Caribbean Roundtrip: GSK & Dominican Republic - Thoughts on itinerary

[mooline]

I'd love feedback on this cruise from anyone who has sailed it. We're a multigenerational family of 6, all Floridians who all have cruised previously. We're scheduled on the Aqua for this itinerary in May '25 from Port Canaveral, but I know NCL runs this same trip from Miami on several different ships.

 

There are 2 sea days and one port day is very short. Wondering what kinds of onboard family -focused activities are typically offered on these days. Does anyone have dailies from this cruise - especially for the sea days?

 

Also, what’s the take on GSK, especially for those who live in FL or another warm climate, where the beach is always nearby. Is it a fun stop?

 

Honestly, we are the kind of people who always make the best of whatever situation we're in, and see the glass as half full, so this isn’t a complaint in any way. Just thinking through this decision and wondering if this cruise is actually going to be best for us. The ports have appeal as none of us have been to these islands, and we have visited many other Caribbean locations. The departure from Port Canaveral is appealing too, as it’s a relatively easy drive for us.

 

Thanks in advance for your info and comments!

[zqvol]

I did that itinerary on Escape and wasn’t impressed. The port times are horrible. If you want to stay on board and enjoy the ship it is OK, but if the goal is the ports you might want to look elsewhere. 

[dexddd]

Unfortunately the Tortola times seem to be bad the last couple years.

 

Our last time there we did something we don't normally do.  We didn't have plans, were going to walk around but opted for local tour with about ten of us.  Great time, beautiful island. 

[celestialcruiser]

We have this itinerary in Feb from Miami. They recently changed StThomas to 9:30-6 and Tortola to 6:45-2. Saw some people posting in FB groups on other dates of same change.

[DrUrsula]

We have done a similar itinerary. Visited all these ports in the past 10 months. 

The only one I don't like is Puerto Plata. We are active and in our late 50's and early 60's.  

 

In Tortola, I highly recommend the Jost Van Dyke excursion. We spent the entire time in the water and swam with sea turtles . We bring our own snorkel gear. Pretty much the only people in the water. Many went there to experience the Soggy Dollar bar but that isn't our thing. Spaces are very limited. Some of the best snorkeling we have done in a while.

 

On GSK we rented one of the Villas and had a wonderful day despite overcast and windy weather. The cost was worth the experience. With 6 of you, it would be a great deal and not just a regular  old beach day. We ended up watching a movie for an hour or so at the end of the day when it started raining. You have a private pool for the area, kayaks, beach floats, your own attendant and bar server etc. 

 

 

As for the dailies, you can look at any of the NCL ships doing a similar itinerary and get a good idea of what is going to be offered.

We happened to take 5 Caribbean trips in the past 10 months on NCL and the dailies all are pretty much the same with things like the times and the performers names being different, of course.  There is a Zuckerburg group dedicated to NCL dailies which may offer some resources.

 

We were never at a loss for something to do on our sea days, but we are happy sitting and reading during the day or hitting the casino for a bit. Its a lot different than we we would cruise with our three kids before they were adults! 

 

 

 

 

 

[mooline]

Thanks to all of you for your kind replies.

 

I didn't give the full story of our trip.

 

We're booked in 2 separate cabins in the Haven, so I was thinking, "Ok, we'll be good on the sea days, as we can utilize the Haven pool and amenities"...but...

 

I've since learned that kids under 16 can't use the Haven sundeck, which is where the Haven pool is on the Aqua. Nor will the kids qualify for the Vibe beach club, as they are under age 18. The only pool available to them is the main pool, which is likely to be super crowded when not in port - and there is a lot of "not in port" on this trip. 

 

Shame on me for not reading the fine print before booking. Suffice to say I'm pretty disappointed, especially since my PC told us all about the Haven amenities, including the pool and sun deck, and she knew from the booking that we had 2 kiddos under 16. But - I get it - that's my responsibility to be aware of, not hers.

 

I'm thinking with all these "cons" for this cruise, we're probably going to cancel this trip and look for either a different cruise, or something else entirely to do. 

 

Thanks to everyone, once again, for chiming in with your comments.

[Distinctive-Destinations]

I live in Jax near the beach, and GSK generally bores me. That said, it is very well done and it is nice to relax on a chair, have a drink, etc. There’s a small cluster of souvenir stands that we’ve bought stuff from. It’s worth visiting.

 

 

[DrUrsula]

3 hours ago, mooline said:

Thanks to all of you for your kind replies.

