ebissell526

Hi Megan_Rae, Bahamas is really, really expensive; especially food. You can walk to Junkaroo Beach, it's a free public beach about a 15 - 20 minute walk from the port. It gets really crowded later in the day so if you can get off the ship early and get there early, you'll be okay. You can rent chairs and umbrellas, or obviously skip that and bring towels from the ship. If you are really on a budget, I'd suggest bringing some Ziploc baggies and saving some emptied water bottles (or get each kiddo one from the dollar store) and pack yourself some lunch and snacks because like I said food is really expensive; for a family of four you could easily spend $100 on burgers, fries, and sodas for lunch. When my kids were younger, I would bring new blow up floaty toys (like rafts, rings, or balls) and stuff like that from the dollar store, then just leave them at the beach with the porters. As long as you plan, you can pull off a free (or relatively free) beach day in the Bahamas. Just google Junkaroo Beach. As far as Cococay, it's another beach day, so again, plan on bringing sand toys, floaty things for your kids, etc, and you'll be good to go. Chairs, umbrellas, food, and drinks are free there, and there is lots to just walk around and look at! Hope you have fun!

Okay, I've abandoned the Exuma idea and now am just going to do a day pass at a resort. It's a bit of a special day so I'm looking for a day with no hassle that will be relaxing but fun. Question: Breezes on Cable Beach or Riu on Cabbage Beach? Both all inclusive; looks like Breezes, at $94, is families and Riu, at $129, is adults only. (would love to do Sandals but can't seem to get a day pass there.) We are interested in beautiful beach, great pool, cleanliness, and good drinks (preferably brought by wait staff). Not as concerned with dining or activities available. ANYONE have any words of wisdom? Many Thanks, Friends!!!

I love Xcaret and if you've never been would recommend going. I've been there about half a dozen times. There is so much to do and see....it's a little like a Caribbean Disney-park (with no rides, obviously). You can relax on the beach, go tubing in the caves, see music and arts demonstrations, walk through the Day of the Dead displays....just very very cool and educational and fun and relaxing. That being said, i see the tour is eight hours, but if it is taking two hours to get there and two hours to get back, leaving you only four hours in the park, then I would skip it and put it on your list for another trip of it's own. No tour is worth wasting four hours of vacation time in travel. (Boo....sorry). Let me know if I am misunderstood.

Yes, thank you! I decided after the first "Don't do it!" to go with a day pass to a resort hotel instead. Thanks for the push in the right direction!

Hello, wondering if anyone has taken the Nassau Shore Excursion Powerboat to Exuma tour through Viator---it states it returns at 5:30 pm at the Hilton. I'm travelling on July 10, coming into port at 7:00 am (no problem), but --- Ship leaves at port at 6:00 pm. The Hilton appears to be a ten minute walk. I really want to risk it---I know it's cutting it way close. Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Has anyone attempted this? Thanks for your input....

Hello, I saw your post and wanted to respond to you regarding snorkeling in Bonaire. Please, please, please, book your excursion through Woodwind Bonaire. It was and always will be the best snorkeling I've ever done, and I've snorkeled around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. Dee and Ulf will meet every single one of your needs and you can correspond with them in advance to let them know what type of equipment you would like. On board, they carry multiple types of flotation devices (for novices to more experienced snorkelers) including noodles, paddle boards, full flotation vests, and even weighted vests; multiple types of masks, including those with prescription lenses and also masks that allow you to place over your own glasses; multiple types of flippers, etc. Dee will take the best care of you. Her hospitality is unmatched in the Caribbean! She offers about a dozen different beverages and your lunch is so delicious I wish I could have taken it back on the ship. BUT the fish, the turtles, the coral, and her knowledge of every single thing floating in that gorgeous water is what will make this trip unforgettable. (http://www.woodwindbonaire.com) If you have any other questions, let me know! Thank you!

Thinking about doing the BOGO specialty dining package. Is it the first two nights? I'm on Adventure--so it will be Chops and Giovannis, correct? Is there any disadvantage to doing this? Thank you!

Can I just walk off the boat and wander around? Is town that close? I'm all about that!

We are on Adventure for the ABC/St.M cruise. Renting a jeep in Aruba, Snorekling in Bonaire, Maho in St. Maarten---but what to do in Curacao? The last cruise I was on there, I was sick and never left the ship. We are two active adults with two 16 year old girls. Any suggestions for must do that won't cost an arm and a leg? (are other port days are already a bit costly with our planned itinerarys). Thanks y'all!