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red47

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Posts posted by red47

    Ranger Cookies. Which ships have them?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    On 11/16/2019 at 4:14 PM, taxatty said:

    My favorite dessert on RCI. DW made them for my birthday.

    https://www.royalcaribbean.com/blog/a-very-royal-recipe-ranger-cookies/

     

     

    I'm with you, on my last cruise on Grandeur I ask them when they would show up and they kindly made sure I received those wonderful cookies every evening after dinner....I finally had so many that I shared them with everyone! 🙂

    Cape Canaveral (Orlando) & Miami

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    23 hours ago, Capt_BJ said:

    only time I see GRAND' in PC from now to end of FY-19 is Aug 24, a Saturday and they are at T-1

     

    *******************

    following has appeared many times in the Florida section (I know ... I posted it having saved it back in 15)

    the information is somewhat dated so verify any all using the links (which may be dead if the place is kaput)

     

    We think there is a lot to do near the Port - even Disneyworld and other theme parks are just an easy hour away by road!

    Please look at this map of Port     Canaveral, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach for orientation:
    https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?m...0.kguiZnGCjDj0 

    Step 1:
    What is your cruise terminal? If 5, 6, or 10 then you need transport. Either a rental car shuttle or a pre-arranged ride. Cocoa Beach Shuttle is a good starting point for pre-arranged pickups. 888-taxi is available and despite some bad press about prices they are popular and efficient.

    If 1, 3 or 4 then you have some activities within walking distance:
    1. Jetty Park (FREE) for a beach/suntan. Very scenic area and very nice beach.    http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/ 
    2. Beach bus stop – For $1.25 one-way, the local beach bus will take you to Cocoa Beach (Shepard Park for Ron Jon area) or within walking distance of the famous Cocoa Beach Pier (use Publix Stop). About 30 minutes to these stops.    http://www.ridescat.com/ 
    3. The Cove at the Port – All the famous restaurants (Millikens, Rusty’s, Fishlips, Grills)     http://visitportcanaveral.com/ 
    4. The Exploration Tower – A bit expensive ($6.50+tax) but interesting info about the port with games for kids and 360 degree view from the 7th floor.     http://www.explorationtower.com/ 
    5. Helicopter and biplane rides -     http://www.floridaairtours.com/ the chopper is right there behind terminal 2.

    Step 2:
    So you want to explore further afield in private and not using a shore excursion? 

    Rental Cars:
    Unless you just want a simple single visit somewhere in Cape     Canaveral     or Cocoa Beach, I think the best option is to rent a car for the day. Start price-shopping with Payless (within walking distance of terminals 3 & 4) but all offer port shuttles. To avoid boring waiting time with kids in tow, I suggest that one adult go early to get the car then come back to pick the family!

    Please know some of the popular rental car companies share shuttles and offices. See the map above for locations and pictures of their shuttles for easier identification.

    I am working on an 8-hour itinerary around the area for self-drive cruisers! Stay tuned… 

    Shuttles:
    If you do not want to drive or use the public beach bus, then shuttle/taxi services are available. 888-taxi -    http://cab888.com/ has a port contract with hail privileges whereas others have to pay port entry fees ($5 or more depending on vehicle size, I believe) which add to the costs. So while other companies may offer cheaper per mile or metered rates, it is best to compare them with 888-taxi before booking. They will all be busy so it is best if you call ahead. 

    Here is a list of the shuttles I see most often in the area: Cocoa Beach Shuttle -     http://www.cbshuttle.com, Beach Line -http://www.beachlineshuttle.net, Space Port - http://spaceporttransport.com/ , Hoo Ha taxi – (321) 749 3232, etc.

    Expect to pay around $20 for two people for a one-way trip to Ron Jon Surf shop for example. 

    Kennedy Space Center:
    One of the most popular shore excursions. I always see a line of KSC buses waiting on each ship! So you can expect a crowded day at KSC. There are ways to manage your day in order to avoid lines at the top attractions – I am planning to write it up in a separate note.

    A private return shuttle to Kennedy Space Center averages between $80 and $120 roundtrip for 2 people (total) plus 20% tip. If you self-drive, the parking costs are $10. 

    Beach:
    During winter months and if Port     Canaveral is the first stop when sailing from NY for example, the beach is what a lot of people want! I totally understand and highly recommend to walk over to Jetty Park. The beach there is wide with some wave action and life guards are on duty. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and some beach toys (beach chair/umbrella rentals for 2 people are about $15 a day). The beach café is pretty good too!     http://www.jettyparkbeachandcampground.com/

    If you want to go to the beach near restaurants/bars, try the Cocoa Beach Pier area - http://www.cocoabeachpier.com/ or further down near Coconuts on the Beach. Cruise ship shore excursions go to Shepard beach (near Ron Jon) so do not go there if you want to avoid your fellow passengers! 

    The SCAT public transport is cheap and easy (30 minutes) down to the Pier and Ron Jon areas. There are several areas (and companies) for learning how to surf, paddleboard, etc. I know the kids love the surfing lessons so please consider that but do be aware the water is cold in winter and I recommend you use a surf school that supply wetsuits. 

