1994te

I would love a copy as well.  todd.crowder@frontierspinning.com

I would love it as well.  tlcflash at gmail dot com

12 hours ago, coevan said:

What do you mean, bang for the buck? I only drink beers I like. So you might be getting more beer you don't like? I see more Bud cans then any other beer on the ship, no I don't like Bud.

People drink for a variety of reasons.  Some drink to be sociable, some drink because they like the taste, and some drink to get drunk just to name a few.  Please don't pretend that you do not know what was meant by bang for the buck.  I like IPA's and drink them because I like them.  It just so happens that for the volume of alcohol in the Rebel IPA, I spend less money on my alcohol per once than some people on a beer that I like.

Not sure of the cost, but it is 4 beers.  The last time I did the math, the biggest bang for the buck for ABV is Sam Adams Rebel IPA.

36 minutes ago, CruisingViper said:

I just use my innate sense of direction that all men have... 

 

and then I wait for my wife to tell me I'm going the wrong way

I just let my wife lead since she is always right.  I then go the other way since she is right at going the wrong way!

3 hours ago, mimbecky said:

Sounds great.  About how long does Royston take you out?

 

Thanks

M

If I remember correctly, it was about 4 - 5 hours.

47 minutes ago, pjpu said:

How does one go about looking into booking with this guy?  Thanks!

Here is his email.  Give him your ship and day you will be in port and the tour you would like.  Sometimes it may take him a few days to get back with you.

roystontours@hotmail.com

36 minutes ago, RWolver672 said:

 

Unfortunately, now I can't find that site.  I did think when I saw it that it seemed strange that they would only be open one day a week.

Yes very weird, but sometimes things change.  It is a very beautiful spot and off the beaten path.  Our driver took us there and hired a guide to guide us through the falls.  We will definitely go back.

On 6/16/2019 at 5:29 AM, RWolver672 said:

 

I did Google them and unless your cruise is on a Tuesday,  forget Blue Hole.  This is what I found:  

 

Days of Operation & Tour Time(s):

• Monday:Closed

• Tuesday:10:00 AM

• Wednesday:Closed

• Thursday:Closed

• Friday:Closed

• Saturday:Closed

• Sunday:Closed

 

We used Erroll at Travel Jamaica Tours.  We got him to take us to Blue hole and then tubing.  I would highly recommend going to Blue Hole instead of Dunns River Falls.  Google Blue Hole in Jamaica and look at some of the videos.  There are very few people that go up there so it is much more relaxing and away from the crowds.

We will be there on Thanksgiving as well, the Magic sailing.  I have found the same thing,; that most things and private tours aren't operating.  We may just walk the streets and grab lunch if possible.

Yes!  It's been a slow process, but they are back!

20 hours ago, muchovino said:

Thanks for your review.  I understand that Royston's van is not fancy, but is it air-conditioned?

No his van is not airconditioned but he has every window taken out of the van.  My wife was very hesitant when I booked this tour the first time because she felt it would be too hot for her.  With the winds and constant moving of the van with the windows out, I enjoyed it much better than a van with air, jmo.  My wife enjoyed it so much that when we took our kids to St. Kitts, a few years later, she wanted to do it again.

On 4/19/2019 at 9:12 PM, Terry in NJ said:

Hi! I am researching a private tour, and we will be 4, including my 80's parents. This is for the Anthem next January.

I do need a little more info on the Royston tour, although if we booked him privately, I'm sure he would accommodate the seniors (No scooters, no walkers, mentally delightful, just my Mom is a bit slower on the walking...) What is the max for the van? Is the pickup VERY near the ship? That's what I'm most concerned with, with my Mom. Thanks for your advice and guidance.

Yes Royston will add people to your group.  Usually he will take around 8 people.  We have used him twice and he has added people each time.  We were a group of 4 one time.  We adore Royston and his island.  This should be perfect for your mother as he drives his van everywhere for you to see things.  The steps to Brimstone may be too much for her though. 

2 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

I was defending booking through Carnival, whereas the other user was basically saying it's not smart to. I know they're often cheaper booked through the independent vendor, but going through Carnival is more worth it to some.

 

If you don't mind me asking, are you referring to the 10% you also get by using the Carnival MasterCard? Someone else said the email stated that could be combined with this sale. But they weren't sure if the MasterCard would then give 10% credit based off the original excursion price or the discounted sale price. I guess no one will know until they see their MasterCard statement.

