Cruise Trip Report

[Indigo Jill]

Paula, We were on the Carnival Glory. It is not the most elegant cruise I have been on but it is funn. The kids programs are great. They do have activities for the teens. there is even a disco that is just for them to hang in. The ship plans things for them to do and many of them hang out together all day throughout the ship. Here is a link http://www.carnival.com/onboardexp_home.aspx

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We sail on the Glory on December 8th! SO wonderful to hear your experiences - thanks for taking the time to post. We are taking the boys and Grammie with us - so glad to hear the kid's programs are so great. We chose this cruise for that reason so Mr. IJ and I could spend some alone time together, too.

Quick question - what do you think about the pre-arranged excursions? Being our first family cruise experience, we were planning on going that route this first time around to get a feel for things and thought on subsequent cruises, we'd do the solo-exploring thing. What are your thoughts?

 

[InletBchDweller]

We sail on the Glory on December 8th! SO wonderful to hear your experiences - thanks for taking the time to post. We are taking the boys and Grammie with us - so glad to hear the kid's programs are so great. We chose this cruise for that reason so Mr. IJ and I could spend some alone time together, too.

Quick question - what do you think about the pre-arranged excursions? Being our first family cruise experience, we were planning on going that route this first time around to get a feel for things and thought on subsequent cruises, we'd do the solo-exploring thing. What are your thoughts?

IJ, are you crusing easter car or western car??? I can give you all kinds of info..... I am NOT a pre-arranged cruise person. Example- first time to st. martin, $125 a person, guided jeep tour. Went around the island, ate where they wanted us to eat, stopped where they wanted us to stop, in a line of jeeps. Boring to me. This trip $100 for one jeep, and we were free..... PM me or let me know on this board what trip you are taking and I will play travel agent for once(which is what I would really love to do in real life);-)

 

[SGB]

Quick question - what do you think about the pre-arranged excursions? Being our first family cruise experience, we were planning on going that route this first time around to get a feel for things and thought on subsequent cruises, we'd do the solo-exploring thing. What are your thoughts?

Hi Jill - We sailed on the Valor last year and our 11 yr old son loved it. He was happy at Camp Carnival, especially the late night party. Our 13 yr old hung with us. Here's a great website to find out about ports of call and what to do and how to do them on your own. We booked all our tours ourselves, saved lots of money, and had no problem getting back to the ship on time. Go with someone that is recommended and has been around a while and you shouldn't have a problem. You're going to have a great time! Don't get caught up in the shopping stuff, not worth it. We found the best jewelry deals were on the ship.

Ports of Call - Cruise Critic Message Boards

 

[30A Skunkape]

Welcome back IBD. I was worried Noel was going to ruin your cruise

 

[Indigo Jill]

IJ, are you crusing easter car or western car??? I can give you all kinds of info..... I am NOT a pre-arranged cruise person. Example- first time to st. martin, $125 a person, guided jeep tour. Went around the island, ate where they wanted us to eat, stopped where they wanted us to stop, in a line of jeeps. Boring to me. This trip $100 for one jeep, and we were free..... PM me or let me know on this board what trip you are taking and I will play travel agent for once(which is what I would really love to do in real life);-)

We are sailing the eastern carib. Would LOVE more info - Mr. IJ wants to do the solo thing but it makes me nervous as I like to know beforehand all the details. I have had a few friends tell me the pre-arranged excusions are not the way to do it.

About seasickness - have you tried the pressure point bands? Saw them at CVS yesterday for about $10/each and didn't know if that was the way to go or if we should just bring dramamine?

 

[Indigo Jill]

Hi Jill - We sailed on the Valor last year and our 11 yr old son loved it. He was happy at Camp Carnival, especially the late night party. Our 13 yr old hung with us. Here's a great website to find out about ports of call and what to do and how to do them on your own. We booked all our tours ourselves, saved lots of money, and had no problem getting back to the ship on time. Go with someone that is recommended and has been around a while and you shouldn't have a problem. You're going to have a great time! Don't get caught up in the shopping stuff, not worth it. We found the best jewelry deals were on the ship.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

Thanks SGB for the info and link! We aren't big shoppers - we like to blow our spending money on eating and wine in new places - like you see on those foodie shows where they travel around seeking out the best places for the local specialties. I'm feeling more confidant that we can actually go out on our own. Thanks so much!!!

 

[InletBchDweller]

IJ, Here are my suggestions. I am sure some would not agree or may have other things as well...
Nassau- dont really care for the town. Here is a walking tour I have been wanting to do. Frommers has NEVER steered me wrong....
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/newprovidence/0251010008.html

St. Thomas, I dont know what to tell you here. I have been to a beach on St. John and also Meagans Bay on St. thomas but when you have the beaches we have here I really could care less. You can find a driver to take you around St. Thomas for a decent price. We had a guy who charged us $100 and he picked us up and dropped us off where ever we wanted to go. Just make sure the driver you hire can speak to where you can understand him...and know where you want to go or they will take you where they want you to go...;-)

St. Martin, We rented a jeep. Prices vary and you can get any car you want. Get off the ship first thing and take a right. Here you will find all the car rental spots. I paid cash b.c I did not want them having my credit card number and charging me for a dent I did not make. The island is easy to get around. If you go clockwise from the dock you will go through the conjested areas first, (airport area, Marigot) then the last half of your journey is easy....do check out the message boards on
www.cruisereviews.com
www.cruisecritic.com
www.cruisemates.com

there are many of these and all have great info.

I have never been seasick until this last trip. Dramamine works great for me....