JohnandKatr

To all who have said "thanks" - you're certainly welcome! I used cruise critic in part of my planning too, so happy to help if I can!

 

 

 

Day 6 (5 of cruise)

 

Big Island - Kona. We got up an ate breakfast early so that we could be at the Mardi Gras lounge as soon as they opened door to get our tender tickets so that we could get started as early as possible. We were some of the first people there so no problem getting tender tickets on the first tender. They did no call us down right at 7:00 though, it was maybe 7:20 or so. As we were going down to the tender there were some young men coming back up complaining about needing tender tickets who obviously did not pay any attention to the many announcements about needing tender tickets. :rolleyes:

 

We rented our car from the Enterprise in town location because they will pick you up at the cruise port. That way you do not have to mess with getting a cab to the airport to get your car. Also it was substantially less than the hotel by port that rents cars. We called their number to get the shuttle and they were there within 5-10 minutes. Got our car and went straight to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge) and got there as they were opening so we had the place to ourselves. Very interesting site in a beautiful location. Afterwards we parked just outside of the parking lot for Pu'uhonua O Honaunau and went snorkeling at two step. Fantastic snorkeling! Just be careful getting in and out - so the waves do not knock you up against the lava rocks. Also, there are many little crevices with sea urchin in them so watch where you put your hands getting out. I also wanted to mention that we brought along full face snorkels. They are awesome! We have done a fair amount of snorkeling before and I always want to enjoy snorkeling, and do for the most part, but would spend so much time sputtering and messing with the mask that it would put a damper on things. Using the full face snorkel really helps with that and made snorkeling more enjoyable for me and my daughter - even for my husband who used our son's mask after his regular mask broke liked it.

 

We spent a couple hours snorkeling then took a scenic shore drive then stopped at Super J's for Lau Laus and Kahlua Pork. Super J and her daughter (I think it was her daughter helping) were super nice and the lau laus and kahlua pork were very good. The Taro leaves that the pork is wrapped in for the lau laus taste a bit like collard greens, which I like. The kids still liked the pork, just not the taro leaves. There are a couple different sauces on the table you can put on too.

 

After Super J's we stopped at Hula Daddy for a quick tour. It was an interesting tour and the coffee was tasty. The neighbors pig even stopped by for a visit. I have to admit that I did not buy any of their coffee to bring back because although it was good coffee I am not enough of a coffee lover to justify the price. There is a beautiful tree by the parking lot that they warned us against touching because it is related to bella donna and the sap is toxic and will cause hallucinations. Luckily they informed us because my daughter had touched it so we had her wash her hands just in case. After our coffee stop we dropped the car off and got the shuttle back to get our tender. We did not have to wait too long - I did hear that the line can get quite long at times. Showered, had dinner, then sat in some big round lounge chairs overlooking the pool.

Any way you could continue with your review??? We have loved it! And really are checking every day to see if you've continued. We also would love to see the rest of the daily Norwegian sheets you've attached thus far.

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So, we've been on several NCL cruises and this is first I'm hearing of this...I have no idea what everyone's talking about. I've never noticed them or eaten them.....where are they??

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Looking forward to the rest of your review!! Thanks SO much!!

Thanks NJhorseman! What about some of the tours?

We are a couple in our late 40's...coming in on Saturday, Aug 5th, 2017. Is there a tour or something we can book with minimal work figuring out bus schedules, taxi's, etc? We love beaches, the water...hate shopping more than 15 minutes, not into museums unless it's quick. I have ankle and knee issues so can't do anything super physical, although I can hike, etc.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

Carnival Valor: Anyone have Fun Times for 4 Day out of Galveston (Cozumel)? We are going 2/16 - 2/20/16 and would love to see the Fun Times from one of the earlier cruises with that same itinerary...thanks in advance!! - Kate

Is the Prometheus Pool still Adults Only? I Hope so!!! I know there's the Serenity area, but we REALLY only hang out in the pool and really don't want kids in it. Thanks!

Hi, we are a group of 5 (2 adults w 3 kids) that will be coming in on Norwegian Breakaway at 1pm on Dec 29th and we already have tickets to Kennedy Space Center. I've searched with no luck on how to get from the cruise terminal to KSC but cannot find anything that makes sense. I don't want to spend the time renting a vehicle to go just 15 minutes down the road and back. I emailed VIPlimo (I think that's the name) and they gave me a quote of $240 roundtrip......that's ridiculous for just a 15 minute ride.....any other options???? Uber maybe (I've never used Uber so no clue how).....please help! The cost for transportation is more than the cost of the tickets! Thanks in advance.

