freakatck

On 3/28/2023 at 1:15 PM, B4May said:

Ports of Call/Excursions - 

 

If there is anything I want to impart in this review, it is to not get caught up in the frenzy for booking DCL excursions, or be totally heartbroken when the excursion you are set on is sold out.  In all of our cruising, we have rarely done a ship excursion - they are just too pricey compared to non-ship options.  I know people worry about missing the ship if something happens, but in my experience, just pick a reputable operator or DIY so you can control the timeline and you'll be just fine.

 

We visited Tortola, BVI and had THE BEST beach day by just DIYing our own excursion.  We had a leisurely morning, and walked off the ship with no lines and no crowds around 10 am.  There were many taxi operators at the end of the pier just waiting to transport people so we grabbed one and headed out.  I had done research before the trip and wanted to avoid the crowds so we went to Brewer's Bay Beach for $24pp round trip, about a 20 minute drive.  It is a gorgeous uncrowded beach with one open air bar and grill, Nicole's.  You could rent chairs or snorkeling equipment there as well.  We found a shady spot under a palm tree and had the best day just hanging out, swimming, having drinks at Nicole's, etc.  There were maybe 20 other people on the beach with us all day.  Our driver asked us what time we wanted to be picked up, and she was right on time at 2:30 pm.  She was also super knowledgeable about the island and pointed out all kinds of interesting things on our drive there and back.  So basically we got a private tour of the island for $100 + tip.

 

The boys were tired so we took them back to the ship to relax in the room while we walked back into Road Town to the famous Pusser's Road Town Pub for a drink. It was maybe a 10 minute walk, the Painkiller was fantastic, super friendly bartender - a great way to end the day!

 

In Puerto Rico, we docked in Old San Juan in easy walking distance of the downtown area.  We visited both Spanish forts, El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal.  $10 pp, kids are free and one ticket gets you in to both.  We stopped at Barrachina, the birthplace of the pina colada, for a to-go drink while we were walking around downtown - we did have to wait here for about 20 minutes to get the drinks.  There is also a cool little pigeon park that my boys enjoyed as well as lots of opportunities for shopping, dining, etc.  So another great day spent for less than $100 total.

 

Our last stop was Castaway Cay, Disney's private island.  There is lots to do here, but it is very spread out so be prepared for A LOT of walking.  I got around 20,000 steps on this day alone, but we did participate in the 5k race as soon as we got off the ship.  That was super fun if you are a runner!  You complete it on your own, no set start time and you get a medal at the finish.  The course is not well marked though so be prepared to improvise if covering the whole distance is important to you.

 

We also had not booked anything in advance at Castaway Cay and had no trouble getting activities.  We rented SUPs (30 minutes for $16 ea), an innertube ($13 for the whole day) and my boys had fun on the waterslides. We had planned to snorkel but ended up not doing it - I thought it was pricey ($34 each for the equipment) and heard several people say they didn't see much. Lunch was included but be aware they shut down at 2pm - we almost missed it because we were paddleboarding from 1-1:30.

 

All in all, we had three excellent port days by just winging it!  It can be done!

 

Pic below of the stunning Brewer's Bay.

 

Thanks for this info. Regarding San Juan, did you follow any directions to get to El Morro? I am also going there in a month and plan on walking. Just looking for some instructions on how to get there without getting lost. 

8 hours ago, LiquidWu said:

Booking in advance is a good idea with MSC, you actually save a lot. (e.g. on Virtuosa the Carousel Production Show costs 10€ in advance instead of 18€ on board).

 

I thought it was possible in the app, because at least there is a corresponding tile that you can click on (click "Things to do" -> "Plan and Book" -> "Speciality Restaurants"). Please don't ask me why the shows appear under this heading. That is one of the secrets of MSC's IT. 😉
I just did a mock booking and noticed that it was not really in the app, but in an embedded web browser. 
But at least it would have worked 🙂 You can also go directly to the website, which is easier and takes you to exactly the same place.

I was also told by someone else to look under “specialty dining”, but in the app when I go there it says “no items found”. I’ll try later on their website with a computer 🤷🏽‍♀️

First time on MSC in late April…I got the app and cannot find how to reserve entertainment or shows. Is this even possible? 

Looking to see if anyone has used E&J taxi tours for shore excursions in Puerto Plata. If so, I’d like to hear about your experience please!

On 2/3/2023 at 8:38 PM, jkloni said:

Just to loop back in - we had a wonderful day in Puerta Plata at Playa Dorada beach.  We debarked the ship and walked thru the port area to the taxis.  We got a taxi that took us to Playa Dorada. It was $10pp each way - $20 each - there were 6 of us - and he stayed with us the whole time.  He offered a tour of the city, but we declined and asked that he bring us to the beach, to Blue JackTar Kite & Grill.  The beach was big and nice and was not crowded.  We had our pick of chairs and the were complimentary and we purchased some drinks.  We at lunch there and it was great.  On our way back he brought us into town to see the umbrella street and a couple of other things.  We had a really nice day. Happy to answer any questions.  

