What is there to do in Caribbean Port over nights?

[The bubble]

Hi Wallie 5446,

 

Thank you so much for the warm welcome.

 

I agree with you about saftly concerns in the USA, but I don't feel anymore comfortable going out in a Caribbean Island at night than in many places in America.

 

Just our thoughts, and everyone does what they feel most comfortable with.

 

Phyllis

[cruisead]

IF something ever happens to a Celebrity passenger who's off the ship on one of these overnight ports, I wonder if they'll stop this overnight business? Regardless of what anyone says, it's a fact that crime on the Caribbean islands have gone up dramatically in the past few years. Yeah, yeah, crime is going up everywhere, but a lot of people tend to be more lax on their own safety when they're on holiday. We don't like this whole change of dumping ports to satisfy a VERY small percentage of Celebrity's clientele who want overnight ports. Save the overnights for Med and Baltic cruises where staying longer is more advantageous for ports like Rome and Florence where the port is a long distance from the city center, or St Petersburg where there is too much to see in a day or two.

[cle-guy]

IF something ever happens to a Celebrity passenger who's off the ship on one of these overnight ports, I wonder if they'll stop this overnight business? Regardless of what anyone says, it's a fact that crime on the Caribbean islands have gone up dramatically in the past few years. Yeah, yeah, crime is going up everywhere, but a lot of people tend to be more lax on their own safety when they're on holiday. We don't like this whole change of dumping ports to satisfy a VERY small percentage of Celebrity's clientele who want overnight ports. Save the overnights for Med and Baltic cruises where staying longer is more advantageous for ports like Rome and Florence where the port is a long distance from the city center, or St Petersburg where there is too much to see in a day or two.

 

They haven't stopped calling in these same ports that have crime in the day-time, so I don't see them canceling ports with night-time dangers either.

 

The crime statistics against tourists everyone is using, must be daytime crimes, since there are no overnights of cruise ships generally now, right?

 

Rome is well known for gangs of pickpocketers, yet X calls there regularly.

Edited June 9, 2015 by cle-guy

[Cindy]

In my slow thinking :D I feel X picked the ports to do this in because of a strong owner/operator tour Co base, so they will have the 6-8-12 months to begin to design tours. A strong and diverse existing base has to already be in place, St Maarten has that.

 

Example, Bernard's Tours, many of us on CC have gone on one of their tours.. Great people, but current tours are designed around the hours ships are in port. Now they have a whole new time slot opened up to build business on. Their tours are not offered thru the cruise line.

 

I agree Cindy, that it will be a bit before there will be options listed in 'My Cruise Planner' for new tours.

EW

 

( ps: the A&M baseball team played a great series )

 

The ports weren't just randomly selected.:rolleyes: If you look at the ports chosen for overnights, there's already a thriving tourist infrastructure in place beyond the cruise ship visitors. I think you're right...it's just a matter of time before both the cruise line and the independent tour providers begin offering evening activities.

 

My overnight is in Cartagena. The first thing I did after the itinerary change was made was contact my tour guide to see what she recommended for the evening. She has set up a tour that she will also post on her website so people who aren't on their CC roll calls will see it too. I think we'll see quite a few things offered in the next few months.

Edited June 9, 2015 by Cindy

[cruiseJMO]

I've been trying to find a sunset cruise now that we're overnighting in St Martin. So there's one on the French side? Is that through Celebrity? I don't see one listed on their excursion page. Any help given is appreciated.

That sounds like a lovely idea.

[ehfl]

Many ports have great restaurants, and local bars with live entertainment. In Curacao, check out Otra Cosa after dinner at a nice restaurant.

[Ma Bell]

I've been trying to find a sunset cruise now that we're overnighting in St Martin. So there's one on the French side? Is that through Celebrity? I don't see one listed on their excursion page. Any help given is appreciated.

 

One of the best things about sailing in the Caribbean was the sunset cruise we already had. Leaving port after a hot day ashore and seeing the sunset with a breeze to cool things off. Music and dancing on the deck and dinner and entertainment included. Now we can go pay for another evening cruise???? Seems kind of ridiculous to me.

Edited June 9, 2015 by Ma Bell

[WpgCruise]

One of the best things about sailing in the Caribbean was the sunset cruise we already had. Leaving port after a hot day ashore and seeing the sunset with a breeze to cool things off. Music and dancing on the deck and dinner and entertainment included. Now we can go pay for another evening cruise???? Seems kind of ridiculous to me.

 

So, there is only one Sunset now per cruise ??

 

Who knew.

[janewe]

They haven't stopped calling in these same ports that have crime in the day-time, so I don't see them canceling ports with night-time dangers either.

