ckzimmy

I am looking to book an Aft balcony on Independence of the Seas. Wondering which is the most desirable deck? I know there can be some obstruction of the view with these cabins - but I would love a bigger balcony. Is the obstruction worse on certain decks? Any other factors to consider? Thanks!

I vote NO! A 7 month old's immune system does not handle infections as well as even a 2 year old's does. Something such as the flu/ Noro has a much greater risk the younger the person. A 7 month old will have not had as many vaccinations & therefore will be susceptible to more than a young child. While it is true you can be exposed to such things just by a trip to the grocery store - 7 days in relatively close contact with thousands of people from all over the world( no matter how many times you wash your hands) does increase the risk of transmission.

Also, I would not underestimate the teething situation at that age. It may be a breeze or it could be very uncomfortable for the baby. Add all the other things that can cause overstimulation to the child on the cruise & you may all end up quite miserable. Don't get me wrong - you will most likely go and have a wonderful, memorable vacation. However, there is also a pretty good chance you will end up wishing you had just stayed home.

We just returned from the 9 night cruise on Oasis last month with our 12 year old daughter. She loved the teen club (split into 12-14 & 15-17 age groups). It is important they go to the meet up the first night (which wasn't posted on the compass) to meet those their own age. They will find a group to hang out with & there are many activities such as teen only pool party, ice skating, rock wall, flow rider, open arcade, etc. There is a dance party/disco event every night, a prom on formal night - things like this. Mostly they will just make plans to meet on their own, go to meals together, hang in the teen club, play sports or whatever. She had a great experience.

Is there anyone here who regrets the package - as they felt the need to "get their money's worth" Just thinking at min 7 drinks per day, that by the end of a 7 day cruise, a person would have gained an additional 4-5 pounds just from the liquid calories! I understand it is vacation, but 4 alcoholic drinks per 4 hour period is considered binge drinking. It sounds like for many - this is just getting started. It worries me that this is considered normal to do this EVERY day of ones vacation. How does anyone sit through a show without running to the bathroom when you drink that much? I understand the package covers more than just alcohol - but some of what I read on this thread concerns me.

what week are you going? we are a family of 3 on the FOS the week of March 23 & are looking for the same type of excursion, but would rather not pay the full amount for a private charter.

Is this a family friendly/safe beach area? Had read there can be drug activity in the area.

For those who have taken the bus from the cruise ship port to sapphire beach - did you feel unsafe in any way while walking to the bus stop or at the beach? Sorry to hijack the thread.

How far out do you have to swim for the snorkel area? Do you think flippers are needed to get the most out of the area? Also are life vests required & does anyone know approximate depth where the best snorkel area is located?

We will be in the FOS in March. We are looking for opinions on a private day sail. We are a family of 3 with a 10yo. We are experienced snorklers & this is the most important thing we are looking to do. We would like to hit more than one site & are not as interested in the sailing aspect. I am worried the amount of time spent sailing will be too long, but am not interested in going on a cattle-call type snorkel trip. Anyone with suggestions? thanks

we did a tour with them in March 2012 & I will highly recommend them. We did the waterfall hike as we came in on the POA. the hike was fun a little challenging but nothing major - our 8 year old handled it well. They had just had heavy rains so the waterfalls were awesome. Our guide helped our daughter cross on the one water crossing but she really could have done it on her own. Be sure to wear water proof shoes! The guide pointed out all kinds of plants/ wildlife - we were able to taste several things & he even found a chameleon that we were able to hold. we were also able to jump into the waterhole with one of the waterfalls. Be aware that there is much walking over rocks & things could be a little slippery in places. Overall a great tour!

We did sea quest in March 2012. We did the 3 stop snorkel out of Kona & it was awesome! I have snorkeled many places in the world & this was one of the top trips I have ever taken. You will likely see sea turtles, spinner dolphins & more tropical fish than you can imagine. You also stop with access to a secluded black sand beach, see the Madame Pele rock formation & go into a small lava tube/sea cave while on the zodiac. We also stopped to watch the locals dive off the cliffs near the sea caves. Excellent staff & food, but be aware it is on a 12 person zodiac which can be rather bumpy. We found it fun as we took our Bonine prior to the trip - but one person got sea-sick/vomiting during much of the 5 hr trip. Also note that as it is 5 hrs - it can get cold with that much snorkeling as there is no place to change on the boat. We wore our wet suits & were thankful to have them. If you come prepared & are serious about snorkeling - it is the trip for you. If you need a larger boat/less bumpy ride & don't mind more people- the other company gets excellent reviews also.

We will be sailing on the POA in March 2012. Just wondering if anyone knows what helicopter company is used by this cruise line for the circle of fire tour out of Hilo?