BigAl_7

On 4/19/2019 at 3:07 PM, ramidon1 said:

Couple questions.  How many lounge chairs come with the cabana?   We have 8 people.  The only pic I see shows a sectional inside the cabana and only 2 loungers outside of it......hoping for at least 4.

 

how long is the walk from these poolside cabanas to the beach?

 

thanks!

It will really depend on which cabana you are assigned.  Here's the map of the area.  the Oasis Lagoon Cabanas are hidden behind the Oasis Lagoon label on this, but there was another pic I posted a couple minutes ago that gives a better idea of just where they are in relation to the pool, but that didn't show the beach.  So some are pretty close to the beach and some are further away.  If you were assigned one near the marker labeled 25 you'd be close to Chill Island, if you got one closer to the bathrooms then you'd have a further walk to get to the beach.  

Alan

On 6/5/2019 at 1:31 PM, Altiec said:

yeesh.... we have an oasis cabana for late July and I'm just trying to find a map of the layout... supposedly we are in cabana C per the cruise planner.  I'm very on the fence on whether this is worth the expense.... I would pay for a chill island one, but they want over 700$ for it!!! 

Here's the general map, the cabanas are along the top of this part, you can see several rows of chairs and umbrellas are in front of you.  

So, there are two trams the one that takes you up and down the pier, and then the one that goes around the island.  You can see the route on the map of Coco Cay.  It really starts at the arrivals plaza on the island and goes around the Thrill Waterpark to come up on South Beach and on around to the end of Chill Beach, which is right by the Oasis Lagoon Pool.  I'll try to attach the map here.

Alan

I want to add, from what I've seen the only food item that is at a charge is the Wings and Fries at Captain Jack's.  Otherwise, all the other food is included.  The only part of Thrill Waterpark that I would see using myself would have been the wave pool, but the Oasis Lagoon Pool looks really nice and is included.  We did get an Oasis Lagoon Cabana, but it's so we have a place for our group to meet during our cruise and basically a "home base" during our visit.  If we didn't have 8 people, I thing we most likely wouldn't have bothered.  

Alan

Brillohead is so right.  While all cruise lines are certainly happy to accept your money, unless you specifically want to do something while on Coco Cay, there is a lot you can do for free/included in the original price you paid for the cruise.  Since it is your first cruise you might really want to take the beach day to relax.  Harmony OTS will indeed be a lot and while there are a TON of people on it, it's well designed and generally pretty much everyone is spread out across the ship and you will rarely feel crowded in.  Yes, the shows can be packed, and the parades down the Royal Promenade but not much more so than some of the smaller ships because they have so much more room. Make sure that you catch the aqua-show during the cruise!

Okay back to topic.  There are some activities that don't cost as much as the water park tickets, like jet-skis and snorkeling, that you can do on your own.  Basically, this is elementary school recess for the adults. 

On 6/1/2019 at 1:25 PM, rkak said:

Going to COCO Cay Perfect Day in Sept.  My husband can barely walk and I can only walk a little with out my walker. The pier looks very long.  Are there transport chairs from the ship to the Is?  To the attractions?  I want to do the Hot Air balloon, Up, Up and Away.  Can I get there with some sort of transport?  And bsck.  Has anyone done this?

I haven't been to Perfect Day at CocoCay yet, but been reading a lot and watching people's videos.  From what I have seen it appears that there is a paved walkway that goes around the entire natural lagoon area.  That would be important for getting to the Hot Air Balloon area.  The walk does look a little long from the pier, but they do have a shuttle that does run up and down the pier to take the folks who can't walk that far.  There is also a shuttle that will go around the water park area and bring you close to the balloon area and Oasis Lagoon Pool.  

Here's where things get a little more choppy.  Once you leave the central path it appears to be mostly sand until you get to the next attraction area.  There doesn't seen to be a paved path from the central loop to the attractions, but right around the attractions there are paved areas.  So, it appears you would need to use one of the provided beach wheelchairs to get from the path to the attraction if you are using a walker, it would likely get a little bogged down in the sand and if you husband has mobility issues as well, then the next question is do you have anyone traveling with you that could push the beach wheelchairs?  

