MNmomof4

Cruisedreamer,

 

I will email you, however the OBC from the TA is only $300 and then another $200 from PG. And then additionally we will get a check from our TA once the cruise is completed for $1,000. The amount of the rebate depends on the cost of our cabin, we booked a deck 6 balcony. The OBC comes from our TA agent, so that is what she offered me in addition to the rebate from her company.

 

And to your first point, that is how we will likely use our OBC - on a massage and then the rest on wine or premium liquor. You mentioned having premium after dinner drinks. What did you have? Did they have Louis XIII?

 

And, as to our excursions, I have reviewed the ship excursions but we normally take private for a smaller group and less cost(no middleman to pay- PG). The risk of missing the ship with a private excursion does not appear to be an issue on these small islands.

 

One example of my decision-making: The PG lagoon cruise with bbq on the motu on BB(Patrick's) costs almost $100 per person more than the Raanui lagoon cruise with a bbq for a similar length of time. And, I know Patrick is the most discussed, but Deladane and Emdee both recently reported on Raanui and I like what they had to say about it. One difference is Patrick has the unearthing of his oven and suckling pig, but being originally from Kansas, a Pig roast is not that attractive to warrant that much difference in price. Plus, it has been reported that there is no guarantee Patrick will be the one to be on your boat and he seems to be a big part of the draw for his tour.

Doug,

I know this post is a little old but can you email me your booking agent info please? pennyjmcfadden at yahoo. Thank you for the info!

I agree with everyone with the pump and dump but the problem will be getting the frozen milk back safely. I wouldn't risk it.

Actually there is a reason we have seat belt laws. It's also recommended by the medical associations. Some states would consider it child endangerment to be driving around with a young child on your lap. I always bring a car seat and don't think twice about it. I changed one of my cruises because I thought it was too port intensive and not too much we could do by walking around. Your car seat should store easily in your cabin.

poppan,

I'm glad you have it all planned out. I had a cruise booked with 5 ports and changed it to an itinerary where I had been to before and knew I could walk with the kids to the beach. I've seen people drive on some island and sometimes the excursions send smaller vans if the tour isnt booked too much. I can't wait till my daughter is big enough to use a booster when traveling.

The transit sounds awesome.

OK, I am curious. Most of you seem to think that taking the car seats is no big deal. I have not yet flown with my kids anywhere (we've only gone on driving vacations so far). We have the Britax Regents:

 

They are, um, large. Awkward to carry. No way I could carry the car seat and still hold my toddler's hand. Multiply that by two... two Britax Regents, two toddlers, including one who does not do the holding hand thing very well in the first place. Plus diaper bag/carry on luggage, and getting the suitcases to the check-in point. I'm just not seeing how I could do this. So I'm curious how *you* do it. What am I missing?

Believe me I know how bulky those seats are since I always travel with them. I gate check them onto the plane along with the double stroller. I also use the car seats in taxis and at the ports.

If you dont bring the car seats then how will you transport the kids in ports? It is a pain but worth it

Will you need your car seats in the ports? To me that's a good enough reason to bring your car seats