Epic christmas /new years cruise 2010 – western carribean

[inghilch]

EPIC CHRISTMAS /NEW YEARS CRUISE 2010 – WESTERN CARRIBEAN

Just back from a fantastic time on the NCL EPIC! Thanks to cruise critic and some advance planning our family trip with grandparents and four kids age 6 and under truly exceeded our expectations!!

We had to book 3 cabins to fit all the children (we thought too young for the bunk bed rooms). Balcony cabins 9012, 9016 and one interior across the hall 9018. All were located on the forward port side. The ship was fully booked and I was told 1400 children on board (majority were teenagers). The crowd I would call upscale combination of American/International. Many extended families. I’ll try and summarize the highlights, tips I have.

BEFORE YOU CRUISE:

- Try and plan in advance. Ask yourself what is important. Is it a certain restaurant, show, beach. It helps to be knowledgeable with options. Cruising is hectic with kids and I found it helped to have a plan.

- Western Caribbean – Costa Maya – Tropicante on Mahahual beach, Roatan – Victor Bodden tours and stop to see the Monkeys, Cozumel – Day pass at Intercontinental

- To bring – A CLEAR ID CARD HOLDER to put those ship cards in. It was a big help. They sell Epic ones for $4.50 each. ZIPLOCK BAGS (gallon size, jumbo size). Great for everything – diapers, wet clothes, suntan lotions, honeynut cheerios I brought from home. Bagels and bread for the kids (fish food) on port days. Kitchen garbage bags for beach days (helps with the kids trash). Dum Dum lolly’s for the kids – Big help during breakdowns.

- Plastic card to slip into the light switch

- Plan for inclement weather. SWEATSHIRTS could come in very handy for windy/cool days. One day the Cirque shows were cancelled, the slides were closed. No biggie really but know it could happen.

- Seasickness aids – seabands, gum, ear stickers. Whatever. I find now that each cruise I take has one day “oh we never seen the water this rough before” causing many to be sick. Like me!!

- Dining Reservations – Try and book in advance. I did for Teppanyaki (kids loved it), Cirque (also great for kids), Bistro and Cucina. I DID NOT for Cagneys and was shut out. I noticed the specialty restaurants SEEMED MORE CROWDED THE SECOND HALF OF THE WEEK. Did everyone wait? By booking in advance you can cancel if you need to. Once on board they were able to cross reference my rooms. Such as for Teppanyaki that had 4 different reservations for 2 people at different times.

- Entertainment – also book in advance for the same reasons.

- Oh and YOU DON’T NEED THE CLEAR SHOE OVER THE DOOR holder for the bathroom. There was no way to put in on the glass door, TONS of storage..

- PACK LIGHT – You can do laundry. It was only $25 to fill and bag. Came back the next day hung in the closet. My 2 year olds pJs!

- No cell phone service – Prepare for this. It didn’t matter because I was with my family but my iphone did not work. I saw some people with walkie talkies..

 

We flew from NY to Ft Lauderdale (easier airport) Christmas morning as we do celebrate Christmas and Santa visited a day earlier. On a 6 am flight which is doable but tough as you are getting up at 3am!! IF YOU CAN DEFINITELY FLY DOWN A DAY EARLIER. We booked LARRYS LIMOS for transfer to Miami port. I figured let’s start the trip right with a super stretch Cadillac Escalade! Professional driver, on time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I found them on cruise critic. This car was huge. Given we didn’t have car seats the kiddies were all safely buckled in! We arrived at the port by 10:00. No lines of course but had and had to sit in the holding room under boarding started at 12. A big disorganized as once boarding starting people started to rush toward the boarding door. Pushing and shoving.. I don’t think this was the norm but they need to get a better system in place.

Tips once you board

- Do explore the ship. We really didn’t and found even on the last day we were still saying, “oh, I didn’t know this was here?”. If you have kids, STOP AT RECESS DURING THE OPEN HOUSE. Once camp/recess starts 8pm that evening, parents are not allowed to enter the recess. We didn’t actually get to see the camp because we didn’t take advantage of the open house. The recess area is split into 3 groups. 2-5 yr olds, 6-9, 10-12. We had 2 kids in each age group.

- Do head to the spa to get your first pick of spa appointments and buy your $199 couples thermal spa pass. The spa books up quick and the pass sells out

- Do book/fix and dining reservations a.s.a.p. There were a couple of hostess set up with laptops right outside the Garden buffet area on deck 15.