OK.  Misunderstood.  I was referring to the Carnival Mastercard, so I am not sure you could use it in combination.  I believe you can because I don't think Barclay's would have any idea you were booking it reduced.  They just administer the card and give the discount based on the charge being from Carnival Excursions.

3 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

The sarcasm is strong with this one. But someone beat you to it on page 1. I'll say it again, some people are willing to pay more for the convenience of booking excursions through Carnival and especially for the guarantee that the ship won't leave you if the excursion runs late.

I agree with you most of the time, but with this discount and another 10% off with the way I paid, it was actually lower than the excursion that I was going to book on my own.  Exact same excursion.  I know mine is probably the exception to what you stated, but sometimes it does work out better.  For the record, this is the first Carnival excursion I have booked in my last 9 cruises with them.

What price did they quote you?  I am trying to do the same as you are.  I can't get any of the tour guides to book it for me.  They say the cruise line controls it on the days they have ships.  If they have slots at 12 that are not associated with the cruise lines, I will try and book it and get a taxi over as well.

This is why it pays to do your research and go with a reputable TA. I use only 1 but there are others out there. While I do everything over the phone, the TA has a brick and mortar building with lots of agents and an outstanding reputation, and they only handle cruises. I can reach them 5 days a week with extended business hours to handle anything a PVP could handle and it is worth the 'extras" that they throw in for no cost to me. It may not be for everyone. As for the "what ifs", reading these boards, I see where more problems happen with cancellations and payment issues with people booking directly with Carnival than I see people complaining about using a TA. I don't know for certain, but I would expect that the TA's have a direct link to Carnival either with access to their booking engine or a dedicated group of their own PVP's which get their rooms booked.

Have you thought about potential what-ifs? What happens if you make a payment and the TA fails to forward the payment to Carnival? If could take a while to get it worked out with your credit card company, and hopefully it would be resolved before your cruise date--but maybe not. What if other problems come up and the agent decides to avoid you instead of addressing your concern? What is your recourse if that happens? Carnival usually won't talk to you about your booking if you book with a TA. Some less reputable TAs don't like to talk with you if you're inquiring about an issue that could potentially lower their commission, such as a price drop. Personally I wouldn't ever turn my booking over to a TA. I see it as adding another layer of potential problems and fees.

My online TA is free and I research enough to know exactly what I want. I usually average about $200 OBC from the TA, not including what Carinival may have in their offer. The extra OBC is the only reason I book with a TA. Some people think it is worth it and some do not. I have never had an issue with contacting the TA I use and having any issue resolved by the end of the day.

A PVP is your direct contact at Carnival. You can email/call them directly whenever you need to.

 

I am perplexed that people actually pay money to have someone make a booking for them? I'd never even heard of that. I always thought the people who used TAs got a free service out of them.

 

Not only would I never use a TA there's no way in hades I'd PAY someone to make a booking for me, that's FREE to make.

I got this offer yesterday as well. I got one like it last year as well and used it.

I also use an online TA. On our last cruise in April, I ended up with $225 OBC, $50 from Carnival and $175 from the TA. I have already booked a Thanksgiving 2019 cruise and I have $50 from Carnival and the TA is throwing in $200 OBC for a total of $250. The TA I use have never been hard to get in touch with and they have always gotten the price drops that I ask for in just a few minutes of me calling.

Just got off Magic on 4/21/18. They are key punched and do not require a card.

Vast majority on these boards represent less then 1% of the sailing public. I have NOT (even once) ever received anything unless i purchased it. Even sent John Heald email about the celebration. Email John about a table for just my family. and nothing. I still email him though-- and will do so when I cruise my birthday in August on the Liberty.

For a table request, I would email the maitre d on your ship about 2 weeks prior to your sailing. That has always worked for me.

For Ochos Rios, if you want a more private waterfall experience, look up Blue Hole. Get your independent driver/tour to take you there!

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Our two favorites have been...

Jamaica- booked a private driver to take us to Blue Hole. A very beautiful place and so much better than Dunn’s River Falls and no where near as crowded.

Dominica- another private tour. This was with Bumping Tours. The excursion was called Roseau Valley Treasures. Snorkeling at Champagne reef, and Titou Gorge were awesome. Some of Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed there.

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