Wishing on a star

You might not be able to book the nice catamaran with that 5:00 departure. The Aristocat web-site starts by having you choose your ships port time, and then shows the options available. JVD might not be possible. I would be happy to book that if we were in port till 6:00!!!! Even the Ships excursion on our cruise only has like a couple of hours at White Bay. But, we take what we can get!!!

After looking for more details.. here is how this excursion seems to work. This is on one of two of their identical catamarans. The kicker, this seems to be available to ships that will be in port until 6:00 pm Ours is not. : ( It looks like they will include a pre-arranged taxi over to West End. Then sails to JVD and White Bay (some other stops?) from there.

Here is another option that I found. Aristocatdaysails.com The departure is not really easy to understand. For West end departures, it might include the taxi to West End.. so not a big organized tour. Then sails to JVD and White Bay from there. It also mentions departures that are where the Cruise Ship is docked. It is unclear how to find shared (per person) sailings that depart from the Cruise Ship location. The web-site encourages travelers to contact them by email.

I am still searching for info, but it seems the Rebel Yell is one (if not the only one) that is providing this tour for the Cruise Ships. I do not know if anyone can book independently??? What I am seeing shows Private Charter. $$$$ so no other open group excursions to book for a couple or family. The link to the Rebel Yell website does not seem to be working. But looks like you can try to email them at rebelyell@islandshipping.com

I am not familiar, but I have the same question... I notice whenI looking at these excursions online, and they do use the ferry. I would like to have more time than the Cruise excursion allows, but I am thinking it might be the way to go. They seem to charter a boat that will depart from the Cruise Port. ( I will def. book it early as possible. ) They must pick you up at the Cruise Port, I some kind of bus/minibus... and then drive you over to West End, where the JVD Ferry departs from. Here is from the same 'escape' thru Shore Excursion Group. "all-inclusive - 4-hour whitesand beach extravaganza, with FERRY ride and iconic beach " Here is the description if booked thru Viatour... "Your tour includes four hours of fun and covers your round-trip FERRY ride fee to explore the grand island of Jost Van Dyke "

Ohhhh yes..... it ends up being kinda nice!!!!

No, like most all ships now, the Sun is wider on the lowest decks, with extended balconies and those cabana balconies on the lowest deck(s). So, no straight-down view. Many of these on deck 10 will overlook either the cabana deck, or the totally UN-covered cabana mini-suite balconies just below. I really wanted one of those larger/deeper balconies on deck 10... But I can not find one with the bed by the balcony.. so after seeing recent videos of how the cabins actually are, we moved to a higher deck. Darned Princess and their super-controlling 'control' of who books which cabins!!!! If I wanted a Deluxe Balcony for the two of us on our next Royal Class cruise, we would have to book our adult son, or anybody, with us, and then cancel the third guest. Princess and their IT and their policies can be just nuts!

cruise doctor.. To funny!! Hahahaha!!! Steven... I would love to try the Ascent.. but they do not sail a similar itinerary to what we have booked on Princess until 2026!!!! Please do post a good comparison for us.

It will definitely be a much better beach and 'nicer' venues... But, looks VERY 'Disney'.

Here is a video of one of the sideways layout cabins. Notice the extra space thee on both sides of the bed, where the little side tables do not have to be squished in. And, notice the closet and shelf space on both sides of the entry to the bathroom door. Also, If I am correct. (somebody tell if I am wrong). But you really really want to avoid an inside that can accommodate more than two guests.. As the bunks are not drop-down, but are actually hanging on the wall, which takes up space and is just not great.

IMHO, for a 10 day cruise that cost this amount of money... It would be worth it to be able to choose my cabin, and to have a refundable deposit. I know what it is like to have to work within a budget!!! Wish we could cruise more often... But, I would give good consideration to booking at least a 'choose your cabin' and refundable deposit. Somebody mentioned above that the sideways (forward to aft) cabins are a different layout than the ones that are the standard (port to starboard) layout. There might be some good videos out there. But, they do have the door that opens directly into the main bed area, instead of the little entry hall with the bath and closet.

