Live from Navigator of the Seas B2b to the Western Caribbean and ABCs!

[gweitten]

We will begin the 9-day ABC cruise on 12/22. Really appreciate the advance review of the daily Cruise Compass and menu. Thank you for the reviews of both on-board and on-shore activities.

[iahawkfan21]

Day 6 Compass

 

 

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[moopetguy]

Tonight’s main and dessert menus in the MDR:

 

 

Tomorrow night’s menu is Jasmine (second formal, aka lobster night)!

 

 

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[iahawkfan21]

Day 7 Compass

 

 

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[Chitoryubt]

Slot pull was fun this morning, thanks to CruisinJunky for organizing the event! We cashed out with a $1 profit per buy-in [emoji4] Giveaways from the casino host were also generous and appreciated with polo shirts, t-shirts, drink vouchers, keychains, and free spin coins.

 

 

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Hello! I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your review - we are booked on Navigator, 9 night ABC's in March. I was wondering if you could possibly explain how the slot pull works - how much money you put in, how long it lasts, etc. We are trying to organize one for our roll call, and I've never done one :confused:

 

BTW, I'm enjoying your review so much, I put the link to your review in our roll call. :D

Thanks!

Beth

[iahawkfan21]

Hello! I can't tell you how much I am enjoying your review - we are booked on Navigator, 9 night ABC's in March. I was wondering if you could possibly explain how the slot pull works - how much money you put in, how long it lasts, etc. We are trying to organize one for our roll call, and I've never done one :confused:

 

 

 

BTW, I'm enjoying your review so much, I put the link to your review in our roll call. :D

 

Thanks!

 

Beth

 

 

 

One of the other members organized it. We all met in the casino at a slot they determined. There were 33 of us participating and the buyin was $15. The max spin on the machine chosen was $2.50 so everyone got 6 spins. At the end which took awhile we decided to cash out. Everyone made their money back plus $1. Not much but it was fun.

 

The folks that set it up also talked to the casino host ahead of time and got some freebies including free drink coupons to hand out to a few individuals.

 

 

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[iahawkfan21]

I’ll post tomorrow’s compass later, but noticed at quick glance they reduced the 10 drink card price. It’s been offered since day 3 or 4 for $88.50+18% and starting tomorrow it’s going to be $75+18% for the last two days. Never seen the price drop.

 

 

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[Chitoryubt]

One of the other members organized it. We all met in the casino at a slot they determined. There were 33 of us participating and the buyin was $15. The max spin on the machine chosen was $2.50 so everyone got 6 spins. At the end which took awhile we decided to cash out. Everyone made their money back plus $1. Not much but it was fun.

 

The folks that set it up also talked to the casino host ahead of time and got some freebies including free drink coupons to hand out to a few individuals.

 

 

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That's awesome detail - thanks VERY much!

[moopetguy]

The 10-drink card that was previously $88.50 plus 18% gratuity on this sailing will be $75 plus 18% gratuity starting tomorrow, on Day 8. It’s advertised on the Offers Card.

 

Also, the Hotel Director is hosting a Canadian Get Together tomorrow at 17:31 (oddly specific time).

 

I’ve never heard of this before and I wonder just how many Canadians are on board. Unfortunately the timing is awkward due to formal night pictures and my family also has the main seating for dinner at 17:30. I don’t know what to expect of this event but I’m not skipping dinner for it...will probably try to pop in and see what’s going on before heading to the MDR.

 

 

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[moopetguy]

Quick run-down/review of my family's activities on Aruba today...

 

We rented a car, booked in advance. Long story short, the customer service with this agency was fairly poor IMO, but it was a cost-effective way for us to get to see everything we wanted to see. I would consider exploring other rental agencies next time but wanted to stick with a well-known name this time.

 

If you want to take pictures at the "I <3 ARUBA" sign, it's near the Renaissance Resort along L.G. Smith Blvd. (Basically, when you leave the port area, turn right when you reach Diamonds International and keep walking straight down the street along the waterfront. The sign is across the road away from the water but there are many crosswalks available.)

 

We stopped at the Ayo Rock Formations. Pro-tip, there are public washrooms available, free to use, and reasonably clean.

