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A couple at a dining table on a Holland America cruise ship celebrate a birthday with a piece of chocolate cake.
Cruise Tips

5 Secrets of the MDR: Maximize Your Cruise Dining

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One thing that makes cruising special is the opportunity to enjoy restaurant-quality meals every evening in the Main Dining Room, or MDR. But did you know that there are five little-known “secrets” that can make this experience even more enjoyable? 1. The MDR isn’t Just for Dinner I love the MDR, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the MDR isn’t just for dinner — it’s often open for breakfast, brunch and/or lunch. I somehow completely missed this fact until my fourth cruise. Oof! All cruise line apps differ, and sometimes this information isn’t immediately visible, so you may need to dig around a bit to find details of MDR hours, but it’s worth looking into, as (in my humble opinion) all MDR meals are superior to those from the buffet. 2. You Can Order Off the Kid’s Menu If you are, shall we say, a “selective eater” (as one myself, I won’t use the insulting term “picky eater”), you’ll be pleased to know that you are welcome to order off the kid’s menu at any time. The kid’s menu is sometimes not listed on the regular menu, and if you aren’t traveling with children, your wait staff won’t proactively give you one, so if you don’t see it anywhere — just ask! With this menu, you’ll find basic and dependable kid-friendly standbys such as chicken tenders, pasta, burgers, mac and cheese, and burgers. I love mac and cheese, so even when I don’t order from the kid’s menu, I’ll ask for a serving of mac and cheese on the side. Which brings me to our next secret… Want the steak entree, but it comes with mashed potatoes, which you don’t like? But darn it, the broccoli you love comes with a different entree, but one you don’t want. No worries! In the MDR you can mix and match entrees and side items, and this includes asking for items from the kid’s menu (the aforementioned mac and cheese, for example). Related: Read about the Pros & Cons of Flexible and Set Cruise Dining Options in the MDR 3. You Can Mix and Match Want the steak entree, but it comes with mashed potatoes, which you don’t like? But darn it, the broccoli you love comes with a different entree, but one you don’t want. No worries! In the MDR you can mix and match entrees and side items, and this includes asking for items from the kid’s menu (the aforementioned mac and cheese, for example). Related: Read about the Pros & Cons of Flexible and Set Cruise Dining Options in the MDR 4. You Can Take Food “To Go” While I love the MDR experience, it’s not for everyone as it can feel “stuffy” and others may not like the lengthy process, as service can take 1.5-2 hours from start to finish. Or, perhaps you don’t mind these things, but you had a long port day and you’re just tired and don’t feel like a prolonged dinner. Well… good news! You can order food to go. Wait staff will provide you with plate covers so you can take your food back to your stateroom. This is also helpful when you want to bring dessert back to your room, either because you’re too full to eat it, or you want a second serving to enjoy later. Which brings us to my final secret… 5. You Can Order Extras One of the most enjoyable aspects of the MDR is the opportunity to try new foods; sometimes exotic things such as beef tongue, squid, or escargot. But perhaps you aren’t sure if you’ll like it, and don’t want to be left hungry. Or, maybe you had a long day and just brought an extra robust appetitive with you to dinner. No worries — you can order extras! Cruisers are welcome to order more than one appetizer, entree, and/or dessert, which is also helpful, as sometimes portions can be quite small. Some cruise lines are starting to crack down on extras, though. I recently sailed MSC, and they charged $5 for an extra entree. Some of the other lines, such as Carnival, still allow for complimentary seconds, but charge for thirds. Many of them charge for seconds of the more expensive entrees, such as lobster tail on elegant night. But when in doubt, just ask. Now that you know these “secrets” of the MDR, make sure to consider and ask for them on your next cruise. And if you’re curious about the differences between MDR dining times, such as whether to choose flexible or set dining, check out my post here. Clothes featured in photo: Sparkly Ruched Dress in Red Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

An employee opens the submarine hatch.
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Oranjestad

