agargoyle

Letsgocruising,   IMHO, leaving Thursday and staying over would be my plan.  We travel in to NYC or Port LIberty from Western MA  leaving early enough to work our way around delays.  But leaving from Boston would make me "antsy" so to have a happy first day stay near to NYC on Thursday night.  

I would recommend Park Right for parking instead of at the terminal.  The terminal has gotten so expensive.  We have used them the last couple of times we took the car. (usually guilt one of the kids into driving us and picking us up)    Drive there, a driver gets in the car brings you to the terminal and drops you and luggage off.  After the cruise they will come pick you up. Or one of  has walked to the garage, goten the car and headed back to get the other person/people and luggage.

https://parkright.com/

We have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express for a cruise.  We had taken a bus down the night before because of the weather.  short cab ride from the bus terminal, food nearby, breakfast included, between 5th and 6th Ave so half a block to walk for a cab (hotel offered to get a "cab/car" for $60.....cab was $10).     So taking a bus on Thursday could be an option also. Saves gas, wear and tear and stress.

No matter what you decide --- enjoy your cruise.

The Summit has the Rooftop Terrace which is a nice place to hang out.  They show movies up there I cannot remember if they are during the afternoon or evening.    

We also hang around alot in our room, usually on our balcony.  We usually do Aqua on deck 11 soit is a short jaunt to the Oceanview bar, the buffet or the Rooftop Terrace.

Look for Donovan in the buffet for breakfast.  He always has a big welcome for everyone.

You did not say which cruise lines.  RCCL and Celebrity are easy to get around.  Get off ship, walk out to road and catch the city bus.   Several years ago we hipped  the City bus and did Gators n Golf.   

We played a round of mini golf and then fed the gators that were in the enclosed pool.   There were snacks, ice cream and cold drinks available.   There used to be a free tourist bus at certain times of the year.

We have also gone to Jetty Park.  We took a taxi.  Nice beach, restrooms, changing rooms, food, fishing pier (rental of fishing poles).  We have seen manatees, sea turtles and dolphins.  If it is off season, limited hours for snacks and no chair rentals.

There is also Exploration Tower.  It is a 5 or 6 story building that looks like a sail.  Lots of displays and a great view from the top.

Port Canaveral ended up being a favorite stop.  We must have done it  a dozen times on the Breakaway and a couple on the Anthem of the Seas.

http://www.explorationtower.com/

https://www.portcanaveral.com/recreation/jetty-park-beach-pier

https://golfngator.com/

4 hours ago, tallnthensome said:

$50 whole dollars? ....... Probably on a bunch of M&M’s and some liquor from the on board shops. 

 

covers the drink VAT charges while in port 

How about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, several hotels near by. You can either do tours of Statue that include a walk up the stairs to the crown or you can just do your own thing. Please check all the security rules for statue visitation.

You could also visit the Teardrop Memorial and get the lay of the land before going to the cruise ship. There is a small parking lot near the memorial so you could do it before you get on the ship.

In Cozumel I would suggest Chankanaab Beach. http://www.cozumelparks.com/en/chankanaab-en/ It would have snorkeling, beach time, shops, restaurants, you can pay to swim with dolphins or sea lions. You do not have to do an excursion there, just grab a cab and when you want to return grab another cab back.

I agree swimming with the sting rays in Grand Caymen should not be missed. Try and get an early tour, then you can still go to the beach.

In Roatan, we have taken a cab over to Foster's Beach.

I recommend you go to the official tourist sites for the islands you are stopping at to at least get some ideas on where to go and how to get there. On Cruise Critic, go to the ports forums. Trip Advisor is another good research tool.

Hit I, you you are planning on any beach time a large beach bag will work. It can hold towels and sun screen. Remember to bring a plastic bag to either hold wet items or the camera on the trip back. When I bring my "real" camera I will carry it in the beach bag until I want to use it. I will often just wear around my neck, slinging it to the side when I am not using it. Since we carry little cash in port anything small to hold your ID, credit card and sea pass is all you need. You can find silicone holders that go on the back of phones that are just the thing. I just carry it in my pocket. I have been using a backpack lately. Holds everything, is comfortable unless really humid. Celebrity gave us bags that fold up and go into a zipped pouch. I throw that in the backpack if I do a lot so shopping. It really depends on your style of vacationing. It took several cruises to figure out what was best.

HI, we were in SJU last year. Since or flight was late afternoon, I did not pay much to how long things took. We always use a porter at the airport. He gets us through all the screening quickly (remember that backpacks also need an agricultural sticker. If we have a question about weight, there are scales before you go through security. the porter will bring you to them so you can weigh your bags. I am getting a bit nervous because we have an earlier flight and using the Celebrity shuttle. Life is an adventure.

