AtlAlyson

44 minutes ago, stacycakes1 said:

I think we are on the same cruise!  We set sail on Connie July 15th. So far we have the following plans.  We are traveling with our 10-year-old and want to see as much as we can, but also want to relax and live "La Vida Dolce" 🙂  We also might throw a beach day in when we are in Split or Dubrovnik as I am finding beautiful choices not far from port. 

 

The ports:

• Florence/Pisa - We have a private tour book with a stop in Pisa (quick trip to the top), Lucca, and a stop at a winery on the way back to port (booked through Rome in Limo)
• Portofino - We are doing the same as recommended above, a little stroll, shopping and lunch
• Sicily/Messina - We have a private tour booked that includes a trip to the top of Mt. Etna in a gondola, lunch at a local restaurant and winery, and shopping and sightseeing in Taormina.
• Brindisi - We will still get off the ship and check things out, but Brindisi seems like a good day for a break. If you are on the same cruise as we are, it is 1/2 way through the itinerary and we are stopping there on a Sunday so a lot will closed that day.
• Dubrovnik - We plan on a beach day here or in split.  You have to walk through the old town to get to them so of course we plan on meandering slowly to and from the beach, but that is our ultimate goal.  There are a few that are walking distance so I haven't chosen which one yet.  Here is a great link with info if you are also interested 6 Best Dubrovnik Beaches - Jetsetting Fools
• Kotor - CAT CITY!  We are going to the cat museum here, shopping, eating, and petting a few stray cats.  Definitely a city where you can be more leisurely about things.
• Split - We might also go to the beach on this day and walk around the city.  There is a fort you can climb up to, not sure we will attempt that, but maybe a little way up for a nice view.

Stacy this looks awesome! We will be some of the similar tours. Can I ask who you are using for the private tour in Messina?

I will be on AMA soon doing the same route. Depending on the weather we would like to do all of the bike tours as well.

I was wondering if anybody knew of a guy or small company that would take 5 from Tortola to the baths on a fast boat. We would like a bigger group that way we could have more fun with other couples but open minded. The guy we used 3ish years ago never emailed me back when I asked.

Any help would be great!

Was wondering if anybody has used Dion recently when docking in Tortola and going to the baths? I used him about 2 years ago when he had a scarab that was very quick.

Thanks!

I was not able to find free space on any of the tour companies that I found. The ones that I did find only work with certain cruise lines when the boats are in port. Having a large group of people on the boat from the cruise line directly did not appeal to me.

I hope you find a good boat and crew though.

Still waiting on a response from the owner... Tried a new email today and will see what comes back.

Might have to book through the cruise line. WAHHHHH:(

I am going to send over an email and do some more research on the tour.

Sailing on the Celebrity Silhouette and want a catamaran tour of the island. Snorkel, drinking, and a fun small group. Tried to book with Leeward Island Charters but they are with Royal and Celebrity on their tours so you have to go through the cruise line. I loath cruise organized tours but will do it if this is the best out there.

On Celebrity page it is $100 4.5 hours and the reviews are not great.

When you got on the boat in San Juan I noticed the ship leaves latter in the day. Can you get on/off the boat and do they not let you leave?

Thank you all for the help. My TA said she would send checks to the house and then tried to tell me that one was for $75 and the other $50 when I know that is less than the amount promised. Now she will not answer emails or phone calls. Still waiting on checks…

Looked at my bills from RC and the OBC is not on there but trying to find old emails with what she promised on there and move forward.

Customer Service is important mistakes happen I get it but make it right and quickly. Waiting a few more days and if nothing happens I will turn to the BBB.

Update to come…

I recently went on a cruise with Royal Caribbean we booked 2 rooms though an independent travel agent. She said when we booked we would get a $100 On board credit for one room and a $50 on board credit for the other room. When we got on board we noticed that neither of these had been added to our account. Royal Caribbean said it was the agent’s responsibility to do this and she did not. We even made a call on the boat to the agent to try and get things worked out and no help. It was toward the end of the cruise and they said it would be too late to add the on board credit. Now we are trying to get checks from the travel agent for the cruise. I know it is not RC fault and that my travel agent will never get business from me again but what do I do moving forward.

Where do I need to go to file a complaint and get my money I should have gotten on board? Advice?

