kdawg954

Trinidad isn't the island you want to go wandering off on by yourself. Christmas is beautiful so hopefully around the port area should do you well as getting those vibes going in December. Definitely look for some good local cuisine if you can. But I highly encourage booking a tour with the cruise line if you want to do any real exploration of the island. It's just too crazy down there sometimes. We want to go on a February trip with the Jewel to see some family, and it's Carnival week, but even for us we want to factor in time, safety and crowds to see if it's even worth it. Still undecided.

We definitely thought of this. The ship arrives on Carnival Tuesday so the kids are out of school, and that is the day we would arrive, so it would work out well to spend the day and night with them in Trinidad and we ferry over to Tobago Wednesday morning and catch our ship . . . but not so well for all of them to ferry/flyover to Tobago on Wednesday and then do the same thing coming back to Trinidad on the same day, especially with school back in on that Wednesday causing the kids to miss it. Worst comes to worst we will have a good 7-8 hours with them in Trinidad and that will have to do. But appreciate all of the ideas :). I am definitely interested in seeing what Royal's response will be when I ask them this lol.

Absolutely appreciate the knowledge and advice. Thank you.

Which is what I'm not trying to do, even though the islands are only 20 miles apart, so not sure what the inconvenience for the passengers really is. I think I could miss the ship and catch up and it would be fine as far as continuing my cruise. More concerned with the process of them assuming I am missing, and them having to go through the "missing passenger process", which doesn't sit well with me. If it can't be done, it can't be done.

Hi, So I was looking into sailing the Jewel of the Seas in February 2024. It is a 7 day RT Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan. This ship visits the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad first and then the next day Tobago. We have family in Trinidad and it would be great to spend the entire day and night with them as we haven't seen them since before Covid. There is a ferry that runs in between the islands that is roughly 3 hours so the idea would be to catch the ferry the following morning and meet back up with the ship in Tobago which leaves at 5 pm the next day. They also have flights that take about 30 minutes to get in between the 2 islands, with several every day so that also provides an option. Of course we would have our passports/ID on us to make this as easy as possible. Obviously I will ask the cruise line as well, but I figure why not ask in here to see just to set my expectations. I'm guessing just missing the ship and catching up the next day, while certainly frowned on, probably would be another way but I'd rather not put the ship through that and give them advanced notice of my plan and see if there is a proper way to do this. Anybody know how achievable this is? Thank you 🙂

I've been on the Equinox twice, 9 and 10 days, one at 35 and one at 40. The biggest negative about the ship is easily the lack of stuff to do on board that doesn't require talking/drinking/eating. There just isn't much of it. The music is very tame also. The shows aren't over the top either. You seriously can struggle to find activities on a sea day so hope for an itinerary packed cruise. I remember last year they brought on a new DJ at one of the ports because the guy that was in there wasn't really a DJ for any type of newer music, he basically played the entire song for every song for most of the cruise. A new DJ showed up and the night club started to jump the final part of the cruise. That being said, I absolutely enjoy that I can find a spot on the pool deck, or the solarium to just vibe out pretty much whenever I want. The drink package is solid and the free food is typically slightly better than other lines, but that is subjective of course. They could really use a fun area instead of the lawn upstairs. Feels like that area, is underused. Pretty, but underused, and a ship like this could use more activity. Leaving out of Fort Lauderdale, you definitely are going to get an older demographic. When I went last year at age 40, I want to say I was probably one of the 10 youngest people on board LOL. Ok, definitely one of the 50 youngest. The most underrated aspect IMO is the value though. If you take advantage of the OBC and drink package and internet and tips . . . . you really can feel like your vacation is all inclusive. I bring my bluetooth speaker and turn it down slightly and away from people and enjoy my tunes and relax for the week.

Hopefully availability is getting better. I remember the first time having this package it was fantastic. They had my Patron Anejo at pretty much every bar. This time, on Bliss, they only had it at the bar in between Los Lobos and Cagneys . . . and in a corner of the night club. Absolutely sucked that I couldn't get my Patron Anejo/club soda/splash of pineapple with a lime while chilling poolside. I will say the Patron Bar at Great Stirrup Cay was a perfect day with this package. Also the bartenders get so many people asking for Patron on the regular free at Sea, they will just grab the Silver by habit even if you let them know that you want Anejo so make sure you are ordering your drinks from the bar and not through a waiter. Its a very noticeable difference if you are getting shots. I also think Veuve should be at every bar that sells wine. And they should be more willing to comply with requests to have them available at a certain bar considering the extra expense. Great add on package that is slowly becoming less great as the time goes by.

Can agree with all of that. Actually disappointed that Waterfront Sugarcane wasn't more of a spectacle. A lot of potential in that area. Did have a wonderful dinner at Ocean Blue outside. It was literally perfect, from the sunset to the temperature to the nice breeze and the service/food. Maybe my favorite dinner ever on a cruise ship tbh. But the western Caribbean just isn't for me when the east and south are so much nicer. And that's ok. I know what I gotta stick to going forward.

