Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic with NCL

[lovetrauma]

If you prepaid then they refund the difference as onboard credit. I was on the 11/7/12-11/16/12 Sailing and had prepaid.

[familyof4cruising]

Ok, now I have an answer to my own question. :)

 

Just returned from our trip on Gem.

 

This time around NCL came up with a different plan. It was not $44.9 or free. It was $14.99 per person. You have to buy a ticket for a specific time. We got the earliest at 9 am, and our friends at 10:10. You meet in the theater and then proceed to the tenders. You can return back at 1pm, 2pm or 3 pm the latest.

 

It was not the best beach or private island, but pretty good, especially if you compare it to the other Samana beaches.

 

They have free loungers (white), cheap food and drinks. Pina-colada in the pineapple or coco-loco in coconut were $5, soadas at $2... Don't remember food prices, but they were cheap too.

 

You can rent snorkel equipment (for a fee) or play volleyball. They also have some small souvenirs bazaar. :)

 

Thank you for your response. That price makes more sense then what we paid in the past! In my opinion worth it if you want to get off in Samana. I am not a fan of the port of call.

[familyof4cruising]

I hope NCL keeps this new low price and doesn't take advantage of my holiday sailing.

[boopsahoy]

If you prepaid then they refund the difference as onboard credit. I was on the 11/7/12-11/16/12 Sailing and had prepaid.

 

I dont want to sound stupid...so instead of seeing shore excursion tickets in your room theres tender tickets?

[trish1c]

Thanks for that info.

When you get to Cayo, did you see an activity where you could interact with Sea Lions? NCL does this as an excursion for $119 pp but on TripAdvisor I read something about being able to just walk up to this location & pay to get in. If we can get to Cayo for $14.99, then just pay the admission fee, I'd rather do that because the time you get to interact with the sea lions is pretty short (about 1 hour total).

I posted on the Dominican Republic Port of Call board & although 66+ people read my post, nobody has answered me yet. :o

[Tiger55]

Just got off the Gem yesterday, was looking forward to Cayo but found it very disappointing. Price was nice at 14.99 compared to the previously higher price back in 2009. Take one of the early tender times as there was issues finding beach chairs with the 10pm tender (the Regent ship had a section of chairs roped off for their use, and people got testy when others tried taking them when no one was using them). The lounging chairs the 4 of us found were in pretty rough shape. The water was not blue/light blue as you see in the photos, and had more of a green tint to it (yuck). I have photos I will try to post of the water in Samana, compared to the rest of the islands (even took photos of when we got out of Samana and the water was back to 'normal'. Hoping it was just stirred up due to a storm or something.

 

Drinks were cheap, no idea on the food prices, the vendors selling items were just as pushy as if you go into town.

 

This was trip #2 to Samana, and still dislike it. Next time we are staying on the boat:D

[familyof4cruising]

Just got off the Gem yesterday, was looking forward to Cayo but found it very disappointing. Price was nice at 14.99 compared to the previously higher price back in 2009. Take one of the early tender times as there was issues finding beach chairs with the 10pm tender (the Regent ship had a section of chairs roped off for their use, and people got testy when others tried taking them when no one was using them). The lounging chairs the 4 of us found were in pretty rough shape. The water was not blue/light blue as you see in the photos, and had more of a green tint to it (yuck). I have photos I will try to post of the water in Samana, compared to the rest of the islands (even took photos of when we got out of Samana and the water was back to 'normal'. Hoping it was just stirred up due to a storm or something.

 

Drinks were cheap, no idea on the food prices, the vendors selling items were just as pushy as if you go into town.

 

This was trip #2 to Samana, and still dislike it. Next time we are staying on the boat:D

 

 

Was this your 2nd time to Samana? or Cayo? Just wondering because was Cayo Levantado different this 2nd time?

 

I agree...there are so many better ports of call. Love Roatan!

[firstprincesscruise]

We were on the same sailing and agree this was not a favorite for us either. The price was nice. $14.99 per adult and $9.99 per child and like others said the food and drinks were cheap. I was not really bothered by vendors. They would walk by with with they were selling but never stopped to ask us directly to buy whatever they were selling. The water was not nearly as nice as it was in St. Martin and St. Thomas but I was told that was not normal and that it was like that from the hurricane a couple weeks before.

[familyof4cruising]

We were on the same sailing and agree this was not a favorite for us either. The price was nice. $14.99 per adult and $9.99 per child and like others said the food and drinks were cheap. I was not really bothered by vendors. They would walk by with with they were selling but never stopped to ask us directly to buy whatever they were selling. The water was not nearly as nice as it was in St. Martin and St. Thomas but I was told that was not normal and that it was like that from the hurricane a couple weeks before.

 

Thats what I was thinking...because the last time we were there the water was very nice. Hopefully it will get better in 3 weeks. Thanks for your reply.

[Got Tequila?]

For those recently back......

 

Some members of our roll call had a question about the tenders. Are there seperate tenders, some heading to Samana and others (for $14.99) heading to Cayo Levantado????