 

I didn't give the full story of our trip.

 

We're booked in 2 separate cabins in the Haven, so I was thinking, "Ok, we'll be good on the sea days, as we can utilize the Haven pool and amenities"...but...

 

I've since learned that kids under 16 can't use the Haven sundeck, which is where the Haven pool is on the Aqua. Nor will the kids qualify for the Vibe beach club, as they are under age 18. The only pool available to them is the main pool, which is likely to be super crowded when not in port - and there is a lot of "not in port" on this trip. 

 

Shame on me for not reading the fine print before booking. Suffice to say I'm pretty disappointed, especially since my PC told us all about the Haven amenities, including the pool and sun deck, and she knew from the booking that we had 2 kiddos under 16. But - I get it - that's my responsibility to be aware of, not hers.

 

I'm thinking with all these "cons" for this cruise, we're probably going to cancel this trip and look for either a different cruise, or something else entirely to do. 

 

Thanks to everyone, once again, for chiming in with your comments.

Is this unique to Aqua? I don"t know much about Her or Prima Class ,.Our kids used the Haven pool a little bit, but found plenty of other things to do as the Haven pools on the Breakaway class were always filled with little ones or drunken adults. Sorry that you have to cancel; the Haven pools are nothing to write home about. But the water slides might be a fun option! We cruised with three kids multiple times in the Haven and the pools are so small that they truly preferred to do other things. 

 

I just read some posts about Prima that say that its 16 plus only for the upper Haven sundeck (deck 17)  infinity hot tubs. Kids welcome in the Haven pool proper on deck 16.

[ChiefMateJRK]

GSC  has been nice when we've actually made it there.  It's easy on/easy off and your free drinks and food follows you there.  We've been to Tortola and St. Thomas many times, and I usually just stay on the ship now.  That said, this is a great itinerary just to get on a ship, have fun and sail the Eastern Carribean.  

[mooline]

Chief… oops! Thank you for the correction!

[complawyer]

chiefmate is 100% correct, as an itinerary, there isnt much to do. it's nice to walk around st thomas' capitol for a few hrs, and unless you want to go to the beach there probably isnt much to attract attenion in any of those ports. we stayed a week in st thomas, and after a few days BORING!,

 

since youre booked into a haven, i really dont believe thatg anyone will give you flack for your kids using the haven pool. we were on th epic a few years back, and the pool/jaccuzzi was rampant with children.

 

we were also on  the jewel last year, and the sundeck was almost totally devoid of humanity, even when  we transited the Panama canal.  

as for GSC, while many people rant and rave about it, personally, i wouldnt bother to even get off the ship. been there, done that once, enough for me.

 

if you have the ability to cancel, i would do so immediately, and ty and rebook with a more interesting ltinerary.

 

the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own!!!

 

 

[cruiseny4life]

My grown up husband and I love, love, love Great Stirrup Cay! It's such an amazing day on the beach. You don't need no fancy villa. Sorry @DrUrsula - I just see no need for it, but hey it's a great suggestion and obviously right for your family! So all good. 

 

We play volleyball, search for fish, and play in the sand. Bring water shoes! There are some rough patches interspersed between the sand. Food is included and is decent, but think American BBQ (not Texas BBQ or Kansas City, just plain ole burgers, dogs, and chicken). Oh! And pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, ceviche. Boozey drinks are included if you opted into Free at Sea, also. They do have plentiful water stations and breakfast of coffee cake, muffins, fruit. 

 

Also, I answered your Haven pool question on another thread - you're good to go! 

[BirdTravels]

On 8/29/2024 at 4:08 PM, mooline said:

I've since learned that kids under 16 can't use the Haven sundeck, which is where the Haven pool is on the Aqua. Nor will the kids qualify for the Vibe beach club, as they are under age 18. The only pool available to them is the main pool, which is likely to be super crowded when not in port - and there is a lot of "not in port" on this trip. 

Kids are not allowed on the Haven Sundeck which is on Deck 17. Kids are allowed on the Haven pool deck which is Deck 16. So your kids are fine. 

[mooline]

Gosh, I’m so conflicted! 😐 

 

On the one hand, the Haven pool situation is a non issue now that I have all the facts. And our littlest grand (8), says she will have fun no matter what. (Hope she keeps that attitude through life!)

