tbmrt

I'd also like to know about the new restaurants!

Thanks

Would appreciate suggestions for best pool area for adults without children other than Solarium 18? I understand that the Adults Only policy at one of the pools isn't really enforced. (non-Yacht Club)

Thank you

Barbara

We are thinking about snorkeling at Porte Marie and would like to know the best area to see the most fish while we're there.

Is it very far to swim to second reef?

Thanks

Barbara

We have snorkeled both and just did a dive in Cozumel a few weeks ago. You are in luck the snorkeling from shore is very good at both so you can't go wrong, that being said. We would book a excursion in Cozumel AND just snorkel from shore at Porto Marie.

 

So if you book a excursion at Cozumel you can still try to get the hubby to change his mind just wing it at Porto Marie from shore and have a great time.

Did you take a taxi from the port to Porto Marie? If so, cost?

Thanks

Barbara

More good news Tim...I hope to cruise with you some day so I can toast with you!

Can we get bottles of water from the bar using Allegrissimo (regular water) to take off the ship on excursions?

I was having doubts about the Allegrissimo vs. vouchers, but think we'll be fine w/Allegrissimo.

Tx again

Barbara

Thanks Tim.....You're so helpful!

How is wine w/Allegrissimo handled at buffets? Do I need to get a glass from bar and bring to buffet area? That is a bit of a pain...Would be nice to be able to get it right near buffet.

Barbara

We are heading to time n place as well. I'm going with my in laws husband and 3 year old and we just want to relax go to a place like this is what we want. I emailed tony the owner but haven't heard back from him. Anyone knows how to find transportation to time n place from the port? How much to stay there for the day? I will post my reviews when I get back we are going on oasis on the week of thanksgiving. I usually don't go by the negative reviews because we all have different expectations and not everyone is acceptable to cultures like the one in Jamaica when all they like is to be happy enjoy life and make others feel welcome. I love Jamaica can't wait to go back

Here is website http://www.mytimeandplace.com

There is a form to sign up there. Best way is to book online with him $10 deposit/$10 when you arrive. You would have to do a short walk to bank to meet driver. I read that cabs are more $ and sometimes cabs in that area are a bit "sketchy".

How is wine w/dinner using Allegrissimo handled? Does waiter pour by the glass after you show your card?

Do we have a choice of wine categories, i.e., cabernet, chardonnay, chablis, merlot OR just"red or white"....If that's the case, does anyone know what type red or white they serve?

Not fussy about having expensive wines...just really dislike certain types, like zinfindel.

Thanks

Barbara

Now I know that not only I am addicted I did damage to my 6 years old DD.

She cruised 6 times already.:)

Yesterday she asked me if I would love to play ....."Private cocktail party" :D. Plus she made cruise calendar and counting how many days before cruise. :D.What’s your cruise addiction everyone .LOL

Love planning our cruises, getting all details ahead of time, checking our ports and making our reservations, etc.

Once we leave our house to drive to hotel the night before cruise departs, my vacation has begun!! I'm not totally nuts about sticking to a preplanned schedule once onboard, but really feel a bit sad when one of the ports is cancelled or it rains.

The worse thing that happened to me in cruise planning was waking up the morning we were supposed to leave for hotel and learning on CC Boards that our ship, the Dawn, was floating in the sea powerless!! I couldn't reach anyone due to the wee hour so we decided to start our 4.5 hour drive to Miami hotel for overnight stay. Enroute I got a call saying our cruise was cancelled.

I got on my cell and arranged two back to back short cruises to the Bahamas that fit into the same timeframe as the Dawn cruise. We had a great time, but I was really distraught over the months of preplanning that went down the tubes for the Dawn trip. We eventually cruised on the Dawn and it was fabulous...One of our best cruises!

I am trying to find out which port we will dock at on our Cristobal, Panama stop. I am the 12/10/13 MSC Divina cruise. I am told that NO cruise ships port in Cristobal any longer. They all dock in Colon. I need to know the name of the dock where we will be. I called MSC, but she is telling me, its Port of Cristobal 1110 Columbus Ave Cristobal, Panama. My guide needs to know if we will be at COLON 2000, HOMEPORT, or GATUN YACHT CLUB? The lady on line said you would only have the same information as she had. Is there anyone you can ask to find out this information for us?

Thank you in advance, Debbie:D

I was told it definitely was Colon and that no ships port in Cristobal.

We have both Curacao and Cozumel ports on our upcoming cruise. I can't get hubby to commit to 2 snorkeling days unfortunately so I'm forced to choose!

I'm considering either shore snorkeling at Porte Marie or Laguna Beach in Curacao OR a snorkeling boat trip in Cozumel to El Cielo, Colombia Shallow, Palancar Gardens and La Francesa or Santa Rosa reefs.

What would you advise?

Thanks so much.

PS I'm also a bit concerned about water temperature in Cozumel in early December also (no wetsuits).

So undecided with so much to do in Curacao! We will be there on a Sunday from 8-6pm.

We were going to Porte Marie for its supposed great snorkling, but think it might be too far (and we'd be too tired!) to come back to see the shops, etc.

Would like to go to a nearby beach with good snorkeling, come back to ship to eat/shower and then do walking tour/shop.

What beach would be best for this?

Thanks

Barbara

We hate to carry alot of cash, but are planning private excursions that require cash this cruise.

