Would you Pay For One?

[sail7seas]

If HAL offered a shuttle bus roundtrip from ship to nice beaches on Caribbean cruises, would it be worth $20 pp to you? There have been times when we didn't feel secure we could catch a taxi back from a beach to the ship and chose to skip the beach because of insecurity about transportation. We'd love a shuttle bus and would be willing to pay for it.

[Solo Cruiser]

Traveling alone I'm a little more jittery about hiring cabs or alternative transport to the beaches. I usually stick to ship sponsored shore excursions but this sounds like the answer!!

[RustaRoo]

Yes, I could go for that type of arrangement.

[arzz]

I think that this idea could be useful to many.

[MSammy]

We'd do it. Great idea!

[hammybee]

Perhaps. I would not rule it out.

[Copper10-8]

Nope, sorry

[leoandhugh]

We are with Copper would not do it. And here is a little bit of Caribbean beach history.
In the past, there were attempts by cruise lines to run shuttles to various venues, not necessarily beaches. They aroused the ire of the local taxi and van drivers to the point that they picketed and intimidated the local "shuttle" drivers to the extent that after a couple of tries they gave up. The local drivers made an issue that their livelihoods were being undercut by the cruise line shuttles, and when you realize how closely these people live together on small islands, they made their case stick. Have my doubts that the cruise lines would be willing to try again.

[kryos]

The local drivers made an issue that their livelihoods were being undercut by the cruise line shuttles, and when you realize how closely these people live together on small islands, they made their case stick. Have my doubts that the cruise lines would be willing to try again.
In a way, I can see their point. You're on their island now ... use their people for transport. When the cruise lines hire large busses to transport their passengers to the beach, they are undercutting the livelihood of all of these taxi drivers. After all, cruise ships are not in port everyday ... they have to make their money on those days when the ships are there. I can well understand that they would be upset to have the cruise lines undercutting their income, and thus would intimidate the bus driver ... and I'm surprised the bus companies would put their drivers in that position.

No, I say leave the passengers to use local transport ... taxis, etc. And if that's not acceptable, then let the passengers spring for a HAL-sponsored tour that may include a beach stop.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Krazy Kruizers]

Here's our vote -- YES!!!!

There are some islands when we would have loved to have gone to a beach but didn't feel safe with the taxis.

[Orcrone]

I often take taxis or the local shuttles to beaches; partly because they're less expensive and partly because I don't want to be on a tour's schedule. If the ship's shuttle ran on a regular schedule (say every 1/2 hour) I'd be more likely to use it that than if it had a rigid time (leave the ship at 10, leave the beach at 2:30) I'd have to follow.

[LHC]

Last year DD and I used a local taxi on Hondurus to go to a non HAL excursion but our taxi was sent by the Spa we were visiting. The vehicle left a lot to be desired but the driver was a man of faith, shared alot about the island, the history, the government, where his family lived, etc.

Now if I had been on my own I would not have left the cruise ship on this port, especially since the cabbies had guns to protect their passengers. But on Grand Cayman DD and I paid 14 ea to go to a beach maybe 5 miles from the ship, we would have loved to go to a nice beach away from the dock and I know we would have paid HAL to take us.
LHC

[Roz]

I would be in favor it. Why couldn't HAL contract with local taxis, vans, and buses to provide the service?

I use the ship's shore ex for a variety of reasons, some of which were shared by Solo Cruiser.

Roz

[DFD1]

Wherever the local taxi/van situation would allow, I think it's a very good idea.

Having coordinated meetings and group arrivals on several of the islands some years ago, I learned right quick that the local taxi union often has lots of political power and can be difficult to deal with if anything you propose threatens them.

[sail7seas]

In a way, I can see their point. You're on their island now ... use their people for transport. When the cruise lines hire large busses to transport their passengers to the beach, they are undercutting the livelihood of all of these taxi drivers. After all, cruise ships are not in port everyday ... they have to make their money on those days when the ships are there. I can well understand that they would be upset to have the cruise lines undercutting their income, and thus would intimidate the bus driver ... and I'm surprised the bus companies would put their drivers in that position.

No, I say leave the passengers to use local transport ... taxis, etc. And if that's not acceptable, then let the passengers spring for a HAL-sponsored tour that may include a beach stop.

Blue skies ...

