Enchantment of the Seas-Dec 6, 2010

[CruiserInMD]

We hardly got to see St. Thomas on a previous cruise because we had booked an excursion that took us to St. John all day. I was really upset to read the news. Don't think it'll stop us from exploring, but it's scary out there :(

 

I guess we should be booking the calm horseback-on-beach excursion for Dominican Republic about now...just have to work out the babysitting details :p

[CruiserInMD]

Hey there. Hope you both are doing well. I posted this on the 'standard' cruise line thread, but I wanted to double-check to see if you guys are interested in the following:

 

So, we're going to book one of Terry's excursions (details appear below, as taken from a post by Honeychild) I wrote to Terry a couple weeks ago expressing my interest in the excursion and he was happy to hear it, but before we book, I wanted to let you all know so that we can try to book in the same timeframe. I'd like to do it by this Friday, Aug 27.

 

Please let me know if you're interested in the following excursion in Semana. It would last pretty much the whole time we are docked there, but sounds like a fascinating, extensive, yet lower-key way to tour the area. We only need 6 people (2 of whom would be us) to get a dockside pickup versus going to his restaurant.

 

Thanks!

 

-------

 

6) El Valle Culture, Beach & Waterfalls on Horseback

 

This excursion is exclusive to Tour Samana With Terry on cruise ship days.

 

If you want to see the real Dominican Republic without a line of other tourists around this is your tour.

 

My friend Domingo and I have our own horseback riding excursion in the El Valle area. You ride out in the country by small farms to a small general store in the middle of nowhere. Try some fresh picked local fruits. Locally grown coffee. Coconut bread. The old fashioned way. Step back in time on this tour. After this you will backtrack a little and make various river crossings like a cowboy in the old western movies. If the conditions permit you will even ride down the middle of the river for a mile or two. Then end up on the El Valle beach for photos and some beach riding. Eat a typical Dominican buffet on the beach and enjoy the fresh air with the sand between your toes. We then get into the vehicle and ride to the entrance to the waterfall Cascada Lulu for some swim time. It's just a 10 min walk along the river. (swimming is prohibited at the El Valle beach)

 

 

Price:

$75 a person

$60 for kids 11 and under.

 

To arrange a dockside pickup we must have at least 6 people.

 

I can arrange this tour with as few as 4 people ($320 minimum charge for 1-4 people). In this case the tour would start at my restaurant.

 

Either way this tour will end at the dock.

[mejoe39]

Hi,

 

Thanks for posting the information about the horseback riding excursion. Unfortunately it might be more that I can handle for a first time rider. The excursion sounds like it should be great though. I'm guessing we will probably be looking for a nice relaxing beach break that day.

 

Its almost three months before the cruise. I'm getting really excited. :)

 

Joe

[CruiserInMD]

Oh well, I understand. Can't believe the cruise is in only 3 months. Time is flying!

 

We've been gathering more details about what we're going to be doing at each port. In case you're interested, we're probably hanging out at the beach in Labadee, doing the excursion in Semana, doing our own walking tour in San Juan, skyride & shopping at St. Thomas, Orient beach in St. Maarten, and Garden Cove beach in Tortola.

[mejoe39]

Currently we plan to go to Magen's Bay beach in St. Thomas and Orient beach in St. Martin. We went to Tortola once before but they didn't have regular taxis. Rather, they were basically open shuttle buses. We tried to take one to one of the beaches but they wouldn't leave until they were full. We waited for a while but we never left so we just decided to walk around. Do you plan to do an excursion to the beach in Tortola? Or do you plan to find a ride once you get there? I'm just wondering about the best way to get to a beach in Tortola.

 

Joe

[12vman]

Hey there. Hope you both are doing well. I posted this on the 'standard' cruise line thread, but I wanted to double-check to see if you guys are interested in the following:

 

So, we're going to book one of Terry's excursions (details appear below, as taken from a post by Honeychild) I wrote to Terry a couple weeks ago expressing my interest in the excursion and he was happy to hear it, but before we book, I wanted to let you all know so that we can try to book in the same timeframe. I'd like to do it by this Friday, Aug 27.

 

Please let me know if you're interested in the following excursion in Semana. It would last pretty much the whole time we are docked there, but sounds like a fascinating, extensive, yet lower-key way to tour the area. We only need 6 people (2 of whom would be us) to get a dockside pickup versus going to his restaurant.

