Grand & Nana

I personally care about the entertainment - NCL puts on excellent shows and I appreciate all the talented performers.  Foot Loose (on the Joy) was not my favorite, but still enjoyable and upbeat. Missed the comedy shows - only late night performances were open,  I plan to catch The Element this go around - somehow I missed it last time.  

54 minutes ago, Maleficent's Dad said:

This was our first time back after the pandemic.  We were on the July 1 sailing out of NYC - a bit of an odd itinerary as we went to Port Canaveral, GSC, the Bermuda (2 days).  We had six of us traveling - DW and myself in room 1, my kids (22 and 24) in room 2, and close friends in room 3.  We had three adjoining balcony rooms on deck 13.  We had the regular beverage package and only 2 specialty dining (standard package).  We had VIBE PASSES.  My family are all "gold status" and our friends were on their first cruise ever.

 

This cruise was awesome.  I am so very happy to report that after so many negative reviews, so many "eh" reports, and so many complaints about not only the Norwegian Joy, but NCL as a whole, we had a fantastic cruise.

 

July 1 embarkation was exactly what we all expected.  We're New Yorkers, so we knew what to expect - Crowded, pushy people, a bit chaotic.  But we were there early (on purpose, we live not far away at all and used mass transit), were literally the first people on the security line, and to the back area for check in all in a very efficient manner.  Our longest wait was for them opening security lines as we arrived at 8:30 or so, and security started at 9.

 

Since we were on deck 13, our check in was in the back of the terminal.  Lowest boarding group number back there was 10 which we got.  By 11:15, we were aboard.  Went to our muster station at the Local, and were out of there in 3 minutes.  Made some reservations for comics in the Social, then off to lunch (already had made ressies for specialty dining and big shows before boarding).  Mellow lunch at Savor really set the mood.

 

We showed our friends around a little, then went up to the Vibe,  By 2 PM we already had our first mini-beer shots!

 

This entire cruise was amazing.  I cannot emphasize enough how pleasantly surprised I was after reading so much negativity.

The MDR food was very, very good.  Much better than I recall from previous cruises.  The specialty dining (we hit Le Bistro and Ocean Blue) was excellent.  Service was excellent if not a tad slow in all restaurants.  But the staff was working as hard as ever and smiling as wide as they always have.

 

The VIBE was our lifesaver, I believe,  The chair hogs for the main pool were out in force as we had several sea days on this trip.  We have pics from 6:30 A.M. where crew members are setting up chairs and as they do so, towels immediately placed on them.  This was not an issue for us.  We took our walks on the waterfront every morning, went to breakfast, and when we were ready, we went to the Vibe where seating was NEVER an issue.  The three guys in the Vibe were AMAZING.  Bartenders Chris (the best) and Will, and the jack-of-all traits Jo.  These three really made our trip.

 

We had a Lagoon Villa on GSC.  Wonderfully tranquil and peaceful.  Just wish we had more time there!

Stayed on board in Port Canaveral as we have a place not too far away and didn't need to do/see anything.

Bermuda is as wonderful as ever.  Great ferry service to St. George (50 minute ride) for free.  We hit the Swizzle Inn, shopped, also hit Hamilton and the local Royal Naval Dockyard.

 

We did laundry on Wednesday for $30 with the special.

 

If you know what to expect for disembarkation, and you pack a little bit of patience, it's hardly the cluster-fudge that everyone claims it to be.  We enjoyed b'fast and hung out in the District Brewhouse until we were called.  Pretty efficient from that point on!

 

We had 2 relatively minor issues on the entire trip.

1. Tender service from GSC back to the Joy was....  pretty bad.  1 hour+ wait for the final tender back to ship.  The line for tenders had been brutal all afternoon.

2. We did notice that the room steward was hardly present so we didn't get to know him.  DW missed the evening turndown service.  Wasn't too big a deal for me.

 

I'll try to post a few pics below and would be glad to try to answer any questions.