- Do let the kids use the pools and slides. It was hot and sunny and I think this was the only day my kids actually went in the pool. The other days they sat in the Jacuzzi, went on the slides or the kiddie water park area. The pools were not crowded and the kids had a great time. Remember to pack a bathing suit on your carry on. It wasn’t a problem to get towels.

ROOMS

Our family of 8 booked Balcony cabins 9012, 9016, 9018 interior across the hall. All were located on the forward port side. The 9th floor I would consider a neutral location. The 14th floor is really the best for KIDS. We never had an issue getting an elevator. We used our strollers often. Our balcony rooms had the infamous “sheltered” Balcony. Sure, we didn’t get that “floating” above the sea feeling. The balcony though was DOUBLE THE SIZE and HAD COMPLETE PRIVACY. We still had the same breeze and half of the view. BEST PART – we could CONNECT THE ROOMS THAT WAY. I repeat, you don’t have to stress about connecting rooms (like I did.) The cabin Steward has a special key he can unlock a steel door and you can connect the balcony’s that way. We used a chair to keep them open for the duration of the week. We had a rule that no child was to be alone on the balcony without an adult. No child was to put a chair by the window opening. Everyone obeyed!

The rooms have TONS OF STORAGE. USE IT! Organize in advance. Take the time. I mean we had 4 kids worth of clothes!! The room is tight, yes. It is MUCH narrower than the pictures but really it’s no big deal. If you keep the room the neat and put beach bags and stuff on the balcony you have plenty of room. The BEDS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE. My husband is the Starwood hotel type. We slept well! The a/c was great but it was nice to keep the balcony door open to hear the sea at night (beware of the wind tunnel if you open the hallway door). Oh and the glass door baths – we had no problem. There is a curtain that can be drawn for privacy. Also locate all the light switches (we didn’t at first and ended up always sleeping with a light on. They are hidden everywhere.

We didn’t book the family suites to save a few dollars (we did have to book 3 rooms) and were happy we used the money saved elsewhere. No bathtubs in the room but my kids are all fine showering.

NCL also could provide a pack and play but it was TINY. Made for a baby. Each evening the kids were so exhausted sleeping was not an issue. Its amazing how kids adapt. I would never think that one adult (grandma) and 3 “little” kids could sleep in the same bed. Each took turns who was on the pull out bed or in the room with my husband and I. Grandpa stayed in the interior room across the way which seemed roomy and just as cozy.

MINI BAR – I didn’t empty because I really only used it for cold drinks for the adults.

[inghilch]

DINING

ROOM SERVICE – The best. Had hot coffee brought daily. Hot milk brought for the little ones. A few boxes of cereal for other the kiddies to hold over before we went to breakfast. Hey I’m on vacation and to pack up for the day took a little time. Room service is a life saver. ALSO GREAT TO FEED THE KIDS AT NIGHT. Only did so once. Grilled cheese, Chicken tenders (ask for ketchup). Can order a pizza for $5.

TEPPAYNAKI – Highly recommend. at home we go to hibachi all the time and the “tricks” performed by the Chef were better. The food was delicious, the service was phenomenal. Josephine our server was a gem. The kids all ate and didn’t seem as fidgety. KIDS PAY HALF PRICE. MY 2 YEAR OLD DID NOT HAVE TO PAY.

BISTRO – YUM – Highly recommend. Ate here twice without the kids. Ordered Lobster both times. Delicious. Ask for the soup to be extra hot or it comes out lukewarm. Other dishes we had, the pork, Coq a vin, lamb.. all delicious.

CUCINA – Took the older kids. We had a nice meal. Great Focaccia bread. .

NOODLE BAR – just ok. I mean it was great for a quick bite,

BUFFET – HECTIC. I was there daily and the foods was fresh and beautifully presented but only go if you have to…

O’SHEEHAN’S – tried the dip. Pretty good. Kids had a brownie sundae (it has big wanuts in though)

MANHATTAN – BUSY – always a wait during prime time. Had a nice dinner

TASTE -- *** ATE BREAKFAST HERE ON PORT DAYS – HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Same items you can find in the buffet. Service is great. Food comes out quick. Easy to debark right after as its only one floor down.

I thought the food was really top notch. We are VERY PICKY and had excellent meals and service!

‘*No Lobster in the MDR – We were told only the specialty restaurants.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

You have to arrive in advance for prime seats. For Cirque, we had one member of our party go 45 mins in advance per advice of some the guests who attended earlier in the week.

