

redbeardhoosier
9
Cruises5
Reviews49
Helpful VotesConsultant, project manager, engineer, general nerd. Travel for work and for play. I cruise to disconnect. My wife and I are in our early 40s, we have two tween-age girls (currently ages 12 and 10). We are reasonably experienced cruisers, having taken five cruises on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, and MSC, and always with more booked. We travel as a family, and look for a mix of relaxation, family time (these two being my personal #1 priority), good food, entertainment, and fun in a cruise vacation. While I try to incorporate educational experiences, we do not usually seek out action/adventure experiences.
Upcoming cruises




Past cruises

February 2019 - 10 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
Southern Caribbean Suite Life

November 2018 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on MSC Seaside
A Cruise of a Thousand Papercuts

April 2018 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Disney Fantasy
A Western Caribbean Fantasy

January 2018 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Getaway
A Midwinter Getaway on the Getaway

September 2017 - 4 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Enchantment of the Seas
An Irma-Interrupted Anniversary

Norwegian Getaway
Sail date: January 07, 2018
A Midwinter Getaway on the Getaway

Norwegian Dawn
Sail date: February 07, 2019

Enchantment of the Seas
Sail date: September 04, 2017
An Irma-Interrupted Anniversary

MSC Seaside
Sail date: November 24, 2018
A Cruise of a Thousand Papercuts

Disney Fantasy
Sail date: April 28, 2018
Cruise tips
We love Miami as a departure port. One of the best sailaway views anywhere.
The sail into port is stunning in San Juan, and we enjoyed watching the dolphins next to the ship in port. Otherwise, San Juan was a complete waste, arriving just in time to go to dinner and our show, and staying only until midnight. An evening port call may be great for those wishing to visit San Juan's nightlife, but it was completely pointless for parents traveling with children.
This may now be my favorite port in the Caribbean. We had a full day here, which meant that we could get off the ship early, enjoy the port before it became overly crowded, and then enjoy a quiet day on the ship. The port-side views from our stateroom balcony were amazing.
We had only a half day here, with an early-afternoon all-aboard time. We also shared the port with six other cruise ships, so the port was crowded and the views obstructed. That said, the cruise port area was really nice.
Once again, we had only a half day here, arriving around lunch time. Since we have been to Nassau before, and did not have a great experience - and also because we shared the port with four other ships - we had no particular desire to go into the port. Most of the passengers decided otherwise, though; so we enjoyed a quiet afternoon on a mostly empty ship.

