jean87510

21 hours ago, Cruising Cindy Lou said:

So give your secrets away, what are the best spots to snorkel in Curacao? And in Bonaire?

Curacao definitely Tugboat beach.  Playa Piskado for turtles.  There is another area called Directors Bay.  You snorkel out then to the right around rocks.  Best snorkeling.  You have to have a rental car or this won't work as no cab or bus will go there.

Klein Bonaire hands down is the best.  For turtles, the salt flats.  You can't do both though.  If you do Klein, just get water taxi.  Invest in a portable tent as we did or bring an Umbrella for shade as there is none.  If you want to do the turtles, they are on Klein Bonaire BUT definitely at salt flats.  I prefer a car on this island as I like air conditioning and speed to get to more places quicker.  

Moorea.  We had a cute rental car from Moorea Fun Roadster.  We were picked up by the owner at the tender dock.  We first went to Tipanier and Tipnautic to rent 2 single kayaks for $40 for 2 hours.  We went into a cove and snorkeled with some rays, sharks, turtles,and beautiful coral.  This was very easy to do.

We then headed to a public beach with showers to clean off our snorkeling stuff and ourselves and get some pictures.  Beautiful area and not far from cruise tender dock

Next we decided to go to the lookout at Belvedere and check out some walkabouts near there.

Then we headed around island stopping for photo shots everywhere.  Got one of the Sofitel beach resort and just love the view they have there!

Moorea was simply delightful.  From the people to the island itself.  We are adding it to our list of places to come back to.  They did a great job with our ship.  In the morning, there were many taxis and tours available.  When we returned, the tours were gone and locals were selling the usual suspects.  Our international plan worked well there.  I hate to bring up Bora Bora again but the difference of handling the cruisers was a lot different.  I personally wish we had stayed with Raiatea, our original stop instead of a substitution for Bora Bora.  But, again, jmo.

If you like snorkeling, I do suggest doing what we did with the kayak.  It was really easy.  We pulled it on an island and just headed out.  Just make sure to have a buoy with you for the boat traffic.

9 minutes ago, Tahitianbigkahuna said:

 

As you've heard me say before the only way to really see FP is by smaller ship. The big ships will soon be a thing of the past ... now you know why. Most of the islands do not have the infrastructure to accommodate large ships. 

 

When I go I always have private vendors booked and ready for me to arrive. 

Agreed.  I didn't pick the itinerary.  This is only to FYI those who may be in a similar predicament.  And there were a few of us who did have private vendors who either left, or no showed.  Some had vendors who went with the cruise ship and didn't tell them.  Regardless, this is a sharing for the rare traveler who may be at Bora Bora who may be interested in an advanced inexpensive snorkeling excursion or one who may arrive on a large 1900 passenger ship to have a Plan B.  We are getting ready to tender in Moorea and I have already reached out to our E car rental to please whatapp and call and stay in touch with us as I definitely don't want the same situation.  He has been wonderful with emails and responses as Maohi Nui definitely was not.  

39 minutes ago, Tahitianbigkahuna said:

Maohi Nui (Patrick) often has contracts with the cruise ships and with some ships he is not allowed to take private reservations. No excuse for not communicating with you but there is likely a reason why he wasn't 'hungry'.

 

There are other ways to get over to the Coral Gardens ... rent a kayak or pontoon boat from places close to the Moana IC. 

 

There are other places in FP that have better snorkeling though the Coral Garden is still very accessible and pretty good. We've played with octopus at the gardens as well as getting close to large eels. 

 

'Fred' ... our favorite eel at the Coral Gardens

 

Us on the pontoon boat at the Coral Gardens

 

'George' the octopus visiting with someone in my group. He loves the interaction and of course his treat afterword's. 

 

'Papa' feeding 'Fred' while we all watch ... Coral Gardens

The island was not offering anything at all - kayaks, taxis, tours, bikes, scooters, SUPs...etc... to walk offs.  It was bedlam.  We ran into the cruise director who had a similar issue in even getting a cab and went to Matira with us to and from.  Almost everyone was back onboard by 3pm.  Scheduled onboard was 730.  Even the captain commented on the situation.  They were not prepared for that size of ship.  

