Choozin Croozin

I can't thank you all enough for all these great tips, ideas and information. Hopefully this thread will also help others too. Happy Cruising!

14 hours ago, LeeW said:

Skip the beach beds.  They have sheer curtains around them but are all located out in the sun.  Instead head over to the area between the blue and red dots on the map (left turn on shore, over bridge, onto sand as soon as possible past dive shop and local stores).  This area has umbrellas every two/four loungers and has many palm trees overhead.  Good shade, especially if you go first thing in the morning.  Nice sand down by the beach and around chairs to play in.  Well-protected beach with easy entry.  Close to buffet.  You will likely want to take the little one to the kids water park for a while (pirate ship when you first get on the island) but there are no loungers around that. If little one is potty trained she can also use the main pool.  Right end has zero entry and some loungers, but really not much shade.  You can also clip towels to the umbrellas if you need a bit more shade.

@LeeWGreat ideas. I will put close pins on the list. That is helpful to know where a good place to go is. Do you know if you can move the umbrellas? Thinking 2 together would really be good. We definitely plan on the Pirate Ship and the Captain Jills (or whatever it's called). She loves the water. 

15 hours ago, ARandomTraveler said:

Bring a cheap umbrella stroller (like the kind you can buy from Walmart for $15). If the 3 year old falls asleep, you'll be glad you have it. If not, it's easier to roll/carry than a sleeping child. They don't take up much room when folded up. This is what I traveled with when my daughter was that age. Anything bigger and it's annoying to lug around and gets in the way, but it's enough to give your arms a break when you have a sleeping child, and gives the kids a place to sit when they can't keep up with the adults anymore. 

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Cosco-Umbrella-Stroller-Chalk-Hearts/55213555

Thank you! I forgot about the umbrella stroller, but also didn't think there were walkways past the front. I thought it was all sand. I have one that I bought for her as that is what I used for my son to manage many times at Disney World until he was like 5 I think. LOL.. I'll add that to my arsonal. Glad to know I could use it.

2 hours ago, billslowsky said:

On our trip we gave up on the tram after being passed by full ones several times.

😞 I'm sure there are times when riding the tram is out of the question. 

4 hours ago, poocher said:

Ditch the stroller, all that walking will tire her out!  Heck my grands would fall asleep leaning against a wall after a few hrs at the beach.

😁

11 minutes ago, brillohead said:

I have no idea why there would be an age restriction on beach beds.  There is nothing dangerous or anything related to that.
That was my thought except that maybe there is a little rougher surf at Breezy Bay? It didn't make sense to me. It looks, from videos, that South Beach is very calm???

However, I think you should be aware that they are NOT going to guarantee you full shade other than at "high noon".  The sun will come in through the sides at other times of day, and if you close the curtains, you'll also lose any air flow, which could be oppressively hot.  There are also small gaps between the curtains that could cause sunburn in isolated areas.  
You have a really good point. I was thinking that we would just close the curtain on the sunny side, but you are correct, that would restrict air flow. 

Loungers are plentiful, as are umbrellas.  And you can drag the lounger around to stay in the shade as the angle of the sun changes.  I've seen plenty of children napping on a lounger -- kids can sleep anywhere!  

She is a bit of a problem sleeper. She sleeps well, but has a hard time falling asleep. That certainly may change 20x by then. 😆

 

 

Many things to think about. Thank you!!

1 hour ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

Cabanas have an occupancy of 8.  

Thank you! That would be so great but those are a bit rich for my blood. $1k compared to $200. I think I will keep my reservation and see how things progress between now and then. Maybe there will be a super sale around Black Friday and we could spring for a Cabana. 😁

7 minutes ago, CruiseBride926 said:

We’ve gone twice while my son was a toddler and I’d say skip the stroller. It’s a pain to drag around especially in sandy areas and it’s annoying and a nuisance to put on the tram. The walking really isn’t too bad if you’re utilizing the tram.

Thank you. She is pretty active so I think she'll do ok, but it just seems like so much walking, that's why I wondered. I appreciate your help. DId your kids not take naps then, did you go back to the ship or what did you do? We don't get there until 10 am, so with nap time around 1p, that sure doesn't give much time. Maybe by then she won't be taking naps or 2 hr ones, but hard to know. Her father took naps in kindergarten still. 😂 It doesn't sound like the daybed thing is going to work. 

We (ds, dil, gd-almost 3yo, dh and myself) will be stopping at Coco Cay in early March 2023. I am really looking forward to our day. Right now I have rented a day bed at South Beach and 1 at Breezy Bay at Chill Island.(Not sure which is better-plus age restriction)  My reasoning for the day bed is to give my gd a place to take a nap (so we don't have to make the long trek back to the ship for nap time) and to give my dh and I a little more shade as I don't like a lot of sun and dh has to stay out because of multiple skin cancers. I have seen many videos and pictures and have never seen toddlers or strollers. 1) Are there strollers to use or do we need to bring our own as it seems like a lot of walking, even with the tram. I booked breezy bay first then found south bay later. Breezy Bay says minimum age is 4, South Bay doesn't say anything. 2) Anyone know why the minimum age is 4 and do they enforce? Would South Beach be a good alternative? I know it is away from everything. 3) Because is is early March, I am assuming the ocean will be chilly? Are the pools heated?  4) Because they allow 4 people per bed, do you think they will also count the toddler? 