Wish I saw your post earlier, I could of helped out. Will give my two cents. Bliss did not feel like a Caribbean ship when I went in early January. She's gorgeous, but it was very cramped everywhere. Avoid the western itinerary also . . All the ports were packed and we just didn't enjoy getting off the ship as it also was the best time to be on the ship (in port less crowded). Waterfront continues to be the star of this class of ship. And the Observatory deck, which I can only imagine is insane when cruising Alaska. I'd do it again if I got a rock bottom rate and use the savings for the Spa pass and maybe even Vibe (chair hogs were ridiculous) with no intent to leave the ship (early year western Caribbean).

Shouldn't be a problem if you are walking off with your luggage early. Last New Years on the Epic we literally stayed on the ship until after 9 am. By the time we picked up our bag, security, Uber and at the Hampton Inn Isla Verde (next to the airport), it was a few minutes before 10.

Was speaking more about the FAS+. Is that what you upgraded? Or was it just the Premium Plus beverage Package? I also did the Premium Plus upgrade onboard the Epic last December (excellent decision by us).

The only negative for FAS+ is I haven't been able to verify it I can book onboard or not. Didn't wanna risk it but would of liked to use OBC. Oh well. Absolutely took advantage last cruise of all the perks of FAS+. The Patron Bar at GSC was amazing with it. Most importantly I don't force myself to drink to feel like I'm taking advantage. I like my iced Starbucks every morning, and I like my sparkling water at every meal, and my carton water on the way back to the cabin. And I love taking shots of Patron Anejo vs. Patron Silver. And a glass of Veuve waiting for me when the bartender sees me and then also remembers my name because I have P+. $29 a day is nothing for the added experience of the package IMO. Again if you are doing it right. Totally get its not for everybody and I wouldn't want everybody getting it anyways.

I primarily get the package for Patron Anejo (drinks and night time shots), Veuve, Starbucks and both sparkling/regular water. Will touch the Henny XO and the Zacapa 23. I like the Moet bottle option back to the room, but it's not a deal breaker if it's a hassle to do. Not when I can order two glasses of Veuve per person.

The bottle selection for wine has never been on that flyer if I am remembering correctly. They are typically on the wine list at restaurants. Moet was never available by the glass, only Veuve and Veuve Rose in Le Bistro It also wouldn't surprise me if they got rid of Moet bottles and made Veuve the designated bottle. They seem to have a much bigger contract with them and probably get the bottles by the case cheaper. Either way I am on the Bliss Saturday and will certainly get many answers but I have no intention of cancelling my Plus Package. Had it on the Epic for NYE22 and on the Sky on Labor Day and it's a must upgrade if you value quality liquor, Fine champagne, Starbucks and water. Definitely not a rip off if you are doing it right. If you are just looking to be wondering what time it is for 7 days, you can do well without it I guess.

Absolutely agree. I upgraded to Premium and it was Decoy as the top Red. Which is fine I guess but not comparable to the best package that NCL has. Best part about the package was we didn't have to pay for tips.

Honestly not my problem to figure that out. The cruise line has designated a service charge and distributes it amongst the crew. I won't micromanage their process, the process staff has agreed to work under, on my vacation. I will tip extra if I'm feeling like it or I won't. Nobody should ever feel forced to tip extra when their is a $100ish charge per person for 7 day cruises that covers this.

I often do prepaid gratuities or get them as a booking perk. I just love not worrying about who to tip and how much to tip. The standard rate absolutely works for me. But more recently I have started tipping my favorite bartender(s) at the end because they remember my name, my drink and they put on a show. They often go out there way to fill requests and my wife is very specific with her drinks. No obligation to do any of that, but if you feel like somebody went above and beyond, as a personal gesture you can absolutely tip them extra. Your choice. From what I understand the only people who don't get gratuity is the room service delivery folks (though with increased room service charges maybe they have included a gratuity for them).

Getting sad that I am not seeing Patron Anejo on the list no more. My go to on Norwegian with this package. But having the Macallan Enigma and Terra as options make up for it . . . it was always just Quest.

So on the NCL Sky right now and I'm the only person with this upgrade. Was a little apprehensive with the smaller ship but it has worked out well. The negative has been the staff just doesn't see this promotion so Internet guy and shore excursions needed a trip as i booked them on board. They get so many questions about why only 1 credit they assume the same with you and then after digging they realize it says both guests get $50 off so they needed to adjust. Veuve in the dining room, Atrium Bar and Bliss. Patron Anejo at most bars. Starbucks every day. Basically did 3 excursion days for two people, 2 tours with beach days and a kayak tour on GSC and my out of pocket cost was $48.

Would be great if that's the case!

The site that has it broken down says the gratuities are additional, which makes sense but to your point we won't fully know until NCL officially rolls it out. The premium plus drink package gratuities are $5.80 pp per day. $29 a day + gratuities make it $34.80 a day per person.