I am really interested to hear people's opinion who have actually been to the island.  It really seems like they should have some accessible paths to the big attractions.  I know that they can't do that for the beach itself, but it's all paved around the slides, the Oasis Lagoon and the Kids splash zone.  

I hope you're able to get more info and have a great time.  I'm going next year in April so guess we'll see if they make any additional changes, apart from adding the South Beach stuff.

Alan

5 hours ago, Islandgirl441 said:

The pier is operational and ships are docking. Also, Oasis Lagoon up and running.

Islandgirl441, thank you!  That's great to hear!

Alan

On 1/16/2019 at 1:36 PM, Snowbird_in_training said:

 I’ve searched as best as I can for these answers, please forgive me if it’s been addressed. 

 

The pier is “scheduled” for completion in March. If it’s not completed, do the Oasis class ships actually tender?   Our May Harmony cruise is scheduled to call on Coco Cay and I was just wondering about that. 

 

Also, in order to just use the pool but not the slides or anything, do you purchase the water park pass, or is the pool with swim up bar separate?  

 

Thank you in advance. 

So, one thing that Oasis Lagoon pool is free and available to all, it's the wave pool, slides and adventure pool that would require you to book and pay for the Thrill Waterpark.  The Oasis Lagoon pool IS the one with the swim up bar.

Alan

There is some drone footage from January on You Tube if you just search for "Coco Cay Royal Caribbean with Bebop 2 Drone"  I'll try to attach the link as well, looks like they are well on their way.

No, the new cabana location is right on a sand beach, with water right in front of you. The area of water in front of the cabanas is roped off for just cabana guests.

 

Cabana also gets an enhanced buffet (also full suite guests). Much of the meat is grilled right at the buffet rather than cooked on the ship and brought over.

 

And there is a bar right at the entrance to the cabana area.

 

They are very nice, but I would not pay for one for 2 people. Last year, we met a couple who had booked on and they invited us to join them. The best way. :D

So, I have a question about the new location of the waterfront cabanas maybe you can answer. I know that things are changing because of the building of the Perfect Day at Cococay, but is there a paved/gravel walkway to get close to the cabanas? I really don't want to do a beach wheelchair, but I've got a breathing problem that limits how far I can walk, so I'm wondering if I can get my normal power chair at least near the cabanas. We're going on our cruise far enough out that they should have the lagoon oasis cabanas done and it, at least, looks like they might have sidewalks/walkways to get close to them...

Thank you in advance!

Alan

I really wish RCCL would post construction updates on their website so people don't make plans to book a cruise that is going to Cococay.

They do have this webpage with the most recent dates on the website. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/when-does-perfect-day-at-cococay-open

As of today, this is what it says, but of course that could change.

We’ll be opening new attractions and experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay in phases with full completion targeted for December 2019.

• The new pier will open in November 2018.
  
• Up, Up and Away helium balloon, Chill Island, and Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool will open in December 2018.
  
• Thrill Waterpark, the Zip Line, Splashaway Bay aquapark, Captain Jack’s dining, Skipper’s Grill dining, and Captain Jack’s Galleon will open in May 2019.
  
• South Beach, Coco Beach Club and the overwater cabanas will open in December 2019.
  

Please note that these dates might be subject to change depending on the progress of construction.

I know this is a very old thread, but the website for the Port of Tampa shows this for disabled parking being free:

Toggle AnswerIs parking free for disabled?

For any vehicle with modifications i.e.:

• Foot Controls
  
• Hand Controls
  
• Extended Pedals
  
• Wheelchair Lift
  
• Wheelchair Ramp
  
• 100% Disabled Veterans
  

This is in the FAQs on the https://www.porttb.com/parking website. I did have to argue with the lady at the booth about my power wheelchair lift on my truck and they didn't let me in until I asked to speak with a manager. Never did hear from a manager, but I think that they are counting on people not knowing their rights and just giving into paying instead of forcing the issue it seems.

I know this is a very old thread, but the website for the Port of Tampa shows this for disabled parking being free:

Toggle AnswerIs parking free for disabled?