 

The fact that this cruise leaves from PC is hugely appealing. So I guess we’ll take the time we have before the risk free cancellation deadline to look over shore excursions and see if there’s something appealing in each port. Ultimately, I’ll bet we’ll keep the plans we have and just enjoy more downtime than all of us are used to. That’s not a bad thing now, is it? 😊

[mooline]

3 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Kids are not allowed on the Haven Sundeck which is on Deck 17. Kids are allowed on the Haven pool deck which is Deck 16. So your kids are fine. 

Thanks, Bird, I’ve since discovered this. The Aqua’s deck plans are confusing, though, as they clearly list “Haven Sundeck” on BOTH decks 16 and 17.

[schmoopie17]

Unlike @cruiseny4lifewe're not fans on GSC. Been there, done that...and we don't find it worth the tender hassle.

 

If you're going to Taino Bay in Puerto Plata, (chances are, you are) we find that a more interesting stop than GSC. Granted GSC has free food, but the tacos we had weren't all that great.

 

We've been to St. Thomas multiple times, and each time Mrs. Schmoopie got an upgrade on her ring at our favorite jewelry store. Probably don't need to go back there again 😁...but as in all things, YMMV.

[drew69]

Honestly, not the greatest itinerary with so-so ports and not great port times.  Also, way more at sea time than we prefer.  On board activities on sea days are not that appealing usually.

 

The bright side is in the Haven you can avoid the chaos and zoo that the rest of the packed ship becomes.

[complawyer]

mooline, sign your grandkid up for the splash academy if available. she will meet other kids her own age, and i'm sure she will have a great time there

[mooline]

40 minutes ago, complawyer said:

mooline, sign your grandkid up for the splash academy if available. she will meet other kids her own age, and i'm sure she will have a great time there

Thank you for the suggestion, @complawyer. We'll try, but she wanted no part of it when we sailed POA last year. Neither did her now 13 year old sis.  But hope springs eternal! 😊

[mooline]

On 8/29/2024 at 8:51 AM, DrUrsula said:

There is a Zuckerburg group dedicated to NCL dailies which may offer some resources.

Thanks, @DrUrsula. Found the group and found some dailies from this itinerary on the Encore. I see a few family activities each day, including the scavenger hunt which they LOVED when we sailed on POA in '23. I see another activity that sounds like the cake decorating competitions on Food Network, and one that sounds like a painting party. These are definitely things they'd like. 

[BirdTravels]

3 hours ago, mooline said:

Thanks, Bird, I’ve since discovered this. The Aqua’s deck plans are confusing, though, as they clearly list “Haven Sundeck” on BOTH decks 16 and 17.

Yes, but the age restriction is for the upper sundeck with the hot tubs. 

[mooline]

On 8/29/2024 at 8:51 AM, DrUrsula said:

On GSK we rented one of the Villas and had a wonderful day despite overcast and windy weather. The cost was worth the experience. With 6 of you, it would be a great deal and not just a regular  old beach day. We ended up watching a movie for an hour or so at the end of the day when it started raining. You have a private pool for the area, kayaks, beach floats, your own attendant and bar server etc. 

@DrUrsula, and others: How easy is it to get back to the main beach area from the villas? If, for example, we booked the zipline or a kayak tour - is there a shuttle and is it easy to get so that you can make your reservation time without hassle?

 

And, any thoughts on the Ocean Villa vs. Lagoon villa? 

[ggTexasGal]

38 minutes ago, mooline said:

@DrUrsula, and others: How easy is it to get back to the main beach area from the villas? If, for example, we booked the zipline or a kayak tour - is there a shuttle and is it easy to get so that you can make your reservation time without hassle?

 

And, any thoughts on the Ocean Villa vs. Lagoon villa? 

You may request a shuttle ride.  DH and I just walk down the path to leave the Villas area, and walk back when we are finished with our trip outside of Silver Cove.  If you are physically able-bodied, there really is no need for the ride!

The Lagoon Villas are closer to the new freshwater pool.  OLD map below..

[mooline]

@ggTexasGal Thank you! We're definitely able bodied and enjoy walking (even in the heat and humidity!) I thought the main beach was quite a distance from the Lagoon area; it looked like that on the videos I've watched. Good to know its not too far!

[ggTexasGal]

17 hours ago, mooline said:

@ggTexasGal Thank you! We're definitely able bodied and enjoy walking (even in the heat and humidity!) I thought the main beach was quite a distance from the Lagoon area; it looked like that on the videos I've watched. Good to know its not too far!

We make a point of walking at least an hour everyday, so, admittedly, walking on a sandy path might very well feel much longer (and take longer).

I do hope that you enjoy it!