ryan.aubin

So I did the Navigator 9 day from Miami that visits Curacao, Aurba, and Bonaire.  I have to say, of all the ports of call I've been to, Bonaire was simply incredible.  I cannot give a high enough recommendation to Renee Snorkel Trips.   Renee is a former marine biologist who relocated to Bonaire 25 years ago. Her knowledge is simply second to none.  I certainly won't get into the pro's and con's of booking an excursion through RCI or through places like Shore Excursioneer, but I will tell you what we were looking for.  
 
1.  Something unique
2.  Something not packed full of our other shipmates 
3.  Something affordable 
 
I stumbled upon her website about 2 months prior to sailing.  Her website says she does small groups, and the cost for a two hour trip is 40 dollars, equipment and beverages included.  I'm sold.  
 
When she says small groups, she means it.  It was my sister, my dad, and a couple from the ship from Toronto.   We drove about ½ mile down the street from the ship and just parked on the road and she said that this was our first stop.  I thought it was somewhat strange, but when I tell you that you will encounter more fish than you have ever seen in your life, I'm not exaggerating.  The only fair comparison I can make is that it was like snorkeling in a fully stocked aquarium.  Renee points out all of the different varieties of fish, including several octopus.   The water was calm, and crystal clear.   Renee ventured to say at the first stop we saw between 150-200 different species of fish all at a depth of 4-7 feet. 
 
The second stop is the Bonaire Marine EcoPark which offers the deeper of the two stops, and it allows you to see the vast schools of fish swim through the coral.  This stop is about 5 minutes in the opposite direction of the first stop.  
 
I hate to be 'that guy' that gushes... but out of the 12+ sailings I've done, Renee offered the best excursion I've come across.  To give you an idea of how impressed I was, outside of the 120 dollars it cost for the three of us to go, we tipped her another 120 dollars because of how friendly, and knowledgeable she was as a tour guide.  
 
http://www.reneesnorkeltrips.com

So I did the Navigator 9 day from Miami that visits Curacao, Aurba, and Bonaire.  I have to say, of all the ports of call I've been to, Bonaire was simply incredible.  I cannot give a high enough recommendation to Renee Snorkel Trips.   Renee is a former marine biologist who relocated to Bonaire 25 years ago. Her knowledge is simply second to none.  I certainly won't get into the pro's and con's of booking an excursion through RCI or through places like Shore Excursioneer, but I will tell you what we were looking for.  
 
1.  Something unique
2.  Something not packed full of our other shipmates 
3.  Something affordable 
 
I stumbled upon her website about 2 months prior to sailing.  Her website says she does small groups, and the cost for a two hour trip is 40 dollars, equipment and beverages included.  I'm sold.  
 
When she says small groups, she means it.  It was my sister, my dad, and a couple from the ship from Toronto.   We drove about ½ mile down the street from the ship and just parked on the road and she said that this was our first stop.  I thought it was somewhat strange, but when I tell you that you will encounter more fish than you have ever seen in your life, I'm not exaggerating.  The only fair comparison I can make is that it was like snorkeling in a fully stocked aquarium.  Renee points out all of the different varieties of fish, including several octopus.   The water was calm, and crystal clear.   Renee ventured to say at the first stop we saw between 150-200 different species of fish all at a depth of 4-7 feet. 
 
The second stop is the Bonaire Marine EcoPark which offers the deeper of the two stops, and it allows you to see the vast schools of fish swim through the coral.  This stop is about 5 minutes in the opposite direction of the first stop.  
 
I hate to be 'that guy' that gushes... but out of the 12+ sailings I've done, Renee offered the best excursion I've come across.  To give you an idea of how impressed I was, outside of the 120 dollars it cost for the three of us to go, we tipped her another 120 dollars because of how friendly, and knowledgeable she was as a tour guide.  
 
http://www.reneesnorkeltrips.com

Good one Ryan for the Blue Hole, "glancing around but nothing too deep".

... and I'm clearly blind.  Excuse me while I go call the optometrist :-)

Pullman Miami is excellent.  Free shuttle to the hotel from MIA.  Rooms are freshly renovated, with a great bar and restaurant in house, plus a fantastic pool.  

Matt, 
 
You are totally right, I just felt as though it was misrepresented.  I definitely brought it up in my post-cruise survey, and I'm jotting a quick note to the RCI team on land.   
 
And like I said, the representatives shipboard were as absolutely helpful as they could have been.   
 
Good luck on your next sailing!

I must say we have stayed at the Renaissance on 17th street that is quite literally across the street from the entrance from Port Everglades.  I have stayed here at least 5 times.  They are fairly priced, the hotel is immaculate, and they offer a nominally priced shuttle service to the different terminals, though I would suggest an Uber.  I also can give kudos to the Hyatt Marina that is relatively adjacent to the Renaissance.  Another selling point to the Renaissance, its across the street from Walgreens!  :-D 

Uh, the triangle hash browns are the highlight of my journey to the Windjammer (and other assorted breakfast establishments).   Who doesn't love a Sausage egg and cheese biscuit with triangle hash browns in lieu of that pesky biscuit?!
 
Anyone?  Anyone? 
 
;-)

Hey, Just so long as they don't take away my triangle shaped hash browns during breakfast, I'm happy.

Poor Bengals. :(

We have to be nice... Our football, statewide, is looking unfortunate.  We need friends now, more than ever!

We have to be nice... Our football, statewide, is looking unfortunate.  We need friends now, more than ever!

It's been several years since I've been onboard the Hochberg of the Seas, I mean Navigator of the Seas...  :P  :D
 
Does NotS have the Coke Freestyle machines?  and if so, where might they be located sans the Windjammer?

It doesn't work against you, but does make things more difficult if you want to change the price later.
 
My TA gave me good advice.  Pay it all off, except for like $2-500.  That way, if there is a price change, it likely will not be an issue.
 
The reason why paying off the total balance can be an issue is when changing prices, RC has to first refund the money, change booking and then re-get the money.  Easier to do this when there is a balance due.

It's been several years since I've been onboard the Hochberg of the Seas, I mean Navigator of the Seas...  :P  :D
 
Does NotS have the Coke Freestyle machines?  and if so, where might they be located sans the Windjammer?

Unless something has changed I beleive Coke Freestyle machines are only available on ships that spend the entire year sailing out of US ports (which Navgiator doesn't do, she's in Europe right now in fact).