but good restaurant just 2 blocks from the port is Las Raices.

Despite it's "touristy" atmosphere the mofongo is quite good here, as are the cocktails with local rum. Laurie

Hi, this may help you: http://sanjuanpuertorico.com/cruises/ Laurie

16:8 means fasting for 16 hours (8 of which is while you sleep anyway), then eating your meals in an 8 hour window.

 

6:1 means eating healthy for 6 days then fasting for 1

 

5:2 is eating healthy for 5 days then fasting for 2

 

Wonderful protocol... some more detailed info here... https://onehealthybugger.wordpress.com/2015/09/11/fasting-is-lasting/

 

Not as hard as it sounds... happy to share the science behind it if you wish.

Hi, I think this sounds totally do able! On your fasting day it seems that you eat one meal, or you eat during one eight hour period. Do you eat a "meal" during that time, and only one meal, or do you just drink nutritious fluids, or how is that 8 hour period negotiated? Thanks, Laurie

Is there a beach on St Kitts that is best for snorkeling, or is this not a good island for snorkeling? Laurie

OK folks. Last year I lost about 25-30 lbs after a breakup. We are back together and happy, but from the combination of happiness, the stress of buying a house and getting a new job, a longer commute, and just all around laziness, I am back up in weight. Our cruise is 69 days out. All summer/early fall, I kept telling myself I wold portion control and eat better, but "I"ll start tomorrow!!" turned into "I'll start Monday!" which turned into "I'll just get through the busy workweek!" and so on.

 

I spend a lot of time lurking the boards but wanted to start a thread to hold myself accountable! In general, I hate talking about eating well and weight loss... and I think that is part of my problem. I am able to just hide it all away.

 

I know one of my downfalls is reverting to convenient fast food/take out. So help me out - what are your favorite plan ahead/easy to make/easy to clean up ideas? What's your go-to breakfast? What's your go-to work lunch?

 

69 days... a lot can change in 69 days and I am determined to see how much! I don't want to be ashamed to be in photos! So here we go!

Hi, I have 60 days until my cruise and I'll be glad to see if I can be encouraging and join you in the holding myself accountable department. I had lost some weight in the summer and early fall and somehow put it back on again, not much, but still discouraging! I'd like to lose 10 pounds over the next 8 weeks; I'm only 5 feet tall so it doesn't take much for me to be overweight.

I like some protein in the morning, so I eat cottage cheese or a Greek yogurt with fruit or eggs along with 1/2 of a multigrain muffin. I also have a cooked cereal recipe that I make ahead and then warm in the morning. It is made from quinoa, steel cut oats, and a little dry fruit. I have a scale and when I'm really making an effort I weight EVERYTHING and track it in the tracker for my fit bit. This helps to ensure that I burn more calories than I take in each day. It only takes burning of 100-200 calories more than I have consumed daily to see some weight loss.

I also have found that I really don't lose if I don't exercise. I try for a minimum of 10000 steps a day and I just dusted off my Wii fit because winter's coming and I know I won't get outside once it's cold.

I hope this isn't too much information, but like you I think if I "get it out there" I'll be more likely to stick to it! Laurie

Thank you everyone! I have secured a commitment from Dean at Dean's Taxi Service to transport us. I am happy to have a pre-trip arrangement as previously discussed. He has been very quick to respond and seems like just the ticket for us. In turn I'm going to see what I can do to fill his van for him. Laurie

That would work for 4 ppl...

Hi, I've been meaning to pursue this with those of you who have responded. Another poster mentioned walking somewhere beyond the safari taxis and finding someone to transport us to the beach and to return later to pick us up. I looked at pictures of the port area trying to figure out where she's referring to; it looks like walking out beyond the shops toward the road? I understand the conceptual idea (ideal ;) ) however I haven't experienced this as an option in the past. I'm very willing to try anything, I just need to have the info to pursue this option. Thanks for being willing to keep responding to enlighten me! Laurie

Have you tried Dean's taxi or Stanley Coram? If not you'll find their contact info by using the search function. We (2 couples) enjoyed a private van tour with Stanley, he had room for another couple.

Hi and thanks for your reply. I emailed Dean earlier this evening and I will certainly try Stanley now. Laurie

Hi, continue to look for suggestions; go no reply from the person at the other end of the previous suggestion including email and phone call. Thanks, Laurie

This guy has a 4 person minimum. His wife is in the photo! She doesn't usually go on the tours, but works at The Ritz.