Submarine Excursion: What to Expect with this Unique Cruise Experience

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Cruisers may hesitate to partake in a submarine excursion after the tragic implosion of the Titanic submarine in 2023. Although that was a completely different situation, tourists may wonder if a submarine or submersibles are safe. According to experts, yes they are. Here’s what you can expect if you brave a submarine excursion, or something similar, popular at port destinations such as Barbados, Cozumel, Aruba, and Bonaire. Most of the cruise lines will offer these as excursions, or you can book independently. Submarine Excursions First, get the details of your submarine excursion and read reviews before booking, as it may be a “semi-submersive” experience. My experience was the real deal — a fully submerged submarine adventure at Oranjestad, the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition. This was a great experience, but a little pricey, so now that I’ve done it once, I don’t really have a desire to do it again any time soon. If you’re claustrophobic, you’ll want to skip this one. Prepare to feel confined on a submarine excursion. Skip this one if you’re claustrophobic! On my excursion, our group met right outside the cruise port, where we were put on a water taxi and transported over to the sub. This transport took about 20 minutes each way, and then we spent approximately 90 minutes in the sub, which, for me, was more than enough time. Photos taken from a submarine will look washed out. What to Bring to a Submarine Excursion Participants don’t get wet with a submarine excursion, so you don’t need to wear or bring anything special. You’ll end up in a very cramped and confined space, as they cram tourists in, like, well — sardines in a can, so wear comfortable clothing. Getting down into the sub and back out will likely involve climbing a vertical ladder, so some degree of mobility is required, although that’s really the only physical aspect of this excursion. On my submarine adventure, our captain took us 130 feet under the surface and navigated around a couple of shipwrecks and reefs. It was really cool to float along peacefully and see what the fish see. Don’t expect vibrant colors, though, as due to the refraction of light at that depth, everything looks sort of washed out.  You likely won’t be getting any stunning, crisp photographs of marine life, but that’s okay — this one is more about the lived experience and being in the moment. Cruise Ports with Submarine Excursions My submarine adventure was in Aruba, but this is an activity offered in other Caribbean ports of call, including the following: Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition Oranjestad, Aruba “Semi-Sub” Atlantis Submarine Day Tour in Barbados Semi Submarine Bonaire Atlantis Submarine Experience in Cozumel If you aren’t claustrophobic or nervous about plunging into the depths of the ocean, this is a really cool and unique experience that I encourage everyone to try at least once. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and a bucket list achievement! Book a Submarine excursion

A couple pose on a wooden bridge en route to the hike up to Damajagua Falls in Dominican Republic
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Puerto Plata

What You Need to Know About Damajagua Falls in Dominican Republic

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Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is a popular cruise port. A well-known excursion there is Damajagua (pronounced Dah-muh-hog-wah) Waterfalls. Here are some things you should know. Damajagua Waterfalls Excursion Most of the cruise lines porting in Puerto Plata sell Damajagua Falls as an excursion, including admission and roundtrip transportation in the cost. Several independent tour operators offer this option, although cruisers do not need a formal excursion to visit Damajagua Falls. They can simply buy admission on their own. Taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive, though, so I recommend booking this as an excursion. Before booking on your own, though, be sure to check out my post about the pros and cons of independent excursions versus those sold by the cruise lines. Book Damajagua FAlls Damajagua Falls can sometimes feel overcrowded. Things You Should Know About Damajagua Waterfalls There aren’t really 27 Falls. This attraction is advertised as “the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua”, but in fact there are only around 12 waterfalls, with the rest being pools. Participants may only slide down 5-7 “waterslides”, depending upon the season and rain levels. Water shoes are encouraged, but not required. The attraction offers water shoes for rent at $3 per pair, although sizes may be limited. Whatever footwear you wear, know they will get wet and fully submerged in water. This activity is not for those with mobility limitations or who aren’t at least moderately physically fit. Participants must hike up steep hills and stairs for about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top of the “falls,” although guides do a great job of stopping periodically for rest breaks. After navigating the waterfalls, there is a 15-minute hike back to the entrance, although this is mostly on flat terrain. Participants can wear whatever they want. When I participated in this excursion, I wore a swimsuit, but others in my group wore regular clothes such as leggings and a T-shirt. Swim vests and helmets are provided and required. You may get hurt. While the guides are wonderful and do what they can to keep participants safe, this is one of those riskier excursions with a higher risk of potential injury. In my group alone, there were three injuries, albeit minor. You don’t have to jump. Participants choose how they prefer to get down from each of the waterfalls: 1) jump, 2) slide down the natural rock “waterslide” or 3) climb down a ladder. It will be crowded. This is a popular attraction, and it often runs at maximum capacity, meaning groups of up to 12-15 people are stacked up and often in the pools of water simultaneously, making things feel a little congested. You can bring your phone, but make sure it’s in a waterproof case. It’s not close to the port. Transportation to Damajagua Falls from either of the two ports in Puerto Plata will take about 30-35 minutes each way, so plan accordingly. How to Book Damajagua Falls While this is a physically demanding excursion and one that can get overcrowded, it’s still a phenomenal experience and one that was personally on my bucket list. Here’s how you can book Damajagua Falls: Book directly through your cruise line. Book in advance with an independent tour operator. Buy an excursion once you’re at the cruise port (although it may be sold out). Hire a private driver and ask him or her to take you there as one of your stops Hire a taxi and pay admission there – admission is relatively cheap, around $10 USD, although taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive. book a damajagua falls excursion Other Things to do in Puerto Plata

