BiggerBob

Thanks for the info everyone. I should have said requesting instead of booking. That is what we did in 2011 and were able to get the cabana requested as I had a letter of confirmation from ship services that this was the cabana requested.

We loved the cabana experience so much that we hardly ever used our balcony. So this time around we are going to book an inside cabin and get the cabana for the two weeks.

I was just confused when looking at the pdf, so I am quessing that the placement is different on the Eurodam and the Niew Amsterdam. As my memory is the same as jaspermycat.

Good tip CruiserBruce, I may request a second and third choice this time. As I agree that the front facing cabanas are the best bet for air flow. However we did encounter a pretty windy day on our last cruise.

We were really spoiled our last time. The cabana boys were awesome and kept the sparkling wine and chocolate covered strawberries coming all afternoon!

Thanks again for the info....Patricia

Can any recent users of the Cabana Club Cabanas on the Nieuw Amsterdam confirm the names of the cabanas. I was able to access the PDF file from these boards ( thank you ) and the names of the cabanas look different from when we booked one in 2011. We had the Portofino that looked over the pool area and was to the right hand side (if looking toward the pool) it was also beside the stairs leading down to the pool area. We would like to book the same cabana for our upcoming B2B in December. However if I go by the pdf it looks like I would be booking the Sorrento?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks:)

Cabanas 2011-2012.pdf

Just wanted to chime in on the "Woody" accolades. We booked a private tour with him in November and it was the absolute best day of our cruise. It also ranks as one of our best shore excursions in 6 cruises.

We feel privileged to have been able to see so much of this beautiful island and learn of it’s people and history from Woody.

He is excellent in corresponding with you before and after your trip and will answer any questions that you may have.

The private beach (Woody’s Beach) is absolutely breathtaking. The water was extremely warm and clear. The scenery is beautiful, when I need to go to a happy place this is were my mind takes me. Especially the memory of Woody meeting me at the edge of the ocean with a glass of wine in hand for me....yes paradise!;)

Just wanted to pass on our review of Chase Suite Hotel in Tampa. We stayed for one night Dec 2nd before our cruise on the Legend of the Seas. We booked a one bedroom suite with the Ship to Shore package for $139.00US. They were very prompt at picking us up at the airport once we arrived, the shuttle was there in less than 10 minutes. There was a courtesy phone at the airport that had there telephone number programmed in it.

We were a family of 4 and the one bedroom suite was roomy enough for the 4 of us. It had two double beds and a pull out sofa bed. Room was clean and bathroom area large.

We were grateful we had gone with the ship to shore package as it also included shuttle service that will take you to wherever you need to go within a 5 mile radius. My son's luggage did not make it to Tampa on our flight. The staff at Chase was great at suggesting the appropriate mall to shop at for a 15 yr old boy. The shuttle took us to the mall to shop for all his clothes, a drug store and liquor store.

The package also included the breakfast buffet. There was cereal, juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, yogurt, fruit, cereal both hot and cold, hard boiled eggs and a waffle maker.

The shuttle then took us to the port to board the ship. Once we returned we just had to call the hotel and the shuttle was sent to pick us up and drive us to the airport. Just a side note, it was difficult to find a phone at the port once we returned.

We thought the package was a great value and it saved the hastle of calling taxi's.

We would book there again if we ever sail out of Tampa again. Also enjoyed the Bahama Breeze restaurant for dinner, it is right beside Chase!

Chesterh,

Great review and video. My family are looking to do this trip in December. Did you book thru the cruise line or with belize cruise excursions?

Thanks:)

:) Just want to thank Craker Ken, mdc99, Jessemon and Cathyoo for all your help and information. I can't believe the amount of information I get from these boards!

Chase Suites is the way we will go. I verified that we do have the ship to shore package and that all transportation is inculded in the 139. price. Now it is just the wait until Dec 2nd:cool: .

Patricia

Renee from Bay Shuttle Inc got back to me by e-mail and their shuttle from Springhill Suites to the port for 4 people is $38.00.

The deal at Chase is sounding better and better all the time. Has anyone out there stayed there recently? And does anyone know if you need reservations for dinner at Bahama Breeze?

Thanks again Ken:)

Boards:

Sorry they did not specify per person, I assumed it was per shuttle. If you are going to use them I would try calling them. I really did not have the impression that the person I was speaking to on the phone was confident in her answers.:rolleyes:. Maybe she was a new staff member?

Wow, now my head is spinning. I have been calling a few locations last night and today. Here is what I have found out so far.

Marriott Waterside had a AAA rate of $161.00 plus tax. I was told they do not have a shuttle service from the airport to the hotel nor do they have a complimentary breakfast. They can arrange shuttle service to the port at $11.00 per person.:confused:

Springhill Suites was AAA rate of $100.00 plus tax. They offer a continental breakfast that sounds really good. Taxi service would be aprox $15-$20 from hotel to port. They offer airport shuttle for free.

Chase Suites has the ship to shore package for $139.00 plus tax (for the one bedroom suite) They have shuttle service from the airport to the hotel and from hotel to the port. They will also provide shuttle service from the port to the airport when you arrive back from cruise. Also will shuttle you to local mall. Breakfast included also. This sounds like a great deal. The rooms may not be as nice as the Waterside or Springhill but I think it will be nice to know our transportation will be looked after.:)

Thanks Ken for the other number to Tampa Bay Shuttle. It worked, they quoted $11.00 for shuttle from Springhill to the port.

So now I have a suite booked at Springhill and Chase. Who should I cancell???

Thanks again for all your help everyone.

Pat (husband is Bob):cool:

Craker Ken,

Hope you can help me out once again. I tried calling Tamp Bay Shuttle's 1-866 # posted on their website. However it was not in service. I then tried e-mailing them and the e-mail was returned undeliverable. Are they still in business??

I am trying to arrange for tranportation from Springhill Suites to the port. I was intrested in the shuttle service because I don't know if a taxi would be able to accomodate our family of 4 and all the luggage...teenage daughter packs alot:rolleyes: .

So now I am second guessing myself and wondering if I should go with Chase suites ship to shore package.:confused:

Jessemom-Thanks for the advice on the soda cards. (love how you call it soda, you must laugh at us Canadians calling it pop!:p )

Thanks for all the help.

Craker Ken- Thanks for all your insight and help on this thread.:) I think we will go with Springhill Suites. I have been doing some research on the internet tonight and it gets good reviews. It also sounds like it has a good breakfast buffet.;)

After reading thru this entire thread I narrowed my choices down to two hotels. Just wondering what would be the best to go with. We can get an executive room at the Tampa Airport Hilton for $113.00 US, or a studio suite at Springhill Suites for $100.00 US. We are booked for Dec 2 for one night prior to our sailing on the Legand of the Seas. There will be my husband, two teen children and myself. Both hotels offer shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. However they do not have a shuttle service to the port. I believe the Springhill Suites is closer to the port so we may save a little on a taxi. Does anyone know how much a taxi might cost to the port from Springhill? We also would prefer the location that would have somewhere close by to purchase water and pop to take on the ship. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks:)