Thanks for this info! Did you have to reserve with Jack tar beforehand or can you just walk in?

On 2/14/2023 at 2:29 PM, cementhands said:

Just got back from Ncl getaway 12 nights January 2023. Ship docked at pier. Negotiated a cab to Puerto plata beach $50.00 and split it with another couple. Be firm if negotiations are altered as they tried to bump up to $75.00. I straighten it out before getting in cab.

Definitely not a favorite place!

 Supposedly the Carnival area is very nice right off ship!

Curious to know which beach did you go to? Was it called Playa Dorada? If so, is it a public beach or you needed a resort day pass?

Looking for this info also… anyone have any insight?

I am also looking for this info. So far I have only come across some shore excursions that go to Playa Dorada, but I have been thinking to get a taxi and purchase a day pass for one of the resorts along the beach. 

2 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

4 ships is nothing in Cozumel.

 

Paradise has the best pool by far if that is important and shortest ride. Palancar probably has biggest beach area, no pool but is not as crammed with loungers. Azul is smaller areas with smaller pool and small climbing frame but rocky and more geared to snorkeling.

Thanks, I’ve decided on paradise beach. 

3 hours ago, Guest 2000 said:

 

Please do tell us your impression when you return... is the beach swimmable? is it shallow and mucky? what is the scoop on snorkeling?  Thanks so much!! 

Yes I will. Although not planning on snorkeling there.

I found these reviews for sol y mar via Bodden tours:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/AttractionProductDetail-g292019-d13534376-5_Hour_Visit_Bodden_s_Beach_Break_Bus_Private_Beach_Club_No_Beach_Vendors-Roatan_Bay_Islands.html

On 4/6/2019 at 12:36 PM, dbrown84 said:

does anyone know if the Victor Bodden tour set a particular time to bring everyone back, or if you can pretty much leave whenever you're ready?  I want to schedule this, but I also want to spend some time near the port before heading back on the ship, so I want to spend about 4 hours at the resort.

On the Bodden tours website, it states that you will spend about 4-5 hours there, depending on your ship’s departure time. I would also email them to ask. 

On 8/27/2016 at 11:38 AM, Buckeyefan1985 said:

Hello,

 

Recently had to change my ocean view cabin to an accessible cabin (yes, unfortunately we qualify to have this cabin type). Can anyone provide any insight into the noise level that we might have with the Opal Theater down the hallway and Blaze right above us? More concerned with Blaze than the theater. Realizing the accessible cabins are a limited cabin type, has anyone ever had any luck switching to a different accessible cabin? I know, every sailing is different and depends on when you are traveling, just curious. Not really looking for anything other than someplace not directly under a place for late night dancing. Thanks in advance for your time and comments.

 

Beth

Hi there, I came across your post, I will be staying in 3178 as well, how was your experience regarding the noise ? 

5 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

Thanks, that seems like a good deal and must have been added since our visit last year.

 

I had the quote directly from Bodden last year $40pp plus $10pp entrance for two of us last year. Looking back at my email it may have been because we also were interested in Ginger's Grill, in West End, so perhaps the above was available, but he just quoted us for a private tour. RCCL had the excursion on one of their numerous "sales" so we paid less than $27 - no brainer for two of us!

 

I would probably go with Bodden if we went again. I see he needs 4 people but seems like that would be confirmed before you sailed.

I actually booked this tour, we are a party of 4 and will be going in May. I read your review and I’m really looking forward to our visit to sol y mar! 

15 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

Which  Bodden? $20pp total would be a reasonable price.

 

we were quoted $10 entrance plus travel, dependent on number  number in van - always the problem in Roatan when you just want transport for two and not a tour. 

 

Discover Roatan seems to be $35pp.

 

We paid much less than that through the cruiseline and we rarely take ship tours.

Here’s the link:

http://www.boddentours.com/beachbus.htm

Which cruise line are you talking about? RCCL shows $27 for this same excursion. 

And where did you get the $10 quote from? 

Just FYI Bodden tours offers a trip to sol y mar for $20, not AI though.

On 3/23/2019 at 6:56 AM, JohninDC said:

Paradise Beach has water toys and a HUGE pool, plus great facilites. That would be my choice.

That’s what I was leaning towards, but with 4 ships do you think it can get overcrowded? 

We will be in Cozumel with 2 kids ages 3 and 7. I am trying to decide which beach out of these will be best for us: paradise beach, Playa Azul or Playa Palancar. We aren’t interested in snorkeling or AI, just looking for a beach day. Apparently there will be 4 ships that day. Anybody have any advice?