Missdoug

I think the big problem with NYC is the debarkation.  After getting off, navigating the luggage, immigration and then getting out of the building.  Taxi stand is across the busy wide street.  I don't know how private parking or pick up is handled, but the taxi line is looong,  after you get there which is a major undertaking.   We have debarked there twice, once on a nice morning and once at midnight on Halloween weekend.  Yes, the ship was 12 hours delayed.  My husband could not stand in the lines to get off the ship, so we waited till the end (11;30 pm)  and then rather than wait in rain, we took a scab taxi and paid 200 dollars. Makes for a fun story now, but was not a good experience. 

Chips is on the right.  

11 hours ago, emsiam said:

going on the dawn in a few weeks do you know what bar he is working ?

 

He's up top in Bimini Bar.  Or at least most of the time.  That's up on deck 13 or 14.  You can take the elevator up and then have to walk up one level.  The bar overlooks the pool area.  It's small and a wonderful place to view the scenery.

Chips Ahoy is on the Dawn.  It's doing Bermuda/NYC today.  Switches back to NYC Quebec and moves to Tampa sometime this fall.  But the current answer is Dawn.  He is a fun guy as well as those around him.  

I don't know. It's right by the boat, or next door.  You just ask them, where will they cook it for me?  Im guessing it costs about 20 for the dinner now.  To buy the lobster, was less than ten.  only 5 the first time we bought one.

In Portland, we have gone on The Lucky Catch and learned about lobsters.  We baited the boxes, hauled up the boxes or cages, measured the lobsters and enjoyed the time on the boat.  It is about a ten minute walk from the ship.  Then you can buy the lobsters for a very reasonable price and take them next door and they will cook for your dinner. Our adult daughter has returned multiple times to take her friends on this tour.  Kids would like it.

We have also gone on the fire engine tour.  I think the kids would like the lobster boat more.  But there could be time for both.

Portland is a wonderful city.

On 7/23/2019 at 5:18 PM, princeton123211 said:

I guess it could be that the question is a bit broad-- if you're not going through the ship what are you looking to do? In Portland, do you want to go to Kennebunkport for the day? Or a tour of the city itself? Things like that might help. There are certainly private tour guides that you can hire in each place or alternatively you could rent a car and do some things on your own. Just hard to dive into it when we don't really know what you are trying to accomplish. 

I've been to Portland a couple of times.  We went on Lucky Catch and learned about lobsters, then bought one, took it next door and they cooked it for us.  When family members go to Portland, this is a must.  So fun.  We also went on fire truck city tour one time.  It was nice.  both are about 3 hours, so plenty of time to find other good places to eat, shop, or wander.  It's a lovely town and looking forward to being back. 

I am not saying anything negative about Jamie's because I have not been there. Someone made the comment that Jamie's was wonderful and could not imagine how Maya Chan could be better. Maya Chan is smaller and lots less people. The only chairs touching or near each other is the people in your group. Last year 2 of us enjoyed a secluded shady couch, chairs, hammock, table area. and also chairs in the sun. Five years ago we had a larger area that 4 family members enjoyed. Price is about the same. So I think it is the number of people that is different.

We have been to Maya Chan twice about 5 years apart. Last time January of 2018. The day is wonderful. It is very laid back, not at all crowded, with lots of attention by the attendants. They bring drinks and snacks where ever you are, including floating in the water.

You have your own private area to park your stuff. Internet is available throughout. Food is good.

Tipping is put in a box on your way out. I've seen people try to give one person money and they put it in the box and say something like we all share the work and the tip. Only exception is for the massage. You can split the hour massage with two people at the same time. I believe we also tip the van driver something.

Only negative for me is the bumpy road. And the distance. did not time it, but a good half hour ride in a van. Five years ago ride was in a fun covered wagon, but still bumpy. I do think the bumps are worse than 5 years ago.

They will ask you what time you want to leave and have the van ready for you at that time. They ask what ship you are on and what time it leaves and will tell you the last time you can leave.

We are going again in January of 19. They make it a day to remember.

We have used http://www.eatwith.com to find food tours in Barcelona and other places in the world. We had an afternoon paella lunch on a roof top deck when in Barcelona two years ago. It is still listed and available. We are using them again this fall for several different places. You book and pay for the outing before you leave the US. You communicate with the host before arriving. We have had no problems with any of our outings. Also check out trip advisor, and google Barcelona and food tours. Lots of options.

Thank you for the info. I will read the links provided. Looking forward to the trip.

We are going on cruise and land trip to Alaska. I understand there will be a land host to navigate us from place to place. Do we tip this person? How much? My HAL consultant said he'd never been asked that before and didn't know. Thanks.

Patk