jcathers1

We did Turtle Beach in February this year. We took a cab there and back. The beach was clean, the water was okay. There was a minimal charge to get in (maybe a couple of dollars). There was no charge for the beach chairs, and like others said, no umbrellas but there are trees. There are guys there who will offer to bring you drinks, but you can just walk to the concession stand yourself. We let them bring the drinks to us, but I suspect we paid more than we would have at the concession. There are change rooms and restrooms that were in decent condition. The water itself is okay. Like everyone says, Jamaica isn't known for it's beaches, but we were quite content to spend the afternoon at Turtle Beach.

We are planning on going to Turtle Beach next week when we are in Jamaica. I was under the impression that the beach was very close to the port (walking distance). Is it necessary to taxi it?

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I would only do this with an organized tour or try to find a resort with a day pass.

 

Keith

Why do you say this, Keith?

I’ve been in NCL Haven on Breakaway. There is no comparison. NCL Haven feels like steerage in comparison. Only equivalent is the dining room.

 

 

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Please explain this. Amenities, staff experience, etc.?

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I have only experience on two MSC ships, the Davina and Seaside. I have been on the Divina YC in October and just recently on the Seaside YC in early March. Frankly in my opinion there is no comparison. The YC on Seaside blows the Davina away, in all areas, grill, pool, amenities, butler service, cleanliness, overall service and dining experience. NOT that I find fault with the Davina ( as the Davina blew away anything NCL has within the Haven areas). It was just the surprise on how much the Seaside YC experience was improved over the Davina was impressive. As far as "limited" or "diminished" service goes....Well perhaps in the number of service staff to patron, but with regard to quality, professionalism, and efficiency of service my wife and I were so impressed with the staff, and management of the Seaside. Their attention to detail, and personal service was far superior to their counter parts on the Davina . In the dining room we had multiple waitstaff and were not "assigned" to any particular waitstaff areas or table. So I was able to experience multiple staff in a variety of functions. Each being attentive and professional. The layout of the YC on Seaside is more geared toward patron interaction, and relaxation, Padded lounge chairs, shaded dining areas, and pool attendants who are more than happy to assist you in anyway they can. Plus I did not have to walk the entire length of the ship when i wanted to have dinner as the restaurant for the Davina YC is aft while the cabins are forward. On the Seaside, both are forward . Customer Service personnel were equal, but I found the food a bit better on the Seaside. I hope this helped.

I've never been in the YC on the Davina or Seaside--we travel this June--but I'm curious that you thing the Davina YC "blows away" the NCL Haven. We have been in the Haven three times on two different ships (Getaway and Escape), and those experiences were fabulous. Your point may be true on the older NCL ships without a dedicated Haven area/restaurant, but I'm curious what you are basing this opinion on (new ship vs. new ship).

Thanks.

We were in cabin #18011 which is the Port side. You can access the Dining Room through a "secret door"...LOL on this side. Otherwise you would just follow the middle common hallway to Dining Room. If your on Deck 16 (Concierge level)....follow middle hallway to Top Sail Lounge and you can walk up the stairway in the lounge which leads directly up into Dining Room. Or you can take stairs to deck 18 and enter the Dining Room from front. There are a couple of side entrance ways to the main hallway on Deck 16....so it really doesn't make a huge difference where your cabin location is. We preferred Deck 18. It was quiet and just had to go up 1 set of stairs to reach the Pool/Grill area and Sun deck. Also since we had our grandson with us...Deck 18 is same level as Jungle Pool, Water park and Kids Club

We will be in 18011 this June. Do you have any tips/tricks/pics you could share of the room, its location, etc.? Thanks!

Thanks!

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Oh snap!

 

Cuervosar overdosed on the caffeine this afternoon.

 

So drones, and the great privacy debate.

 

I'll preface this by saying I agree 100% with what most cruise lines seem to be doing re: drones. They don't want them flying all over the ships, so if you want to bring one along, check it with security, and you can take it off at the ports to do with what you will.

 

That policy is spot on. While I'd love to do a quick fly by of the ship in the middle of the ocean, I get it and I'll abide. (For what it's worth I also dress for formal night and would never wear shorts in the MDR. I'm a rules kinda bloke.)