 

But rest assured, NCL and the Joy are still doing a great job!  We had a really great cruise and are planning next year's already.  Ignore the negativity and the harsh criticisms.  Sure we could be nit-picky, but things are good.  Crew is working their tail off, they manage to smile, everything's clean, food was good.  Really brought my faith back in NCL and cruising!

It's refreshing to read positive comments-- we love NCL and our last cruise was in May on the Gem.  Minor hiccups on the ship but quickly resolved.  It was a big deal at the time, only because we were tired and cranky.  Our only true complaint was in Santorini - tenders were slow and the wait to take the lift up the mountain was brutal (hot and long lines - no shortcuts).  We'll be back on the Joy for a 2nd time, in September - can't wait.

On 11/15/2018 at 11:37 AM, fstuff1 said:

$125 for ncl shore excursion. 😞

 

i'm going solo.

any cheaper way?

 

uber/lyft to kennedy space center, then buying the ticket at their ticket counter???

We're not solo but want feedback/reviews on the NCL excursion - it says (on the NCL website that the KSC tour) is 7 hours on the day we disembark, and departing flights must be after 6p (no problem, we booked a NCL package that included airfare).  It references in the  tour description the simulator (assuming it's included???) and bus to launch pad.  It appears you eat on the run.  I would also like to include the IMAX film.  As a DIY traveler I have to know if  it's worth $290 for a ship excursion - the thought of being part of a cattle drive and paying inflated prices, makes me wonder if it's insane to do so...is it worth the convenience?  My NCL booking confirmation says we're paying $58pp for transfers (to/from) the Orlando airport...I wander if it's refunded if the excursion is booked...I'll call should I read that the excursion is worth it.  Please share your experience at Kennedy Space Center - did you have any free time to roam and did you buy any additional tickets on the Nasa website...anything?  Thank you in advance for your consideration.

On 3/4/2019 at 1:24 PM, beepbeep428 said:

Hi all -- we have the KSC excursion booked through NCL for our cruise in April.  Just made a dining reservation at 7pm, do you think we'll be back on the ship in time? Thanks!

I'm looking for feedback/review on the NCL excursion with NCL.  As 2 active seniors who are DIY travelers, we have a cruise on the Sun in November 2019.  The airfare is part of our package, however; I can do a deviation to fly in a day early if we can do more than just a general admission visit, e.g., lunch with an astronaut.  The NCL excursion on the day we disembark is 7 hours 

On 4/10/2019 at 1:33 PM, BTHodgeman said:

Hi Nancy! Nice to hear from you!!! 

 

I'll send you a message through here, but basically you have it all right.

Why don't you join us in November so you can do another great job (lol)...if not, give me all your tips for a well organized Pub Crawl...thanks!  Nancy

23 hours ago, BTHodgeman said:

Absolutely. I pretty much hate drinks that are overly sweet, yet I love the concept of a rum punch, rum runner, mai tai, etc. At the pool bar, I would regularly ask for just a dash of the juices/sweet liqueurs and for the drink to be topped off with soda water. They always accommodated, and the drinks were refreshing and not sweet or overly heavy.

Hi Brent...I've been searching for you.  It's Nancy from the RC Navigator cruise.  If you have a minute, can you tell me the guidelines you used for the Pub/Poker Crawl?  I just booked us on the NCL Sun - November 9th (5-day includes Cuba). I'm thinking I need to coordinate such an event. It was quite smooth and you seemed to have it all together...need your tips.  I remember the two sided tickets, the cup, signing of the cards in your presence, etc., any recommendations or am I missing anything to keep it as well organized as you did?

