Sinjan

We did that itinerary last year. Rent a golf cart on Grand Turk and drive yourself around. Very small island and easy to do on your own. Curacao and Aruba I'd recommend hiring a driver for the day. We did tours on both islands and while there is a lot to see, we were on everyone elses schedule. We would have enjoyed both islands much more if we had been able to explore our own interests at our own pace.

It's really depends on what time they start boarding. We had an extended Customs inspection when we sailed the Freedom and it was nearing 1 by the time we boarded. Once they had the all clear we were on board in about 5 minutes tho and it was really nice having the cabin ready. It didn't seem nearly as crowded when we went out on Lido and were able to get a good spot without waiting. We also ended up having to make a couple of trips to the Guest Services Desk and only waited minutes with 2 people ahead of us opposed to having to stand in a line 30 people deep.

So all things considered we've decided it is very well worth the $ and have purchased it for our upcoming Paradise cruise.

We were in 9202 before it was changed in the dry dock. The bed was set as a king and was under the windows. One night stand with lamp was beside the bed. Don't remember the exact positioning of the other, but do remember it and the chair were always in the way. My parents were in the other HC cabin and I was in the hallway a good bit and don't recall seeing any sideways setups in those either.

I'm thinking the sideways configuration you're seeing may be how the new Captains Suites are set up.

Roatan is beautiful and the people are friendly and welcoming. We did a private driver for the day and really enjoyed getting to see the island.

I recommend seeing the monkeys and trying the fresh cashews. If you like birds, there is a private bird sanctuary that takes in injured and unwanted birds of various species. And if you like cameos there is a cameo factory there with some truly beautiful pieces.

I've been on two cruises. The first one the lady at Port Canaveral wanted to see it. Second cruise out of NOLA, she didn't. Personally, I would take it. Better safe than sorry.

Have fun!

What is Festival?

Our guide, Willie, said it was made with flour, corn meal and sugar. Formed into an oblong and fried. It's about the size of a hot dog bun, best way I can think to compare it. I forget what liquid he said was used in it. Supposed to be kinda sweet I think. Sorry, I just wasn't that impressed with it myself, wasn't bad, but I guess maybe I was expecting something else. Best I could say about it was the outside was fired to a nice golden brown and was crunchy, but not greasy.

For currency conversion, it's 86 Jamaican dollars to 1 American.

Oh, and if you want the Blue Mountain Coffee or Appleton's Rum, go to a supermarket in town. We got a big bottle of Appletons for $20 and my sister got 2 pounds of coffee, one ground & one beans, for $18 a pound.

We went to Scotchies last week. There were 6 of us plus our driver and we ordered a little of everything for all to share. (whole chicken, half pound each of other meats plus large size of each side item) Had enough left over we sent it home with Willie our driver. Total cost was right at $60 for everything including drinks.

The flavor was great but quite honestly all the meat was dry IMO. Loved the chicken sausage, but it was so dry I couldn't eat much. My sister thought the Festival was good but I found it dry and lacking in flavor. Again, just my opinion.