Ann from SC

My opinion is that any slot pull winnings will be the winnings of the slot pull organizer whose card is in the machine...and, if that person is American, then yes, those winnings will be subject to income tax by the IRS.  The slot pull organizer will have to pay taxes on those winnings, so it is reasonable for him to withhold funds to cover those taxes from the winnings.  

Also, I speculate that the organizer of the slot pull will not want to relinquish his card in the machine to, for example, a Canadian, because he wants to further his status in the Blue Chip Club and possibly earn free cruising.  

4 minutes ago, OCMD Girl said:

@PORT ROYAL  Which catamaran cruise did you book with Elegance - group or private?

I sailed with them on December 3 on the recommendation of Port Royal.  It was a group sail, but the owner allows a maximum of 12 passengers, I believe.  There were only 9 passengers and 3 crew when we sailed.  I join Port Royal in highly recommending them!  Great day!!

On 11/3/2022 at 3:29 PM, PORT ROYAL said:

So kind of you to acknowledge one’s suggestion and follow through.  One is touched.

 

For the money, as you say in the USA “It’s the best bang for the buck” in Barbados.

Feel there could be a “let’s do this again” thought post sail.

Know you’ll have a great time….. Enjoy…

 

Thanks again for your suggestion of Elegance Catamaran Cruises. We had an absolutely wonderful day with them today and join you in highly recommending them!

Have you been on your cruise yet?  I am also looking for info on the water taxis in Buzios.

Tall22 and Port Royal, Cosol came through for me!  The tour is leaving at 1030.  Maybe there weren’t other passengers from other ships booked…not really sure…but very pleased!  Port Royal, wasn’t really interested in a speed boat, but appreciate your help once again!  

17 minutes ago, Tall22 said:

I haven't been able to cruise in about four years due to health issues and then COVID but in my many earlier cruises the tour operators adjusted their times based on when the ships arrived. This time several have said this is our departure time, period. If your ship isn't here, too bad. I would have thought they were in more need of business. At least with Cosol you don't have to pay ahead of time so if you can't make it, you don't lose your money.

I’m sure they would adjust if ours was the only ship with passengers on the tour.  However, the tour may have others already booked from other ships that will be in port earlier.  I have asked Cosol if there are any other options for me and am awaiting a response.  Thanks 😊 

5 minutes ago, Tall22 said:

I will try to remember to let you know!

Just after I made that post to you, I received a response from a tour operator in another port which led to me learning that the arrival time in four of my ports have been moved to a later time!  Now I won’t be arriving in St Lucia until 10 AM.  So disappointing!  

On 10/29/2022 at 3:46 PM, Tall22 said:

The info I received from Cosol states meeting time is 9:20 and our itinerary says we dock at 9:00. I am concerned that that does not allow enough time to disembark and make it to the meeting spot. I asked Cosol if there was a difference between ship time and local time that would allow enough time to make it and their response was just that we would have enough time. Do you have any additional info regarding the times and if there is any possible problem with making it to the meeting place on time? Thanks!

I am in the process of booking a tour with Cosol in St Lucia in early December.  The Celebrity Infinity also docks at 9am and meeting time is 920.  Would love to hear how it works out for you.  Enjoy your cruise!  Thanks!

On 9/8/2022 at 12:38 PM, PORT ROYAL said:

There is nothing, except duty free shops, within the port area.  
Outside the dock gates to the left across the roundabout (be prepared to run the gauntlet of over eager cab drivers seeking a fare), there used to be a selection of okay, nothing outstanding,  independent shops running from the roundabout to the bus depot.  
As it appears you’re not enamoured with the land based sights etc of ship tour offerings, then for something very special, take an Elegance Sail with a good lunch and drinks etc.  Book early as they sell out quickly.  
https://www.elegancebarbados.com/sailing-excursions-in-barbados/

Came across your recommendation while searching for something to do in Barbados in early December and booked.  Thanks for the tip!

Mrs f, thanks for the info.  Ah, a hotel…that makes sense 😊.  I was able to get in touch with Gus last night and he agreed to take us to the airport for an extra $60 charge.  I am sure we will need the long walk after all the cruise food.  I was happy to read your recommendation and am glad we have him booked.  I think I will feel safe in his hands.  Happy travels!

On 3/13/2021 at 6:27 AM, Mrs f. said:

Our Oceania cruise in December 2019 ended in Rio. Same thing. Flight didn't leave till 11 pm.  We used the most  wonderful tour guide...Augusto Guimares.....he goes by TOUR GUIDE GUS if you look him up.   gusguide@hotmail.com

 

I had booked him for2 of us but then he mentioned there was room for another couple in his car. That was maybe $50 more. I went to our roll call and found 2 delightful  ladies travelling  together, who joined us.  