Nancy

What we ended up doing was really pretty easy. We were in Florence for three days pre-cruise last May. We flew into Rome and were able to get on the direct train to Florence from the airport. There is one in the morning, and we just made it. On the way out of Florence we took a train from Florence to the Termini in Rome. From there, instead of dealing with luggage on the regional trains from Rome to Civitavecchia, we had Rome Cabs pick us up in a car at the Termini (for four of us with our cruise luggage) and drive us directly to the port. It was only minimally more money, but it was so much easier than having to change trains at the Termini and then having to figure out how to get from the train station in Civitavecchia to the port with all our luggage. Well worth the extra $$. We had originally thought of renting a car once we got to Rome on the front end, but we really didn't want to deal with parking and all the "no traffic zones" in Florence. This just made sense and worked.

I was so happy to find your thread. I've been researching our alternatives from Florence to Civitavecchia. When we booked our flights, our plans were to book the high speed train to Roma Termini, then connect with the regional train to Civitavecchia. I was aware of the long walk from one platform to the next in Rome, but as long as it was on ground level, we would be fine. Then I saw pics of the steep steps (at the Civitavecchia train station) after someone from our CC board brought it to my attention. Between these two obstacles it was an easy decision - do we save $ or risk injury to my back. Today I decided on the train (www dot trenitalia dot com) from Firenze SM Novella to Roma Termini, then book a transfer with Stefano's Rome Cabs (www dot romecabs dot com), from Roma Termini to our hotel in Civitavecchia. Yes, the train is far less $, but is it worth the inconvenience and risk factor, no. We'll pay for a transfer from Rome @ $130...injury to my back would cost far more and could potentially ruin our 10-day Greek cruise. I've learned, there's a time and place to be frugal - this is neither the time nor the place.

BTW, I wasn't sure if CC would block the printed websites, thus typed as is.

Point being, after reading these posts, you confirmed my decision was the right decision. You erased all doubt. :halo:

Thank you.

Nancy

I'm surprised to hear no one has mentioned renting a car....

We too had a flight change and are now departing at 3:30.

I thought we would cab it to the airport to pick up a car ( then I will be familiar with the airport) and tour the city. We have already visited the forts and done the Segway tour ( which was awesome btw) .

Am I missing something on the car rental? Pkease share!

BTW, I read driving in San Juan was easy - so if big city driving doesn't stress you out, you may enjoy it. Personally, I think your window is too short to go through the hassle of renting a car. See what Viator dot com has to offer - it may prove to be less stressful:)

Nancy

Yes, Nancy . We too were considering a tour. May I ask what you booked? Or who you booked with? That might actually be easier.

Please keep in mind, we fly into SJ on a Thursday afternoon and our ship departs @ 8:30p on Saturday.

I'm currently working out the logistics - Natural Wonders and PR Tour Desk (pre-cruise). Bio Tour / Rainforest (off the beaten path) & Sunset Culinary Walking Tour, followed by a Segway Tour the day we embark.

On the day we disembark, we'll roll our bags off the ship, then take a taxi to Barrachina where we'll store our luggage (free). We'll tour the area, then enjoy our 12:45p lunch reservation before we retrieve our luggage...then head to the airport for our 4p flight.

I'm trying to make the most of our time in Old San Juan. I treat each visit to a new port as if it may be the last :)

Nancy

I'm surprised to hear no one has mentioned renting a car....

We too had a flight change and are now departing at 3:30.

I thought we would cab it to the airport to pick up a car ( then I will be familiar with the airport) and tour the city. We have already visited the forts and done the Segway tour ( which was awesome btw) .

Am I missing something on the car rental? Pkease share!

I believe the focal point for most (first timers) is Old San Juan - where you won't need a car. I considered a rental car for the outskirts of town (e.g., the rainforest), however; when reading the opinions of others, I decided it was better to go with a private tour.

Nancy

Thanks for this info. We also have a 3pm flight out and I was wondering if we'd be able to walk around instead of sitting in the airport.

Hi Amy, we're on the same ship:) We have a 4p flight out of San Juan so I began looking for options myself. Have you found anything else? I JUST began my search for things to do on the day we disembark and the best options for all day Friday and part of Saturday (pre-cruise). I know El Yunque Rainforest, Segways and fort tours are on the agenda - just need to coordinate the timing of each small group tours:) LOL...and a stop at Marshall's (close to our hotel:)

Thanks,

Nancy

Thank you for writing such a useful tool for other DIY planners!!!