If you could get an obstructed view, midship on Deck 8, they are not obstructed directly, just the deck area below. We have saved by choosing those.

Okay, it sounds like you are seeing a unique offer??? As you can see, with Princess, things can change fairly quickly lately!!! And it can be confusing. It sounds like you are working your way thru this, and can make a good 'informed' decision. Other markets can also be handled differently than the US... Just make sure you cover all of this with your TA so there are no surprises. It sounds like you might be locked in with the deposit and the assigned cabin. I do hope you get to enjoy cruising!

Yes, there are categories, 'I' for interior. and then the sub-categories.. I do not see why you couldn't do a switch to another available cabin of the EXACT same category and subcategory that shows available. But, the reality might be that very few, or none at all, will show as available. It really is a roll of the dice. If you have never cruised and would be just so excited to be on this Christmas Cruise, I would encourage you to go for it !!! But, know that these holiday cruises are usually at full capacity. So, you could be in that interior cabin that the system assigns. With no options. I think that is a great itinerary, especially if you have not been to these places before. I would love to be on that itinerary, and take an excursion from Tortola over to Jost Van Dyke.

It seems that there is no more 'HOLD" online. Can you place a hold if you call (or your TA calls) ?

Actually, cruise deck plan website is a good site to check out photos.

Check videos on Youtube!

Believe it or not, we have not seen all of these shows! We will be on the SUN next... so all new productions onboard. If we board Enchanted next year, then I would get to see Rock Opera... Which of the three are you experts favorite?

All ships, EXCEPT the Majestic (designed for the asian market) will have pizza on the Lido! We also just MUST visit Alfredo's when we cruise.

No, I very highly doubt.... A private island like this is a controlled cruise port. Unless Bahamas law means that anyone can walk the 'shoreline', even there. I don't know if Disney would have negotiated permission to secure the shoreline there. Disney Cruise guest, of course, can leave and see what they wish... just as we can leave Princess Cay. But, nobody without cruise guest, staff, ID can probably come back in. I have never left Princess Cays and re-entered. But I believe you would have to show your cruise medallion and ID? One could go over there, to a beach access, as close as possible, and start walking. They could possibly have fencing, rock barrier, that makes it more impassable??? I just don't see 'crashing' the Disney Private Beach.

I don't know if there is a link, or if somebody here is industrious enough to keep a list. Thanks!

We especially enjoyed our last visit to Princess Cay. rented our favorite Bungalow. Maybe not the most spectacular private island... But NOTHNG beats that sunshine, palm trees... Even the servers there at lunch were getting into the Island Spirit, and jamming to their Island beats.

The new shows on the Sun will probably rely on the new staging technology. So, I am just wondering if anyone has heard of new shows or changes on the other ships. Enchanted in particular.

I have to agree with the comments about the staff... based on our last cruise, which was last year. There were a few Princess 'fails'.... But, this was the best and most upbeat and friendly staff !!! We actually had 'Hot Rod' as our room Steward... Jooey at the bar at Crooners was great. Our 'regular' table that we went to in the MDR, the waiter was not overly jovial, but was just 'Spot On' when it came to providing service, and keeping up a good pace with the evening meal. I have to say that my favorite things about Princess are the Piazza concept.. And, the Sanctuary. Food... be aware that it can be hit or miss... Our last cruise, we were pleasantly surprised!! Most everything was good!!! In fact, our experience at Crown Grill specialty steakhouse was our least favorite.

Almost all of them!!! We especially enjoyed the unique drinks at Good Spirits. Wondering how we can special order something with vanilla vodka, pineapple juice.. for something similar to a Vanilla Sky at other bars! When there is a bit of nice background live music at Wheelhouse... Yes, great. Depends on the time, the vibe, and ones preference!