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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Before I make my final cruise payment this week, I want to make sure I am making the right decision about our cruise. We're taking RCCL Harmony of the Seas with ports of call in Labadee, St. Maarten, and Old San Juan. Two out of the three were the hardest hit in the hurricanes last year and are still rebuilding.
What do you think about cruising there in May? I'm concerned about the facilities, excursions, food, water, etc. I'm so torn over what to do. Should I just go ahead and keep our plans or schedule something else? I don't love the Caribbean to begin with and if things are still going to be in disarray it's even less appealing. Thoughts?
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Posted 1/30/18 9:08 AM  |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6656 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
I guess it depends on what exactly you want to do at those ports. If you have a specific excursion in mind, I'd call up and see if there's any issues.
If you're not too keen on the port anyway, just stay on the ship. I love staying aboard on port days- the pool is empty and it's just so relaxing.
As for food, I always eat on the cruise ship if I can since it's included instead of paying for food on shore.
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| Posted 1/30/18 9:13 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
If the ship is awesome, and has awesome amenities, I would still go. If it doesn't, I would cancel. I don't think those ports are going to be great by May. Old San Juan seems fine...but the other two, I would be hesitant!
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| Posted 1/30/18 9:16 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by Momma2015
I guess it depends on what exactly you want to do at those ports. If you have a specific excursion in mind, I'd call up and see if there's any issues.
If you're not too keen on the port anyway, just stay on the ship. I love staying aboard on port days- the pool is empty and it's just so relaxing.
As for food, I always eat on the cruise ship if I can since it's included instead of paying for food on shore.
This exactly. I don't eat on the islands when I;m paying for it on the boat and I really do love staying on the boat when everyone is off on the islands... it's like a vacation from the crowds LOL
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| Posted 1/30/18 9:21 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by Momma2015
I guess it depends on what exactly you want to do at those ports. If you have a specific excursion in mind, I'd call up and see if there's any issues.
If you're not too keen on the port anyway, just stay on the ship. I love staying aboard on port days- the pool is empty and it's just so relaxing.
As for food, I always eat on the cruise ship if I can since it's included instead of paying for food on shore.
This exactly. I don't eat on the islands when I;m paying for it on the boat and I really do love staying on the boat when everyone is off on the islands... it's like a vacation from the crowds LOL
Yes, I usually stick to the boat too! I feel like most of the islands are a little "shady" and I'm not huge into the excursions. The ship is suppose to be AMAZING so I know that will be fun, I've cruised with RCCL before and they are awesome. I guess I just worry about pulling into ports that look like a disaster. Guess we can just stick to the ship.
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| Posted 1/30/18 10:20 AM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Have you checked recent reviews on cruise critic of people who have been to those ports? I would also check resorts in those places for recent reviews on trip advisor might help you get an idea of what looks like now.
I wouldn't hesitate. I think even if you stayed on the ship you would have a great time. We loved St. Maarten , one of my favorites.
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| Posted 1/30/18 12:21 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7790 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Actually, my mom's friend just returned from her vacation in PR and said it was fine in San Juan. She noticed some places weren't completely up and running but all the tourist spots were fine.
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| Posted 1/30/18 12:51 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by JandJ1224
Have you checked recent reviews on cruise critic of people who have been to those ports? I would also check resorts in those places for recent reviews on trip advisor might help you get an idea of what looks like now.
I wouldn't hesitate. I think even if you stayed on the ship you would have a great time. We loved St. Maarten , one of my favorites.
I did take a look at Cruise Critic. Seems like a mixed bag. Some said it was fine, others said depending where you were area looked worse. I do plan to be on the ship most of the time in port so I guess we'll be ok. Thanks!!
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| Posted 1/30/18 12:56 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by FirstMate
Actually, my mom's friend just returned from her vacation in PR and said it was fine in San Juan. She noticed some places weren't completely up and running but all the tourist spots were fine.
Great, thank you for the info!
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| Posted 1/30/18 12:56 PM |
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klsnyc805
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/09 578 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by FirstMate
Actually, my mom's friend just returned from her vacation in PR and said it was fine in San Juan. She noticed some places weren't completely up and running but all the tourist spots were fine.
This!
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| Posted 1/30/18 2:23 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19458 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
So if you love being on a ship, I would go. I would book a spa service if you felt like the island is not in good condition. But for me, when I cruise I am more about the destination and sight seeing. It is why we are not doing the Caribbean this year. I love RCC and they have good food, and nice amenities. I would absolutely cruise with them. But I would pick a different destination like Mexico or Aruba which were not as impacted.
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| Posted 1/30/18 3:22 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
I am sure Labadee is back up and functioning as normal. It's not a "real place", it's RC's private island/segment of the island for tourists only. I would think after the storm they fixed it up immediately.
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| Posted 1/30/18 10:19 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Posted by Blazesyth
I am sure Labadee is back up and functioning as normal. It's not a "real place", it's RC's private island/segment of the island for tourists only. I would think after the storm they fixed it up immediately.
Yes, I've been before on previous RCCL cruises so I'm not too concerned with that port. More concerned about St. Maarten and San Juan but we're not big on the excursions anyway so maybe it'll be fine.
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| Posted 1/30/18 10:56 PM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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HELP - Advice Needed - Talk to me about the Caribbean - Cruise in May
Keep your plans. Cruising in May as well and have zero worries. Usually I go back to the cruise ship around lunch time so I rarely ever eat on the actual islands. I preordered a case of water for my room and bring that with me off the ship in case hubby, children or I get thirsty.
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| Posted 1/30/18 11:55 PM |
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