Nancy

Hi everyone, there's often been debate on here about whether a cruise tour is a waste, or if it's beneficial. I think it depends on what you want and what you need. Speaking only for myself, I want to make my own decisions about where to go and what to see, even if it means some logistical headaches ahead of time. I love to travel and visit new places, but I'm not doing it for luxury; I'm fairly budget-conscious. I just want to share, with whomever finds it helpful, how I made our Alaska land portion affordable.

 

My group of 6 (for the land portion) had certain limitations I had to factor in before making these decisions, such as time availability, health, and distance to airport (5 hours!). But to keep things short, here's what I did:

 

Instead of Princess' cruise tour A or B (3 nights), costing around $1200+, or $2400+ per couple:

1. Denali Star from Anchorage to Denali, with Toursaver, $146 (2 for 1)

2. Denali Princess Lodge, 2 nights, with Toursaver, $320

3. Park Conx Bus return to Anchorage, $90pp ($180/couple)

So my costs are $646 for both of us, or $323pp. The other 4 will save even more since they're sharing the Lodge room ($243pp).

 

Our inside cabins on the cruise cost $599, bringing the DIY cruise tour per person cost to $922 ($842 for the others), which is way better than $1200+! Note: I did not include the cost of a tour/shuttle inside Denali. I'll be taking one (Wonder Lake Shuttle $56pp), but a few in our group will not; two have had recent surgery, and get plum tuckered out easily.

 

It's not apples to apples of course, since we won't be staying at McKinley Lodge at all, but I have a feeling that's a good thing. Many have mentioned that despite beautiful views, there's little to do at McKinley, and you feel like you're constantly traveling. I can't wait to spend time in Denail!

 

By flying in earlier in the week (i.e. not the day before or day of cruise departure), we also saved a ton. Our flights were half what they would have been by flying in the middle of the week.

 

We leave in 10 days, and I'll let you know how it all works out.:)

Finally, informative information to get me started on our DIY travel after we disembark in Seward in 12 months... Thanks!

Nancy

We are new to the forum and would like to know more about the groups creating some tours, also would like to connect with others on this cruise. please let us know how to connect?

Hi! I see no one responded. In case you haven't found the answers:

On the CC website, in the upper right hand side, select "Boards". Go to the section titled "Roll Call". Now select your applicable cruise line, now select your ship's name, followed by searching for the thread for your sail day. There you will find cruisers on the same ship you have booked. This is where you communicate with fellow cruisers and find group tours that may be forming. If someone posts a tour and is recruiting others to form a private tour, you simply click on 'Quote' to reply to the post, with the information requested (if any). By selecting 'quote', it shows everyone on your board what post you are replying to...which makes it so much easier for viewers to link a response with the applicable post. Post Reply is only used to create a new post! In your case, if you want to form or join a private group tour (after reading what has been posted to date) - create a new post.

You'll catch on quickly!

Do you remember which tour company you used? I want to do a private excursion, rather than one through the ship.

I'm booking through viator dot com

You can prepay in US$ and print your voucher from home. I've used them on six previous occasions for tours in Barcelona - if you have any questions, call their toll free number on their web page...the tour group through Viator meets next door to where our ship docks...another plus. They haven't been a disappointment yet...their prices are normally the same as at the door and no upcharge. It's a start, but it's always good to verify for yourself.

Good luck!

Nancy

We took Victor Bodden’s “Trujillo Fishing Experience” on January 7th out of the new port in Trujillo, Honduras while on a 7 day cruise out of Houston aboard the Norwegian Jewel. The price was $90 per hour, with a two hour minimum and we booked the excursion for three hours for the morning. Prior to our trip I had a couple of email exchanged with Mr. Bodden and was very impressed at the prompt response to each of my questions. It was explained to me that we would travel about 15 minutes from the pier (which is within walking distance of where the cruise ship disembarks it’s passengers) and fish for large catch like Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Tuna, Marlin, Jacks, Grouper and Snapper. I was assured that if there were any problems or concerns to contact Mr. Bodden directly and immediately while in Honduras and to not wait, so that he could rectify the situation. My brother and I, both in our 20’s have both fished all of our lives and we were really looking forward to something so incredible.