MSC Seaside
The jungle pool was generally empty for after-dinner evening swims, and even during a sea day, there were only about a dozen people using the pool. It was a great place to take the girls for swimming. As a side benefit, the jungle pool bar was possibly the best bar on the entire ship. The drinks were always fast, well-made, and often strong. If you find other bars to be too busy/crowded, it is worth the walk to the jungle pool bar.
Beautiful beaches. When one thinks of the white sand and turquoise water of the Caribbean, one sees Barbados. We booked a beach break, a perfect way to spend the morning. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
I haven't experienced such an aggressive cruise port since Nassau. The hawkers were so persistent that the entire port experience was ruined. They congregated around choke points and would barely take "no" for an answer. I'd love to see Nelson's Dockyard, but not if I have to deal with that to do so. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
The bay at Charlotte Amalie might be one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Caribbean: the water, the houses dotting the hills, and the yachts and pleasure craft floating in azure waters. We have yet to book an excursion here, but we love the view. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
Lovely island with warm, welcoming people overflowing with joy for their independence and pride for their country. The flag can be seen flying everywhere. The view of the mist-enveloped Pitons sailing into port is iconic. We booked the Castries Trolley Train, which was fun and educational. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
What a great day! We have Toussiant's Taxi Tours largely to thank: a private tour of the island highlights, time at the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress site, and an amazing beach break. History, architecture, and a wonderful beach break at South Friar's beach, less crowded than, and not the party/tourist atmosphere of, Cockleshell beach, and even more beautiful. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
We called on a Sunday, so the island was pretty quiet. Well laid-out port area, with the typical port shopping establishments. Beautiful island; I'd love to spend some beach time here. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
Willemstad is the sort of quaint, picturesque port town that calls one to the Caribbean. The Dutch colonial influence is as strong in the friendly culture of its people as it is in the postcard-worthy architecture. We booked the trolley train, and enjoyed the experience immensely. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
The southern Caribbean's best-kept secret. I have not had as much time exploring any island more than Bonaire, which we did via golf cart, thanks to Bonaire Cruisers. From postcard port town, to peaceful western beaches, to the flamingos at Lake Goto, to the tropical wilds of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, to quaint Rincon (and the unique cactus liqueur worth a sample at Cadushy distillery), to the Onima indian inscriptions, to the panoramic views from Saru Largu, there's something for everyone - and that's just the northern loop. Head south from Kralendjyk past the airport to see Pekelmeer, the salt pans, slave huts, Willemstoren lighthouse, the wild eastern shore beaches, Lac Bay, and mangroves. The island is small enough to explore on your own - and we did so with plenty of time, even taking a two-hour lunch break on the ship. Simply put, this was one of the best days I've ever had in port. (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)
As a port of departure, San Juan was overall very good. The cruise terminal was easy to navigate and not crowded. Be aware that ride share services cannot be used from either the airport or from the cruise port (though they can be used from other places, such as from a hotel to airport or cruise port). (Copied from my Ship Mate port review.)

Norwegian Dawn
Most of the deck 6 venues are most easily accessed via deck 7. The Venetian can *only* be accessed via deck 7 aft stairs. (I believe there is an elevator entrance for those who need accessibility?)
Castaway Cay (Disney Private Island)
What's not to love? Castaway Cay is my idea of a perfect private island experience. There are shuttles to transport around several parts of the island, including a family beach and an adults-only beach. The family beach has a basic BBQ lunch, and the adult beach steps up the BBQ lunch with grilled ribeye steaks. I booked a mojito tasting that was a lot of fun, even though we had to dodge a bit of Caribbean afternoon liquid sunshine.
We were pleasantly surprised by Falmouth: open, clean, well laid-out, and safe. We didn't book an excursion.
Port Canaveral is convenient from Orlando airport, and Cocoa Beach is a nice area to spend one or more days before or after your cruise. The cruise port is easy to navigate and not crowded.
Thus far, this is our only tender port. Thankfully, the tender ride is short. Since we didn't book an excursion, we waited until the excursion rush was off the ship, and then tendered liesurely with no wait mid-morning. Nice, clean port town. We shared the port with the Disney Wonder (I think?), which was cool to see two Disney ships in port together. Note: the rumored Mickey horn battle never took place.
We booked the Dolphin Discovery dolphin encounter excursion. The girls loved it. Good thing to do at least once.

Disney Fantasy
The Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theaters allow food and drinks, but the popcorn and soda outside the theaters is not free. Snacks and soda are free in the buffet and at the lido deck quick serve shops, so head there first before going to the theater. If you must have popcorn, get the souvenir bucket for cheap refills.
Beautiful private island; feels almost "Disney" like - i.e. almost too perfect. Needless to say, well-maintained. I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of a "private island" that isn't really a private island; from the passengers' perspective, it is the worst of both worlds: the limitations of a private island, with none of the benefits (e.g. all food and drinks are at cost). We did enjoy our excursion boating through the mangroves and seeing manatees.
There is always something to do in Cozumel. We booked the Fury Catamaran snorkeling and beach break excursion here. The waters were slightly choppy for snorkeling, so weak swimmers were a bit out of luck. But, the entire family enjoyed the beach. Sailing on a catamaran is always relaxing. As usual, we booked a morning excursion, to be back on the ship before the heat of the day set in.
Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Nice port area. We had no excursion booked, and just walked around until it started raining.
Costa Maya is a planned cruise port, but it is very well-done. We actually really enjoyed our time here. There are free pools and entertainment, along with the typical shopping and restaurants. We also did not book an excursion here.
Still and always a great departure port. Lots of convenient hotels between the airport and cruise port, and convenient transportation/ride share. Note that hailing your ride share can be tricky at the cruise port, since it will be hectic with debarkation/embarkation crossover traffic.