Just returned from the Oasis Nov. 3rd sailing. Tried to bring 4 bottles (2rooms) but the security people took the bottles away and gave us a yellow naughty paper. Was able to go to Guest Services day 2 and wine showed up in room that night. Was not charged once for opening in the dinning room.

You made my day we sail Saturday looks like I will be testing this out.

Me 3

AtlAlison - thanks so much for posting your experience!

 

So - did you email him before, but did not have to give CC info? Did you know he was going to be there/he was expecting you?

 

Sounds like a fantastic day!

I sent an email to him and he said that they did have a tour scheduled and to arrive 45min after the ship docks. We paid in cash $50/pp and added a little extra when we returned back to the marina. No credit card needed.

On the boat we were always pretty close to some sort of land. He used his cell phone to call his friend and we didn't have too far to get back so we were lucky.

TraceyP-We had to go back to the main station to get a bus to Jolly Harbor. We went back to the ship for lunch and then took bus #20 over to Jolly Harbor. Was beautiful.

Returned Sunday from a cruise to Antigua and these directions from post #1 are spot on.

We took the #17 bus after waiting 15 or so minutes for it to fill up to the dockyard and they dropped us off right in front. Admission is now $8/pp to the dockyard and we had a fun time walking around looking at all the boats and museum. We were hoping to take the water taxi to Shirley Heights but the lady at the front desk said it was no running that day.

We spend a couple hours wandering around and then walked back out to find the #17 bus and immediately took us back. The way there on the bus there were several stops maybe a 30 minute drive and on the way back it was a 15 minute drive as fast as our driver was driving. Round trip on the bus for 2 people and entrance into the park was $24.

Just got back Sunday from visiting Tortola/Virgin Gorda

We decided to go with Dion after I saw the large amounts of people going with Speedy’s. WELL WORTH THE EXTRA $9/pp($50/pp total). Got off the ship and asked a few people where Dion was and we got pointed in the right direction. Dion was right outside the security gate once you see all the cabs and other people trying to sell you on why their boat is awesome. Word of advice if you plan on going with somebody else I would ask them the cost and then ask to see what their boat looks like as the dock is very close to where you walk outside the security gates. When we docked at 7am the weather was overcast and a light sprinkle so needless to say we were late to leave. Dion told me by email that he usually leaves 45min-1hour after the ship docks but we did not leave until maybe 8:45 I would say. Speedy’s left late the same day and we beat them easily by 30 minutes. (a little over 25min on the boat) The scarab with 750hp was a blast to ride on!

Once we got to the baths he pulled the boat to shore and we all jumped off the front on the sand at Devils Bay.

If you are looking at the baths the main park entrance is on the left by another beach (forget the name) but this is where the LARGE groups of cruise ship people stayed. The baths are in the middle and Devils Bay is on the right. Devils Bay was nice because there were not a lot of people and the snorkeling was gorgeous with some fish swimming right up to you. Highly recommend some water shoes it is a must as you will be able to climb on the rocks while others will be slipping and falling everywhere. Also bring a snorkel and mask for the beach area!

On the way back the fuel filter got clogged I think and we had to get pulled back to the dock by one of his friends. Soooo… the boat ride back turned into a booze cruise with beer and lots of vodka. This was most likely special for our group as Dion was VERY apologetic. We had a blast even with the unexpected situation & about 15 people on board. We left the baths around 12:30 and got back to the boat with time to spare but the stumble back to the boat was difficult.

Tc1177-Dion pulled the boat to the shore when we got there and when we left. I am sure you would be able to lift the kids up to the front of the boat getting on and off. I had my boyfriend lift me up when we left so I didn’t have to get more sand in my water shoes. Hope this helps.

sms15- Got this email today back....

Hi Alyson,

We have a tour scheduled and the fare is $50 per person. Dion is located outside the security gate and he leaves 45 mins - an hour after the ship dock. We offer a complimentary drink on-board.

Veronica/Dion

My group of 4 is going to try and catch him around 7:20-7:30. Not looking to be part of the big group going with Speedy's but it's the backup plan. $9/pp more will hopefully be worth it. I said the word beer to the 2 guys and fast boat and they were all about it.

Thank You sportschicfla for the number!

Sent an email hoping to get a responce soon because I leave on Saturday. Anybody have a phone number I can reach him at?