BLUE MAN – Went the first night and it was packed! We did have a reservation but only arrived 10 mins before. We managed to find seats to the far right and still had not problem viewing. KIDS LOVED IT. I had seen the show before in NY.

SECOND CITY – 11 pm show – Hysterical!!

HOWL AT THE MOON – Ton of un

LEGENDS – was on the list but I just never made it there. That said TWO NIGHTS IN THE MANHATTEN ROOM THEY HAD SOME OF THE PERFORMERS PREFORM A MINI SHOW. We didn’t eat dinner there that evening. We showed up at 9:30 as per the Freestyle Daily, ordered dessert and coffee and were able to have a mini show.

CIRQUE DREAMS – GREAT – Highly recommend! Kids loved it too! KIDS PAY FULL PRICE. Two year old was free. ( I liked the food)

MAGICIAN – Funny, good show. Something to do…

FAT CATS – Louie and Dusters – very entertaining

FABBA, WHITE PARTY.. all on the list but I just couldn’t stay awake. Saw some of it on the TV.. seemed great.

 

PORTS OF CALL

COSTA MAYA – LOVED IT HERE. I listened to cruise critic and booked chairs in advance (at no cost per chair) at Tropicante on the Beach at Mahahual. I had emailed Steve the owner and I’m so happy I did. He gave me detailed instructions how to find him. Having never been to Costa Maya I didn’t know what to expect. Alter a long stroll down the pier you enter the port pool, shopping area. It’s quite nice. We exited immediately passing all the tour guides and to the right to the taxi stand. We ended up taking a luxurious shuttle bus to the downtown beach. Its less than 5 minutes away. Only 2 turns. I think the price was $20 for all of us. The downtown beach is only 6 blocks long! We arrived at the beach early, by 10am and it was QUIET AND GORGEOUS in front of Tropicante. IT IS PERFECT FOR SMALL CHILDREN. There are many, many beach bars all right next to each other. Tropicante’s staff (mainly the server George) gave us phenomenal,. Personalized service. Oh and the Food! YUM!! Delicious, chips and salsa, quesadillas, guacamole, beef tacos, mango fish, grilled chicken salad. Cold beers. VERY INEXPENSIVE. About 20 crew members from the entertainment staff came in the afternoon to also hang there. Had HUGE portions of the fish cerviche. You really have to come here!! We met some of Steve’s family visiting for the holidays. They told me it was a 4 hour drive from Cancun. Said lot of local Mexican’s come to vacation here. Ours kids played on the beach the entire day. I was able to buy some sand toys at a local market. Upon departed Steve gave our entire family sea bean necklaces. Taxis were lined up right outside so an easy return to the port (make sure the taxi drops you by the gate, at first he tried to drop us off up the block by some stores). Also a ton of massage places on the beach for $20.

THIS WAS THE EMAIL FROM STEVE WITH DIRECTIONS:

"We have loungers with umbrellas and also tables under small palapas. You can look at our main site www.sandalsandskis.com and click on the Tropicante link to see more photos of our place, menu and even more info on the area. We usually reserve loungers, no cost to our customers, but can also reserve a table if that works better. If you do a lounger and you want a table for lunch, the guys can usually get you a table and hold your loungers. We only have one ship that day, but sometimes the Epic can fill our loungers so reserving is best if you want a lounger.

As for how to find us, it is reaaly very easy and should not be a problem, even with small children. Also, our beach is perfect for small children, all sand, no sea grass, shallow and gradually sloped so it is perfect for small kids. When you arrive there is a large port facility, as well as a new commercial area just outside the port that is new and very nice you'll pass through. Most of what they sell there you can find downtown in better selections and prices so you might want to skip through that pretty quick. It is about a 3 or 4 minute drive from the port area to the downtown. We are located right in the center of the ocean front Malecon/beach. You can catch an easy taxi or shuttle from the port to the downtown for $3 US per person and your return will be $2. Not sure why they are different but they are regulated rates? It's Mexico?? Ask the driver to drop you at Calle Cherna by the football field. My staff wearsyellow shirts and our tables are white with white and blue umbrellas. If they drop you someplace else it is no big deal. The downtown beach is only about 6 blocks long so you'll find us."

