carnival03

We're visiting in May from 12:15 until 8:00 PM. We're the kind of people who enjoy a simple beach day, and look for lounge chairs, restrooms, and a bar (sometimes wifi, too). I need help deciding where to go...

1. Great bay at Holland House 

2. Divi Little Bay 

I have basic information about both places, but maybe someone who's been can offer clarifying information, reviews, and opinions. My main questions are: 1) do both places have restrooms for use? 2) Do both have free wifi? 3) Which has the best view/beach.

All opinions and PICTURES are welcome 🙂 TIA

On 2/10/2019 at 7:08 PM, SnorkelAway said:

You do not need/want a day pass.  Just grab a taxi to Divi Little Bay.  Go to beach - find Aquamania guy - rent chairs/umbrella - $5 per thing.

Would you be able to tell me if they have restrooms / wifi available for your use?

On 1/30/2019 at 7:01 PM, brookeq said:

We went to Little Divi beach last time we were here.  Its a time share place but beach access is free. Chairs are $5.  So were umbrellas.  There is a place to rent snorkel equipment, jet skis etc.  You can order food at any of the places.  You can not use the pool or anything like that.   Its easy to get to.  We found the sign at the cab stand and got in line.  You can see a review of our day here in my signature under Carnival Breeze.

Did they have restrooms and wifi for your use?

On 3/5/2019 at 1:08 PM, LittleYiaYia said:

We recently returned from our cruise to St. Maarten and we spent the day at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort.  No need to pay for a day pass.  The taxi is $5pp each way (short ride, maybe 10 minutes at most)  Chairs are $5/pp and Umbrellas $5pp.We did see people walking, but I would not attempt it with children.  The resort is very nice with a good beach and water for children. You can make use of the restrooms and restaurants and bars.  You can not use the pool.   We saw many families there with small children.  Right behind the beach is a small area of shops which include a MiniMart.  Very reasonable prices.  If there are many ships in port.......go early for best seating.

Do you know if they had wifi available for your use?

20 hours ago, MrFunInTheSun said:

 

For the difference in price, I'd recommend getting the day pass, providing the right sale is going on. When I bought it, it was only a difference of a few dollars from the one time vice the all day pass.  Well worth going on it a couple times. If given the opportunity.

7 hours ago, candlegirl said:

I recommend getting the all access online pre trip.  We paid $30 and rode 10 times throughout the day without waiting.  People who were buying single ride that day were paying $27 for one ride.

Thank you both. With the small price difference, this is probably the way I'll go, just wanted to gather thoughts 🙂

20 hours ago, Lionesss said:

Just a heads up

 

The coaster is a lot of fun, and we have done it on multiple visits to Labadee.

 

We usually just buy a one ride pass, why?

 

Well Labadee is on Island time, nothing moves fast it is like it is a time warp. The locals work at their pace, and the ride only can handle its set pace.

 

Yea you might get lucky and get to ride the coaster with minimal lines ahead of you, but there is still a wait.

 

The workers make you re-watch the safety video, and you have to wait in your individual car till the car ahead of you almost reaches the top of the mountain.

Then you are pulled up via the cable, clankity clank clank....takes about 90 sec.

Then you control your destiny on the way down, the views are phenomenal, especially seeing the ship, breathless view.

 

Watch the you tube videos, and you will see what I mean.

 

Then when you get off of the ride and if you have a multiple ride pass, get back in line and wait for it to happen again.

 

Yes the ride is worth it, but I do not feel the all day pass is..............

 

Go figure, hot sun, only shade close to the ride, did I say hot sun?

 

We grabbed water from the lunch buffet area, and took it with us when we waited.

 

Enjoy, we did

 

Be safe.

Thank you, I appreciate your insight. You have valid points, I feel rewatching the safety video every time would be annoying.

7 minutes ago, Cantwait4mycruise said:

I also have a question abt the coaster... is it true that if my husband buys a ticket, I can ride along with him without a ticket? We would rather ride together and I think I read somewhere that we wouldn't both need a ticket for that. Thanks!

Yep, that's correct! Although I've never been, the website says you're allowed one person in your cart for free.

I'm debating on purchasing a single ride or the day pass. Curious to see how long others have waited in line for their ride. *I asked this in the private islands forum, but only received two responses. 

3 minutes ago, CruisinCrow said:

 

That sounds great.  I love sailing under big bridges, like the Sunshine Skyway out of Tampa.

We did that in 2014, very nice! The Key Bridge is small, so don't get disappointed, as the Bay Bridge is larger.

