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Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

We had a shore excursion credit, so we booked the gondola up to Paradise point. We were in port from 6am to 2pm. Barely enough time to enjoy. They also changed our dock from Havensight to Crown Bay. Other side where we needed to go, had to take taxi $8 per person each way. We were there early about 9am and got up to top no problem. Enjoyed a very strong bushwacker drink and chilled out. The views were spectacular. When we went down, there was a long lineup to go up. We walked over to Havensight shopping, as it is much better than Crown Bay. And then cabbed back to the ship. As we sailed out of port, it started to cloud over and sprinkle.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

We love this port. We got off the ship and walked along the seawall to the left. We knew we wanted to see the stray cats, at the pink house. We brought cat treats. They came running from everywhere when we shook the bag. They are not feral at all. Loved their pets, purrs and people were in awe that we knew to bring treats. You can adopt cats from here too. If you love cats, this was a treat! We continued to walk up to the fort. We didn't go in, but if you walk to the far right of the fort, there are steps you can walk down and your at the side of the fort along the sea wall. We got some amazing photos. Saw a few iguanas as well. We walked back towards the town, this was around 130-2 pm now, and tried to get into Barrachina the popular Pina colada restaurant but it was a 2 hour wait! So we found some other local restaurant and enjoyed some local cuisine. Walked back to the ship, had Starbucks and chilled for a bit and was able to see the sun setting as we boarded the ship.

Port Canaveral, Florida

One of our favourite ports, easy!

Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

Quite wavy, had to wait about an hour before they decided it was ok to take the tender. We were one of first tenders. The island is small, not alot to do. Pretty much just a beach day. They could make due with a pool, for sure. The taco line up was 45 minutes long. Not worth the wait. We ate at the buffet and it was pretty good. No excursion. Just sat on chairs and chilled out. Had a margarita, was very strong. If you want frozen drink make sure you ask. Once off the tender, we went to the far right. Tons of chairs and a bit quieter. They also have a viewing platform to take some cool pics of the ship. And a couple swings too.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Last time we were in Amber Cove, it just opened a few months prior and we stayed at the port. This time we booked a local tour and had the best day ever!! Had to walk outside the gates, but we had a rickshaw that rode us out to the parking lot. We were grateful as it is a long walk. Our tour included a visit to the local rum factory and sampled 8 different rums. Went to a fort, that was closer to where the other Norwegian ship docked. Went up the cable car to the 3rd highest mountain. Amazing views. So beautiful. Then we were taken to a local place for lunch, went to pink street and learned the significance of the street, went to umbrella street, a local place that rolled cigars and learned about that as well and learned a salsa dance too. Our guide had rum and coke for us, water, pop. One of our best tours and we were back at port with an hour to shop.

Norwegian Epic

In hallways, fish on the carpet, facing forward means your walking to front of ship. Deck 13 front, go see the captains Bridge viewing room. Free! Deck 18 forward ship, take glass elevator outside lunch grill on deck 15 to 18. Lots of chairs on deck 18, no wind and nice and quiet. Waiter always walking around. Load your Starbucks gift card on your app, as you can use it onboard the ship at Starbucks!!