Dawn Cooper

I have been reading cruise reviews that date back to the first sailing of the ship but nothing very recent. I have some confusion regarding what is "included" in the price of the cruise. Originally there were charges for the rock climbing wall, roller blades and the activities on Labadee. Also certain areas of the ship charged for food since they have restaurants on board as well as the dining room. What is the latest information on this. Thanks, Dawn,CT.

Betsy

Dawn- <BR>We sailed on the Voyager in August. By then they had stopped charging extra fees for activities. Rollerblading, rock climbing, and ice skating were all free. Equipment for these activities was free, as well. There may very well have been other activities that no longer charge a fee, but these are the one my kids did, and the ones I'm sure about. <BR> <BR>The restaurant you're thinking of is Johnny Rockets. I understand that when they charged for food there, people stayed away in droves. Everything there is now free, except for milkshakes, ice cream sodas, and the like. Their fried onion rings are to die for. They brought us a small order, but when we asked for more, they simply brought us another plate of them. It's often very crowded there, but it's lots of fun. The alternative restaurant, Portofino, for which you need reservations, will cost you a small service charge, but there is no charge for the food. We never ate there, so I can't tell you anything about the food or the service. Casual dining is also available. Again, no charge, but at dinnertime you will want to tip your waiter. <BR> <BR>This ship is really big, but we never felt crowded. This was is sharp contrast to the Grand Princess, which for some reason, felt smaller. The Voyager is a beautiful ship, well laid out, and easy to find your way around. However, no matter where we were on the ship, it seems that the route from any one point to another always took us through the Royal Promenade and the cookies. <BR> <BR>

Dawn Cooper

Thanks for your reply. My friend and I are taking my soon to be 13 year old during April school vacation. My poor husband has to stay home with the baseball player (spring practice is mandatory) It is nice to know that I don't have to lug the roller blades. How old were your kids and did they join the groups of kids (we are going on school vacation) or stay with the family? My son son is used to having his brother around. Did you feel comfortable letting your kids go off on their own. We have four boys and this is my first time traveling with only one. It should be easy, huh? gt Thanks again, Dawn

Dawn

Hi Betsy, I should ask you, which excursions did your kids enjoy and can you comment on what is included on Labadee. Thanks again. Dawn

Betsy

Dawn- <BR> <BR>My boys are 11 and 13, which put them in two different kids' groups. I signed them both up for the 9-12 group, because they like to hang together. They did some activities with the group, like the scavenger hunt, the talent show, and the parent trap game. They spent a lot of time at the arcade (a real money pit). They really enjoyed going to the after-hours program. The charge for this late program is $4 per hour per child. I let them do that a couple of nights. They both said they liked the kids' program on the Grand Princess better (April, 1999). <BR> <BR>My boys made friends with kids they met around the ship, either at the kids's programs or the arcade. I felt comforable letting them have the run of the ship. They had been read the riot act about acceptable behavior, and also about safety. We had two-way radios, but rarely used them. There are house phones everywhere, so if I was in the cabin, they could call me. The display screen on the phone tells where the call is coming from. <BR> <BR>We didn't spend too much time on Labadee. There are beaches and lots of water activities. Lunch is available there, but we went back to the ship to eat. There were not enough beach lounges out. Information from the ship said not to pay anyone to get you a chair. But when we saw an employee (of RCCL?) carrying several chairs, we flagged him down and gave him a nice tip, as did everyone else. If RCCL really didn't want us to pay for a chair, then they would have made sure that all the available chairs were already out before the passengers arrived. Anything you need for water sports has to be rented, even float mats at $8 apiece, unless, of course, you bring your own. <BR> <BR>At Cozumel, we took a taxi to Chinkanasp?) National Park. There is an admission charge. My sister-in-law and the boys rented snorkeling equipment. They accepted a charge card only for Scuba rental, so be sure to take enough cash with you. <BR> <BR>We took the ship's excursion to Ocho Rios that went by boat. It included rum drinks after the climb, so it wasn't worth the money for my sister-in-law and me, since we don't drink much. The climb up the falls was the highlight of our trip. It was great fun, and I highly recommend it. <BR> <BR>Have a great cruise.

me

Be sure to bring cheap canvas shoes or "aquasox" for the Dunns River Falls climb! It really is alot of fun or all ages.