For any vehicle with modifications i.e.:

• Foot Controls
  
• Hand Controls
  
• Extended Pedals
  
• Wheelchair Lift
  
• Wheelchair Ramp
  
• 100% Disabled Veterans
  

This is in the FAQs on the https://www.porttb.com/parking website. I did have to argue with the lady at the booth about my power wheelchair lift on my truck and they didn't let me in until I asked to speak with a manager. Never did hear from a manager, but I think that they are counting on people not knowing their rights and just giving into paying instead of forcing the issue it seems.

I know this is a very old thread, but the website for the Port of Tampa shows this for disabled parking being free:

Toggle AnswerIs parking free for disabled?

For any vehicle with modifications i.e.:

• Foot Controls
  
• Hand Controls
  
• Extended Pedals
  
• Wheelchair Lift
  
• Wheelchair Ramp
  
• 100% Disabled Veterans
  

This is in the FAQs on the https://www.porttb.com/parking website. I did have to argue with the lady at the booth about my power wheelchair lift on my truck and they didn't let me in until I asked to speak with a manager. Never did hear from a manager, but I think that they are counting on people not knowing their rights and just giving into paying instead of forcing the issue it seems.

Does the Port of Tampa have free handicapped parking? We sailed out of Miami last February and I thought (I could be wrong) I read on Cruise Critic somewhere that parking at the Miami port was free if you had a handicapped sticker. I was wondering if that were the case in Tampa. Am asking for my father. Thanks for any help.

 

Nanners

We booked with Yosel and Damian was our guide. I thoroughly agree with your review and would recommend using "I Love Cuba" tours as well. Here is my review I posted to Trip Advisor...

What a great time! While it was raining our

first day, Damian was wonderful trying to get us to see as

much as we could. Always a smile and welcoming words,

I agree with others that it was almost like being led

through the tour with a long-time friend. The weather

cleared up the second day and Damian guided us around the

walking tour pointing out sights and good photo

opportunities and I got some really great photos. We

would HIGHLY recommend booking a tour with

Yosel.

By the way, this was booked very last minute

after the cruise ship had cancelled our original plans

because of damage from Irma. Yosel jumped right in and

suggested an option for us and let us know to look for

Damian outside of the cruise terminal. If we ever make

it back to Havana, I would definitely book with I Love Cuba

again and would request Damian if he's available.

I just can't say enough good things about the entire

process and the tours themselves.

Thank you!!!

Hi Alan, Cuba wasn't too bad. Upon leaving the terminal to the sidewalk, there's no ramp and it's a step down (about 5"). Once you're on the sidewalk, if you head to the left, there is a ramp, but that's pretty much it. 90% of the time, the sidewalks had no slopes. Getting to the San Jose Artisan Market (1/2 mile to the left of the terminal) I had to ride on the street, a portion of the street was sectioned off without any cars so it was safe. In front of the terminal was the Old Towne Market which was all cobblestone which made for a slow and bumpy ride, but definitely worth the look. Otherwise, we took a classic car tour to see the rest of the sights. Each stop was easy to navigate by scooter, or rollator. If you are able to walk quite a bit with a rollator (without balance/tripping issues) I'd say go for it! :)

Thank you! I actually was wondering about getting down to the San Jose Artisan Market. We are planning to do the Hemingway Tour the first day and had thought about the HOHO bus for the second day.

Thank you again!

'm looking forward to taking it to Havana this July, although I know it will literally be a "bumpy" road ahead. ;)

Nocalnick,

How did it go for you in Cuba? I have a powerchair and have purchased a rollator as I'm thinking that might be better from what I've read about getting around, but would like to hear your experience if you don't mind please!

Thanks,

Alan

This is kind of embarrassing to ask but I'm a big girl (like over 300 pounds big) and I'm having some serious anxiety about the wall-mounted toilet in our stateroom. I've heard stories of larger people breaking them from the wall and I wanted to know if the ones on RCI Anthem of the Seas had any sort of weight limit? Anyone else my size or bigger have any experience with the wall-mounted toilets on Royal Caribbean that can put my fears to bed? I've tried to find the answer on my own including calling RCI for the answer and nothing. I'm sure I'm not the only one concerned about this. Help!!!

Carpy,

We haven't been on the Anthem OTS but have been on many of the RC ships. We had a friend who was very concerned as well, he was 6'6" and 600#. This was also his major concern, but he had no problems. This was on the Jewel OTS, so an older ship than Anthem. Just go and plan to enjoy yourself!