Upon arrival to the kiosk to check in for our excursion we were met with a group of men that seemed somewhat confused and disheveled that morning. The weather was a bit drizzly and cloudy, the streets were muddy and I just assumed that the entire town was in a bit of frenzy with the ship being in port. We asked if the weather was going to hold up for our excursion and were told that “everything should clear up and they were expecting sunny skies within an hour”. We were escorted through an alley, behind a bar and over to a pier that was partially collapsing in areas to board a 15 ft boat that looked as if it were out of a National Geographic magazine. This is absolutely not what I was expecting, from the pictures displayed on their website http://www.bestoftrujillo.com. Jumping down to our small vessel we met the captain, who spoke absolutely no English. At this point, we were joined by a young man within the age of 17 or 18 who spoke some English and we were on our way. After about 15 minutes we were given our fishing rods (equipment that was partially broken and easily 15-20 years old) and told that we could start trolling at this point. It was to our surprise that we were not set up in any way to fish for the aforementioned fish. Instead we would be trolling at depths of around 5 feet to catch fish of a much smaller variety. We continued out into the open sea for about an additional 30 minutes, catching two small fish along the way. Again, we are trying to make the best of the situation at this point, given it is raining pretty hard and visibility was starting to become an issue. We stopped at one point because our lines had become entangled, this is where our trip turned from bad to miserable. The rain was coming down so hard that our captain was scooping water from the boat with a cut up liter bottle. The swells were so high that our boat nearly capsized at several points. We had to ask the young guy to tell the captain to head back as we were not enjoying ourselves and we were both truly scared. He drove the boat around for nearly an hour and a half before he regained a sense of direction. We were lost, fighting the wind, rain and waves to make it back to the pier. All in all we spent about 2 ½ hours in the ocean, 45 mins of which were spent fishing for much smaller fish then we were told to expect. When arriving back to shore we immediately went to Bodden’s tour kiosk and ask to speak to Victor immediately. We were told he was not available, we asked again and was told “he is coming”. After waiting for about 15 minutes a man (who’s name I cannot recall) come up and asked what was the issue. We asked if he was Victor and he stated no, but he was the manager. We explained the situation and after exclaiming that we were in great danger, did not feel safe and that the tour was not what we expected he asked “So what do you want?”. We told him that we felt that the tour should be refunded. He disagreed and said that the weather wasn’t that bad “look, you cannot see rain from here”. To wrap this up, after arguing for nearly 30 minutes, demanding to speak to Victor on the phone and being told that our recollection of the experience wasn’t true… we received 2/3 our money back for the tour.

I understand that Bodden Tours cannot control the weather or if fish are biting. However, we were sold on an excursion that was NOT offered. When asking about the weather we were not told of rain off the coast nor do we feel as if they took appropriate measures to ensure our safety. The boat was not equipped with a radar, they didn’t have a phone to check the weather… nothing. There was no navigation system aboard the boat, no depth finder… nothing! The life jackets onboard were minimal and we were only told to put them on before disembarking when the young man spotted a navy vessel saying that “they require them to be worn”.

Most off, the customer service provided was inexcusable. This was absolutely the worst traveling experience in my life. We were fearful for our lives and no empathy or reasoning was given. I DO NOT recommend Victor Bodden or his tour company to anyone. I understand that I am in the minority here and that this is apparently unheard of with his group but please be forewarned! DO NOT USE THIS TOUR COMPANY! Their disregard for the safety of their guests, their misrepresentation of the tour itself and their lack of genuine customer service should be enough reason for you to look elsewhere when planning a memorable vacation experience.

