99florida

I would not use the orange shirt drivers. We told him the beach we wanted to go to and what we were looking for and he convinced us to use the beach that he was taking others to. When we arrived there we knew that the beach was not for us, so we told him we wanted to go somewhere else. He said I will be back in a couple hours and left us there. We went up from Ffyes beach to a restaurant and told them we wanted a taxi and the server got us a different taxi co. He took us the Jolly beach which is more what we were looking for and told us he would be back to get us at a certain time and he was there. Go further in at the cruise port and use the gray van taxis not the orange shirt ones. Fast talkers and they drop you off at beaches that have people that they know renting our chairs and umbrellas whether it is where you want or not. Ffrye beach was beautiful, but not what we wanted. Jolly beach was beautiful and just what we wanted

Not knowing much about Antigua's beaches, can you share with me the difference between the two, taxi cost for two to either, and how about food, drinks, prices, and bathroom/shower facilities?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Leaving on a cruise in 3 weeks and it's time to plan and make final decisions. Thanks :)

What is the link to the face book page? Thanks

I'm not exactly sure but if you type in Royal Caribbean Cruise Line you should have no problems. You'll need to request to join before you can aske, answer, or share. :)

Its 3 or 5 night. You get to choose the night(1st or 2nd) for the first restaurant, but not the restaurant itself. After that first night you are free to book the remaining however you want.

And whatever dining venue? For example, a 5 night pkg is purchased. We choose the 1st night to dine and time. The choose my restaurant. The othe 4 dining nights are my choice of nights, the, and where? So I could choose Chops for the other 4 remaining nights. Not that we would (that's a lot of beef), but it allows me the freedom if we have a favorite(s) over other places to dine.

Serenade only has 3 so choices and change are limited.

Am I understanding you correctly? :):confused::)

Serenade had 20% off for D+/PC on the Dec. 23, 2015 cruise

Thanks for the info and we are actually sailing on the Serenade in March. This might entice us to purchase as $600 x 2 = a lot of $$$ so 20% does help that bill.

Who or where do you go to inquire if it's available?

Just wondering if you show your card that shows your status level to any bar tender and purchase there......:)

Yes, Serenade offers 3 and 5 night dining packages available online or on Day 1 of the cruise. They also had the 10 drink punch card but it didn't show up until mid cruise in Dec.

Thanks for the quick response. Do you know if the 5 night package requires you to do all three restaurants or can you choose whatever dining experience you want?

Can you pick the 4th & 5th night at the same dining venue?

Thanks for your help. Greatly appreciated......:)

On an RCCL Facebook page people are saying that some ships are trying the discount over as a perk to the above status levels.

Can anyone confirm if this is fleet wide or to be soon?

Some are stating 20% off Diamond, 30% off Diamond Plus, and 40% off Pinnicle with the big all inclusive drink packages.

If this is true, it would be a good perk and an incentive to reach these status levels.

Does any one know if they offer the 10 coupon drink package on their 10 day sailings? I read these are being offered on various ships but not offered until around day 3/4 into the cruise.

How about the 5 night three speciality restaurants for $100. In regards to being able to pick which one(s) that you could do twice or even three times?

Go to screw spa! Very relaxing hot sulphur pools in the rainforest. It is awesome.

Does this natural spa smell like eggs?

Check out BlueSararis on Trip Advisor. They are fantastic! Kirsten, Fab, & Sander are the absolute best!

 

We've done there snorkel, speed boat, full drinks and lunch (6hrs) 4 times with our last one taking their Anguilla trip.

 

I can not say enough about them.

 

We stayed on the island of St Maarten for a week this past summer and did two boat tour/trips with them.

 

Check them out and see for yourself.

 

They are so accommodating for all age groups and the lunch is nothing but FANTASTIC!

