embellish

With day-pass privileges at the Marriott, are the chaise lounges limited to poolside or can you use the lounges on the beach as well? Ideally, I’d like to be beachside with an umbrella, even if I need to pay a little extra. Thank you. 

On 8/31/2023 at 8:36 PM, Arzeena said:

We have always booked direct with the Marriott. They mostly asked to just show up the day of. Once or twice they have taken our names down, but never an advance payment. Very short ride from the cruise dock.

There are far better beaches in Curacao, but this is good for a day pass kind of thing, with pool and food. We also liked the day pass at what was once the Curacao Hilton (its called something else now), a block or so before it.

Apologies if this question has already been answered: With the Marriott Resort Pass, are the lounge chairs provided beachside, poolside, or your choice? Ideally, I’d like to have a beachside lounge chair with an umbrella. I am fine paying extra, but just want to know if it’s doable. Many thanks. 

• Deck - Penthouse
  
• Cabin # - 1610
  
• Class – Aqua Class
  
• Starboard or Port Side - Starboard
  
• Bed near?(balcony or bath) – Bath
  
• Quiet Cabin (With comments on problems. Note if connecting. ) – Relatively quiet; however, at times you could hear noise from the Resort Deck directly above
  
• Balcony View - Give comments on view, noting if location of any obstructions was an issue. – As 1610 is one one of the ship's "bump-outs," it has a great forward and starboard side view
  
• Balcony Size? Normal or oversized for class? - Oversized for class with an angled railing; however, not outfitted with additional furniture, e.g. chaise lounge
  
• Was wind a problem? No
  
• If an aft cabin, was soot a problem? N/A
  
• Any specific problems with this cabin? None noted at time of sailing
  
• Any other comments? Considering the extra large balcony and the stateroom's proximity to the elevators (which are shielded with barrier doors for soundproofing), if you're going for Aqua Class it's a great choice. In addition, it is abuts one of the ship's Royal Suites; however, does not adjoin it.
  

Whichever route you choose to get to Atlantis, you'll be happy. My review was more about a recommendation of the Atlantis Aquaventure experience and far less about the road to get there. For me it was worth it to spend a little extra to have it all taken care of in advance so I could maximize my time at Atlantis. The lunch was equivalent to about $15 per person. The Comfort Inn will probably work out a bit cheaper, but I always like to factor in the value of my time in these equations. Whatever you decide to do, you'll enjoy the Aquaventure.

Reviews are beginning to emerge on this fairly new, Nassau shore excursion option and this one is testimonial from one booked directly through Carnival. Given that there were only two in our party, we debated whether to partake in the Atlantis Aquaventure via the booking of a room at the Comfort Suites or through the cruise line’s shore excursion desk. We opted for the latter and had no regrets.

The per person charge was $149, which seemed steep initially, but considering all that it included, ended up being a pretty decent value. To wit:

• Roundtrip ferry transportation, which had a set 9:15 a.m. departure and on the half-hour return options through 5:00 p.m. so that you could return when you wanted. You can remain at Atlantis beyond 5:00 p.m., but are responsible for your own return transportation should you opt to do this.
  
• Admission to Atlantis Aquaventure and the Dig (guided tour if you wish), including all water slides, pools, beaches, and shower and changing facilities.
  
• Towels and use of chaise lounges.
  
• Complimentary bottle of water upon arrival.
  
• Lunch from your choice of one of three poolside concession stands.
  

What is not included:

• Locker rental (largest locker is $10; smaller lockers go for less).
  
• Additional food and beverages beyond those delineated above.
  

If you avail yourself of the Atlantis Aquaventure experience via the booking of a room at the Comfort Suites, you would be responsible for your own transportation to and from the ship as well as your lunch.

The Atlantis Aquaventure is a well-executed water park attraction with myriad activities and slides suited to a variety of age and adventure levels. One could also just relax by one of the pools or beaches; however, a more affordable shore excursion might be a better pick if relaxation is the only desire. If adventure and fun is the priority, this is the excursion for you.

Based on personal experience, I recommend commencing with the various water slides upon arrival, when the sun is not yet directly overhead and the lines are shorter. That being said, given the vast number of water slides, the waiting lines were never excessively long. When you’re ready for a break, the lazy river is a nice interlude and takes about half an hour to fully traverse. Having exhausted the water slide and lazy river options in the morning, we had lunch and then relaxed by one of the pools for a few hours. The chaise lounges have a canopy option should you want to escape the full sun. We concluded the day by walking through the Dig, (a huge indoor aquarium) which was enjoyable, air-conditioned, and near where you need to exit. Pleasantly exhausted, we took the 4:00 p.m. ferry back to the port.

Considering Celebrity's Pre-Night stay in Anchorage with a next day transfer to Seward. The choices for the transfer are either motorcoach or train; however, Celebrity was unable to provide the Anchorage departure time for each option. All things being equal, I'd rather go with whichever option departs closer to noon on the day of sailing. Has anyone taken these options who can provide their estimated ETDs?