sr5242

Thanks so much!

Just returned from Mariner of the Seas. We did the "all inclusive" package at the rate of $148 per person. We had booked this several months ago and like the people on the board said take your email.

 

The only part of the package that was wonderful was the Zipline! The guys that took us were fantastic. Loved it and I am afraid of heights. That is were the fun ended.

 

We were picked up after the zip line for the short ride to the pier for French Key. We waiting around for nearly 45 mins for a ferry to take us across to the caye. No one said a word to anyone until the ferry got there. We took the ferry over and when we arrived they started separating everyone by the color of wrist band they had. We did not get one. We asked were they were handing them out and was told at the bar on the mainland when you paid. We did not pay, no one said anything. So we had to find Larrissa and she took the money and came back with red bands. We were starving so we asked if we could go eat, She told us yes so we headed over to the little shack were the food was. Not many people there but still lines and no place to sit and eat. Finally we found 3 seats and went and got our food. It was cold except for the chicken which was still cooking that they would bring out later. Then we went to get drinks. DH got a beer, DS got a coke and I wanted water....no water was available. SO I asked for a pina colada and was told that only beer, soda, and water were included. I pulled out my email and it said all drinks so I again found Larrissa. She read it then said it was ok for them to pour me a drink. We finished lunch and walked around to the other side looking for some beach space...there is no beach! The place is surrounded by coral and signs saying do not enter. We sat down in some chairs (not lounges, saw none of those) and went to the little bar located on that side. Again we were told only beer, soda, and water. It was getting old now. Tracked down Larrissa yet again and asked her to mark our bands with something stating any drinks. We sat there for a few minutes then we were told the snorkel boat was leaving in 30 minutes. Walked over and hopped on it. Snorkeling was a joke. No fish only coral. They stopped the boat over the coral and everyone was getting back on the boat with cuts and blood running down there legs. Got back over the caye and decided enough was enough. Took the ferry back to the mainland and wanted to head back to the pier. We were asked about the rest of our group. Not knowing what they were talking about. Finally we found a kid there that gave us a ride back to the pier so we didn't have to wait for everyone else. No where did it say that everyone on the same shuttle had to head back at the same time.

For the money we paid and what we got it was a complete waste! The "zoo" is a bunch of pens with a few birds and maybe 3 monkeys; no guide like the ad says.

 

If you are looking for a day at the beach avoid this place!!!!!

Oh wow- thanks for the feedback! I'll think we'll stick with our ressie with victor bodden and let his driver find us a nice beach for a few hours!

The 12th as well! Group of 11? Wow, sounds like fun! We are on the other ship in port that day.

we are booked for the week of march 25th- can either or both of you come back on the thread when you return and let me know how it went?

thanks!

does anyone know if HAL uses ship time or local time in guatemala? want to plan a private excursion... thanks!!!

14 days

We did a Passover at sea on the explorer last spring. It was nice, but I was offended by the families in shorts who felt their private conversations should be louder than the rabbi's speech. Very rude!

50 days!

Thanks- another question-

What times did you arrive in port for Cannes and split? You mention rendering starting at 10 am in Cannes, and 9 am in splt.

Thanks!

Loving your reports! We're going in October. Sorry if this was asked or mentioned, but how was the tendering process in cannes? We're looking at an 8 hour tour up that seems to be cutting it close as we're only there 8 1/2 hours from docking to last tender.

Thanks!

Not sure if there is a better thread for this.

 

I have a question that I hope someone can answer. We traveled on Explorer in Dec 11th out of NJ . When we got off we got a Porter and we could not find 1 of our bags. The Porter assured me they would send it when they found it. It is now Feb.

 

I have called the port and send many emails but have not gotten any response. I even took a survey where you list the problem and it asks if you would like someone to contact you.

 

Does anyone have a better email or phone number to call. Thanks so much .

At this point I'd consider it gone

four days till the Jewel of the Seas

Our second cruise, on the Brilliance some years back when she was sailing a "Circle the Caribbean" itinerary ... an elderly gentleman, and a younger lady who claimed to be his daughter, both entering the hot tub in their underwear. They both claimed to not realize that cruise ships had swimming pools & hot tubs, and they had to improvise.

 

The word "Gross" would be the understatement of the year.

 

Michael & Silke

they may not have realized the ship had a pool, but apparently they didn't realize it had a gift shop to buy swimsuits either!

Would this fine dining restaurant at home turn away a couple with a child in tow?

You obviously missed my whole point.

When people go to a fine dining restaurant, they are seeking a nicer, "classier" experience than your typical family establishment.

In what universe is a toddler banging a spoon on their high chair "classy?" Or a four yr old driving a toy car on the table with a repetitive yell of "vroom, vroom?" Or, for heavens sake, what would you think of a 12 yr old playing a DS at the table at an upscale restaurant?

You just would not expect to see that type of behavior at a fine dining, classy, upscale restaurant. Whether it is on land or sea.

Yes it is the responsibility of RCI to intrepret and adhere to their own rules.

 

We are talking about an "upcharge" venue. Pax are told the venue will be a certain atmosphere. Listening to a crying child..or having a child playing with a noisy toy or watching a movie while others are trying to have a nice evening isn't fair to those who booked a special evening and paid more for it.

 

If RCI has an age limitation they should stick to it, regardless if parents throw tantrums because their kids aren't welcomed.

Good point. I look at it this way. Would you take your teething, fussy one-yr-old, or squirmy four yr old, to a fine dining restaurant at home? Just because the venue is on a ship does not change the fact that, like the expensive restaurant at home, people go there to have a higher level dining experience than they would at Chuckie Cheese or TGIFridays.

I feel sorry for those of you who can't understand the joy that children can bring to your life.

children are never as cute as their parents think they are.

just because you love and adore your child does not mean I have to.

I have two kids of my own. but there are times I want to dine without kids- mine or anyone else's.

I have no problem with well behaved kids- the few that are out there. but what mom and dad see as well behaved and what your fellow guests feel is well behaved may be very different.

just saying.......

I always thought the main benefit of a cruise over a land-based resort was the ability to see many different places. I would think if someone just wanted to lounge by a pool or engage in the various entertainment activities perhaps a land-based resort might work better.

I want to travel from Puerto Quetzal (4 of us) to Antigua w/o taking the shore excursion. Can someone point me in the right direction.

I looked at a map of guatemala and it appeared that puerto quetzal and antigua were on the opposite side of the country- you may want to check distance to see if it is possible to do that trip on a shore day, unless your ship is staying over night.