dibbitz

Good Morning, Just adding our experience to the others about Value Trips.  We had a reservation with the Hyatt Place, Fort Lauderdale for a pre cruise, one night a couple weeks ago. Like others, we made this and had a confirmed reservation over 6 months ago.  We chose this hotel, not just for the price, but because our travel companions were staying there.  We also wanted the location so we could find places to eat and to pick up some last minute items we could not travel with.  Well, the night before we were to arrive, I received an email stating they had overbooked and we were being moved to the Plantation location.  The only thing about the Plantation location that is even similar to the Ft. Lauderdale location is that they are both Hyatt properties.  It is located in the middle of a big business park, no stores, no groceries, and only one restaurant, which was more a night club thing and very expensive...we were told a meal would be $50 dollars. Talking to the staff at the FT L location produced nothing other than they agreed that they would have shuttle take us to the new location.  I eventually did get them to agree to give me the free breakfast that I would have had in the original location and that they would agree to the same price for the room.

After waiting and making several phone calls to meet up with the shuttle and being taken to the new location, we finally arrived at about 9 at night....we once again had to "discuss" with the young man at the desk...politely, of course, that we were changed through no fault of our own and that the breakfast was to be free. We were told as well, that the shuttle the next day to the cruise port was free, but then they backed out of that. We later found out that there were 17 parties moved to the Plantation location and that this particular hotel does this a lot. I am not sure how one overbooks 17 rooms at the last minute. All were done through other booking sites and not through the Hyatt site itself, which would have been a much higher rate. BTW, our friends booked with Hyatt using points, and did not get moved. 

All worked out but it was not the experience we had agreed to. Fortunately, we had packed snacks and that is what we ate for "dinner", the room was spotlessly clean, large and beautiful,  two doubles instead of the one king we reserved, we did have breakfast, it was okay but nothing exceptional. They refused to give us a late checkout as we asked, since the ship was not boarding until almost 2. We ended up standing outside the front entrance, with our luggage for the two hours until the shuttle came. I do not fault the Plantation location, but I do fault the Ft. L location as it was their" mistake". If you do not want to agree to discounted rates, then don't. Personally, I would have preferred that they move us to another hotel in the same area rather than one that is ten miles away. At least I would have had similar amenities..... our transport fees to the port were twice what we would have paid sharing a taxi or uber from the closer location. They would not back out of the shuttle fee of ten pp. Not an earth shattering amount but a fee just the same. And the shuttle driver was excellent and very accommodating, so it worked out as well. 

We finally persuaded them to comp our room fee, but only after some debate. Others were not as lucky.  Still it was way more hectic than it should have been.....please take this as food for thought.....

rented from Omar last week while in Grand Turk. Our experience was fine...nice fella, kept his word....I believe he now has a bigger cart(s)...ATV type where all four seats are forward and there are sides to the vehicle....don't know what they cost, but he told us they were new condition...sounds like a good option and a step above the regular golf cart.. Our experience with him was very good.....

I think I will try to find an germ killing spray  and wipes... I am retired from a health care field, so I am a bit freaky about germs, but not so much so that I want to lug snorkeling equipment from home...LOL

Thank you so much for the response...

Good Morning,  Do you know if this is a hop on hop off type of bus or do you get on and stay on with short stops along the way?  Thanks for the info....

Thank you for the info

Thanks so much. I will put it on our list.....does anyone know if there is someplace we can rent snorkeling gear?  That would save us from trying to pack it.....

Can you tell us what beaches had the best snorkeling/ The one you said was like an aquarium?  

Thanks much, 

I am very prone to seasickness....actually, motion sickness of any kind. I can't do amusement park rides at all, and that banking they do on planes just does me right in. However, I have been on lots of cruises and done quite well. The suggestions for what to use and how are wide and varied. The one thing I would suggest, is trying any meds before you go on your trip. I used the patches a long time ago, and they made me so "dotey" it would not have been safe for me to continue. They also made me very sleepy and very congested. The best I have found is to get the meds from my GP. He had me get the generic for Dramamine, which he prescribed and I got from the pharmacist, and for some reason, I found it worked better and made me less drowsy, which made for a better day. He also gave me something stronger, so that if it did get really rough, I could take that and just go to sleep. I find the hardest time is the first day or so. I think it is a combination of being tired after having not enough sleep due to getting ready for the trip, traveling to the ship and getting used to the movement of the ship. I try to make sure I eat regularly and get as much rest as I can while still getting everything done. During this period, I try to find the spot on the ship that has the least amount of movement....it is amazing the difference on where on the ship you go, so yes to finding the right cabin. Your agent will be able to help you with this as I do not think this is an unusual problem. Personally, I have never found looking at the horizon to be helpful.

Also, Might I suggest that you try a short "beginners cruise"...perhaps something that will only be a few days to see how you like it. I agree with the suggestion that you go on one of the large ships...I can't do a fishing boat at all...ugh! I think you will find that while you may have to restrict some activities some of the time, you will still do well with the right amount of planning and caution. Good luck, and happy cruising.

just as an FYI, I used to buy Vanilla at Costco.....now it is $35.00 for an 8 ounce bottle. So buying it on a cruise would be so much more fun!