Red all terrain vehicles are parked on a Basseterre, St. Kitt's hillside overlooking the ocean
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, St. Kitts

What to Expect With ATV Excursion When You Cruise

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All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or utility task vehicle (UTV) excursions are popular options at many cruise ports, such as Cozuumel, Grand Turk, Costa Maya, San Juan, Aruba, and others. I’ve always had my eye on such an excursion and I finally had the opportunity to do it at a recent stop in Basseterre, St. Kitts. Cost of an ATV Excursion The cruise lines offer ATV excursions, or you can book independently. With my experience, I went with Spectrum ATV Tours, where the per-person cost is around $110, or $50 for children under age 16 who ride along with someone else. It’s important to check the requirements of your ATV excursion, as they may vary, but in my experience, the minimum age to drive an ATV was 16, and no driver’s license was necessary. What to Bring to an ATV Excursion Most ATV operators will recommend that participants wear close-toed shoes, but I wore sandals and didn’t have an issue (although close-toed shoes are definitely a much safer option). Participants with long hair should tie their hair back, because otherwise it’s an annoyance, and wearing sunscreen is strongly advised since you’ll be out in the sun for much of your experience. If the local climate has been dry, it’s wise to wear a bandana or face covering if you have one. While not required, it will help keep dust out of your face, nose, and mouth. Your tour operator will provide you with safety gear, including a helmet and glasses. Cruise Ports with ATV Excursions While my ATV excursion was in St. Kitts, this is a commonly offered activity at many cruise ports, including the following: What an ATV Cruise Excursion is Like Most operators provide tours in small groups, and ours was somewhat large, with 12 participants and three guides. They did a great job keeping everyone safe, and we had multiple stops to allow the slower drivers to catch up. We traversed some rocky hills, straightaways that allowed us to put the pedal to the metal, and a part of the path that afforded a stunning ocean view. Wildlife was abundant, which was a highlight of the excursion for me. I absolutely loved my ATV experience, although it was a bit intimidating at first since it had been years since I had driven an ATV. Many of the folks in my group were newbies, so our tour guide instructed us on how to operate the vehicle, and we took a couple of practice laps before heading off onto the path. The tour took about 3 hours, including about an hour and 45 minutes of ATV drive time, 25 minutes each way to and from the cruise port (our operator provided transportation included with the cost), and time to sign waivers and get prepared before driving off. The staff of Spectrum ATV Tours were outstanding, friendly, and always kept us safe. I knew I would get dirty, but I was surprised at the extent of it. St. Kitts was in a dry period, so I had dust all over me. If you participate in an ATV excursion, be certain to wear clothes that you don’t mind to soil. If it’s rainy, you will very likely get muddy. While it’s a filthy experience, it’s one worth doing and I loved every moment of it. I’m an active person who tends to get bored on lengthy standard group port tours, so this is right up my alley in presenting a unique way to explore a port city. Cruise ATV Excursions

Grenada Chocolate Museum
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, St. George's

