Just Curious. How Many Times........

[island lady]

40 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

 

Do you mean Royal is adding the adult area?  I doubt they will add a suite area, and suspect one day (sadly sooner than later), that Barefoot Beach will be a paid venue like Coco Beach Club. 

M

 

Yes.   The opposite end of Coco Cay, where the nature trail used to end (of which we used to enjoy a nice view over the high bluff there before RCI turned the whole island into a theme park). 

 

It's the last natural part of the island that they are now tearing up.  

[cruisegus]

Any Caribbean cruise that stops at Coco Cay or Labadee is a plus.  The only time that it's ok not to stop at one of them is if you get a Southern itinerary i.e. ABC islands.

 

Now royal needs something like Coco Cay for western itineraries that involve an Oasis class ship

[lazydayz]

Enjoyed CC more when it was undeveloped, but do appreciate being able to dock rather than having to use tenders.  If we score beach club, then we go.  If not, we stay on the ship.  

[Ret MP]

9 hours ago, PWP-001 said:

And it's a PERFECT DAY when I can enjoy that from my balcony without overhearing a grumpy old man complain about another visit to Coco Cay!

Do we know who that Grumpy Old Man is?  

[lovesthebeach2]

2 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

 

Do you mean Royal is adding the adult area?  I doubt they will add a suite area, and suspect one day (sadly sooner than later), that Barefoot Beach will be a paid venue like Coco Beach Club. 

M

I meant they’re building an adult area….that’s what I read somewhere maybe? I could see construction last time we were there.

[deliver42]

Yes they are. It will be called Hideaway Bay.

[sgmn]

8 hours ago, topnole said:

Respectfully, cruising is a very poor way to explore countries and cities.  Particularly in Europe.  Yes it is an easy way to do it, but you do t really get to see

or experience much at any given place. 
The are a few exceptions (such as right ver cruising), but cruising is simply not ever going to be anything more

than a way to scout out a city you might want to explore more by visiting later via land based trip.  

True, but we prefer to look around a town or city rather than lie on a beach, but sometimes a beach day hits the spot.  Everyone's different. 🤷‍♀️

 

My original response was to a poster who said private islands was the future of cruising, my response was that there's a lot more to cruising than beaches and private islands such as interesting ports and history of an area.  In Europe as far as I know there are no cruise line private islands. 

For instance in Mykonos we'll catch the ferry over to Delos and explore the ruins. Back to Mykonos, explore the town and choose a taverna for a beer and souvlaki. Our choice, it's not for everyone.

 

Two places in The Americas 🌎 I would like to visit more extensively after having a taster on a cruise is Maine and The Maritimes 

 

Edited April 25, 2023 by sgmn

[binro01]

Wife and I like snorkeling and beach days so CoCoCay is a great day for us.

[topnole]

14 minutes ago, sgmn said:

True, but we prefer to look around a town or city rather than lie on a beach, but sometimes a beach day hits the spot.  Everyone's different. 🤷‍♀️

 

My original response was to a poster who said private islands was the future of cruising, my response was that there's a lot more to cruising than beaches and private islands such as interesting ports and history of an area.  In Europe as far as I know there are no cruise line private islands. 

For instance in Mykonos we'll catch the ferry over to Delos and explore the ruins. Back to Mykonos, explore the town and choose a taverna for a beer and souvlaki. Our choice, it's not for everyone.

 

Two places in The Americas 🌎 I would like to visit more extensively after having a taster on a cruise is Maine and The Maritimes 

 

Cruising definitely has some advantages.  I was just getting at the idea that any true exploring requires more than a cruise ship visit.  Agree on the European ports.  It’s completely different and they are much more to my liking because of the more significant history.  But when we visited Lisbon as an example, we hardly felt like we even got a taste of it and really wished we had at least a few

more days.  Never had that feeling in the Caribbean, that is for sure.   Regardless,

not sure my point came across well and I appreciate your opinion and particularly your choice to enjoy a beer on your tour.  A wise move indeed.  

[rolloman]

19 minutes ago, sgmn said:

True, but we prefer to look around a town or city rather than lie on a beach, but sometimes a beach day hits the spot.  Everyone's different. 🤷‍♀️

 

My original response was to a poster who said private islands was the future of cruising, my response was that there's a lot more to cruising than beaches and private islands such as interesting ports and history of an area.  In Europe as far as I know there are no cruise line private islands. 

For instance in Mykonos we'll catch the ferry over to Delos and explore the ruins. Back to Mykonos, explore the town and choose a taverna for a beer and souvlaki. Our choice, it's not for everyone.

 

Two places in The Americas 🌎 I would like to visit more extensively after having a taster on a cruise is Maine and The Maritimes 

 

The topic is about Coco Cay...a private island in the Bahamas...my response was about Coco Cay and private Islands in the Bahamas...somehow you want to twist it into Europe. The future of cruising the Bahamas and or the Caribbean is private islands ...is that better? Every cruise line has essentially doubled/enhanced their private island portfolio the past few years. 

[RoperDK]

We like to visit Coco Cay.  We might get off the ship or we might not.  It is relaxing to know we don't have to get ready for or rush to get to an excursion.  We play it by ear according to the weather and our mood. It's nice to enjoy the empty ship. Also, the casino is always open during the port stop. For us it is a win, win situation! 

[cruisegirl1]

2 hours ago, lovesthebeach2 said:

I meant they’re building an adult area….that’s what I read somewhere maybe? I could see construction last time we were there.

