Which is the better deal?

[bostonlass]

I've done some research and it looks as though the portpromotions tour of orient beach is cheaper than a cab ride back and forth for two and eating on your own at the restaurant on bikini beach. I just took a look at the prices at their restaurant and they're not cheap by any means whereas the tour provides you with lunch and a drink I believe. Anyone have any experience with this?

RCCL Navigator 04/16/05
Princess Caribbean 10/16/04
Disney Wonder 04/18/04
Carnival Carnivale 05/88

Go Red Sox!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bob&karen]

Bostonlass, there are alot of "ifs-'n-thens" to figuring out this equation. Depending on those ifs/thens, the prepackaged tour may or may not save you enough money to make it worth your while:

- Taxi to Orient is $9pp, each way, for two people, but $6pp for four. At both the cruise ship pier, and at the taxi stand in back of Pedro's you can ALWAYS find another couple to double up with for the trip back to Phillipsburg.

- You're absolutely right, the "Big 5" beach bars at Orient (Waikiki, Bikini, Kon-Tiki, Coco, Kakao) are pricey with the food and drinks. HOWEVER, there are many, many other spots that are much more moderately priced. Pedro's is one great place to eat and drink on the cheap, and at The Perch (on the Club Orient property) you can get two Caribs with a lime slice for three bux American. The Paradisio (just down from Pedro's) also has very good prices. Also (sorry I don't have the link at the moment) if you do a quick web search, you can print off coupons good for 2-for-1 drink/lunch specials at the big 5, and maybe other places as well.

- You shouldn't pay more than 14 bucks per couple for 2 lounge chairs, an umbrella, and 2 fairly strong rum punches.

- You also have to trade off the added convenience of having a packaged tour deal with everything laid out for you, against the added freedom of being able to do things by your own time and desires, having the freedom of choice once you get there, and not being herded about like cattle. There's no right or wrong, just what might be a better fit for you.

B.

P.S. - lots of Orient Beach pix at the link below, under our signature!

[img]http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Geography_and_History/Islands/Ship_at_island.gif[/img]
"Good God, he's talking with parrots - Painting his dreams in the sand
Piling up beaucoup demerits, Doing it just 'cause he can
But Peter Pan would understand his schemes and dreams and ploys
Best keep an eye on his slight hand, He's such an altered boy"
-- James W. Buffett

Carnival Triumph, April '02
Carnival Sensation, January '04
Golden Princess, April '04

Carnival Sensation, Golden Princess / Caribbean Princess pix at: [url="http://community.webshots.com/user/mageesworld"]Cool Cruisin' Pix[/url]

e-mail: [email]bobandkarenny@yahoo.com[/email]

[bob&karen]

Bostonlass - just looked up the PortPromotions web site and did the math - if you're just looking to go to Orient Beach, I think you'll find going on your own would likely be cheaper than their packaged tour - depending on where you eat 'n roost, it could be quite a bit cheaper, at worst probably no more expensive than the pre-packaged tour (which is 80 bucks for two people). HOWEVER, if you also want to see Marigot, on the French side, the cost of the combination beach bash / two flags tour would likely come out a little closer to even, compared to doing the same thing on your own.

[img]http://www.animationlibrary.com/Animation11/Geography_and_History/Islands/Ship_at_island.gif[/img]
"Good God, he's talking with parrots - Painting his dreams in the sand
Piling up beaucoup demerits, Doing it just 'cause he can
But Peter Pan would understand his schemes and dreams and ploys
Best keep an eye on his slight hand, He's such an altered boy"
-- James W. Buffett

Carnival Triumph, April '02
Carnival Sensation, January '04
Golden Princess, April '04

Carnival Sensation, Golden Princess / Caribbean Princess pix at: [url="http://community.webshots.com/user/mageesworld"]Cool Cruisin' Pix[/url]

e-mail: [email]bobandkarenny@yahoo.com[/email]