cruisegirl29

Hi,

I thought I would post my review that I did for the member reviews on cruise critic from my day in Dominicia with Woody!

This was our 3rd or 4th visit to Dominica. This was the most anticipated stop for me. I booked several weeks before leaving on the cruise a private tour for the day with Woody Dominica. This was by far the best tour out of 14 cruises or out of 95+ days of cruising. Simply the BEST!

Don't miss out on this tour if your planning on visiting Dominica.

Our day began with meeting Woody at the pier. He was waiting on the street next to the Royal Canada(I think) bank. He had a sign held high up so we could clearly see him. He's 6'5 so it's not so hard!! Our group of 6 & Woody proceed to his Land Rover Defender. Seating was 4 inside & 2 outside. He showed us a map of where he would be taking us for the day. We made many stops for photo ops & he was full of knowledge. We beat the crowd to Jaco falls & had some nice pictures taken there as well. We never felt rushed just took our time looking around. There was a guy there offering fresh fruits, sugar cane, etc. you could enjoy & donations were accepted. At this point we were ready for Woody's homemade rum punch! He also had local beer, 2 bottle of wine (at our request), water, fruits & homemade breads. Again along the way he always showed us on a map of our next stop. Once we got by the river tubing area, he told us this is the final place that the cruise lines will stop their tours. It was nice to know that we wouldn't be seeing anyone else until we got back to the ship! My favorite stop- he took us down a steep path (off roading) down to a secluded beach.I have to say it was beautiful. Paradise. We had 1 1/2 hours there to swim, play, eat & drink. There was only 2 other people on the beach that are locals & they come this beach everyday. Woody took time out to talk to us, swim, take pictures. It was a perfect day in paradise. We left the beach the same way we came (off roading). We stopped a few more times for some history & photo ops. When we returned to the port it was sad to say our goodbyes but I know we'll be friends forever. He is a gentleman, professional, kind, knowledgeable, and handsome too! I just can't say enough about our day with him. You would be amazed at how reasonable his tour cost is for how wonderfully private your day is. Carnival has a port rating with 5+ being the highest. I'm telling you this was a 10+ rated tour.

I've never been on the Pacific waters before just wondering about how rough the seas are and are the waters warm like caribean?

Thanks

Hi Katiecat-

I'm wondering the same thing! I just booked the Splendor sailing Jan 16, 2011 and this will be the first Mexican Riviera route for us.

Hope it's calm like the Victory sailing Jan 17th! It couldn't get any better than that!!!

Hi All,

I don't have much time but wanted to let everyone know that I was on this sailing! It was EXCELLENT! This was #14 cruise for us & I have done the s. caribbean 3 times. By far the best yet.

San Juan- You can board the ship and are allowed off the ship. We did this without any issues. We got on about 1 ish & then got off for the San Sebastion Festival. You have to be back on board by 8:30pm.

Nightlife- We had a great crowd of cruisers on this cruise. Tons of things going on into the late night. Maybe it was just a good mix of peeps but the piano bar was busy, shows were good & well attended, even peeps watching movies out on the lido deck at 1:30am. The Disco was open late too. Adlut late night Comedians were funny & vulgar but you know that going into it! There was plenty of action going on in the Casino too. Maybe we just lucked out & had an excellent group aboard!

I would book this cruise tomorrow!! It was fantastic!

Book, Go, Enjoy!

Sue

Hi,

I just wanted to let everyone know that my group of 6 toured with Woody on Tues, Jan 19, 2010. It was by far the best tour out of 14 cruises...which means out of more that 95 days of cruising!

That being said you will not be disappointed in your tour with him. The highlight of this tour for me was the secluded beach he takes you too. It's off roading all the way down to the beach. Paradise!

Rum punch, beer, fruit & breads were provided. The rum punch is homemade & very tasty! :)

Seriously no worries with him!!! He is the BEST!!! He's handsome too!

Happy Sailing!

Sue

I am booked for March 7th - looking for info on a reasonably priced, clean hotel in old san juan...any ideas? tx!

Hi,

I'm staying at the boutique hotel - Le Consulat this weekend. It has decent reviews & the price is really inexpensive.

Here is the link:

http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-san_juan-puerto_rico-PR019

Sue

cruisegirl, wishIwasoutThereNow and my clocks are all the same;)

 

Cruisegirl- I've chated with Woody a few times email & added to face book he is just like a friend already.

