Califonria cruiser

Thank you!

Jenn

Where can we go to either rent or do a 2 hourish or less tour with kayaks, jet skis, windsurfboards, ATV's or paddleboards in Costa Maya without having to book a beach club? We are happy to pay to rent these items or pay for a short tour, but not interested in all you can eat/drink places or an all day experience.The reason for the 2 hour or less is because only part of our group wants to do these things and would like some family time at the beach with the rest of the group. Any ideas?

Jenn

We are thinking of heading to a 90 minute snorkel trip with Gypsea Diver and then hoping to find a place for to camp out for a few hours in the afternoon. We are going peak time in December and 4 cruise ships will be in port so need to keep that in mind. We will have 2 kids and 4 adults who will want to buy food and only a few alcoholic drinks each plus lots of non alcoholic ones. We might want to rent paddleboards, kayaks, or parasail and we are comfortable paying for the rentals.  I don't usually like the idea of all inclusive because we aren't there that long but am willing to pay a normal entrance fee or pay for a chair. Any thoughts? 

Jenn

Was considering a cruise that went here in December and it would be a new stop for us. We have been to many of the other cruise line private islands. How does it compare? What are the best things to do there? How is the sand/beach area? What about paddleboards/kayaks? I was thinking the water temps might be warmer than the Bahamas type islands which is a huge perk in Dec.

Jenn

Thanks to everyone! 

Jenn

I've been looking at Norweigan Joy as a possible cruise in December and everytime I look the rates include unlimited drink packages, wifi, etc. We aren't big drinkers ( traveling with 2 kids)  and it looks like even with a free drink package I am paying 100's in gratuities for the drink package which is probably more than I would spend anyway. Trying to avoid wifi also, want to relax. Was hoping to buy a cruise fare that is lower in rate but "cruise only" and we buy the few drinks we trully want. Is that likely to be offered or is that not typical?

Any thoughts? We are regular cruisers, just not usually Norweigan.

Jenn

In addition to snorkeling, part of our group wants to photo hummingbirds, other birds, monkeys and plant life. Has anyone done Mayan Eden before, would that match our interests? Or might doing just the Southshore zipline with the hanging bridge walk be an option?

I am avoiding Gumbalimba because it is going to be very busy with all the cruise ships in port and $35 entrance free just to walk on the trails seems a bit silly if we are only there an hour or so and not use all the facilities, if we were there for a half day I would. Our group isn't going to use the pool or want the guided tour. Just want a self guided walk. No ziplines this trip for us!

Jenn

Thanks!

How much did he charge or you give him and for how long? Just trying to get a ballpark idea.

There are many vendors who do this combo! Victor Bodden, Rony's, etc.

How much is a panga guy? Do they take you by boat close by for an hour or so? Would love to have an idea of how much for what before we arrive. I love the snorkeling from the shore, but if we are there long enough might want to do both!

Sounds fun!

I figure someone out there migth have some leads of places to look for all the specific info related to Symphony.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, thought someone might share info : )

Here are some of my questions: 

*menus for the places that are included like the El Loco fresh, Park Cafe, Sorrento's Pizza, etc. 

* if we pick my dining and want to sit with others on each day, is that possible? We are travelling with my hubby, my  12 year old and my social butterfly mother in law who I would like her to get a chance to talk to other people, too. She might like a conversation that consists of more than kid related talk : ) I want her to have a good time, too. Any thoughts? I don't think she would go to any singles type activities, she is 79 and very active.

*do adults really ride the water slide and the mat slide, is it fun and fast or slow?

* can I still bring on 2 checked bottles of wine for free?

* are the lines so long that is is a pain for laser tag and ice skating?

* do they still sell some app so we can continue with our group without using wifi? 

* any great very detailed reviews of the ship or easy to print deck plans? I see deck plans all over but no clue how to print them!

I'm going for spring break and signed up for roll call for my dates so hopefully can share info there, too, just not a lot of people yet.

Here's one I found for the daily compasses. I know it might be completely different in April.

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/cruise-compasses/symphony-of-the-seas/sat-09252021-0000 I can see the daily compasses here.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, just booked!

Love the photo! Is that deck 10 or 11?

I saw the black friday thread and it talks about discounts for drinks packages, etc but not about cruise fares. I am looking to book 2 cabins for spring break in April and I feel the fares are great but wondering if I should wait 2 weeks because it might get better. I am not concerned about drink packages, wif, dining, just the base fares. What do you all think? Has anyone had an experience with this?

Jenn

What perks are there with CP?

Jenn

Thank you all!

We normally get an inside room and was considering he central park balcony. It looks like the bottom floor of central park is deck 8. Should I go with deck 9,10 or 11? I like the "bird noises" and like the idea of our wet stuff hanging ont he balcony and recognize that it isn't private and we can see the neighbors and there is no water view.

Any thoughts?

Jenn

Thank you!

If I wanted to take my 18 year old daughter plus another 18 year old friend, can they get their own cabin if we are on the ship with them? What documentation would I need since we wouldn't be her parents?

Do families do this or is this crazy?

I know the girls are trying to find a senior trip and was thinking this would make us all happy : )

Jenn

Thanks!

Jenn

Thanks! I will buy a bunch of magnets!

Jenn

Am travelling on Harmony in June to celebrate my parent's 50th! Am I allowed to decorate the door or the inside of the stateroom?

Anyone have tips to make it festive?

Jenn

My hubby is flying in the day before the cruise and want to have him pick up a rental car and then have him drive all of us to Port Canaveral and return the car close by. What companies have been convenient for that?

I know there are shuttles, but by the time I pay for a shuttle from the airport to our hotel, the next day pay for a shuttle for 4 of us to MCO and then 4 of us to Port Canaveral figure a car rental would be better this time.

Any suggestions?

Jenn