What is there to do in Caribbean Port over nights?

[Host Jazzbeau]

So where in the Caribbean do you think it is safe? And if it is that bad why do you have a cruise booked there?

 

This is an example of an Azamara itinerary Two overnights and two late departures.

DAY DATE PORT ARRIVE DEPART

Wed Oct 26 New Orleans, LA 6:00pm

Thu Oct 27 At Sea

Fri Oct 28 At Sea

Sat Oct 29 Cancun (Playa del Carmen), Mexico 7:00am 6:00pm

Sat Oct 29 Cozumel, Mexico 8:00pm

Sun Oct 30 Cozumel, Mexico 2:00pm

Mon Oct 31 At Sea

Tue Nov 1 Port Antonio, Jamaica 9:00am 10:00pm

Wed Nov 2 At Sea

Thu Nov 3 La Romana (Casa de Campo), Dominican Republic 8:00am 7:00pm

Fri Nov 4 St. Maarten 6:30pm

Sat Nov 5 St. Maarten 7:00pm

Sun Nov 6 Antigua 8:00am 10:00pm

Mon Nov 7 Nevis, British West Indies 8:00am 6:00pm

Tue Nov 8 Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands 7:30am 4:00pm

Wed Nov 9 At Sea

Thu Nov 10 At Sea

Fri Nov 11 Miami, FL 6:00am

 

Why don't you do your own research?

 

I think you know very well I have been alluding to after dark. Beyond saying that, I don't believe your post merits any further reply.

 

Wow. Just wow.

[janewe]

Yes indeed, crime is everywhere.

 

I see you live in Thornhill, and I note the following headlines:

 

5 of 7 York Region-area suspected gangsters released on bail

Worldwide child pornography investigation leads to arrests in Markham, Richmond Hill, East Gwillimbury, King

Gangs target high-end homes in York Region break-ins

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: The cold cases of York Region

Thornhill man charged in Toronto sex assault

 

You're implying tourists would be unsafe on an overnight cruise in the Caribbean. My question would be how safe are you in Thornhill ? Should people avoid Thornhill because there is violent crime there ?

 

Of course not. There is crime in all of our Communities. Our City has the label of The Murder Capital of Canada. Do tourists avoid coming here ? No, the tourist industry is alive and doing very well. How about Miami ? Not exactly the safest City. Are you saying people shouldn't go there either ?

 

I respect the passion you bring to your argument, but trying to incite fear to make your point leads me to discount your entire argument, and that's too bad as you do have some valid points.

 

Twisted statistical interpretation and fear mongering just don't add anything to your support your position.

I will try to get the Caribbean crime stats to you tomorrow. They were posted on a thread here and they did alarm me.

 

As to the crime in my area? Were you quoting stats over a number of years ? This area is Sleepy Hollow.

 

Trying to incite fear? Not at all, just forewarning people there are dangers in being out over night. I will try to find the stats for you, something like 17 out of 24 worst crime spots per capita but I want to be sure of my facts. Late here on the east coast. Will get back to you in the morning. If I am correct I am sure you will have the good grace to retract your comments.

[Cindy]

I will try to get the Caribbean crime stats to you tomorrow. They were posted on a thread here and they did alarm me.

 

As to the crime in my area? Were you quoting stats over a number of years ? This area is Sleepy Hollow.

 

Trying to incite fear? Not at all, just forewarning people there are dangers in being out over night. I will try to find the stats for you, something like 17 out of 24 worst crime spots per capita but I want to be sure of my facts. Late here on the east coast. Will get back to you in the morning. If I am correct I am sure you will have the good grace to retract your comments.

 

 

I can't speak for others, but what I am sensing in your numerous posts on this issue is that you don't really want to hear anything that might contradict your stance on the overnights.

 

You're upset and angry that your itinerary was changed. I get that. I was more fortunate, and my eliminated port was one that didn't matter to me, so I have a completely different outlook towards my new itinerary. I get that too...I was lucky and others weren't. What I don't understand is your refusal to consider any suggestion or opinion that contradicts your feelings. Why ask, "What's there to do in the evenings in the Caribbean?" if you're going to have an argument or reason to dismiss every suggestion? Do you not think Celebrity looked at crime statistics before they chose cities for overnights? Is it possible that the eliminated ports were problematic in some way (passenger complaints, accessibility, lack of excursions, weather, etc.) and that's why they aren't on an itinerary any longer?

 

I agree with the minority (on Cruise Critic) and I applaud Celebrity's daring move to differentiate themselves from the rest of the mass market cruise products in the Caribbean. Jazzbeau made some excellent points about over-saturation of the market, and as somebody who has cruised five different lines in the Caribbean I think it's high time someone stepped up and tried something new.

