oceanseagle12

Primarily sailed Royal for several years, decided to branch out and test the waters this year and did NCL Escape and Carnival Vista. Honestly I would say they were about 95% "identical" with the differences between them being very minor.

 

As noted Escape's pool was not great but it was not a major issue. Valuewise NCL was significantly more bang for the buck than Royal in general and Oasis class in particular.

 

We are back on Royal again this fall and next fall so by no means advocating you never sail Royal again but just saying the differences between lines are to me at least minor.

 

The difference between ships can be quite substantial though, in general older/smaller ships offer less to do but at least for us have frequently had more attentive crew.

 

I would not compare an old/small Carnival to Oasis for example and then declare Royal the superior cruise line ...

This for sure! I just had this conversation with friends yesterday. When comparing lines, you have to compare apples to apples as all of the major lines now have significant differences between their various ships.

Okay... I'd usually try to avoid a direct comparison question like this simply because I don't want to be the one to change your mind. But, here it goes...

 

As you know, people have all different expectations, something that bothers me might not bother you. With that said, I won't be returning to NCL. I sailed the Epic and was disappointed. There was no major problems, but ship design and friendly service are my two top priorities - NCL did not shine in either of those categories. Now I have heard that their new ships like Escape have improved the design problems, but just from pictures/etc of their newer ships, I like Royal's ships better. I can't tell you whether service has improved, and I don't plan on finding out anytime soon.

I can't answer the OP's question, because I'll be on my first Royal cruise in November. However, I have sailed Carnival, NCL, Princess. I can tell you that I sailed Epic and Breakaway. Breakaway and its sister ships are VASTLY improved from the Epic. There's a reason that the Epic was not replicated. NCL took the feedback to heart- particularly with cabin and ship layouts. Epic was too focused inward and left me feeling disconnected from the sea. I absolutely love the waterfront on Breakaway and its sister ships.

I anticipate that I will love Royal, but I'd have no qualms about sailing NCL again, particularly on Breakaway, Escape, etc.

Thank you!

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Sorry for the confusion, I did reverse them.:o

It's probably stress. Sounds like you a need a cruise! :D

Get the boy's parents to get the template of the notorised letter off the web,

 

 

Where can I find this Template?? We will be needing this for our son's friends when we cruise next April.

 

thanks

https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/pdf/Notarised%20Letter%20Template_tcm16-8606.pdf

Yes, I understand. :) So Columbus Cove's are cabanas and not bungalows. That's a pretty good price.

You have them in reverse.

From the description at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreExcursions/product/detail/view.do?sourcePage=shorexByPort&ProductCode=ZL1A&DestinationCode=: "Nestled among palm trees on the shore of beautiful, remote Columbus Cove, your private bungalow is a haven of tranquility close to an array of family activities."

It isn't a bad price at all. If I recall correctly, the cabanas were showing at $395 for my sailing.

The beach bungalows are different than the cabanas. They are more open, whereas the cabanas are enclosed on 3 sides. Hopefully the bungalows are cheaper! :)

Correct, they are different. But I was responding to the question about Columbus Cove, which is where the bungalows are. For my sailing in November, they are $250.

Are there any pictures of the new cabanas on Columbus Cove yet?

I've been following closely to see if there are any updates on these. Royal is calling them "Beach Bungalows." This thread shows something of the same name at CocoCay, that I expect are very similar if not identical to those on Labadee. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2385471

For those watching, here is a good summary from the Weather Channel posted about 30 minutes ago. https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/things-we-know-about-99l

OP: I looked into this recently and posted some information on this thread that you may find useful.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2390819

I'm also interested in hearing about your experience with that shuttle! It is apparently the most affordable shuttle from Cape Canaveral to Sanford. Currently, I'm going with a one way rental, but would consider switching to a shuttle if I felt there was one that is reasonable and reliable.

Just checking back to see whether anyone has any information on these (apparently) new "beach bungalows"?

Disregard my post. I was referring to Labadee. Perhaps they've done something similar at CocoCay, but I don't know.

Hi! We have a private our booked for our group of 7 (4 adults, 3 kids) from the Falmouth port. I've read quite a bit and researched options, but none of us have been to Jamaica before, so it is challenging. I'm interested in hearing ideas about an itinerary that would be feasible. I'm gathering that the distance between Falmouth and most things to see or do creates a time challenge.

We are leaning toward something besides Dunns falls, as some in our group are not keen on climbing it. We've thought about Blue Hole. It just sounds like we probably won't be able to do much else. Any thoughts on what we may be able to do along with Blue Hole?

We'd also be open to doing things in the Montego Bay area if that itinerary makes more sense.

To give you an idea of our interests- we will likely avoid the more physical or adventurous options. We also don't want to just go to a beach and stay because we already have a beach day and we'd like to see more.

Thanks in advance for any help or thoughts!

I saw photos of them. They look like big day beds with shade covers. Not even close to being a cabana.

I think you are referring to what Royal actually calls a beach bed.

OP is talking about something called Beach Bungalow, which is apparently new. It is different from the beach bed you are referring to, and from the cabanas- although it looks closer to the cabanas, assuming Royal's picture on the excursion listing is accurate.

