denmanja

Anyone know how they figured everyone's onboard credits? The original paper we got checking in said we'd get a letter explaining the OBC. We never got one. Stopped by Guest Relations and they said there was no letter...odd...

There was a credit applied to your account. $450 for balcony and $275 for inside and oceanview. Not sure about other room categories.

I'd also like to know about any news on the dry dock. Also, what was the itinerary change? What caused it?

We were scheduled for an eastern itinerary. We found out the night before we left that the ship had mechanical trouble and our itinerary was completely changed - spent 24 hours in Nassau, then Cozumel, then back to Coco Cay. The malfunctioning propeller blades were removed in Nassau.

Which for the record, was a miserable night for us thanks to the Carnival ship that docked next door to us. The music was blaring until 330am, which is a lot of fun with a 2 year old. Both RC and Carnival can expect a nasty-gram from me soon!

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The only thing I heard regarding the dry dock was about the work on the propeller. Sorry to disappoint, I know it's a hot topic. Everybody I asked claimed to know nothing.

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Would the 25% off be on the original price or after the adjustment?

Announcement at end of our cruise said Freedom plans to go to all scheduled ports but may have shortened times at the destinations. Ship is working fine but lower speeds now with pod gone

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Will answer any questions if possible - I'm in the car all day!

We were told that we'll get 25% off a future cruise as part of the compensation for the itinerary change. Any experience with how this actually works? What is the fine print?

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Thanks for the tip on Playa Mia. Is this something that needs to be booked in advance? Or we can show up that morning? We will likely only go for half a day, I'm hoping my son will still take a nap :)

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I need help fast! Our sailing just changed itinerary and we leave tomorrow.

Would love some options that don't leave me booking through the cruise line. I'm so angry about the last minute change I don't want to give them any extra money for excursions.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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I need help fast! Our sailing just changed itinerary and we leave tomorrow. I was in Cozumel several years ago pre-kid and have no idea what to do here. Would love some options that don't leave me booking through the cruise line. I'm so angry about the last minute change I don't want to give them any extra money for excursions.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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I'm curious about Freedom - anybody used it recently?

35 cruises and I have never paid more than $100 per day after all taxes and charges. This factors in travel agents that give me on board credit.

We have the same threshold. What type of rooms are you getting for $100 pp pd?

http://www.stmaartenexcursions.com/tours/listing-surf-and-turf-adventure-14.html

We did this tour 3 years ago. It wasn't great for us, but I'll explain as best as I can remember.

We were the only people that booked it that day (which was definitely a sign). So we were driving our own jeep, following our guide in another car. It was beautiful scenery, but with no explanation of where we were going or what we were seeing, a little disappointing. We went to the bay and my husband did enjoy driving the little boat out to Creole Rock. We snorkeled for a little while (neither of us are crazy about it) so we definitely skipped a little time here. I remember stopping at Orient Beach for a few minutes, a little while to shop at an open air market, and a lot of time at Maho Beach where we ate and watched the planes.

Overall it was just fine. We just thought it was overpriced for not getting an actual tour guide if that makes sense.

Hope that's helpful!

Most of the taxis in St Thomas are larger vans. There are also some larger open air vehicles with lots of seats going to popular destinations ( presume this is what the OP called a safari) but if you explain you're needs to a dispatcher he'll set you up. Do be aware that with rare exception all taxis will be shared and the drivers will want to get the taxis full or relatively full with people going to the same destination or destinations along the same route. All fares are per person.

Thanks for responding! We have a group of 5 so we'd be a good start to filling up any taxi. We are in port with 4 other ships so I'm thinking we may be taking an excursion anyway. Still trying to decide.

Thank you for all the advice! I'm excited to visit St Thomas, even if it is with 5 ships in port. :D

Yes, Magens is a good choice for your situation, and if you are one of the earlier ships in port and can get to Magens somewhat early you may be able to get a picnic table with shade where you can also place some lounges. Nice day!

 

If concerned about the crowd or you dock later other options with calm water include the Best Western at Lindbergh Bay, and Secret Harbor on the East End.

 

I believe the taxi coordinator at the dock can direct you to a driver going to your beach of choice that has a car seat, perhaps someone else here who has experience with that can better answer that question.

Have a great day!

Thank you so much for the quick response! Unfortunately we are the 5th ship coming in that day, not arriving until noon. I'm guessing all the good spots will be well taken by the time we can get on the island :(

Does the Best Western have day passes? I don't see any information on their website. And are there facilities available at Secret Harbor?

Royal Caribbean is offering a tour to Secret Sands/Smith Bay Beach Eco Park and another to Magens Bay but it's like $40 a person, so I'm eager to find a cheaper alternative.

Just trying to be realistic about what to expect on such a crowded port day. Thanks again for any suggestions on how to entertain a toddler!

For the first-timer - and even a return visitor - there are indeed a ton of opinions about the various beaches, and we too are certainly biased in our rankings. But each beach has a unique or distinctive vibe or setting that can help one choose based on their situation that day. Some are located near a port while some take much more effort to get to but reward that effort.

 

The East End beaches of St Thomas are preferred by many who are looking for the nicest beach on STT. These include Coki, Smith's Bay, Sapphire, Secret Harbor, and Cowpet Bay (Coki and Smith's Bay are actually on the north side but are on the east end of the island). But others are also very nice and may work best if you have limited time or just want a nice beach to relax at that is closer to port and may be less crowded. And of course the beaches of St John are also gorgeous and should be experienced when possible. Trunk Bay, like Magens Bay, is highly-touted and so a bit touristy most days, but Cinnamon Bay and others less frequented are also beautiful.