Bora Bora - we were scheduled to go with Maohi Nui tours but were stiffed by them.  They have terrible communication skills via email.  They do not respond to phone messages.  We had told them it would be difficult to get the first tenders and it was.  We actually jumped on a tender that was earlier than our number.  They abandoned our group and took off rather than answer our calls that we were on our way or call us.  Will never recommend them for a cruise our size.  Actually the island was terrible for any plan B for a ship our size.  No taxis. No tours.  Our situation happened all over as tours just took off rather than wait.  People were so angry they went right back to the boat.  Finally after an hour, they brought buses in and dumped everyone off at Matira beach. 

Luckily we had read Maohi Nui had done this to others before so we were ready just in case.  We researched how to get to the Aquarium and the coral gardens on our own and we did exactly that.  We walked to the Intercontinental and hid our snorkeling bags in some rocks.  We then with our buoy, snorkeled and swam the .75 mile out to the area.  Strong current but shallow so we could stand at areas.  We saw amazing stingrays and eagle rays.  Also went all over the Aquarium and the coral gardens.  It was tiring but exhilarating.  I would only recommend this if you are a strong swimmer and/or have snorkeling vests and buoys as there were tour boats everywhere. After about 1.5 hrs, we swam back with the current.  We found a shower at Matira, cleaned our stuff off and us and returned to tender area via bus.  The bus was $5 pp each way.  We did go to a convenience store where I practiced my French to purchase water and soda.  Whole day was about $30.  We were actually glad that it ended well.  We were not happy with the tour company as it was a first for us with the terrible communication and was definitely a warning sign.  I'm sure others have had no issues with this company and had delightful times.  However, if you are like us and at the mercy of 1900 people trying to get ashore, this company may not be for you as they clearly didn't care if they took us out or not.  

Snorkeling wise, I have to still give American samoa the edge.  Island wise, the same.  

I will add I prefer the Baltimore port as it's closer to us and parking is cheaper than Bayonne.  I just don't like the itineraries because most of them have CocoCay and Nassau or other Bahamas which I despise.  If I missed an itinerary without these, and have the Southern Caribbean, let me know.

On 4/5/2024 at 10:28 AM, Another_Critic said:

Which cruises out of Cape Liberty have gone to Aruba?

Explorer 2014 Reposition cruise from Bayonne to Port Canaveral.  Had 8 ports which included ABCs.  

On 4/4/2024 at 11:48 PM, Twenty2020 said:

To be fair... The writer is known for being satirical. I thought it was kind of funny in a dark humor sort of way. Not surprised he wrote for Succession.  Some of you need a little more sense of humor. Like he insulted your child or something. 

 

Great show.  And excellent writing. Did he write Connor's Wedding?

Also, I don't think many on here watch Succession.

2 hours ago, Vagabond Knight said:

We're booked on a southbound RCI cruisetour for this summer (land first, then cruise boarding in Seward).  We had The Key on a previous RCI cruise and thought it was worth it, so we got it for the cruise portion of this cruisetour. The boarding day lunch was particularly nice. Now we're wondering how it actually works for this more unique situation and whether we should keep it or cancel it. 

From the description of The Key:

 

• Start your cruise with priority access into the terminal and enjoy personal drop‐off service that delivers your carry‐on bags directly to your stateroom.

Might we get this anyhow with the cruisetour service, or will our bags simply be handed over to us to check or bring onboard? I'm not exactly sure what happens at the Anchorage/Seward end of the tour and how we transition to the port/ship.

 

• Follow this up with an exclusive welcome lunch... 

I believe the ship departs at 8:00 PM. Are we really going to be onboard in time for lunch?  Heck, is ANYONE going to be onboard for lunch???  What time does boarding begin for an 8:00PM departure?

 

 

Would like to hear from those of you who've actually done a RCI southbound cruisetour and boarded the cruise portion in Seward.

You may have a cruisetour in the morning that you depart Seward.  We are on a 6B tour in September 2024 and our embarkation day has a tour that am for I believe (could be wrong) is about 6 hours.  This definitely will affect the lunch which is usually 12 to 130pm.  

The baggage, from my research, is transferred to the ship.  I read also that you pack a suitcase for the land portion and one for the cruise.  I may not have this part correctly though so don't go by me.

Honestly, if it were me, the Key really is not worth it in Alaska leaving from Seward.  If you are concerned about getting onboard quick, it probably won't happen with the land tour.  The lunch is nothing special (I've had it).  The internet has been reasonably priced.  Only way I'd do it is if the Key is cheaper than the internet.  

