Pack My Bags

Yes.....

 

Follow the shoreline & Keep walking down. Keep walking, keep going down till you see the small shack (which is Jack's Shack) on the right side that's the place with the conch fritters, bar, food, bathroom and the ocean there is crystal clear with a smooth sandy bottom. Small crowd, peaceful.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Forgot, Jacks no longer serves conch fritters. You can get those at Margaritaville. (A bit greasy.) Jacks specializes in jerk chicken. Here's the menu.

Yes.... Get off the ship & you'll see the beach right there. Yes you'll have Margaritaville & music, but you'll also have the entire ship there too.

ALSO CAUTION!!!! You'll see plenty of Blue beach loungers over there, but it's really crowded and the ocean is filled with rocks. We are talking about stub your toe, ouch, you should really be wearing a pair of crocs in the ocean, broken boulder, kind of rocks.

Follow the shoreline & Keep walking down. Keep walking, keep going down till you see the small shack (which is Jack's Shack) on the right side that's the place with the conch fritters, bar, food, bathroom and the ocean there is crystal clear with a smooth sandy bottom. Small crowd, peaceful.

That's where you want to be!

Ohhhh! And GT is like two doors down from H*LL & it is super HOT! Sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen!

You can see the photos below.

Enjoy your cruise!

Jacks shack

Here is the port map. The pool is Margaritaville. Happening place, but overcrowded for my taste. Jacks is another 5 min walk to the left off the map.

Once you're at Jacks here's your view...

Even some of the Southern Carib itineraries are heavy. 7 nights, 5 ports that's exhausting!!

Ahhh here's another one. ICE CREAM dispensed from a machine on board most mainstream cruise ships. It's so fake, it's not creamy, it's just not ice cream. And don't even get me started on the yogurt.

Bleccchhh!!!

Pay for Ben & Jerrys, the scooped stuff, gelato or enjoy REAL ice cream in the MDR! I enjoy the surprise of the sherbet of the day!

Hah that's funny! I find it extremely hard to believe (and rather pompous) that people can cruise for a week and say they didn't find ANYTHING they liked. Seriously, people say that they want better dining and then you see them lining up day after day for pizza & burgers. Really? HA!

...

 

/quote]

I have no problem believing that at all. I have seen a decline in the food on the cruise ships since I started cruising back in 2001. I was on the Caribbean Princess over Thanksgiving. Except for the first night and Thanksgiving the MDR choices were between which item I disliked the least. However their burger bar had great burgers and the pizza place had the best pizza I have ever had at sea, and better than a lot I have had on shore. There were even some post cruise comments, on our CC Roll Call for that cruise about a few people getting food poisoning in the MDR.

 

 

Clarification from my OP above & stress again was that I find it unbelievable that people can't go on a cruise and say they didn't like ANYTHING on board. That includes, breakfasts, the MDR, the buffets, the bistros, Deli or specialties, etc... Really? You didn't like their bacon, or salads, fruits, or Bagels with Lox? Can someone mess up a fried egg or grilled cheese?

 

It's different if people got sick, but it as a blanket statement it feels over exaggerated.

 

Not disagreeing on the decline of food quality on board, but I have found that depending on the Cruise line, there are many straight up meat & potatoes people than there are adventuresome folks in the MDR. Many many who are not willing to go out of their hamburger & spaghetti zone that will not dare touch any fish, lamb, pork, duck, vegetarian or middle eastern inspired dish and that's including appetizers too such as frog legs, escargots, smoke fish tapenade, even mushroom ragout in pastry... etc... Therefore having pizza & burgers.

 

Sure there are plenty of dud MDR dishes out there, but there are some good ones too.

 

NOT FLAMING, just wanted to be clear it up.

 

Safe travels all.

Easy..... It's the people with 8 suitcases for a 7 night cruise!

Irons? Probably not. The biggest threat on the ship is always fire. Try to bring clothing that travels will usually a stretchy jersey fabrics and leave the linen at home. I always pack my husband's dress shirt in the plastic wrap from the dry cleaners as well as his suit. I folded down one-way stomach down, then load clothes and fold in the chest part facing up in the suitcase this helps very much.

We're going to eat at Golden Corral before our cruise so everything tastes much better in comparison.

 

 

 

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Hah that's funny! I believe if you go into it expecting the worst, then it's not such a traumatic experience. Everyone's got their own preferences.

I find it extremely hard to believe (and rather pompous) that people can cruise for a week and say they didn't find ANYTHING they liked. Seriously, people say that they want better dining and then you see them lining up day after day for pizza & burgers. Really? HA!