Yes. Thanks-I know about  the adult area under construction. I was verifying that you were not referencing any type of suite area. 
m

[la_croisiere_s'amuse]

21 hours ago, cynt said:

My hubs is not a beach person. He enjoys it for a couple of hours and lunch and then heads back to the ship.

This is me as well. I thoroughly enjoy a couple of hours, but not enough to pay extra for a beach excursion. Private islands are the perfect solution for us. I can't imagine myself getting sick of either Coco Cay or Labadee.

[tunafish]

12 hours ago, topnole said:

Respectfully, cruising is a very poor way to explore countries and cities.  Particularly in Europe.  Yes it is an easy way to do it, but you do t really get to see

or experience much at any given place. 
The are a few exceptions (such as right ver cruising), but cruising is simply not ever going to be anything more

than a way to scout out a city you might want to explore more by visiting later via land based trip.  

I think it is just different way. It also depends on what and how you do it in ports. If you do everything DIY, rent cars or go around - it can be an awesome way and a very productive way because you can sleep while moving to your new adventure. Just think of Greek islands logistics. How much time would you kill in ferry going to santorini or mykonos. Dragging your luggage to the hotel and such. Also there is nothing to do to occupy even 5 days

[tunafish]

The location of CC is the problem - it is cold most of the winter and early spring. The pool is not heated and the beach is manmade leaving those nasty sharp pebbles of limestone you constantly step on. also entire area is guarded by those guys on jetskis that are pretty much "snorkel ***"

[topnole]

11 minutes ago, tunafish said:

I think it is just different way. It also depends on what and how you do it in ports. If you do everything DIY, rent cars or go around - it can be an awesome way and a very productive way because you can sleep while moving to your new adventure. Just think of Greek islands logistics. How much time would you kill in ferry going to santorini or mykonos. Dragging your luggage to the hotel and such. Also there is nothing to do to occupy even 5 days

Agree on places like the Greek Isles.   Perfect for cruising.  Stops they call Rome, Florence, etc, not so much.   Too far from the ports and way too much time needed.   

[topnole]

2 minutes ago, tunafish said:

The location of CC is the problem - it is cold most of the winter and early spring. The pool is not heated and the beach is manmade leaving those nasty sharp pebbles of limestone you constantly step on. also entire area is guarded by those guys on jetskis that are pretty much "snorkel ***"

Good point on location.  Definitely quite cool in winter.   

[tunafish]

1 minute ago, topnole said:

Agree on places like the Greek Isles.   Perfect for cruising.  Stops they call Rome, Florence, etc, not so much.   Too far from the ports and way too much time needed.   

To call port a Civitaveccia a "Rome" is just WRONG. I agree 100%. 2 hours at least just to get to Termini station

[lovesthebeach2]

8 hours ago, topnole said:

Agree on places like the Greek Isles.   Perfect for cruising.  Stops they call Rome, Florence, etc, not so much.   Too far from the ports and way too much time needed.   

We like when cruises start or end in places that we can have a week or two to explore the areas that we haven’t seen yet.

[topnole]

24 minutes ago, lovesthebeach2 said:

We like when cruises start or end in places that we can have a week or two to explore the areas that we haven’t seen yet.

Good point and best of both worlds.  Trans Atlantics/Pacifics are perfect for this.   

[OCSC Mike]

47 minutes ago, lovesthebeach2 said:

We like when cruises start or end in places that we can have a week or two to explore the areas that we haven’t seen yet.

 

As someone who is content to just sail around the Caribbean enjoying the ship, CocoCay etc, I already mentioned doing 10 days on land before our Alaska cruise in 2018 was the highlight and made the trip, so completely agree for those who are more interested in adventure/new places (and have the budget for it of course).

[BecciBoo]

14 hours ago, la_croisiere_s'amuse said:

I can't imagine myself getting sick of either Coco Cay or Labadee.

Sorta like not getting tired of the pool in your back yard, right?  Same thing only at the private island somebody comes and brings you a drink.  To each their own, but I'm perfectly happy there.  I was there when there was nothing and again when it changed...love it.

[OCSC Mike]

17 minutes ago, BecciBoo said:

Sorta like not getting tired of the pool in your back yard, right?  Same thing only at the private island somebody comes and brings you a drink.  To each their own, but I'm perfectly happy there.  I was there when there was nothing and again when it changed...love it.

 

Some of us weirdos don't actually use our own pool. Now if it came with a taco bar, chicken sandwiches, and funnel cake...

[TravelBluebird]

I book cruises in one of two ways.

 

I have my “Fun In The Sun” cruises. Get me out of the winter weather to a warm beach. I want a resort vibe, so bring on the big ships with all of their bells and whistles, and the private islands! So for those trips, I don’t care how often I go to a private island or to Grand Turk or even Nassau. Just point me in the direction of a nice beach and I’m happy.

 

Then there are the “port intensive” cruises. Usually on a smaller ship, but not always.  For these, I want to visit new places, experience the local vibe, and the ports are the point, not the ship. I don’t want to visit a private island or any other frequently visited ports for those trips.  

 

So bring on Coco Cay on my upcoming trip on the Wonder; its a total “Fun in the Sun” cruise for me!

[Big_G]

Can't say how many times it will take. We've been sailing for almost 25 years now and mostly with Royal. We never made it to CC until they built the pier so we're just making up for lost time now.