Island Marketing question

[CruisinCrow]

How far in advance do you have to book an excursion with Island Marketing? We were thinking about getting the RIU day pass but wanted to wait until closer to our trip to see what the weather will be like.

Thanks!

[nybumpkin]

We haven't booked through Island Marketing for a Bahamas excursion, but we've used them for excursions in Grand Cayman and Saint Maarten. I've found that it really depends on the excursion; you can book close to the cruise, but if it's a very limited excursion you run the risk of being shut out. We had to settle for our second choice in Grand Cayman because the excursion we had as first choice sold out.

[Nanatravel]

Island Marketing is a 3rd party vendor and does not "do" the tours but arranges for other vendors to provide the service. Why don't you contact the Riu directly; just ask for the sales department (not the 800 #). Take a taxi to the hotel and enjoy your day.

[CruisinCrow]

Thanks, all! The reason I was wanting to book RIU through Island Marketing is because it's cheaper. Island Marketing sells the day pass for $75 but it costs $100 if you go on your own. At least that's what they were charging the last time we were there. I think I will give them a call and find out their current rates.

[CruisinCrow]

I sent the hotel an email asking about the day pass and received a response very quickly. They still charge $100 at the front desk. I guess we'll try to wait until a little closer to our cruise to decide whether to book through Island Marketing.

Here is the email I received:

Day passes can be purchased at the hotel front desk for 8 hours $100.00 adults and $75.00 kids under 12 years old all food and drinks are included.

[margie1221]

Originally Posted by CruisinCrow

I sent the hotel an email asking about the day pass and received a response very quickly. They still charge $100 at the front desk. I guess we'll try to wait until a little closer to our cruise to decide whether to book through Island Marketing.

Here is the email I received:

Day passes can be purchased at the hotel front desk for 8 hours $100.00 adults and $75.00 kids under 12 years old all food and drinks are included.

I, too got the exact same email from the hotel and was wondering why Island Marketing was $75 vs. $100 - could it be because it's pre-pay vs. walk in??

Anyway, based on your other post CruisinCrow - I think our group will book this for our February cruise. Even if the weather isn't great we'll make the best of it!!! Thanks again.

[CruisinCrow]

Originally Posted by margie1221

I, too got the exact same email from the hotel and was wondering why Island Marketing was $75 vs. $100 - could it be because it's pre-pay vs. walk in??

Anyway, based on your other post CruisinCrow - I think our group will book this for our February cruise. Even if the weather isn't great we'll make the best of it!!! Thanks again.

We waited until just a few days before our cruise to book, to make sure the weather wasn't going to be a washout. We lucked out and it was a beautiful day! I would definitely book through Island Marketing again. Not only was it cheaper but we didn't have to worry about getting there and finding they were sold out of passes.