Q&A - Just back Oasis B2B - Ask away!

[ClevelandRocks!]

Avoid: Dolphin excursions at Chankanab in Cozumel. Details will be in the report.

 

Oh No! We have booked this Dolphin excursion during our 7/5 Oasis sailing. Can you give me a hint as to why you didn't like it? Should we book something else? Thank you for your info. and I'm looking forward to your trip report.

[marklodi]

Oh No! We have booked this Dolphin excursion during our 7/5 Oasis sailing. Can you give me a hint as to why you didn't like it? Should we book something else? Thank you for your info. and I'm looking forward to your trip report.

 

Hi Janet,

 

To quote Douglas Adams, "Don't Panic!" :D

 

Please remember these are just our honest opinions, and you may have a fantastic time. To clarify for you, we did the Dolphin Encounter ($78 per person). Short summary - they sent us via taxi to Chankanab, then into the Dolphin Center. We were clearly told no cameras allowed, and the closest area for observers is way too far away to take any pics. We knew about this, so this was not a surprise.

 

What was a surprise is how this basically turned into a sales tool for their photos. We all stood in a line on a platform in a pen, the dolphin swam by for all of us to touch (this part was fun), and then one at a time, we stepped forward and touched to dolphins fins, then kissed it on the nose, and finally it kissed us on the cheek. At each step, we were told to turn and smile for the camera. Overall TOTAL interaction time with the dolphin: less than 5 minutes. And the kicker? We asked if we could have a picture together with the dolphin (our 25th anniversary) and were told no.

 

Once complete, we were immediately escorted into the gift shop and photo kiosks manned by salespeople. We were not allowed to change clothes, shower or dry off, anything. We were shown the pictures, which were well shot, and then told just ONE picture was $38 - for a 5x8, no frame, either digital or printed. And the prices and packages just went up from there.

 

We could not believe the price gouging going on! This was special for my wife, so we bought the one with her and the dolphin kissing her cheek. But we have zero photos of me with the dolphins - a combination of our budget and how angry we were with their tactics. We were so ticked, that we immediately left and headed back to the ship, skipping the other things Chankanab offered.

 

Now again, I will have a much more detailed account in our report, and you will find a dozen threads about this tour (and others like it) and the pricing in the Cozumel forum here on Cruise Critic. Some people agree the pricing is insane and a rip off, while other feel it is acceptable and if you can afford a cruise, you can afford these photo prices.

 

Anyway, as I mentioned, this is strictly our opinion and I would not begrudge anyone who said they loved it and thought the pricing was reasonable. So many factors form an opinion, and that's all I can offer. I hope it helps in some way. :)

 

Have a great time!

Edited May 26, 2014 by marklodi

[ClevelandRocks!]

Thanks, Mark for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate the additional information. I have read those reviews of the Dolphin excursion and I agree their photo prices are nuts. We're doing this one really for our two kids. We planned to just suck it up and pay their photo prices.

 

That is terrible that they wouldn't let the two of you take a picture together. Congratulations on your 25th!

[marklodi]

Thanks, Mark for your thoughtful reply. I appreciate the additional information. I have read those reviews of the Dolphin excursion and I agree their photo prices are nuts. We're doing this one really for our two kids. We planned to just suck it up and pay their photo prices.

 

That is terrible that they wouldn't let the two of you take a picture together. Congratulations on your 25th!

 

Thanks Janet. And who knows - you may get a trainer/photographer that lets you take a family shot. Never hurts to ask, and could save you some $. :)

 

Anyone else with any questions, please let me know.

[brookmill18]

I can't wait to read your trip report--we go back in July!

 

I don't want to hijack the thread, but it sounds like you did the dolphin excursion and not the dolphin swim? We did the dolphin swim 2 years ago, but did NOT book through RCCL--did it directly through Chankanaab and while the photo scam is the same, we had about 25-30 min in the water swimming with the dolphins. The CC port forum was great with specific and accurate info.

 

Sorry to put in my 2cents--can't wait to hear more!!!

[marklodi]

I can't wait to read your trip report--we go back in July!

 

I don't want to hijack the thread, but it sounds like you did the dolphin excursion and not the dolphin swim? We did the dolphin swim 2 years ago, but did NOT book through RCCL--did it directly through Chankanaab and while the photo scam is the same, we had about 25-30 min in the water swimming with the dolphins. The CC port forum was great with specific and accurate info.

 

Sorry to put in my 2cents--can't wait to hear more!!!

 

No worries. You are correct - the excursion was the Dolphin Encounter through Royal Caribbean. We were in the water a good 30 minutes or so, just spent most of it watching others being posed for the cameras. Had my wife done the swim on her own (I do not swim), she would most definitely have had more one-on-one time. I almost chose that for her and sat out, but with it being our anniversary and me being able to do this specific version, she wanted me there with her. :)

[roe2ship]

I'm looking forward to reading your review.