We cruise on all lines and enjoy all types of food including the specialties. I recently cruised on the Carnival breeze & had their fried shrimp (with different sauces) on two different nights. The 2nd night I had another meal as back up. I cannot tell you -- they were almost non-existent, limpest things ever.. and very, very greasy. If they used a bigger & better quality shrimp it would hold up better. In comparison, my Guys Burger was divine compared to those meals.

That's just my 6 cents.

Well said SMSACE

Wow... Haven't been in this thread for a while. And look what I missed!

Another secret is the promenade room that has an obstructed view of the Ben & Jerry's cows rear end. Not sure if it's just the Freedom or the entire Freedom class.

Best size to hold cash, seapass & a credit card while you're swimming -- One less thing to worry about on the shore while the family is in the water!! Also, try not to get the see thru kind.

I like to shop!!!!

I make extra space for souvenirs because bring:

* My oldest pair of cheapo flip flops $2.50 from old navy & then I leave them behind.

* Sleepwear consists of pj bottoms or boxers & old tee shirts. Sometimes it will be an old worn/stained hanes tee for a top & I'll leave behind.

* My socks that are worn, no longer get white, or have holes & then leave them behind.

* $1.74 bottle of suave shampoo & leave behind.

* My worn toothbrush & then I leave behind. Don't need to bring an empty toothpaste cover home. Open up a new one at home.

* The small toothpaste samples & floss from the dentist so I can use up & leave behind.

* Same with hotel soap amenities from past hotels. I leave those behind, plus not lugging a "soap travel case."

* Only my medicines needed in a ziplock with one extra pill. No need to carry pill bottles & your entire vitamin regimen.

* Perfume Samples or a travel size. No need to have that heavy glass in your luggage.

* A backpack as a carry-on (hands free!) and a small cross over bag. NO NEED for the gigantic purse!

* And although you want to have a memorable trip, it's ok if you follow suit & perhaps bring along some undies that you've been meaning to discard as well.

* A sweatshirt or hoodie from your hometown & then leave this as an Americana gift to your room steward. That is a huge space-saver!

* One pair of shoes that match all dinner outfits.

* Only your phono or camera charger. All other electronics can stay HOME!

SMOOTH SAILING & HAPPY TRAVELS!!!

Have to chime in about the honey stung chicken. I've had it awesome & I've had it grossly bland. Plus the dark meat tastes like a completely different dish compared to he white meat. When done properly & the chicken is crispy with honey I the nooks & crannies on dark meat??? Then it's to die for!!!!!!!!

By the way... You know I saved over45% when switching to GEICO. No joke! L!!

This is a very basic thing a TA should know. Now, asking advice on things on the ship or other more obscure experiences I think is okay. A TA can't have personally gone on every single ship or seen every show, dined at every restaurant. But a TA that doesn't know to just no show the second guest doesn't seem like a TA anyone should use.

There may be a specific rule on the fare that they purchased with a specific purchasing clause, etc. You never know.

Either way, the TA should go straight to the line & ask for info.

Or... Perhaps they already did & were just asking if anyone ever heard of this before?

Curious to see how this ends up.

People have no idea just how strong the sun is!!

Another easy tell is people who stack their plates mountain high with food at the buffet.... They get all excited & forget... You CAN go back & get more you know! LOLOLOL!

EASY....

Drunk dude on the pool deck that looks like this within the first 12 hrs of the trip & pretends that it doesn't hurt but he's truly miserable!

Yup! Sounds like regular gratuities.

The dry erase markers are an excellent idea!

For the Oasis class ships, you can always tell what quadrant you're in based on the coloring of the artwork in the stairwells. They are color coded for red, yellow, green, or blue for your respective neighborhood. Every sign on the ship also has a curved side. The curve points to the front of the ship. Every cabin number on your door has 2 hidden identifications. One, the coloring of the ring is your quadrant (pink, blue, yellow, or green). Second, there's a little notch that creates an arrow... this arrow will also point you to the front of the ship.

 

Also, the entrance to the Sun Deck (the viewing area above the bridge that extends on the wings) is at the end of the Port side cabin hallway on Deck 14.

Great stuff thanks! Need to visit the Oasis class!

NO. The luggage tags are all different colors according to deck & location.

Another tiny hint... Theatre & lounges in the front, Food in the back.

As for carpetting... All the floors will have the same carpet layout. Not 100% sure if the blue & pink is the aft or the forward elevator bank. I also cannot fathom how on earth I figured that out, other than sheer observation because I loathe that green carpet. (Weird... Anything seafoam or minty green reminds me of a hospital.) Once I once saw that I had navy carpet by stateroom I got happy (NO GREEN!) & I paid attention. Saw that it's like that on every floor & from my experiences. (unsure of Oasis class.) I am sure it is also a safety thing for the staff & emergencies.