-Kate

looking for reviews / opinions/ must have dishes on Norwegian Breakaway. I've searched the forums, but cannot find anything, except random mentions in general cruise reviews on dining. Going on Dec 27th with 14, 12 and 10 year old boys. Thanks in Advance!!

We are a group of 5 people (3 people aged 14 - adult and 2 children -ages 10 & 12). So we would need 3 adult and 2 chilrens day passes. How do we do this? Looks like the Comfort suites room have a max occupancy of 4....??? is there another option?

Also, for a room for 4, the Comfort Suites online shows taxes and fees of $109. Does this include all resort fees, including Daypass Atlantis for all 4 guests or is there an additional charge on top of this? Do I book 1 room for 4 guests and then buy 1 child's Atlantis day pass?

Thanks...We've never done anything but a cab from port to nachi cocum. on BarHop, can we swim? Is it nice place for swimming/playing in the sea?

Josefina's Cooking Class OR Bar Hop Bus Tour? We've only ever gone to Nachi Cocum in Cozumel because that's what the others in our party end up choosing...this time, it's just hubby and myself and we want to do something different than a beach all inclusive....WHICH TO CHOOSE? We both love the water, love trying different drinks, Love Love Love Margaritas, and love cooking......help!! We're on Carnival Triumph and in port Saturday, May 2 9am - 4pm. Thanks for any advice!!

Kate

Thinking about going on this bar hop bus tour. We'll be on Carnival. About how far a ride is it before arriving at first bar? And then, how far a ride is it between each story? And finally, how long a ride to return to port? Thanks!!!!

If you call a local office, and select the option to make a reservation, you get transferred to the main reservation line. I found that they wouldn't accept a one way rental this way.

 

If you select the option to talk to a representative at the local office, they will book it just fine. I made the reservation on the west side of Houston (staying with family) and they said there would still be a $50 drop fee so it would still be a little over $100 for one day.

I spoke directly with Enterprise in Galveston and the Mgr (think name was Chris, but can't remember exactly) there told me that they are no longer accepting one-ways and that despite what I was told by another rep at Enterprise (was told that I should just book a roundtrip from airport and then just drop off at Galveston for an add'l $100 drop fee), that the rep misinformed me and that the fee would be at least and add'l $500 OR they would flat out refuse to take car and then I'd have to return it to airport....SO, we decided to rent thru Hertz instead for the week for $280 and park car at hotel in Galvestion for a total of $18...seems wasteful, but it's cheaper than anything else I've found. We're also coming in 4 days before cruise, so having use of vehicle will be nice.

I'm wondering if this could be a work around option for us: If we purchase PRIOR to embarkation day, a gift of Rum or beer to be delivered to our cabin....will they deliver it to our cabin 1st day of cruise or is there a Galveston law that prohibits them from delivering it to our cabin until day 2? In the past, I've ordered a bucket of beer ahead of time and it's in our cabin almost as soon as we board.

copied from carnival:

• Due to Texas State laws, CHEERS! will not be offered until the second day of the cruise for voyages departing from our Texas home ports. In this case, please know the daily rate will be based on the full cruise duration price but only charged from day 2 forward. Guests may purchase drinks in the usual manner.

Bummer....Do they use the daily rate for a 4 day cruise (multiplied by 3 + 15% gratuity)? Hopefully they don't use the daily rate for a 3 day cruise as this doesn't seem fair since we're on a 4 day cruise. For so many reasons, Galveston is becoming my least favorite home port. They sure don't make it very convenient to use this port.

I just heard from someone that the Carnival Cheers beverage program cannot be purchased for the 1st day of cruise if home port is Galveston??? Please tell me that not true!! We ALWAYS use the beverage program; are the 1st to board in the mornign and are enjoying mimosas and margaritas most of the day on the 1st day! I want to cancel my cruise now....

I'm cruising April 30, 2015

I cannot find one complete list of all dining options on Triumph, other than outdated ones from prior to the renovations...are there specialty restaurants? Thanks!

Going to Bermuda on Norwegian Breakaway last few days of April this year. We've never been and have NO IDEA where to go, what transportation to use. We are a fun-loving romantic couple in mid 40's. We enjoy swimming, scenery, cocktails and beer. We love to have fun. Any sugesstions on where to go and how to get there??? So confusing and I can't seem to find much information out there.

Thanks!!

Kate & John

Want to buy 2 bottles of champagne that we are allowed (plus small amt of tequila for a precruise toast)

Yea, I found those too (thanks for resoonding!!!!!), I'm hoping to get copies with same itineary as our 7 day Aug 17th 2014 sailing out of New Orleans with ports: Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

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