amy1277

Ok, I am completely overwhelmed by all the dolphin interaction options offered through Royal Caribbean, especially here in Grand Cayman!

There are 2 excursions, very similar with the exact same descriptions so I imagine they're offered through the same company. One is a Dolphin Encounter, the other is a Dolphin Swim. Both include Stingray City.

Obviously one would presume that, being $10 more, the swim version includes some actual swim time with the dolphins, yet it does not say as much in the description.

Anyone done either of these recently?? Help! :)

my family visited grand cayman and we surely did the Dolphin experience , There are 2 dolphin park in grand cayman, we did not like the idea of them in a pool so Dolphin Cove was perfect for the family, the kids loved it. the dolphins are in a natural lagoon, the water is calm, my family was standing on a loating dock with the water about waist high, great for the kids, plus my tour excursion included a nature trail at the dolphin park with exotic birds (macaws parrot, umbrella cockatoo and ecletus parrot) the kids were thrilled.

Hi Janel!

I am about to book the same excursion (or so I think) on Royal Caribbean for our cruise in April. Which cruise line were you on? I noticed there is a Dolphin Encounter and a Dolphin Swim, but both have the same description. Any advice? :)

thanks.....I still can't get into the "2014" thing...:rolleyes::eek:

Oops, sorry! I had this saved under "Subscribed Threads" after I had found it last year. Didn't realize I was the only one still checking it out, ha!

Thank you for the info regardless! Happy cruising, all. :)

You're welcome.....

 

In that case, I would base it on the 'nice' factor....if the driver is very nice, maybe a couple extra bucks.....15-ish, split the difference:p

 

Have fun!! Bring layers, it will be Cooolllllldddddddd the first couple days!:eek:

I know, not exactly what I'm used to when it comes to a cruise but after this winter we're having in MA, I'll take 3-4 days of 75-80 at any cost! :)

How many people and how much stuff?? If it's like 2 people and 4 bags, I would probably give 10 bucks...`

 

Which Hampton?? Staten Island? Not that it matters, but I would tend to tip closer to 10 than closer to 5......

Yes, Staten Island. There are 3 of us (2 are kids) and 5 bags. I was thinking b/t $10 and $20 each way, sounds like I was in the right range :)

Thank you so much!

Staying at the Hampton tomorrow night and using the shuttle to get to Cape Liberty Sunday morning. Free shuttle, but what do you guys usually give for a tip to the driver? I have no idea of the distance and haven't taken private transportation in years! Thank you!

Yes, Staten Island. :) Sorry, had a blonde moment and forgot that I would have my CAR with me (duh), so a restaurant wouldn't have to necessarily be within walking distance, just relatively close driving distance.

I appreciate your help tremendously! It's very tough sometimes when traveling to a new area. If you ever visit Cape Cod and need recommendations, I'll be happy to help! Haha :)

I'd probably look at the Country Inn and Suites in Elizabeth. There are a couple of chain restaurants (Ruby Tuesdays, IHOP) as well as the Jersey Gardens outlet mall within walking distance . It's a short drive to the cruise terminal, or they also have packages with parking at the hotel.

Thank you very much! Between the Country Inn and Hampton Inn (which apparently has parking and a free shuttle to pier), which would be your preference?

You provide such wonderful info on here; I'm hoping someone sees this and can provide some advice!

Short and sweet: I am driving from MA with my 2 kids (ages 9 and 11) for a Bahamas cruise on Explorer out of Bayonne, Feb 9-16 2014(Sunday-Sunday).

With New England weather being so iffy, we are doing the drive on Saturday the 8th, and want to stay in a hotel that night.

I'm open to shuttle, or parking at pier...and price (as long as it's reasonable) isn't my biggest concern.

Hands down, what is my best option for comfort, safety, dinner within walking distance...in other words, where would YOU stay if you were in my shoes? :)

Thanks in advance!