Sgomer79

Tampa would be a 16 hour drive without stops. So 2 days each way that my daughter and son in law don't have to spare, they don't have the luxury of 29 PTO days a year like I have. One of them is already taking an unpaid week off for this trip.

Sorry for the delayed response, work has kept me away from the boards lately. Our trip is in December 2024. We are currently thinking that we will come in late Tuesday for our Thursday cruise. Had already figured we would have to rent a car to get to wherever we opt for the manatees. One traveler will need a 4x wetsuit, I know that may limit some of the options of who to go with for a tour. Great tip on the other park. Will plan to also check that out while in the area.

We are booking a cruise out of Tampa and would like to come in early and swim with manatees in Crystal River pre cruise. Cruise starts on Thursday, we are thinking about flying in Tuesday evening to see the manatees on Wednesday. Any suggestions on logistics, lodging (where to stay, 4 adults) etc knowing that Crystal river is considerably north of Tampa.

Thanks, I was told with the NCL cruise first certificates that would replace any deposit match and I can move it to any other NCL cruise without penalty before final payment. Worst case I'm out the cruise first value if I don't use it within 3 years. I'm watching the other lines too but looking like NCL Jewel Dec 12 2024 best matches the mix of ports vs sea days, budget, and days I can take off (certain parts of every month I cannot take off, mid month is best for the schedule). With I caused drink package and specialty dinning the overall price with gratuities is better. I do not normally do the drink package but this is a longer cruise than normal for us too. I do wish a couple of the stops had longer hours though.

I did look at those, I would love to add Tinidad and Tobago too (maybe someday), but the all in price was over $1k per person more putting it out of budget.

Thanks, NCL said they can price match deposits of other lines, I think I might place a cheap deposit/placeholder and see what else opens up before final payment.

Thanks, the one we love seems to a one off 11 day not a repeating intenerary. Actually I think there are 2 but the first one I absolutely cannot make the date with my work schedule.

Does anyone have any idea when NCL, RC, or MSC is likely to post Southern Caribbean cruises beyond April 2025? We are specifically looking at Aruba as a port. There is one December 2024 itinerary that we love and have been thinking about booking, but time and finance wise later in 2025 would be a better fit for my daughter and her husband. We are open to other reasonably priced lines as well, but trying to do something different than Carnival where our past cruises have been. Thanks!