I've asked him if he would like anything from Canada and he wants Player's Light cigarettes!

I'm collecting school supplies from my second week roll call for the children in Dominica and he'll help me deliver, no problem.

I hope I'm not disappointed either it's a pricey tour! $95 pp for 4 of us.

 

I have another question???

Has anyone tried anytime dining yet?

How long has it been offered and if they are organized yet?

Thank you

Hi Katiecat...

Yes clocks are the same, same cruise ship & sailing!! LOL...

Yes, I've also had great communication with him via FB & Email. I love the IM mode on FB & it works well with instant notification!

Great idea asking him if he would like something from your country! love it. Maybe I'll have to FB him & ask if he would like anything from the US or Michigan! I have 6 & it's 75.00 pp. Plus I've requested 2 bottles of white wine in addition to all the other goodies & he said no problem! I think we'll enjoy his tour! I've been to Dominica a few times so I'm ready for something different.

Anytime dining I think started in October or November. I've heard great things about it!!! I wish I could try it this time but with 34 of us it would be impossible I think! Next cruise I will definetly try it out. Are you doing the anytime dining???

Sue

I toured with Woody in Dominica........I'm VERY torn about leaving a review........He is a SUPER nice guy......He meets you outside the terminal near the bank, and was very easy to find. It really depends on what your looking for out of a tour. His vehicle is cool, its like an old school range rover, but actually we had to get it checked out at the shop b4 we left, there was a rattling noise......we were on our way after about 25 minutes. We spent A LOT of time in the car.......which wasnt my preference........we did get to see a HUGE part of the island......and he knew a lot......BUT, I cant say it was really worth the $220. We did NOT stop at some of the places I thought we would......we did not go to any sulphur springs.....we went to one off the beaten path beach but got out only for a few minutes for photos...and then spent about 45 minutes at another impossible to get to beach, but the water was rough and there was not sand to relax on as the water rushed all the way up to the tree line. I guess I feel like if it was GREAT, we would remember what we did, where we stoppped, but I remember only bits and peices. I know that we drove A LOT, but also passed the touristy spots as his tour does not go where its crowded or well known. It was very personal since it was just us.....and it was long, lasted 10:30 to 5 ish, but a huge part was spent driving. Again, it really is about what your looking for out of a tour. Im not sure what I expected and i want hugely upset but I wasnt thrilled. Again, i feel bad cause hes great, but i think for the right person. I will go home and review my photos and notes and describe more of what we did/saw

Hi,

This is interesting as I haven't seen one negative post regarding Woody!! LOL However, I understand sometimes when you have an expectation that it can be a let down. I'm sure I have my standards set very high for this tour. Hope I'm not disappointed!!!

I'm booked with Woody in less than 2 weeks. There will be 6 of us for the day. We've requested wine as part of our beverages including everything else that will be provided.

I would love to hear more about what you did get out & see..I mean besides from the SUV windows!!

Also, was this your first time in Dominica? I've been a few times & have seen the tourist areas so maybe I'll enjoy this more?

Sue

Thanks for sharing torontomale, repetrillo & Hdog!:)

What was your favorite island?

Did any of you tour with Woody in Dominica?

Hey Katicat-

I'll have to give you my review onboard the Victory after I get my tour with him on Jan 19th! :)

Barbados is my favorite for now...but I'm thinking St Lucia will be close behind!

Sue

HI,

I'm hoping someone can help me find this info out! I tried to google it & went to airport website but there wasn't any info on it!

1. Does SJU Airport have a bar inside that you could enjoy a drink while waiting for the rest of your group to arrive?

2. Does the airport have a Duty Free Liquor store inside that is still open at 11:00pm on a Saturday night?

TIA!

Sue

The duty free shops in the airport, in the cruise terminal and on the ship sell TONS of alcohol! I never knew they had stopped?????

That's a good question. I read somewhere that all the Stores in San Juan are duty free for US Citizens.

Also, anyone know if the duty free liquor stores are open at 11pm at the airport? Im hoping to pick some up before heading to our hotel!!

Sue

I know alot of people talk about the piano bar so I know that's popular.

Where do they play the music you dance too? I want to know ahead of time to tell my roll call friends.