2 hours ago, jrt.mom said:

I don't drink and the pool deck will be too chilly until we get far enough south. But I love the gym suggestions,  I've never been on a ship long enough to visit them. I walk every day on the promenade deck, so I'll do it twice instead of once...got to work all that extra cruise food off!

I usually hit the gym when it opens because that's me.  Also in the afternoons starting at 1pm on is when I do round 2 on sea days.  I also like walking (sometimes, if no one around, jogging) on the promenade deck.  Taking a class is also nice.  There is class passes and some free ones.

I downloaded a lot of Agatha Christies for this sailing and have been reading quite a bit.  We also have been editing pictures as well that we have taken.  There are some free art classes onboard I believe, and coloring I heard.  Dancing lessons I noticed one day.  

46 minutes ago, jrt.mom said:

Hi y'all,  I'm going on a reposition cruise that will have FIVE  consecutive sea days. I went on an Alaskan cruise that only had one, and I was so bored!

Can y'all suggest some fun sea day activities to do so I don't lose my mind? I'll be on the Norwegian Sun so there's not a lot of outdoor activities like on the larger ships...thanks in advance for helping keep this West Virginia gal sane!

Download a series from Netflix or Hulu or whatever and watch some episodes

Utilize the gym 2x a day.  

Find a comfortable nook and read.

Purchase the wifi package and browse.

Take naps

We are currently on the Spirit Reposition from Sydney to Tahiti.  We have a few sea days.  Above is what I do.  I don't like Deal or no deal, the shows, trivia, drinking, pool.  I am having a great time.  I am in an inside but we have found a niche on Deck 13 where we hang.  

I want to thank TBK (The big Kahuna) for your input on this forum.  It was very helpful.

Currently on the NCL spirit sailing from Sydney to Tahiti.  Our itinerary includes Noumea, New Caledonia, Mystery Island, Vanuatu, Lautoka, Fiji, Pago Pago American Samoa, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete, Tahiti.  We are currently on our way to Bora bora.  I'll share briefly what we did snorkeling wise as it may help anyone planning.  

Noumea, New caledonia.  We went with Noumea turtle tours and booked a tour to Amedee Island.  This snorkeling was very good.  Turtles, nurse sharks, decent coral.  Island was beautiful to explore.  We brought our own tent, blow up chairs, snorkeling gear and drink plus protein bars.  The ship excursion was 2.5x the price we paid and was a herd of sheep.

Mystery Island.  No need for an excursion here.  Walk the path, pass the airport runway.  Keep looking on the right of path for a place to stake your claim.  Most beautiful drift snorkeling ever.  100x better than Klein Bonaire.

Lautoka Fiji.  This is a bit of a miss for snorkeling.  We did take a ship tour to Tivua island but it was not good at all.  Snorkeling was ok.  Similar to Cozumel Palancar and Columbia reefs.  You can go on your own.  My suggestion is to book the vendor and leave from Denereau.

American Samoa.  Easily so far the best snorkeling we have ever seen in the past 30 years.  We watched a family from the area on YouTube videos show their favorite snorkeling spots and oh boy they were correct!  Two dollar beach according to them is not worth it.  We went to Fagasa bay.  Snorkeled with dolphins, spectacular coral reefs and sea life.  It was truly amazing.  We took a cab here and paid him to stay.  He wasn't happy as all the cab drivers just go to 2 dollar but we were insistent that this was what we wanted.

When we get to a good wifi spot I will share my pictures.

4 hours ago, Pypercallie said:

 I think just got off the same cruise MSC Seascape. I thought this cruise was wonderful! Our rooms were cleaned a minimum of three times a day sometimes four. The food was absolutely delicious. I did get the same dishes you I did not like it but I was so full from the two appetizers and the dessert. Also that was one meal out of 21 that was not perfect! There was 8 of us in our group and we all loved the food. The 6 other people in our group also talked about how clean and how nice the room cleaners were. 

Oh come on.  3-4x a day your room was cleaned?  Surely you jest.

On 3/30/2024 at 1:47 AM, bingosmama23 said:

 

Thanks to you both!

 

I think it's good to know that there are pros and cons to both options, regardless of price.

 

I have seen that it's $5 per person for the Ferry, and it's a 15 minute ride (30 minutes round trip, which is why it runs on the half hour). I imagine the taxis run independently so pricing may vary from fare to fare and one could get a price for a taxi that is significantly higher than they would pay for the same party size on the Ferry, while pricing with another taxi service may be more comparable in affordability.

