mamacol

Thanks SDPadrefan! The Sand Bar sounds great - I will check when we are in town and book something. Nothing like a massage on vacation!

I am so sorry for your loss.  It must be so hard, but you seem to be making steps to take care of yourself. My first solo cruise as well. I am newly separated,  and am taking a Christmas cruise to provide space between my husband and I, and to allow my kids to have time with each of us, alone.  No idea if I am doing the right thing, but - plunging ahead!

I have booked the Celebrity Solstice out of Los Angeles, leaving December 19th.  They had a great solo rate, but I don't know what they are charging now.  Just 7 days to Mexico and back, Christmas in port in Ensenada, which will probably be shuttered up tight, but I need to do something new.  I am looking forward to a whale watching trip in Puerto Vallarta.  We have a roll call if you want to see who else is joining this trip.  Virtual hugs to you

Colleen

That yellow fever vaccine can cause a reaction, in my experience. I had the fever, aches and pains of a flu for two days.   So spacing out vaccines is a good idea!

And some vaccines may not be needed if you are staying in cities. But the travel clinic is gong to know best.

Have a great trip!

One thing I do before departing for a cruise is get $100-$200 in small bills. I always tip the room service person, and with baggage handlers, tour guides, taxi drivers, bartenders it really can add up. And with small bills I can give just the amount I feel is appropriate. 

Long story short - I recommend stopping at a bank before your trip to get small bills.

Enjoy your trip~

I think I saw Newcastle Brown Ale on one of the menus - that is pretty hearty.  I agree though, that the beer selection is really limited.

Thank you so much for this menu!  I am heading on my first Celebrity cruise this December on the Solstice. Is Cafe Bacio on all the ships?  These drinks sound delicious!

I have to know - what is a Coconut-cream tini?  Sounds decadent!

Wow - interesting way to generate revenue....yikes!

Thanks cknic! That is what I was hoping for. Looking forward to trying Norwegian again!

:D

Thank you for the great trip report! I am looking at sailing on the Jade to Greece (the eastern Med, I guess) in 2019. I have heard that she is an older ship. I know she has had some refurbishment. I wonder how her condition is?

Stained carpets, worn furniture, things like that? When we sailed on the Jewel in 2010

she was looking pretty dated!

Thanks for any insights.

Colleen

Nice!

That is great news! Thanks for your help - can't wait to see what cool beverages we find in our travels.

Cheers!

Hi! I am wondering how the return of liquor works on Princess. On Holland it is very nice, as they drop it off at your cabin on the last night around turn down time. On Carnival it was awful - waiting in line at 6 am to pick up booze purchased off the ship at one place, and then going to the shop to pick up anything purchased there. And then you have to pack all the booze in your luggage at the airport or someplace. I didn't like that at all.:(

This is our first time on Princess - any experienced folks able to help?

Thank you!

Do you know if this would be available on the Explorer in 2016? Is there a link I could check out?

Thanks!

Thanks, Lou - no wonder I couldn't find the link for a :rolleyes:private message - lol!

Hi Javamom - I tried to send you a provate message, but don't know how - sorry! I am looking at a porthole room on the Fascination from San Juan in September. Can you tell me about that room type? I see it is very far forward - do you recommend a certain deck - I think they have availability on 4, 5, and 6.

Thanks for any help!

Colleen

Having just got back from my first cruise, I certainly walked around with a big grin on my face way too much, and kept saying things like "I can't believe how big the ship is!" Or, "where's my cabin again? I thought it was right over here..." I'm pretty sure I seemed like a newbie when we barely made it back to the ship in Costa Maya - "you mean they really leave when they say they will?" What can I say - I got sidetracked by the Tequila Museum and Tasting room:D.

Perhaps that is a virgin mistake as well?