Jump to content

boontj2003

Members
  • Posts

    413
  • Joined

Posts posted by boontj2003

  1. On 9/11/2024 at 7:23 PM, GetToLivin said:

    Very excited to share this post and pictures! We left the port and met our driver outside at Exit 1. You will have to walk through the "hallway of excursion solicitors" shouting at you as you try to pass through. It was unnecessarily chaotic and loud and overall made me never want to show up to a port without a plan if I have to go through that to find something to do. Anyway, so out we went. The driver wore an Infinity Bay t-shirt, had a sign for the resort, and repeated my reservation information to me before I confirmed it was indeed me. 

     

    The driver was kind, professional, etc, but we had to walk through the street, dirt flying up everywhere, no sidewalks, no smooth pavement, over rocks and mud, to an unmarked car parked around a corner. It would have been very sketchy if the man had not repeated my reservation information to me. That said, the car was nice but it seemed like it could have been a personal vehicle v. the typical marked car/shuttle you'd expect to see with a resort. The drive took around 25 minutes from Coxen Hole and the girls soaked up the jungle landscape once we started up the hill. 

     

    When we arrived at Infinity Bay our driver led us inside to the receptionist who took the remaining payment, provided WiFi information, and gave us vouchers for a towel and (1) complimentary drink each. She was very kind and helpful during our initial interaction, more on this later.

     

    Once you walk through and see the resort, it is just breathtaking. 

     

    20240911_092212.thumb.jpg.a721aca09fa5d8ff27e2ed618e918eb5.jpg

     

    There is a huge pool that spans the property, tons of loungers, palms and umbrellas for shade. 

     

    20240911_092931.thumb.jpg.0d1adcba2af5027d2ca9c4f9bcd0ea38.jpg

     

    20240911_093441.thumb.jpg.b25204ef3ba3fba12fffd9134630ed3a.jpg

     

    Toward the end of the property is an open-air restaurant and bar to your left. The towel station is within eye-shot and is the same place you would sign up for excursions. 

     

    20240911_093406.thumb.jpg.1e08b1a705c3b8fd9f30203fb751d6c4.jpg

     

    We opted for loungers on the beach because it was too beautiful not to stare at all day! The water was perfect, the slightest cool which was refreshing, and so clear you could see your feet and the many fish swimming around.

     

    20240911_093556.thumb.jpg.9dd994bd0c52e77de2dcafb95dbc0eae.jpg

     

    20240911_094015.thumb.jpg.9c5cdae647b02eff07d668292fb07f74.jpg

     

    20240911_093711.thumb.jpg.cdfbe3d08e6745ee208d0cc81e9762ef.jpg

     

    We did not have any food but the drinks were fabulous. I enjoy martinis so I got a Cosmopolitan and it kicked my ass. It was so delicious and a true cosmo in a nice, big martini glass. No over-sugary drinks here! 

     

    20240911_103406.thumb.jpg.83977e5c7780c65e0092ad507ec6fb83.jpg

     

    Holli got a Miami Vice and said the same in that you could taste the alcohol instead of it being a glorified adult smoothie (we're starting to get over the blended sugary drinks and switching to anything on the rocks). We spent time at the pool bar and enjoyed the Infinity pool as well. 

     

    20240911_103249.thumb.jpg.959a728093817f67bd7cb2918f30b73a.jpg

     

    20240911_103303.thumb.jpg.8bfad5f56d8935c29ca81a31a5ca6009.jpg

     

    20240911_110414.thumb.jpg.e0ceedf866b8866a7f010f9e69f48fb6.jpg

     

    Now, back to the receptionist for day-pass holders. I stood there for several minutes as she looked busy (read: would not make eye contact), but once I realized I was just being ignored I went ahead and asked if she could please page our driver so we could head back to the port. She looked at me like I was speaking another language and told me that she didn't know "WHO my driver was as there are 10 of them" so she wouldn't know who to page. I just kind of looked at her and she again said, "without a name I really can't do anything." So FYI: remember your driver's name (I didn't realize I had to, I thought since I had a reservation and they sent someone for ME that they would have a record but guess not). Also, in case this happens to you...the drivers all hang out under a stand right outside the door. They work FOR the hotel (not a cab service). We found this out when the other girls went out and found him. Ya'll know from my reviews I don't complain. I'm just happy I get to vacation. But for a moment she had me thinking we had no options and needed to call a taxi or something. Not a fun thought to feel stuck when you're nearly 30 minutes away from port. 

     

    My last FYI is that the vendors were ruthless. We had just grabbed our towels and not even stepped down to the beach and there were 5 of them hounding us (yes, I really mean hounding) and they just. kept. coming. I've been cruising for a long time, I know this is part of the gig, but it was just too much at one point. Spent a lot of time in the water today just to get a break lol.

     

    We were at Infinity Bay from around 9:30am - 1:30pm and while I think I could have stayed there all day, we didn't want to have to make any calls to port authority 🫠 All in all this was an amazing deal for a day pass and this would be a place I'd go back to over and over again. From the good bar service, top-shelf drink experience, and endless views of breathtaking beauty, it was everything we could have asked for. 

