Rosethorn40

Just made final payment for our R/T New Orleans voyage leaving April 18th. Was looking forward to booking "Premium" shore excursions at our two stops; a trip to Laura Plantation at Oak Alley, and a Swamp Tour in Baton Rouge. However, it appears that there are no premium shorex offered on this trip except transfers to the hotel or airport after the boat trip. Not interested as I have no desire to see the 9th Ward, and as we are getting into New Orleans 2-days early I am sure any highlights from the bus transfer would be repeats for us. I'm afraid I may go a little stir crazy our 2 and half days on board. It won't take me an entire day to see Oak Alley, and the hop on/off trolley will most likely be a bust as many sights will probably be closed on Easter Sunday. A little disappointed that the American Queen web site was not more clear about the lack of shorex for this voyage when I booked. Feeling a bit deflated and not at all excited. In fact, right now I have a serious case of buyer remorse.

Just curious, as I have never been. What can't you swim on the Atlantic side? It's private? Or it's not safe?

Rip tides are very strong. I think you are fine to stroll along the beach and even walk in the water (As long as you don't go in too deep), but no actual swimming or surfing. When we went on our 4x4 tour this information was relayed by our guide.

The turtles, which everyone seems to love are on the west side.

You are in for what should be a wonderful cruise. We have done this itinerary twice (Once on the Sun and in 2009 on the Emerald), and are trying the Southern 10-day in late February.

St. Kitts-My favorite Island. Much more lush than St. Thomas. It depends on your interest but you can take a scenic train ride that is quite nice. It has both open carriages with a top for shade or interior carriage with large picture windows that is air conditioned if it's too hot. If you are feeling adventurous take the ferry to Nevis, a truly unspoiled island that was the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton. There is also a lovely Botanical Garden that is opened for tours. You would need to take a taxi to get there (That's after the ferry drops you off at Charles Town), or the tour through Princess. Been to St Kitts 4 times and each time everyone we met was friendly. Prices are high compared to other islands for souvenirs. This is also a more conservative island in general. If you are there on a Sunday expect a number of stores away from the pier to be closed.

St. Lucia-A popular tour is a catamaran to the Pitons with a bus ride back. The bus ride is long and makes a lot of stops for shopping, so if you would like to see the Pitons try to find a round trip catamaran tour. My personal

experience has been that the vendors are very pushy in St Lucia.

Antigua-One of the best tours we have done on any island was a 4x4 that gave us a good overview of the island, free time at the dockyards, and some beach time. If just hanging at a beach is your thing there are lots to choose from-they say that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. We have been twice. The first time the vendors were very aggressive, scary aggressive, but the 2nd time everyone we met was friendly and welcoming.

Barbados-Lots to choose from, we did swimming with the sea turtles which was great. We have also done tours of a "Great House" (From plantation days) that was okay, there are Rum Factory tours. What you can't do is go swimming on the Atlantic side of the island. People are very friendly.

We did a Hawaii cruise in 2010 out of LA on the Golden, a sister ship of the Grand.

A. The Pacific can be a little rough (I didn’t have any problems, but then I never get seasick). The first two and last two sea days of the cruise the outside temperature’s will probably be on the cool side.

B. I can't speak about the Grand, but the Golden is very nice. There is a covered pool for those less than perfect days.

C. We really enjoyed the cruise. Keep in mind that out of 14 days only 4 are spent in Hawaii so think of it as a taste of Hawaii. Also there are 4 sea days out and 4 sea days back, plus a stop in Mexico (We didn't get off the ship, just treated it as another sea day and enjoyed the Sanctuary). So if you are worried about being stir crazy with all the sea days it might not be the best cruise for you. That said there are usually lots of activities on board; Hula lessons, lei making, lectures, etc.

I ask because I use to book flights after 12 pm and usually end up sitting for what seems hours in the airport. Also, a 10:20 flight out of FLL is much cheaper than anything from 11ish to about 6 or 7 pm (I'm flying into BWI). The flight down, which is on a Thursday, February 27th, is very reasonably priced, while returning flights on March 9th are not. March 9th is a Sunday and with all the demand from passengers returning from week long cruises it stands to reason that the airlines can ask and get more for a flight.

What can I say? I'm cheap, and I'm trying to find the best option to get home without spending too much :) Trust me, I am exploring every option; Miami, Orlando (Renting a car and driving up), Palm Beach, flying out the next day, etc. I don't really want to sit around until a late flight of 8 or 9 pm. I've already done the Airboat through the Everglades (Twice) and Flamingo Gardens. I may just have to "Suck it up Buttercup" and spend the extra money.

Thank you for the responses. I do appreciate everyone's opinion.

It's been awhile since I sailed Princess out of Port Everglades, and I realize it's a very busy port. That said, if we do self-assist with our bagage is it a strong possibility that I will make a 10:20 flight out of FLL? (A Sunday).

When we did an United Kingdom/Ireland cruise this past summer they collected our passports at check in and said we could have them back after we left Ireland. The reason we were given was that the authorities were boarding the ship at 4 AM to review all passports. I for one was glad I didn't have to get up that early.

I know that both the Magic and the Breeze have it.

Have enjoyed reading your review. DH and I were on the Breeze's sister ship The Magic in March and loved it too! We have been debating on the Breeze or a HAL cruise and your review may have just tip the scales in the Breeze's favor. Of course a Spa Cabin is a must and DH adores the heated tile beds.

Thank you for sharing. Loved looking at your pictures-the ship look amazing. I really can't wait for the next 9 days to go by.