Strathmore

Are the sugar mill ruins at Wingfield estate within walking distance of Romney Manor?

Simple question: If you have rented a car at the FLL airport a few days before your cruise and you want to just drop it off at the several car rental spots near Post Everglades, will they shuttle you to the cruise terminal? Why are some people saying take it all the way back to the airport and then get the port shuttle from there? Doesn't that seem more complicated and time consuming? Specifically, we are taking a Feb 2017 cruise on Regal Princess and thinking of an Enterprise rental. Thoughts?

Also was on the SOS cruise out of NOLA on Jan 25. All in all - a good cruise. Weather was nice almost everyday but one, and even that was not a total loss. MDR food was very good although the ability to order even a glass of wine was very disorganized at our table. Maybe more the fault of our waiter that RCL, but have to admit that Celebrity excelled with their dinner wine service on the Summit back in 2010. Key West and Coco Cay were the best stops. Would have enjoyed a longer stop at Key West. It was shorter by about two hours than when the cruise itinerary was first listed last year when we booked. Nassau was a bit crazy and hectic in the immediate downtown area, but then we had not planned to do much while there. Coco Cay was very relaxing. The unplanned chance to enjoy the River Cruise into NOLA during daylight was an unexpected treat, although it did present a little stress about making our flight (which we did in plenty of time) and also led, I imagine, to the mess in disembarkation (the worst on any cruise that I have been on).

Now a question/comment. I found the music/sound system in some places extremely loud - especially in the centrum, even when just one of the cruise staff was speaking with a mike. I can understand how this would be a problem for cabins near that central space. I understand the desire to have an upbeat feel to the entertainment, but I really could not believe how some people could even stand being so close to the speakers. I have been on other cruise lines and know this is common but it seemed particularly bad on this Serenade cruise. Just curious if anyone else had this observation. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but it seems that the entertainment could be just as enjoyable if they TURNED IT DOWN A BIT!

Thanks for the response. I did print out your guide to the sights along the river. It will be pretty dark within an hour of us leaving I am sure you guide will help with some of the locations.

As a bit of a Civil War buff, I was curious if Ft. Jackson (on the lower Mississippi) is lit at night and might be visible as our cruise ship passes. We are leaving NOLA Jan 25 on Serenade of the Seas and probably would not be passing the Fort until 9-9:30 at night, but assume it might be visible if there are any lights shining on it. Any experienced NOLA cruisers or residents out there who might have an idea? Thanks

I understand that RCL has an automatic gratuities program that charges $12pp per day that states it includes "dining staff." In asking our travel agent to change our fixed dining time to My Time for an upcoming January cruise on Serenade, we were informed that she needed credit card info because gratuities for wait staff were automatically added for My Time diners. I understand that concept, because your wait staff would be potentially different each time. But it seems like My Time diners would be automatically charged more for gratuities than fixed time diners (even though I know that fixed diners have the OPTION of tipping their wait staff for the week an additional amount) Does that make sense?

Also, when I pre-registered with RCL, I already gave them credit card information for all on-board expenses. Why do they need it again for My Time?

Anyone out there that can help explain all this? Thanks much

I see that you can reserve a day pass to the Colonial Hilton ahead of time for $60 which includes a $40 food voucher. If you just decide to do that the day you arrive by ship, can you just walk in to the Hilton and buy the pass? Same price? Same deal?

Anyone been to Nassau recently and know whether the Pompey Museum, which burned a few years ago and was being rebuilt, has opened yet?

Anyone have experience staying in either of these places? They are practically across the street from each other, so equal distance to port. Any advice on which is a better deal? They seem pretty comparable Drury is a little cheaper but I have never heard of that chain. Have stayed at Homewood Suites before, and was always pleased. Any thoughts?

My wife claimed the Budget rep told her it was a continuous shuttle. We'll see.

Yes, we did, as well. Turns out that Budget has a shuttle that runs back and forth from their lot to the cruise port.

I have a car reserved for the day in Charlottetown with Budget. Looks like their place is about a 1/2 mile walk from the port. Anyone have experience with Budget rental at PEI? Might they pick up at the ship or do I have to hike the half mile?

Thanks Rocks. That is a useful link.

If I am reading their web site correctly, the local shuttle buses from La Baie cruise dock to places like Chicoutimi stop running at the end of August. Anyone know how one gets around that port in the fall if you are not taking the cruise line's pricey shore excursions?