tc1

Power outage?

Sorry to say I missed out as ship is almost full.Waited 1 day too long. Could still go but at higher price. Now I'll start looking for another bargain . No worries though as a bargain is only a bargain if you pay what you want. Sam

Checking pricing this weekend it looks like they are close to bottoming out. I hope I get the price I have in mind but am willing to change plans if not. There's always a cruise going somewhere.

Thanks for input. I'll let you know how it turns out. Sam

Hi all; It's been a difficult year but am looking for a last minute booking at a cheap price. So far price has come down close to my goal (750 with port charges for 3 on balcony on 5 night west caribe on NCL Dawn. I can use deposit from booking that I don't want now. Long story) Will only go if I can get my price. Any input as to when any lines open the gates to really good prices to fill the ship? Sam

Sounds great. Norwegian is working hard to pull ahead. Sam

Pat and I think the formal nights are one of the special touches of cruising. We will miss them if they totally disappear. I suppose Cunard will keep up the tradition. Sam

Pat and I think the formal nights are one of the special touches of cruising. We will miss them if they totally disappear. I suppose Cunard will keep up the tradition. Sam

Went to Samana and took the wale watching excursion. Small boat but captain did manage to get us close enough to see wales. My 11 year old did end up getting seasick and one other person did also. Not an excursion for the weak of stomach. I went by myself into the port later when most of the cruise passengers had already been and gone. I liked the fact that it wasn't well developed. A little boy about 9 to 11 yrs old followed me a ways and tried to get me to have my shoes shined ( I was wearing tennis shoes). It took me a bit to get through to him that I didn't want his service. Anyhow continued to walk to the edge of the tourist area and did not feel comfortable exploring on my own although there was no immediate threat. Stopped at this outdoor bar/cafe for a beer that I had seen mentioned on web site about Samana. As I sat there I saw the same little boy kept trying to get business from sporadic tourists and had no luck. I figured that he needed the money more than I did so I asked him if he would allow me to take his picture for a dollar (which is what he wanted to shine shoes), He agreed and I now have a picture of him. On the way back I did by a couple of seashells from other youth vendors. Also they had motorcyle rickshaw type cabs available at the tender area. Also had a couple of people offer to let me rent thier cycles although that was outside of controlled tender area. Not sure what that was about. Samana is interesting for the fact it is not as developed as other ports. The next time I cruise there I intend to explore a bit more of the local area. Sam

Went to Samana and took the wale watching excursion. Small boat but captain did manage to get us close enough to see wales. My 11 year old did end up getting seasick and one other person did also. Not an excursion for the weak of stomach. I went by myself into the port later when most of the cruise passengers had already been and gone. I liked the fact that it wasn't well developed. A little boy about 9 to 11 yrs old followed me a ways and tried to get me to have my shoes shined ( I was wearing tennis shoes). It took me a bit to get through to him that I didn't want his service. Anyhow continued to walk to the edge of the tourist area and did not feel comfortable exploring on my own although there was no immediate threat. Stopped at this outdoor bar/cafe for a beer that I had seen mentioned on web site about Samana. As I sat there I saw the same little boy kept trying to get business from sporadic tourists and had no luck. I figured that he needed the money more than I did so I asked him if he would allow me to take his picture for a dollar (which is what he wanted to shine shoes), He agreed and I now have a picture of him. On the way back I did by a couple of seashells from other youth vendors. Also they had motorcyle rickshaw type cabs available at the tender area. Also had a couple of people offer to let me rent thier cycles although that was outside of controlled tender area. Not sure what that was about. Samana is interesting for the fact it is not as developed as other ports. The next time I cruise there I intend to explore a bit more of the local area. Sam

Hi Brandee; Best to get connecting cabins which will also give feeling of more space. If you go for balcony cabins I believe some lines can even open the balcony partitions to make on big balcony. A bigger cabin depends if you are talking Penthouse type with a separate bedroom for kids and sitting area as well as 2 bathrooms (NCL). A single room will be crowded for 4 and limit privacy in a major way especially for the situation you describe. Have sailed Carnival a few times and they are fine. 18yr.old will want to doing her thing and kids program is good for 14 yr old. On all the lines we have sailed on the kids programs have always been well run and my now 12 year old has always enjoyed them. Kids are grouped by ages so your 14 yr old would be with 13 to 16 group. Have you thought about inviting a friend of the 18yr old? You, your husband and your 14 yr old could share one cabin and they the other? I think she would would enjoy being with one of her peers for the fun factor and really make it special for her and you since you wouldn't be seeing them that much. Of course the 14 yr old might feel left out and would hang out with you if he doesn't connect with kids in program. Our experience is that Carnival, NCL, Royal Caribbean and Cunard are all very family friendly and provide plenty of activities for kids and adults. As long as kids are well behaved there should be no problem with them roaming the ship. As always they should be aware that they are among strangers and should use common sense. As far as what my children have liked best is the kids programs and interesting shore excursions. Those would depend on their interest (ie beach, shopping, exploring etc) as there are all sorts of options. Better check on passport option for younger. I don't know details for kids, but for adults you need to have . Our 12 yr old has a passport. Hope this helps; Sam

that's the kind of thing that makes life interesting. Sam

Thanks for the info. There are so many choices it's hard to pick which one when 1 cruise a year has been our pattern. Your posts have been very helpfull. Sam

Thanks for the comments. I had heard some negative on them but that was a while ago. Thier prices are reasonable which is why I am looking at them for a possible short cruise to tide us over until next June cruise. Italian food is usually pretty tastyso that wouldn't stop us either. Sam