    Activities (Orlando area):
    I understand the attraction but it is tough for me to recommend a whirlwind bus or private tour of any of the Orlando theme parks. It is almost impossible to experience the parks in a long day, so a half-day trip is pretty intense! Ride lines will be long, it may be very hot, the transfers take at least an hour each way and it is very expensive for what you can achieve on such a rushed excursion.

    It may be best to rent a car and visit just Downtown Disney (a free Disney-like experience but be aware it is mostly restaurants and shops) and perhaps a lesser-known place like Gatorland. I will think more about this and perhaps write a separate note about Orlando options. 

    Activities (other than Orlando and Kennedy Space Center):
    The best activities around Port     Canaveral     are beach or nature-based but there are very good museums too. Manatees, gators, airboats, learn to surf, kayak, hike, etc. are on offer. Airboats are a lot of noisy fun!
    Pre-arrangements/bookings are crucial. 

    Disclaimer - I do not endorse any of the companies/establishments listed and I have no relationship (personal or business) with them. My list is just a starting point of different activities so please do your own research! However, we’ve had have positive experiences with many of the listings below and are constantly trying new ones! 

    a) Sunward Tours -     http://www.sunwardtours.com They can arrange just about any activity
    b) FunDay Tours -     https://www.facebook.com/funday.tours Work primarily with pre-formed groups such as shore trips but check them out anyway
    c) Segway Tours -     http://spacecoastsegwaytours.com/ will guide you around the port
    d) Airboat rides – There are several but most shore excursions go to Midway -     http://www.airboatridesatmidway.com/ or Lone Cabbage - http://www.twisterairboatrides.com/ . To get away from the crowds, try Grasshopper -http://www.airboatecotours.com/ , Old Fashioned Airboat Rides - http://airboatrides.com or Switchgrass -http://switchgrassoutfitters.com 
    e) Kayaking to see manatees and wildlife - Adventure Kayak -     http://kayakcocoabeach.com/, Fin Expeditions -http://www.finexpeditions.com for Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Also Calypso - http://calypsokayaking.com at Manatee Cove not far from Kennedy Space Center. Note – from November to March the Manatees prefer warmer water in other areas and may not be seen regularly around Canaveral.
    f) Learn to Surf. Cocoa Beach Surf Company -     http://cocoabeachsurf.com/surf_lessons_camp.html or Ron Jonhttp://www.ronjonsurfschool.com are solid representatives of the surf school companies
    g) Air Force Space and Missile History Center –     http://www.afspacemuseum.org/historycenter/ The history of the launch areas around Canaveral. Very informative.
    h) Warbird Museum –     http://www.vacwarbirds.net/ If you love aviation then this is the place to go. Lovingly maintained by volunteers (mostly ex-armed forces). It is an amazing museum.
    i) Police Hall of Fame –     http://www.aphf.org/museum.html More interesting than most expect. Various exhibits of the history of major crime as well as impressive though very sad memorial. 
    j) Astronaut Hall of Fame -     https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/t...l-of-fame.aspx is part of the Kennedy Space Center experience but in a different location.
    k) Brevard Zoo and Treetop Trek -     https://brevardzoo.org/ 
    l) Shopping - Dinosaur Store and Museum -     http://dinosaurstore.com/ and Ron Jon Surf Shop -http://www.ronjonsurfshop.com/ Fun for kids old and young!
    m) Wildlife Parks - Jungle Adventures –     http://www.jungleadventures.com - An old-time Florida animal park. Not fancy but friendly and interesting. Larger than Expected. Shore excursions often combine the Jungle and a Midway Airboat ride in the same package. 
    n) Boat rides on the Banana River to see wildlife including manatees (not many around during Nov and Apr). Start with Island Boat Lines -     http://www.islandboatlines.com/ and also Wild Side Tours http://wildsidetours.com/
    o) Forever Florida - http://foreverflorida.com a really adventurous safari with swamp buggy rides, ziplines, etc! A bit far unless you have car.
    p) Cocoa Beach Skatepark -     http://cocoabeachskatepark.com/ Certainly unusual for cruisers but a seriously fun and safe skatepark for the cool kids in your family if they packed skate boards! Open at 4pm during school days so plan accordingly so they can skate for 2 hours or so before returning to your ship.
    q) Brewery – Florida Beer Company -     https://www.facebook.com/FloridaBeerCompany     a very good tour and tasting arrangement! Close to the Port.
    r) Sightseeing – Some cruisers prefer more leisurely excursions and most ships offer affordable hourly hop-on, hop-off bus trips to Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village. Passengers can explore the areas on foot and return to the ship when they want. The beach buses stop between Ron Jon Surf Shop and Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach (for a typical East Coast Florida beach and surf experience). From there they offer constant bus shuttles to the north end of Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village (for a historic downtown experience). You can easily do the same in private using a rental car or taxis/shuttles (watch the costs though). SCAT buses (Route 9 and the 520 connector) will be cheapest but will take much longer. 

    We will be in PC on Oct.19.2019, thank you for saving me hours of research!