 

Thanks!

 

-------

 

6) El Valle Culture, Beach & Waterfalls on Horseback

 

This excursion is exclusive to Tour Samana With Terry on cruise ship days.

 

If you want to see the real Dominican Republic without a line of other tourists around this is your tour.

 

My friend Domingo and I have our own horseback riding excursion in the El Valle area. You ride out in the country by small farms to a small general store in the middle of nowhere. Try some fresh picked local fruits. Locally grown coffee. Coconut bread. The old fashioned way. Step back in time on this tour. After this you will backtrack a little and make various river crossings like a cowboy in the old western movies. If the conditions permit you will even ride down the middle of the river for a mile or two. Then end up on the El Valle beach for photos and some beach riding. Eat a typical Dominican buffet on the beach and enjoy the fresh air with the sand between your toes. We then get into the vehicle and ride to the entrance to the waterfall Cascada Lulu for some swim time. It's just a 10 min walk along the river. (swimming is prohibited at the El Valle beach)

 

 

Price:

$75 a person

$60 for kids 11 and under.

 

To arrange a dockside pickup we must have at least 6 people.

 

I can arrange this tour with as few as 4 people ($320 minimum charge for 1-4 people). In this case the tour would start at my restaurant.

 

Either way this tour will end at the dock.

 

 

Can you tell me how this went? any details? im looking into it, any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

Ed

[CruiserInMD]

I think we're just going to try to board one of the open-air taxis in Tortola to get to the beach. It looks like the only excursion we're going to book...well, it's Terry's excursion, so we're not going to be booking any with RC.

 

Ed- Can't help you...our cruise isn't for another 3 months.

[Vinnard]

Greetings all.

 

Thought I would chime in that my partner (Larry) and I (Irv) will be on this cruise also. We both lost our mothers over the last year so we will also have other family members in tow.

 

My handicap father who I/we care for and also Larry's twin (also gay) will be sailing with us.

 

This is our second Royal Caribbean cruise out of Baltimore, thank goodness no need to fly. We did last years reposition cruise aboard the Grandeur from Baltimore to Tampa and it was a blast.

 

We look forward to meeting everyone on board.

[CruiserInMD]

Welcome! Glad you'll be joining us. Are there any excursions you're planning on doing?

[mejoe39]

Greetings all.

 

Thought I would chime in that my partner (Larry) and I (Irv) will be on this cruise also. We both lost our mothers over the last year so we will also have other family members in tow.

 

My handicap father who I/we care for and also Larry's twin (also gay) will be sailing with us.

 

This is our second Royal Caribbean cruise out of Baltimore, thank goodness no need to fly. We did last years reposition cruise aboard the Grandeur from Baltimore to Tampa and it was a blast.

 

We look forward to meeting everyone on board.

 

Welcome Irv and Larry (and to everyone in your group). Sorry to hear about your mothers.

 

This is the first time we (Tim and I) have sailed out of Baltimore. It is going to be so nice not to have to fly especially with a 12 day cruise. That way I can cram more stuff in my suit case or bring an extra one if I need to.

 

Joe (and Tim)

[Mike NYC]

Hi,

 

Been on 10 other cruises both with family and solo all over the world. Usually cruise with my sister and sometimes we take a aunt/uncle with us.

 

NCL Norway Ireland, France, Holland, Channel Islands, UK 09/1999

NCL Dream Greece and Greek Isles, Turkey, Cyprus, Agean Sea 10/2001

Carnival Spirit Panama Canal Crossing 09/2003

CCL Summit San Diego to Alaska 05/2004

RCCI Empress of the Seas NYC-Bermuda-Caribean 10/2004

NCL Wind Hawaii South Pacific 09/2005

Princess Crown NYC to Caribbean 10/2006

NCL Star Pacific Coast, Canada, Mexico, USA 09/2007

NCL Gem Barcelona/NYC 11/16/2008

 

Just retired in August and been away the last 2 months in California, Florida and Puerto Rico visiting family. I'm 56 years old gay guy from NYC.

 

Was thinking about doing another transatlantic but the dates for the cruises I was interested in for this fall had family activities already planned.

 

Live in NY and have a niece in DC and who was thinking about going on this cruise but she can not go but I'm still thinking about it. Price for a single isn't too bad but am trying to find a friend that can join me.

