alphakitty

It might have something to do with this?

http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/23/americas/haiti-prison-escape/index.html

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Hi Blue Water,

 

Just wanted to thank you for your incredible advice and information! We just returned from the Gem 10 day and went to Brewers Bay on our own. Taxis were handled so efficiently -- right at the dispatch center at the end of the pier. Our driver was awesome, very cautious, and returned to get us at our agreed-upon time. We paid him upon the return trip. My husband had been concerned since time in port was so short, but this ran so smoothly! Thanks again for the advice -- we had a beautiful morning of snorkeling at this gorgeous beach!

 

CTGen04

Thanks for the update CTGen. Hubby and I are considering this trip to Brewer's Bay on our own on our Escape cruise in a few weeks. Can you confirm the taxi was $8.00 pp each way? I've seen some links with much higher rates at $20-$25 pp.

On Escape now! Margaritaville is included in UDP

I'm glad to read this, but if the UDP is limited to ONE a day, then this would be it? Can I, for example, have lunch in Margaritaville and then have dinner at Le Bistro?

I often book gty and really don't care at all about where we are on the ship. I've always been happy with our locations and saved lots of $$$$. To each their own. :)

For some this will be a good thing, and for others it won't be. You might actually save a few bucks. We have UDP on an upcoming Escape cruise, so glad that won't be affected.

thanks for the clarification. could it be in any way related to the following court case? this is what makes the most sense so far:

 

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/27924754/Bimini.pdf

Skimmed the document and yep, this seems to hit the nail on the head. Seems the Bimini line didn't think it was fair to no allow them to do cruises to nowhere while the major cruise lines could. It is more about the crew and the INA. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Is it really a change or perhaps just an enforcement of the PVSA already in place? It is my understanding that ships are supposed to visit a foreign port when they leave from and return to the US?

There will be 'food police' to make sure that everyone finish all the BBQ, hot dog, pastry, and etc. before they can leave. :rolleyes:

Washy washy crew on the way in and blocky blocky crew on the way out! :D

Waiter in specialty restaurant: "Would you like dessert?" Me: "Yes, please, but I'm so full, please package it to go and I'll have it later."

"Sorry, but we can't do that" Me: "Ok, I'll just sit here for an hour or so until I can eat it"

I think it is fun for new cruisers. I don't care either way, so I say keep things the way it is, too many changes anyway.

I've seen posts from others getting off today that they are being told the ship will be going to the Bahamas. Bermuda is off the itinerary.

No, it does not. Not for the cruise lines or for the TSA. I've always used my daily med minder and have never had an issue.

Contrary to popular belief:

"TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply."

http://blog.tsa.gov/2013/09/tsa-travel-tips-tuesday-traveling-with.html

A great idea! What a couple of unhappy, selfish people. They will "get theirs" someday.

That's true, but sometimes Karma is just too slow! :)

We did Halloween on the Dawn last year. The crew did a great dance number to Thriller at the start of the party. There was a costume contest also and lots of people in some amazing costumes. They also decorated the buffet with many Halloween chocolate displays. It was a lot of fun. :)

Ship - Allure of the Seas

Deck - 11

Stateroom # - 299 (bed near door, not balcony)

Stateroom Category – Neighborhood Balcony

Starboard or Port Side - N/A

Quiet Stateroom? (With comments on problems) – yes, balcony can be noisy with Boardwalk below, but once door is closed tightly we had no noise issues

Was stateroom a connecting stateroom? - yes

Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – Nice view of the Boardwalk below

Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - normal

Was wind a problem? - not at all

If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? - N/A

Any specific problems with this cabin? - no

Any other comments? - good value on these neighborhood balconies

Do you add the cheddar cheese on ur apple pie ala mode? I saw that on the menu and was wondering what that is all about? Doesn't sound to good lol

That sure is a popular option in New England. Mom always served a good cheddar cheese with apple pie. It goes perfectly to me. :)

I love JR's apple pie ala mode!

Don't know if this applies to OP but...if one of you has a mustache it will likely need to be trimmed back enough for the mask to get a seal on the face. DH has a mustache and he found that he needs to do this. :)

This is very true. Hubby tried everything, mustache wax, trimming it back, but still his mask leaked with his facial hair. So, he decided while we were on a cruise on Oasis to shave before we went snorkeling.

We did not even think about it, but when entering the ship after our excursion, he plinks his card into the slot and all hell broke loose! Sirens went off, red lights flashing, security rushing in....yikes! Turns out the facial recognition software didn't recognize his clean shaven face. LOL!

We bought our equipment from Snorkel Mart on line. He sent in his eyeglasses prescription and got a mask made for him. The cost was around $60.00. He now really enjoys snorkeling since he can actually see. :)

Several years ago, I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee. I started to sleep with a body pillow between my legs.. Sure wish I could bring that. I do travel a bit so its not like I am never with out it, just seems like I sleep so much better. Oh well that's what the new premium drink package is for I guess.

I always bring a body pillow CASE and then put two pillows in that and use it for a body pillow. Works great!

Looking forward to replies on this thread. We are looking at Red Stripe Beach too...just want a beach day in Jamaica. We will be in Falmouth.

There are some reviews on Trip Advisor too, which are mostly good...say the beach is nice, but small and can get crowded.

If we are on a beachy itinerary, I pack my spring float. It's great for relaxing in the water, packs flat so it's easy to fit inside the suitcase.

#1. Moleskin for blisters

#2. A body pillow sized pillow case. I always sleep with a body pillow at home. When going on a cruise, I pack the pillow case. It works well with 2 pillows in it. Just ask the steward for extra pillows.

#3. Not novel by any means, but the over the door shoe holder really does work wonders to contain so much clutter.

EMcandDrs ....beautiful photos! :-)

I especially love this shot I took on Grand Turk. We actually had this photo turned into an oil painting with a site on line that did a great job!

Adding my thanks for your effort and all the great info on the port! :)

One week from today we embark on an 8 night southern caribbean cruise....going from 10F to 80F will be bliss! :D:)

After all is said and done, we'll be traveling a lot on toll roads and have decided to just pay the 6.99 flat rate fee (renting from Dollar), for the 3 days we'll have the rental car. However, it pays to note that Florida's intention is to go totally cashless in the next few years.