HI,

I have a Celebrity cruise on October 22 from Port Liberty. I can print my luggage tags. I have printed my luggage tags from Celebrity for the last 5 cruises. If you download or print the "cruise ticket booklet" there is one sample in the booklet. You just print as many as you need.

you may be lucky enough to get the new terminal 25

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/19264-celebrity-reveals-terminal-25-at-port-everglades.html

we have gone to Coral World a couple of times. We have not done the turtle encounter. We just take a taxi and pay to get in. We have walked over the beach next to it to enjoy the sun and water. Here is a link to Coral World https://coralworldvi.com/

HI, we were on the Breakaway a fe Christmas' ago with our grandchildren. They were 9 and 7 at the time. Christmas Morning there were gifts inu the room from parents and from us. Santa was in the atrium on Christmas morning handing out gifts. The gifts we NCL items. Actually we took our grandson down first and when we came back with a present in hand, out granddaughter (who is the oldest) wanted to go down. After she got her gift (juggling balls) and we were walking back to the room she turned to me and said: "this was the best Christmas ever." . When I asked why, she said Santa handed her the present. Think about it, if you go to work Christmas parties or the like....the kids sit on Santa's lap and an then an elf hands them the gift. On the this ship Santa handed them the gift while they were still with him. When they got home, thanks tot a neighbor, Santa's gifts were under the tree waiting for them.

Tell your granddaughter, traditions are great but sometimes making new memories or new traditions is awesome!!!!

HI

this is from the port site:

Security

All items, vehicles and persons will be subject to security screening.

The following items are prohibited by the terminal: firearms, ammunition, imitation or replica weapons, explosives or explosive component parts such as detonators, fireworks or pyrotechnics, knives , taser (electronic stun guns), pepper or mace sprays, telescopic or regular batons, handcuffs, flammable or explosive liquids, undocumented service animals, aerial drones, hover boards, clothing irons, extension cords and Samsung Galaxy Note7.

For all other prohibited items, please check with your cruise line. Terminal security will confiscate any prohibited items as deemed by the cruise line.

http://www.cruiseliberty.com/passenger_info.html#security

Hi,

I know there always is lots off discussion on what ends up on the"naughty" table and how much wine a person can bring aboard.

While tying up loose ends for my October cruise on the Summit I found this page under the "before you board" tab.

Thought it may be helpful. It also answers the question who decides what can be brought on board.

What Not to Pack

For safety, certain items are not allowed on board. If these are found, they will be confiscated. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned. Prohibited items are at the discretion of the Chief Security Officer and the Staff Captain and include, but are not limited to:

• Firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas
  
• Sharp objects, including knives and scissors*
  
• Illegal drugs and substances
  
• Candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes irons, travel steamers and hot plates, heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense and any other item that may create a fire hazard. NOTE: The only exception to this policy are curling irons and hair straighteners.
  
• Matches and normal lighters are allowed onboard. However torch lighters and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard. Torch lighters emit a powerful concentrated flame, and are therefore prohibited.
  
• Electrical extension cords
  
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, bows, and arrows
  
• Skateboards and surfboards
  
• Martial-arts gear
  
• Aerial drones
  
• Self-defense, including handcuffs, pepper spray, and night sticks
  
• Flammable liquids, including lighter fluids
  
• Explosives, including fireworks
  
• Hookahs & water hookah pipes
  
• Ham radios
  
• Dangerous chemicals, including bleach and paint
  
• Alcoholic beverages** (Note: Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing.)
  

* Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blades less than four inches are allowed.

** Two bottles of wine per stateroom are allowed on embarkation day, subject to corkage fees.

Good point about it usually arriving at the earlier time. This has been our experience as well.

 

Remember to set your alarm so you are awake when they arrive. We forgot once on our last cruise and the knock on the door was our alarm.

I can not remember if it was our last NCL, RCL or Celebrity cruise but they called the room to let you know they were on the way. I really liked that...could have my robe on and my tip handy.

Zack,

Labadee is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. I would think you would have to reach out to them for an answer. Check the cruise out and see if there is a tour while you are there.

From what I have read the area is enclosed to control access but I have also read tours of the island are offered there.

Hello Fellow Cruises, Does anyone know if you can rent beach umbrellas at Magens Bay. Thank You for Your Time

Hi,

not sure if this has been updated after the Hurricane. I do know Magan's Ba is open

Magens Bay Beach

Magens Bay Beach, located on the Northside of St. Thomas is a mile of white, pebble free sand and calm waters. Magens Bay is the most popular and picturesque beach in USVI. The peninsulas protect the shore from erosion and big waves, making it an ideal spot for swimmers. This beach does have an entry fee ($4), which is used to maintain the facilities. This beach is particularly beautiful because of the rolling mountains that roll right down to the beach. It's perfect for snorkeling, but does get crowded as it is a popular stop for cruise ships.