That's new, isn't it ? I didn't think there used to be any cabanas at Columbus Cove. Interesting

Apparently so.

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I had the same question, as did someone in another thread. Here is a link to those wondering what we are talking about- Beach Bungalows

And here is copy and paste:

Shore Excursions

Beach Bungalows - ZL1A

 

Ready to reserve this excursion?

 

 

 

 

Make family time in Labadee even more comfortable and enjoyable when you reserve your very own Beach Bungalow. Nestled among palm trees on the shore of beautiful, remote Columbus Cove, your private bungalow is a haven of tranquility close to an array of family activities. With comfortable seating for up to eight, it’s the perfect place to feel peaceful ocean breezes, soak up some sun if you like or simply watch waves gently tumble ashore. Everything you need is included: floating beach mats, stocked water cooler, beach towels and the personalized service of a Cabana Attendant on hand to bring you beverages. And if you crave a little action, the thrilling Dragon’s Splash Water Slide, Arawak Aqua Park and a variety of other family-fun activities are close by.

 

Highlights:

• Full-day rental: Spend the day lounging in your own comfortable retreat with personalized service.

• So much included: Enjoy two floating beach mats, a cooler stocked with water, beach towels and a Cabana Attendant on hand to bring you drinks.

• Ideal location: Relax in beautiful, remote Columbus Cove; family fun is close by at Dragon’s Splash Water Slide and Arawak Aqua Park.

 

What to Bring:

• SeaPass card and photo identification

• Camera

• Sun protection

• Cash/credit cards

• Insect repellent

 

What to Wear:

• Swimsuit and cover-up or light clothing

• Hat and sunglasses

 

Important Notes:

• Transportation to and from Beach Bungalows is via Labadee tram or tender boat service to Nellies, with a short walk to Columbus Cove.

• Complimentary buffet lunch available at Columbus Cove Café, Dragon’s Café or Café Labadee.

• Rental of a Beach Bungalow does not include access to the Barefoot Beach Cabana Club

• Avoid alcohol before water activities.

• Guest must be 21 years old to consume alcohol.

• Maximum eight guests per Beach Bungalow.

• Beach Bungalows will be available starting July 31

• Guest should note this is note this is area is not private.

 

I noticed the description says that these will be available starting July 31. Not that many cruises since then, so I guess information may be limited.

I just reserved a beach bungalow for our Nov. cruise - what is the difference between the bungalow and the cabana? I can't find any information on the bungalow. Thanks!

Ditto! Everything I can find seems to refer to the cabanas. Anyone have more information? Here is a link to the "beach bunglow" http://www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreExcursions/product/detail/view.do?sourcePage=shorexByPort&ProductCode=ZL1A&DestinationCode=

I have a rental reservation at National. For now, the plan is to wait and see. I'm thinking that I can walk from the terminal to the rental office if need be. I'm hoping some people will come along with some experience with this location.

I'll be on the third Oasis sailing out of PC, so hopefully will also hear something about that experience after the first group comes back.

for around $100 you can taxi or UBER . . .

Thanks Captain!

Thanks for posting the info! Travel Sanford Airport Shuttle is their name. Looks like you found some solid options!

That's a reasonable assumption, but if you google their phone number, you'll find several websites with the same phone number. And this review- https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34574-d6208147-r293420309-Port_Canaveral_Pier-Port_Canaveral_Brevard_County_Florida.html

:confused:

I made some calls and got some additional information. There are at least three shared shuttles from the Port to Sanford Airport. Here is the information I found for others that may need it:

Cocoa Beach Shuttle- $98 for 2 plus 20% gratuity. Shuttles scheduled for 7:45 AM and 9:45 AM.

Travelynx, acquired by Stylus- $80 for 2, no mention of gratuity. They have a greeter at each ship and shuttle departs at 8 AM.

Travel Sanford Airport Shuttle, $30 per person, 8:30, 9:45 11:45 AM. There seems to be very little feedback on this company from anyone on CC, and I'm not sure what their actual name is.

I'll add more info as I gather it, including private car service, maybe it will help others. I'd still appreciate feedback on experience renting a car at the new(er) location for National/Enterprise/Alamo.

I've done 4 cruises from PC and live in Sanford and I've never been home later than 10am so assuming you have good transportation you should have no problems.

Good to know! Thank you

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You won't know the process and timing until early Nov when the first cruisers can provide some feedback.

I know Oasis is moving to PC, but doesn't Royal have an established process for self assist, zones, etc?

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I would also ask that on the Florida Departures forum, more chance for someone with direct experience to see the question:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

I did! So far, all I've received are references to private car service there. I was hoping to get more insight on what to expect in terms of the disembarkation process and speed here, but like good CC folks, already got more than that!

On that note, does self-assist go in any particular order, or is it a general release for all passengers doing that?

Sanford Airport Shuttle Schedule

 

Sanford Airport to Port Canaveral

CALL FOR TIMES 1-888-320-8497

 

From Port Canaveral to Sanford Airport

8:30 Am

9:45 Am

11:45 Am

 

This is the primary shared shuttle. I believe they currently charge $30pp....but you can give them a call.

Thank you! Has anyone used this company and have any feedback?

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