    • Like 1

    Undecided- Need advise- Hawaii Nov 2019- Grand PrincessRT SF

    in Princess Cruises

    Posted

    So as someone with 40+ cruises under my belt and just having done this cruise (Christmas-New Years  2018) I will give you my opinion. Unless you are a great sailor don't do it at this time of year on this ship!!!  I know weather can change and is never guaranteed but this cruise was one of the worst regarding the weather...cold until day before reached Hawaii (sweatshirt needed, could not use veranda(wind,rain, cold) and it ROCKED constantly for 5 days! Many people sick from the motion. The return trip was only slightly better but more rain! Captain said it's always like this at this time of the year!

    The ship will be dry-docked in March...lucky you! It needs to be retired!! The leaks are everywhere, the smell in some places (Princess Theater- upper rt side was like being in a garbage pit) was sickening. We had a toilet with a mind of it's own...flushed when it wanted to...not on a need to basis! Not much to do during the day. The best things were the beds and the crew and Brian and Rowena they saved the trip for us! Hawaii was warm, sunny and beautiful but they need to add more time to see them! (This was our 4th time there!)..Hope this helps in your decision....Aloha!

    • Like 1

    specialty dining on serenade

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    I booked the 5 dinner package and the $15 dining first night so they are starting my package on the second night. I requested Chops for the first night. I was told I will be billed the full amount, and once on board be automatically credited the difference. If you book before you board, I was told they don't have a way to bill the $15. The difference will show as a credit.

     

    Thanks so much for the info! :)

     

    Carol

    Tours plaza - anyone used them?

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    So we are booked for 3 hours with toursplaza. One of the things we want to do is the chocolate factory tour. From what some of ya'll are saying' date=' sounds like it is included in private tour...but on the chocolate factory's website, a tour is $20 per person. So...do we need to book a tour time separately with the chocolate place or just let our driver handle it?[/quote']

     

    We just told them what we wanted to do they made all the arrangements...there is actually two different tours...one is just the factory and history of chocolate the other we got to make our own chocolate disks to take home! :)

    2 days to burn pre cruise from P.E family of 5

    in Florida Departures

    Posted

    Kids are 12,9,6 we liked the area but there just wasn't much to do,someone mentioned the water taxi and that sounded like something the kids would like.

     

    Have you ever done the Everglades airboat trip? You can purchase tickets from hotel where you are staying or buy online before going to FLL...my 10 yr old granddaughter loved this, she even got to hold a baby alligator after the ride(they will take pictures to show friends when they get home!)

     

    Have a great trip!:D

    Tours plaza - anyone used them?

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    Had a great time!

    Aldo ended up unavailable so we had Victor. He was awesome. Took us to local shopping, to san Gervasio, down the east coast, lunch at playa bonita (Soooo good!!)

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

     

    Sorry you missed Aldo:( but glad you had a great time!!:)

    Current prices of basic Cocktails?

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    You may not give them $10 for a basic cocktail, but you also may not be drinking. Have not seen a $6 cocktail on any recent cruises, including on the Serenade earlier this year, where a gin and tonic was $10.

     

    I paid a few cents less than $18.00 inc grat. for a Dirty Martini(top shelf Vodka) on Oasis in September!! Lucky I'm not a big drinker!! :eek:

    What/When to Reserve - Oasis 7-day Western Caribbean-Crown Loft Suite

    in Royal Caribbean International

    Posted

    Thank you all for the responses. I'd like an over the water cabana on barefoot beach, and I'll start emailing them at three weeks out just to be safe. What other activities on and off ship should I be thinking about making that are hot ticket items. I'll be making reaservation for the Comedy Show, but I thought as Suite guests, we had automatic seating at CK should we wish to dine there. Are there any other shore excursions, or on board activities that go quickly? Thank you very much for any tips.

     

    Phil

     

    If you want to eat dinner at CK at a certain time, reservations are a must or you may be very disappointed.

    Tours plaza - anyone used them?

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    Thank you so much. Did the chocolate tour take long? Do you remember the price?

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

     

    We booked a private tour for three hours, the chocolate stop was included with the whole tour of the island and tequila factory. They will customize a tour to your specifics, they are very accomadating, if there is something you want to see or do they will try to do it! They charge by the number of people in a group and how long you want to be gone. There was only 2 of us(other 2 changed to snorkel) so we paid for 4 ( min. in car ). Go to their website (Tours Plaza.com) and look at private tours or send email they answer quickly. Good luck!

    Tours plaza - anyone used them?

    in Cozumel

    Posted

    I love the beach, beautiful views, little bit of local history, my grandma is interested in the ruins. We love good food. We are not drinkers but really enjoy almost anything.

     

     

    Sent from my iPhone using Forums

     

    Just used Tours Plaza a few weeks ago, could not have asked for a better experience. Just ask for Aldo, he was the best at showing us the island, from stops at a chocolate factory where we actually made our own chocolate to take home, a tequila factory tasting stop, lunch at a beautiful restaurant on the beach and stops and info on the amazing island. We had been to Cozumel twice before but never like this! Tours Plaza charges the same for two people as for four but you will get your money's worth and be safe and enjoy a great day!

    Carol

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