I also forgot to mention that not only do you have 3 snorkel stops, but that on this water tour the explain a lot about the island with numerous highlight stops on both the Dutch and French side. You also get approx. a 1 hour Pinel Island visit where Orient Beach is on the horizon, and Maho Beach being the last visit to see a jumbo jet land before heading back to the ship. Such awesome fun memorable memories to be had.

Hubby and I sailing Eastern Carib in November. Not booking excursions thru the ship so need some suggestions as what there is to do. Saw some postings about Capt Bob in St. Maarten - any other suggestions?? What about Coco Cay?

Check out BlueSararis on Trip Advisor. They are fantastic! Kirsten, Fab, & Sander are the absolute best!

We've done there snorkel, speed boat, full drinks and lunch (6hrs) 4 times with our last one taking their Anguilla trip.

I can not say enough about them.

We stayed on the island of St Maarten for a week this past summer and did two boat tour/trips with them.

Check them out and see for yourself.

They are so accommodating for all age groups and the lunch is nothing but FANTASTIC!

I am very impressed with my review of the Carnival website and its Carnival Vista presentation. For RLLC & Disney fans, this ship may prove to be a game changer: as many of us (whom often pay much higher pricing) will be tempted to try this new budget friendly ship.

 

It looks as though we are entering a time of the "Classy Carnival" as the line strives to improve itself, from inside and out. It is hard for me, to put into words, how impressed I am of this amazing vessel!

 

Based on what I have reviewed online, I have a few questions for comment, by Royal & Disney fans; based on the list below.

 

To start off with, the Dining and activities being offered do seem amazing: I hope all goes as well, as projected!!

 

The New Havana rooms are impressive with their own semiprivate Club & pool. The suites with their hammocks and the special decorating used, look really great.

 

The family Harbor staterooms seem inspired (perhaps a recreation, for Disney guests) of Disney's Boardwalk, and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club. The special benefits included, such as a Family VIP Lounge and "free children's meals, with specialty dining", is a great, money saving concept!

 

My prediction is that the Carnival Vista will be a serious potential threat to both Disney (all ships in the line) and Royal's full fleet, including Quantum/Oasis/Freedom/Navigator class vessels!!

 

SO my question is, would you consider the Vista, if the price was lower or the same offered by Disney or Royal? What are your thoughts on the new product being offered?

 

 

 

http://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships...val-vista.aspx

 

There are several areas where Carnival, is seriously stepping up their game and may give Royal C&R members pause:

 

1. The New Havana State rooms/suites with a hammock & special private pool and indoor/outdoor VIP Club Lounge.

 

2. Family Harbor stateroom/suites that are nautically decorated, with a Private VIP Family Lounge, Plus "kids eat free in specially Dining".

 

3. Spa level stateroom/suites, which include full spa facilities.

 

4. Fantastic sounding dining options, which Specialty Dining sound much better than Royal's current offering.

 

5. Traditional dining is kept on, with NO mention of any Dynamic intensions!!

 

6. Wonderful outdoor spaces with a full hanging obstacle course.

 

7. Very attractive main lobby with a more Latin traditional feel.

 

I could go on, but the ship looks real special; this coming from someone who was not into Carnival, but I need to give credit, where credit is due!!

Being Diamond Plus, I've sailed many times. Did Carnival twice ~ 1st time was to the Caribbean back in the mid 80's. Shows were great, like the ship (back in the day), but the clientele did lack class. Many years later I game them a try again to Alaska and that was a welcoming change. I think b/c party people are not going to Alaska. Had a great time. However, I do still hear about the crowd that they draw. I have to say that RCCL is drawing some of the same now too so, I guess it has to do with time of sailing, where you are sailing, and length of cruise. I am impressed with Carinval's new ship and the layout. Looks very inviting and now with RCCL pricing going up almost 40% with drinks, and the perks given haven't changed much for being enticed, I am tempted to give Carnival's new ship a try. Heck why not? :)

Yesterday, I had just missed a call from the corporate office in Miami. They left a message stating that they see that I was leaving for a quick getaway on the Enchantment on Monday with two RCCL member friends. I have been Diamond Plus now for the past 5/6 cruises and this was the first time that I have ever had a call from them wishing me a wonderful trip.

