vpFREE2 Forums

XVP - Cruise out of New Orleans

#1

Going on a Harrah’s cruise – Norwegian Dawn – Feb 22. Cozumel, Belize, Roatan , Costa Maya. Any suggestions about independent interesting things to do in these ports without taking expensive ship-sponsored tours. Which ports require tenders? I know there is no good VP on this ship, but any other gambling suggestions? We usually just play BJ. Are the drinks in the casino still free on these Harrah’s trips? If you want beer or soda in unopened containers – cans, etc. – can you order them that way in the casino and then take them to your room?

Private replies okay.

···

------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#2

Re Roatan ... looking back to 2006, Bev and I spent the day at a delightful day spa (booked via internet in advance of trip) where we indulged ourselves at reasonable prices and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Some decent snorkeling to be had as well.

If you (or anyone else) is interested in details, let me know and we'll seek out some updated info.

- H.

---In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, <queenofcomps@...> wrote :

Going on a Harrah’s cruise – Norwegian Dawn – Feb 22. Cozumel, Belize, Roatan , Costa Maya. Any suggestions about independent interesting things to do in these ports without taking expensive ship-sponsored tours. Which ports require tenders? I know there is no good VP on this ship, but any other gambling suggestions? We usually just play BJ. Are the drinks in the casino still free on these Harrah’s trips? If you want beer or soda in unopened containers – cans, etc. – can you order them that way in the casino and then take them to your room?

Private replies okay.

···

------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#3

The best way to deal with the soda issue is to just bring your own on board. You cannot get unopened cans in the casino, but you can bring your own along on the cruise.

We typically bring a 12-pack or two that we buy in port before departure. I took 5 cruises last year, and that was the easiest method.

For most of the certificates they have also downgraded the alcohol package. You can only get well drinks, beer, wine and a few mixed drinks. Martinis and premium brands are no longer included.

···

-----Original Message-----
From: "harry.porter@verizon.net [vpFREE]" <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Sender: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Date: 01 Feb 2015 11:14:45
To: <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Reply-To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [vpFREE] Re: XVP - Cruise out of New Orleans

Re Roatan ... looking back to 2006, Bev and I spent the day at a delightful day spa (booked via internet in advance of trip) where we indulged ourselves at reasonable prices and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. Some decent snorkeling to be had as well.

If you (or anyone else) is interested in details, let me know and we'll seek out some updated info.

- H.

---In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, <queenofcomps@...> wrote :

Going on a Harrah’s cruise – Norwegian Dawn – Feb 22. Cozumel, Belize, Roatan , Costa Maya. Any suggestions about independent interesting things to do in these ports without taking expensive ship-sponsored tours. Which ports require tenders? I know there is no good VP on this ship, but any other gambling suggestions? We usually just play BJ. Are the drinks in the casino still free on these Harrah’s trips? If you want beer or soda in unopened containers – cans, etc. – can you order them that way in the casino and then take them to your room?

Private replies okay.
------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#4

I wonder if that would work for beer cans – or is there a strict rule about bringing in your own liquor.

···

------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

From: mailto:vpF…@…com
Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2015 1:05 PM
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [vpFREE] Re: XVP - Cruise out of New Orleans

The best way to deal with the soda issue is to just bring your own on board. You cannot get unopened cans in the casino, but you can bring your own along on the cruise.

We typically bring a 12-pack or two that we buy in port before departure. I took 5 cruises last year, and that was the easiest method.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#5

There is a rule about bringing your own alcohol. However, I can neither confirm nor deny that they rarely actually take anything out of your checked luggage. I don't know if that would work for beer cans.

···

-----Original Message-----
From: "'Queen of Comps' queenofcomps@cox.net [vpFREE]" <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Sender: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2015 17:05:15
To: <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com>
Reply-To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [vpFREE] Re: XVP - Cruise out of New Orleans

I wonder if that would work for beer cans – or is there a strict rule about bringing in your own liquor.

------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

From: mailto:vpF…@…com
Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2015 1:05 PM
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [vpFREE] Re: XVP - Cruise out of New Orleans

The best way to deal with the soda issue is to just bring your own on board. You cannot get unopened cans in the casino, but you can bring your own along on the cruise.

We typically bring a 12-pack or two that we buy in port before departure. I took 5 cruises last year, and that was the easiest method.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#6

Did that same itinerary out of NOLA on the Jewel last spring. Only port that used tenders was Belize. But some of it depends how many ships are in port that day. We had a couple of our port days with 4-6 different ships from various lines in the same city and some were forced to use tenders due to lack of room.

Strongly recommend bringing your own soda or Gatorade (or both). Bottled water can be bought in port much cheaper than on the ship but it's worth throwing 18-24 beverages in your luggage. You'll drink them during the trip and they make room for souvenirs.

Be wary of independent options in Belize. Ship drops you off in what amounts to a walled city built to protect the tourists. Just outside those walls is a great deal of crime. Cozumel you can wander on your own without much concern but I don't recommend that near the port in Belize. We had a dozen people yelling at us through the high fence. It felt like being in an embassy. We did the cave tubing which is a 90-minute bus ride away, and enjoyed it. People were yelling at our bus right as we left the walled area but a mile down the road and it was quiet countryside.

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On Feb 1, 2015, at 10:17 AM, "'Queen of Comps' queenofcomps@cox.net [vpFREE]" <vpFREE@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

Going on a Harrah’s cruise – Norwegian Dawn – Feb 22. Cozumel, Belize, Roatan , Costa Maya. Any suggestions about independent interesting things to do in these ports without taking expensive ship-sponsored tours. Which ports require tenders? I know there is no good VP on this ship, but any other gambling suggestions? We usually just play BJ. Are the drinks in the casino still free on these Harrah’s trips? If you want beer or soda in unopened containers – cans, etc. – can you order them that way in the casino and then take them to your room?