--rita

Rita.... It would be local transport and local drivers. I'm not suggesting HAL should bring their own shuttle buses and drivers. They would be hiring people from the island, of course.

I am suggesting they hire local shuttle buses and drivers for the purpose of (for money paid by participating pax) to take them from ship to beach and back to ship.

I understand the conflict that might arise from local taxi drivers who are trying to sell tours. But, there are many people who simply want to spend their day at the beach and would not be going on a taxi tour regardless. Some of us don't wish to tour. Some of us have been to these islands so many times we have seen all we want to see of it and only wish to enjoy a beach.

Of course it is all local people earning the revenue whether paid directly from the pax or paid by HAL.

[mamaofami]

We would love it. When we were in Grand Turk, we wanted to go to Governor's Beach but were worried about getting a taxi back in time so we didn't go. We don't like paying to go on HAL tours when all we really want is a day at the beach. It's such a great idea, I don't know why HAL hasn't thought of doing it.

[jhannah]

We have taken HAL shuttles from time to time. Usually they've been $8 round trip from remote pier into town. Very convenient. I might use them if they're running a beach shuttle, but I'd not be inclined to spend twenty bucks to do it.

[SandRaven]

Sail7Seas does have a good idea here; we also like to just beach it instead of touring. Suppose HAL set up a taxi line on an island, where the taxi drivers would take cruisers to a named "HAL Beach". The taxi drivers would then head back to the beach to pick up whoever was ready to head back, and a HAL tour person would coordinate the return trips on first-come first-serve basis, until all passengers were checked back onto the ship.

Raven

[cruzermon]

We would love it. When we were in Grand Turk, we wanted to go to Governor's Beach but were worried about getting a taxi back in time so we didn't go. We don't like paying to go on HAL tours when all we really want is a day at the beach. It's such a great idea, I don't know why HAL hasn't thought of doing it.

I don't know if this works on all islands, but we usually agree with the driver on the round trip cost, and to settle up at the end of the trip. We tell him when to pick us up and he'll usually provide a cell number or contact point in case we want to leave at a different time. But, this may not work when ships are disgorging thousands and thousands of passengers.

[sail7seas]

I think I'll write it on our comment sheets next cruise. Can't hurt to ask. :) Maybe they'll think about it.

I agree the most likely reason we probably won't see it is local taxis/tour operator objections. How to get through their heads that often some of us (including me and DH) won't leave the ship if we can't get a safe, convenient ride to the beach. They won't be losing money by letting us ride a shuttle because they sure won't be making any if we don't leave the ship. The company that operates the shuttle and their drivers would make money. Others on the island would make money from drinks/souvenirs/lunch/lounge chair and umbrella rental fees etc if we spent a day at the beach.

[sail7seas]

SandRaven........ I think the plan you outlined sounds great.

We can hope!!!

[jtl513]

They aroused the ire of the local taxi and van drivers to the point that they picketed and intimidated the local "shuttle" drivers to the extent that after a couple of tries they gave up. The local drivers made an issue that their livelihoods were being undercut by the cruise line shuttles, and when you realize how closely these people live together on small islands, they made their case stick. Have my doubts that the cruise lines would be willing to try again.Shuttles work well in large European cities taking people "downtown", but I can see that it would be a problem in small ports all over.

I too think that Sandraven has proposed a good compromise plan.

[Sweetdreams]

I whole heartedly agree with supporting the locals but considering the traffic congestion in many of the Caribbean ports, it seems that shuttles would make sense. If planned well, they would be a plus for the environment as well.
We have visited Acadia National Park in Maine several times since the park service added shuttles to reduce traffic congestion and pollution & it was very pleasant.

[SDHALFAN]

I have that fair Celtic skin that burns at the mention of "Sun" so I wouldn't pay HAL 20 cents for a shuttle to the beach. However, I'm sure that there would be more than enough people willing to pay a reasonable amount to enjoy the beach (can't see the attraction myself, but to each his own:D ).

Valerie:)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, we absolutely would! I just posted this on another thread that asked if HAL provides free shuttles. I certainly wouldn't expect them to be free, but I'd absolutely pay for a shuttle to and from a nice beach (hopefully palm fringed with shade :)). I'm always a bit nervous about the cabs and always worry I won't find one to take us back.

And since we'd be using local vendors just as we do with tours, I can't see why the taxi drivers would be any more upset than they are now with the tour vans. I just don't see that as a valid reason not to offer it.