 

At the end of the day, it sounds to me like the taxi is more direct and on-call, while it may be a bit more expensive. I think this would be a preferable option for parties that have small children, multigenerational travel parties who have grands who would benefit from being dropped directly at the resort, parties with individuals who are cognitively or physically limited and/or disabled, and people who want to be on their own schedule more-so than having to plan their morning/afternoon around the half hour schedule of the ferry.

 

The ferry sounds to be more reliable with regards to affordability and is a more novelty option, while requiring a bit more legwork (literally) and some wait time for passengers. This could also be a preferable option for someone who doesn't like the traffic patterns/driver behaviors on the island. I was just there with a friend who has serious anxiety about driving, we did the Jeep excursion and she didn't end up getting to drive because we were paired up with another couple (fun fact, you don't get your own jeep if you're a party of 2), and we almost forewent the excursion altogether because her anxiety was running very high not being in control of the vehicle knowing the traffic of the island like she does from visits in the past.

 

Thanks again and please let me know if either of you have any additional pros/cons to offer on each option so I and future cruisers can make a truly informed decision for their day at Nassau!

I am not a fan of the Nassau taxis.  You can negotiate at times but not often as they get way too many people willing to pay their price.  Had one once that tried to charge $45 for 1 mile.It was a bad neighborhood so we couldn't walk.  If one is able bodied and doesn't mind a walk, the ferry has a set price.  At the Atlantis there is a lot of walking around anyway if you want to explore so one should be prepared.  

2 hours ago, mjkacmom said:

Same price as land taxi, but you have to wait for it to fill. A taxi takes you right to Atlantis.

We have had this discussion.  We were quoted a higher price then you.  So no, in our experience, the taxi was much higher than the ferry.

People should know there is more than one option.  Quite a few YouTube videos and online travel blogs agree with me.

On 3/15/2024 at 9:45 AM, xyzcruiser said:

Not nearby, but Paradise Cove in the West End is great. Small place with beach, great snorkeling, kayaks, paddle boards, food and drink. I go every time I stop in Freeport. Price includes transport. Website- deadmansreef.com 

I second this.

Ferry theh walk.

Try YouTube.

Both are vision class.  I'd go with the itinerary that has Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  I'd also get an aft JS on Vision it's 8588.  

If this is put together in a way that is more like MSC Ocean cay and not CocoCay, I would actually go.  If price was right.  We have been to Cozumel many times over 25 years via cruise and land vacations and have been a little disappointed lately in some things (taxis and gas stations) so just paying a reasonable rate and hanging for the day may be fun.  If it's near a reef and they don't have rules of snorkeling vests and no independent snorkeling, I'm there.

40 minutes ago, miyanc said:

This is what I am asking about.  So the questions are.

Anyone have 1 in the room?  

Anyone get 1 to use upon request?

Or did they have to buy it?

I think they are kind of big or at least I remember reading in on the cc forum.  Make sure you have room in suitcase to bring home.

I asked our room attendant for an extra blanket and sat on balcony at Day 2 on our cruise watching the small boat go out to the glacier in May 2022.  I think it was our only semi cold day as we had a beautiful week with no rain and we were all wearing shorts.

1 hour ago, HBE4 said:

Whatever happened to the Royal Beach Club that was supposed to be built in Antigua?  It was announced back in 2019, put on hold during the shutdown and the latest google search has an article from Sept 2023 stating that construction was to begin in 2024.

 

Words like "hope" and "expect" get tossed around in the 2 articles below, making it sound less than definitive.  They also mention cost is greater than initially expected. I wonder if Cozumel is an alternative?

 

https://antiguaobserver.com/royal-caribbean-to-spend-more-than-us100m-on-beach-club-at-fort-james/

 

https://cruiseradio.net/cruise-lines-antigua-beach-club-2024/

End of 2024.

2 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

We have thought the same in our house.  Are they are buying a current location such as Paradise Beach and adapting it, or buying empty land and starting from scratch. 

I pulled this off a search. 

The Royal Beach Club Cozumel will feature swim-up bars, relaxation and family pools, restaurant with bar and lounge, private cabanas, street market, snorkeling, kayaking, hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes, and more.

More details about Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be revealed in the coming months.

Royal Caribbean Beach Club Paradise Island opens in 2025.

The new Antigua Beach Club development will take place on a beachfront area near Fort James that is around half a mile long.  Supposed to start construction end of 2024.

Wonder where they are going to put this.