 

We visited the Ostrich Farm and to be honest, we did not find it to be a good value for us. The tour was fairly short and there was not a lot to see or do. They have a playground for kids but it is currently under renovation. They will take a photo of you feeding the ostriches, frame it, and sell it to you for $10 so at least that was reasonable.

 

Much better was Philip's Animal Garden later in the day for us. It is not a zoo, but an animal rescue operation. Many animals to see, including ostriches (and donkeys, cows, deer, goats, guinea pigs, a pig, rabbits, many species of birds, peacocks/peahens, monkeys, turtles, horses and ponies, a camel, etc.). You can feed many of the four-legged animals.

 

We also went to see the natural land bridge (washrooms are not free here!) and gold mine ruins. Amazing sights of the coast and ocean. We made quick stops at several beaches and the California Lighthouse as well, just for pictures.

 

We wouldn't hesitate to visit the ABC islands again, after all the great experiences we've had this week. Weather was very cooperative. We only experienced a short downpour in Bonaire while we were in the gift shop at the Donkey Sanctuary after our drive-through -- otherwise, it was sunny skies for us!

[Badgertr]

Thank you for the great review, we are on the next A,B,C itinerary. Appreciate the compasses and the menus. We are doing the golf carts on Bonaire and your experience has helped with the confidence in our decision. Still debating a beach in Aruba, the more I read the more confused I get.

 

 

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[moopetguy]

We are doing the golf carts on Bonaire and your experience has helped with the confidence in our decision.

 

 

Be aware that the Donkey Sanctuary does not open until 10:00. If you’re off the ship early, I suggest completing the southern loop in counter-clockwise fashion. You’ll get to see the Cargill salt production operations including the flats, the slave huts and lighthouse, the flamingos, and also stop by Sorobon Beach/Lac Bay and see the windsurfers before heading toward the Donkey Sanctuary.

 

 

 

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[mystifyny]

Be aware that the Donkey Sanctuary does not open until 10:00. If you’re off the ship early, I suggest completing the southern loop in counter-clockwise fashion. You’ll get to see the Cargill salt production operations including the flats, the slave huts and lighthouse, the flamingos, and also stop by Sorobon Beach/Lac Bay and see the windsurfers before heading toward the Donkey Sanctuary.

 

 

 

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Thanks for the tip. We too reserved the golf carts for our March Cruise. I assume you did the self guided tour? We have not been to Bonaire yet. Did you get approached at all by the locals while on your gold cart excursion, like you do when you visit Jamica? Just wondering on what to expect as we will be traveling with our 12 year old son.

 

Your review has been wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to do this. :-)

 

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[moopetguy]

Thanks for the tip. We too reserved the golf carts for our March Cruise. I assume you did the self guided tour? We have not been to Bonaire yet. Did you get approached at all by the locals while on your gold cart excursion, like you do when you visit Jamica? Just wondering on what to expect as we will be traveling with our 12 year old son.

 

Your review has been wonderful! Thanks for taking the time to do this. :-)

 

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With Bonaire Cruisers, it’s all self-guided [emoji4] They provide a map and some suggestions of what to do and see, but you’re on your own when you drive off. It’s a lot of fun but be aware that cars and trucks will be seeking to pass you on the road because the golf carts, though gas-powered, are not particularly fast (for good reason...e.g. no seat belts!).

 

Nobody approached us to try and sell a tour after we had our golf cart. We were among the first few off the ship and many vendors had not even set up in their tents yet, but Bonaire Cruisers were ready to guide us up the street to their facility. It’s not a long walk to get there. I have not been to Jamaica (yet [emoji6]) so I can’t compare.

 

It’s been great to collaborate on a live review with fellow cruiser and new friend iahawkfan21 [emoji4] Happy to answer more questions from anyone if we can about any specifics.

 

 

 

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[Badgertr]

Be aware that the Donkey Sanctuary does not open until 10:00. If you’re off the ship early, I suggest completing the southern loop in counter-clockwise fashion. You’ll get to see the Cargill salt production operations including the flats, the slave huts and lighthouse, the flamingos, and also stop by Sorobon Beach/Lac Bay and see the windsurfers before heading toward the Donkey Sanctuary.