 

Are regular tender tickets handed out the morning of arrival, for the tenders heading to Samana?

 

The Cayo Levantado beach excursion for $14.99....would be an excursion ticket and meet in the theater....right?

[familyof4cruising]

For those recently back......

 

Some members of our roll call had a question about the tenders. Are there seperate tenders, some heading to Samana and others (for $14.99) heading to Cayo Levantado????

 

Are regular tender tickets handed out the morning of arrival, for the tenders heading to Samana?

 

The Cayo Levantado beach excursion for $14.99....would be an excursion ticket and meet in the theater....right?

 

 

Last year...everything you said was correct.

[mking8288]

For those recently back......

 

Some members of our roll call had a question about the tenders. Are there seperate tenders, some heading to Samana and others (for $14.99) heading to Cayo Levantado????

 

Are regular tender tickets handed out the morning of arrival, for the tenders heading to Samana?

 

The Cayo Levantado beach excursion for $14.99....would be an excursion ticket and meet in the theater....right?

 

 

For our Nov. 7th Gem sailing, all the Samana excurisons were on sale abroad early on - inserts were distributed with the Freestyle Daily on Day 4 or 5 plus overhead/PA announcement by the CD staff pitching it.

 

I've all the scanned Dailies, inserts & flyers, maps, etc. - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1738449 -

 

We received 4 Priority Tender Tickets (for 2 of us ?? in the cabin, LOL) in our Latitude Welcome Abroad Kit on Day 1 (along with Priority Disembarkation Ticket & "Yellow Tags" for luggages) + the Ship Pins. We stayed on the Gem in Samana but those Tender Tickets would get us to the main "island" - and we're anchored quite a distance from town's pier.

 

 

Gem's own tender boats were ferrying anyone who wanted to go ashore - departing & sometimes returning using deck 5 mid-ship, whereas those going to Cayo and/or other private excursions were boarding charter ships directly, from deck 5 forward's floating platform. They're running them continuously - one heading to town while this one is coming back - many apparently did so early & empty-handed.

 

 

Yes to the Stardust Theater, most NCL-excurisons were meeting there and first off the ship, escorted down via (deck 4 when docked in other ports) deck 5 in Samana.

 

 

You do NOT have to be on a NCL excurison to get onto the ship's tender boats, they were giving out numbers starting at 8 am, and began calling them around 8:30 am once the ship-sponosred tour groups went ashore, each boat taking about 80 people is what we're told. By 9:30 or 9:45 am - after group #10 got called, it was open tender - anyone and everyone is welcomed to go, # tickets no longer necessary as the lines were gone. Most folks, including repeat/experienced cruisers familiar with Samana, apparently stayed on the ship to hang out - buffet was crowded with yet more being pampered in the MDR - and the Grand Pacific was open for lunch (along with the buffet, etc.)

[jdvmd]

Thanks for the updates!

[gonnacruise]

We have been to Cayo twice most recently last week on the Gem.I like Cayo. I thought the $14.99pp is fair for the trip. We are doing a cruise on Royal Carib in Feb and they charge $53pp($28 child) for the same thing. Although I like Cayo, not sure if its worth $134 to go, may stay on ship next time.

[familyof4cruising]

We have been to Cayo twice most recently last week on the Gem.I like Cayo. I thought the $14.99pp is fair for the trip. We are doing a cruise on Royal Carib in Feb and they charge $53pp($28 child) for the same thing. Although I like Cayo, not sure if its worth $134 to go, may stay on ship next time.

 

 

NCL used to charge close to that I think $47pp. I booked it because I am not a Samana fan and want to get off the ship. I am very glad they heard people say that it is not worth that price and lowered it to the $14.99. Let's hope they keep it at that price.

[Karysa]

Yes I think that it is unfair. If they charge only $20 instead of $50 then people would go and they would keep the excursion revenue themselves without looking like bullies. Paying the cruiseline what you would pay a taxi on the island to transport you to and from a public beach would be fair.

 

Maybe they really do listen.:)

 

I would rather pay $20 instead of the $15 that they are now charging and be able to come and go without set times but this is an improvement from the way it was.

[Got Tequila?]

For our Nov. 7th Gem sailing, all the Samana excurisons were on sale abroad early on - inserts were distributed with the Freestyle Daily on Day 4 or 5 plus overhead/PA announcement by the CD staff pitching it.

 

I've all the scanned Dailies, inserts & flyers, maps, etc. - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1738449 -

 

We received 4 Priority Tender Tickets (for 2 of us ?? in the cabin, LOL) in our Latitude Welcome Abroad Kit on Day 1 (along with Priority Disembarkation Ticket & "Yellow Tags" for luggages) + the Ship Pins. We stayed on the Gem in Samana but those Tender Tickets would get us to the main "island" - and we're anchored quite a distance from town's pier.