 

Of course as soon as that argument is made, everybody on CC becomes an expert in international law vis a vis aerial drone photography in Costa Rica, Belize and all points beyond.

 

Reality check: I paid near a grand for this thing, I think I'll check the local rules, regulations, laws, and customs myself thank you very much.

 

Most likely the real issue, as it often is, is fear of the unknown.

 

For some reason the drones scare people. Too much Fox TV? I have no idea. And the complaints usually revolve around privacy, noise & danger. I'll deal with each.

 

Noise I get. Yep, my little drone has 4 props and they kick up a storm. Of course once it is about 100 feet away, virtually silent but yes it is noisy up close and yes it could be annoying. Probably one of the minor reasons the boat doesn't allow them to fly. So they're not on the boat, and your noise issue is moot.

 

Danger? Yep, if I happen to fly it into your head, you're going to get some lacerations. Again, liability is on me, and another reason I'm grounded on the boat. Interestingly the FAA in the US requires all drones of the type to be registered for some reason. Surveillance State much? This despite the fact that I can build a model rocket capable of flight to a mile high and a mile downrange or a 1/4 Scale Remote Control P51 Mustang without so much as a wink and a nod from the Federales.

 

Now, think about where the greater danger lies there... (And I could mount a small camera in either if I wanted.)

 

But again, banned on the ship so your argument is taken care of.

 

So, that leaves us with privacy. My favorite argument.

 

Are you somehow concerned that I'm going to fly this thing out your cabin window because this I how I get my kicks? Honestly, have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?

 

Supermodels travel on yachts, not MSC, Celebrity, Royal or Carnival. No real need for me to go peek a boo in your cabin mate.

 

And have you no idea of the power of a 300mm lens perched on the front of a Digital SLR?

 

If I were into counting your nose hairs from a range of 75 meters, this would be my tool of choice, not the noisy drone I'd have to fly to within a meter of your face to accomplish the task. And with the big lens on the SLR, you'd have no idea I was there, as opposed to 4 props and 4 electric motors alerting you of my presence with the drone.

 

So what exactly are your privacy concerns here? (Or dare I ask, what is going on in that cabin? Shades mate, pull the shades.) Short note on privacy; if you are out of doors you have none. Chester and his lens could be anywhere, ask a celebrity of your choice.

 

So please, privacy freaks, it's not the drones you need to worry about. We're interested in big picture panoramic type shots. You and the Mrs. are probably safe from us. If the question comes up re: drones on ships. Let us know it is going to be confiscated at boarding, we can check it out at port, and use at our own risk in foreign locales. We're big boys & girls, we'll figure it out.

 

And if you're wondering what shots were chasing, take a peek (!?) here...https://youtu.be/vlDzYIIOYmM

That is what I'm after.

 

BooYa!

 

(drops mic and moonwalks out of forum.)

I'll preface this by saying I honestly couldn't care less whether drones are allowed on board. That said, some of your logic is fallacious, and rather intellectually lazy.

Drones can be a danger, but it's ok because the "liability is on you"? I assume then you'll support my desire to bring fireworks and firearms on board. I know they're dangerous, but if something happens, the liability is on me. We good?

Only sensationally good looking people are deserving of privacy? Or rather, everyone deserves privacy, but fat people don't need to worry about it because no one would want to invade their privacy to get a sneak peak at that? Take a quick tour of some internet fetish sites. You might be surprised to know that many people enjoy looking at pictures of those other than the classically skinny. (And some even enjoy looking at pictures of those who are unaware that they are being filmed). Gasp!

Much of your argument involved the premise that ignorance was the great barrier to drone acceptance. I don't know whether that's the case, but if it is, a condescending treatise such as yours does not strike me as the best way to win over hearts and minds.

Like I said, I could care less whether you fly your drone or not. But if you hit someone with it, be prepared to get sued back into the stone age. As you said, the liability is on you.

We have a YC deluxe suite booked for two adults and two children.

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Buying a fantastic or Aurea experience doesn’t really fix food quality or pool/jacuzzi offerings.