How odd is that? At first I thought that that the Upgrade Fairy was calling but it was not. Why call?

Has this ever happened to anyone before?

Were they calling to offer me an upgrade and then when I was not there to receive the call they just wished me a Bon Voyage?

Thanks but why would they waste their time on such a frivolous call? Not trying to sound ungreateful but really?///:confused:

Any other thing we should do? see ? on this ship?

If they have the White Out Dance Party, I would recommend attending. That's if you like to get involved and dance. :)

Adventure OTS - Mercedes LaFuente began November 23 until when? then who?

 

Allure OTS - Joff Eaton from January 18 until March 1. (Who is filling in March 1 until April 19? Jerome Sueur?) Jerome Sueur will do all of the European cruises (April 19 thru Oct 25) since he is fluent in 5 languages. He is the new regular CD on Allure until further notice.

 

Anthem OTS - Joff Eaton will be taking out the ship and continuing on as its regular CD. Ken Rush will also be onboard for the first 6-8 weeks doing behind the scenes duties to provide a smooth take out

 

Brilliance OTS - Rob McNally began on December 16 for 2 months. Clo O'Connor returns in mid-February.

 

Enchantment OTS - Marc Walker January 19 until March 13. Who will be covering Marc's paternity leave March 13 through April 17? Marc returns from paternity leave on April 17 until May 18. Who is covering Marc's vacation May 18 through July 13? Marc returns from his vacation on July 13.

 

Explorer OTS - Leigh Xuereb returned Nov 1st until the ship enters drydock in March 2015 (Erky from Turkey will fill-in as CD for the Feb 12-21 sailing while Leigh attends a conference). After the ship returns to service, Keith Williams will be the CD. (Leigh has been reassigned to Indy).

 

Freedom OTS - Dru Pavlov from December 7 for approx. 2 months. Casey Pelter expects to return to Freedom after his break sometime in early-February.

 

Grandeur OTS - Mitch Merucci from October 16 until February 13. Andre the Activities Manager takes over for the February 13th sailing only. Then, Dan Whitney from February 23 until April 28. Mitch will return from his break on April 28 for 4 months..

 

Independence OTS - Jamie Fentiman started November 10 through February 22, then Ricky Matthews February 22 through April 11, then Leigh Xuereb begins on April 11 for 4 months. Leigh is the new permanent CD on Indy!

 

Jewel OTS - Dennis Charles started January 24 for two months, then John Blair

 

Legend OTS - Paul Rutter started January 16

 

Liberty OTS -Luke Aerowsmith began on September 28 until mid-February, then Dru Pavlov. Luke will return in April after a 2 month break.need exact handover dates

 

Majesty OTS - Carlos Torres (need dates)

 

Mariner OTS - Ken Jones started November 27 until April(then who?)

 

Navigator OTS - John Perry started November 16 until March. He will be returning for another 4 month contract in May. *exact dates?* Who will be covering John's break from March through May?

 

Oasis OTS - Ricky Matthews November 29 until January 24, then Drew Devine returns January 24 through May 23, then Ricky Matthews returns May 23 through July 25

 

Quantum OTS - Ken Rush beginning Jan 23 to fill-in until Jimmy Rhodes returns from his break need date)

 

Radiance OTS - Amy Fickert started November 5 for approx. 4 months, then who? (Paul Rutter?)

 

Rhapsody OTS - Graham Seymour from October 3rd through Jan 28, 2015. Tim Connor will be filling in from January 28 through March 29. Graham will return from his break on March 29 through early August.

 

Serenade OTS - John and Katrina Blair September 29 until January 31 (then Bill Brunkhorst until February 28?)

 

Splendour OTS - Michelle Pimentinha for the Brazilian season. Bobby Brown's next contract is on Splendour (need dates)

 

Vision OTS - Steve Davis from December 12 until April 11, then who?