They absolutely used to do this in the 80's with no problems. I specifically remember shuttles over to Megan's Bay on St. Thomas. We paid a small fee per person and they ran about 3 each way. It was called a "tour" even though all it did was go to the beach.

[Opinions]

We have been to the Caribbean so many times that the only reason we usually go back is for the ship and the beach...However with the sometimes problems of getting to the beach and back we just don't cruise there as much...If the cruiselines could set up some kind of shuttle system that would be both convenient and fair to the locals we would certainly use it.

[defaultet]

if I read all the responses to this. But here's my impression. My wife and I were on our honeymoon a year ago in the Caribbean and one of the ports was Tortola.

We spent the whole day drinking and playing in the water at Cane Garden Bay. I noticed around dusk that people were living...quickly. We stayed another hour and didn't see any problems. And then we tried to get back to the ship.

There were no cabs at the beach at Cane Garden Bay... but all you need is communication. I admittedly don't know any Latin languages, whatsoever. So I asked a few questions and was advised to the local stand for taxis. The woman was willing to hire us a taxi from across the island (which would've increased the fare from $15 to $30, boo hoo).

And then it turned out that a local cab driver was already on the beach and would be transporting another couple. Bottom line: you have money and they want it (plain and simple). They will treat you better than you will ever be treated in the US. For my situation, worst case scenario, I would've paid twice what I planned on. Didn't happen.

For these people, though, the locals, they rely on the income. They are not going to prevent you from reaching the ship, because it would hurt the entire port incredibly.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I thought about this some more. We have signed up for a couple of HAL's beach tours. Most gave us very little time at the beach - 1 to 2 hours. Too much time spent on pointing out things.

If HAL would arrange for buses to go to a beach, then I would want it to be strickly for that and allow us to spend at least 4 or 5 hours at the beach.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Defaultet, not questioning what you say for a minute ... but your description tires me just reading it. And some of us are more comfortable than others with going on a search for transportation.

Personally I'm not comfortable at all and not as trusting as you are. I know the majority of people on some of these islands are honest, but it would be foolish to assume they all are. You can't be sure where you're going to end up when you get in a car on an unknown island.

KK, I agree with you. The beach tours afford far too little time at the beach and way too much time at some little shopping center along the road:D .

That's why I think 2-3 shuttles in the a.m. and 2-3 in the p.m. would be nice and you could hop on whichever one you want depending how long you want to be at the beach.

[sail7seas]

That is exactly what I am proposing, KK.

I don't want a tour; I don't want a history lesson'; I don't want a guide.
We only want a ride to the beach and back.


We've been to these islands so many times that we have seen and done everything we wish to do there.

Now, for most the islands, we only want to go to the beach and know we don't have to stress about our ride back to the ship.

On any islands we want to do something different, we would book a tour or go off on our own.


Heather........ You and I were posting at the same time. I ditto everything you said. One needs to use common sense and take the same care in the quiet Caribbean islands as anywhere in the world. One doesn't simply hop into anyone's car. Think Natalie Hollaway - - - - worst case scenario. These islands are not crime free.

[HeatherInFlorida]

.................... These islands are not crime free.




Exactly!!! In fact, far from it unfortunately. It is their very poverty in many cases that leads them to see "rich" Americans as an easy mealticket ... or worse.

[Krazy Kruizers]

That is why we sometimes just walk around the pier area. We don't like the idea of getting into a taxi and being driven to "where ever". Some islands you have to be very careful.

JMO - too many people just throw caution to the wind.

[Copper10-8]

There's no doubt there's poverty and there is crime in the islands of the Caribbean. The interesting part of this is that as far as crime goes, the U.S. Virgin Islands experience a higher level of crime than many of the other Caribbean islands. I personally don't have any problem getting into a cab and telling the driver to take us to the beach. Negotiate a price before you get in!

A little common sense goes a long way. Don't paint a bull's eye target on your back by walking alone at night (if your ship is leaving late). Be aware of your surroundings (without getting or appearing paranoid). Don't stray off the beaten path! Keep an eye on your belongings and don't flaunt your "stuff" by wearing expensive jewelry (including Rolex and Tag-Heuer watches by guys). Don't take all your credit cards off the ship (take one or two at the most) and don't take a stack of $100 bills with you because when you pull those puppies out of your pocket to pay for your souvenirs, everybody and their dog will see you do it. Treat the locals with respect and don't be the ugly American (or Canadian) by acting like they are third class citizens. Learn a couple of words like "good day". "please" and "thank you" in their native language. If you are unlucky enough to get confronted by a criminal (definitly not an epidemic of proportions for tourists), give up your personal belongings when demanded, they can be replaced, your life can not!

