TravelingCircusof5

We’re on Beyond (center SV) April 2024- no loungers. We don’t have them and the SVs on either side of us don’t have them. I asked immediately and was told no “we don’t”. It wasn’t an issue of a tip because I was not given the chance to tip before the idea was shut down. One year ago, same ship, we had them without needing to ask. MY theory is that having loungers on SV keeps people satisfied without needing to upgrade to a suite. It definitely dampened the benefit of an SV for us since the tiny chairs are impossible to get comfortable in for more than just a quick look around. (Napping, reading, sunning was not nearly as lovely as it was for us last year with the loungers.) It may have backfired though bc the more they take away things we enjoyed, the less likely i am to spend MORE money the next time. It may be back to land vacays.

I am the OP. I bought it when it was on a very good sale because it would upgrade 2 devices to premium wifi (for each of us- have to purchase one per person.) and the priority luggage at embark/ disembark- for less than premium wifi. The (limited) reserved searing for shows and free room service will be bonus if we used them. We have a sunset verandah, and they tried every email offer to get us to upgrade to a suite, which I ignored, so they sent this on sale. If in a suite, i don’t see much value.

I purchased the Premium Access when it was on sale. It is listed as ‘reserved’ on packages when I log in, but it is not on my cruise docs or luggage tags. Since priority luggage and priority boarding are some of the perks, shouldn’t it be listed somewhere? Our cruise is only a few days away. TIA

How and when does one get the assigned boarding time? Is it when you pay off your final payment (so earlier is better?) or when you fill out online check in?

I am really enjoying all the opinions and info re: Cococay. Thanks everyone

OP here. To clarify, I don’t mind spending some money on the island. I would spend $ on an excursion elsewhere. I was just surprised at all the separate fees. I would have to call later and see about switching our ressie- see what we would lose. I booked directly with X and we do have tips in our AI that we wouldnt get now.

Any thoughts on A Perfect Day at Cococay? We’re booked on an Eastern Caribbean this spring, and I am considering switching to a 5 night Western Cococay instead, for the same week. We’ve done the EC itinerary several times, on X and DCL, and I do like it, but we have been disappointed in the excursions in the past, and there are almost none offered or available for our upcoming cruise. As for private islands, we have loved DLC’s Castaway Cay and am interested in trying Cococay. Are they comparable? Seems like there is a lot of negative sentiments on here for Coco, but no specifics. It does look like everything has an extra fee, which is surprising. The reason for wanting to try Cococay is that I am imagining a more relaxed day at the beach without transportation stress or overly-aggressive beach vendors. Does that sound like what it is? We would also save $2000 if we switched itineraries.

How are the beach vendors and massage ladies at Divi? Last year at Orient beach, on an official excursion, we were absolutely swarmed the entire time we were there.

Yes, that would be great for 11 day to Iceland. Maybe one day i will have more flexibility for scheduling when the deals pop up.

My husband and I were just saying how we hear people say that they get such great prices on cruises. Where are the deals? I certainly don’t know where! We’ve only done 4 cruises over the years, but this year and next year, our X cruises for 1 week Caribbean non- suite is almost $5000 for two. Doesn’t ever seem like a bargain.

Ok, thanks. So, deposit is lost either way, and after 90 days out, more is lost. That does help the decision. Mostly i am trying to decide whether to pay 50% more for CFAR clause in case something comes up with our high school son, not sailing. One more question: if we needed to Lift and Shift dates for $100, are the deadlines the same as the cancellation? I don’t know why X can’t explain these things more clearly. I honestly took out a magnifying glass to look at my reservation docs, but can’t be sure of the answers.

I am confused by the seemingly conflicting statements about cancellation. (I do not want to cancel. I am weighing out which trip insurance options I need.) I did not opt for the “pay extra for a refundable deposit.” The docs say “$500 deposit non refundable.” But they also list out fees lost by the date schedule: “89-75 days before departure 25%”, etc. So what happens if cancelled before 90 days out? Lose $500 or no?

What if I purchased All Included on my 2024 cruise, followed these steps, and it shows ‘No orders’? Should I be concerned? Or does it not show up for a while? I DO wish X would make it easier to decode their offers and see what one has actually purchased.

Not different than when i booked, as I didn’t check exact times upon booking, but different than I have normally experienced, which were late afternoon or evening departures- not 3:00. And the 3:30 arrival at PR really surprised me. I was expecting a full day before the sun went down. I guess they are trying to fit it all in. Oh well. Will have to plan accordingly.

Just noticed the actual times for our ports. Do these time seem strange? The Puerto Rico times and St Thomas times especially will make it hard to see and do much. Why are we leaving St Thomas so early? SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO Arrive 3:30 PM depart 10:30 PM St Maarten arr 10:00 depart 7:00 St Thomas arr 7:00 depart 3:00 Puerto Plata arr 11:00 depart 6:00