 

With the royal replenish package, were you able to get Pellegrino water? I read a review a couple of weeks ago (different ship) that they could not get Pellegrino with the package.

[marklodi]

I'm looking forward to reading your review.

 

With the royal replenish package, were you able to get Pellegrino water? I read a review a couple of weeks ago (different ship) that they could not get Pellegrino with the package.

 

On that, I am not sure. We do not drink sparkling water, just still, so I never tried. Sorry. :(

 

EDIT: Just wanted to add that there WAS a sparkling water offered, I am just not sure which was included. I can also tell you that Evian is NOT included. We were once offered it at a specialty restaurant. When I showed my sea pass and said I had the RR package, they pulled back the Evian and got us the regular bottled water. I also believe Perrier is on ship, but also not part of the package. I never really paid attention, even though we must have drank a dozen bottles, but I think the regular bottled water is Aquafina.

Edited May 27, 2014 by marklodi

[Wildcatfish]

We are looking forward to your full review! Can't wait to see the photos of your cabana. Wondering why you thought #8 was the best cabana? We've never had a cabana at Labadee and are very much looking forward to a fun and relaxing beach day.

[marklodi]

We are looking forward to your full review! Can't wait to see the photos of your cabana. Wondering why you thought #8 was the best cabana? We've never had a cabana at Labadee and are very much looking forward to a fun and relaxing beach day.

 

Hi - The location really is perfect, and is shaded. I'll have to ask your patience for the report and pictures, as then you'll see exactly what I mean. :)

[dfa1]

Were there any movies shown outside (perhaps at the Aqua Theater)? My dd's are looking forward to watching a movie outside one evening.

 

Thanks

[jaredgold33]

Hi Mark,

 

Can you talk about the "new" specialty restaurant package? Also, do you happen to know anything about kids pricing at those restaurants? On the online cruise planner, it says "kids eat for less, inquire aboard"

 

Thanks!

[marklodi]

Were there any movies shown outside (perhaps at the Aqua Theater)? My dd's are looking forward to watching a movie outside one evening.

 

Thanks

 

Yes, there were movies shown at both the Aqua Theater (outside) and the Opal Theater in 3-D (inside) during the week. The movies that were playing will be in the Compass scans I will be posting. Off the top of my head, I know they showed the One Direction In Concert movie at the Aqua Theater multiple times during the two weeks we were there.

[marklodi]

Hi Mark,

 

Can you talk about the "new" specialty restaurant package? Also, do you happen to know anything about kids pricing at those restaurants? On the online cruise planner, it says "kids eat for less, inquire aboard"

 

Thanks!

 

You may have noticed that there isn't a way to pre-order the specialty dining packages online any more (at least that was what we experienced). On our second leg (Eastern), we had ordered and pre-paid for 3 specialty restaurants, including one the first night (Saturday). At the Consecutive Cruisers meeting the previous Thursday, they told us anyone eating at a Specialty Restaurant that first night would receive 20% off. I asked the Specialty Dining rep at that meeting if that would apply to us, as we had already pre-paid. He said no, new reservations only. HOWEVER, because we had pre-paid for 3 specialty restaurants, we would receive the dining package automatically - meaning 20% off ALL three restaurants - as a credit back to our account. Sure enough, the second night of the cruise, we saw a credit back to our account for the difference.

 

Bottom line, the package is applied automatically as a credit. You do not "pre-select" it online. I do not, however, know how this applies to those booking on the ship, though I would imagine you could get the same package.

 

As for kids pricing, I did not see anything about reduced rates for kids, so perhaps this is something through Adventure Ocean (the kids program). Sorry - it was just the two of us, so I don't have any info on kids programs.

Edited May 27, 2014 by marklodi

[LissyTx]

Hello, excited to read the review.

 

Two of my questions are actually ones you listed:

- How the "new" specialty dining packages are handled

- How did luggage valet combined with a Florida excursion on departure day worked

 

Interested in the FL excursion as we have several hours before our flight home.

 

Thanks!

[WestfieldTraveler]

Hi Sue,

As an update, I've spent the past 6 hours scanning compasses and other docs we brought home, and have about another 4 hours to go. I will have a TON of material for everyone once I have all of the scans done, photos sorted and dive into the trip report itself.

:)

 

Looks like the beginning of a great mega-review! When you organize the scans of the documents will you be using something like flickr that can allow you to download a batch of the images at the same time, as well as providing individual links? We're doing the Oasis western itinerary in August and it would be great to just download those to my computer to refer to off-line.

[Bradtez]

Looking forward to your review, especially how the consecutive cruiser part works as we also are taking a B2B in Dec and staying in boardwalk cabin #12323.