Please excuse my ignorance. but what is a Pedicab? I ask as my DH and I are planning to take a Marisol tour in November. While he is not in a wheelchair, he does have limited stamina, especially in such hot weather. I am wondering if a pedicab could help him make the long walk in more comfort, thus saving him some energy for the rest of the trip. And, how far will a pedicab take you?

Overall, how long would you say the tour with cable car and the city tour will take? Do you remember what time you met up? Thanks for any assistance and advice you can give.

Hi, I don't know what cruise line you are on but in the past, we have seen them on the ship...Royal Caribbean I think. Don't hold me to that but I think that was the one. Likely on others as well. ....we have seen them in Bahamian ports as well....as to which port offers the best price, I do not know....I seem to remember various prices at each....so I suspect there would be a variety of choices in DR as well......

Okay....so we are trying to decide about doing a tour to Puerto Playa and then the cable car...but now I am wondering if the cable car should be first thing, given crowds and clouds.........any thoughts on if it would be a better idea to simply get a taxi to Puerto Playa after doing the cable car.....then doing the city tour on our own? Jut trying to wrap my head around this...thanks for any ideas......

I just looked on the link and it stated for both US and Canadian....not sure if it is at all the airports listed, but there are many. Check the link someone posted above.

Thanks so much for the encouraging news about valuetrips.......will make reservation to day based on your most helpful advice. Hope you have wonderful cruises!!!

I am looking at Hyatt Place 17th street......right there next to Embassy suites. I could not find an ES rate lower than 250+/- for the November date I am looking for.

Valuetrips has Hyatt Place listed for $153...there is the conundrum of whether to work with Valuetrips or not.....hard getting responses etc. but the price is great. I found another reservation for Hyatt Place for $227....which is still cheaper than ES.

I have already made a backup reservation for Hyatt Place and am still debating valuetrips....I keep hearing my mother's voice in my head saying......if it sounds to good to be true?????...

I know too much info, but just wanted you to see how the prices compare and what options there are.....

Thanks to all who answered my question about the Valuetrips reservation being fully refundable. I think I will try it as we have plenty of time. And, I will make a back up reservation just in case....also thanks for the info on the boat show....we will be there later in the month, but, you are right. that could have been a big problem. Happy cruising all....

This was on my ValueTrips confirmation: Your room has been guaranteed on your credit card. Please make payment arrangements with the hotel at check-in. If your plans change, please call the hotel directly at (954) 763-7670 to change or cancel your reservation by 12pm at least 24 hours before your arrival date to prevent any charges to your card.

Please call the hotel directly to change or cancel your reservation. You may also visit Hyatt.com (cancellations only).

I hope this answers your question.

Thanks so much...it does answer my question.....you are so kind to take the time to help. D

I have been thinking of using Valuetrips due to the great price. We do not need a reservation until November so we have plenty of time. Is it your understanding that the reservation with Valuetrips is fully refundable with no cancellation fees? I emailed them several days ago but,of course, have not heard from them. I plan to do the same thing some others have mentioned by making an alternate reservation that can be cancelled if needed. So......Value trips fully refundable and worth the hassle? Thanks much

In Fort Lauderdale itself, the beach, Las Olas area, and the 17th Street area near the port would all be considered 'safe' but I would never, ever leave stuff in the back of our car overnight anyplace, anywhere. That's just an invitation to anyone passing by and why hotel garages and parking lots often have warning signs saying they aren't responsible for articles left in vehicles. I'm sure the desk clerk (and management) didn't want to assume any responsibility should he/she say "sure" and then have your car broken into.

Well, so true for not leaving things in the car....and thanks for the location info...that helps!

Have flown Jet blue once before out of Richmond Va....found it to be a great flight. Picked it this time as it was a nonstop flight and at the right times. Last year flew Delta, and into Atlanta....miserable experience....we were over 2 hours late, missed our connecting flight and had zero help from the Delta folks at the gate. Complained to the company's customer service about our treatment, never heard a word back...so I am happy to take my chances on Jet Blue......will see how it goes.....

I realize mine is just one experience ......

what constitutes a "dicey" area vs a safe area of FLL? Many years ago we booked a room at what seemed like a nice hotel at a good price. there was nowhere to eat around it, and when we asked if we could keep some of our belongings in the back of our car overnight, the desk clerk said "ummmm, I sure wouldn't" . Hmmm....now we are more careful but haven't been to FLL in a long time so I can't remember what areas are safe and which are not. Any help greatly appreciated.

We are considering taking a Canada and NE cruise in August on the Veendam. We are looking at BA Vista suites number 215 and 218. Will these be quiet cabins? they are aft and someone told me they are under the pool and exercise area so we are concerned about noise......any thoughts? Thank you.....

Ed Smith in Eastville Virginia had one just like it.....just my two cents....hehehe

We are interested in whale watching but I am prone to motion sickness and was wondering if anyone has anything to add. I can take meds but the wallowing of a boat in the motion of the sea would probably do me right in. Can anyone give me any idea of what to expect with that? thanks for any help.

So...In your honest opinions, which would be first choice for whale watching....second, etc. I plan to reserve more than one just in case one is fogged out....any thoughts? We will be going towards the end of September 2016...we will be visiting Juneau, Ketchecan , Sitka and Victoria. thanks.