Gonna redo the math here a bit. So on a 5 night cruise, the total package upgrade is $490 ($49 a day p/p) + $58 for Premium Beverage gratuities + $22.60 for 2-Meal Specialty Dining Gratuities for a final total of $570.60 Separately: Premium Plus is $348 (gratuity included) for 5 nights and 2 people Specialty Dining Upgrade is $141.60 (gratuity included) for the 2 meal upgrade for 2 people Plus the $100 extra for the 2 excursions taken without this new promo (only first person got $50) So that cost would be $589.60 So in your case you saved $19 with the package upgrade. . . but this does not factor in the unlimited internet for two devices or potential for additional excursions $50 savings. With the internet value added in at $179.90 for two devices . . . The paid separate cost would be up to $769.50 vs. the $570.60 you would pay if you purchase the FAS Plus upgrade. If you had more excursions booked through the cruise line, your savings would increase more. So honestly, this package upgrade makes the most sense if you were going to upgrade your Beverage Plan (definitely) and your internet plan. If the Beverage upgrade isn't an option, skip this entirely. If the Beverage Plan was an option but internet upgrade wasn't, then you need to see if you can offset value between the dining package and the shore excursions. Solid deal for those who were going to take advantage of all that is provided.

I have good experience sailing on the big 4 (Carnival, NCL, Royal and Celebrity) and have spent a similar amount of days on sea with all of them as I'm not really loyal to the brand, but loyal to the itinerary during the time of year I want to cruise. Me and DW are both 40 now so maybe our taste is starting to change but here is how I view them: 1. Carnival is really good bang for your buck, and often have the cheapest prices. Free food options have always been good. The demographic skews younger than other lines (some of that is the pricing of course) but if you are looking to just get away for a week and party, they do the job well. Where they lack from the other 3 is the sparkle of the big production shows and the amenities onboard. I LOVE LOVE when they cruise from San Juan because the fares are dirt cheap, there is an island stop everyday and a party at night, so I don't need all the ship perks to fully enjoy the ship. Also once you have done that itinerary once, you can stay on the ship certain days and really relax. 2. We are just now getting into the NCL vibe as we get older and a bit better financially. Always stayed away because the cost was often double or triple what it would cost to sail on Carnival. That's a big deal. Sure you get some extras but when I'm pricing my complete vacation on Carnival, with excursions, drinks and tips factored in, and I'm coming out under NCL without booking an excursion . . . that's an issue. Once you get passed price tho, NCL is just better at this cruise thing. The ships are nicer, the free food is a bit better than Carnival and the specialty restaurants options are significantly better. The freestyle concept is how I want to cruise the Caribbean and NCL does it better than the rest. Production shows are a big step up from Carnival and the NCL deck parties are the best at sea. Its a slightly more mature party IMO, less of the cheap booze and 4 am club that Carnival gives you, but not the everything is over before 1 am like Celebrity does. They have the ship perks (even race tracks on ships) as well and better options to relax if that's what you want to do. The spa is nicer . . . its an upgraded Carnival cruise experience, and the cost reflects that. I'll touch on the other 2: 3. Celebrity definitely caters to the older demographic. I've jumped on tremendous sales with them and I've had a good time, but after this most recent cruise in May, its not for me. Best free food amongst the big 4 but it was a snooze fest, to the point where you couldn't even watch a show because people would show up 45 minutes early to get their seat. How u can waste 45 minutes waiting for a show blows my mind . . . kind of leads to the point of there not being much to do except eat and drink. 4. Royal has consistently had the worst free food, the worst service and the worst itineraries on my cruises. They really want you to vacation on the ship, spend your money on their onboard amenities/private islands and enjoy yourself that way. Just not how I want to cruise unfortunately. I do want to give them another shot eventually as my last 7 day with them was on the Allure 6 years ago but it just didn't appeal to me. I will say their 3 and 4 day cruises from Florida are preferable because they go to Coco Cay, instead of just Nassau like Carnival often does.

I did the same, used 2 CruiseNext on a balcony while I still was 6 months in advance (knowing that I've seen that requirement lifted over the past year but still didn't want to chance it). Its kind of nice, got to choose my balcony room vs. going with a balcony guarantee and immediately took advantage of a price drop. The perks of living in South Florida and can just jump on something that catches the eye.

Cruise I booked a week ago for NYE dropped $250 pp 3 days later. Emailed the TA and NCL quickly adjusted the cabin cost. From what I can tell once you get to final payment there just won't be some great last minute discount to wait on, at least not on NCL. Fare watching is best seen about 5 to 7 months out. I normally enjoy waiting until the last second (last two cruises I booked less than a month away) booking inside and then doing a cabin upgrade. But with supposed increase in demand and rising costs I figured it would be best to secure something when a proper sale happened and price watch and not risk a price increase later.