 

For St Thomas -

 

Coki Point is a gorgeous beach set in a very small bay with good snorkeling off the beach. You'll find one of the nicest beaches you've seen here, but it will have a lively vibe as it gets very crowded. Several vendors renting stuff and selling food and drink. Taxis are readily available. We love Coki and find it a very intimate and romantic beach when ships are not in port.

 

Smith's Bay Park and Lindqvist Beach is a beautiful, maintained beach (both Smith's Bay Park and Magens Bay are maintained by the Magens Bay Authority and charge a small entry fee) but is much quieter and offers very few amenities. Here you would find natural beauty and relative quiet that you might have expected to see decades ago and not today. Grab your towel and a lunch and drinks from Gourmet Gallery and enjoy the beauty while it's still here. There may be chair rentals and portapotties there now, and you may need to have a taxi return for pick-up.

 

Sapphire Beach is a gorgeous beach in a larger bay with abundant natural shade, nice island views and great snorkeling off the beach. There is a reef area, a sandy swimming area, and a sea grass area where turtles and rays may be spotted. Home to 3 condo properties with food and drink options, but currently there are no chair rentals or public restrooms. So a very nice spot to be for condo guests on big ship days. And those cruisers young at heart (and body) that can be happy with a towel in the sand and the sapphire-colored sea for relief will be rewarded with paradise here. Taxis were stationed here but with fewer cruisers coming here you'll want to have the driver return or call a taxi when ready.

 

Secret Harbor is a small bay that is home to one condo property and has a quieter vibe more like Sapphire. However the water is dead calm at SH and there is no shade available to most day visitors. Good snorkeling and a restaurant on site and nice beach though.

 

Cowpet Bay is very close to Secret Harbor and is home to the Elysian Resort (condo resort) with a small beach and snorkeling. Primarily suited to guests of the condo but still a public beach.

 

Magens is on the north side and is a deep bay with a a nice, calm beach that's maintained (small entry fee) and is touted as one of the top 10 beaches in the Carib by Frommer's, cruise ships, etc. It has that rating for a reason, and it sees many people and so is touristy. No snorkeling here, and for some folks Magens doesn't have the charm or character some of the other beaches do. But it is a beautiful beach that is great for toddlers and kids because it is so dead calm, and it offers restrooms, small restaurant, a gift shop and available taxis.

 

Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is closest to Crown Bay and is a popular beach for folks docking there. A nice enough beach with rentals and food and drinks available at the Best Western Emerald Beach Plus Resort. You can also rent a room for the day to take advantage of a shower and changing room. Nice option if Magens and the East End beaches are too much effort.

 

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is another popular destination for folks docked at Crown Bay because the ferry to Water Island is very close. This beach has become very popular however and gets crowded during the day.

 

Morningstar Beach is closest to Havensight and is a popular spot for folks docking there who are looking for a quick beach stop following an excursion or other tour. Home to the Marriott and you can use their services or just pick a spot on the beach for your towel and take a lunch if you'd like.

 

Hopefully not confusing the choices even more! And here's a map showing the beach locations for those not familiar with the island, just click on the map for a larger view -

http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com..._road_map.html

Thank you for posting this info! It sounds like you would recommend Magens Bay for us - a couple in our early 30s with our almost 3 year old. We'll also probably have my parents in tow for help babysitting. There will be 5 (!) ships in port when we are there in early December. Any other suggestions??

If Magens is the way to go, I'm seeing that's about a 15 minute ride away. We have no intention of dragging our car seat with us. RC wants to charge almost $40 a person for an "excursion" to the beach. What is your transportation recommendation?

Thanks in advance for any help!

You can also ask the taxi dispatcher for a taxi with seat belts and a car seat. Or you can contact VI Taxi Association (google) and reserve one.

You can arrange for one with car seat provided?? That is awesome news.

We are cruising with our almost 3 year old. If we don't bring his seat, what are the taxis like? Cars/vans or open air or busses?

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Just to let everyone know, this is the response from RCCL:

"We are pleased to inform you that the Dreamworks Character Breakfast for your cruise vacation will not be charged a cancellation or no- show penalty."

I'm guessing that won't be the case with the $10 fee now.

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My guess is that you would lose the $10 per person fee.

But booking now, before Sept 1, there is no fee.

Has there always been a cancellation penalty?

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I just booked this for my November cruise based on the heads up from the roll call board.

I'm a little concerned about the fine print in the confirmation email "No-show and cancellation penalties within 24 hours may apply for the DreamWorks Character Breakfast." Anybody know exactly what the penalty would be? We wouldn't miss on purpose, but everybody knows that kids aren't predictable! My son will be almost 3 and he may freak out and we have to leave before the food is even served!

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Will Royal Caribbean just give me the onboard credit? Have others had success with this? I did book through a TA because of a separate credit card bonus.

I'm so frustrated because I put down my deposit YESTERDAY on Freedom of the Seas in November. I tried to call today and after 20 minutes on hold, RC hung up on me! Prices for cabins are still exactly the same. :confused:

Thanks for any tips of getting the credit automatically without having to cancel and rebook