Nicely written. Please be sure to copy and paste this post under Bodden Tours, on Trip Advisor. Your experience needs to be known by future travelers who rely on such reviews to avoid becoming a victim of unsafe excursions or unacceptable business practices. I realize this is a new port in an undeveloped/poor area of Honduras, but from what you've described, this is not acceptable (in my books). Trujillo is truly a beautiful area...I wish the (local)people much success...and the majority are willing to earn it!!! By the way, Victor Bodden is an independent tour operator from Roatan (I believe)...they just recently setup shop in Banana Coast.

Hi TammLynn,

We sail the Ryndam on the 22nd March and will be in Trujillo on the 25th. This looks just like the sort of thing we were looking for. Firstly was there plenty of time to return to the ship before departure. Secondly could you give us an idea of cost. Did you manage to swim in the hot springs??. Thanks in advance Bob n Dee

When we were in Trujillo we had booked a day at Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat. You can buy a day pass or rent a cabana for the day. We prepaid transportation and a boat was waiting to take us from the center of town to the retreat. Two excursions in one. We had a beautiful day on a private beach where we could horseback ride, snorkel, paddleboard, etc. They also have a small restaurant and a tiki bar on their well manicured property for refreshing pina coladas. Best massage I've ever had - only $40. This was a private retreat that I didn't want to leave!!! The wonderful owners (Larry & Linda) are from Canada and so down to earth - they were perfect hosts! Highly recommend!

We did have some trouble finding the restaurant, mostly because we were expecting an acutal restuaurant! It is just a shell of concrete with a lovely lady selling pop from a cooler. In retrospect, you won't have any trouble. Here's the scoop... Leave the port area and turn to the right. Keep walking past the busses and taxi area and leave the main port gates (you will still be walking to the right on a road with the beach to your right). Walk along the road and tell ALL the people offering tours that you are already booked :D. The restaurant is on the right hand side a little ways down the road. I think it is just a little ways past the Banana Beach "booth". We ended up asking for Larry at the Banana Beach booth and they very kindly pointed us in the right direction.

 

Tendering in Belize is a breeze. We got our tender tickets first thing in the morning and were in Group 4. They started calling group 1 - 3 and we thought we'd better make a potty stop. By the time we were done they were already calling groups 4 - 6. The tender is very fast and comfortable. One word of advice. The day we were in Belize, the caves were closed due to extreme flooding. Be sure to check this before you leave, maybe ask what the alternate excursion being offered is. And a plan B might not be a bad idea. We went to Altun Ha with Alan from Experience Belize Tours (and highly recommend him if you're interested in that type of thing).

Thank you for the tips to find Larry & Linda.

I heard if you tender before 8:30a, a ticket is not required in Belize or Banana Coast. Where do you get the tender tickets and how early did you go to get your tickets? I have a group of 11 and we want to keep everyone together, if at all feasible.

The ship offers a cave tubing excursion so we'll know rather quickly if the caves are closed. A portion of our group is doing ATVing & cave tubing with Butts Up...and the other half of the group is going with cave tubing.bz If the caves are closed...I may just go into port to stretch my legs on land...look for some 1 Barrel Rum (a product of Belize)...then return to the ship.

I look forward to your response!

Nancy

Thanks,

Nancy

We are back from Banana Coast on the November 29 sailing of the NCL Jewel.

 

The tender process was interesting. There was no tender ticket required if you debarked before 830am. The ride over to the port was about 10 minutes or so (I wasn't paying attention) and was a little bumpy.

 

We met Larry from Tranquility Bay and then took another boat over to his resort. We had fun playing on the beach and hanging out in the hammocks. We ate lunch at the restaurant (great chips and guac) and had a couple cold beers. Due to the rough water, we asked Larry to drive us back to the ship, which he gladly did.

 

The tender process back to the ship was smooth, but the ride wasn't! The waves had picked up. We were lucky and got back to the ship in one piece and relatively unscathed. I heard rumors of tenders bottoming out, propellers being damaged and sick passengers.

