ddandb
  • ddandb
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Saturday, September 10, 2005 6:28:00 AM
This Friday my wife and I are leaving on our 9 day cruise and I'm looking for some advice.

(hey Blister I did figure out where I'm going!!)

Sailing on the RoyalCaribbean Grandeur of the Seas and will be visiting:

Grand Bahama Island, Cococay Bahama, Key West Florida, Cozumel Mexica, Port Canaveral Florida.

If you have been to these places or sailed on this ship what are some things I don't want to miss or thigs I should really avoid.

Are there any cigar factories near where I'm going? I'd like to see one.

Anway if you have some advise to make this a memorable trip let me know.

Rich

BLISTER
Saturday, September 10, 2005 6:50:00 AM
Congratulations Rich, you know where you're going!!!!

I've been to the Caribbean several times, but I've never been to the Bahamas-can't help ya brother.

I know Graycliff cigars are rolled in Nassau, you're probably better off not going unless you have a credit card with a HIGH limit.

Last time I was in Key West was almost 25 years ago.

In any event, see evertyhing you can, drink and eat heartily, and relax.

herfsnipe
Saturday, September 10, 2005 6:55:00 AM
Is this your first cruise anywhere? If so, you'll be amazed at how clear the night skies are when you are out to sea. Absolutely beautiful. I haven't been at any of those places you mentioned, but I remember seeing a story about a ciger roller down in Key West. Here's the name and address. Key West Cigar Factory

306 Front Street #3 Pirates Alley, Key West. Also, Conch Republic Cigar Factory, 512 Greene Street, Key West.

Enjoy your cruise and by all means, take pictures and post them on the pic board when you get back.

Have a great time.

Cigarick
Saturday, September 10, 2005 7:15:00 AM
Avoid hurricanes.
ddandb
  • ddandb
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Sunday, September 11, 2005 6:51:00 AM
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RICKAMAVEN
Sunday, September 11, 2005 4:38:00 PM
ddandb

the ship will roll a little, but not much, until the last night when they pull in the stabilizers and haul ass. if you feel queazsy, chew saltines.

i have been to nassau and loved every wet day i spent there. we pciked the wrong season.

the people were warm and friendly.

if you have time, find a local bus and ask them if their route is a circle that will end up where you start and how long the route is in time.

if you have the time and the bus will return to where you started so you won't get lost, get on it and enjoy everyone you meet and everything you see. it is the cheapest way to tour an island and see something other then tourist markets. cost almost nothing and it is not necessary to tip the driver.

pack your clothes in soft side luggage. cabins don't have much storage room and you can leave socks, underwear and other stuff in the bags and slide them under the bed. if you have a duffle bag, bring it empty so you can put your dirty clothes in it and leave room in your suitcases for things you buy. the best souvineers i have found are tee shirts with the names of the islands or ports. you will wear them more often then the straw hat or funky monkey that will just end up in the garage in a box.

take part in everything the ship offers as entertainment, you will meet a lot of interesting people that way.

even though they will have a controlled tipping rule, always tip any room service man or woman that brings you a drink or a sandwich, or anything to your room, one dollar cash. most people don't and you will find you are getting quicker response the next time you call for something.

when you have a day of sailing, find a place where you can smoke cigars, usually the rear of the ship on one of the upper decks and bring a book even if you don't intend to read it. and i usually bring a few extra inexpensive mild cigars to give away. people that have never smoked might want to "try" one and you can be a sport.

watch the people walking by and when you see someone that catches your eye and looks like he or she might be interesting, invite them to sit down with you at the table. you will meet many people that have wonderful stories to tell.

the book is in case you pick some idiot by mistake that bores you. "thanks for stopping it's been a pleasure, but i promised my wife i would finish this book so she can read it." stand up, shake hands, sit down and open the book.

eat things on the menus that you would normally not eat at home and eat only small parts of the deserts. the deserts will put weight on you so fast, it will surprise you. rarely do people have so much in the way of exotic sweets at home.

bring enough of your own cigars. you don't want to find yourself having to spen $10.00 or $25.00 for a cigar thay may or may not be anything worth the price.

don't spend all of your time with your wife. meet at the room for lunch or diner. there are things women will want to do and things that men will want to do,

stay out of their casinos, their slot machines will suck you dry. in vegas the machines hold about 6% to 7%. on board ships, the hold can be as high as 75%. there are no gaming controls.

you have picked a wonderful cruise line. expect to enjoy yourselves and you will.

[email protected].

ddandb
  • ddandb
  • Herf-A-Holic Topic Starter
Monday, September 12, 2005 4:48:00 AM
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nine999
Monday, September 12, 2005 7:39:00 AM
good for you-

i did a 7 day on carnival this year. only similar island i did was cozumel. check out the ruins.

isom's are really expensive over there. might as well take your own. the ship should have cigars.

eat drink, and be merry.

have dinner in the main restaurant EVERY night. order two (or three) main dishes- don't be shy.

join in on the festivities. go to the orientation. see some shows...

and drink.

nine