 

Voyager OTS - Chris Brown (former activities manager) started December 7th until ship returns to Singapore in mid-March.

 

Carly Boileau has semi-retired, but will return as a fill-in CD from time-to-time

Rich Edwards is currently recovering from surgery and resting at home. He will be returning in April 2015.

Allan Brooks left Royal Caribbean to take a position in Celebrity corporate office.

Richard Spacey is a CD with Celebrity

Becky Thompson works for Celebrity Cruises in their corporate offices in Miami.

Dave Chapman has left RCCL. He is taking an extended break, and then he will be moving over to another cruiseline.

James Andrews is a real estate agent in Sydney

Mike Szwajkowski is a Canadian Mountie

Leo Papa at Cornell University working on a Master's degree in Hospitality Administration/Management

Anna Bass is now Client Services Manager at ISS London

Abe Hughes is Director of Port Revenue Operations at Royal Media Partners and sometimes works onboard as the port and shopping guide

João Pereira is studying Portuguese/English education and translation at Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas in Brazil

Kirk Detweiler is now CD with Silversea cruises.

Simeon Baker - married a dancer, had a baby girl and is a sales exec at a Porsche dealer in Saskatchewan

Matt Baker - Sim's brother - recently married and living in Wales. They bought a pub called the Tiddley

Kieron Buffrey - CD with Holland America

Tom Canosa - teaching 6th grade science in North Carolina

Peter Benfield and Johnny Osborne have emigrated to Thailand

Anthony Richards is living in Miami with his wife, and is working for Royal Media Partners as Manager Port Revenue Operations

Rico du Breil is now a CD with NCL

Paul Lancaster is no longer with RCI, and resides in England

Abel Jeney is International Manager at Kingswood Education and Adventure in London

Parker Cristan is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - staging/choreographing for local theater

Ashley Kerr - married and living in Vancouver BC, working as a marketing rep for a PR firm

Karen Maybury - has a consultant/pr/entertainment agency

Jannie Cloete - leading expeditions on small ships

Where is Warren Allen? (aka Warren Melhuish)

I was informed via Facebook that Jamie Fentiman was going to be the CD on the Enchantment in March. He was promoted back in November. Things may have changed since that announcement months ago. I sure hope not because is is definitely deserving the opportunity. He's very outgoing with lots of personality and is visible quite often around the ship. ;)

How is Jaimie Fentimen on IOTS? Will be on indy February 14th.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Forums mobile app

I'm confused because I believe that he has been assigned to the Enchantment just not sure when.

Anyone have an idea of knowledge?

Adventure OTS - Clo O'Connor started April 21 through sometime in July (exact end date unknown at this time), then Drew Devine will be joining Adventure in July

 

Allure OTS - Ken Rush started April 21 for 4 months, then Allan Brooks

 

Brilliance OTS - Keith Willams through July 16. Steve Davis returns from his break on July 16th for the handover, and will take over as regular CD of Brilliance through mid-November when the ship goes back to Tampa.

 

Enchantment OTS - John Blair started Jan 14, then Marc Walker from June 7 - Nov. 25

 

Explorer OTS - Leigh Xuereb returned as the regular CD of Explorer on April 7. John Blair will be covering Leigh's break in early August through early October (exact dates are not yet known)

 

Freedom OTS - Richard Spacey began as the regular CD of Freedom on April 14

 

Grandeur OTS - John Perry is filling in for Jimmy Rhodes, who was moved over to Mariner as an emergency fill-in there. Jimmy should be back as the regular CD of Grandeur soon (exact date unknown)

 

Independence OTS - Joff Eaton returns May 26 through September 7.

