jean87510

We had read the bad reviews of splash wave and opted for Belize cruise excursions which was much better. What a shame!

lol you need to watch a show on MSC!! It's like being on acid.

Since I have zero interest in setting foot on the Icon and love reading about new ports, I will continue to follow along. I cruise for the ports. So far these are really impressive.

Yes, it was a culture shock. I have never seen adults act like this like ravaging wolves with no regard for others. The pushing in lines, hands grabbing food instead of using utensils, the Promenade pizza and snack area being overrun... It reminded me of the scene from the Lion King with the Wildebeest stampede for 5 days. My husband and I were so thankful we had a Grand Suite and didn't have to deal with the riff raff too much. We have been in Europe, Asia, South America, Mexico, and all over the US. Plus on Carnival, MSC, Celebrity, NCL and Royal cruises. Have never seen such an obnoxious crowd as this one.

Of course you may encounter the seagull mentality we had on our December 2022 Voyager cruise out of San Juan where the WJ was a literally feeding frenzy. We saw a large family take the entire bowl of shrimp and bring it to their table where the relatives literally dove in. Same cruise we also saw people take the chocolate display sticks and put them in their bags, and on the morning we disembarked, people dumping teabags, sugar packets, cups and silverware in bags. Now mind you in 34 cruises and about 8 out of San Juan, this was a first and only.

You must be a hit at parties.

We always go to Tugboat via rental car. There is another snorkeling area near Tugboat that is walkable but a distance that has even better snorkeling. We are on the Reflection in May. Unfortunately no ABCs for us as we got stuck with cococay and bimini. Thank you for your service!!

We have eaten in Windjammer almost every time on our cruises. Only time we dont is when we are in specialty. We like the grab and go concept.

So is the ship experience what you are sailing for or is it the ports? Because if it's the ship, then read reviews, look at videos of ship tours, and any other activities. If for the ports, just get whatever cabin you want and enjoy.

If you don't like the food in YC buffet, try the main buffet or a specialty restaurant. Or a pizza.

Interesting you bring up HS and socialization skills and electronic pacifiers. I think you would agree many if not 90% of your students became more reliant on their phones and laptops when they had to learn virtually during the shutdown. It's actually sad that this occurred. These kids became reliant on their devices as a way to interact with each other. I had 1 in college, 1 in HS and 3 working remote in 2020 - 2022 and definitely notice an increase in using the phones to communicate more with my kids. I'm sure all of us have noticed.

I use them all the time. It makes life much easier and people less aggravating. Especially on cruise ships, airplanes, and gyms.

At this point, maybe the way to get a quiet spot is on the ship.

After looking at the map, I know where it's at. We have walked down there a few times on South beach. I always see the crew there. I remember snorkeling there 1x from a 2019 video (about the same as the "snorkeling" beach) in 2022.

Cove beach? I'll have to look this one up. We like unpopulated areas.

This is why I have noise canceling headphones.

I was just watching a YouTube video made a few days ago of Hideaway. Unfortunately, this place just doesn't look like something that appeals to us (beach club with loud techno music ). It resembles an AI pool and beach area which really isn't our thing for a port stop but could appeal to others. We have done day passes but usually they are for snorkeling reasons plus the beach and pool.

A lot of people a little over 110 years ago also wouldn't drive cars but look at progress. A lot of people on here make comments about how they don't use technology yet here they are on cruise critic. If people don't want to use their phones that's fine. But give me a break with the Im so much better than you because I don't use my phone on a ship nonsense. You aren't. You just choose differently to relax. None of us tech people make snide comments on how you spend your time on your vacation. Edited to add I completely agree with your comments.

I usually see this when my cruise is over a year out. If that's not the case, go to the website for onboard planning until fixed. Probably unrelated but try updating app or deleting/reinstalling app (you never know). Give it a couple of weeks as well.

https://roatangetawaytours.com/beach-break-snorkel-hopping/

We just did that drift snorkel with Roatan Getaway and it is truly amazing. 1000x better than taking a little boat from West Bay (I've done both areas,).

Normally I read these posts and roll my eyes. I have to say I do agree on towels and gym equipment as I did notice this in July. I also think you should have taken 15% and gone on a new ship.

To us perhaps not. But not to everyone.

Do you have a travel agent working with you because it sounds as if you are really confused about a lot of issues related to the cruise and flights. I personally will never use one as I travel a lot but in your situation, you just seem very confused about a lot of details. This is just an observation from reading your posts. I think a good one could really assist you better than strangers on a cruise forum and help things run smoothly for you.

Yes you can. One suggestion is to keep track of the status of your passport. If it's getting close, like 10 days from your cruise, there is an option to get passport in person but you would have to research that online as to how, where and when. Here is the link I have used https://passportstatus.state.gov/