30 minutes ago, CruisinCrow said:

BND, what kinds of sights do you see sailing out of Baltimore?

You'll sail under the Key Bridge a few minutes after setting sail. However, the star of the show is passing under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which will occur two to three hours after setting sail. It's bee a few years since we've sailed out of Baltimore. However, we're from Maryland and sailing down the Chesapeake will not disappoint.  

This thread was not started to get out of carrying ID while in port. We always carry some sort of identification, even if it's a work ID. I simply asked the question to receive clarification on which ID is appropriate and required. Thank you.

7 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

I usually take my driver’s license ashore with me.... government issued picture ID.

 

7 minutes ago, Bee Guy said:

Occasionally a government issued picture ID.   Depends on port.

Just the answer I was looking for. Thank you both!

We use our passports on embarkation day, but do you need anything other than your SeaPass to re-board the ships in port? If so, what did you need?

2 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

 

1. I have never been asked for my driver's license upon reentry at a port, just my sea pass card.  Your sea pass card will show your picture when it is scanned.  As for "real ID" compliance, I would think if it is valid in your state then it would be valid for the ship but you should verify that if you are concerned.

 

2. We have been to Labadee but never ridden the coaster, I'm a big baby when it comes to heights, sorry!

Thanks for your input on all of my questions. 🙂 We finally completed online check-in after multiple issues, but it's good to know about the wine in the MDR and IDs needed for the ship. Thanks again! 

I have two RCL questions:

1. I understand that you need your driver's license to board the ship in ports, along with your sea pass, but does your DL have to be "real id" compliant like at the airport for TSA?

2. I posted this in the private island forum, but no luck... For those that have done the Dragon's Breath Coaster in Labadee, is there a long line to do this? What's the average wait? I'm trying to decide if I want a single ride or the daily pass.

45 minutes ago, Maine48 said:

We are looking at this also.  How do you get to the top?  I am afraid of heights but have done the zip line and was ago.  Just didn't like the jerking at the bottom stops on the zip line.  Wondering about the wait, also.  Thanks.

A cable pulls your cart to the top, very similar to an actual coaster. You control the speed. Theres two handle bars, one on each side, that you press down to go and release upward to break. Although I've never been to the one in Labadee, we have one at a ski resort in Maryland. 

For those who have done this, do you usually have to wait in a long line? How long would you say the average wait is? Deciding if I want to purchase the single ride or all day access. 

6 hours ago, vacationlover_mn said:

Several years ago, I went to a beach there. We got there right away, and tipped a guy for 4 loungers and 4 floaty mats, and an umbrella. He kept an eye on our spot when we were in the water.  My friends were also able to rent a paddle board that day for like $20.  Is there still a beach where we can do this, and which is it?  The one we went to was near a littl bar...

I would also like to know if you can still rent paddle boards and for how much?

7 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

 

If you opt for a cash account, Royal will let you charge up to $500 over and above any credits before they ask you to pay down the account.

Any you can pay that balance with a one time charge to a credit card, correct?

I need help understanding credit versus cash onboard accounts...

If you use a credit card, you're just billed at the end of the cruise, correct? Does RCI just do one authorization charge, or multiple?

If you opt for cash, how much can you charge on a nine night sailing? This is just paid throughout or at the end of the cruise, right?

Is my understanding correct? 

16 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

Typically later in the cruise you can get extra flights.  We were able to get 4 or 5 flights on the Anthem on a 9 night cruise.  On the Ovation 12 nighter we were able to get 4 flights, and had one cancelled due to weather.  If you are Diamond or higher C&A that is the one thing that the concierge comes in handy for.  I know right after our flights we immediately try to get a second flight later.

 

JC 

That's great. I'll definitely ask to see if they have additional time slots. Thanks! 

I figured so. Oh well. As of now, we're scheduled to do it just as we're leaving port in Bermuda on the third day, so hopefully it will go on as scheduled. It's a 9 day trip, so fingers crossed. Thanks for the tips! 

I already have an iFly session pre-booked via the Cruise Planner, but I'm curious to know if once on the ship later times will become available? Meaning, do they do iFly session late at night, around 8 or 8:30 pm? 

23 minutes ago, Kbrauchle said:

I'd say around 10? We parked, got shuttled over and didn't have any traffic at all. They were letting us on the ship by 11, I think? We were on before 11:30. Quick and easy. 🙂

Good to hear. 🙂 Thanks again! 

3 minutes ago, hallux said:

 

6 AM until 1 AM if it hasn't changed from a year ago...

Perfect. Thanks!