I live in Clearwater Florida, which is 90 minutes from Orlando. You'll probably be going to Busch Gardens in Tampa and that is about 30 minutes from me.
I'm 43 yrs old. female, Not married and no children. There will not be any kids in my party of people going on the cruise. Unless my brother decides to go and bring his 18yr old and 11 yr old.
I try and travel every year and seem to take a cruise at least once a year, this year 2 cruises.
I'm a business analyst for a company hired by insurance companies to manage their accounts and pay their health claims for senior citizens.
Well i am mother of 4, two 17 year olds and two 14 year olds. I have just returned to work after 16 years. I am working at the kids school and this holiday is to be our last family holiday before the older two start to make their own way into the world.
This part of our holiday is for everyone to do their thing and i hope we have choosen the right cruise line. Hubby will do what he wants to do most and that is read and do nothing. me on the other hand like to keep busy and do new things. i rest when i go back home (yeah right with kids, work and housework ).
Hve you sailed with Royal CCL before? If so what sort of activities do they have on sea days that arent the rockwall ice skating etc.
Yes, Royal is one of my favorites. They have great restaurants and I suggest that you and your husband eat at the Portifino's. Absolutely fantastic food. It's a nice cruiseline. The food is at a better class than some other lines. I just like their ships better and seem to enjoy them more than others, but I still try other cruiselines just in case something has changed or I have never been on them. I have been on Carnival, Princess, Holland American and Royal C.
Just like any other cruise, they have a list of activities all day. I happen to enjoy laying outside and getting a tan, but they have wine tastings, bingo, art auctions, all kinds of exercise programs, the spa, dance lessons, tournaments, trivia(my sister and I always play), gambling,scavenger hunts. You make it what you want to do. I never seem to get bored.
I have to say that I like late dinner so you don't feel rushed to get ready for dinner. Especially on the days that you are at port. By the way, I've been to Belize and you can get several of the tours for less price just at the port. I've wanted to try the cave tubing and haven't been able to the past two times I was there.
If you husband is reading you can always join us in whatever we are doing. The more the merrier.
I have cruised with Holland America in 2000. Alaska
and with P & O (Pacific Sun) with the kids in 2007. we visited New Caledonia.
I love cruising but was unsure whether RCCL would have the more sedate activites as it does seem very full on with active fun.
I love trivia but not very good so you might not want me on your team.
I have been looking at the tours for our port of calls both what the cruise ship offers as well as local offerings.
My interest are the Mayan temples. The kids adventure and hubby the beach/snorkling etc. Not sure whether the older two kids really need us on the shore excursions or whether they can go on their own (if we book thru the ship). I certainly wouldnt send them on their own if we use local suppliers.
As for dinner we prefer the early seating if we miss due to shore excursions we might try Johhyn Rockers or the other alternative dining (esp the free options).
Yes, if the kids are booked on a tour through the ship, it would be safe. They keep a good eye on people.
I would probably book a tour through the ship for the Mayan one too since it's quite a ways away and by booking with them, you're guaranteed that the ship won't leave without you.
Johnny Rockets is a fun diner. I've just gone up there for a malted milkshake.
Depending on what you all do, you may not want to go into the formal dining area at all. I've skipped it on Holland America as I didn't enjoy most of their food. The buffet was better.
That sometimes happens. They usually have age group events going on the ships. My nephew enjoyed hanging out with other teens his age when we went a few years ago. Hopefully there will be some for her.
Maybe your travel agent can find out if there are other kids one board. I'm not sure if they could. We met a family from Germany on the Alaska cruise and their agent told them there would be plenty of kids, but there were only two other kids on board. But Alaska is known for the older crowd.
Hi, we are Bill and Kathy and will be sailing with you on this cruise and the week before. We love cruising on Royal Caribbean and this will be our 26th cruise with them.
We are from North Carolina, both retired and celebrating Bill's birthday and our anniversary.
HI, my family and I will be travelling on this cruise. Myself, my husband and 4 teenage children.
Hey Jazz...nice seeing you here on these boards. On the other forums I finally got the threads combined and all is good there. We have two places to chat now.
