SSMcruises

Ok, as simply as possible -

We are looking to fly into MIA on a Thursday in November, stay at a Marriott property (Biscayne?? JW??). There are 6 of us, so thinking a car rental might be the best bet, as we want to go to Sawgrass Mills (or maybe Dolphin, but I get the idea that Sawgrass is better) on Friday, board the Escape on Saturday.

Any recommendations for car rental that can be picked up at the airport, and returned at the POM?

Do you know the pricing of the a la carte food? What would it cost (approx) for the kids to just order off the reg menu?

I am hesitant to buy them the package...as I would like to encourage some

Adult only dining. Ha

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I really do hope they enjoy Splash...but as they are not my kids I won't be able to 'insist'. My #1 goal of day one will be getting those kids to make just one friend each [emoji23]. That is all it will take

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I am looking at possibly buying a dining package for the 4 adults - what happens with the kids when we dine? Our friends kids are 9 and 12, and will be reluctant to join in activities etc, so that means they will be dining with us.

My understanding is that if they order off the kids menu it is included? If they order off the regular menu it is a la carte? Is that correct? Or do they need this own dining package?

THanks

SSM

Thank you everyone. Non matter where the bed ends up being...I will sleep the sleep of vacation! Appreciate all the great feedback.

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Any idea of the bed set up ? Close to the balcony door? I have tried to search here and on line but can not seem to find anything.

Hi, while I have not done the excursion, I have spent my last 4 of my last 5 vacations (:eek:) in Roatan.

Tabyana Beach is just the cruise company's name for West Bay Beach. The cruise area is at the very end of the beach, and typically quite crowded. You could easily take a taxi to West Bay Beach and enjoy the whole beach, lots of restaurants have chairs to use/rent while you are there.

I have never done Gumbalina however have heard good things. West Bay Beach and snorkeling have always been my priority while there!

Have a great vacation and enjoy Roatan!

Sail Away Rate is no frills pricing - so no perks, no freebies. Just the cruise. For the cruise we are looking at (Escape, April 23, guarantee balcony), there is a $200 per person savings, plus you dont have the extra charges (grats/taxes/whatever) so it ends up being about $600 cheaper...and for us (Canadians) it equals out to about $850...that is a lot of drinks/dining etc.

We are looking at the Escape on April 23rd and there is still the option of No Frills (think they call it Sail Away Rate), which is $200 less than the promo rates.

It was on the screen where you choose your promos, if you scroll to the bottom . It was for guarantee balcony.

Unfortunately, with the awful exchange, we are still holding off on booking!

I called today and inquired as to what could be included in the Canadian at par promo. We have been looking at the Escape for late April and the exchange has been the main reason we have not yet booked.

For us to take the Free at Sea package with UBP and SDP, in a guaranteed balcony, it would have been approx $2465 US ($3319 CAN equivalent)

For us to take the Canadian at Par promo, without USP/SDP, in a guaranteed balcony, it would have been approx $2163 CAN. (We can also pay our service charge / grats in Canadian if prepaid at time of booking, this would take the pricing up to $2440.)

I specifically questioned adding the Dining package at time of booking, and if that would be US or Canadian, and that is not allowed. Only the service charge can be included. All add on items must done in US $$.

For curiosity sake, I priced out adding both dining and beverages to the Canadian at Par promo, and the cost would be approx $3760 CAN, it would end up being about a $100 difference, once the service charge is accounted for.