undertoes10

We are in the same "boat" as you, with 28 Carnival cruises and tired of the mundane entertainment or lack thereof. We are going to try MSC Seaside in October to see how the other half lives. They seem pretty rigid, giving us a 12:30 embarkation time without us choosing it. We won't be there by 12:30 ! Dress attire will be an issue with us since we travel lightly and not fancy. But will go with the flow and throw in some dressy clothes. Keep us posted as to what you see.

Carnival docks at Amber Cove - Picture 10:00. All other ships dock at Taino Bay which is 1:00. Carnival passengers docked in Amber Cove need to take a taxi to Puerto Plata, which is about $35 for 5 one way. Passengers docked in Taino Bay can walk into Puerto Plata. Monkey Land is directly in Puerto Plata tucked in a corner of one of the squares.

Tours by Locals. We used them in December for a full day tour of Aruba. Customized to your wishes.

Where can we leave our luggage safely when we debark in Miami? We plan to stay that day in Miami to celebrate a birthday and then head back to FLL.

Was supposed to be a 2 hour tour. Island is only 7 miles long! We went to Space shuttle, souvenir row, Salt Flats that are no longer salt flats and just a bunch of rocks and water BUT again there is a bar and another souvenir shop. No Flamingos since ATV's scared them off and they were flying away as we pulled up, and a beach for 10 minutes. Guide was in an SUV with a bullhorn in the front of about 8 golf carts. At this point offered us a tiny bottle of water. Saw broken down homes over rough terrain and a few donkeys and stray dogs. HORRIBLE TOUR AND A WASTE OF $170. Go to Margaritaville instead.