LLWS_Uncle_Rick

"You can drop off your carry on items in your stateroom upon embarking." Never heard of this before. We have always been barred from even entering the hallway on other ships.

Talked to a friend tonight who stayed on Orient beach over Christmas. Unfortunately Orient beach is inundated with seaweed. She said they are using backhoes to clear the beach every day. She recommended Frairs bay beach.

We've cruised numerous times and generally just book NCL tours. They are a bit more expensive but are a known quantity as far as what you will usually get. I personally suggest that for your first cruise and first time to experience the ports, just go with NCL. After that, you will have a better familiarization with tours and tour operators and may wish to book locals next time. But for now, just look at the NCL web site and try what you might think is fun or interesting. Cost you a bit more, but you will be more relaxed letting you enjoy more. When you get off the ship at the ports, the NCL tours will be very well organized with NCL staff standing by to help you on your way. And...I've found the NCL web site reviews to be similar to what we then experience on those tours. My opinion.

I agree with this, also the ship will wait for you if the tour gets delayed. At the very least get with a group from the roll call for a tour. I would not venture out on you own the first time out.

Check out the Roll call for the cruise. It sounds like we are on the same cruise (Jan. 18). It's my first time on the breakaway so I can't help with your answers. hopefully someone on the roll call can help.

We were also the Indy last week and I agree with many of your points. Food was so so, same menu as last years cruise, crew was great except for the non existing cruise director and staff. Evening entertainment on stage was good but lacking in the bars. Better be quick or you will miss it. Promenade dance was way below the parade on the Explorer last year.

Wouldn't it be nice to combine all the good points from the different cruise ships into one. I'll sail on Royal again but probably not on the Indy, it just wasn't for us.

I thing it effects everyone who will be taking the cruise. If you booked the cruise and made excursion plans for ports A, B and C but the ship is not going to those ports now you are effected. I think your parents should talk to the on board business office now.

Looking forward to your review, booked on the Indy in April.