     

    20240911_093417.thumb.jpg.12e6cadef176d9a189cf4bd2b659cc4a.jpg

     

    Drive back to port was smooth and we enjoyed some pizza from Sorrentos before heading to the suite deck for sail away. There were a few pax who were late so the ship hung around and we didn't push off until 45 minutes after muster. Glad they made it back safe, that type of anxiety is my worst nightmare!

     

    Tonight is dinner at CK followed by the mad attempt to stay up until 11pm for Quest. Wish us luck 😂

     

    20240911_132525.thumb.jpg.7faa616b2d849ecd5b29d1f656565158.jpg

     

    GM, how much was the taxi to get there?

  2. On 9/1/2024 at 6:47 PM, Lionesss said:


     

     

    I followed this recipe and was very pleased with results. 

     

    IMG_1631.thumb.jpeg.d8eab983b06aa139d0bb42ea36af46a6.jpeg
     

    The traditional way was a PIA. 

     

    They are $10 a dozen, probably because they are a PIA to make. 
     

    Cheaper to make.
     

    Good luck.  

     

    I make these all the time. Use soft butter, not melted and then they will easily roll. When dipping chocolate, i use choc and crisco. that leaves a sheen… Enjoy!

    • Like 2
  3. Thank you for all the responses. I got the MSC certificate from Ballys casino in Dover de. I know everyone assumes I have this huge bank roll because I’m getting free cruises. While others can attest, I bring less than $200 each time I gamble. I frequent Ballys once every 3 months as I live in Florida and my kids live in Delaware. I received a post card and just had to “swipe” my card on a specific day. It further said that I would receive a letter in the mail. We did receive an interior room.

     

    I 100% agree with what someone else said. Why go when you’re happy with Royal. I don’t want too for those reasons! My husband contends that we don’t have to pay the port fees so why don’t we? My response is I would rather spend the port fees and get points towards diamond status. I’m trying to be an understanding spouse and comply with his request. 

     

    I don’t think I have done a status match before as I don’t remember going to the casino. My husband and daughter (who thinks she is going) all want to go simply for the thermal spa. That is one that they have spoken about many times over our 30 cruises. 

     

    I did apply for a status match. I will advise once I receive some information.

    • Thanks 1
  4. I have a free cruise offer from MSC. NO port fees and no taxes. I’m not too excited to book it as I’m prime/diamond on Royal. Anyone have experience with this and shed some light on whether it’s worth it to pick up? I have sailed MSC. My “problem” is I like all my perks at my other cruise line. Thank you!

  5. Hi. I have not done this excursion thru NCL, but i have done the virgin gorda baths. I’m about 260 lbs. I took the ferry over then we started the “decent.” I think the size is for two reasons. One, it’s like 1.8 miles long with windy steep downhill walk. Secondly you have to go thru caves. I was worried I was too fat and as i was alone, I just went back the way I went down. I thought i was going to die!!!  GO with caution. The view is spectacular with a restaurant and swimming pool. I swear i will tackle the “mountain” when I’m lighter! Lol  

  6. On 11/21/2023 at 1:38 PM, ZoeyVictoria said:

    I was definitely opposed to it when it was first advertised because it sounded like a non-stop, loud party instead of a relaxing beach day. There is less emphasis on the party atmosphere now. I just checked (since you brought it to my attention), and it has a 50% off Black Friday price of $28.99 (total for two is $64 with taxes) for April 2024. I booked it with the intent to check reviews carefully and cancel if my first impression was correct. 
     

    If I booked it after already deciding it wasn’t for me, I suspect there will be plenty of other people who book it just out of curiosity. It was the $28.99 price that caught my attention. 

    Although I think it should be free, $29 pp seems fair! Great buy!

    • Thanks 1
  7. 3 hours ago, breezy1200 said:

    HI boontj2003, I have been searching for this answer on Celebrity's website, even the FAQ link provided above, and cannot find a reference to a fee.  My specific question is this:  If a person has a credit card linked to their on board account (which is required), and you purchase casino chips at a table and charge them to your account, is there a fee charged?   Have you been charged the 5% recently?  

    I’m Amethyst on Celebrity, so don’t pay a fee. When I did not have casino status, yes they charge you.

    • Like 2
  8. Can someone clarify the dining on Edge series? We booked late because our BCC offer just came in. We currently have an 8:30 dining. Do we go to any of the restaurants at that time? Has anyone ever tried to change to MTD and get there early, did you get a seat?

  9. On 12/6/2023 at 4:33 PM, aggiejd2000 said:

    Sorry, I think AlbertaCruisers is correct.  I didn't use my instant certificate and already recycled it.  I may have confused it with the regular "Book Later" time frame, which is six months.  So be sure to check the Instant Certificate to see what the actual time frame is.  You don't have to book the Instant Certificate onboard, but be sure to book it within the deadline provided on the certificate. 

    Aggiejd2000, if I recently became amethyst, when do i “get” my 7 day cruise certificate? I’m prime on Royal so that’s very straight forward. 

     

    I wish they would combine our captain club points! I’d be Zenith! 

×
×
  • Create New...

If you are already a Cruise Critic member, please log in with your existing account information or your email address and password.