Mum2Mercury

Several thoughts: - If you want individual milk cartons to stay cold, wrap them in a wet napkin and put them in the refrigerator ... or go a step further and place the wrapped carton in your small ice bucket and put the whole thing in your room cooler. - It's possible that your ship won't offer individual milk cartons /instead will offer self-serve milk. If you encounter this, just bring a cup of milk back to your room and treat it the same way. - Yes, what you have in your room is probably a cooler, not a true refrigerator. It will keep cold things cold, but it won't bring room temperature things down to cold ... or, if it does, it'll take days. - If anyone can explain to me why my husband, who never eats cereal at home, suddenly wants tiny boxes of Fruit Loops on the ship, please explain it to me!

I haven't experienced lockdown, but on a cruise last fall we went through a BIG storm on our last day ... they put up signs /closed off the upper-upper deck, and crew stacked up all the pool loungers /lashed the stacks to the poles so they couldn't blow around. And it was daytime. I have to believe the rescue teams have a MUCH better chance of success when daylight is on their side.

Agree. The article discusses the need for caution near railings. No, you're not going over the railing unless you REALLY TRY (or, less likely, are the victim of foul play). No one is just placidly looking over the rail and -- WHOOPS! -- swept out to sea. No one.

Reasons for identifying cups: We're a group of 12, and about 2/3 of the group purchased a drink package of some sort. We'll be eating together frequently, and it'll be nice to know that you're drinking out of your own cup.

Thanks, y'all! I like the idea of asking for different colored cups, but with 12 people in our group, I don't think it'll completely solve our problem. Good idea on bringing straws ... I do try to minimize my single-use plastics.

I just checked the price online, making sure to emphasize May 2024. It's $21/pp at the gate. I thought we paid $25/pp last fall, but I guess I was wrong. With the coupon it'd be $19/pp. I don't know why they make their menus so hard to find -- if you click "images", you can find them. I'm including a link here. Entrees run 8-15, bottled water was $2, and beer was about $4. We bought a couple cans of beer and brought them back on the ship. Personally, we didn't order food -- we'd been eating plenty on the ship for days, and we'd had a big breakfast. I agree you could stay later /catch a taxi (on your own dime) to return later, but would that throw off the transportation for your fellow cruisers? That is, would the busses /vans /whatever be waiting for you?

Agree. Yes, it gives you a guaranteed spot to sit, but it's not in a prime location: your back's to the ocean, and you're a deck above the pool. If you want a nothing-special seat in the shade, you can find them away from the pool area -- try far forward.

This makes no sense. I can see they might be concerned about you bringing a bike onboard (what if you were a jerk who tried to zip through the Promenade or around the jogging track?), but why should they care what you do with your bike during island stops? Again, makes no sense: Are they complaining about people who plan to walk around town? They, too, are "circumventing services". Second, how do they know you don't plan to shop and eat in town? I don't see this becoming a big issue. Not many people are going to choose to bring a bicycle onboard. I can see it's reasonable to say that your bike must be stored in your own room, that you cannot ride it anywhere onboard, or even that only folding bicycles should be brought ... but people are allowed to bring baby strollers and handicapped scooters, which are going to "spread bacteria" just the same as bicycle tires. You were treated badly, and it sounds like they just hadn't anticipated bicycles and made up some stupid rules on the spot.

We did this excursion years ago with a private company -- can't remember the name. LOVED IT. My husband actually looked into buying an ATV when we returned home. Specific thoughts: - It was maybe the best excursion we've ever taken. - It'd rained about two weeks solid before we arrived, so the trails were MUDDY. Made for a great ride, but ruined our clothes. I was buying snacks at a stand near the port, and my husband was SO MUDDY that a salesman asked him to step away from his shop, saying he was hurting business! Then, realizing he'd been rude, the man offered to spray my husband down with a garden hose! - If we did this again, I'd pack old things we could throw away (or even pick up some junk clothes at Goodwill). Shoes too. - Bring bug spray and sunscreen. - Our kids couldn't yet drive, but we were able to ride double -- worked out fine. - The rain was starting up after our ride, so we opted to be returned to the ship /skipped the beach. That's the kind of thing you can do with a private tour -- you get choices.