 

The crime statistics against tourists everyone is using, must be daytime crimes, since there are no overnights of cruise ships generally now, right?

 

Rome is well known for gangs of pickpocketers, yet X calls there regularly.

Don't forget hundreds of all inclusive resorts.

[TravelerThom]

This is the Canadian Gov't security warning for the US. I guess maybe we shouldn't go there either.

 

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states

This links to "Advisories". Why do you call it a warning since the entire content was:

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the United States (U.S.). Exercise normal security precautions.

 

If I was writing a security advisory for travelers to the US it would have a lot more warning than that. I have traveled solo in South America, Africa, Asia, etc and there are places that I fear to go to in the US. Yet the US murder rate ranks 110 out of 218 according to the UN, while 17 of worst 24 countries are in the Caribbean. Yes, I go to the Caribbean often. Yes, I have walked around Belize, Falmouth, etc solo. But I won't be doing that at night.

 

It is up to each of us to decide our comfort level, but actual facts should go into that determination. It is great that Celebrity is offering these overnights to people who want them, but Celebrity needs to step up and offer full refunds to everyone (not just North Americans) who wants to cancel. The arrogance of "like it or lump it" to Europeans who would lose their deposit is grating.

 

Thom

[Oville]

 

The crime statistics against tourists everyone is using, must be daytime crimes, since there are no overnights of cruise ships generally now, right?

 

 

Only people on cruise ships visit the Carribean Islands?

[Ma Bell]

So, there is only one Sunset now per cruise ??

 

Who knew.

 

And your point is?

 

Every day is drinking, dining, dancing and entertainment on a cruise. Ports that actually have something different to see and do in the evenings aren't located in the Caribbean.

[janewe]

This links to "Advisories". Why do you call it a warning since the entire content was:

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the United States (U.S.). Exercise normal security precautions.

 

If I was writing a security advisory for travelers to the US it would have a lot more warning than that. I have traveled solo in South America, Africa, Asia, etc and there are places that I fear to go to in the US. Yet the US murder rate ranks 110 out of 218 according to the UN, while 17 of worst 24 countries are in the Caribbean. Yes, I go to the Caribbean often. Yes, I have walked around Belize, Falmouth, etc solo. But I won't be doing that at night.

 

It is up to each of us to decide our comfort level, but actual facts should go into that determination. It is great that Celebrity is offering these overnights to people who want them, but Celebrity needs to step up and offer full refunds to everyone (not just North Americans) who wants to cancel. The arrogance of "like it or lump it" to Europeans who would lose their deposit is grating.

 

Thom

When making my earlier rebuttal I could not find your previous post "according to the United Nations, 17 of the worst 24 Countries are in the Caribbean". Thanks for posting that again Thom. Much appreciated. My wife and I, old codgers that we are, will not be venturing very far. We do love our day time private Tours though, stopping here and there at our leisure then back for a cold cocktail, or two for sail away. Shower, dinner and entertainment. We are happy with that "life". It's what we booked and paid for.

[wallie5446]

This has moved to the 'what'?

 

Every company that sails a cruise ship would not be in the Carribean if it was like ya'll are describing it. Why would ya'll go and take that kind of chance? Please, bogus comments because many are booked and won't cancel. Bogus. Hot air! What??. Simply silly silly silly. And this now borders on the totally ridulicious.

[wallie5446]

And your point is?

 

Every day is drinking, dining, dancing and entertainment on a cruise. Ports that actually have something different to see and do in the evenings aren't located in the Caribbean.

 

Ma, please, one of the oldest sites of civilization is in Mexico.

Chichen Itza

http://www.chichenitza.com

One of the 7 wonders of the World. But I guess that is not high enough on the list.

 

Don't tell me that seeing where the ancient Romans feeding the Christans to the Lions is the most interesting thing to do in an evening.

Edited June 10, 2015 by wallie5446

[Ma Bell]

Ma, please, one of the oldest sites of civilization is in Mexico.

Chichen Itza

http://www.chichenitza.com

One of the 7 wonders of the World. But I guess that is not high enough on the list.

 

Don't tell me that seeing where the ancient Romans feeding the Christans to the Lions is the most interesting thing to do in an evening.

 

Wally, please, I don't recall any lights at Chichen Itza for evening exploring. In fact the hours are 9-5. There might be just a few more things to see in Rome.

Edited June 10, 2015 by Ma Bell

[wallie5446]

Wally, please, I don't recall any lights at Chichen Itza for evening exploring. In fact the hours are 9-5. There might be just a few more things to see in Rome.

 

I know, but our first time to Cozmuel was in 1982 and it was to far away for us to make it. Then every time we did a western route there was not enough time in port to get a tour there and back, and not miss the ship.

