Leaving out of NYC is the best since we are just a 50min train ride away from GCS and 1 10 min cab ride to the pier. The money saved on transportation is just a start. Boarding is easy and once aboard your cruise begins. Norwegians Freestyle cruising is the only way to go. With Freestyle cruising you do what you want when you want with no set times for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The shows are performed at different times so you can work around them with the many other activities onboard.
We had and always get the free drink package upgrade which is a must even if you don't drink alcoholic drinks. You can get soda water, soda, or limited juices that normally would cost you per drink. However we drink the hard stuff and with this package you can get anything up to a $15 value for free!
The slides on the Escape were awesome. I rode the big tube one a dozen times and the one that drops you was fantastic I did that one 10 times. The first time being the scariest. I loved how they play a short music excerpt right before the gun goes off that drops the floor out from under your feet as gravity pulls you down and the ride is over in less than 3 seconds! Adrenaline rush like you cannot believe! The pools are fun and just big enough as well.
Nice cabin with all you need to relax, sleep, clean up, enjoy baclony views and feel like home!
We decided we needed a beach day so we cancelled our excursion to avoid the bus ride and crowds. The end result was a nice day on the beach. However, we were harrased by the locals to buy their things and the would not take no for an answer. When we asked them where the extrance to the beach was they all said down to the right. I finally asked a police officer and he sent us back in the opposite direction! Mmmm not good! Anyhow we found the beach and got us a local vender who set us up with beach cahirs, umbrella and a bucket of beer. He even ran out and git us some local jerk chicken. This proved to be a good move, because my girlfriend decided to go out and do some shopping and if it was not for our helper David who came to her rescue she may not have made it back...just saying! She was immediately harrased by the locals who kept trying tho get her to come with them. David stepped in and took her shopping nad they still harrased him too! So in the long run of it NOT OURFAVORITE PORT!
Enjoyed our shore excursion to The Monkey River and the second was a barrier reef snorkel.
We chose this as a beach day too. Try MayaChan private beach you will love it. For $59 you get transportation to and from (30min dirt road bummpy ride). All inclusive! Drinks, Food, your own spot with chairs loungers and shade, kayaks, stand up paddle, snorkeling gear, water shoes, pay for masseage cheap! etc...and ocean front! However bad weater or wind may bring seaweed as our day did....But its so beautiful you may not notice!