Michael Vitale

Quick review on Little French Key,,,,,, Not a fan !! Heard wonderful things, and was well aware of the fire & obvious issues they're having w their government. But decided to keep our booking and go anyway. The fire was limited to the animal sanctuary, and as sad as that is, it didn't impact the other areas of the resort. However,,,, the other areas are not that nice IMO. Sure, it was scenic, in a Gilligans Island sort of way. Lots of palm trees and jungle-like environment, but as far as soft sand & crystal clear blue water we really didn't see it. Much of the swimming is accessed from a dock area, where chairs/bars are. What was included for the $175 "all inclusive" package (for 2) was a "lunch plate" and 4 drink tokens. The lunch was 1 bbq chicken leg and a side which I don't even remember. Very disappointing. As far as drinks/tokens,,, You can get either 2 cheapo drinks (soft drink, beer, well drink) OR use BOTH tokens for 1 top shelf drink, for example Crown Royal, Johnnie Walker, etc. Bottom line for me, think of it this way,,, It was kinda like paying $85 pp to spend the day in Labadee without the wonderful all you can eat buffet they set up there. I don't regret going, we made the most of it, but I would certainly never go back, nor recommend it.

We were there last week and stayed in the port area all day. Was a wonderful, relaxing day. Huge pool w swim up bars. Restaurant was terrific. All the shopping you could want. Great way to chill and save a few bucks as its all free except food & drinks of course.

I’ve heard of that. I’ll check. Thanks ?

Great review, but for me, Nachi was NOT all that. I much prefer Mr. Sancho’s, and will be there on the 14th. Actually had reservations at Maya Chan on the 13th and cancelled after seeing all these seaweed issues. Still not sure what we’ll do in Costa Maya.

The same can be said about everything in life. If not for the guy in the $50K Sky Loft suite, maybe my regular balcony would cost more. Convoluted logic at best. Back to the original point, no one is forced to pay for anything they don’t want, except maybe the port fees LOL

Sir, where did you get the impression you are “forced” into ANYTHING ?? They offer a drink package. If you’re non drinkers, don’t buy it !! There, no force involved. ?

its unbelievable. Every time one of these sales is announced, everyone gets all excited, so i hurry onto the site to check mine, and VOILA, its even more than what I paid originally !!!! It always goes up !!! I swear, Ive never cancelled/rebooked anything in 9 cruises ?

That’s it !!! Thanks ?

Drawing a blank (not too difficult for me ?) What was the name of that new app where you can add pics and they add music ? TIA

One word : screenshot

Apple Music > Radio > Browse Music > Island Jammers Radio

Interesting. I think I’ll play it safe and bring all my fav items. Thanks for the responses. ?

Sailing our first JS in 3 weeks. Can’t wait !! Question for JS cruisers: I hear about these “upgraded toiletries”. What are we talkin here ? Specific brands ? Something that isn’t available in regular balcony cabins, other than the usual shower gel ? I’m usually kinda particular about my toiletries ? I’m curious about what I can get away with not packing. What’s actually in the bathroom ?

Ironically, I just last week purchased the yearly coverage through Allianz. It was $450 for my wife and I. It will wind up covering 3 cruises in my case, and just miss covering a 4th by ONE week ?

There is nothing twangster doesn’t know ?

Wife has a beach bag (RC of course ?) We leave everything of value in that and put towels over it on the chair. We then keep it within view as we go in the water. Not that hard to do, unless you’re going on jet skis, or parasailing, or something that takes you a good distance away from your belongings.

I’m also 60ISH ? Don’t need all the bells & whistles, but that said, we were still quite disappointed with Jewel. It’s a gorgeous ship with amazing views, etc. We absolutely loved the solarium. However, it’s very small. Has no promenade. The promenade is the heartbeat of any ship. I’m glad we went because I really wanted to do the itinerary, and experience the smaller ship, but I would be hard pressed to sail on anything smaller than Voyager Class from here on.

We watched it last night. I thought it was very good. One thing that struck me was it’s no wonder RC went along with this venture, the movie was like a 2 hour commercial. I especially liked the scene where the Rising Tide started to move, and there’s this couple on the top left of the screen in the Schooner Bar,,,,,,,,,,?

Wilson, it cost me almost $1300 for us to go to San Juan out of DFW. Never again.

I could be wrong, but I think if you ask an agent to take over your reservation they can

The first thing I would suggest is letting a TA handle that stuff. That’s why they’re there. I suggest MEI Travel, a sponsor of this blog, and a terrific agency. I never, ever, ever talk to RC on the phone.

As an example, we have stayed in a hotel on the way to Galveston. Hotels in Galveston can run several hundred dollars. We save a fortune by staying in a town called Webster, about 30 minutes short of Galveston island.

You can save a lot of money by adding just 30 minutes to embarkation morning. Would it be so bad to drive 45 minutes or so ? Staying near the airport, ANY airport, will probably run you twice what it would cost to stay in north Jersey.

You should have the same reservations that an American has in sailing from Barcelona. Or Civitivechia. Or Southampton. Why on earth would you feel “out of place”, and isn’t that part of the experience of traveling abroad ???

Jill, don't forget now, those "30% off" sales are 30% off the ONBOARD price. If you forget, or think you don't want the deluxe package, and then decide after you've boarded that you want it, you'll pay upwards of $60 pp per day. A far cry than the $42 pp you can get it for online