garris3404

Thanks! I've over joyed! I can't wait to see the kids faces once they see the suite! Then again, I think there faces are gonna fall off when they find out Thursday they aren't going to school but heading for Florida for 3 days and then the cruise on Sunday!

WOW! Can't believe you've kept this a secret for so long. Definitely need to record the event.

It's been a VERY long day and I know this days review has been super long. Sorry about that, but I REALLY loved this place and wanted to share as much as I could with everyone in hopes that if anyone tries it out, they will be satisfied with it and have a good perception of what it's like before going to know whether or not it's the right place for you.

 

I will continue tomorrow if I can (I have to work twice tomorrow lol), with our walk along the malecon and our trip back to the ship.

 

I hope everyone is still enjoying the review. :)

What long? No need to apologize! We all just went on a very nice (although virtual) mini vacation! Thanks soooo much! :D

Always love reading (and sharing in) your reviews!

The balcony with the B6 is much larger (maybe twice the size). We done that size before on the Epic, and are booked again in 2 weeks in the B6. We had room for a chaise lounge and 2 chairs. Could probably do 2 chaise lounges?

I believe cabin size is same?

Howl at the Moon is live music in a bar, just like Fat Cats, so no reservations. You simply come and go as you please. It's not really a "show". We were in and out of there all the time all 4 nights and never had a problem finding a seat, whether early or late. People are walking in and out and around all the time.

Thanks! I plan to be there each night. I love Howl at the Moon! :D

Thanks for posting the dailies. I noticed that it said you need to make reservations for the Headliner's Comedy Club. Do you need to make reservations for Howl at the Moon? Or just Second City Comedy troupe?

Yes Scothies is a must do! Did it on last cruise there, doing it again in 2 weeks! :D

Another vote for Paradise Beach. We always go there.

Our tour guide offered three options for us on the way back. We could stop for some native food, go shopping, or drive straight back to the pier where shopping is available also. As we had some people wanting to get jerk chicken we stopped at a roadside restaurant so they could get some to go food as to not take too long on the stop.

Was the name of the restaurant Scotchies?

We NEVER book through the cruise line. Usually they cost more, and are more crowded. Book local and save some money. Check out Trip Advisor

chanthor13 - I have booked the same tour with Marvyn in 3 weeks but only for 2 of us! I was wondering whether to cancel the tubing, what is the beach like, was there any snorkeling? How far apart are the areas you visited? I wouldn't mind seeing some scenic places along the way

Last time we used Richard Brooks with Excursion Ocho Rios. You can check out the reviews on Trip Advisor. Richard was very nice and knowledgeable. He will take you anywhere you want to go. We went to Fern Gully, did a little sightseeing in the countryside, Dunn's River Falls, lunch at Scotchies (a must do), and some shopping. I would highly recommend him!

Giving this a little bump in the hopes of finding folks with some recent experience :D

Glad to read on the roll call that you found and booked your ATV trip. Enjoy!

Another vote for Paradise Beach! We always go there when in Cozumel.

Ok now I'm really bummed! I got an email back from Sharon from Nativeway and I won't be able to use them for my excursion. :( She said they don't have anything else available and she recommended Captain Marvins.

 

mitsugirly I really enjoyed your second review! So now I'm really bummed. :(

That's too bad. :( Have you tried Acquarius? They got great reviews on TA.

Another vote for Native Way. Small crowds, great crew and service. Nothing to complain about.

As the song says... "Go on. Take the money and run!" :)

Should I wait to book our excursion once we board, or do these typically sell out prior to sailing?

I asume you are refering to the Cayman Islands and the stingray excursion? I would book an excursion with an outside company prior to your cruise. Cheaper and smaller crowds. :)

BTW, we used Native Way Watersports last time. Great service! But there are many great companies to choose from. Check out the Cayman Islands thread.

Thanks....I thought they were both fairly close from reading descriptions, but we've never been to Jamaica. Any suggestions on how to arrange a driver for the day? Would that be like booking a private tour with one of the local guides mentioned on other threads?

Can I ask who you are planning on using as a tour guide? We're looking at going to Turtle River/Gardens but also want to do Mystique Mountain, part of our group wants to do the bobsled. I thought I read somewhere some of the guides won't take cruise passengers to Mystique Mountain. First timers here but not afraid to do this smartly...and cost effective.

We are thinking about this tour also. For those using Yardie, if I am looking at their site correctly....the tour is from Ocho Rios pier and back. $50/pp. That means they are charging $30/pp for the ride that is a few minutes from the pier, since entrance fee is $20 to the gardens. What am I missing?

What are you missing? Your money! Yes, it's a $30/person taxi ride for 3 miles roundtrip. That's why I looking into getting my own private tour guide. That way I can see other parts of the island, and be on my own schedule.;)

I'm trying to plan our day when we dock in Ochos Rios. I would like to hire a private driver.

 

Is it worth going to Dunn's River or Blue Hole if we have no desire to climb the falls or jump? I know these are considered "must-dos," but for a number of reasons the climbing/jumping most likely will not work for us. Is it worthwhile to just stop at these places and take a look around? I know there are entrance fees and I have no problems with that.

 

I also plan on doing Turtle River Falls and Gardens and stopping somewhere for some food.

 

Any other suggestions for a day with a driver? I don't want to venture too far from Ochos Rios because my husband can sometimes get car sick and I know the roads deeper into the island can get interesting.

 

Thanks!

Back in January 2013 we used Richard Brooks from Excursion Ocho Rios (excursion ocho rios dot net or excursion ocho rios at gmail dot com). He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. I would use him again in a heartbeat!

We did Dunns River Falls as part of our private tour. The kids and I hiked it, while mom took pictures along the stairs next to the falls. We also did some sightseeing, shopping, and eating.

You probably will not have time to do Dunns River Falls, Blue Hole, and Turtle River Falls and Gardens in a single day?

As far as getting something to eat, you must go to Scotchies! It should not be missed! :D (We will be there again in December! :D:D)

Thanks, but as I said in the first post, Acquarius is booked up for us. We booked with Nativeway. They got back to us a few days later and responded to emails well the same day. We are also going to Starfish point. It was $40 per adult and $30 per child.

We used Native Way back in January 2011. The water is not that deep where you interact with the stingrays. My wife stayed on the boat and took pictures. The crew brought up a large starfish for the non-swimmers to see/touch. We had a fantastic time and the crew was great. Enjoy your trip!

You have a gift for this type of thing. Very well done! I feel as if I just took a mini-vacation on the Getaway! :)

I'm now booked for this tour and it will be with Yardie's. I'll review once we get back.

Looks like our family will be with you. We are also on the Epic. Hoping to stop by Scotchie's afterwards!

Has anyone used Speks Transportation Services? Also go by St Maarten Tours and Taxi Services?