 

Overall, Banana Coast is VERY rustic. But I'm glad we didn't miss this opportunity to see a developing port. I hope to be back again to see how things are moving along :)

Thank you....I've been waiting for a reply from a past cruiser...

Did you have any problem finding the restaurant to meet Larry and board the boat? The restaurant belongs to Larry's son and I've told it's under construction. Did you walk along the beach or walk the street to get to the meeting location (I'm trying to get a visual).

Yes, the tender process does sound interesting. We're early birds so we plan to be at the staging area by 8a. How did the tender go in Belize...I hear this tender is very timely, since they anchor 5 miles from the shoreline? Any recommendations at this port? I was hoping to meet our cave tubing guide by 8:30a, is that unrealistic?

Thanks again for sharing!

Nancy

Thanks! That is how I usually do my homework, reading reviews, however this time all I could find is 1 review of a cruise trip and 1 review of Victor company at this location from the first cruise arriving to Trujillo... It's difficult to build a statistics from that... And it's a bit frustrating, especially as this is our first cruise...

Will try to write a review regarding the tenders when we're back :)

I was lucky, I stumbled across Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat (TBBR) months ago. I had all but given up on an excursion until I started communicating with Linda & Larry, owners of TBBR. We're really looking forward to a day at their retreat.

Over time, as the port becomes established, more private tours will become available. I haven't searched myself, before replying on the board, however; you may want to Google Victor Bodden to review what his reputation and customer service is rated in other ports. I know he's one of the first to offer a private tour @ Banana Coast. The only other option is booking something through the cruise lines. The cruise lines currently have a contractual agreement with the majority of businesses in town or they've created excursion opportunities. What surprised me was that there is a park with a nice beach that is normally a minimal fee for the general public, but closed to the public on the days that ships are in port, at which time it becomes an exclusive for ship excursions.

Have a great day!

Nancy

We're leaving on Dec 13, wondered if anyone have tried the starfish excursions? Using the NCL or Victor Bodden or any other provider? We're coming with two young kids (4,7) but looking into something more than just sitting on the beach... Thanks!

I've heard good things about Victor Bodden when searching for tour operators in other parts of the country, but I've not personally used them. If you Google the name, you can search various websites for reviews to determine if they provide good service and have a good reputation. I base my choice of tour operators on reviews - by weighing the negative comments or throwing out the meaningless reviews that some people post. You'll get more personalized service with VB, than through the ship; however, the ship offers first tender and if sick, you can cancel without a penalty...unfortunately, you have to do your homework and evaluate what's important to you.

We may go (by boat) when in Banana Coast (Trujillo) ourselves, from the retreat we're visiting. We'll go 'only' if the water is not rough.

Listen, we're cruising on the day you return...if anyone can post the 'tender' process for cruisers who are NOT doing ship excursions...please tell us the protocol in your post. You'll have wifi in most areas, such as Cozumel. No one is posting the tender process...do you have to get up at the crack of dawn to get a ticket from the service desk the day of each tender??? Help!!!

Thanks,

Nancy

Some ports on the West Coast use ship's tenders or both. Cabo has tenders, but ships also use their lifeboats in addition to Cabo tenders. In PV if more than three ships are in port, the ships tenders are used there. We stopped in Nicaragua on Princess and the ships tenders were used there. Loreto doesn't have tenders either, so ships use theirs.

 

Perhaps with all the ships using the Caribbean, the ports have tender companies to enhance their revenue stream while on the West Coast, there are not as many ships.

I was a bit uncomfortable with the 'unknown', however; after my initial tender on the NCL Epic, I now consider the tender a unique experience. The Epic used their lifeboats. We took metal stairs/ladder from the side of the ship, guided by the crew and we entered an enclosed life boat. Everyone squeezes in and sits on a bench...it's not exactly a high power boat, although it does move rather swiftly through the water. It was safe and I can assure you, the kids will love the experience.