 

Been to some of the ports and plan on just doing local beaches . Not a drinker nor a party guy, been there/done that and am going for a little R&R.

 

Will let you know if I decide to go.

 

My email is GWHM@AOL.COM. Write and say hello and introduce yourself

 

Michael

[mejoe39]

Hi,

 

Been on 10 other cruises both with family and solo all over the world. Usually cruise with my sister and sometimes we take a aunt/uncle with us.

 

NCL Norway Ireland, France, Holland, Channel Islands, UK 09/1999

NCL Dream Greece and Greek Isles, Turkey, Cyprus, Agean Sea 10/2001

Carnival Spirit Panama Canal Crossing 09/2003

CCL Summit San Diego to Alaska 05/2004

RCCI Empress of the Seas NYC-Bermuda-Caribean 10/2004

NCL Wind Hawaii South Pacific 09/2005

Princess Crown NYC to Caribbean 10/2006

NCL Star Pacific Coast, Canada, Mexico, USA 09/2007

NCL Gem Barcelona/NYC 11/16/2008

 

Just retired in August and been away the last 2 months in California, Florida and Puerto Rico visiting family. I'm 56 years old gay guy from NYC.

 

Was thinking about doing another transatlantic but the dates for the cruises I was interested in for this fall had family activities already planned.

 

Live in NY and have a niece in DC and who was thinking about going on this cruise but she can not go but I'm still thinking about it. Price for a single isn't too bad but am trying to find a friend that can join me.

 

Been to some of the ports and plan on just doing local beaches . Not a drinker nor a party guy, been there/done that and am going for a little R&R.

 

Will let you know if I decide to go.

 

My email is GWHM@AOL.COM. Write and say hello and introduce yourself

 

Michael

 

Michael,

 

I hope you can make it on this cruise. I wouldn't call myself or Tim partiers but we do enjoy some wine at dinner. We both enjoy the casino. I wouldn't mind going to one of the clubs and dancing but I'm not sure how well two guys dancing would go over with others on the cruise. :eek: It seems like there is going to be a fun group of people on the cruise as you've probably seen from the main thread for the cruise. I'm very much looking forward to just relaxing in the sun and going to some beaches as well.

 

One of the great things for us about this cruise is not having to fly. No getting up early, going to the airport, etc. It's especially nice not to have to worry about the weight of your luggage especially on a 12 day cruise.

 

Joe

[CruiserInMD]

Michael,

 

I wouldn't mind going to one of the clubs and dancing but I'm not sure how well two guys dancing would go over with others on the cruise. :eek:

Joe

 

I'm sure Sarah and I would love to go dancing one night, and to heck with what other people think :) Power in numbers!

 

- Lori

[Mike NYC]

Hi Irv, Larry, Lori, Joe, Sarah, Tim, and to those READING THIS NOTE BUT STAYING IN THE CLOSET AND NOT INTRODUCING YOURSELVES :p

 

My niece is in school and really wants to go on the nearly identical cruise scheduled on DEC 27 after she finishes her classes.

 

She has a one year old son and her husband is in the Military and he cannot go. That's what's stopping us from making plans. She wants to go but she's not happy about going without him. Her husband is Ok with not going and for me to go with her (we go away together a lot). He has no issues about us going but my niece would like to be together for the holidays.

 

THAT's why I'm thinking of going on the Cruise with you guys/gals. And them I can stay with them for the Holidays! YES, YES, we all win!!!

 

We can also go on a cruise in March/April when he can take the time off. We may go to Puerto Rico and take a cruise from there and visit the family at the same time or we may wait for the ships to reposition sail back to NYC in April for the spring, summer, fall sailings from NYC to Bermuda and not have to fly back home. Have done that in the fall when they return to PR and take a hell of alot of things and not have to deal with the limits and inconviences of Plane travel .

 

REMEMBER you can fill the ship and not have to worry about liquids. weight, and bring lots of Coffee, Rum, Vodka, Annesette, Creme de Cacao and other liquors are made in PR, inexpensive and duty free and make great gifts if you do not have a plane to catch when you return, BUT if you do you must pack all liquids in a suitcase that has to checked luggagee on the plane or else you can not take them as carry ons, they will be taken from you.