Anything additional you can add would be helpful. I will also cross post this on the 'private island" forum too. Thank you!

Looking at renting a bed at Breezy Bay at Coco Cay. Reading the restrictions it says 4 people and over 4 years old. My ds, dil, dh and I would like to do this with our gd who will almost be 3 by then. Does anyone know, will they count her as an occupant? Does anyone know why you have to be 4yo to participate. Has anyone done this similar thing? I thought it would be a great way for a home base and then when it was nap time, we could close the curtains and she could take a nap right there (maybe me too, lol) Would save a lot of time and just have a nice relaxing day. 

10 hours ago, Aviator of the Seas said:

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding. We're already back to normal in San Juan. Power and water services are restored.

I'm so happy that all is well where you are. And thank you for the update. I can't wait to get back there in March. We just had Ian go through. Now to sit out the rest of hurricane season.

On 8/18/2022 at 9:19 PM, KathS said:

Has anyone used Sweeney Tours in St. Croix for the Historic Island Tour?

Did you end up using them? I was looking at them for March, but I noticed it said 10 or more. 

Current travel information https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/information-about-hurricane-fiona

18 hours ago, lucyjlou said:

Are the airports open?

Yes. https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/information-about-hurricane-fiona

I'm so sorry that you had to go through all that... again. I have been through a couple of hurricanes, but not anything like you have had, and without help you need. I am so glad for your sake that San Juan has minimal effect. Praying for those that are affected by the mudslides and ongoing rains. Thank you for posting. We will be there in March but my concern go way beyond that. ❤️

On 8/31/2022 at 8:59 AM, Wrunkles said:

Thank you so much!  That was very helpful.  We just like to relax at a beach on our own.   Last time we were there we ended up going to Rainbow Beach.  That cost $40 for 2 chairs and an umbrella.  It was ok but would like to research some other things to do there.  

There seem to be alot of beautiful beaches but not sure of transportation.  When we were there it seemed the taxis all wanted larger groups.  There aren't too many excursions offered.  

Yes, St Croix is a tough island to get any information on and to find things to do. I was so excited about going here and now...

On 9/12/2022 at 1:46 PM, Itchy&Scratchy said:

you can look through the other threads on this subforum for more information on car seats. I know I've written quite a few posts about them lately.

You just have to remember that vehicles in other countries may not have locking seat belts like US cars and they may not have latch/isofix either. In this case, the parents should look into bringing a small seat belt locking clip and practice installing a seat at home before the cruise.

 

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE6651373

https://www.amazon.com/Sungrace-Metal-Lock-Silver-Pack/dp/B0797KBGD5

 

or take cruise ship excursions which tend to use buses of some kind. Sure, you'll be like sardines in the bus, but at least you won't have to bring a car seat with you. For a 2 yo I'd go with an Evenflo Maestro for forward facing or Cosco Scenera NEXT for rear facing. Cosco Finale is a good option if the child is over 30# and is not overly tall if they want to use the seat for a couple more years.

Thank you so much. You have been very helpful!!

On 9/12/2022 at 3:40 PM, mjkacmom said:

When is the cruise? Four of my five were potty trained before their 3rd birthday.

March 2023. I advised them that that might be a goal lol. She just turned 2 in June and doesn’t seem too interested yet. 

On 8/2/2022 at 9:53 PM, wesnliz said:

This is helpful. I’m super frustrated with the rccl website. They make it seem like basically anyone under 3 has no options other than having a parent there full time, and no late night watching 

Grandma here, and my ds, dil and 2.75 yo  (when we cruise) gd decided to join us on the Jewel next March. I agree with you that trying to find information is tough. Unfortunately it looks like the Jewel is not toddler friendly. I can't even figure out what kind of water area they have for toddlers if any. Just that they have to be potty trained to use the pool.

15 minutes ago, kitkat343 said:

I'm so sorry - Jewel, Adventure and Explorer do not have drop off nursery programs.  The drop off kids club sometimes has some flexibility in children moving rooms, (like a 6 year old being able to move down to the 3-5 year old group if they have a cousin/sibling there), but for insurance reasons I don't think they have any flexibility for kids even a day under 3.  

 

The do have Baby Tots program where the parents come and play with the kids, and I was recently on Adventure and they expanded the hours because there was very strong demand.  

 

There were also parent and child activities like mini golf, and scavenger hunts.