We'll meet there after a long day for a drink.:)

Thanks

 

Ps. I hope the tax & duty free store starts selling lots of liquor again! They don't want to lose their jobs of filling luggage on wheels.:D

Hi Katiecat-

The name of the dance club is called Arctic Dance Club on deck 5.

10 days till I leave for San Juan! 11 Till we board the Victory!! WooHoo!

Sue

Hi

Just wondering if anyone know who will be the next piano bar player after angela leaves on Jan 3?

tornotomale-

Did u spend any time in the piAno bar? did u like it?

We leave the 17th of Jan as well!

Sue

Hi,

Just had to share the I got to book Woody's for my cruise in January! I'm so excited I can barely contain myself!! Woohooo!!

Thanks for all the great reviews & I feel so luck to be touring with him!

Sue

Hi, Sue.

 

We're going on the Caribbean Princess on 1/17/10. Thanks for the invite, though!

Opps I ment 1/17/2010 Victory! We'll be sailing the same time! Woohooo!

I thought about staying at the Sheraton but we are at the LeConsulat & it's cheaper since we have 6 in a room....

Enjoy your cruise!

Sue

Thanks for the info, love2vacation. You were right about Hotwire. I had been trying first for resorts, then for 4* with Priceline & none of my bids were accepted. So I just decided to try for a 3 1/2* & got the Sheraton Old San Juan on my first try for $91 on 1/24/10 for our post cruise stay & am very happy with it.

Hi marciew=

Which cruise are you going on? I'll be on the Victory 1/16/2010. We have a thread going if your on the same cruise join us!

Sue

Hi,

Here is an idea regarding beer. If you are in OSJ, just purchase beer from a walgreens or a liquor store. You don't have to purchase the liquor right at the port!

Just my 2 cents!!

Happy sailing!

Sue

HI,

Just thought I'd share this! I did hotwire for San Juan Jan 12, 1 night. 3.5 star & got the Caribe Hilton. $166. including taxes.

Happy with it too! I think that is a good price.

Happy Travels!

Sue

Does anyone have any feedback on the Embassy Suites Westshore? We are booked for April the night before and night after the cruise. We are a party of 5 and got a two room suite with breakfast and airport shuttle for 119.00.

 

Thanks, Tom

We had a great stay at the Embassy Suites Westshore on Jan 6th precruise one night. We had the 2 bed 2 bath suite. Very big. It was really nice. Evening Cocktail reception was wonderful and the free breakfast buffet was really very good. Safe area-close to the Westshore mall, which we walked to for dinner. Free shuttle to both malls & area resturants. Outside pool & hot tub looked very nice but it was too cold for us to swim as the air temp was about 50ish....

If you click on the link below you should be able to see my Embassy Suites photo album.......

http://cruisegirl29.shutterfly.com/action/

You have to enter the password: bella3

I would stay there again. Also stayed at the Marriott Westshore post-cruise. They have a wonderful indoor/outdoor pool too. Very clean & nice....

Sue

If anyone would like to see our photos of Belize & our Coral Breeze snorkeling, manatee, & bannister Island tour , Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel & the Legend of the Seas please click on the link below:

Bannister Island is paradise! Awesome Day!

http://cruisegirl29.shutterfly.com/action/

You have to enter the password: bella3

Happy Sailing!

Sue

Okay we did this back in November and now we have to do it again, my daughter is leaving in less than 2 weeks...Embassy Suites Westshore has been bashed to death on Trip Advisor, should she switch to Doubletree Westshore or Springhill Suites or are we okay with what we have. We need airport shuttle, a pool, and a safe area. Ken or anyone please HELP!!!

Hi Mommy to 2 girls,

We had a great stay at the Embassy Suites Westshore on Jan 6th precruise one night. We had the 2 bed 2 bath suite. It was really nice. Evening Cocktail reception was wonderful and the free breakfast buffet was really very good. Safe area-close to the Westshore mall, which we walked to for dinner. Outside pool & hot tub looked very nice but it was too cold for us to swim as the air temp was about 50ish....

If you click on the link below you should be able to see my Embassy Suites photo album.......

http://cruisegirl29.shutterfly.com/action/

You have to enter the password: bella3

I would stay there again. Also stayed at the Marriott Westshore post-cruise. They have a wonderful indoor/outdoor pool too. Very clean & nice....