 

Jewel OTS - Carly Boileau from March 21 through sometime in July (exact date unknown), then Dennis Charles (Dennis Sciortino) from sometime in July through sometime in Sept (exact dates unknown), then Carly is back in September (exact date unknown)

 

Legend OTS - Mercedes Fuentes started May 4

 

Liberty OTS - Rich Edwards started March 21

 

Majesty OTS - Mitch Merucci started on May 17 for 8 weeks.

 

Mariner OTS - Jimmy Rhodes started May 19

 

Navigator OTS - Simona Ferraiuolo started April 21

 

Oasis OTS - Amy Fickert returned from her break on June 1 through Sept 21, then Ricky Matthews September 21 through November 23

 

Quantum OTS - Ken Rush from the 1st cruise until January 2015

 

Radiance OTS - Paul Rutter for the Alaska season, May 17 through Sept 6.

 

Rhapsody OTS - Graham Seymour for the Alaska season beginning May 31

 

Serenade OTS - Casey Peltier April 8 through July 30, then Ricky Matthews July 30 though September 16

 

Splendour OTS - Anthony Richards started May 18, then João Pereira for the South American season

 

Vision OTS - Topi Ylönen from Finland started May 11

 

Voyager OTS - Lixin Fang began March 23 for the Asian season

Is Jamie Fentiman the current or will be the

cruise director for the Enchantment?

Hello fellow cruisers - thank you in advance for your thoughts!!!

 

We will be in port in St. Maarten for the standard 8am - 5pm, the day before Thanksgiving on the Celebrity Reflection. I have read differing views on whether we can get to Anguilla for the day. I have been talking to "Private Yacht Charter SXM". They have great reviews on TripAdvisor but I can't find a single review about them here on CC. Can anyone tell me if they know this charter group?

 

And does anyone have experience going to Anguilla from St. Maarten on a PRIVATE charter vs. taking the public ferry. Of course I would presume the public transportation takes longer but I don't know that for sure either. Would just like to hear of others experiences taking a private boat charter to Anguilla from St. Maarten on a standard cruise ship time frame. Just not sure we can make this work.

 

The charter folks say we can go to Rendezvous Bay, no problem. Leaving St. Maarten at 9am and planning to be BACK in St. Maarten by 3pm. Just so we have plently of time to get back to the ship and onboard. We never cut it close. But for some reason, I am just nervous, feeling like going to Anguilla from St. Maarten is too far. Is it? Thoughts anyone?

Not sure if you want to spend the day there or make it one of a few spots for the day. If so, I would "highly" recommend Blue Safaris and request Fab. He is the owner and does things top notch. We've done his island tour with three snorkel stops including Pinel Island along with a delicious lunch. We're going to do his Anguilla tour in June. Never had an issue making it back to the ship. When they say they guarantee or promise it's true. You won't be sorry if you take his tour. No more than 12/13 most on his boats. Tell him John, Karen, Romano, and Julie said hello :)

I don't think that you can guarantee that downtown (center of town) will be the first stop, but it is pretty easy to tell where you're headed and if you want the heart of shopping and beach,as opposed to being dropped near a marina, you will be able to tell.

 

gary

I didn't know that they had other stops other than the one right there by the boardwalk... What other stops does it have?

Just got off the ship and it was a great four days. Average age was 50 which was good considering most travel much older on this line. They said it was a younger crowd. lol.... Service was superior, food was excellent, drinks way too sweet (it is the brand they use vs Island Oasis),shows were decent (Bayou show was the best!). Singers were medicore at best. Eduardo our room stewart was top notch. All in all a nice relaxing time (which we were going for) without our children. Definitely would sail with Princess again but must stay with RCCL with our children. BTW: whoever complained that it needs to go into dry dock is a complainer. The ship looked great for its age. Nor worse off than Vision, Enchantment, Freedom, or Jewel. They are all nice looking well kept up ships. Also never used the vast amount of internet minutes given. However it was good to have if and when needed to connect with family.

Have fun and good luck with the shower stall.