 

http://www.stthomastour.com/About-Us.html

Thank you for the suggestion; I have emailed them. Laurie

Not sure who or how you were "coerced" into a location other than Secret Harbor, but on our last three trips to St. Thomas, we've just asked for a taxi to Secret Harbor and were taken directly there. We have walked to the taxi dispatch area which is beyond the shops if that makes any difference. Secret Harbor will call a taxi for you when you are ready to depart or you can arrange with the driver who dropped you off to return at a designated time. Enjoy! It's truly beautiful!

Hi, thanks for your reply. I just tried to find a visual of the area on You Tube, hoping to get a view of the port to refresh my memory of the area you are referring to. One year we pre-hired a taxi to go to Secret Harbor and I wish I could remember who it was. What typically happens to me is I walk out to the area where a person is asking where you want to go, and puts you in a taxi with others who are going in the same direction. This makes perfect sense of course; it is very efficient, these folks work hard to make a good living and we ARE on island time. But as an example of my previous experiences, when we were there in December we were directed into a into a taxi van with another family and a couple who wanted to go to Coki; we were told the driver would drop them off, then go to our requested location on his way back to the port. Once we were underway the driver suggested that we should go to Coki as we would enjoy it very much, and throughout the ride he continued to pursue that suggestion. When we got to Coki Beach he got out of the car to assist the other passengers to be greeted by a member of his family who was working at the beach and would help them with chair rentals etcetera. We were still waiting in the taxi while this was taking place. He then walked over to chat with a friend in the parking lot and to see if there was anyone who wanted transport back. I want to emphasize that I have NO problem with this being how things work! But after we spent about 20-25 minutes waiting for him to consider moving on, we got a bit frustrated and when the driver again suggested that we'd have a lovely day right there and we decided to just stay (so maybe I should say I finally gave in rather than say I was "coerced," but nonetheless we felt that arguing the point was just going to place a damper on an otherwise pleasant trip). Coki is lovely and we did have a pleasant time; it just wasn't the quiet beach day I wanted and I have been there many times previously. So rather than go against the grain of typical service I'd prefer to hire someone to take us where we want to go at an agreed upon rate, so that no one's expectations are dashed. Laurie

How many people in your group?

Hi, there are 4 of us in our personal group; we are arriving on a cruise ship and there are potentially a very few more people who may join us, I'd guess up to 4. I want to arrange something specific, not rely on the grab and go taxi's waiting at the port. I have done that before and ended up going with the preferred flow to Coki; I am specifically looking to go to Secret Harbor without being coerced to do something else :D Thanks for your suggestions, Laurie

Hi, I was very happy to see that "Air Force One" is providing a simple round trip transportation to various beaches for a flat price. Unfortunately they are not available when we are in St Thomas in October. Can anyone make a suggestion on how to prearrange pick up and drop off at the beach of our choice? We'd like to go to Secret Harbor. Thanks, Laurie

In 2017 Caribbean Princess has some 8 day roundtrip cruises out of FLL which can conveniently be made into 16 day cruises. :)

 

LuLu

Good to know, thanks. 2017 will probably be my next cruise year on Princess then; I am going to cancel the March one I have booked currently in favor of a gifted cruise in January on another line. Can't take that much time off to do both unfortunately. Laurie

Keith, of course you're right, but I was looking for the more specific info that is eluded to by "Caribill's" comments and Shep's description of his Japan trip; these explain a little more about the "where" Princess is going. I find it surprising that they aren't still making a buck in the Caribbean. Leaving Houston makes sense when you read all the info here on CC about the port: it seems challenging for all but people who drive there to get a reasonable flight and hotel combo, it takes more than an hour to get to open ocean, and thus open bars and casinos (think of the $$ lost there!), and there are apparently service problems at the port. It doesn't make sense to me to decrease East coast departures and limit the ship choices from there., but obviously I can't see their finances. If I were to agree that the Royal's prices are competitive, I should still have an option or two to sail smaller ships. Although I agree that Princess has to adjust to a competitive market, I also understand that they have tried to make me a Princess client by incentivizing my loyalty with the frequency perks. If those lures to loyalty are becoming a kick in the face, well then it's a bit if a disappointment to me, the naïve cruiser. I guess I DID expect a little loyalty in return. :rolleyes:

Chris, I hope you enjoy your BTB; I'm sure that you'll have a wonderful time. As for me, I'll be branching out. I have my Princess out if Houston cruise in March, but I also have an NCL to Bermuda in June 2016 and a RC to the Caribbean in October (15); I'm going to start looking for alternatives to my Princess "loyalty." :) Thanks everyone! Laurie