ROATAN – Hmmm.. a bit of a disappointment. I don’t know why. Maybe my expectations were high. Maybe it was a bit overcast so I couldn’t appreciate its beauty? I booked a private tour guide with Victor Bodden. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I figured easier for our group. It was $150 for our party of 8. A nice comfortable van. A bargain compared to the prices of the ship excursions. I think the ship beach break was $60 per person. I did not have car seats for the little one but we held them in our lap. In NYC, people don’t walk around with car seats. The car never went very fast and I never felt unsafe at any point. Ronald our guide was real sweet. Great knowledgeable guide. We really wanted the express tour so he took us to local area to see how some of the Hondurans live. Then off to see the Monkeys! So much fun! Many laughs. The Kids were only allowed in the baby Monkey cage. We just beat the tons of people coming to zipline. I wasn’t sure what to expect given it was at Victors house but it is a huge operation there. I would say it took 20mins max to see everything. From the Monkeys we went off to the beach at West bay. I planned on going to Infinity Bay Resort and was quite happy to pay the $15 each entrance fee except guess what.. THEY WOULD NOT LET US STAY. I couldn’t believe it. Said no day passes are being offered this week. We tried to hint we would pay more but they wouldn’t budge. Our guide said no big deal we could just go a little down the road to the Mayan Princess. It was $10 each to go there. So we go. It was fine but the entire West bay beach was SO CROWDED! All the chairs are on top of each other. Short beach. Ronald said this was the best beach on the island. We did take a stroll and I didn’t realize the close proximity of all the hotels. If Im at the Mayan Princess, directly to my left is another beach club with blasting club music and beds, then the Bananrama – this place had a ton of action (great with no kids), another small place, then infinity bay and after that Tabayana beach where all the cruise ship passengers were. A few slides and trampoline you can use for $10 each. Tons of Massage places. The Mayan Princess also had all cruise ship passengers. I didn’t actually see any hotel guests. It was all so strange. The food was not good either. And expensive! $16 for a shot of tequila. $7 for chips with KETCHUP! Yes ketchup. Listen, we made the best of it. Ronald stayed with us the entire time. It was an easy drive back to the port. Everyone pretty much headed back by 3pm.

COZUMEL – Another highlight. I booked in advance a day pass at the presidente Intercontinental. You usually get a room with the day pass but because of the holiday week the room part wasn’t available. The price for 6 (3 adults and 3 children) was $165 which included a $45 food credit. This place was PHENOMNAL. LUXURIOUS. We were given beach/pool towels. The POOL WAS HEATED. There was snorkeling right there off the beach. The crowd was very international and upscale. The food and service – fantastic. I would consider vacationing here. We had a great day!! Some of the kids baked holiday cookies in the kids club. It gave them a little break from the sun.

 

KIDS STUFF

- Ship/ports stroller friendly. Saw many people with double strollers!

- Def hit the sports court. Spider web.. note the hours.. We only got in once close to closing time. Was closed other times because of wind

- Epic Bounce – line too long

- Book in advance the slime time live .. also featured a few times poolside

- Also have Nic Character meet and greets usually at 4/5pm

- ATRIUM MOVIES – Definitely take advantage sea days with inclement weather. CAN ALSO GET FREE POPCORN AND CAKE!

- Nick breakfasts – I wanted to do it but waited and it was fully booked.

 

KIDS CLUB/ RECESS / CAMP

YOU MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. The staff is top notch. My kids are experienced summer campers and were quite excited to go daily. My younger ones gave me a hard time at times but the counselors were always eager to put the kids at ease. We checked in again after 10 mins and my younger ones were always fine. They also came out smiling (if they were awake !) We didn’t register until the drop off on the first night around 8:30pm. It was super busy, long line but THIS WAS THE ONLY NIGHT it was night this. Other times the drop off was easy and the counselors knew who you were after a few days. They told me out of the 1400 kids, only 20% were registered for the club. Therefore it never felt crowded. It really was a great place for the kids. I drop them off each night between 6-7:30pm. Pick up was at 10:30 unless you wanted to pay for after hours. I thought that was late enough for mine given their age. I put them in only once during the day. The sea day the weather wasn’t good. The kids loved it. I was shocked about how many people didn’t utilize the club. One mom with 3 boys said they refused to go. I mean that’s great but hanging with a bunch of kids from all over the world doing fun stuff vs sitting at a French restaurant is really a non brainer…. My little ones did fall asleep there a couple of times. It was an easy transfer back to the room. Long exhausting days! Oh and they give you a house phone for the 2 year olds. They never called once during the trip. The phone was great to call the rooms.