[HeatherInFlorida]

John, I agree with all that you say. But it is for some of the very reasons you mention that we just don't take the chance ... especially on St. Thomas which has been particularly bad lately.

Jamaica is scary. In fact you cannot even walk from the ship up to the little shops in Montego Bay (or is it Ocho Rios ... I always forget) without taking your life in your hands. The shops are surrounded by locked gates. They don't know whether you have credit cards or money on you until they've knocked you flat.:o

It just isn't worth it to me to take the chance much of the time. However, on Aruba last year the guard at the pier got us a taxi, got the price before we got in and off we went to the beach. When we were done there, the hotel called us a cab and back to the ship we went.

So it depends on the circumstances. Still and all, for some of us shuttles would be a wonderful way to get to the beach and back without the hassle ... particularly weak little old ladies like me;) .

[Copper10-8]

Makes sense, Heather; it does depend on the circumstances and it is a personal decision for everyone!

BTW, agreed, Jamaica is a "interesting" island. Only place where my wife, walking about twenty steps ahead of me in the park next to Dunn's River Falls, was asked by a local if she wanted to buy some dope:rolleyes: Very agressive vendors & cabbies but not as aggressive as in Cartagena:eek:

[CDRMark]

No, I would not. But that does not mean it's not a good idea.
Cheers
Mark

[CINCY40]

Right on, Sails. We would love to have this service.

[the2ofus]

On our most recent carib. cruise, my Dear Sis and I wanted to go to Aruba's Eagle beach. We were told where to stand to flag down a cab. None would stop for us.

After standing in the hot sun for quite a while we finally spotted a parked cab and approached the driver. He was already engaged for the day by some ladies who were shopping. However, he was kind enough to try to get us a cab. Many of them also ignored him. Finally, one driver agreed to take us.

We paid him the agreed upon price and he promised to pick us up three hours later. He did not show up! Another cab driver finally came along and took us back to the ship.

After that experience, we would think twice about taking a cab to a beach again in Aruba. I would certainly never attempt it as a solo traveler.

Sail7Seas has a workable solution. The cruise line could hire the local drivers and there would be some accountability re: customer satisfaction with the drivers.

[Copper10-8]

..........We paid him the agreed upon price and he promised to pick us up three hours later. He did not show up!..........


Hope you didn't pay him the full price for a round trip!:eek:

[sail7seas]

the2ofus:

That is exactly the scenario that makes us reluctant to venture to some beaches on some islands on our own.

We'll have to find a way to make this suggestion to HAL. Maybe they'll give it consideration as it seems many would be happy to pay for the service.

[firefly333]

I was on Princess on St. Thomas and we wanted to go to a local beach. All the cab drivers would rather do the 3 mile round trip to and from town for $10 than drive you out to the beach. 4 or 5 cabs turned us down. We finally asked a main guy who found us a driver who took us, but it wasnt easy. Luckily we all came back at the same time, there were quite a few from different ships, at least 9 of us who all came back together.

[Odd Ball]

I don't object to it but I doubt that I would use it. I have never had a problem with cabs.
As a couple of others have mentioned it does depend on the port. You do have to be careful. There are ways of handling things like never hire a gypsy cab, and find one that you don't pay until the return trip. There are some ports that are no problem like Aruba. There are many cabs around the hotels.

There can be drawbacks with shuttles. Let's say you want to go back at 3:00 and you board the shuttle and are the only 2 sitting there. It is possible the guy would want to hang around until more passengers board. Another drawback is Hal would over charge you.

I do agree with the comments made about St.Thomas. Many drivers only want to go back and forth into town. I found you can do better getting a cab to a beach after most people have left the ship.

[Crazy]

If HAL offered a shuttle bus roundtrip from ship to nice beaches on Caribbean cruises, would it be worth $20 pp to you? There have been times when we didn't feel secure we could catch a taxi back from a beach to the ship and chose to skip the beach because of insecurity about transportation. We'd love a shuttle bus and would be willing to pay for it.


Like this idea very much. Worth the $20 to me.

Em