Hydro ergo

@Milhouse, thank you so much for this detailed response! It is always so helpful to hear real life experiences from others.

yes, thank you! That occurred to me last night after I posted this.

Pretty much exactly as the title says! Wondering about doing this. Will be there at the end of October (in port on the 25th). Ship is in port from 1pm -10pm. I'm an avid hiker, my partner is reasonably fit. Are there any bus stops not too far off the route about half way? I'm wondering about taking most of the day for the adventure. Any thoughts are very welcome---love to hear about other's experiences. thank you!

Thank you @crewsweeper this is helpful. I did see a Lagoon tour on Native Choice's website, but it was a 1.5hr guided kayak and then 40 mins for lunch and 40 mins "on your own" to enjoy the lagoon. I'd love to be able to spend some more time there. It sounds like it might need to be something done on a separate trip for it to really be worth it. Have you been on Native Choice's Chacchoben tour? Or any of their tours for that matter? Any tidbits of insight for Costa Maya in general? This will be my first time at this port and I'm trying to decide what to do. I've visited Mayan ruins in Belize and it was really a fantastic trip. The site was Lamanai and a bit remote (relatively speaking). There were several temples and various other elements on the site. I like the beach, but not so much into the whole "beach club" or all-inclusive thing. thanks!

It's a start at least! Did you enjoy the ruins tour? Did they give any history or anything on the bus ride over? How was the group size? Sorry to pepper you with all the questions!

Hello! Posting this under the VV thread as I'm finding a lot of people on the Port boards aren't familiar with sailing on VV... Has anyone been on the Virgin Voyages Chaccoben Tour & Uchbenkah Lagoon Lunch shore thing while in Costa Maya? I'm trying to figure out how much time you have at each place (the ruins and then the lagoon) and see if it's worth the price. It looks like Native Choice offers basically the same tour, but one hour shorter in duration. It sounds fun, but I worry that only two hours at the lagoon (as outlined on the Native Choice site) won't be enough time to actually enjoy lunch and possibly a hop in a kayak or swim. The extra hour with VV might make it worthwhile. Just trying to get an idea of timing and other's experiences. thanks!

Hello! Has anyone been on the Virgin Voyages Chaccoben Tour & Uchbenkah Lagoon Lunch shore thing? I'm trying to figure out how much time you have at each place (the ruins and then the lagoon) and see if it's worth the price. It looks like Native Choice offers basically the same tour, but one hour shorter in duration. It sounds fun, but I worry that only two hours at the lagoon won't be enough time to actually enjoy lunch and possibly a hop in a kayak or swim. The extra hour with VV might make it worthwhile. I understand that going through the cruise line means that the group size will be larger and you'll arrive later, but hopefully this isn't awful. I've done one other excursion with VV and we were a group of about 20, and I felt that was manageable. thanks!

Thanks @cantgetin that all makes a lot of sense. I typically book cruises through a "membership retailer" and they are phenomenal to work with (and give many perks like you mentioned) but alas they don't have Virgin. I think part of the problem for me is that I don't even know where to start looking for someone and don't have the time and energy to devote to finding someone good while dealing with (and paying for) the likely less than stellar service I would get until I've built a relationship with someone. But I guess you have to start somewhere... I think I'm mostly just frustrated because of the way the system works with Virgin. Cruises are supposed to be relaxing, not hours in line and on the phone. Sorry, just a whiny tangent there!! I really do appreciate your tips and I will file those away to start seeing what's out there.

this is exactly what I'm afraid of. And Splash is sold out and we are stuck with a late boarding time! Oh well...looks like I'll be playing the hunger games (haha, no pun intended) for reservations at midnight 😕

So...what you said is what I had heard before my first (and only) cruise on Virgin. So, I didn't worry about making reservations; I was excited about the "freedom". Then I got on board and decided to make a couple key reservations...everything was full by that point, but I did luck into one open space at Test Kitchen! Figured ok, I'll do the walk up thing like everyone said. For me on an eight night cruise it worked ONCE at dinner and once at brunch...that was the first night and the first morning. Both places also told me to make reservations going forward. I tried. Every day I walked around to all the restaurants around opening time to see what they could do and every night I was told "we have nothing until 945"...it was a huge disappointment and it's why I'm stressing so much this time. The ship was only about 75% full for that sailing too, so I'm particularly worried for this one (I'm just expecting higher numbers). Maybe I just had bad luck? Maybe it's because I was solo and they prioritize groups? no idea.

This is all great info, thank you so much! Unfortunately last cruise was a debacle with a late boarding time, app not working, waiting in line at sailor services...I missed out on A LOT because of that ordeal and I think I'm traumatized from it...haha. I will have to try calling. I don't have a TA, have never used one. I'm admittedly a control freak and prefer to do everything on my own. Seems like pretty much everyone on here recommends it, but truthfully I don't really understand how they work or really how to find someone that's good. I guess that will be my next project! thank you again!

oh geez 🙄 I am with you, they need a better tech team on that app! If they expect that EVERYTHING needs to be done that way then...get it working! It's not like we even have the website as a backup (also poorly designed imo). Ok, off the rant---thank you for the heads up, this is good advice. How do you do the online chat? I've tried that but have only been able to get an AI bot recently. With my first cruise I was able to get a real human. It's also reassuring to hear it's happening to everyone...I mean...not that I want everyone to be having a rough time, but at least it's not some weird user or technical issue on my end. thank you!

yeah, trying to minimize using the app as much as possible and just making reservations! 🤣 They really need to get this part worked out... thank you!

