We always make a point to tip extra to those on staff that seem to go above the normal duties of their job.  Last cruise our room steward was the best we've ever had and we were sure to thank him with an extra cash tip the last morning.  His smile and thanks said so much!  We also gave a cash tip to the "beverage" ...

We've always booked online.  A number of excursions have limited spots so you may want to see if that pertains to any of those you're interested in booking.   Have a great time!  

PVP = personal vacation planner

To those who have experienced anytime dining, what did you see as peak time for having to wait?   I think this is a good option as we have always done the early seating but always feel so rushed to get ready and be on time.  Plus, if you get stuck with poor wait staff, as we did on our last cruise, at least you have the ...

Be warned if you end up going to a beach called Boo Boo Jam -- it's very nice but right next to that beach is a topless beach!  My 11 year old son had to sit down for a few minutes with a towel covering his face/head while a couple of topless beauties walked by along the shoreline!  

In Freeport you will need to take a cab as believe most of the ships still dock in the area of the freight ships.  There are a small number of little shops at the dock but the best shopping is further inland as well as needing to take a cab to get to the beach areas.  I believe the same applies to Nassau although the main ...

You could also give them each a "charge" limit per day, checking their accounts on the TV in your cabin each evening.  We did that for our two and it worked great.  They never went over which was amazing ....  

Some items we purchased in Cozumel were priced in Pesos but it was very easy to convert to US dollars.  Just check the exchange rate right before you cruise.  All the vendors accepted our US dollars.  Our son enjoys bringing back some of each country's currency as his sovenier so we always get our change in the local ...

In Belize, I took a nice bus tour and learned the history and culture of the city -- very interesting and educational.  My husband took our kids to do the zip line - they loved it.  Shopped around at the pier area which was ok but nothing special.  And one note -- the tenders may cause concern for those who fear being able to get ...

We've always booked excursions thru Carnival, mainly so we wouldn't have to worry about the ship leaving without us!  If you book on your own, you take that chance if the taxi or bus breaks down, gets delayed in traffic, etc.  But if you want to do your own thing and wing it, I do know in St. Thomas there are tons of taxi's ...