tenders in DR

We are thinking about booking the 7 night western Caribbean. TA is checking on pricing for us right now. Do the tenders only take passengers to Cayo Laventado or do they go to Samana on the mainland Dominican Republic.

The answer may make or break this trip for us as we want to go to the mainland.

On a related note, someone said MSC charges the passengers who take the tenders to shore, not sure if this is true. can anyone confirm?

There is no charge for the tenders to port. When we visited Cayo L. we were not given the option to go to samana.

The tenders only go to the island and there is no charge for them. The way to go to the mainland is to sign up for one of the shore excursions that take you to the mainland.

Susan

On a related note, someone said MSC charges the passengers who take the tenders to shore, not sure if this is true. can anyone confirm?

I've never known MSC to charge for tenders on any of the cruises that I've been on.

I think the confusion re: tendor charges at Cayo came from some postings that referenced a "shore excursion" to Cayo that included the tendor and a buffet lunch. From what I understand the buffet is provided by a local hotel and not the cruise line (thus the fee).

Thank you for all the information!

We have decided to go with our original plan; 9 Day Southern Caribbean on the Norwegian Jewel. We loved that itinerary and ship so much last March, we wanted to go again next year.

I just happened to see an MSC itinerary going to DR, Cozumel and Grand Cayman; my dream itinerary to date!

If I can't get to mainland DR, I don't want to go.

We are independent excurionists!

Do you know if the balcony doors open between the cabins?