Fee: Adults $4 ($2/residents) - Children under 12, free. Car Parking $2 Swimming: Calm - Beachside: Sand - Food/Drinks: Yes - Water Sports: Yes Accessibility: Taxi, Car - Snorkeling: Poor - Amenities: Restroom, Showers, Changing Rooms, Chairs, Gift Shop, Lockers, Lifeguards - Taxis: Yes

We will be visiting St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados in November aboard the Celebrity Summit. We would like to snorkel at at least one of those islands. Any ideas which island is best for snorkeling? thank you :ship::):):):)

Hi you can take the water taxi/ferry to St John's

Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S.V.I.

Two-thirds of the island of St. John is protected national park land, including 7,000 acres of forest, beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails. In fact, some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean are located in the park, including Trunk Bay with its famous underwater snorkeling trail and Cinnamon Bay, which has a campground just steps from the shore. The popular Reef Bay Trail leads to the ruins of a historic sugar mill before ending at a secluded beach where you can plunge in and cool off before your return hike.

The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, which protects coral reefs offshore of St. John (including the famous Hurricane Hole), is also administered by Virgin Islands National Park; rangers can provide visitor information.

Ferry to ST. JOHN

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (340) 776-6282

VARLACK VENTURES (340) 776-6412

RED HOOK, St. Thomas to CRUZ BAY, St. John

$7.00 one way, children under twelve $1.00. 15 to 20 minute ride. $4.00 per bag fee.

Leaving Red Hook

Monday: first boat 5:30 am (then same as Tues-Sun)

Tues – Sun: 6:30 am, 7:30 am and 8:00 am, then hourly until Midnight

Leaving Cruz Bay

Every hour from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas to CRUZ BAY, St. John

$13.00 one way; $3.50 children. 45 minute ride. $4.00 per bag fee. Cash Only.

Leaving Charlotte Amalie

Mon – Sun: 10:00 am, 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm

Leaving Cruz Bay

Mon – Sun: 8:45 am, 11:15 am & 3:45 pm

PRIVATE WATER TAXI

DOHM’S CATAMARAN (340-775-6501)

DOLPHIN WATER TAXI (340-774-2628)

to St. John, the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda

I am wondering how you got to Coki Beach , and will have to worry about getting back to the ship in time to leave ? And would you happen to remember what it cost for the ride to and from there ? and is this a public beach or pay to get on ??? Lots of questions , but I like to be prepared..

Thank You

Hi we have gone to Coki Beach. we have taken a cab. I believe the price not is $9.00 per person one way. You can arrange for the cab to come back for you or just get a cab at the beach. Next door is Coral World..$20A, $10Y -- it is a nice place to visit.

question for those with kyssbags....are they slash proof? Pac-safe bags have wires inside so that the bags cannot be slashed. It looks like the kyssbags can be cut/slashed. I see it says rip stop but not slash proof.

Kartgv, in regards to your comment about cell phones, lease remember that most people now use their cell phones as cameras now. I know I do when I am in port. Carry only one item, have notes on my phone about the port, if I find free WiFi then I can call home if I feel the need.

Charlielinda, I have one of those safes, used it just a few times. Use the waterproof pouches. Better yet, DH does not go in the water so he keeps guard on our things. If you really have some large items to protect, like "real" cameras, Pacsafe has great expandable portable safes. I have one that we used when we started cruising years ago. The cable is long enough to wrap around a small tree trunk. It kept our 35mm camera and wallets safe when DH did go in the water. The one I have is open mesh but they now come in many sizes and look like pouches or backpacks.

1 Review

Pacsafe 55L backpack and bag protector

/10170999.html $79.95 USD

Hi,

we have never been asked to show proof of military service but when asked for ID at check in DH will use his military ID that was issued when he signed up for services.

Pokeahanus,

this is the website for the pier, it may help or give you contact numbers.

https://www.portseattle.org/

Obsideon

I love the hand gif --- and yes just like that!

HI,

in the buffet area are juice, water, coffee and tea stations. You can bring a water bottle and fill it with water and ice if you bring a large mouthed one. You can also make sure the room steward keeps you ice bucket full and get water and ice in your room. Lots of bring water bottles and travel mugs to fill with the free drinks. My husband also brings the drops to flavor the water. The only thing they ask is that you take a glass and use that to fill the water bottle instead of just filling your water bottle.

You can also get ice tea delivered to your room. We usually order a couple of glasses in the morning to fill our water bottles.