 

REALLY WANT TO GO AWAY and the price is right! And I'm retired and can go! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

 

JOE WROTE: " I wouldn't mind going to one of the clubs and dancing but I'm not sure how well two guys dancing would go over with others on the cruise. :eek: "

 

My reply, well can you imagine what they'll think when they see 3 guys dancing together!!!! LOL :p Shouldn't be a PROBLEM, SEEN 10 OTHER GUYS DANCING TOGETHER ON ANOTHER CRUISE, that had 37 attending ther FOD and the ship even sent us wine and appitizers to the meeting free of charge.

 

JOE WROTE: "One of the great things for us about this cruise is not having to fly. No getting up early, going to the airport, etc. It's especially nice not to have to worry about the weight of your luggage especially on a 12 day cruise.

 

:rolleyes: That was why I went on the NCL Gem on 2 cruises, Back to Back, 2 weeks in the Mediterranean and another week sailing back HOME to NYC, GETTING AN EXTRA HOUR SLEEP EVERY NIGHT crossing the Atlantic, NO JET LAG WHEN WE GOT TO NYC rested, relaxed, watched movies, read, edited my 5,000 Digital Images I took. Stopping to shop at all the ports in France, Monaco, Spain, Italy, Malta for aged Vinegars, brought back home Cases of Wine, Champaign, Cheeses, Hams, Foreign DVD's, Tinned meats, Cigars that I couldn't buy in NY with Christmas coming up. All much cheaper to buy then there at 1/3 the price and not having to lug them to the airport nor paying for extra weight and then having a friend with a van pick me up at the Pier and 8 minutes later HOME. Great Trip and recommend all of you to try it one year.

 

Lori wrote: 'I'm sure Sarah and I would love to go dancing one night, and to heck with what other people think :) Power in numbers!" - Lori

 

My reply RIGHT ON!!!! LOL!! But imagine what they'll think, WE'RE a swapping dysfunctional bi-triage when they see 3 GUYS AND 2 GIRLS dancing together! ! :eek: LOL

 

Born and raise in NYC, Bilingual in English and Spanish, Speak, Read and Write both. I also am very NYer and have a warp sense of humor that can be offensive to others but do not mean to be mean nor intentionally cruel! Hope you were not offended with my comments.

 

Cut and pasted this afternoon a collection of of Internet and Guide book facts I found interesting on Samana, Dominican Republic. Also included a map of the city and region. Posted it on the Regular CC Roll call and also included it in the Dominican Republic port of Calls logs . Take a look, also doing it for Labadee, Hatii that may be helpful to make plans and it's been fun for me finding all these facts and putting it together.

 

I can and will do for a select few, mostly you guys/gals (IF I GO), a walking tour of San Juan. Saw my parents a few weeks ago when I went to PR for my grand Nephews first birthday and they live near the rainforest and don't drive and would be happy to share my knowledge of this wonderful city with you guys/gals. It's over 500 years old, the 2nd city founded in the New World and a joy for me to share with you. Lived there 20 years ago for almost 3 years.

 

Let's hope I go!!! ALSO please note... NO NO, NO do not invite others to join us, it's just for a select few!!! So don't think of asking me or telling others!

 

MCHAEL IN NYC

 

PS WRITE ME A NOTE AT GWHM@AOL.COM SO I CAN EMAIL YOU THINGS I DO NOT WANT TO SHARE ON LINE OR BE KNOWN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

[Mike NYC]

Just Booked, Got a GREAT DEAL! :D

 

May still go with my niece in Jan, and will stay with her for the holidays when I get back!

 

Just got back from a 10 day stay in DC, got back last night. Managed to get a single Inside Room on the 2nd floor Rm# 2627, but at least I'm GOING!

 

Glad I took a cruise suitcase Packed with me when I went for Thanksgiving to make it easier. Am packing the other suitcase now.;)

 

Will return to DC this Sat and leave Monday morning to get to the ship at about noon. Hope to see you all there!

 

Michael

[Mike NYC]

Hi ,

 

Got to DC at 8PM, had dinner with the family. Stayed an extra day in NY, thought it best to stay in DC a few days after we get back before heading back home to NY so got more Christmas chores done vs rushing when I get back. Then going back to DC to be with the family then immediately going to Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando the week and getting back after New Years.

 

Going to bed if a few Minutes, dead tires. Getting to the Port at about 1:30.

 

Goin to the Sailawy Party at 4pm Viking Crown lodge.

 

Be seeing you...