I seem to remember going to casino or guest services to cash a check or draw money against our sail card.

What is the best way to do this?

Also, I've read that sometimes they watch that you actually gamble with some of the money you take out at the casino and won't let you draw more the next day or so if you do not use some of the withdrawn money to gamble. True?

Perhaps using an ATM is the better way to go? I know they charge fees though and it may be dangerous at some ports.

Thanks

Barbara

Unless they have changed their policy lately there is no charge on cash withdrawal at the casino cash desk. At the guest service desk there is a 3% service charge on cash withdrawal.

 

Hope this helps:)

Is the 3% service charge on cash withdrawal using the credit card on file with your ship card or should we bring checks?

Thanks

Barbara

Does MSC have souvenir sale days like the other cruiselines do? (Usually toward end of cruise).

Yes....Maybe because they are pushing their shuttle? Perhaps I should just take list of taxicab #'s from internet with me to Miami and call cab from room.

I thought $35 sounded more reasonable

I was surprised to be told that a taxi from our hotel (Doral area of Miami - Holiday Inn Express 8436 NW 36th St. was about $50 to port. We paid $30 last year!

I had taken free shuttle in the past, but now told it doesn't leave really early...Would like to get to ship early - waiting to board adds excitement in my opinion!

Recommendations for earlier shuttles and taxis appreciated.

Thanks

Tx for all the help you have given me!....Yes,

I was referring to after dinner cordials like Tia Maria which are very common in US w espresso at table after dinner. Do you know if these are available elsewhere on ship using package? Perhaps at pastry shop or bars?

I think we have the answers to our questions on the items available on the Allegrissimo packages. Thanks to everyone on the Boards who helped!

A few more things I'm curious about. Answers very much appreciated.

1. Can hubby take my card and his w/Allegrissimo package, go to bar and get cocktails for us to drink away from the bar, i.e., on our balcony? OR must we both go to bar to order drinks? I was thinking of taking "to go" cups to transport drinks from bar to balcony.

2. Are the same wines available at the bars as they are at dinner? Wondering if we could carry glasses of wine from bar into dining room if we don't care for selection of wines in package at dinner table.

3. Any problem having after dinner cordials with espresso at dinner table?

I seem to remember being able to draw cash at the casino, but recently read that a 5% charge will apply.

Is that correct?

OR can I write a check onboard to get cash at desk?

I prefer not carrying too much cash around.

Thank you

Barbara

Not really familiar with what you are talking about.

Top 18 ? Only 18 people ?

Sorry your picture did not take...

Here you go. I had these from another CC member:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/...ps62ed9fa0.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3121eea4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd13daec.jpg

Fantastic Views:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/...ps361c87e3.jpg

I'll try to explain it in a more simple way.

 

A) You can take a public bus to Jan Thiel beach or Seaquarium beach (East side) very easily. Bus depot is behind the main Postal Office (15 minute walk from the ship).

 

B) You can take a public bus to the Western side for the nicer beaches. Bus depot is 5 minute walk from ship when you walk past Starbuck's and The Cinemas.

HOWEVER, the only beaches the bus stops at are Westpunt, Jeremi and Lagun.

The bus will NOT take you to Blue Bay (it might leave you at the entrance and then it's a loooong walk to get to the beach).

Porto Marie and Cas Abao are neither reachable by public transportation.

Personally, I would not risk it by going to the Western side with public transportation. It's a loooooong ride and with traffic, road construction, busses with flat tires, there is a real chance you could miss the ship.

 

The only way I would go to the Western side while on a cruise is if the ship was in port for long hours and then by taxi, sightseeing tour or rental car.

Thanks Isa.

Our ship will be in port 8 - 6pm. We really would like to do the best (not too difficult though!) snorkeling. Do you think we should chance going to Porte Marie or Cas Abao via taxi? What time would you suggest we get the taxi back? Or can you recommend another good, closer snorkeling site for us?

Thanks

Barbara

We had planned on grabbing a taxi to Porta Mari to snorkel next month, but have a few concerns. We will be there on a Sunday if that matters.

1. Are there traffic delays getting there and back via taxi?

2. I understand you have to prearrange for taxi for return trip to ship since none are at Porta Mari (Porte Marie) not sure of spelling. Should fear of not getting back to ship on time preclude me from going there? I read about the tug boat snorkeling, but wonder if it will just be too too crowded.

Advice appreciated.

Thanks

Barbara

Wanted to pass along:

MSC Divina will bring the new TOP 18 Exclusive Adult Only area. This is based on availability and will be available at the below prices:

$30 RATTAN SUN BED FULL DAY (it accommodates two people, see below picture)

$15 RATTAN SUN BED AFTERNOON

$10 SUN BED FULL DAY

$5 SUN BED AFTERNOON

$10 PROMO 2X1 SUN BED (during stay in port)

Here is from the hut. down the beach.

at the jetty it goes left to the rest of the pictures.

In theory maybe you could walk around????

 

and the right side. guard at jetty (no camera, no pictures of nudes..lol)

 

 

I will say if the tide was down it might account for some* water level, but I dont see how it could effect much

I'm a bit more skeptical about going now, but I think we'll still make the attempt. We have a sea day before and after our Jamaica stop, so even sitting on the beach w/a beer will be fine!

Thanks again

Barbara