thegoodlife247

Looking for horseback riding excursion where the horses ride on the beach and into the water.  The cruise ship excursion is sold out so looking for a local booking company.

Part of our large group wants to do the pay as you go at Paradise Beach instead of the AI.  Based on the website, the pay as you go option may not be available if the resort sells out with AI bookings.  Any idea how often this happens?  We will be in port with only 1 other ship that day.

Regarding the self serve beer stations.   This is from carnival

"All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies and other spirits, as well as beer (including self-serve beer stations - PYOB) and wine and champagne by the glass, with a $20.00 USD or lower menu price, per serving

Reading on CVS website the results are shared on Mychart if you are over 18.  How would we get acceptable (printed) results for our 16 year old?

I know some ports will wrap up your bottles and send them to the ship for you. Is this the case at Amber Cove or can you buy a bottle can carry it with you back to the ship. Thank you.  

I know some ports will wrap up your bottles and send them to the ship for you. Is this the case in Grand Turk or can you buy a bottle can carry it with you back to the ship. Thank you.  

I know some ports will wrap up your bottles and send them to the ship for you. Is this the case in St Thomas or can you buy a bottle can carry it with you back to the ship. Thank you.  

I know the poolside cabana rentals are for up to 8 people.  How do you get access to the cabana and/or cabana area?  Are there wrist bands or something to show that allows your family members to access that area?

Just wanted to comment on the crowds and lines.  I recently cruised on RCCL Harmony of the seas with over 6000 passengers.  It never felt crowded at all except after the muster drill when everyone was heading back to their cabins or to grab a spot for sail away.  I love Carnival but wanted to try a "mega ship" for our honeymoon.  The way that RCCL has the oasis class ships set up you don't feel the crowds like Carnival.  Things are so spaced out all over the ship.  There are 3 pools, a kids splash area and then the slides so always enough room.  Just wanted to share my thoughts if you decide to book a RCCL "mega ship".  Loving the review and can't wait to sail on the Breeze in June 2020.

Being from the south, I love grits with breakfast.  Can you find grits anywhere for breakfast on Royal Caribbean?

We have been to San Juan a few times but never been to either fort. Which one is the best to visit if we have to pick only one of them?  We plan to walk and don’t mind the distance. How long would it take to visit both forts - walking?  We are only docked from 7-3. Thank you. 

I know that Club Orient is closing, but I was wondering if the clothing optional section of the beach was still open and allowing people to enjoy a section of the beach that is clothing optional.  If not, is there another clothing optional beach in St. Maarten that is just as gorgeous?  Thank you.

There is a roll call set up for our sailing over on the roll call threads. There is also a group page on FB. I’m getting excited and we are still so far out.

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We didn’t have any issues on the Divina. There were many European cruisers on this ship than I have seen on previous cruises/lines and Europeans tend to be more accepting. Never had an issue with photographers, servers, staff.

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If you pay when you book, how do you cancel and rebook if you find a lower price?

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Do you pay for it when you book it online or is there a date the payment is due by for drinks and shore excursions? We purchased the cruise through an online travel site so our final cruise fare will be to them, not RC.

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Pics of the ship, and flow rider, at night look so cool and pretty. How late is the flo rider open?

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For the towels, are there no longer a set in your cabin? I know CCL you have to sign our extra towels. On RCCL you have to sign out your first set as well?

Also, do any of the speciality restaurants have a bar area? If so, can you go in and order a drink at the bar if you don’t have reservations to dine there?

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What age is considered a “kid” for the unlimited zip line at the port pool? My daughter will be 12 and trying to budget is she can get a kids pass or we need to buy an adult pass.

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This is where I got my information from. It's on the NCL FAQ page about kids programs:

"If a 12 year old is registered for Splash Academy, it is understood that 12 year olds need special attention and programs; therefore the Dolphins Youth Counselors offer more mature games/theme nights and schedule Entourage Take-Overs allowing the Dolphins to enjoy the lounge, video games, air hockey, foosball, music videos and much more.

In addition, whether registered for Splash Academy or not, the 12 year olds are invited to attend some of the Teen Counselor hosted activities* that take place outside of the Entourage Teen Lounge.

*These activities are not part of the Dolphin drop off program and the 12 year olds can come and go as they please. Please check with the Teen Counselor for activities and time slots. The schedule may vary per ship and itinerary.

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My DD will be 12 when we sail. I am concerned about the age groups. Having a 12 year old middle schooler with 10 year old 4th graders is a little odd. I read there may be some "special" pre-teen type activities for just the 12 year olds. Can anyone comment on what these may include? She doesn't typically do the kids clubs on cruises but this will be our first on NCL. We are causing spring break so I know there will be lots of kids.

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Thanks for the great tips abcmom. I'm sure being on a "freestyle" cruise will really cut down on the number of outfits, shoes and accessories so that should help too.

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There will be 2 adult ladies and a 12 year old girl in an inside cabin on the Getaway. I know NCL has much smaller cabins than Carnival so I am a bit concerned about storage and organization. I know about an over the door shoe holder and i think the only place it will hang is on the inside of the bathroom door since the closet is a bi-fold door. I also thought about one of the closet hanging shelf things. I know I can keep some clothes in our bags under the bed for worst case. Any tips or hacks that work well for inside cabins and especially on the Getaway would be greatly appreciated.

Can you reserve the comedy shows with I concierge app once on board or do you have to go to the ticket office?

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I would like to thank everyone for all the comparisons. I know that everyone has different views on what makes a vacation "worth it". I didn't mean for this to become a price war comparison. The only reason we are leaning towards NCL is the price. Here is the comparison for a Carnival cruise the same week that has similar amenities we are wanting for our DD.

Cruise Carnival Magic ( 7 day from PC ) NCL Getaway (7 day from Miami)

Base Price $2665 (inside or OV) $2556 (inside)

Drinks $143 SODA ONLY $200 gratuity for UBP

Gratuities $272 $294

Total $3080 (no alcohol incl) $3050 (alcohol incl)