I'll be there with about 10 family and friends. If you want to meetup while on board, let me know.
Sandy
Sandy...it would be great meeting you. Are you or your husband playing in the Poker Tournament that is going to be held on this cruise? There are several that are chatting on the other forum Jazz and myself post on. Looking forward getting to know you here.
I live in Clearwater Florida, which is 90 minutes from Orlando. You'll probably be going to Busch Gardens in Tampa and that is about 30 minutes from me.
I'm 43 yrs old. female, Not married and no children. There will not be any kids in my party of people going on the cruise. Unless my brother decides to go and bring his 18yr old and 11 yr old.
I try and travel every year and seem to take a cruise at least once a year, this year 2 cruises.
I'm a business analyst for a company hired by insurance companies to manage their accounts and pay their health claims for senior citizens.
Sandy...we love Florida and have visited your area many times. Clearwater is beautiful! We enjoy the Gulf side of Florida more but give me a beach anywhere and I am a happy gal. 8)
Yes, Royal is one of my favorites. They have great restaurants and I suggest that you and your husband eat at the Portifino's. Absolutely fantastic food. It's a nice cruiseline. The food is at a better class than some other lines. I just like their ships better and seem to enjoy them more than others, but I still try other cruiselines just in case something has changed or I have never been on them. I have been on Carnival, Princess, Holland American and Royal C.
Just like any other cruise, they have a list of activities all day. I happen to enjoy laying outside and getting a tan, but they have wine tastings, bingo, art auctions, all kinds of exercise programs, the spa, dance lessons, tournaments, trivia(my sister and I always play), gambling,scavenger hunts. You make it what you want to do. I never seem to get bored.
I have to say that I like late dinner so you don't feel rushed to get ready for dinner. Especially on the days that you are at port. By the way, I've been to Belize and you can get several of the tours for less price just at the port. I've wanted to try the cave tubing and haven't been able to the past two times I was there.
If you husband is reading you can always join us in whatever we are doing. The more the merrier.
Jazz...I read what Sandy post here and I agree with her on a lot of what she has said. You will like Royal Caribbean and I think you have picked the right cruise line.
Sandy...we have only sailed on Royal Caribbean and have always enjoyed our cruises so we stuck with them. Like you, I just like their ships and the way they look. We just got off the Liberty in May and had a wonderful time. I agree with the food in Portofino's and we also like Chops. I will say the food was excellent when we were on in May so we are looking forward to two weeks this time. We will have to get lots of exercise though, that is a lot of eating, .
We have been to a lot of ports but never have been to Belize or Costa Maya. These two will be new for us and trying to decide what we want to do. The ruins is something we have never visited and trying to decide where we want to go for that. Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel all have them. Have you visited the ruins before? Costa Maya as I understand has a nice pool for visitors to use as you get off the ship and the beaches are suppose to be beautiful. Saw on the travel channel Samantha Brown doing the cave tubing in Belize and it looked like fun. I noticed they all had water shoes on.
I agree with the late seating. We use to eat first seating but found ourselves rushed. We enjoy the extra time at the pool, watching the sunsets, Diamond Club/Concierge, resting or watching the ship sailaway from port.
Yes, if the kids are booked on a tour through the ship, it would be safe. They keep a good eye on people.
I would probably book a tour through the ship for the Mayan one too since it's quite a ways away and by booking with them, you're guaranteed that the ship won't leave without you.
Johnny Rockets is a fun diner. I've just gone up there for a malted milkshake.
Depending on what you all do, you may not want to go into the formal dining area at all. I've skipped it on Holland America as I didn't enjoy most of their food. The buffet was better.
Sandy...I agree when the excursion is a distance from the ship it is better to book with the cruise line. I told some yesterday the same thing. As far as the food, we enjoy the Windjammer for breakfast, Windjammer or dining room for lunch and for supper we always check the menu to see what they are having and if we are not happy we go to the Windjammer. On one cruise we ate 90% of our meals because we were going to miss some activities we wanted to go to. This last cruise we did all the dining...speciality, Windjammer and dining room. The only thing since they have started the my time dining your dining room table will probably not be filled but since you are in a group, there is no problem there, .