Alan

First time on a Royal Caribbean ship. Is the dress casual at night? Are jeans permitted in the MDR?

Ronni,

Empress does not even have a formal night any longer. This helps with the size of their cabins being much smaller than any other RCCL ship, since you don't have to carry dress up clothing, unless you want to bring it.

Since this is your first RCCL Cruise, don't judge the line by the Empress. It is the smallest and oldest ship in the fleet, but that's needed in order to go to Havana. We are booked on her in October and she was our first experience cruising back when she was the Nordic Empress with RCCL. We are looking forward to seeing her again after all these years, but they don't have the bells and whistles the rest of the fleet has. I am fully expecting to enjoy our cruise, but we know what we're getting into already.

Alan

(quote) Forget 1:1 conversion with the $US! We got 392 cuc for $450.... (quote)

 

 

That is the current exchange rate for US Dollars. Each dollar is worth 87 cents because of the 10% penalty and the 3% currency exchange.

He was asking about the CAD to CUC. So he would not be subject to the 10% penalty.

Anyone convert CAD to CUC at the port?

What was the rate ?

From what I have read, the CUC is pegged to the USD. So it should be the same exchange rate as the CAD to the USD. Only the USD has the 10% penalty included.

Hi Alan - thanks for sending link - it works! we may not actually have enough time, day 1, as we are scheduled to meet our guide at ca 9am so we'll probably just try to find the Artisan Market, day 2.

 

are you on the March 31 cruise? don't recognize your name as part of our 21 March roll call - ? or are you on one of the later Nov-Dec cruises? I'll be happy to report back. we'll be in Havana 22-23 March.

 

thanks for your help!

Lynn

Lynn,

Actually in looking for information about Cuba I found this thread. I'm actually booked on October 16 Royal Caribbean on Empress of the Seas.

wonderful! happy to hear that, hope we can do the same, as scheduled to meet private tour guide ca. 9am in front of cathedral, San Francisco Square, which, is my understanding just outside terminal. did you happen to notice or see an artisan market in same area? San Jose Artisan Market is supposed to be in same general area -- not a big deal, but if we do get off-ship as you did, would like to know what there might be to do there if we have time to wait before meeting guide.

 

again, so appreciative of help you are providing to all of us future cruisers, first time in Havana folks - my many thanks to you again!

 

wish you a delightful Day 2 in Havana et un bon voyage throughout remainder of cruise!

Lynn

Lynn, I've been trying to do my research and looking at Google Maps. It shows that the Basilica San Francisco de Asis is pretty much right across the street from the Terminal Sierra Maestra where the cruise ships dock. There is a park looking area right next to it, but it's labeled Lonja del Comercio. The Almacenes San Jose Artisans' Market is a little ways away from the dock. Google maps says it's a 12 minute walk or a 3 min ride in a car. I'm going to try to post a link for you. Click here

Alan

This information is for US citizens only.

 

If you have Euros left over from previous trips to Europe, take those with you to get a better exchange rate on CUC (Cuban tourist peso). However, if you have no Euros -- if you have to first convert your US dollars to Euros, and, then, convert your Euros to CUC, I wouldn't recommend that approach. You are unlikely to get a rate that justifies that extra conversion. If you have a special banking arrangement that allows you to exchange currency for free or a rate approaching the preferred exchange rate, you might want to consider the extra effort. However, few of us have a financial arrangement that saves enough money to bother with the extra effort of an intermediate conversion.

 

Try to focus on the newness and adventure of the trip to Cuba and gloss over the surcharge for converting US currency.

I have a relationship with Wells Fargo and they have a currency exchange service. If you are converting 1000 or more, then they don't charge shipping. But less than that the shipping is $15.00. I had decided to get some Euros to avoid the 10%, which I had read on another thread was charged both to convert USD to CUC and then to convert back from CUC to USD. We are going to be going in October this year. Can't wait!

Alan

My partner and I are planning to do this trip with my family. Anybody else joining us? This will be our first Carnival, we have been on RCCL and Princess previously.

Looking forward to seeing if anyone else does the New Year's Eve trip.

Alan