codyh21

I agree w/ @twangster. While I wouldn’t avoid any particular cruise if I really wanted to sail, I would lean towards longer sailings of 6+ nights. 3/4 nighters are always a bit more wild, but during that timeframe they have a tendency to ramp up. I don’t mind sailings with lots of kids, especially on larger ships. Ideally, most are well behaved but there are so many places to spread out. Obviously on any of these ships the key common areas like the pool will always be crowded. Bottom line, sail the ship you want to sail. As long as you set expectations of what the atmosphere could be like, you can have a great sailing anywhere!

I have Coco Beach Club passes for one leg, DX/Refreshment for both legs, and a UDP for one leg for our May b2b on Navigator. I'm keeping all of it and if they cancel will take the 125%. Money is already spent, and I will just roll over to whatever cruise we take next. On the off chance it doesn't get cancelled, then we plan on cruising.

We’re booked for a week on Navigator 17-24 May. We’re prepared that it could get canceled but are planning to go until we’re told not to. Paid $1300 for two in a Promenade room which is unbeatable! Ultimately it’ll depend on how things look then, but I’m holding out hope.

I had a friend on Navigator last weekend and he said while there was a spring break atmosphere it definitely wasn’t full. I agree with you that if you’re able to still go there’s some advantages in that aspect.

Exactly as Matt said. I’ve seen some ships do seating for ice shows based on muster station, etc but even that is varied and you won’t know until you’re onboard.

If it were me I’d keep it. Even if by chance they closed a port you’re still on a great ship with lots to do. Ultimately, only you can decide but I’ve got friends on multiple different ships right now and they’re still having a great time.

Per the RC website, if the cruise you use the FCC on is less than the FCC amount, a new FCC in the remaining amount will be issued. "Alternatively, if the new cruise fare is lower than the Future Cruise Credit’s value, a new Future Cruise Credit will be issued for the remaining balance."

As many others have mentioned, if it's items I feel like I'll wear again, I do laundry in the stateroom. Quick, easy and does a fairly decent job. If it's things like workout clothes that I just can't get cleaned in the sink or a shirt that needs pressing I'll send it out. Again, in the whole cost of a cruise a few dollars for laundry/dry cleaning is minor. I agree OP must have cruise lines mixed up because I never recall seeing self-service facilities anywhere onboard.

Agree with @twangster 100%. We just got back from a 9 night ABC itinerary on Explorer. Did the same itinerary two years ago on Navigator and loved this one just as much. If you enjoy the ports go for it.

We stayed in an Oceanview Balcony on Navigator back in 2017 directly below the WJ for 9 nights. I heard virtually zero noise and we'd definitely book again. Some ships the mileage may vary but our experience was positive.

If you're unable to do it online, when you arrive to the port they can add it at check in and it's a simple swipe.

As a USAA member I utilize the travel insurance provider they offer and while I've never had to use it thankfully, prices are good. I also read through all the coverage options to know exactly what I was paying for as they had different tier options. Lots of options out there, but definitely do your research to find the company/coverage that works best for you.

Agree with this 100%. We did self-disembark out of Port Canaveral a few years ago and I was on my couch drinking coffee 20 miles away by 830. If you jump in an Uber/Lyft as soon as you disembark, the ride to the terminal should be ~45-50 minutes.

Depending on the number of people and/or bags can change my recommendation. I agree, Uber/Lyft is a good starting point especially if using UberX. Doesn't hurt to look into one way car rentals as well. Multiple major agencies either within the immediate port area or within 2-3 miles and they offer shuttles to the ships. There are also shared shuttle options but I've never taken them so can't provide personal comment on them.

Very little requires signing up ahead of time. Many activities are first come, first serve. However, there are usually waivers to sign for things like flowrider especially for minors so just head to the desk up there. Ice show is based off either room or muster station location if I remember right but they will tell you, just get there early for seats.

Radisson Resort @ the port is nice, just stayed there in September and just down the street. Homewood suites and a Residence Inn are right nearby as well and nice hotels as always.

We bought my wife a go-pro on Black Friday about three years ago and paid ~$200 or so. We've taken it on several cruises to include multiple snorkeling trips. While there's newer and better models out there it still works great for our purposes. She's not concerned about the audio just reasonable quality while snorkeling and the like. The suggestion above is accurate if you're really concerned about great audio, but for what you're describing even picking up last year's model should be more than sufficient for what you're wanting.

