Flamingo15

I'm ON in ST. THOMAS!  The cruise line responded in less than 6 hours, I've been granted the exception, I've called Royal and paid my $65 fee, and have my instructions/documents for boarding available in email.

WHEW!  What a relief.  Thanks all!

My formal request for exception was submitted today as instructed by the cruise line - waiting begins...

I would say the area around the dock is suitable for a scooter and there are many lovely shops and smaller restaurants in that area to walk around.  We found it to be a nice area to sit and look out at the harbor and surrounding area, just very pleasant in general.  Attaching a photo so you can see the street/sidewalk, there really was no traffic in this area, I'm assuming the road is just used for services.  Hope this helps.

While it's a little nerve-racking to find out what's going to happen, I have to say I've enjoyed all the discussion here and have found it interesting and useful.  I appreciate everyone's input.

Fr

Thanks Hank for your thoughts, I was actually unaware of the WHTI, so I always appreciate  more general knowledge.

I believe as you implied, the cruise industry likely assumes the most stringent interpretation thereby allowing themselves some latitude to back down from that position on a case by case basis.  They did indicate if my request is approved I would have to pay a $65 fee for filing the forms.

I would never recommend  someone take this approach and book a cruise on the notion they'll just join in-progress, and/or just expect the cruise line to give the OK. I find myself in this pickle after having orchestrated the schedules for parties in 3 cabins that we've booked for this cruise - only to find an event I previously committed to late last year was now scheduled in this timeframe. Everyone else is ok to travel as intended. It's certainly a last ditch effort on my part to try and salvage some of the cruise.  But it's on me, I have to deal with it.

These discussions are helpful, at least for my own edification. I know ultimately I'll get my answer early next week. I do have a passport and also have a Known Traveler Number, so my 10-card is on file etc. Late embarkation, or denial of, is called out in the cruise ticket contract so it's totally within Royal's right to deny the request. Still, I like to be as knowledgeable as possible so I can ask the right questions of the right people and hopefully affect a positive outcome.

OK gotcha, I'll be on it!

Here's hoping they have a little mercy and grant my request...we have 3 cabins total and I bought the $400 drink package months ago! 

Thank you - I was afraid St. Maarten didn't really qualify.  I will definitely let folks know how things go.

Due to a scheduling conflict and family commitment, I cannot board an upcoming cruise at the origination port - Port Canaveral.  I've sent the request to the cruise line to allow me to board in St. Thomas USVI and continue on the cruise with the other 6 members of this cruise party.  St. Thomas is a US port, and I know the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PSVA) does not allow for embarking in one US port and then terminating in another US port, some extenuating circumstances and exceptions may be granted. The PSVA however clearly states that it does not apply to the Virgin Islands (per 46 USC 55101(b)(3) ).  Perhaps this only means a closed-loop itinerary within the Virgin Islands...idk. Additionally, another caveat of the PSVA with regard to embarking/disembarking in different US ports is that a stop must be made in a foreign country.  In my case, after St. Thomas we would be visiting St. Maarten.  It would seem to me my case would not necessarily violate the PVSA, but curious if others have experience with this particular scenario or are well versed with strict application of the law.  Meanwhile, I'll wait to hear back from the cruise line if my exception will be granted.

Was on the NCL Getaway 10/14-21, including a stop at Tortola.  The shops at the port were all open and lovely just as before Irma slammed through.  We did the beach break excursion (booked on NCL) to Cane Garden Bay, and as you may know, this goes up and over the mountain from port.  You may be in a safari taxi (open air with a canopy over top), or you may be in an enclosed small bus with A/C.  The roads and ride can be hairy, oh for the thrill of adventure!  Cane Garden Bay did not disappoint, we had a wonderful day swimming, playing, lounging and soaking up pure paradise.  Damage from Irma is evident as you traverse the island, many many homes damaged and abandoned, the people though are as kind and welcoming as ever.  Cane Garden Bay also suffered in the hurricane with pretty much all the coconut palms stripped, and the dense foliage along the beach somewhat thinned.  I talked with a local there and he said he's been through many hurricanes and never saw coconut palms snap until Irma. Taking a cab on your own to a beach may give you bit more beach time than on a ship excursion, and I would feel safe doing so.  If an adventurous cab ride isn't for you, then the various catamaran and other boat charters were literally steps from getting off the ship.  I'm posting 2 pics, one from Cane Garden Bay when I was there in Nov 2016, and one from my recent trip - you can see it's still a gorgeous beach, just not quite as lush as previously.

