purplekisses

I am almost ready to give up. We are cruising to Grand Turk in December 2013. I tried to email them again and got no response. I am about ready to tell my hubby lets just get a golf cart for the day. He really likes to ride in a helicopter so if I can hear back we will do this other wise I am going to book a golf cart. Please post if you hear anything. Their facebook site has no activity since July.

We used FTTF on our Destiny cruise last October. It wa the first cruise they offered it and the window to book it was only a few days before the cruise. Arriving at the Miami port was a quick check in we arrived at 10am or so. We were shown to the no line check in counter and got our S&S cards and within 30 minutes boarding. There was a problem with 2 of our S&S cards. We had 2 cabins each cabin had FTTF. One person from each cabin cards would not ding. The other three people with us worked fine. The 2 that didn't work had to wait about 45min on the ship at the end of the gangway with secruity. Once we got on board we went straight to our cabins, luggage was there and cabin was ready. The short line at guest services was great.

We are booked another cruise and the end of April, I asked my husband if he wanted to do FTTF again, even though there were a few problems, he does and we did. I do like that we can get on board, and leave our carry ons in the room before gettting lunch. The shorter lines as guest services is also a plus. We don't drink and never spend a lot on board, because there isn't much we would want to spend it on. I think the $50 is worth it especailly if you have to tender. I think everyone has to deceide it getting to your room faster, getting your luggage faster and shorter lines at Guest Services is worth it to you.

I talked to the guy at Village bar and the helicopter wasn't back, so no tour. We did the tram and it was fun.

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Do you have an email address for the company? I tried to post to them and message them on their facebook page, and I have had no response....

 

Thanks In Advance,

I much prefer HMC to GT, although I like GT. I don't hang around Margaritaville, but get out and about. It's a nice, underdeveloped island (which is how I prefer my islands).

 

Just how should they "help" the tender process? There are only so many tenders running. After all, it's an uninhabited island.

 

Used to have to get a tender ticket, so if you wanted to get over there quickly, you simply got up early and got your ticket. Still had to wait for the earliest excursions and the crew/food to get to the island.

 

But now that I'm Platinum, I just get the earliest "public" tender, cabana or no cabana. ;)

 

Have always had good food at lunch. Love the jerk chicken!

 

Guess I'd better check my cabana reservation when I board. I was one of those who emailed Carnival and got a confirmation in the 2-3 day span when EVERYONE was asking for a specific cabana.

 

Since I'll be onboard the cruise before we stop there, I'll see if the excursion desk has that info available (for the next sailing) so I don't have to spend my turnaround day lurking at the desk in an effort to be the Early Bird (just in case).

I also hope they are honoring the pre-picked cabana as I will be there on Nov 1 and have #9 according to the email. If you remember please post your results when you return, thanks.

I got an email reply from Grand Turk Helicopters.

We are co-located with Island Tram tours at the Local Village just down the Beach from the cruise center. Reservations aren't necessary, you can just walk over to our location behind the restaurant whenever your ready to go on the flight. The price for our short flight around the south end of the island which includes the cruise center and your ship is $35 per person. We also have a longer flight that goes all the way around the entire island that is $80 per person.

Unfortunately the helicopter is currently not on the island. It is undergoing its annual inspection and engine overhaul right now. The plan is for it to be back on the island before November 1st. However, since the required inspection and maintenance work is not yet completed, I can not guarantee it will be back before your ship arrives on the 31st. You can ask your guide on the Tram, he will know if the helicopter has returned. In the event the helicopter is back, I will make sure the check-in desk has your name and is expecting you. I will be the pilot flying the helicopter back to the island and will be flying the tours for the first couple months after its back, so I look toward to flying your group as well. I wish I could be more definitive on wether or not the helicopter will be ready by your arrival or not. We never know what the maintenance team might find during its inspections that could delay its return, but safety is our number one priority.

Have a wonderful cruise and hopefully I will see you in Grand Turk!

Sincerely,

Dale Eggert

Director of Operation/Chief Pilot

Grand Turk Helicopters Ltd.

If they are up and running again I will be doing the shorter tour as we are already doing the tram tour.

I was hoping someone would take this tour before we get there at the end of the month. Still have my fingers crossed that someone will.

I was looking at review of the Local Village Bar and in a picture someone took they had a big sign above the $3 beer sign for helicopter tour for $35. I was wondering if any who has been there recently has gone on the tour or has any information about the tour. The tour company has a facebook page, but it looks they have just recently start the business up. My husband is a helicopter and plane nut. I would like to suprise him with this tour as we will already be at the Local Village for our port day. Thanks in advance.

If no one has any info I will post what I find out after our cruise at the end of October.:D

Great review so far. Can't wait for the rest. My family and I will be on the Destiny for Halloween.

I purchased mine and was charged for it months ago. I just reserved the one I wanted yesterday by email. Hope that clears it up.

I got my reply back with my reservation for cabana #9 for Oct.

Dear Marry,

Thank you for contacting Carnival Cruise Lines. We have received your e-mail message and appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.

We have reserved cabana # 9 for you in Half Moon Cay. Please see the Shore Excursion Desk as soon as you board to collect your tickets.

Regards,

Tour Operations

Carnival Cruise Line

Happy Dance:D

I sent an email off to the shore excursion department and hopefully the fates will smile upon me. I have had a cabana booked for several months and was trying to figure out how to return the rental car, shuttle to the port from the airport and still get there in time to pick a good one without getting up at 5am. Thanks for the tip.

The TV are interactive, we could check our sign and sail, order breakfast, checkout that nights menu's in the main dining room, etc. In Puerto Vallarata there is a group of dancers that come aboard and do a show. I believe anytime dining is in the Black Pearl. :)