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Day 4 / Day 5 (turnaround day) Our last sea day on Navigator and there wasn’t much to report on. Aside from watching some football I spent much of the day napping. 6am workout followed by MDR breakfast which was actually very enjoyable. Found a solarium bed and crashed for almost 90 minutes. Attempted to use the UDP for lunch In Hooked but was told they were fully booked despite only 4 people in the restaurant. Ended up at Izumi which was very good. I had the Crispy Philly roll, firecracker shrimp, and wonton soup. More football, another nap brought us to dinner time. First had pre-dinner drinks at the R Bar which was easily my favorite for the week. One last dinner at Jamie’s (delicious) followed by music in the pub with a very good singer. Called it a night around 11. Took our time the next morning as we were headed to Explorer and had no desire to get off early. Left the ship around 9 and after a lot of confusion and wandering around we were eventually put on a shuttle from Terminal A to Terminal G to board. Took about an hour but we made it. Checkin was very quick for Explorer but then the waiting began. A combination of debarkation starting late, too few customs agents and several stragglers and we didn’t manage to board until almost 1245. Crowds in the WJ were way too much so Cafe Promenade was in order and was actually quite good. Rooms were ready at 130. For this sailing were in room 7354 which is a starboard standard balcony near the aft of the ship. Very comfortable and pleased with the room. Met up with a friend in the pub and hung out there until muster drill. Beautiful sunset sail away from our balcony as we were the last of 5 ships to depart. Dinner was casual in the WJ but good food. This will likely be our go to most of this sailing as we’re wanting a bit more laid back. Went to the pub intending to stay an hour but the singer was so talented and a big group walked in I made quick friends with and ended up staying until almost midnight. Peeked into the comedy show and piano player but neither were as enjoyable. Pretty sure I’ll be in the Pub most nights listening to a great performer. Sea day today, relaxing and watching a lot of college football on my balcony. Promise I’ll try to take more photos. Tomorrow brings us Labadee. Happy Saturday!

Day 3: Yesterday brought us to Coco Cay. I was just here in September but my wife has never been as we’ve always missed it when trying to tender. It really is a wonderful place and they did an excellent job with the redesign. We were cleared just after 8am and I headed straight to the Thrill Waterpark. Entry was simply scanning your seapass to enter and exit. They do a queue system for Daredevils Peak and I was thankfully in the very first group. By about 930-945 they had given out all the slots for the entire day so if you want to ride it I would get there early. I was probably 20th in line and waited about 15 minutes. A ton of stairs but a real rush and good fun. I hit the two drop slides next and managed to hit every slide in the park and some twice in just over 90 minutes. Only one I missed was the group raft one as the line was way too long and I was solo anyways. I enjoyed the park and managed to get entry for $32 awhile back. Was selling for $65 a week or so ago which imo is more than its worth. Afterwards I lounged in a chair on the beach until I met my wife for lunch at the snack shack around noon. Spent and hour or two at the Oasis pool and bar then headed back to the ship around 130. Walked onto both slides onboard multiple times then took a long nap. Pre-dinner drinks again at the R Bar then dinner again was at Chops. Food was cooked perfectly and we had the same waiter which was nice. After dinner I spent a couple hours between the piano player in the Schooner Bar and on the promenade. Watched the beginning of the Quest then headed to bed. Today is a sea day for Thanksgiving and we have very little planned. I was busy enough yesterday that I forgot to take many photos, sorry! For anyone wanting the compasses I plan on scanning these and our Explorer ones to the website on return. Have a great and happy Thanksgiving all!

Day 2 Recap Good morning everyone from our approach to Coco Cay. We’re currently crawling along up to the pier so thought nows the perfect time to recap. Had a great day in Nassau yesterday. We docked around 8 and ship clearance was at 830. All aboard wasn’t until 830pm so we had a very long day there. I went to the gym around 645 and watched our approach from there. Mariner joined us along with a Disney and Carnival ships but didn’t feel anymore crowded. My wife did a blue lagoon excursion through Royal so she left around 930. I laid around in one of the pool deck cabanas until about 10 then got off and walked over to the Tiki Bikini Hut on Junkanoo beach. My plan was to have one drink and head out but we all know how that goes. The bartenders there were a joy to talk to and I ended up staying for a couple hours. Weather was mid 70s with a nice breeze so that helped. After leaving there I walked back to town and had lunch at the Bearded Clam. Cracked Conch w/2 sides was $20 but very good. After lunch I stopped by Pirate Republic Brewery for a beer, it really is a neat place and right across from the ship. Made it back onboard at 2 and attempted to ride the water slides but the line was too long for my liking so I’ll try tomorrow. Took a nap for a couple hours then got dressed for formal night or “dress your best”. Pre-dinner drinks at the R Bar with my favorite bartenders on the ship. Dinner at Chops was very good and we enjoyed it. After dinner we hung out on the pool deck as we sailed away then down to the Promenade. Was going to enjoy pub music but the singer had lost her voice so just guitar music. Back to the R Bar and listened to the music from Boleros downstairs for awhile before calling it a night. All in all a wonderful day and we’re ready for Coco Cay! I’ll be doing the water park and my wife will just be relaxing on the beach.

Sitting onboard Navigator now having just left Nassau. Took my seapass and photo id but was never asked for Id when reboarding. Opinions vary widely on the passport. We leave ours in the safe the whole cruise but some prefer to take it with them, it’s truly a matter of preference. I’ve heard a couple ports are going to start requiring passports next year to leave the ship but we haven’t encountered that yet.

We always do WJ breakfast last morning, it’s busy but always doable. Most times you are expected to be off the ship by 9-930 at the latest in order for them to turn around for the next sailing. Enjoy and prepare to get addicted to cruising fast!