I always watch my pennies (which is why I have dollars), so I checked this out: - If you were to book this ship excursion today, it'd cost $50.99/pp -- we all know those prices go up and down. As of today, 2 people could go for $102 through the ship -- that'd include transportation, admission, lunch and drinks. The works. - In contrast, going on your own would cost those same people two $15 taxi rides + two $25 entrance tickets -- $80 (they might print that $2 off coupon and make it $76). If you were to add a small lunch and a couple drinks, you'd be at that same $100-ish price. - The price for going through the ship vs. going on your is is pretty close for a couple. BUT I see a couple "your mileage may varies": - If your party is larger, going on your own starts to look better because you won't pay any more for those extra people to ride in the taxi. A family of four could go on their own for $130 + food and drink, whereas 4 people going through the ship would cost $204. Big savings for going on your own. - Consumption of food and drink will vary widely. The prices are reasonable (and viewable online), but some people (especially in the heat) would opt for a big breakfast on the ship and just snacks. You'd have to judge for yourself how much you're likely to spend on food and drink. - And the biggest detail: The cruise line's excursion is short -- 8:30 - 11:30. You'd barely be able to scratch the surface of what Chankanaab offers! The ship doesn't sail until 5:00 or 6:00, so why not spend more time at the park?

Several members of our upcoming cruise party have ordered a drink package -- some a Coke package, others an alcoholic package -- and I'm thinking of ordering a "tag" to identify cups. Can you help me with a couple questions? - How many ounces does the cup hold? - Or, how wide is it across the lid? - The lids have drinking spouts on the side /not straw holes in the middle, right? - The newest cups don't have handles, do they? If so, the keychain style would be easier -- no question about it fitting. Etsy name toppers: https://www.etsy.com/search?q=name tag for insulated tumbler cup&ref=search_bar

I'd add to that, let's be sure new people are aware that "freebie" is a choice.

I don't know about the daughter who fell. By the daughter who was dropped, I think you mean the grandfather who dropped his toddler granddaughter out a window -- they were in a bit of a different situation; the child died, and they hadn't yet sailed. That family had big needs, but they didn't need medical care or transportation. Yes, it's absolutely important to know what your insurance covers.

The price is for a single day. And the casitas are a deck above the pool right by the jogging track.

No, it depends upon your values and choices. Just because you have the money doesn't mean you're willing to spend the money. This is a perfect example. I can absolutely afford a cabana, but I'll choose to take a second cruise rather than blowing that much money on a couple hours. And, anyway, I really LIKE the no-cost options on Coco Cay; spending more doesn't enhance my time on Coco Cay.

Ouch, no -- I drive a Honda! I'm sure it varies, but I reserved this excursion on Black Friday -- and now it was lower. I know wins are rare, but I found one!

We went with one cabin when our kids were under 10 ... but they were our own kids, with whom we'd lived all their lives. You say NEW girlfriend. That could be uncomfortable. When we shared a cabin with four, we always opted for a balcony. It's the cheapest way to get another "room" ... actual privacy for 1-2 people and a place for Dad to disappear while the girls are changing. If you go with a single cabin, learn ahead of time whether your cabin will have a sofa bed or pull-down bunks. The sofa bed is small. If the budget allows, two CONNECTING ROOMS are better, especially as you've already expressed concerns about too much togetherness. Connecting rooms will be like two bedrooms in your house connected by an internal door. Means you can come and go into the kids' room without going out into the hallway ... and means you know whether anyone's coming into your kids' room. It also gives you two bathrooms, two closets, two TVs, and more privacy. Some people get a balcony /put their kids across the hall in an interior ... I personally would not do that, as it seems a whole lot farther when two exterior doors are between you. Again, thinking of budget ... balconies are nice, but (in your situation) I'd rather have two connecting interior rooms instead of a fancier (smaller) room.

If my kids were still small, here's what I'd do in those ports: Grand Turks: Visit the Lighthouse. As young as your kids are, I bet they've never climbed one -- it'd be a unique experience for them. Yeah, it's on the far side of the island, but that's a short taxi ride. No need for an excursion -- but do make a plan for what you want to do. Amber Cove: Take a taxi (or the bus) to the beach. Bring sand toys, sunscreen and have a great day. I don't know the MonkeyLand that someone above mentioned, but that sounds fun! Again, no need for an excursion. Nassau: Nassau is a large port and often has 7-8 large ships docked -- this results in overcrowding, pushing and general unpleasant-ness getting into /once you're in the city. We've agreed we're never going again. It might be a good day to stay on the ship, or this might be the day to opt for an excursion -- one that leaves from the dock and doesn't require you to go into the crowded city. I know the Swim with Pigs excursion leaves from the docks, but your kids are probably young for that. I don't think excursions are up and running to Blue Lagoon again. If you are going into the city, the pirate museum is nice, as is Queen's Staircase -- it's just the getting there that's unpleasant. Bermuda: Consider taking a taxi or the public bus to the caves. This will appeal to young kids, and it'll be different from other cruise activities. Again, no need for an excursion -- just be up and out early, do your thing and get back to the ship.