Grenada Chocolate Museum: Something Free to Do at St. George’s Cruise Port

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If you’re looking for free things to do in Grenada when porting at St. George’s, I recommend visiting the Grenada House of Chocolate. Grenada isn’t a stop where the port is a destination, like Taino Bay or Grand Turk, nor is there a beach or pool accessible by foot. If you’re trying to save money on a taxi or excursion, the Grenada House of Chocolate is a free and fun option that is a short walk from the cruise terminal.  (Note: the streets of St. George’s are not accessible, so if you have mobility issues or use a wheelchair or scooter, I do not recommend navigating the town).  Grenada Chocolate Museum The Grenada House of Chocolate touts itself as a museum, but it’s really a store with some educational components. There are lots of signs and some small exhibits, but the star of the show is the free demonstration that occurs every 15-20 minutes or so, where a House of Chocolate employee describes the “bean to bar” process. The best part is that all of these things are free, and the House of Chocolate even provides free WiFi to guests. There are also bite-sized chocolate samples available, so guests can try bits of chocolate with varying percentages of cacao, up to 100%.   The Grenada House of Chocolate provides free demos to explain the “bean to bar” process. Free Things to Do in Grenada While a purchase is certainly not required, the House of Chocolate has a wide variety of food and other items for purchase. There is a gift shop with Grenada souvenirs, packaged food items (not just chocolate, but also things like honey), a broad array of chocolates, and ready-to-eat foods. This includes baked goods, hot and iced chocolate and coffee drinks, ice creams, smoothies, and more. I recommend the Grenada Cocoa Tea if you want an authentic local taste. While the locals drink it hot, an iced version features chocolate, tea, and nutmeg ice cream.  The Grenada House of Chocolate offers baked goods and specialty chocolates. I’m always on the lookout for free activities at cruise port calls, and this one also gives cruisers a great local experience and some education about the production of chocolate. Since it’s so close to port, it’s definitely worth the stop, even if you enjoy a day at the beach or on an excursion.  What to Expect at the Chocolate Museum https://youtu.be/ONrWpMmCsz0 St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as Visby Cathedral, is a significant historical and religious site. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Like many of Visby’s other historic sites, there is no entrance fee to visit the cathedral. 

Exploring Grand Turk in a Golf Cart
Caribbean, Excursions, Grand Turk

Exploring Grand Turk in a Golf Cart

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Search for Grand Turk golf cart rental, and you’ll quickly realize that this is one of the most popular ports for renting a golf cart. There are many rental options, both available officially through the cruise lines or you can go on your own with a third-party vendor to save money. If you go the latter route, note that you’ll have to walk a bit outside the confines of the Grand Turk Cruise Center. You’ll just hang a right once into port and head toward the taxi stand under the brown awning and keep on going. It’s a little bit of a hike, but you can get there on foot in less than 10 minutes. The good news is that because Grand Turk golf cart rentals are so common, there are several golf cart vendors. The bad news is that because this is such a popular way to see the island they often sell out. So, if you want to explore Grand Turk via a golf cart, do not expect to rent one on the same day. You will want to plan ahead and book in advance.  A golf cart rental in Grand Turk costs around $110. What to Expect Upon arrival, you’ll need to show your driver’s license and complete a waiver, and then you’re free to go! Most vendors will provide you with an island map, but it’s an easy space to navigate as it’s just six miles in total length, from the extreme south, where the port is located, to the extreme north. Along the way, you can visit some of these awesome locations, highlighted in my Five Things to Do in Grand Turk – Without an Excursion post. One of the things I love about the Grand Turk Cruise Center is that it’s an ideal spot for a free beach day, with a gorgeous and clean beach located right at the port. On a recent visit, I decided to see what the hype was about and explore the island beyond the boundaries of just the port area, and, wow — I had an amazing time! Cost of a Golf Cart Rental in Grand Turk We rented a cart for the day from Paradise Carts, which offers a standard four-person golf cart for about $110. They provided us with a map of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the key stops along the way, and off we went! It was a bit jarring at first, as they drive on the left-hand side of the road in Grand Turk, so we had to remain mindful of that. These carts don’t exactly burn rubber, so expect also to be passed often by drivers in cars, and you’ll encounter numerous other drivers in carts, ATVS, and all manner of other vehicles along your journey.  Cockburn Town Beach (Outfit: Acelitt sleeveless dress) Highlights of Grand Turk On the way out of port, we stopped at the colorful Grand Turk sign for a quick photo opp, then headed up the western Coast, stopping at Governor’s Beach and Pillory Beach along the way. It was very windy this day, which has often been the case on my prior visits to Grand Turk, so it wasn’t optimal for a beach day, although we did enjoy a couple of hours of sand and sun. We stopped several times to enjoy the antics of the wild donkeys, visited the quaint shops of Cockburn Town, and stopped at the famous Jack’s Shack on the way back to port. It’s amazing how much we fit into one short port call (we had to be back onboard by 3:30 PM), and this was only possible because we had the freedom and flexibility of the golf cart. While I love a good Grand Turk free beach day right at port, I’m so glad I ventured out this time to see the rest of what the island has to offer. Other Things to do in Grand Turk

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