Banana Coast was not originally posted as a 'tender' port so it may only be temporary - either way, relax and enjoy. The dailies will tell you the location and sign-up requirements (if any) for the tenders in Belize, as well as Banana Coast. Guests who booked cruise ship excursions are normally the first to tender.

Nancy

I have an email saying $15 per person round trip

SunQuest76, are you the mystery party who will be joining us at Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat on December 31st ? I know that after Jackie (mom n mi) booked her party of 4 and I booked our party of 11, there were 5 day passes remaining, unless of course others have cabana reservations as well. Just curious ;) It's always nice to meet cruisers ahead of time when you're on the same excursion, e.g., at the M&M.

Nancy

Nancy - so is the boat ride $15 / pp roundtrip? I didn't see that listed and wanted to confirm.

For clarification purposes:

Transportation to/from the port and Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat:

> ADULTS: $15pp round trip (using their private boat)

> CHILDREN UNDER 12: $7.50pp round trip

> TODDLERS/INFANTS UNDER 2: free

I certainly don't blame you for that initial reaction. We're conditioned to think that way, and I'm certainly not immune to such thoughts. However, beyond that initial gut reaction, as I sit here in middle-class American suburbia, typing on my employer-provided laptop, etc., I have a tough time accusing any ordinary citizen who is trying to rise above poverty in an incredibly impoverished country of "greed" without feeling a bit guilty.

 

I do agree with you that eventually market forces will bring some regularity to the rates.

 

Or maybe they'll figure out a way to regulate it and have a fixed schedule like in Cozumel. :)

 

I'm happy to pay the toll. (I suppose it helps that we got a really great rate on our cabin.:))

Although we appear to (all) be on the same page - I wanted to share a reply I received from Linda (owner of Tranquility Bay Beach Retreat):

The introduction of the cruise port has already brought progress to this very poor town. Hurricane Mitch wiped out, not only trees and houses, but the very heart of the people here. Already roads have improved, English classes are being held in town, houses repaired and painted, doctors and nurses from the ship visited schools yesterday , the women's coop called "Made in Honduras" sold $300 worth of merchandise and many people have been hired in the restaurants and to help with tours. Our two ladies who did massages were over the moon with excitement. I asked our staff here, who are part of the finest catholic family here, what they think of the cruise port. They immediately responded that it was "good and will provide many opportunities for our family." Louisa's sister, Biddy, is working for me here every Wednesday. In return, I have paid her daughters tuition for college.

So, on to the next topic. I met Mr. Jorgenson in town today and asked for the scoop on the taxis.

Here we go;

Ok any taxi driver who wished to have passage into the cruise port was advised to attend a meeting and training session. Port officials needed to know that the drivers held a drivers license, spoke some English, were of sound character, and had a car in good repair and had their picture taken and wore identification. Normal stuff. Not one showed up. They held another session. Not one showed up. So, there were NO taxis inside the port. The street outside the port was full of press, locals, dignitaries and staff. If anyone could find a taxi, they would have had to go up a few streets. I am not sure why or what the issue is with the taxis.

My next question was. " ok so if people are not able to catch a cab right in the port, how are people going to know what prices are and how can we protect them from getting ripped off. mr. Jorgenson then stated that NEXT Week the rates will be posted inside the port.

They will be $2.00 per person around town

$5.00 per person outside of town and I am sure they will want a full cab as well.

So taking a cab to and from our resort will cost $10 per person round trip.

Regarding our service, we had so many that were so concerned about personal safety, problems on the road , lack of Spanish, and the growing pains of a brand new experience in a third world country that has NEVER even experienced the arrival of a cruise ship, we felt our best option was the boat. It went perfectly. Regarding our rates. We set our prices below the other private bus rates. However, we do know how costly it is travelling with children. We will now offer children two and under basically in mothers arms FREE and children under12 half price. Hope this will help the budget a bit.

I hope the info I've shared will give you a better understanding of the challenges of this new port.

Nancy