New to cruising

[penny3333]

BeadBabe, I agree with CF, especially for those with no experience in the ports. I agree with you, that if you do your research, and you know the island(s) a tour on your own is sometimes a good deal. I've heard too many people disappointed with their "value" excursions and no recourse was available to them. A particular one was in St. Lucia where a group of them had to walk back from the trail they were on. They had rented horses and the "guide" decided they were rude, so he took the horses from them and left them in the middle of the trail. Luckily, they had done this in the morning, so they made it back to the ship. They were in a group of 12, so at least they had each other. I don't remember if they had cell phones or not, but some operators are shady. If there are firms that have good reputations, you might get a good excursion.

I guess I've been lucky, the excursions I've booked through the ships I've been on have been great. I've had some that were better than others. I've also done many on my own, but I have known the island and known where I wanted to go.

Is this your first time on the Epic? I just wanted to let you know that she's a fantastic ship. We sailed her last year and I have to say it was one of my top cruises. The entertainment was fabulous, the food was very good, the crew were great, and the ship is absolutely gorgeous. You need to try all the water slides, they were a ball! She's a strange looking ship from the outside, but inside she was amazing.

[BeadBabe]

Originally Posted by penny3333

BeadBabe, I agree with CF, especially for those with no experience in the ports. I agree with you, that if you do your research, and you know the island(s) a tour on your own is sometimes a good deal. I've heard too many people disappointed with their "value" excursions and no recourse was available to them. A particular one was in St. Lucia where a group of them had to walk back from the trail they were on. They had rented horses and the "guide" decided they were rude, so he took the horses from them and left them in the middle of the trail. Luckily, they had done this in the morning, so they made it back to the ship. They were in a group of 12, so at least they had each other. I don't remember if they had cell phones or not, but some operators are shady. If there are firms that have good reputations, you might get a good excursion.

I guess I've been lucky, the excursions I've booked through the ships I've been on have been great. I've had some that were better than others. I've also done many on my own, but I have known the island and known where I wanted to go.

Is this your first time on the Epic? I just wanted to let you know that she's a fantastic ship. We sailed her last year and I have to say it was one of my top cruises. The entertainment was fabulous, the food was very good, the crew were great, and the ship is absolutely gorgeous. You need to try all the water slides, they were a ball! She's a strange looking ship from the outside, but inside she was amazing.

I agree Penny. We just all have to "buyer beware" and be savvy travelers. One shouldn't travel anywhere without doing their own research.

Yes, first sail on the Epic!!! And I'm so excited! I'm counting down the days to the 45 day mark so that I can make my onboard reservations!

I leave on the SKY in a week or two first...so looking forward to that as well.

The Roll Call's here are really quiet, so I joined the RC's on the "other" cruise review site. But it's fun to read between both!

Best to you!

[penny3333]

I love the Sky, too. She's a great ship with lots of places to get away from the crowds, and lots of places to get into the crowds. Don't forget the sticky buns in the morning. They're only on the inside buffet line (on the Sky) in the mornings. They were remodeling Coco Cay when I was there in February, it's probably finished by now. If you go to Freeport, do take the shuttle to Lucaya. It's a beautiful beach, good shopping, and even a casino. The port area is industrial, but away from the port is a beautiful island, much cleaner than Nassau, with friendly locals.

We did the behind the scenes tour on the Epic, even though we've been on many. I just wanted to see the workings of this massive ship. I really enjoyed it and they even gave us some treats in the kitchen. It was a wonderful view from the bridge, great for taking pictures.

[Cruise Fanatic]

Penney, Did you mean they were remodeling Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's island? Cocoa Cay is RCI's island.

[BeadBabe]

Originally Posted by penny3333

I love the Sky, too. She's a great ship with lots of places to get away from the crowds, and lots of places to get into the crowds. Don't forget the sticky buns in the morning. They're only on the inside buffet line (on the Sky) in the mornings. They were remodeling Coco Cay when I was there in February, it's probably finished by now. If you go to Freeport, do take the shuttle to Lucaya. It's a beautiful beach, good shopping, and even a casino. The port area is industrial, but away from the port is a beautiful island, much cleaner than Nassau, with friendly locals.

We did the behind the scenes tour on the Epic, even though we've been on many. I just wanted to see the workings of this massive ship. I really enjoyed it and they even gave us some treats in the kitchen. It was a wonderful view from the bridge, great for taking pictures.

I'm really excited!! I will remember the sticky buns!! This Sky cruise is Grand Bahama, Nassau Bahama and Great Stirrup Caye. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll even get off the ship!! The Epic will be St Thomas, St Marten and GSC...should be fun!!

Thanks for the tip on the behind the scenes tour!

[BeadBabe]

Originally Posted by Cruise Fanatic

Penney, Did you mean they were remodeling Little Stirrup Cay, NCL's island? Cocoa Cay is RCI's island.

CF Have you heard if Great Stirrup Cay has finished it's remodel??

[karen masters]

25 days! i'm so excited. Thanks for all your reply's, they've been a big help.

[janfred]

We did book a private excursion in the Falkland Islands to see the King Penguins. They were 2 1/2 hours out in the middle of nowhere. We drove in jeeps on no roads but thru fields and hills. That was the first time I was scared to death on the way back we would not make the last tender. The tour was 1/2 the price of the ship and fabulous. We did make it by about 5 min. You just have to think about it long and hard and what you are willing to risk. That last 20 min in the jeep I was a nervous wreck D It is not cheap flying out of the Falklands!

[janfred]

P.S Hey I am leaving on a Cruise to Nowhere today !!! Gotta go and get packed !! Never been on Carnival and I am going to check it all out on the GLORY !

[Cruise Fanatic]

Have fun Janfred. I enjoy the cruises to nowhere. It's a great way to check out a ship and cruise line.