Sandy...how many cruises have you been on with RC? Have you ever been to Costa Maya before?
I have been on 2 or 3 Royal cruises. Was just about to go on another, but not sure I'll have the time. It's just a 3 night cruise out of Port Canaveral.
Costa Maya isn't much if you don't take an excursion. I just walked around the small amount of stores they had and ate lunch at the restaurant/bar by the pool.
There is no beach that I could see from the port. I believe you can rent go carts, or take a trip to go snorkeling or to a beach. I plan on doing some type of tour as the port itself isn't my favorite.
Cozumel is supposed to have snorkeling within walking distance of the port. So I would like to try that this time.
As for Belize, I tried to do the innertubing but it had rained the night before and all tours were stopped. Friends did a snorkeling tour and loved it, it included a private beach for facilities. They paid about $56 dollars, but I had gotten offers for under $30 if you just wanted to go to the beach. There is a city tour you can take, but alot of people take the ruins tour. I have not gone to Belize's ruins. I've been to Mexico several times and have gone to a ruin there once.
We'll probably be out by the pool when the ship takes off to enjoy a drink and the music going along with the ship sailing away. Hopefully we can meet up there and say hello to each other. I'm sure we'll see each other several times throughout the week too. And since you have late dinner, maybe in the dining area too. I will be going to Portofino's for sure.
I'm single and my father is in the tournament. It is on the ship. We all want to cheer him on and see him win the loot. He's afraid he'll do bad with so many people coming. But we are there to have fun and be with each other.
I have been on 2 or 3 Royal cruises. Was just about to go on another, but not sure I'll have the time. It's just a 3 night cruise out of Port Canaveral.
Costa Maya isn't much if you don't take an excursion. I just walked around the small amount of stores they had and ate lunch at the restaurant/bar by the pool.
There is no beach that I could see from the port. I believe you can rent go carts, or take a trip to go snorkeling or to a beach. I plan on doing some type of tour as the port itself isn't my favorite.
Cozumel is supposed to have snorkeling within walking distance of the port. So I would like to try that this time.
As for Belize, I tried to do the innertubing but it had rained the night before and all tours were stopped. Friends did a snorkeling tour and loved it, it included a private beach for facilities. They paid about $56 dollars, but I had gotten offers for under $30 if you just wanted to go to the beach. There is a city tour you can take, but alot of people take the ruins tour. I have not gone to Belize's ruins. I've been to Mexico several times and have gone to a ruin there once.
We'll probably be out by the pool when the ship takes off to enjoy a drink and the music going along with the ship sailing away. Hopefully we can meet up there and say hello to each other. I'm sure we'll see each other several times throughout the week too. And since you have late dinner, maybe in the dining area too. I will be going to Portofino's for sure.
I'm single and my father is in the tournament. It is on the ship. We all want to cheer him on and see him win the loot. He's afraid he'll do bad with so many people coming. But we are there to have fun and be with each other.
Looking forward to the trip.
The website where I was looking info about Costa Maya showed a nice shopping area that was new and a big pool there for cruise ship passengers to use. Also they said the beaches are beautiful. http://costamayacruiseexcursions.com...Costa_Maya.htm
We have snorkeled in Cozumel but not close to where the ship is at. Lots of good snorkeling here and beautiful fish.
The other forum that I am talking on has some of the poker players chatting and it is great all of them won their cruise. The last coupons that RC sent thru our email had a coupon for this cruise. If you bought your cruise we can use this as a discount. Also, if your father was given this cruise and he upgraded himself, he can use the coupon as well. Inside gets $75 and balcony gets $150.00.
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their summer and thinking cruise, . Where is everyone staying before the cruise? I have got to check into places that will keep a vehicle because we will be driving.
Well i am mother of 4, two 17 year olds and two 14 year olds. I have just returned to work after 16 years. I am working at the kids school and this holiday is to be our last family holiday before the older two start to make their own way into the world.
