dmfloghouse

2 hours ago, Wehwalt said:

If you walk outside the port area at Amber Cove to the entrance, about a ten minute walk from the ships, there are private taxis waiting. Depending on your bargaining ability, you can get a taxi into Puerto Plata for $10-$15. Keep in mind that such taxis cannot get into the port on your return, they can drop you at the gate and you have to walk from the port entrance to the ship.

Thanks. Looks like there are multiple ships that day February 29th in Puerto plata so thinking it’s going to be very crowded. Last year we were the only ship so it was great 

1 hour ago, wdw1972 said:

If you're on a ship that docks at Amber Cove, would you even be able to get inside the terminal area at Puerto Plata?  From my experience those facilities are for the ships docked there (and thus paying for it as part of the port fees).  Locals aren't allowed, so why would tourists from a different terminal?

 

Sue/WDW1972

Hmmm. Didn’t really think about that but I recall walking through the port area (large area of shops, etc) to the back (very large area) and it was all open to buses taxis etc and maybe  I’d have to show my id. I would have a ship id on me as we would be on a ship from Amber Cove. Not sure 

1 minute ago, KAKcruiser said:

Are you saying that the new Puerto Plata cruise terminal also has a pool area and entertainment area similar to Amber Cove?

Yes. It was brand new and lots of cool shops and a nice lazy river with beautiful pool area but we didn’t have much time to explore so wanted to go back this year. However we need to get from amber cove port to puerto plata port which even though not that far taxis are like $35 each way so unsure if I wanted to pay that 

16 minutes ago, storkington said:

We are planning on taking a taxi to Puerto Plata and hopefully find another couple to share it with to reduce the costs. Perhaps something you could consider.

Yes. I could post something on my roll call unfortunately our roll call isn’t very active 

Hi everyone- we were in Puerto Plata last year and the new port terminal area is brand new and awesome. We were thinking of going back however our  cruise this year docks in Amber Cove which is several miles away.  
From what I can discern the taxis are quite expensive from Amber Cove to town.  Has anyone used taxis that could give me an idea AND has anyone used the pool and lazy river within the Puerto Plata cruise terminal regarding prices and accommodations. We were unable to use the terminal facilities because we had booked an excursion and ran out of time to look around much. Any insight would be appreciated 

Has anyone done this recently?  I’m not finding a lot of information about purchasing tickets in advance online or how about getting more information 

Leaving for Alaska next week- any help appreciated 

Did your cruise go to their private island?  
if so, what to do on the island?

16 hours ago, Jonbiloh said:

Currently on the July 26th sailing. Approximately 800 passengers onboard. 

 

A few key takeaways:

 

- Buffet closed for dinner service

- entertainment is so so, what you would expect on this class ship, I suppose 

- the weather has been excellent and ports great thus far 

- crew generally happy though low occupancy is cutting into the earnings for food and beverage staff so that weighs on morale. 

- passengers seem happy to be aboard and are generaly following the mask policies, etc. 

 

It should be mentioned that serenade is desperately in need of a refresh. Rust everywhere, lots and lots of light bulbs out, soft goods are both dated and tired, teak is falling apart, stateroom balcony door doesn't open or lock properly, stateroom closet doors are out of alignment and don't close, a/c noisy, etc. We went into the trip with low expectations for the ship and I am glad we we did as we aren't disappointed. I did think that after 18 months out of service the ship would have felt cleaner and better looked after but it seems Royal wasn't spending even a penny more than required to keep her afloat. 

 

Thanks for the inside scoop. Nice to have an idea what it’s like aboard since it’s been so long.  What did you hear about the tsunami warning issued (I think it was today).?  What happens on a ship when this happens?

Thanks!

Would love to hear how the first couple of cruises are going in Alaska ???