 

We settled for Tulum. So yes the line could do a later sail away that would allow for a non rushed there and back which we would be ok with. But we don't have a large enough stock ownership position to influence their decision making.

 

Bottom line, there are more people from the four corners of the globe that travel to cruise in the Carribean than all the other sailings combined. That is the driving factor in how all the different Company's decided on which ship and how the routes will be set.

Edited June 10, 2015 by wallie5446

[OCruisers]

You might want to check to see what your ship is offering for shore excursions when doing over nights.

[Ma Bell]

I know, but our first time to Cozmuel was in 1982 and it was to far away for us to make it. Then every time we did a western route there was not enough time in port to get a tour there and back, and not miss the ship.

 

We settled for Tulum. So yes the line could do a later sail away that would allow for a non rushed there and back which we would be ok with. But we don't have a large enough stock ownership position to influence their decision making.

 

Bottom line, there are more people from the four corners of the globe that travel to cruise in the Carribean than all the other sailings combined. That is the driving factor in how all the different Company's decided on which ship and how the routes will be set.

 

I don't think they really gave it any good thought. I guess we'll see.

[Christine Frances]

(Dora the Explorer) Dora De Zubiria, our fabulous guide in Cartegena, already is working up night tours. She is excellent and the day we spent with her was memorable so I am really looking forward to what she will be able to offer. The old town has churches etc from the 1500's and the pretty little streets are wonderful

From Trip Advisor

"Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Stop at an outdoor cafe.."

[wallie5446]

I don't think they really gave it any good thought. I guess we'll see.

 

We the North American cruiser are not the driving factor we once were. We have met more and more pax from other country's in the last 3 cruises that are looking for more than a stop n go, 8-5 stay. Many are looking to have the chance to experience more than just their toes in the sand, or a cheap straw market. Just as many here want and enjoy an over night in Europe, they are looking for the same here.

[bccolaman]

Ma, please, one of the oldest sites of civilization is in Mexico.

Chichen Itza

http://www.chichenitza.com

One of the 7 wonders of the World. But I guess that is not high enough on the list.

 

Don't tell me that seeing where the ancient Romans feeding the Christans to the Lions is the most interesting thing to do in an evening.

 

Chichen Itza would be a wonderful excursion but is not possible even with our overnight in Cozumel. We are now arriving at 12 noon and leaving the next day at 5.

[Ma Bell]

Chichen Itza would be a wonderful excursion but is not possible even with our overnight in Cozumel. We are now arriving at 12 noon and leaving the next day at 5.

 

As I said, I don't think they really gave it much thought. I think in their haste to offer some overnights they really didn't think about the Caribbean at night. There are many places in the world and many ports where overnights make sense. I just don't get what they are doing here.

[Jborosara]

Have spent several weeks in the Caribbean -

 

In St. Martin - Grand Case is not called the gourmet capital of the Caribbean for nothing - lots and lots of amazing restaurants - some right on the water - it doesn't look like much until you park and walk around - you can only hope that the overnight is on a Tuesday, when they have a giant street party called Harmony nights - also numerous things to do a bit closer to the cruise port in the Simpson Bay area - casinos - restaurants - dance clubs - live entertainment - None of these places is more than a 20 buck cab ride away- most are much closer

 

In St. Croix - Cristianstead is a beautiful town - quiet and quaint - very friendly people - a few good restaurants

 

In St. Thomas/St. John - it will be possible to get a full day on St. John without needing to rush back to the ship - the ferry operates until pretty late in the evening -

 

In Cozumel - Easy (or not so easy - pretty bumpy) ferry ride to the mainland - there is tons of nightlife in Cancun - Tulum is spectacular, prettier than Chitzen Itza, i think, but regardless the only Mayan site directly on the sea - numerous beautiful spas on the coast - shopping -

 

I don't know anything about Cartegna - have never been there - but overnight in San Juan would be amazing - Old San Juan after dark is not to be missed - also would give time to also take an excursion out to El Yunque - or to the observatory or Rincon - overnight in San Juan would also allow for time to go to the biobay in Vieques IF the moon was in the right phase

[K.T.B.]

Chichen Itza would be a wonderful excursion but is not possible even with our overnight in Cozumel. We are now arriving at 12 noon and leaving the next day at 5.

 

It's possible. It's open until 5PM. One hour ferry ride to the mainland, 2+ hour drive to Chichen Itza. That gives people 90 minutes to 2 hours there. During the spring and summer, there's a light show that begins at 8PM; during the fall and winter it starts at 7PM. So if they package it as a trip there in late afternoon, break for dinner, back for the show, it could be a great excursion.

 

Also, if Celebrity does want to offer this type of excursion, they could always adjust their arrival time for an hour earlier.