Well we've gone and done it---A cruise

[jjcollins]

It's nearly all sorted. A 11 night cruise in the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean International, onboard the brand new ship the Brilliance of the Seas.

The cruise is on the 11 of November from Miami, taking in Cozumel{ Mexico }---George town{ Grand Cayman }---Ocho Rios{ Jamaica }---Oranjestad{ Aruba }---Willemstad{ Curacao } then back to Miami.We have booked a outside cabin with a balcony.

And guest what we decided to fly with Virgin, so we booked Premium Economy flying Gatwick to Miami.As we are travelling from Ulster we also have booked the Gatwick Hilton for a over night stay prior to are flight to Miami.So all we need to do now is find a hotel in Miami for night before are Cruise.


We're so excited.


jj.........

 

[vernon]

sounds wondwerful JJ

 

[WebmasterPenny]

Woohoo! Sounds fab JJ, congratulations

Penny

 

[SimonV]

Good call, JJ. The Brilliance should be a great ship when she hits the high seas in August (she actually makes her debut from Harwich). She is a sister to last year's Radiance of the Seas, which earned rave reviews for her styling and facilities. RCI are a good, consistent 4* brand and it is an ideal Caribbean itinerary, with quite a bit of contrast and some excellent ports of call (don't miss Stingray City on Grand Cayman!),

As regards Miami, the ONLY place to stay ( ) is South Beach, and some of the best hotels there are The Tides, the small Ocean Five Hotel and The Mercury.

Have fun!

 

[jjcollins]

Thanks everyone, Simon do you know how far South beach is from the Port-cruise terminal.



Thanks.....


jj.......

 

[WDWfan uk]

...........that sounds marvellous JJ !! Tell us more about the ship!

 

[keith&carol]

If I remember rightly from when we stayed on South Beach, the Cruise terminal is just across the Causeway. Have a wonderful time,
Regards
Carol

 

[Scotfan]

Sounds wonderful, we loved Grand Cayman, a friend from student days lived there and showed us the sights - Smiths cove is beautiful, if you do see the stingrays mind they dont nibble you!
Cozumel also was great, there is a national park place about 3-4 miles away where you can swim with dolphins and dive and snorkel.
I wish I was there now.

 

[eyoreaud]

WOW JJ!,
We've always fancied doing a cruise and Royal Caribbean sound a great company to go with.
My Sis in law went with RC 2 years ago and said they got 5***** treatment all the way!

Good luck,
Luv Audrey,
xxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Astrid]

Sounds wonderful jj!!

You'll love Premium Economy and the Gatwick Hilton is just so convenient - a great way to start your Holiday and Cruise!

Astrid

 

[Janice]

Wow - congratulations on booking what sounds a fantastic holiday

Look forward to hearing all about it in your trip reports JJ

 

[floridamum]

Sounds wonderful JJ, I have never been on a cruise but maybe one day.

 

[jjcollins]

Hi Scotty - I think the park you're talking about is the one at this link

http://www.xcaretcancun.com/

Looks great doesn't it???

Astrid tell us all about Premium Economy!! We haven't travelled with Virgin before and their service seems great. Hope we're not disappointed.

Shirley - The Brilliance of the Seas Shirley - 292 metres (962 feet) long, beam 32 metres (105feet), speed 25 knots, gross tonnage 90,090, total capacity 3,360, total crew 859.

Minstrel Dining Room
Our elegant main dining room, Minstrel, complete with a cascading waterfall, features a wide variety of menu items and impeccable service.

Chops Grille
Elegant and upscale, this "reservation only" restaurant is the place to go when you're hungry for the perfect steak.

The Colony Club
A customizable entertainment space with 4 different clubs; The Bombay Billiard Club, Jakarta Lounge, Singapore Sling's and the Calcutta Card Club - all unique and packed with fun.

Pacifica Theatre
Here, you'll enjoy the experience of dynamic productions with all the glitz, glamour and special effects of Broadway or Las Vegas.

Solarium
This elegant space has a theme of India in the days of the Raj with three 16' high bejeweled elephants and cascading waterfalls. It's the perfect place for a refreshing dip in the pool or to relax in the whirlpool with friends.

ShipShape Fitness Center
Our seaside fitness center features modern exercise equipment and fitness classes for all levels.


There's plenty to do on board - rock climbing, basketball, art auctions, wine tasting (hmmmm), a running track, shopping, a casino (yeeha), 9 hole mini-golf, internet cafe (so I can keep in touch with you all). Also, a sports bar, revolving bar, Schooner bar and champagne bar - so the drink will be flowing. That's all I can find right now.....LOL


jj..............

 

[Mazzy]

That sounds absolutely brilliant JJ, I'm sure you will have a great time!

 

[Astrid]

I'm not jealous at all!!!

I've mentioned Premium Economy in some details on my 2nd trip report, but if you let me know your e-mail address by p.m. I'll give you all the 'gen' that way!

Astrid

 

[BONZO]

WOW and double WOW!

Don't go yet! - I haven't caught up on your latest set of Trip Reports!

 

[Silver]

WOW. not jealous at all. The only way I will ever get a holiday like that is to win the lottery. Sounds absolutely fantastic.

Congratulations. I'm not going to say have a great time because how can you not !!!!!!

BTW my old boss was born in Aruba and he raved about it. It's somewhere I have always wanted to go to.

You lucky, lucky person.

 

[SimonV]

JJ, the port is about a 20/25-minute cab ride from South Beach, and, as pointed out, it is just across the causeway (you get a great view of all the ships in port from there). Be aware South Beach actually stretches for a couple of miles. Ocean Drive is the focal point, but the whole area runs along Collins Ave for what seems like block after block. Lincoln Road is great for eating out and shopping and, if you REALLY want to splash out, head for the Bal Harbour Shops (Gucci, Armani, et al).

 

[Scotfan]

Xcaret looks wonderful, and very like Chankanaab National park where we went ( I found the flyer!), perhaps a bit bigger even. I dont recommend it if you dont like fish swimming about your legs though - I have never left the sea as quickly!!!!LOL.

 

[Sue's Mum]

JJ, that sounds wonderful. We have "done" a five day cruise on RC from Miami to the Bahamas and haven't had more wonderful service anywhere - not that we've been anywhere much! Truly, though it was fantastic.