Cactus527

The Blades show is great. There was one performer that only came out once and she did all of her tricks with hula hoops and ice skating. It was fascinating. The other ice skaters are really good, but she really stole the show.

When I did my last check in for my cruise in a few weeks, it showed as closed/ unavailable for the entire day before I could actually check in. After midnight that day that I could check in, it showed it as closed until about 12:04am. Then it was magically open.

Oh, also, I saw your question just now about St. Maarten and other eastern Caribbean locations - I can't relate to this one simply because I have not been to those places.

"Harrowing ride." This made me laugh so hard just now - thanks for that! We were in a 15-20 person shuttle van/bus. Lane lines don't seem to matter on Roatan, but I never felt unsafe. Maybe some other people did? I just found it amusing to watch. Our driver even pulled over at one point to run into a gas station and pick up something for himself. The drive across the island is beautiful - you go up into the hills and then down again - and it was lovely to drive through different villages and see what daily life is like there. It took about 40-45 minutes to get to Turquoise Bay one way. If you're expecting impeccable driving skills, this may not be for you; however, if you have that one friend that drives a little aggressively and quick but you're okay with that, you should be fine for Roatan driving. EDIT - I just thought of something else. "Harrowing" could also refer to sheer cliffs or something like that, which this drive does not have. There are definitely places where the hills drop away from the road, and some twisty turny spots, but overall I would describe the road landscape through which we drove normal (not flat, but not dangerous).

We were at Turquoise Bay in July. I believe these villas are actually part of the resort itself, which is totally new compared to the beach only excursions offered prior to this. The resort is lovely, and the villas are further away from the ocean. In the second photo that you posted, it would be the smaller house-looking huts to the left and right of the long thatched-roof area. That area has a bar, buffet, and seating for VIP excursion guests.

Flying through MCO in a few weeks after the cruise. I've heard that you can make reservations to go through security at a certain time. If this is the case, is this highly recommended? Does it matter if I have TSA PreCheck? I've read the web site but am still a bit unsure. Many thanks for your information!

SO glad to read this! I'm in 9338 on Independence soon and this makes me HAPPY!!!!!!!

I got off Allure July 23rd and tested positive a few days later. While I could probably say "I got Covid on my cruise" with fair confidence, it's not a given. I could have been exposed at the airport, or on a shuttle, or the hotel prior to our cruise. If you're not taking direct precautions right now (avoiding large groups of people, wearing a mask, etc.), you're leaving yourself open to it. I'm vaccinated, boosted, and had it before - I didn't mask or avoid people while traveling or on the cruise. Thankfully, it was short and sharp and now all done.

insuremytrip.com is a great place to start looking for the exact plan that fits your needs.

I remember Grandeur being docked beside us when we were on Allure this summer in Costa Maya (which is where your photo looks like it was taken as well). It was almost comical the size difference! Personally, I think I would love Grandeur more - the Oasis class ships are massive.

For reference, you can cancel RC transfers up to the day that you need to leave for the port. You can then switch it to whatever you'd like to use – Uber, Lyft, private shuttle, etc. When we transferred from Galveston, we used Galveston Saltwater Moms. Perfect, easy, cheap.

Princess does a great West Coast itinerary of LA - Santa Barbara - San Francisco - San Diego - Ensenada - LA, or something like that. I would love to do this one sometime, but would love it even more if Royal did it.

The shuttle people show up at 8:00am, if that helps. They start checking people in around 8:30am. The good thing is that they have the RC, Carnival, and NCL people all grouped together so you can't miss the cruise shuttles. They also have them in multiple terminals - I came in via Southwest and it was easy to find them. The first shuttle, though, didn't leave for the port until closer to 9:15-9:30am. I don't know what time your friend is arriving today, but I hope they have an easy transfer and great cruise!

I'm not sure how pickleball and slots go together, though that could be an interesting mash-up.

Navigator and Independence!

Let's get to the root of the issue then: the problem with Royal Caribbean's popcorn is how Royal Caribbean spells Caribbean. I mean, can't they do something more hip, like KharryBehan? I'd totally sail Royal KharryBehan. Popcorn shmopcorn, GIVE ME A HIP SPELLING. #firstworldcomplaints

I've used Viator in the Caribbean with great success.

I have a reservation next month to go to Izumi Hibachi on board. Is it JUST the hibachi or is there a regular Izumi restaurant too?

I personally find the Freedom class much more enjoyable than Oasis class - go with the savings as well!

I always try SAILAWAY and SETSAIL to see discounts. (August 2023)

We are constantly reusing zip ties. If you only put it on the very edge of where the teeth lock, and then cut the appropriate side, you can constantly reuse them until they are down to their nubbin size.

Whew! I was worried for him.

We've always used zip ties instead of locks. Deters people from opening, readily apparent when it has been opened, and TSA/security can easily access it.

Oh no, is the sailing Celebrity just cancelled?????