 

 

 

It was not my impression that OP would have paid more on the Seaside necessarily, but rather have paid similar or more on Celeb or Freedom of the Seas because the pool and dining options, which OP is very open and honest as being of key importance, match his wants better.

 

 

 

That was actually one of the most well written reviews I have read in a long time. Everyone has different values so knowing OPs gives a great frame of reference when they critique something

On the contrary, purchasing a cabin in the YC would have not only improved many of OP’s complaints (food quality, pools, etc.), but would have even improved on several of the items he considered excellent (embarkation, service, etc.).

I have no knowledge of whether OP could afford this or would even choose this if he could afford it, but a statement that a higher level experience (specifically YC) would not have improved his overall impression is simply not accurate.

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Thanks for the review. I checked the website, but I'm a little unclear on the details between the tours. Is Coral Gardens the same snorkeling site as the "reef"? Would Starfish Point be better than Rum Point for kids? Any insight here?

This was very nice of you to do.

"I know others have talked about the price point being so low they would go back since it is such a good deal. I would hesitate to go back. I would prefer to pay more to have a better experience."

Earlier in your post you complain about the supposed caste system in modern cruising, yet you yourself say that 1) the low price point works for some folks, even if the cruise experience isn't 100% to their liking, and that 2) you are willing to pay more for a better experience. These two components perfectly describe the rationale for the varying "experiences" at varying price points.

That said, thanks for the review.

Does anyone have a pic of these?

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Summertime -- June 2010 and August 2017.

 

Here's the link to the Rays, Reef and Rum Point tour we took. http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/our-tours/about-our-tours

How much was this tour? I checked the website and there are no prices listed.

Can anyone provide any more information on Turtle Beach? Admission price, food, drinks, etc. We have been to the beach at Margaritaville once before, and are considering Turtle Beach this time. What are the differences, for those who have been to both? Thanks.

I'm seeing $1,675 in YC on several sailings. I didn't follow Seaside pricing early on. Are these prices more than you paid?

We have the YC booked for this June and next June. This June is sold out, but prices rose before that happened (relative to what we booked last May).

For next year, rooms are still available (deluxe suite), but the total is almost $1400 more than when we booked late last year. It’s showing $2169 pp right now.

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Perhaps try vaping near the mythical “sewer smell”. A win-win for everyone.

Seriously though, I couldn’t care less about vaping. But the OP here has convinced me to complain to staff whenever I see it now. I just hope he’s on my cruise.

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We're booked on the Horizon for Labor day out of NYC for 8 days and again in August of 19 out of Miami for 8 doing the Southern Caribbean. After doing the Caribbean 27 times, we'll be hitting 3 new ports for us between those two cruises. Amber Cove, Curacao and La Romana. Both times we'll be in an inside cabin in the Havana area, which is kid free until 7:00 PM with it's own bar, pool and two hot tubs. And, unlike the YC....umbrellas. :D Here is a link to a YouTube video in case you're not familiar with those cabins.

Can you clarify "kid free"? If you have children, are you not able to book these rooms?

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The zipline is free for YC members? I had not read that before.

How deep is the YC pool on the Seaside?

If they're sanitizing the ship, that'd be the best time to go.

In my experience, cruise lines are fastidious about cleaning and sanitizing. If all the passengers were as diligent about their hygiene, cruise ships would be virtually illness-free.

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Thanks for posting. Does the outside grill have a set menu or does it change every day? What sort of items are served out there?

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Luckily I missed all the arguments over people claiming there is not a history of initial problems with brand new ships. :confused:

So folks were fully expecting service and technical snafus that would easily be remedied within the first few months, and still have returned so aghast and dismayed?

Perhaps that’s even worse. [emoji849]

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Bueller.....?

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Thanks for sharing Gert. This vindicates all the people who reported the sewer smell and were accused of being unsophisticated American complainers who can't enjoy anything. Bravo to MSC for the admission.

Actually, it vindicates all the recommendations from seasoned cruisers to 1) not cruise on a brand new ship or 2) expect a myriad of staffing, service, or technical issues.

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