Distinctive-Destinations

Those nutmeg smugglers in Grenada are the real terrorists threatening the Caribbean waters.

I like the “listening to our guests” bit. I can only speak for me, but I know I didn’t call and ask to skip Grenada.

I called and they told me it was for my safety, lol. Is it 1983 again? We’re sailing between Haiti and Cuba, and the danger is in…Grenada?

This seems excessive? I could definitely see once. Twice if you forgot something the first time, sure. At least a half dozen times, every time?

As part of our commitment to deliver exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey, listening to our guests is instrumental. Given recent guest feedback, and to accommodate certain circumstances including but not limited to enhanced port and shore excursion availability for the ultimate vacation experience, fuel optimization as a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability efforts, as well as global maritime regulations, we have adjusted the original itinerary as shown below. We apologize for any inconvenience these slight adjustments may cause. We recognize the importance that destinations play in our guests' vacation decision-making process and assure you that these modifications were made with an optimal guest experience top-of-mind. While we will no longer be calling on St. George's, Grenada, we are pleased to share that we have extended our time in port in Willemstad, Curacao and St. John's, Antigua.

Just got an email that our 4/9 cruise has removed the Grenada stop on Monday 4/15. Extended time in Curaçao (before) and then Antigua (after).

That was the vibe I got. If a party of say 12 total books one of the cheapest Haven cabins, and then 5 inside cabins, should you really be hanging out in the Haven with the whole clan smuggled in?

I’m just saying there is no “conflict” that way. Everybody can go to the Haven together with no bending of rules, or they can’t at all. Now if…I…was planning this trip, I personally would not care. There is plenty of time to see the others at restaurants, go on excursions together, etc.

Either get everyone all in Haven suites or everyone in non-Haven suites.

Yes it does, thank you for the explanation. I guess I was hoping there was some “hack” to get a better deal by booking it differently than the standard way. Seems that was just wishful thinking.

Thank you.

I was trying to avoid paying extra FEES. I did not know if it was cheaper somehow to opt out of the original offer and then go straight to FAS+. Yes I wrote “tax” but I was asking if there was a cheaper overall way.

Okay thank you. But I think I am not defining my question properly. Let me restate… I selected both FAS drinks…AND…,the 150 minutes. Would it have been cheaper if I just selected the FAS drinks only (excluded the internet), and then upgraded to FAS+ for both the drinks and the internet? OR do you need both the FAS and 150 minutes to even qualify?

I don’t know and that is the basis of my question.

Exactly. It is very easy to spend CASH in Greece. If you go into a store and tell them you want to buy a 100 Euro item (or dinner in a restaurant) but only have cash, are they going to turn you away and say “no?” *****.

The 150 minutes is an option you can choose for the ironic “free at sea” offering. It is free…but you have to pay tax on it. If I am upgrading to FAS+, I have to pay tax too. Do I get taxed…twice? If so, I’ll just exclude the FAS internet if I am just upgrading later to FAS+ which has unlimited.

To piggyback on this: always pay in Euros, as opposed to USD, with your card. The exchange rate is terrible and Euros are the way to go. I don’t know about “many places” as I used Euros (cash) many times.

My question boils down to this: you can get FAS for just booze. You can opt for the separate 150 minutes also, which you have to pay tax on. Would it be cheaper to just do FAS for drinks, but exclude the 150 minutes, and then upgrade the FAS to FAS+ which includes the unlimited internet. ultimately: if you pay for 150 and get the unlimited, are you paying more than if you just did it at the FAS level. Or is it prorated to become a “wash?” Like are you paying 75 then 25 for a total of 100, or just paying 100..,or some other number. It just seems like I’ve paid for the 150 minutes AND the unlimited internet, which makes the 150 irrelevant.

I’ve been to Greece and I assure you they will take USD for tips. Now for regular purchases, yes obviously Euros are preferred (required in many/most places).

If you opt for the 150 minute internet as part of “free at sea” but then upgrade to Free At Sea Plus, are you paying twice for tax? Just realized that I did this for our upcoming cruise: did the FAS, then later upgraded. Would I have been better off not opting for the 150 minutes of Internet access at all, then just doing FAS+, or is it pro-rated as like an upgrade? Likewise for the drinks, is it better to skip then do FAS+, or does it equal out?

I don’t think they make their own ads, they likely use an ad agency. But the average commercial is just 30 seconds. That’s plenty of time to show quick clips from the casino, pool, a show, maybe some excursions, food, drinks, some kids smiling on the go carts, etc. Cut it up quick enough, add some music, promote some sale, etc. It doesn’t seem that difficult to make an “exciting” 30 seconds.

You didn’t actually think I was being serious, did you?

Because it is the completely wrong term. Is a waiter (server) the same as a bartender? No.

This is what we did also. They weren’t quite as fast as the buffet, but fast enough. Plus you don’t have to aimlessly wander around looking for food and then an open table. We were there at like 5:30 one morning before a 7AM excursion.

I did this tour in November. You…must…cover up, regardless of temperature. Get a pair of lightweight hiking pants, if you must.