If I am correct, this is the way it should be. I may be wrong, but you get the gist. If anyone is sailing soon & can confirm this for me, PLEASE let me know. Thanks!

HAPPY SAILING!!!

Thanks!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/<a href=http://s1211.photobucket.com/user/packmybags/media/WEB%20STUFF/CC%20Fun/CARPET.jpg.html target=_blank>

Here is a secret about finding your way around to your stateroom when you're not sure where you are on the ship. I have not been on the Oasis class, but this is valid for all the others classes so I believe it may follow suit.

THE CARPET in the elevator banks is different colors on the 4 different quadrants of the ship. Forward port/starboard & AFT port /starboard.

One bank is green & pink and the other is pink & navy. The pink is on OPPOSITE sides. So if you see pink & green & know YOUR cabin is in Navy then you know you're on the wrong end.

See the photo below. Don't go by the hallway carpet. It's the carpet by the elevator/stairwells.

You can see what I mean if you look closely to the pink front & navy far end of this photo.

Another helpful hint is how to keep track of your photos. If you would like to remember what day & which port you are at start by taking a photo in the elevator first thing in the morning and you'll see this......

Lastly, if you are in the buffet & see the sign for this tropical beverage, DRINK IT! It's sooooo good!

HAPPY CRUISING!!

Snorkel beach has fish galore! Shelly bay is also a nice quiet beach very popular with the local families. About 20 min from kings wharf. The bus stop is right across the street. (But No facilities there.) I found the riptides at Horseshoe were insane last time I was there. I really wanted to, but didn't enjoy it one bit as it was very dangerous & we had to help some swimmers out.

Safe travels & Enjoy your trip!

Glad it worked out for you!

I hope that you enjoy your cruise wherever & whomever you choose to sail with. (Curious, do tell!) There are only 2 other competitors as conglomerates own the majority of lines.

People are very quick to judge... And other people are quick to flame at others by claiming they think of themselves as "experts." There are lots of people out there who have had the experience and can share very helpful knowledge & information here. That should not be mistaken as being pompous. I am sure I speak for more folks than just myself here -- and hope that if you have specific concerns you realize that you can reach out to a qualified agent and these forums for suggestions & ideas from people who have similar concerns & experience. This can be very helpful at times when needing to make a particular decision based on your specific needs, wants, must haves & such.

RCI does have lots to offer & perhaps you may reconsider them one day, based on the needs of your family.

I am glad that you got your resolve & hope that you make up for your lost sleep. However you choose to vacation next, I wish you smooth sailing, safe travels and wonderful memories with your family!!!

I hope this comes across in a supporting positive manner & does not get misinterpreted.

While I understand your frustration with the consultant's booking errors... At this point the time, energy & effort for financial resolution will be a pain & will probably go on even after the sailing. I TOTALLY get your frustration RE: the nursery & that is a VERY VALID argument. HUGE Bummer.

However.....

RCI does a great job.

Pack n play, take the baby & enjoy this time with your family. Bermuda is a "parked" cruise & the room simply is a place for sleep & restroom. (I would make a big stink if it were a 7 day or longer.) But if a family of 4 & luggage can manage in that space, you can too. You're in a good spot for an inside stateroom, not under the pool or over a music lounge.

**** I took a look & there is another stateroom category K #8367available (at 3am as I'm posting this) & that one is also a prime spot as it's NOT under the windjammer. Plus it has staterooms both above & below you so you won't have any extra noise!***

Yes... It's about the principle... But at this point I would try to clear my head, get into vacation mode, be open to a new line without the tarnished views based on the booking process and...."CELEBRATE" your life events putting all energy into making lasting memories with the family.

P.S. The food is better on RCI & If you are looking for a fun evening be sure not to miss "The Quest" late night adult scavenger hunt! (Sitter suggested, it's usually at 11pm or so & lasts about 2 hrs.) LOTS OF LAUGHS & FUN!

Wishing you smooth sailing!!

Mediterranean itineraries include lots of WALKING so those are exhausting & napping is vital.

It's my personal opinion that Caribbean 7 nighters from San Juan that have 5 days of ports is too much!

I like when there are 2-3 days of ports, then a sea day to rest (& sleep IN!) Then ports again. You sometimes see this on 10-12 nighters. Then I also like when you have 1-2 sea days on the tail end, to relax some more, do some shopping & hit the spa the last days before you have to go home.