cibaygirls

The boat was similar. It was covered and uncovered; I believe the ferry I was on had the uncovered portion towards the back. It was 2 levels. We sat on the top. There was an inside (I don't recall if it was air conditioned). We sat outside in the uncovered portion. People do get up and move around so don't be alarmed if you don't get a "good spot." There was a buffet lunch, and merchandise for sale in the inside portion. There was a photographer who took picture which were sold.

I went in late January/early Feb and it was hot!! But we did enjoy it and now am able to say I went through the canal while doing the partial transit cruise.

Hi Potstech!!

I would also suggest doing the ferry excursion as it gives an interesting different dynamic. It did get hot and was long and a bit tedious but I feel so worth it. we had brought those cheap rain ponchos and they came in handy as we were sitting at the back of the ferry in an uncovered spot and we did go through some rain (we stayed dry and have some really cute photos :)) If you do stay on the ship, do make sure to move around. I did this prior to leaving for the excursion and it too was a great way to get differing perspectives.

Whatever you decide, enjoy!!

I was recently in Key west and was able to purchase tickets ahead of time online and saved the $2. From there I printed my confirmation and just brought that with me to one of the bus stops. The next bus that came let us hop on and when we got to one of the ticket counters we hopped off really quick and got our official tickets (a sticker). It was really easy.

Regarding mixed reviews, I find that I just take everyone's opinions as exactly that: their opinions. I have had nothing but great experiences with all the tour operators I have found through here and trip advisor, even those with some grumblings from other people

Regarding St. Lucia, I did a tour with Cosol with a group from our cruise last year. He was fabulous, very personable and we got a great tour. Not to mention the afternoon stop for hot bread and cheese!!! Not sure if other tour guides do this, but it was worth it just for that alone!!!

whomever you choose I hope you enjoy your trip; it is a beautiful island

I am LOVING your review... not only is it providing great insight into your trip it is laugh out loud funny!!.....please hurry back to us.. I am starting the withdrawl shakes.

Dana

Anxiously awaiting your next installment. I had never thought of going to watch the ships leave prior to going on a cruise, but now is something I want to look into. The Marriott seems like a great pre-cruise hotel. Already loving the photos!!

Dana

I can only speak to Claudia as she is the tour guide I used to organize a tour for about 20 of us from our M&G on my partial transit cruise in January. I have no negative to say. The tour was very well organized and ran very smoothly. We stuck with the basic tour that was outlined on her website; did not tailor it at all.

She was very pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable and she gave all of us a little DVD that highlights the areas we stopped at... a nice little souvenir. She even helped me to negotiate a better deal on a pair of emerald earrings I purchased at the emerald shop we went to for the tour (now I know this is more of a sales push than a true history/geological lesson and that there is some relationship forged with her and the store owner but I still thought it was kind of her).

Dana

Wow Ken.. you really do like your desserts!! :D (me too, by the way!) I have heard many good things about this and the love boat dessert but have not tried either one. I just might have to in November!!

Hi

I will in the Caribbean in November 2012 and have only Antigua left to plan but am having a hard time finding something that grabs my attention. The SOCOHO tour through South Coast Horizons looks very interesting and like it covers alot.

Does anyone out there have any experience/feedback about them or the tour? I have read some good stuff on trip advisor, but always feel better if I have read some info here on CC about a tour company. Thanks!!

Dana

I am LOVING this review. Just sad that I have hit the current end; I guess I will be forced to get some work done. I have been having an irrational fear that "big brother" at work is monitoring my internet usage and will soon be questioning why I spend so much time on cruise critic, when I should be doing work:p well reading your review, I just don't care if I get caught; it is enthralling.. the trip, your use of language, the details.. can't wait for more

In exactly 1 year from yesterday my DH and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary and we wanted to do a non-Caribbean type cruise.. I think you have my mind made up and we are only in day what 3?? :D

Dana

Just had to come back onto this thread and say thank you again for posting the review and the beautiful photos. I too am interested in photography but have barely begun to get my feet wet. Maybe I will just have to book another cruise, one that goes to Barbados to do that excursion!.

Thanks again Sue!!!

Susan thanks for taking the time out of your schedule and internet minutes to post. I have been home sick from work for over a week and I can't tell you how much your fish adoption story made me smile....and then to see the little guy in a picture. Best medicine i have had all week:D.

I am so happy to hear that the CB is treating you well.

Dana

Forgive me for asking this question if it has been addressed already. I do have a question about balconies.. but not about the size/coverage. In looking at the new Royal deck plans it seems that there is a new concept of "obstructed balconies" While I recognize this thread was dedicated to "obstructed view pictures" i am curious if it will eventually cover this new domain of balcony cabins as well?

Thanks to Theo and all who helped him; this is invaluable info. I don't mean to incite a riot asking about balconies, just curious, plus posting does help keep this thread bumped up top;)

My husband and I both burn easily as well. The first time we went to Princess Cay we got the clamshell, but were surprised at just how much shade there was.. in turn we have not booked them since. As 1happycruiser said, it did get warm inside the clamshell as there was no breeze. Now I would much rather find a spot under a plam tree that gives some shade but still get a bit of that tropical breeze (just my opinion).

The clamshells are all located on 1 side of the beach, which does seem to be the rockier side; but you are allowed to swim on that side. At least you can bring the lounger down to the water and float out.

I recall playing pickleball when I was in junior high school (around 87/88) in NY. I do remember it being funny, but that was the first and last I had ever heard of it... I feel like there was something that made it distinct from paddle tennis? isn't the ball unusual or something? ( I am at work right now so can't access the video someone posted.

Dana

Once you complete your first cruise you are automatically enrolled in the captains circle... you will start to receive benefits and such (invitation to cocktail party on your next cruise, discounts on next cruise, etc... there are not too many "freebies"). I believe they just get all your info from your reservation. I don't recall ever formally signing up for it.

Dana