 

Gem's own tender boats were ferrying anyone who wanted to go ashore - departing & sometimes returning using deck 5 mid-ship, whereas those going to Cayo and/or other private excursions were boarding charter ships directly, from deck 5 forward's floating platform. They're running them continuously - one heading to town while this one is coming back - many apparently did so early & empty-handed.

 

Yes to the Stardust Theater, most NCL-excurisons were meeting there and first off the ship, escorted down via (deck 4 when docked in other ports) deck 5 in Samana.

 

You do NOT have to be on a NCL excurison to get onto the ship's tender boats, they were giving out numbers starting at 8 am, and began calling them around 8:30 am once the ship-sponosred tour groups went ashore, each boat taking about 80 people is what we're told. By 9:30 or 9:45 am - after group #10 got called, it was open tender - anyone and everyone is welcomed to go, # tickets no longer necessary as the lines were gone. Most folks, including repeat/experienced cruisers familiar with Samana, apparently stayed on the ship to hang out - buffet was crowded with yet more being pampered in the MDR - and the Grand Pacific was open for lunch (along with the buffet, etc.)

 

Thank you for the details, it confirms what I was thinking and will put some of our 12/13 roll call members at ease. :)

[mking8288]

Thank you for the details, it confirms what I was thinking and will put some of our 12/13 roll call members at ease. :)

You are welcomed, glad to be of help & giving back and sharing with fellow CC's as I learned a great deal on here. On the road this morning but looking at the latest threads & posts around here, it seemed that there are still some confusion.

 

Here is the direct link to my scanned/posted flyer on Ship Excursion Sale for Samana - EVERYTHING was on sale for our sailing date. Check with the ship staff onboard for the latest as YMMV - but, unlikely that anything for Samana will be sold out.

 

http://db.tt/vdrY03W7 (Dropbox account - 1 page in PDF format)

 

 

We did our homework prior to our Samana port & with the weather forecast, decided to stay on the ship to relax, that's the beauty of free style cruising - not much to do or see on the main (is)land unless you go on to an excurison. Cayo is a private island and one of the excurison, on sale for $14.99 p/p for adults & the boats depart directly from the Gem's floating platform deck (it is separate from the free tender to town/mainland.) For shopping on land - there is only one (1) NCL approved shops, so that's your clue on what is there to do (or NOT.)

 

That's not a private fishing boat charter, LOL - Samana, DR "policia" had a 2 person patrol boat circulating the Gem so it was perfectly safe, no worries about pirates boarding the ship :eek: - but, as always, whenever traveling in foreign & unfamiliar places, be alert & know your surroundings - exercise common sense & know the port agents and local law enforcement phone #'s to dial/call in case of emergencies.

 

 

We met an excited NYC family on the ship that have roots in the Dominican Republic, sailing the Gem was homecoming to them and they're looking forward to be on land - apparently, their relatives & friends will be giving them a big welcome (even if it's just for a few hours)

[buzz2400]

help me decide. we are planning on doing this however I am not sure if i should wait until I get on board and they say it is only $15 and then book it OR should I book now so that I can get a early tender so that I can get a chair (which it is only important to get one chair). If I do the later, can the OBC be used for gratuity. Decisions, decisions.

[Karysa]

Since when has Cayo Leventado become a Private Island?

 

It is my understanding that it is not a private island and is therefore available for the public to enjoy. Private companies ferry people over to the island from the mainland but NCL would not allow their passengers to go to CL that way and this has caused tension in Samana. Am I mistaken?

[Tatka]

Since when has Cayo Leventado become a Private Island?

 

It is my understanding that it is not a private island and is therefore available for the public to enjoy. Private companies ferry people over to the island from the mainland but NCL would not allow their passengers to go to CL that way and this has caused tension in Samana. Am I mistaken?

 

 

It is not private island, but since our first stop there in 2006 with NCL/RCCL people we were not able to get to CL from Samana port.

[Karysa]

It is not private island, but since our first stop there in 2006 with NCL/RCCL people we were not able to get to CL from Samana port.

 

So you agree that the cruise companies prohibit local companies from taking cruisers to CL island but other visitors and locals are permitted to get there by said local tour companies?

[Tatka]

So you agree that the cruise companies prohibit local companies from taking cruisers to CL island but other visitors and locals are permitted to get there by said local tour companies?

 

 

They probably have some kind of agreement with Samana authorities. After all they bring their business to a not very desirable "port". Also, I believe it's a matter of security.

 

Other private companies cannot get to CL when ships are "in town".

[cruiseat50]

:( Ok, I'm either puzzled or I should be :mad: as I booked CL for my upcoming cruise and I was charged $69 per person. Now I see that some have only paid $15? It can't possibly go up that much in such a short time can it?

[Tatka]

:( Ok, I'm either puzzled or I should be :mad: as I booked CL for my upcoming cruise and I was charged $69 per person. Now I see that some have only paid $15? It can't possibly go up that much in such a short time can it?

 

Sounds like beach break plus, 14.99 is a cost of beach break, previously 45 doll.