NEW YEARS EVE – Kids club had a huge party. Price after 10:30 was $10 per hour, $5 for siblings. We kept the kids in until about 12:30 that night because the begged us too.. Seriously.. the loved it here. It was also the last night. We did tip the kids crew.

KIDS SPA PARTY – they offered this Roatan night. It was a age appropiate mani/pedi, ice cream sundae party. My daughters LOVED it.

 

MISC

CHRISTMAS – Ship beautiful decorated. Christmas Carols with the crew. Visit with Santa. Ice skating. Christmas Story Movie

NEW YEARS EVE – 3 Different parties, Lots of energy. Lot of fun.

SPA – Though I had a spa pass.. I only made it 2 times. Great massage.. nice to hang on the back deck

POSH – Pass was still being offered on Tuesday. Alwalys looked empty up there. If I was without kids I would say that would be a nice place to hang.

GYM – Nice but busy!

PHOTOS – many families took advantage of this. Note though if you book the photo package with unlimited photos and a photo book, unless you book the ship excursions, the ports of call pages use stock photos. They do not let you add your own photos.

SHOPPING – love it at home.. Couldn’t find the time… lots of shops. If your forget perfume, the have testers of all the brands you can pass by and give a quick spray on your way out…

MEDICAL EMERGENCY – A passenger had to be lifted off by them Coast Guard. Quick a site to see. I believe the captain made an announcement the passenger was doing okay.

 

I guess that’s it…

[terigo]

Thanks for such a comprehensive commentary!

We are doing a transatlantic next year, and were deciding between Epic and Nieuw Amsterdam....

When there are that many days at sea involved, the ship itself has to be considered part of the vacation.

Looks as though the Epic will do the trick!

[erdoran]

Thanks for such a comprehensive commentary!

We are doing a transatlantic next year, and were deciding between Epic and Nieuw Amsterdam....

When there are that many days at sea involved, the ship itself has to be considered part of the vacation.

Looks as though the Epic will do the trick!

There are tremendous bargains to be had on the May 2011 Epic Miami-Barcelona transatlantic for both insides and balconies....

[terigo]

There are tremendous bargains to be had on the May 2011 Epic Miami-Barcelona transatlantic for both insides and balconies....

 

Yes, we had noticed that.... unfortunately for timing (but the reason is not unfortunate!), we have to take the westbound journey in the fall, rather than the spring TA... we have a grandchild due around the time of the latter... :D

[shimmy80]

Great review. I am happy to hear you had a nice vacation. We are booked the week that starts Easter as well as many schools spring break so I am interested in your opinnions on 2 things. Did you find it overly crowded being at pretty much full capacity? and did you have much trouble finding seats at the pool area? I've read that people place towels and such to " save " their seats alot. I don't think that is fair to others if you are not going to be sitting there for a few hours, so I will not be one doing that. But I am traveling with two kids so I'd like to be close to where they will most likely be all day. ( slides, climbing wall ) With that being said will I be resorted to having to go on the top decks for a couple chairs together? Thanks for any info

[inghilch]

Was it crowded - yes, absolutely but I only felt it at certain times and even then it didn't bother me too much. I only travel with the kids during "peak" times - Christmas, Winter or Spring breaks so I don't know any different. To me it was most crowded at the buffet but we still were able to get a table. At night around it felt a little crowded around the casino. Most of the time I didn't notice or think the ship was too crowded.

 

Pool and chair saving - unfortunately yes. This seems to be true really anywhere - hotels, beach wherever during peak times. As far as the Epic goes, let me preface by saying of the 3 sea days we had, only the last one was sunny as well as being New Years eve. The pool area was packed and all chairs seemed to be saved. That said we did manage to get a few chairs I'm the prime locations near the aft by the slides and kiddie pools. Grandpa and my husband found them. I'm not sure if they moved chairs or saved towels. No one said anything to us. On this particular day, the port side was extremely windy compared to the starboard side. Because of this I didn't see many people even in their saved chairs. Don't stress too much. It is what it is. It doesn't take much time to go and "save" a few chairs. If you are traveling alone with the kids maybe some of the families you meet on board can save a couple for you.

[inghilch]

Here are some of the Freestyle Daily's I saved from the kids clubs/ recess.

[inghilch]

Here are a couple of the Daily's I saved from the Western Carribbean 2010 New Years Cruise.