I'm intrigued by this. I had the exact opposite happen on my cruise earlier this year. Long story, but due to the app issues everyone faces I ended up with really bad reservation times. Every time I went to a restaurant to see if they could do anything the answer was "sorry, we are totally full tonight until 945pm." Maybe because I was solo? The only time they were able to accommodate me was at the bar (which was totally fine with me) at Extra Virgin. But hopefully it's true---I'm terrified of missing out again on my upcoming cruise and really stressing about making reservations when they open because of all the app issues.

Do you know if the reservations open at midnight on the available date, or is it say 8am EST or something? I know it's going to be a headache and I missed out on my last cruise so trying to best plan for this one. Sigh...I am with you guys---I HATE this part of sailing with Virgin. I prefer relaxed cruises and eating when I feel like it...not needing to plan it all in advance, and then stress about being able to execute those plans due to technology! (you will have a wonderful time on board though)

Thank you everyone. Sounds like day 4 or 5 is most likely, which is what I figured. And yes, I know I will find out when I'm on board, but I'm trying to plan for dinner reservations. As much as I adore sailing with Virgin, I HATE the way dinner and the reservation process works. I was late to the party making reservations on my last cruise and missed out big time. Trying to avoid that from happening again.

Hi All, Trying to figure out which night will be scarlet night on our upcoming cruise. I haven't done a six-night yet, so not sure... It's the Western Caribbean Charm Here's the itinerary: Day 1: Depart Miami Day 2: Sailing Day 3: Roatan (10-7) Day 4: Costa Maya (9-6) Day 5: Sailing Day 6: Bimini (8-7) Day 7: Back at Miami Thanks much! 🙂

Thank you everyone! That is what I had feared... Honestly a bit disappointed since this is how I had planned to use just about all $600. Ah well, lesson learned! Every cruise line does things a little differently. I guess I'll look at their Sailor Loot promos very differently going forward. thank you all!

Hi All, I'm trying to book some Shore Things (excursions) for an upcoming cruise. We have $600 in sailor loot that I would like to use for this purpose. In fact, that was pretty much my only plan for using this perk. However, it looks like the app is charging my credit card when I reserve. Can this be transferred to Sailor Loot once on board, or...is it what I fear...if I pre-book an excursion I have to pay out of pocket and I can only use the Sailor Loot if I book them while on board??? Anyone have any experience with this? Any help appreciated. I tried calling, but haven't heard back yet. thanks!

How was the tour? Were you able to go? I'm booked to attend next week and would love to hear anything helpful. thanks!

Hi All, I booked my first VV cruise somewhat last minute (less than 30 days prior to sailing). I leave this Saturday and the more I read, the more I feel like I may be out of luck with a lot of the reservations that open "as soon as you are on ship wifi." As expected, all the advance dinner reservations have been taken. I know a lot more open on board and there's always a walk up option. I'm sailing solo and I can be flexible, so I'm less worried about that. However, it seems like a LOT of other things require sign up once on board...shows, fitness classes, etc etc. Do I have any chance of getting any of these with a 230 boarding time or should I just plan to have to be in a standby line for everything? This sounds a bit negative, I'm not meaning to...just trying to manage my expectations and get an idea of what to expect! I've cruised many times before on other lines, this will be my first with Virgin. thanks! T

hm...that is precisely the time I prefer to eat at "the Galley" (buffet on other lines)! I'll be sailing my first VV cruise leaving this weekend. Is it really faster to eat breakfast in one of the restaurants on a port morning? I'm a little disappointed reading this thread in general. The whole point of the Galley or a buffet or whatever similar set up is to be quick and easy. This sounds like it's just going to be frustrating. As a solo traveler, I don't always feel like the production of a restaurant meal. I'm looking forward to the cruise, but curious to see how this all shakes out...

This is really helpful, thank you! I'm not trying to board early, so that's not an issue. I just like the peace of mind of being at the terminal with time to spare. And then I am content to read a book and it sounds like I will do so in the comfort of my car until boarding time...standing around in a line isn't suprer enjoyable. thank you!

ha! this was exactly my concern! 🤣 In all seriousness, thank you for the reply. I do the same---appear confident and like I know where I am/what I'm doing and pay attention to your surroundings and you're usually just fine. But I always like to check, just in case there is that "one part of town."

Hi All, Like others have said, I'm having a hard time finding any information about St. Croix. I'm travelling as a solo female and trying to see if it's safe to just walk around the city a bit? Would it be safe to take a cab ride (again, solo) to Rainbow Beach and then be there alone? It sounds like that beach is pretty popular, but you just never know. Having a hard time getting a "vibe" for St. Croix. ANY information would be most appreciated! thank you!