Anyone back from Dawn Nov E Carib?

[flashdog_1]

Those of us who are going in a month or two are very interested in your reports on the ports of Samana and Tortola. Please write reviews! Thanks

[capp]

The first (for this season) Eastern Caribbean cruisers get back this Saturday. I'm hoping for some reviews/Dailies myself!

[IC Cruise]

Going in March 09. Can't wait for info to start to flow. I will keep my eyes open. :D

[pcreek]

We're going next week....I am EAGER for any information from this week!:rolleyes:

[cruzcntrl]

Looks like a review from the first Dawn November cruise is up:

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=48967

[grandma49]

Those of us who are going in a month or two are very interested in your reports on the ports of Samana and Tortola. Please write reviews! Thanks

 

Samana, Was there this November and 1 1/2 years ago. Just building up for trade with shops and an open market. Market is okay if you like trinkets. 1 1/2 years ago got this fantastic cab driver, took us to beach and stayed with us the whole time. He told us he was our driver, interpretor, went with you to purchase beer and told them what we would pay, he also said he was our bodyguard. Samana is still not the best place to go, every estate you passed there where guards with rifles on their shoulders at the entrances. If you go our cab driver was, Ferman (not sure of spelling), he has an email--yailin-fde@hotmail.com--you could email to see if he is still there. Tortola is nice, they have a nice spice shop, did not go to beach.

[flashdog_1]

Thanks so much for reporting. Every little bit of information we can get we appreciate. May I ask what Fermin charged you to take such good care of you? (I'm just guessing at the spelling of his name based on the name of a Feria de San Fermin in Spain). What size vehicle did he have? (thinking about whether shareing the cab was feasible, again, for safety reasons as he said). Do you know what beach he took you to?

 

I've been in communication with the English speaking ferry people in Las Galeras who told me that if you ask in Samana to be taken to a nice beach they'll probably take you to Las Galeras since it's a paved road to get there, and the shortest drive therefore to any of the Northshore beaches.

 

cruzcntrl,

Thanks for noting the first review of the E Carib on Dawn. Can't wait to read it, and all subsequent reviews. I checked on Tuesday and nothing was up yet. Thanks for doing it for me! Are you going soon, too?

[cruzcntrl]

cruzcntrl,

Thanks for noting the first review of the E Carib on Dawn. Can't wait to read it, and all subsequent reviews. I checked on Tuesday and nothing was up yet. Thanks for doing it for me! Are you going soon, too?

 

Yes, we're on the Dawn 11/29. I'm very excited, but still haven't heard very many reports for this itinerary. Perhaps we'll see more in the next few days.

 

I've been checking the reviews and boards everyday hoping for some new information. I guess I'm a bit obsessed. ;)

[jollycruise]

Make sure you check out the "ports of call section" Go to Dominican Republic and you will find a good amount of info on Samana. We were there in January on the Dawn and had a wonderful time. We did the ATV excursion through NCL and it was a blast.

[rrobynec]

They have tips for various vacation destinations, as well as boards--Here is what I found on Samana/Health and Safety:

While the poorer neighborhoods of Santo Domingo and Santiago can be rough, most travelers to the Samana Peninsula shouldn’t experience too many problems. Tourism is big business around the resorts and the police, while not overly helpful, don’t needlessly hassle tourists.

Petty crime is a problem away from the resorts however. So when in doubt when returning to your hotel you should call for a cab. Keep a low profile and don’t flash large sums of money or expensive items. The best advice is to be on guard with you possessions. This is also true when leaving items on the beach, as valuables left unattended have a habit of disappearing. Female travelers should also use caution when traveling alone. Avoid traveling on the streets late at night, and be on guard even around the resorts.

Possession of illegal drugs including marijuana is considered a major offense and the government has stepped up efforts to crack down on all illegal drugs, including all forms of cannabis and cocaine. The punishment for possession can include prison time; no attempts should be made to import or expert even small quantities for “personal use,” or any other reason.

[jollycruise]

Ok I gotta jump back on here. Having had first hand account in visiting Samana I would like to give more information here.

1. Samana is best enjoyed through an excursion

2. We LOVED our excursion through NCL

3. The area is very poor. You will see extreme poverty

4. The people we met were wonderful

5. There were several children trying to sell seashells. One of which was very persistant and irritating. But it didn't ruin our experience of Samana.

6. There are a few shops in town. They are about 10 minute walk from the pier. There is a clean restroom in the tiny casino if you need one.

7. There is also a open air market where we found a few things and met a wonderful local who we spent a good deal of time talking to

8. Use common sense to stay safe. Keep your bags closed and secure on you

9. I personnaly chose not to wear any jewelry to this port. No reason to draw more attention

10. Samana is a tender port, but the Tenders were running frequently

11. I have heard great things about NCL excursions to Cayo and the 4x4 tour.

12. Sharonax3 has several posts about her experience in Samana. She has wonderful things to say

13. Samana was our favorite stop next to Tortola

14. Next time we visit I will bring things for the children that live away from the pier. They pretty much live in very dire situations. We saw this on our excursion that took us through the country side

15. If you go to Samana and don't do an excursion you probably will be dissapointed. Book an excursion, go explore and see the true beauty Samana has to offer. You won't regret it

16. I have heard that some of the excursions book up fast. If you find one you like jump on it

 

I hope this helps. In Tortola we rented a car and had an amazing day. It is very beautiful!

 

I would be more than happy to answer any questions about Samana that any of you have :D

[Globaliser]

Those of us who are going in a month or two are very interested in your reports on the ports of Samana and Tortola.

On Tortola, we did our only ship excursion: the Sage Mountain hike. For a ship excursion it was not bad value. A taxi (Virgin Islands style) took us to the top of the road, where there is a gift shop. From there, it was about 45 minutes of hiking on muddy trails through the rain forest, with a number of interesting lookout points. It is not a stroll in the park, and there are some tricky rocks, slippery slopes and tree roots to negotiate. You'd really need proper gym shoes or similar. But it is not a difficult hike.

 

After a brief stop at the gift shop, it was on to Cane Garden Beach for about an hour. There isn't anywhere or anything on the beach that's free, other than frying in the sun or soaking in the water. But some of the bars are quite nice if you don't fancy swimming.

 

The excursion gets back to the ship by lunchtime.