I have United Health Care insurance, I just found this week I can purchase medical insurance to cover a trip through them. I assume other health care insurance programs do the same. It was pretty affordable, like around $59.

Cane Garden Bay was beautiful, I loved it in Nov 2016, however, I wouldn't take young kids on the charter "bus" that I took to the location. It was a (newer) Ford F350 with the bed replaced with what were very much like aluminum bleacher seats, open on all sides, no seat belts, and a canopy top. The roads (pre-hurricanes) were, shall we say, exhilarating as you climb up, cross over the mountains, then descend to CGB - one person fought back barfing lol. I'm going to Tortola with family and 7 & 3 year old grandkids in October, and I took this location off our list as an option. Perhaps a cab ride would be better, but like others, looking to this thread for options. Also, I read recently the sea turtle excursion was disappointing as the hurricanes also stripped ocean vegetation away, and the turtles have moved on.

Will continue to follow this thread for enlightenment,

If it's of any help, I took a RCCL cruise to Pacific coast in October and didn't buy the deluxe package because of the number of days we were in port, etc., didn't seem to be a good value. This cruise allowed for a single person in cabin to purchase deluxe while other bought soft drink package. With regard to drink-a-doodles, they offered a drink package on the 1st day we were at sea (3rd day of cruise) where I could buy 10 drinks for $75, so about a $5/drink savings vs. ala carte. This worked out perfect given how much time was left on the cruise and how much I really expected to be drinking (not near as much as I would in the Caribbean, lol). Waiters were walking around the pool area selling these, you basically got a 10 drink punch card that you presented to your server or at whatever bar/restaurant you were in. Not ideal, I know....but good luck.

After many cruises, last year I finally bought the deluxe drink package and thoroughly enjoyed not having to worry about the “final bill”. My husband bought the refreshment package (he doesn’t drink) and he too enjoyed it.

This year I am traveling with my mother who is Diamond Plus and benefits from the Diamond Lounge. She does not drink due to a medical issue.

I have been looking forward to repeating the pleasure of paying for my package up front and just relaxing and enjoying my cruise with a morning espresso, fresh juice, a drink or two by the pool, pre-diner drinks, wine with dinner... well you get it!

I was shocked today when I was told that as my mother is not interested in a drink package of any kind I could not benefit from a drink package. What can I say, they don’t want my money.

I understand that Royal probably deals with people “generously” sharing their drink package with those around them... and I believe they are probably the same people who get up at 5am and put a towel and a library book on a lounge chair and then go back to bed... but was this the only solution?

The few have ruined it for the many.

Or put another way- the honest pay the price for those who aren’t.

 

Royal Caribbean instead of addressing the issue with those who cause the problem- instead of the bartenders being more aware and barring customers who “share”- have adopted a draconian solution to solve the problem- or maybe just to make more money by forcing people who don’t want a package to buy one.

 

Unfortunately this customer is very disappointed. I used to love cruising because it was effortless, I’m starting to abandon that premise.

 

Disappointed.

YULCruiser

 

 

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If it's of any help, I took a RCCL cruise to Pacific coast in October and didn't buy the deluxe package because of the number of days we were in port, etc., didn't seem to be a good value. However, they offered a drink package on the 1st day we were at sea (3rd day of cruise) where I could buy 10 drinks for $75, so about a $5/drink savings vs. ala carte. This worked out perfect given how much time was left on the cruise and how much I really expected to be drinking (not near as much as I would in the Caribbean, lol). Waiters were walking around the pool area selling these, you basically got a 10 drink punch card that you presented to your server or at whatever bar/restaurant you were in. Not ideal, I know....but good luck.

I cruise 2-3 times a year, have always booked directly with the cruise lines, usually because I get an email with a particularly good deal and that particular offer works with my timing, costs, etc. I'm looking at a couple cruises that are more in advance, not so much spur-of-moment offerings. Do people see a big difference between using cruise travel agents vs. booking directly with the cruise line? Any tips or hacks on advanced booking?

I'm researching Alaska cruises for a group trip next summer, will be doing a land/sea tour. I've read the reviews for various cruise lines individually from cruisers plus what travel editors have written. Can anyone compare Princess and NCL for Alaska, have you been on both?