[nathand95]

Great review! I see you mentioned getting room service in the morning. What sorts of stuff was offered? On Carnival there is a door hanger with numerous food options that you can place outside your door and they will deliver it at the time you desired. Is this how it is on NCL too? It was a HUGE plus on Carnival. Also, what was the food in Cirque? I know you don't get a choice ,but i can't for the life of me find what food is served. Thanks again for the great review.

[miniwheat]

Loved the review, I have cabin 9001 on my cruise at the end of the month do you know if there are stairs by that cabin or if there is an opening to the front of the ship. Also just curious how expensive Larry's Limo was. :confused:

[jmcdon7230]

Great review! I see you mentioned getting room service in the morning. What sorts of stuff was offered? On Carnival there is a door hanger with numerous food options that you can place outside your door and they will deliver it at the time you desired. Is this how it is on NCL too? It was a HUGE plus on Carnival. Also, what was the food in Cirque? I know you don't get a choice ,but i can't for the life of me find what food is served. Thanks again for the great review.

 

NCL's breakfast room service menu is similar to Carnival's. Select what you want and hang on the door handle before 4AM. They will call approximately 20 minutes before delivering. Here is the most recent menu from Cirque that I can find:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=26204559&highlight=foie#post26204559

[inghilch]

Room service - now that you mention it I did notice some breakfast door hangers outside the cabin doors. That was an option. I actually called as soon as I opened my eyes and the food would arrive within 30 mins. I never actually looked at the menu. The menu was posted on the interactive tv and I did not want to wake anyone at the time. I'm pretty sure you could get what you want.

 

Cirque dinner- it was a salad and crab cake appetizer, prime rib with grilled shrimp and a potato torte, dessert was a trio of creme brûlée, chocolate cake and a red velvet cupcake. The kids were offered only chicken tenders. I think Cirque is more about the experience. You should go. It was great. If you are not satisfied you can easily grab another bite somewhere.

[inghilch]

Re stairs forward by 9001. I honestly don't know. I never walked that way. My guess is no. I recall passengers from that end walking my way. Your cabin is not far from where mine was and the walk is not long to the center stairs/elevator.

 

Larrys limo - it was 200 + 40 gratuity. This was a 30 passenger limo! The biggest I've ever seen. They have all types of cars listed on their website. Booking was easy. I requested a quote online and received a response within 24 hours. I also called to speak to them when giving my credit card details. The return to ft lauderdale airport I pre-booked a van. I think the cost was $140. The driver patiently waited over 90mins. Getting off the ship new years day morning was all backed up. I think everyone had a late night and seem to get a late start...

[youngestof9]

thanks for the review! I loved all your kids highlights. Since this is my first cruise with kids, I'm a bit obsessive about what I need to do/not do. Thanks!!!

 

any chance you could email me the kids club scan (I have a 5 year old and 12 year old). The image was too small for me to see.

 

email is marybethp at yahoo dot com

 

Thanks :)

[miniwheat]

Re stairs forward by 9001. I honestly don't know. I never walked that way. My guess is no. I recall passengers from that end walking my way. Your cabin is not far from where mine was and the walk is not long to the center stairs/elevator.

 

Larrys limo - it was 200 + 40 gratuity. This was a 30 passenger limo! The biggest I've ever seen. They have all types of cars listed on their website. Booking was easy. I requested a quote online and received a response within 24 hours. I also called to speak to them when giving my credit card details. The return to ft lauderdale airport I pre-booked a van. I think the cost was $140. The driver patiently waited over 90mins. Getting off the ship new years day morning was all backed up. I think everyone had a late night and seem to get a late start...

 

Thanks for getting back with me I may just have to call Larry's Limo this morning do you know if they would take you from port back to FLL.:confused:

[inghilch]

Yes absolutely Larry Limos would take you from the port back to FLL. I booked the van return through them as well.

[Zeno]

Great detailed review! Lots of useful unfo for people with kids.

 

The "covered" balconies appealed to me (I like shade) - so thanks very much for the Pictures!

[cruising ag]

Thanks for taking the time to write a great review!

[inghilch]

You're very welcome!

Have fun!

[Kdiamond55]

Great review!!!

 

Quick question for you, with your party being so large how did you book the specialty restaurants, like Tepenyaki with 8 people? Did you book as 4 and 4? Thanks!

[inghilch]

yes, that is exactly how I booked the restaurants. It was actually 3, 3 and 2 online ahead of time and once onboard I worked out combining the reservation. There were many people doing exactly the same. It wasn't a problem.