 

Gus picked us up with our luggage...stopped briefly to a badge where he knew they would hold our luggage (A friend probably) and we spent the day touring. Gud told us how to book our Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer tickets.  We wanted to end with a Brazilian dinner that Locals, not tourists, might go go. Ended by picking up luggage and he dropped us at airport.....note if you have any mobility  issues, ask for a wheelchair. I got talked into one and it was the best thing I did.  Very long walk to our gate. Wheelchair also got us across very long line to check our papers or whatever.

 

We have been in communication  with Gus several times during covid. Brazil is doing badly. All the guides can use any jobs that will come their way.

Hi Mrs f,

SC native here.  Husband, originally from NJ, and I have booked Gus for our disembarkation day in December.  Our situation is similar in that our flight home is around 10 PM.  I have been concerned about the amount of luggage we will have because it was my understanding that he drives a sedan.  I am interested in your experience regarding luggage, but am not sure what you mean by "stopped briefly to a badge."  Also, what size was his vehicle that held five people and luggage?  I am glad to hear that he was willing to drop you off at the airport.  Would appreciate if you could give me a few more details regarding your experience with him, particularly regarding luggage.  Thanks!

On 12/26/2019 at 12:43 AM, jasonfromohio said:

We sailed on the Carnival Horizon and spent the day in Aruba December 19th getting into Port at 9 AM. We originally booked a day resort for me and my wife for $169 - I placed a $15 deposit. On arrival we needed to pay a taxi ride $24 each way to the Resort. We decided to just take the Bus to a beach instead based on another cruisers advice. Let me tell you - this was great. All the beaches in Aruba are Beautiful and Free for public use. So we asked around and were told the Marriott was a great spot. 

 

Bus Pass - $5 per person for round trip transport. Bus Stop just across street from cruise port. Buses run every 20 minutes. 

 

We boarded the bus and arrived at the Marriott in 20 minutes. There were 2 stops before this and other cruisers went to Eagle Beach. 

 

We walked right through the lobby - onto a beautiful beach with Free Beach Chairs and Covered Umbrella type shelters all over.  We spent about 4 hours on this beautiful beach. There is a full service bar on site also with Happy Hour specials and some food items. 

 

Total cost was $10 for 2 of us - plus my $15 deposit I cant get back.  

 

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a day at the beach in Aruba. It was inexpensive, easy transportation , and a beautiful beach. 

I wonder if you just got lucky and they assumed that you either were a hotel guest or had paid for a day pass. 

On 1/23/2020 at 9:02 AM, Hatteras51 said:

There are a lot of good sunset tours. Many include snorkeling but that's optional.  The best is Black Pearl and they book months in advance.  Others include Depalm, Red Sail, Octopus, Tranquilo, Midushi, and Jolly Pirates.

Thanks for the recommendation of Black Pearl.  Just booked it for 
this May!

On 1/12/2019 at 6:15 PM, willowvacay said:

I appreciate you following along on my review, I hope you found it helpful/informative.  Thanks!

Great review!  Thanks!

Cruising on the Dream in about a week with our granddaughters, 8 & 15.  Our only other Disney Cruise was on the Fantasy when the older grand was 9.  Our favorite line is Celebrity. 

Thanks for all this info!

I just happened to have spoken with Celebrity earlier this evening, and was told that you can bring "as much as you can hand-carry" of nonalcoholic beverages on-board, along with two bottles of wine per cabin. I forgot to clarify whether there was any distinction between cans and bottles. (Carnival will allow sodas only in cans.) The cut-and-paste posted earlier indicating that non-alcoholic beverages are prohibited must be an outdated policy. IMO Celebrity needs a new webmaster as their website leaves much to be desired.

Yes I would suggest a cab direct between Mendenhall and the whale watch. I don't know the current situation but in the past you could buy a one way shuttle ticket, you may want to inquire if this is still available?

 

The 2 cab companies that I have used, with good service is Capital and Evergreen. Yes you can arrange this ahead for a pick up.

 

No, I was suggesting the Trail of Time in addition to Nugget Falls, you also may want to take some time at Steep Creek if salmon is running.

 

This recommendation gives you plenty of time at Mendenhall and for the transfer. Do verify the exact marina/slip, with H&M and check in with them by phone, now, and day of tour, informing them if you do this. You don't want them waiting for you, or think you are a no show etc.