Private replies okay.
------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#7

Have also done this itinerary many times. Cozumel - Touristy but all the beaches are nice. Most are all a 6.00-8.00 cab ride. We always do Paradise Beach, gorgeous pool area, but beach is pretty rocky. Belize - Downtown is pretty scary. If you do any ship sponsored tours, this is the place. We usually walk around the port shops a little and spend most of our time at the ship's pool since most everyone else will be onshore. Costa Maya - Again, pretty touristy since it was built specifically for the cruise ships.There is a small village about 15 minutes from port, but they will bug the crap out of you to visit their shops and the beaches aren't very nice. It's always fun to watch the drunks at the cruise ship terminal (humongous pool, shops, bars, etc). And it's good exercise to walk the pier (about 1/2 mile each way). My favorite Caribbean port is Roatan. Been on almost 40 cruises and I love Roatan, It's a gorgeous Island and the people are friendly but not overly pushy trying to sell you stuff you don't need. Just about any of the beaches will be gorgeous. This is also a great port to book a catamaran/snorkle excursion. Just do a search for vendors on trip advisor or cruise critic for lots of good recommendations. Roatan is what the other islands "used" to be. Of course, all cruises are what you make of them. Go expecting to have fun and you'll have a super time! Jan

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#8

Thanx to everyone who gave such interesting and helpful comments. I should have been more detailed in my query. Brad and I are experienced cruisers – this will be our 17th cruise. However, this time we are taking the Frugal Princess and her hubby and they do drink (we don’t) and they are younger and more energetic. So their interests are different. Anyway, you all have given us a lot of guidance and Angela and Steve have now chosen their port activities, taking into consideration a lot of your suggestions.

Thanks to all for your help.

···

------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#9

Service begins May 28 with $89 one way fares--See:
Travelindustrydeals: JetBlue to Become Only Airline to Connect Reno-Tahoe with New York City

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> > > > > > >
Travelindustrydeals: JetBlue to Become Only Airline to C...-- Nonstop flights between New York’s JFK and Reno-Tahoe begin May 28, 2015 ---- Introductory fares starting at $89 one way (a) for travel May 28 – Ju... |
>
View on travelindustrydeals.... | Preview by Yahoo |
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#10

Let's try this again--maybe plain text will help--sorry--Link:

http://travelindustrydeals.blogspot.com/2015/02/jetblue-to-become-only-airline-to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+eTNTID+(eTNTravelindustrydeals)________________________________

Service begins May 28 with $89 one way fares--See:
Travelindustrydeals: JetBlue to Become Only Airline to Connect Reno-Tahoe with New York City

···

  >
  > > > > > > >
Travelindustrydeals: JetBlue to Become Only Airline to C...-- Nonstop flights between New York’s JFK and Reno-Tahoe begin May 28, 2015 ---- Introductory fares starting at $89 one way (a) for travel May 28 – Ju... |
>

#11

Apparently too late for those $89 introductory fares:

"To celebrate the new route, JetBlue is offering an introductory fare of only $89 one way (a) between May 28 and June 17, 2015. All introductory fare tickets much be purchased by January 16, 2015. "

---In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, <kjhaka@...> wrote :

Let's try this again--maybe plain text will help--sorry--Link:

http://travelindustrydeals.blogspot.com/2015/02/jetblue-to-become-only-airline-to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+eTNTID+(eTNTravelindustrydeals)________________________________

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

#12

Going on a Harrah’s cruise – Norwegian Dawn – Feb 22. Cozumel, Belize, Roatan , Costa Maya. Any suggestions about independent interesting things to do in these ports without taking expensive ship-sponsored tours. Which ports require tenders? I know there is no good VP on this ship, but any other gambling suggestions?>>>

I did this same tour of homicide overachieving countries last year on the Jewel. We just took a cab to Chankannab in Cozumel --A nice beach with bars, chairs, diving instruction, "dolphin experience" and some other stuff. Easy water access, but snorkeling was very average. Some sea life and underwater statuary, but no reef.

We reserved a little day resort ourselves at a beach hotel called Alma Plena in Costa Maya. The hotel is off of a gravel road wirthout much around it but beach and jungle. Palapas, chairs, drink service and nary a cruiser to be seen. Very reasonably priced with a nice lunch and they took care of the cabbies. Snorkeling was supposed to be good with reef easy swimming distance off the beach.. I had my gear and camera, but the wind and surf did not cooperate that day.

We spent the day at Maya Key in Roatan and ferried directly from the port dock. If the currents weren't too strong I think I could have jumped off of our aft suite and swam there. There were several rescue animal exhibits on the island, a nice beach, a pool, bar and food. Easy water access off of a long pier. Once you got past all the dead coral by the pier and swam through a channel in the reef it was beautiful. The reef was in really excellent shape, with lots of life and a sheer drop off into the inky blue depths. Stunning.

We didn't do much of anything in Belize. Had a nice stay in the Bywater after the cruise. Good music and food. I'll take NO or a week on a sleepy Mexican beach with reef within swimming distance over a cruise any day. I don't think I'll do another one unless I do something like Cayamo next year.

Ohh, gambling... Cruisers leave an awful lot of Ultimitate X bonuses that I scavenged a couple of times a day. Aside from that I was mostly just wasting time and money in the ship casino.

C

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