Norwegian Getaway
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at Sea has a small, but excellent breakfast buffet (including an omelet station).
Love the sailaway. Wish I had my GoPro out to record the Port Authority chasing off the pleasure craft that got too close to us.
Cococay (Cruise Line's Private Island)
Port call canceled due to Hurricane Irma.
Port call canceled due to Hurricane Irma.
Hawkers are way too pushy. Being in port is not pleasant. Which is unfortunate because it is absolutely beautiful.

Enchantment of the Seas
Join the roll calls. The Enchantment has a loyal following, and you are sure to meet some of them.
What a great day! We have Toussaint's Taxi Tours largely to thank: a private tour of the island highlights, time at the UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress site, and an amazing beach break. History, architecture, and a wonderful beach break at South Friar's beach, less crowded than, and not the party/tourist atmosphere of, Cockleshell beach, and even more beautiful.
I haven't experienced such an aggressive cruise port since Nassau. The hawkers were so persistent that the entire port experience was ruined. They congregated around choke points and would barely take "no" for an answer. I'd love to see Nelson's Dockyard, but not if I have to deal with that to do so.
Beautiful beaches. When one thinks of the white sand and turquoise water of the Caribbean, one sees Barbados. We booked a beach break, a perfect way to spend the morning.
Lovely island with warm, welcoming people overflowing with joy for their independence and pride for their country. The flag can be seen flying everywhere. The view of the mist-enveloped Pitons sailing into port is iconic. We booked the Castries Trolley Train, which was fun and educational.
Willemstad is the sort of quaint, picturesque port town that calls one to the Caribbean. The Dutch colonial influence is as strong in the friendly culture of its peoole as it is in the postcard-worthy architecture. We booked the trolley train, and enjoyed the experience immensely.
We called on a Sunday, so the island was pretty quiet. Well laid-out port area, with the typical port shopping establishments. Beautiful island; I'd love to spend some beach time here.
The southern Caribbean's best-kept secret. I have not had as much fun exploring any island more than Bonaire, which we did via golf cart, thanks to Bonaire Cruisers. From postcard port town, to peaceful western beaches, to the flamingos at Lake Goto, to the tropical wilds of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, to quaint Rincon (and the unique cactus liqueur worth a sample at Cadushy distillery), to the Onima inscriptions, to the panoramic views from Saru Largu, there's something for everyone - and that's just the northern loop. Head south from Kralendjyk past the airport to see Pekelmeer, the salt pans, slave huts, Willemstoren lighthouse, the wild eastern shore beaches, Lac Bay, and mangroves. The island is small enough to explore on your own - and we did so with plenty of time, even taking a two-hour lunch break on the ship. Simply put, this was one of the best days I've ever had in port.
Once again, we had only a half day here, arriving around lunch time. Since we have been to Nassau before, and did not have a great experience - and also because we shared the port with four other ships - we had no particular desire to go into the port. Most of the passengers decided otherwise, though; so we enjoyed a quiet afternoon on a mostly empty ship.
We had only a half day here, with an early-afternoon all-aboard time. We also shared the port with six other cruise ships, so the port was crowded and the views obstructed. That said, the cruise port area was really nice.
The bay at Charlotte-Amalie might be one of the most beautiful sights in all of the Caribbean: the water, the houses dotting the hills, and the yachts and pleasure craft floating in azure waters. We have yet to book an excursion here, but we love the view.
As a port of departure, San Juan was overall very good. The cruise terminal was easy to navigate and not crowded. Be aware that ride share services cannot be used from either the airport or from the cruise port (though they can be used from other places, such as from a hotel to airport or cruise port).