Sue

We have a cruise next December out of Tampa. My BIL has booked the Marriott Westshore. Is it a good hotel? How far from the airport? How far from the port?

 

Is the Doubletree a better hotel?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Roberta

Hi Roberta,

We just stayed there Jan 14th post cruise. It was $166.00 including taxes. It also included 2 adult breakfast buffets & the kids were free. I thought it was great, clean & comfy beds. They have an indoor/outdoor pool which worked really well with the chilly weather. Besides the restuarant they have a sports bar, starbucks, and a business center. I printed our boarding passes for our flights from the business center-it's free. Free shuttle to the area's malls and also to the airport. Airport is very close. 10 min. or so. Port is about 7 miles maybe. Taxi was about $16.00 & I've heard the average is around $20.00.

I would stay there again.

I also stayed precruise at the Embassy Suites. It was nice too.

Happy Sailing!

Sue

HI,

Here is a review of the Embassy Suites Westshore Tampa. We stayed one night pre-cruise Jan 6th.

We arrived at the Tampa Airport, collected our luggage & then called for their airport shuttle. You wait to be picked up at the circular drive. It only took about 10 minutes for them to arrive. There was another group of 8 that was also waiting & we all managed to fit in one shuttle! Very nice driver & it only about 10 minutes or so to arrive at the Embassy Suites. Nice lobby area. We got their at 11am & they didn't have any rooms available. So we checked our luggage & were told to come back around 2:30. We walked to the Westshore Mall-they do have a free shuttle but this mall is right across the street. We had lunch at Maggianos. It's a nice mall & also has a food court. So after a little shopping we headed back to the hotel. It was about 3pm & they still didn't have our room available. Checkin is a 3pm. So around 3:30pm we finally got to our room It was very nice. 2bed, 2 bath. Very spacious. Small kitchen. Living room & both bedrooms offered really nice views from the 12th floor. The cost was $245.00. 1st bedroom has one queen bed, bathroom & tv. Living room has sofa, chair, tv & dinning table. 2nd bedroom has 2 queen beds, bathroom & tv. Plenty of room for the 6 of us. This hotel also has an outdoor pool & hot tub. It's across the driveway so you have to walk outside to get to it. They also have a cocktail managers reception nightly. Featuring popcorn & free drinks. Very good drinks too! We had a very nice lady bartender & she was great! Made wonderful maragritas! Lots of choices! We also ordered food from the resturant. It was ok. Nothing special but convienent. This hotel also has coin operated laundry facilities which could be handy if you have kids! Breakfast buffet was included the next morning. Included many options-just like being on the cruise! They didn't have a port shuttle but we had the front desk call a cab & it was only 16.00 from the hotel to the port. We arrived at the port about 11am. We were #1 group for boarding-right after priority boarding.

I have photos of the hotel if you would like to see them. Click or paste into your browser.......

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1AcNWTdq1YsXSw

Sue

Hi,

I'll give you a review after we stay at the Embassy Suites on Jan 6th one night pre-cruise. I'm also staying Jan 14th-post cruise at the Marriott Westshore.

Sue

Hi

 

Just got back from 14 day HAL out of Tampa and stayed at ES Westshore. The rooms are HUGE. They converted a non-suite Hotel to suites by converting the bath of one to a kitchen, making that room a living room, and putting an adjoining door to the other bedroom with bath.

 

No Atrium, but cocktail hour was fine, breakfast was great. Even ate in their restaurant that night, and food was good.

 

No shuttle to the pier, but I split a taxi with a couple and the fare for all three with tips totaled $20. so that was a $10 trip.

 

QUOTE]

 

Hi Docksider21-

Thanks for your review!

 

We are going to be staying at the ES on Jan 6th & we will have two children along. Wondering if you could tell me how the pool area is? Do you happen to have any photos you'd mind emailing me? cruisegirl29@charter.net

 

We have a group of 10 so I'm wondering how we should cab it to the port? Probably a van cab could fit most of us. Kids could sit on our laps.....

 

Sue

thank you so much for the info Ken!! Cruisegirl- how do you do the meet and mingle thing?

It's fairly easy to regiser! I'll provide the web page you can go to:

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/ccEntry.do

otherwise go to rccl.com & look for the meet & mingle info!

Sue