I'm caught between thinking 1) an all-inclusive is a good way to keep the kids corralled ... more "contained" than a public beach. 2) it probably would be easier for them to sneak drinks without your knowledge ... you know, slightly older guys, who wouldn't have to pay for the drinks, would be more willing to slide something to them. These kids aren't all yours? I'd absolutely have a meeting with the other parents before you go and put your expectations in writing. Nail down (in plain, straightforward language) your expectations for drinking /not drinking. And since you're the chaperone, the one taking on the responsibility, it's your opinion that matters.

Place pool noodles or rolled up towels UNDER the bottom sheet.

I'm aware that my worth-it meter is set lower than most people's, but I would never pay $90. I'd consider it at $30, but that's never going to happen. I've been 100% happy with the no-cost options at Coco Cay. Royal probably likes you better than they like me.

No specific help for these ports, but I strongly suggest you NOT pressure everyone in the group to do something together. The grandparents and the family with the infant will probably have very different interests /needs. Smaller groups will be easier all around. Let everyone make their own choices for excursions, then come together for dinner and share what you did that day!

That's a better price than I've paid on Amazon.

We prefer a table for just the two of us, and we've always been able to get it ... but, as you already know, the tables may be so close together than the waiter cannot walk between them. People sort of "pretend" another diner isn't sitting inches away. I'm an introvert too, and I prefer not to feel forced to make conversation for a whole dinner X every evening of a cruise. It's work for me. Once you pick up your Ship ID and know your assigned table, go to the dining room as soon as (reasonably) possible and check your table. If you don't like your assignment, speak to the Head Waiter and ask for a change. The sooner you ask, the better your chances of getting what you want. I assume you've opted for traditional dining? So you have a set time for dinner each evening? If so, you need to arrive at that assigned time. Everyone will enter the dining room together, and across the room everyone'll be served drinks at the same time ... then appetizers at the same time, etc. If you cannot arrive on time, you should go to the buffet (or other venue) for dinner. Tip: It's acceptable to order multiple items, if you want. I often order multiple appetizers, which are very small. It's also acceptable to ask for your dessert "to go", if you are trying to get to a show, or if you're just not hungry enough to eat it, or if you'd like to eat it on your balcony -- your wait staff will give you a covered plate and silverware /napkins. Think carefully and don't order something with ice cream. Sometimes, even if I've eaten dessert, I ask for a cheese platter "to go" -- it's a nice thing to keep in your room as a munchie. Tip: If you're a person who likes simple foods, you're allowed to order from the kids' menu. They may have the option of simple cut-up fruit as an appetizer, or you might just feel like a hamburger. The portions aren't tiny. Tip: On our first visit to the buffet, we usually grab 4-5 silverware /napkin bundles and take them back to our room -- that means we have materials available if we bring snacks back to our room. We keep them hidden in a cabinet so the cabin steward won't take them away. If you know you're not coming to dinner tomorrow night (sometimes you get back late from the island, or you just don't feel like dressing up), it's polite to mention it to your wait staff (and fellow diners, if you are at a shared table That way no one's held up waiting for you. However, if you decide at the last minute, nothing bad's going to happen if you're just a no-show. No, I've never heard of any obligation to take turns purchasing a bottle of wine for the table. As a non-wine drinker, I personally would not appreciate this. No, if you're at a group table, let everyone purchase what he or she wishes to drink. If you choose to bring /purchase a bottle, no one will look at you as if to say, "Not gonna share?" Tip: If you want an alcoholic drink, your drink waiter has to, well -- WAIT at the bar to pick up your drink (and then he has to charge your account), and that's often SLOW. If you don't want to wait, stop at a bar on the way into the dining room and pick up an alcoholic drink for yourself. It's faster; it also eliminates the potential sharing problem you're fearing. In the past we were seated with groups for breakfast or lunch, but lately we've been placed at 2-tops. I think most people prefer 2-tops, and they seem to have more of them than they did in the past.

First, you don't NEED to spend anything to have a great time at Coco Cay. We love the free beaches and always get off early to get a front-row chair. The no-extra-cost food is good and different from what we have on the ship. If you're inclined to go for an upgraded experience, I'd ask myself, "Do I plan to stay on the island the whole day?" I can't see paying and staying just a couple hours like so many people do. Having said that: Hideaway Beach doesn't appeal to me because of the loud music. I like to read, and if I want music I'd rather go with headphones /my own choices. I might opt for Hideaway IF I were traveling in the winter (I would enjoy the heated pool) AND if the cost were under $30. The Beach Club is outrageously priced. I kinda don't see the point.