 

 

 

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Thank you! 3 more working days.....

 

 

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[nolimits]

At anytime did you see drinkcards being sold?I know you said you had drink package.

[iahawkfan21]

At anytime did you see drinkcards being sold?I know you said you had drink package.

 

 

 

Yes they’ve been sold since day 3 or 4. Initially $88.50+18%, now $75+18%.

 

 

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[moopetguy]

Having trouble uploading photos at the moment. Will try tomorrow morning...when I (eventually) wake up [emoji6]

 

I’m even having trouble trying to post this text-only message.

 

The MDR menu for the final night is Pomodoro.

 

 

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[ronpes]

Following.

We are doing this trip in January so look forward to reading your comments.

 

 

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[Sunshine-lady]

We are really enjoying your review of this cruise. My husband and I were supposed to be on this cruise with all of you, but unfortunately, I had 3 surgeries in one month, :(and had to cancel. We were able re-book for the March 16 cruise on Navigator. So, we are enjoying your thoughts and opinions on this cruise. We are really enjoying all the pictures. Thanks for the great review.

[CruiserTK]

Did you manage to find out what the Canadian get together was about?

[JMG]

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the snorkeling tour with Woodwind!! We are booked with Woodwind in March!!:cool: Do they provide snacks and/or anything else on their vessel?:rolleyes: Looking forward to trying out my full face snorkel mask!!!:D

 

Is this a private excursion or through ship? Is there a link? Thanks!

[moopetguy]

Did you manage to find out what the Canadian get together was about?

 

 

Yes [emoji4] The Hotel Director scheduled it at 17:31 (instead of say, 17:30) to generate curiosity and interest, to get people to attend. It did unfortunately conflict with the main seating in the MDR. There are almost 400 Canadians on board this sailing!

 

Claire (the Activities Manager) and one of the ice dance cast (who spoke French and “translated” what Claire said, and made a few jokes at her expense [emoji6]) spoke for a bit and then we were free to mingle amongst ourselves. Free drinks similar to a Top Tier event (a variety of wines, punch, you could ask for a soda, etc.).

 

 

 

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[iahawkfan21]

Is this a private excursion or through ship? Is there a link? Thanks!

 

 

 

https://www.woodwindbonaire.com

 

It was booked directly through them. Very good communication. We walked to their meeting point which was maybe five minutes from the dock very easy to get to. Even from the other dock it’s less than 10 minutes walk. One of our best cruise days ever without a doubt. If you want to boom with them do it quickly as they often sell out months in advance.

 

I will post plenty of our photos from that day when I get home tomorrow and have my better WiFi. Amazing experience.

 

 

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[iahawkfan21]

Having issues with photos today. I will get caught up on day 8 and 9 compasses tomorrow along with a large bucket of other photos as well when I get back home and have my real high speed WiFi.

 

Yesterday I had lunch at Sabor. I knew the menu had been pared down heavily and that disappointed me. $20+18% for lunch and while it was good, I don’t know if I’d go back. The guacamole and chicken bacon jalapeños were amazing as always. I tried a quesadilla but only had a couple pieces, just average. Pulled pork tacos were again just ok imo and I didn’t come close to trying to finish as I wanted to sample a couple things.

 

Desserts I just had a bite of each little thing. The churros probably we’re best. Margaritas were tasty as usual.

 

Afternoon was a lot of reading and relaxing followed by yet another WJ dinner. Didn’t feel like putting on a tie and I can take it or leave it with lobster. Floated around the ship, played mini golf, had a couple drinks. My wife went to the late show while I watched a fb game and then i joined her for the Love and Marriage show which was entertaining as usual.

 

Nothing much planned today other than packing and relaxing watching a fair bit of fb. We’ll be in the MDR tonight and then there’s a fairwell show at 715 which I’ll probably skip as the comedian is doing late night show at 11. The Quest is being held tonight at 10 which is really odd being on the last night. Not sure if we’ll attend or not. I’ll do final thoughts and wrap up when I’m home but I’m short we’ve had a great two weeks. Have thoroughly enjoyed having Cuddy as the CD too.

 

 

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