TessOR

I booked a family group for this sailing. Does anyone have any info on Costa Maya yet? They are wanting to do the dolphin experience and are not seeing anything offered in the app yet

I often book groups and families that want one point of contact to arrange things up until check in. For those I either use my agency email or the family members email. It makes it easier on everyone and they can always forward the emails to each party as needed.

We did a great catamaran trip with Tiami that included lunch, drinks, snorkeling and a highly entertaining crew. We did it while 8n port with the ship, but booked directly and saved the $$

Having traveled with a special needs child in a wheelchair, I would suggest you use it and bring it through carry on. We have had issues with adjustments getting out of whack due to handling (not specifically cruise ships). Plus, the wait for a wheelchair at embarkation can get long if there are several people needing this at once. If you have your own device handy, it will lessen the wait for your octogenarians. Generally speaking, the process getting a chair through security can actually be faster because they will just wand the person in their chair and they use a separate line.

Our first cruise was in the form of a gift from a family member. They gave us the $$ and said to do something fun. We booked a cruise because we had very busy work lives and not a lot of time to plan destinations. It was that or an all inclusive resort and we liked the idea of seeing multiple nw places but unpacking once. We tried to do everything on that first cruise! Carried the compass around with us, studied and planned each day the night before. Even with all that, we loved cruising and booked our next one while onboard. That was in 2004. We do it a lot different these days, but that’s the joy of cruising for us. Every sailing is different and we get to choose what kind of vacation it will be each time. There are some perks for booking onboard so relax, enjoy this one, and if you love it- book another, and another, and another!

You probably have your answer to this by now - but I'll toss a recent experience your way. I made my stock purchase on 10/14 and knew the statement would not make it in time to meet their 2-3 week request. I did a screen shots of the purchases showing the count of the stocks and date, cut and pasted them into a word doc with a note explaining my circumstances. ( I actually had 4 different accounts that these fed from.) I submitted the document in lieu of a statement.My OBC was credited within about 3 days.

When we dressed more formally, we did use the dry cleaning bag trick and it did work. It did usually require an extra bag, but that was when we tended to overpack on EVERY level. Now, hubby will wear a button down shirt and slacks usually. Sometime put on a jacket and tie - if we decide to do pictures. I gave up on the gowns and do a dressy pant outfit and comfortable shoes.

You might want a little cash for souvenirs, enough for a taxi if you were to miss the bus, something to eat to drink that is not included, and tips. I never carry a lot of cash, but some just in case…

I would go on the roll call for that sailing and put it out there. If you find someone that wants to swap, calling in and making the change is pretty easy. It’s great that you are going to the trouble to try to help someone out.

You should be fine. You’re all going to sail together, if I understand this correctly, someone is just boarding at a different time. If they even ask, just tell them that. We have had people in the same cabin board at different times. Just make sure they do not give both sea pass cards to the first person boarding.

Headed out on the Navigator this coming week - Sushi making class magically appeared in my planner yesterday. No cupcakes - but it's a start!

Yes, thank you! We have never used it - but we have used the one in the Concierge Lounge and I am sure it is similar. Great for hot coffee. I love over-complicated blended icy coffee drinks - hence Starbucks

Our cruise next week will be the first time we use drink vouchers for diamond loyalty and coffee is our "cocktail". Can these be used at the Starbucks onboard, or is that a separate entity altogether? I use a Starbucks app - do you know if this can be used onboard for payment, points, etc?

I did not know the OBC for stock purchase was a “thing” until I saw it here. Like others, I was in a position to pick up the shares and added 100 Carnival for the same reason. Not looking to sell the stock, but the OBC is a nice dividend in this crazy market so, I’m in. Doesn’t hurt that the stock has gone up $10 since my buy, but since I’m not selling, it’s of no consequence for now, but still makes me smile.

By the way…. Has anyone tried making Wi-Fi calls using Messenger on the ship or WhatsApp the only way to go?

The best idea is to check with your cell provider for the ports you are visiting. Texting is a safer bet and we tend to just try to unplug for the week checking in just for potential emergencies. I let family know what days we will check in. I have an AT&T plan that allows unlimited for Mexico for example. On the ship, make sure you’re in airplane mode and using their Wi-Fi programs.

We have also done Nachi Cocoa and it was a nice quiet beach day. Not a lot of people, decent food and service. If you want more activity, I also liked Playa Mia for a totally different experience. We did a cooking class there, had a good meal, great drinks, and there are all the beach activities as well. There are even some little shops for souvenirs if you like. What kind of day are you hoping for?

If it’s available for you to make it now, I would. Even though the concierge can make it for you, some shows book up and no need to miss out if you can do it now. Enjoy your cruise, we always love the extra space of a grand.

We certainly pack less now than when we first started cruising. Understanding that it’s OUR vacation to do how we want was a part of that. We do dress up for formal night a bit, but I’m not packing suits and gowns anymore. We used to take the airport max, 2 carry ins and two huge bags each. The plan for our trip in 9 days is one medium bag each and a backpack each. We also pack half of each of our stuff in the others bag just in case a bag gets delayed. Our last cruise, my cousin met us in PR. They were flying from Texas so decided to fly same day. Missed the boat, their luggage was delayed another day behind them, it finally caught up to them on day 6 of the cruise. Fun stuff, and why I always want to arrive a day early

Has anyone been to a "Crown & Anchor Top Tier Event" lately? When we first started cruising I remember showing up for a few of these event items. Captains Meet and Greet, etc. They seemed to be basically a crowded room where you could have a little hors d'oeuvre and a drink on Royal. Sometimes there was an opportunity for some Q&A about upcoming Royal news. I haven't been to one in years, and not since making it to Diamond level at all. Are they the same as I remember? We have missed cruising these past few years and feel a bit like a newbie again, anxiously perusing the app and wanting to do it all!

Just a note @Tia there is generally a lobster night on one night of the sailing, at least for 7 days or longer there is. The lobster you would pay extra for is when it is the "premium" on any other night. Enjoy one or two with some yummy garlic butter

For the savings, if you have the time, you could probably add a 3 or 4 day B2B on Navigator. Between the airfare and the cruisefare savings. The short trips visit different ports than the 7 day, so it is not just a repeat. I have sailed on Navigator several times with kiddos along and there is plenty to do. As for the shows - it seems the teens usually pass on these, so that would be something you would decide if you would miss or not. Generally there is a comedy night, some sort of variety show, a production show, and often a magician or aerial type act. Plus all the small venue entertainment.

Have you tried Joyce Prince? It has been about 5 years since we were last in St Maarten, but I have used her 3 times and her website is still up.

I especially like the entertainment value Since finding this blog I find myself incessantly checking it!

5 days will go by very quickly! We’ve had a 4-6 year old along on a few cruises and the traditional dining was a bit long for him. It didn’t help that the group had chosen late dining. I would suggest early or MyTime. With the MyTime service is more aligned with the pace of a typical restaurant you would visit at home. He loved going to Johnny Rockets as well, as another option. Naps are not just for kids! We tend to take a break around 2 each day, that may result in a nap. Up early and late… that mid-day break is a great chance to regroup, watch a movie in your room, or just sit on the balcony and watch the sea go by.