Thanks!

some facts, there is no need to prebook any Mendenhall shuttle bus tickets. Walk up is simple and just taking the first available bus. Also you have a case just as I describe above, you are backtracking and needlessly adding hour for, really nothing. That time could be enjoyed at Mendenhall. I would also suggest the Trail of Time- which has new descriptive signage It's a simple arrangement to just have a pick up at Mendenhall by cab, and go direct to the whale watch.

Budget Queen, thanks for your expertise. I had pre-booked the Blue Bus in hopes of saving the minutes of finding the kiosk and purchasing the ticket. Is your suggestion, then, to arrange for a cab to pick us up at the pier, then take us to Mendenhall, and later pick us up and take us directly to Harv and Marv's. As it stands now, H&M is picking us up at the cruise ship pier. We would, in your scenario, have the cab take us directly to the H&M dock? I believe I can cancel Blue Bus up to 48 hours ahead. Can I book a cab now to avoid panic the morning of? Do you have any suggestions for a cab company? Our scheduled port arrival is 8 am and H&M begins at 1130.

You're recommending Trail of Time as an alternative to the walk to Nugget Falls? I will look into that.

Thank you again!

We are pre-booked on the Blue Bus with M&M Tours for Saturday, 8/5/17, with plans to hopefully catch the earliest 8 am bus to Mendenhall, walk to Nugget Falls, and then take the 1030 bus back to the pier, in order to pick up our 1130 whale watch with Harv & Marv's. Because it's a Saturday, I don't believe the busses run in the afternoon; our whale watch tour runs until about 4 pm. I was worried about waiting on a cab with a schedule that tight. Hopefully, this will work for us. The more I read here, the more I learn. I certainly would change some of the planning decisions I have made along the way...but I know, despite that, that my first trip to Alaska will be great!

Yes we are on the Island Princess. We leave this Saturday to spend a few days on Vancouver island and in Vancouver then board the ship next Wednesday. Look forward to meeting you on this tour!

We are leaving Monday and will spend two nights in Vancouver. I wonder if Dyea Dave will have more than one tour to Emerald Lake that day.

Consider joining the roll call for our cruise. It's surprisingly small. I'd love to hear what other excursions you selected and whether you are going on the 4-night land portion following the cruise.

Happy to read so many glowing reviews of DYEA Dave's tour. We are booked on the Emerald lake tour on August 6th.

So are we! Will you be on Island Princess?

I emailed Harv and Marv this morning re: our reservations for whale watch and interest in Mendenhall. Here is their response:

 

"Unfortunately, due to changes in permitting and regulations by the US Forest Service, we can no longer pick up or drop off at the Mendenhall Glacier. You can schedule a taxi ahead of time or call when you arrive, the two main companies that service the glacier are Evergreen Taxi - 907-586-2121 / www.evergreentaxi.com and Juneau Taxi & Tours - 907-789-1111 / www.juneau.cab

 

If you would like to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, there are a few of options:

 

Visit the Glacier prior to the whale watch and take a taxi from the Glacier to the harbor that we leave from. We will provide transportation back to the ship.

​You can take a taxi from Auke Bay Harbor to the Glacier, and then take either a taxi or the Glacier shuttle back to the ship.

You can take the Glacier shuttle to and from the Glacier prior to or following your tour. ​"

 

Thanks,

Kayla

 

--

Harv & Marv's Reservations Team

Kayla B., Colleen, & Kayla F.

PO Box 32825

Juneau, AK 99803

907-209-7288 or 866-909-7288

www.harvandmarvs.com

Good info. Thanks!

Seeking opinions/advice

 

I am in Juneau from 11 - 9 p.m.

 

I am booked on Harv & Marv Whale watch at 11:30. Will I have enough time to do Mendenhall/Nugget Falls too.

 

Will Harv & Marv drop us off at the Mendenhall Glacier?

 

If so, are there taxis/shuttle buses I can ride back to the ship? How much would it be?

What did you end up doing? We are in the same situation. Juneau on August 5 from 8 am to 9 pm. Harv and Marv from 1120-4 pm. Trying to fit in Mendenhall. Two other couples not on whale watch, but possibly would be interested in Mendenhall. Hope you had a fantastic trip! Thanks!

(Oh, Harv and Marv specifically say they don't stop at the glacier, only at Brotherhood Bridge photo view point.)

My research led me to Harv and Marv's 14 passenger boat, which I am looking forward to on Aug 5.

Dreading packing for my Aug 2 Princess cruise-tour...but then again, I always dread packing. No clue at this point what I am taking. It will be especially interesting as I am returning from a Bahama cruise only 6 days before I leave for my Alaska cruise. What was I thinking? :)