 

At breakfast buffet, get extra milks and yogurt and store them in the fridge.  The WJ isn't always open, so its a harder for parents when kids get hungry so its better if you have snacks (fruit and cereal) always in the room.  You need to be in the room for room service delivery or they won't leave it, and they don't use boxes of cereal so we found it just as easy to go up to the WJ for breakfast, but that's entirely up to you.  

 

Depending on what kind of tour you use (if you are going to lots of places) a private excursion for just your family might be better than a large ship tour where you have to wait for everyone to load and unload.  A ship tour might be fine if you are just going to a beach, although you should see if it is cheaper to just take a cab.  We used car seats but that's up to you.

Oh, ok. So just brought the car seat with you and were able to put it in the vehicle? Thank you for your help. I didn't think about the liability. Had I thought this was going to happen I sure would've booked a ship more little one friendly. This was a Covid rebook, so I just grabbed something that looked ok and Jewel is the only radiance class we hadn't been on. Thank you again.

Unfortunately we should've planned this better but, grandma and grandpa booked a cruise on the Jewel and our ds, dil and almost 3 yo gd are now joining us. I am thrilled. So looking at the kids stuff on ship, Jewel appears to be lacking. Their kids club is 3-6 and no splash pad or anything. Potty trained for kids pool.  How strict are they on the age for the kids program, does anyone know? Has anyone use it if they are closed to 3?  Also looking for ideas on how to handle nap times and night times. Has anyone found a monitor that will work if you just go out in the hall? Any tips and tricks are helpful. I have done a search and gained a few. What do you do in ports to go places. Obviously car seats are not available. Thank you. 

3 minutes ago, slidergirl said:

i saw that and it's weird.  you can search for '# 8 tram route Rome' and find quite a few listings for it.   There is also some notes that the line has been expanded to piazza venezia.  I have no idea why it doesn't show up.   Also, if i remember, there isn't a station, per se, but a stop.  If you do google maps and go to largo di torre argentina and go to street level, by the entrance to the cat sanctuary, you will see the tram rails in the street.  Follow it either way and you'll see 'stops' for the line and even a tram going on the line.  And, yes, the #8 tram does get you to the train station.  

Thank you so much. So much to research. lol  I will do just that.

On 7/19/2022 at 11:38 AM, slidergirl said:

If you’ve not been to Da Cesare, give it a try.  It’s out of the tourist area but easy to get to via the #8 tram.  It’s at the end of the line.  Best to go with at least one more person so you can try a bunch of their antipasti.  The fried gnocchi in Gorgonzola is freakin amazing.  Wish I had room to try their frito mixto- people next to me had it and it looked scrumptious.  Reservations absolutely necessary.

I’ve been to La Pergola, but not to dine.  One of the concierges took me up for a look at the view.  I was staying there on an award for a Hilton employee contest. 

@slidergirl can you tell me... When I try and find the tram station at Largo di Torre Argentina to board #8, a bus is the only thing that comes up on google maps. Do you know if the tram is not running or do they not have info about trams, or why can't I find it. I have done so many searches and nothing comes up for the tram and where to get it. Thank you for any help. I have a dual purpose for #8 tram. To try this restaurant and to get to the train station in Trastevere. 

On 8/25/2022 at 8:22 AM, biggytaz said:

My wife and i are staying at a hotel smeraldo in rome prior to our Princess cruise. How difficult is it to get luggage and us from our hotel to the cruise terminal via the train? is it a huge walk to the train station from the hotel? Is there any other options that are affordable?

Looking at the comments i am confused as to which train i would want to get, it sounds like the regional trains are teh crowded ones adn leave at a further away station, is that correct? Thanks for all the help.

Mat

 

 I am so appreciative of you posting this question as I also have a reservation at Hotel Smeraldo and also an Arbnb near by. I had given up on taking the train to the cruise dock because, while I love this location for sightseeing and restaurants etc, it's not a great location for public transportation.  

On 8/25/2022 at 4:38 PM, euro cruiser said:

Your hotel is just steps from the #8 tram line, which you can take to the Trastevere station to get the train to Civitavecchia.

 

The regional train isn't horribly crowded going toward Civitavecchia in mid-day, so if you're aiming to be at the cruise port between noon - 2 PM you should be fine.

 

The train from Civitavecchia is direct, but it makes a lot of stops along the way.  The fare is 4,60 euro.  For example, there's a train at 12:27 that arrives to Civitavecchia at 13:13 (1:13 PM), it makes only four stops between Trastevere and Civitavecchia.  Other trains take 15 minutes longer and make more stops.

 

Once at Civitavecchia it's one mile from the train station to the stop for the free port shuttle bus.  There is a public bus every half hour if you don't want to walk.

@euro cruiser This is so helpful and now I know I can save some money for other things and take the train to the port. I have searched and searched though and cannot find the address of to the #8 tram station at Largo di Torre Argentina. Just to clarify, take the tram to the Trastevere station. THen by a separate ticket from Trastevere to Civitavecchia? Thank you so much.