Second cruise booked - advice please

[Garyjames220]

Well sounds like u had a great time sytrace.

 

[Jkpark]

I just did the Western over New Years. On Cozumel we booked not through Disney and got a great price on a really fun Dolphin swim (Royal Swim). It was a little more of an experience than the one booked through Disney, and cheaper. The company was called Cozumel Insider I think. We got off the ship and grabbed a cab there and back. Stopped for lunch and some shopping near the port on our way back.

In Jamaica we booked through Disney and did the ziplining which was also a great experience. We knew we wanted to splurge a little more on adventures this trip as it was just our family of 4. We travel with friends/extended family a lot so we booked what we might not do if we were with other people if that makes sense.

Because we splurged on these two days we booked nothing in Grand Cayman. We stayed on the ship in the morning to enjoy the Aqua Duck and pools. We then tendered over, caught a cab to 7 mile beach, paid some guy for a chair under trees and 2 beers and swam for a while. Then we cabbed back to port and shopped a little over there.

If it were me, I would take the $250 from the verandah and do at least one port adventure you might not get to do otherwise.

I've only done Palo brunch as we eat dinner with our children each night, but LOVED it! Just when you think you can't feel more spoiled, you are!

 

[Garyjames220]

So is the double tree at the Port better then the Hilton there cos the tiki bar and resturant looks nicer at the Hilton

 

[Quellman]

I will mention that there are dress codes for Palo and Remy (Remy requiring more). We have enjoyed our dining in Palo and go once a trip for a great evening with amazing food and service. My wife starts with a lemon basilica in the Meridian lounge and then we usually get a bottle of red wine, ca viloa, and if we don't finish it it follow us to the main dining room for the rest of the cruise. There are kits if great things on the menu, so if you aren't sure, ask for a smaller sample size of a few things.

 

[Garyjames220]

So do u think I should change my booking for Hilton to the double tree at port Canaveral

 

[Garyjames220]

 

[chunkymonkey]

Just got off the Fantasy (Feb 20th cruise - I have a trip report here) and we were 3 adults. I would definitely splurge for a verandah but that's just me. It's just so nice to be able to walk outside at any time of day and still be a private setting. We drank wine and sat on the verandah a lot in between activities for the day. It was wonderful! However, I would not be opposed to having a window, I just want to be able to look outside.

We didn't book any excursions. I just wasn't interested in any of them and just thought to explore on our own. We did not go to the beach on any island except for Castaway Cay though, just wasn't in the mood for it and all we wanted to do was eat. LOL. We walked to restaurants near the ports so we didn't have to take any taxis. We did not go to Jamaica since we had Star Wars day at sea, but the falls do look very pretty. Bring bug spray though!!

If you are into relaxation try the Rainforest Room! A couples pass was around 200 (a good use of the money you save if you don't get a verandah room!) It was just wonderful - the heated loungers were awesome and I took naps on it every day. We used their scrubs in the steam room and our skin never looked so good.

We did Palo brunch and Remy brunch and dinner. Palo is Italian and their brunch is half buffet and half made to order, it so much fun for brunch. Remy is French - fine dining for dinner and a bit more casual for lunch. If you are a foodie and like chef-centric meals then I would highly consider Remy. The service and tasting menus are wonderful - think caviar/foie gras/kobe beef (some at a $$ upcharge though). However if you are not into that kind of dining then I'd just do Palo. Their brunch was phenomenal and we had a great time. We did not try Palo dinner though. We didn't really want to miss too many dinners in the main dining room because we wanted to have an experience in each dining room. Note there is a dress code at Palo and Remy and jacket is required for Remy dinner only.

The adult areas were so much fun, the bars each had a theme and were really wonderful. Don't miss Skyline and Ooh La La. We had great drinks. Also sign up for mixology if you're into that - it was a lot of fun! It wasn't too expensive considering you get about 5-6 drinks, and each drink is unique..and STRONG.

We were in a Starboard room which I think is where you are now. We had a nice view of Castaway Cay and the people coming and going. Last year we had port side and it just looked emptier

Most importantly - have a great time and relax!