Yes, the shower stall was rather on the small size and I am only 5 '3'. However I have survived and ready to enjoy the night. Welcome aboard party tonight, Motor City for show time, some Wake Show (?), late night happy hour BOGO, Thursday night football big screen, so plenty to do for the first night. Ok that's it. Electronics now being shut off and ready to relax ⚓️🚢⚓️

Ok, we are aboard the Island Princess now. Very easy embarkation at 11:45 AM. Lunch was being served drinks were being poured lots of staff on hand to help you if needed. Never saw so many in the Windjammer type atmosphere on RCCL. We were able to get into our state room deluxe balcony as soon as we boarded the ship. Did not have to wait to 1 PM or 1:30 PM. Had a quick bite to eat and when we went back to the room I'll luggage was there. This was 12:30(ish). We have not noticed any major worn out areas as others had previously posted. Our deluxe balcony (upgrade) is just fine. Lots of fellow passengers and seems almost full to capacity. Let's hope the entertainment is good, this is where I feel princess lacks. Staff is very friendly and outgoing. Bon Voyage ⚓️🚢⚓️🚢⚓️

Less than 12 hours we'll be at the port in Ft. Lauderdale and will truly let you know if the $159 (+) tax for 4 nights in a deluxe balcony with $200. OBC was worth my time aboard the Island Princess. I'm going to forecast my results and say it was worth every penny. However, I will be honest and let you know. Always hoping for the best no matter what line I sail. I can do the same when sailing on our girls' trip in March aboard the Enchantment. About $420 each for 3 in a larger OV accommodations vs. a deluxe balcony for about $227 each (two to the stateroom). Either way a get-a-way from the real world is awesome! Stay tune... for an honest opinion.....;);)

And on Princess the TV set is ... just a TV set. No interactive features like all RCI ships have in the Radiance, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis or Quantam classes.

 

Not to mention my particular bugaboo with the 4 Ruby class ships, they carry the same passenger load as the 5 Voyager class ships but are 20% smaller. As far as I know, Princess has not managed to repeal the basic laws of physics, even if they subbed in Sheldon or Leonard for Capt. Stubing.:)

 

And you have to tender to Princess' private island, unlike Labadee.

 

RCI may cost more but you get what you pay for.

One has to tender at Coco Cay ~ one of their private islands... BTW: I have no problem doing a tender if the island is worth the stop and IMO all cruise line's private islands are worth the stop (at least once). :D:D:D:D

When we feel the need to do something different from RCI we usually choose Celebrity, a superior product to both RCI and Princess. And an occasional Disney.

 

Why is Princess forced to practically give their cruises away at times? I saw an ad for 4 nights on the CB (inside) for $159 + taxes. Hell that's cheaper then staying at home here in Florida.

 

The only mass market line with an older demo then Princess is HAL.

I'm not sure but I did an RCCL 4 night cruise for 109 OV so to me it's all about the numbers game. An empty cabin can't purchase a drink nor drop a few $$ in the casino, right?

What are you considering "the best location" for your balcony upgrade? ALL of the balcony cabins are the same size on that ship, BTW. Only difference is location (aft-facing balcony cabins have a larger balcony than all the others but cabin size is the same).

 

I've found that RCI's upgrades are pretty pitiful, even for those of us in the Diamond, or Diamond + level. You'll go from the lowest category cabin of a particular type (like balcony) to the highest in that category type (still a balcony). I have rarely ever seen RCI move people from an inside to a balcony cabin. That's one thing that I love about Princess even if I've never gotten an upgrade with them after all these cruises.

Aft is my favorite due to it being more quiet (it's worth the walk to me) and the panoramic view and extra room. I also like being centrally located mid-ship.

Either way an inside to a balcony (which I never have received on RCCL being a Diamond Plus member) is a "huge" upgrade and I am so appreciative. We are now looking into cruising more with Princess even if an upgrade is not given. They just need to work on the entertainment part/adult activities for the young at heart and they will have won me over. IMO and we all have different views of the cruising experience. :):):)