This part of our holiday is for everyone to do their thing and i hope we have choosen the right cruise line. Hubby will do what he wants to do most and that is read and do nothing. me on the other hand like to keep busy and do new things. i rest when i go back home (yeah right with kids, work and housework ).
Hve you sailed with Royal CCL before? If so what sort of activities do they have on sea days that arent the rockwall ice skating etc.
Jaz...it has been awhile since you post on the other forums and here as well. I hope all is well at home. With the big vacation you all are taking I know you are getting excited. When do you all leave for vacation in December?
As you can imagine i am busy between work and ferrying kids left right and centre.
Am looking forward to some time off but a lot to do before we go.
The older two have exams just before we leave and as they are major exams are starting to get ready now. As it is alao the end of the school year in DEc we have to start doing what we would normally do in Dec. organise the selling and buying of secondhand text books etc.
Time will free up a bit end of December because soccer and basketball comes to a bit of a halt for the kids. So we will then have our weekends back. Which will mean doing all that yard stuff we didnt do in winter.
Hi everyone...hope you enjoyed your summer and pretty soon it will be fall. We are getting closer and closer to our cruise on the Liberty and we can hardly wait.
Final payment will be coming up soon and after that happens it seems time flies by.
Jazz...I really admire you and your husband for taking a trip like this. As I mentioned on the other forums I think you have it pretty well planned. Your kids will remember this for a long time. Lots of memories will be made!
There is so much for the kids to do on the ship they might not want to get off at the ports, .
My father did win his room but his wife upgraded to a bigger suite. We got a pretty good deal on the ship. Not sure what coupon you are talking about. I got one for $100 ship credit but the agent said that it had to be specific ports and this ship is not going to the ports specified. Of course it didn't say that on the email I got.
Since I live in Florida, I'll be driving down to Miami on the day the ship leaves. Takes about 5 hours to drive. I believe they have parking right next to the port for cars and we'll be leaving our cars there. My friends from Deleware are flying into Tampa since airline tickets are cheaper and driving down with me. You should check with some of the hotels around there or Ft. Lauderdale as some offer discounts on rooms for cruisers and they will let you leave your car at their hotel and then taxi you over to the port.
My father did win his room but his wife upgraded to a bigger suite. We got a pretty good deal on the ship. Not sure what coupon you are talking about. I got one for $100 ship credit but the agent said that it had to be specific ports and this ship is not going to the ports specified. Of course it didn't say that on the email I got.
Since I live in Florida, I'll be driving down to Miami on the day the ship leaves. Takes about 5 hours to drive. I believe they have parking right next to the port for cars and we'll be leaving our cars there. My friends from Deleware are flying into Tampa since airline tickets are cheaper and driving down with me. You should check with some of the hotels around there or Ft. Lauderdale as some offer discounts on rooms for cruisers and they will let you leave your car at their hotel and then taxi you over to the port.
Hey Sandy, the coupon I was talking about was the Crown and Anchor coupon that was on the website. It was for this cruise we are sailing on.
They do have parking at the port where you can leave your car and it is not a long walk. Usually, my husband lets me out with all the luggage and he goes to park. I check it in and when he gets there, we are ready to go inside. Miami has their act together! We are staying at a hotel that keeps your car in Miami. We like this hotel because the car is in a safe location, they will shuttle you to the port the day of the cruise for free but you do have to get a taxi back to the hotel on your own, which is ok. We just appreciate them keeping our car.
I see where you have post on the other forums so we have two places to chat now.
We got a group rate on our rooms and then the price went down 3 times, I don't think the coupon would have brought it down more than it is.
Yes, I've been on the other site before. I've emailed my best friend's husband to go on there and sign up for the get together if he wants to. It's his first time on a cruise ever. Plus his sister-in-law and brother-in-law are going and they have never been on a cruise.
I'm ready to go and will start looking at the tours again. I found a snorkeling trip from Costa Maya that if you have 4 or more people you can get a private tour, which sounds nice. I usually wait till I'm on ship before I do anything and it always seems to work out.
Connect with Facebook
Liberty of the Seas, December 13th, 2009
).
On the other forums I finally got the threads combined and all is good there. We have two places to chat now.
.
Linear Mode