[clo6216]

Thank you for taking the time to do this report. We are trying to decide which ship to sail back from Europe in October. Oasis has the best date for us, but I've been hesitant to book because I don't have enough knowledge about this class of ship to pick a "good" cabin, dining venues, etc. Itinerary not important as it is a mostly seadays transatlantic cruise. So, I'm looking forward to learning about the ship in what promises to be a terrific read! If you went to the Diamond Lounge, would appreciate your opinion about that, too. Thanks again.

[marklodi]

Hello, excited to read the review.

 

Two of my questions are actually ones you listed:

- How the "new" specialty dining packages are handled

- How did luggage valet combined with a Florida excursion on departure day worked

 

Interested in the FL excursion as we have several hours before our flight home.

 

Thanks!

 

Hi,

 

Please see the reply right above your post for notes on the Dining Package - basically it is applied automatically if you book and pre-pay. It should be a credit on your onboard account the first or second night. If you don't see it, be sure to ask.

 

The luggage valet combined with the Florida excursion worked great. Details in the coming report, but here is a quick outline:

 

1. Fill out the Luggage Valet form you receive with your Cruise Compass on, I believe, Tuesday night. You can also get this at Guest Services.

2. Turn in with Guest Services. Do not just leave for your attendant, as Guest Services will verify your confirmation number and details with you.

3. Sign up for your excursion early (or even book before you get on board).

4. You will receive your excursion tickets usually the next day (or they will be waiting for you when you board if you ordered online). They should tell you to meet in Studio B Saturday morning at 7am.

5. You will receive your Luggage Valet envelope Friday morning - it will have your Ship Luggage Valet tags, your Airline baggage tags, and your boarding passes.

6. Attach the luggage valet and airline luggage tags to the bags your are checking and set outside your cabin between 7pm and 11pm Friday night.

7. Meet at Studio B at 7am Saturday morning with your carryon items AND your passports (and customs declaration form, of course).

8. You will be given a sticker to wear to identify you to the tour operators downstairs, then told when to proceed through checking off the ship with your Sea Pass card, through customs with your passport and form, then out to the tour buses waiting all the way to the right of the terminal.

9. Your carry on items are locked under the bus during the excursion, and the driver stays with the bus so you can leave items inside as well if you like. My laptop case stayed (locked) stowed above our seats on the bus and it was fine.

10. When finished, you will be dropped off at either Ft. Lauderdale or Miami airport.

 

That's it! You'll get your checked luggage when you reach your final destination. Ours were some of the first off the plane in SFO. So easy and handy! Definitely the way to go in the future. :)

[kerrydee]

thank you, mark. i am posting so i will get notification of future posts. i cannot wait for the mega review.

[marklodi]

Looks like the beginning of a great mega-review! When you organize the scans of the documents will you be using something like flickr that can allow you to download a batch of the images at the same time, as well as providing individual links? We're doing the Oasis western itinerary in August and it would be great to just download those to my computer to refer to off-line.

 

Actually, they will be individual searchable PDF files with a few jpgs thrown in where it makes sense. I will most likely be using public links from my Dropbox account, but have not fully tested yet. I will post here when they are ready.

[marklodi]

Looking forward to your review, especially how the consecutive cruiser part works as we also are taking a B2B in Dec and staying in boardwalk cabin #12323.

 

It was handled soooo smoothly, I was very impressed. Definitely will have details on that in the report. (Who the heck labeled it a "mega-review"??? Yikes! No pressure, right? Lol. :D )

[marklodi]

Thank you for taking the time to do this report. We are trying to decide which ship to sail back from Europe in October. Oasis has the best date for us, but I've been hesitant to book because I don't have enough knowledge about this class of ship to pick a "good" cabin, dining venues, etc. Itinerary not important as it is a mostly seadays transatlantic cruise. So, I'm looking forward to learning about the ship in what promises to be a terrific read! If you went to the Diamond Lounge, would appreciate your opinion about that, too. Thanks again.

 

Gosh, I wish we were Diamond, but sadly, just Gold.

 

We did, however, pass through the Concierge Lounge heading towards the Chef's Table. It definitely gets LOUD in there....details in the review.... ;)

[roe2ship]

On that, I am not sure. We do not drink sparkling water, just still, so I never tried. Sorry. :(

 

EDIT: Just wanted to add that there WAS a sparkling water offered, I am just not sure which was included. I can also tell you that Evian is NOT included. We were once offered it at a specialty restaurant. When I showed my sea pass and said I had the RR package, they pulled back the Evian and got us the regular bottled water. I also believe Perrier is on ship, but also not part of the package. I never really paid attention, even though we must have drank a dozen bottles, but I think the regular bottled water is Aquafina.

Thanks, you read my mind with your edited post. On Celebrity, we got the Evian included in the package. Really wish Royal would do the same.

[marklodi]

Thanks, you read my mind with your edited post. On Celebrity, we got the Evian included in the package. Really wish Royal would do the same.

 

One quick followup: in the Cabana on Labadee, the 6 waters provided WERE Evian. For what it's worth. :)