Edited June 9, 2015 by Cindy

[AtleeH]

Nothing wrong with trying new/different cruises. In fact it's good. Just to me, Celebrity did the roll out poorly. One of two things should have happened with the roll out. Either the first changes were 18 months out, or if the changes had to be made earlier, just make whole those folks effected who don't like the changes.

 

 

.... and I applaud Celebrity's daring move to differentiate themselves from the rest of the mass market cruise products in the Caribbean. Jazzbeau made some excellent points about over-saturation of the market, and as somebody who has cruised five different lines in the Caribbean I think it's high time someone stepped up and tried something new.

[GottaKnowWhen]

I can't speak for others, but what I am sensing in your numerous posts on this issue is that you don't really want to hear anything that might contradict your stance on the overnights.

 

You're upset and angry that your itinerary was changed. I get that. I was more fortunate, and my eliminated port was one that didn't matter to me, so I have a completely different outlook towards my new itinerary. I get that too...I was lucky and others weren't. What I don't understand is your refusal to consider any suggestion or opinion that contradicts your feelings. Why ask, "What's there to do in the evenings in the Caribbean?" if you're going to have an argument or reason to dismiss every suggestion? Do you not think Celebrity looked at crime statistics before they chose cities for overnights? Is it possible that the eliminated ports were problematic in some way (passenger complaints, accessibility, lack of excursions, weather, etc.) and that's why they aren't on an itinerary any longer?

 

I agree with the minority (on Cruise Critic) and I applaud Celebrity's daring move to differentiate themselves from the rest of the mass market cruise products in the Caribbean. Jazzbeau made some excellent points about over-saturation of the market, and as somebody who has cruised five different lines in the Caribbean I think it's high time someone stepped up and tried something new.

 

Like.

[dswdallas]

Bottom line. I booked for the A B C islands, not A C. I have no issue with them changing itineraries BEFORE they start booking a new cruise.

[janewe]

Yes indeed, crime is everywhere.

 

I see you live in Thornhill, and I note the following headlines:

 

5 of 7 York Region-area suspected gangsters released on bail

Worldwide child pornography investigation leads to arrests in Markham, Richmond Hill, East Gwillimbury, King

Gangs target high-end homes in York Region break-ins

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES: The cold cases of York Region

Thornhill man charged in Toronto sex assault

 

You're implying tourists would be unsafe on an overnight cruise in the Caribbean. My question would be how safe are you in Thornhill ? Should people avoid Thornhill because there is violent crime there ?

 

Of course not. There is crime in all of our Communities. Our City has the label of The Murder Capital of Canada. Do tourists avoid coming here ? No, the tourist industry is alive and doing very well. How about Miami ? Not exactly the safest City. Are you saying people shouldn't go there either ?

 

I respect the passion you bring to your argument, but trying to incite fear to make your point leads me to discount your entire argument, and that's too bad as you do have some valid points.

 

Twisted statistical interpretation and fear mongering just don't add anything to your support your position.

First let me inform you that according to the 2011 census York Region has a population of 1,032,254. Yes, that's over one million. To refute your allegations, it's the safest community in the Country. The handful and I mean handful, five cases you brought up pale in comparison to crime in the Caribbean.

 

I had a feeling there would be a back lash from the Celebrity boosters and I for sure got it. I knew if I made a point there would be a counter point. What I find unfortunate is the minority are missing the point and that's safety after dark. It's being concerned that some of the new over nighters in particular are going to get into trouble. You seem to down play that risk. You seem comfortable condoning over nights in the Caribbean. That does not seem to me to be doing a service and providing useful information, especially to novice travelers by not bringing up potential pit falls.

 

While not wanting to go into an in depth review of crime in the region, hopefully the following will suffice:

 

The Guardian - winner of the 2014 Pulitzer prize: Caribbean high crime hindering development, 20,000 surveyed across the region, almost 10% surveyed had been victims of crime in the 12 months leading up to the survey.

 

Caribbean News Now: Bahama murder rate third highest in region (pop. 351,000, 120 murders). St Kitts (pop 46,000, 21 murders). For comparison purposes York Region with its over 1 million pop had 8 murders in the latest report I could find.

 

According to the U.S. State Dept, Bureau of Diplomatic Security the Eastern Caribbean Islands ( Antigua , St Kitts etc ) crime rating = High. To the West they have Curacao as Medium risk (Canada is Low risk) but it should be noted armed robberies have increased to 503. These are the facts, it's not scare mongering.

 

You are of course welcome to your opinion, it's just a pity you don't respect mine by the tone of your remarks. If I make a point I will be pilled on by you and the other minority boosters. I don't think it will serve any valuable purpose from here to prolong the discussion, at least from my perspective. I will be ready for comments such as

"twisted statistical interpretation and fear mongering" and will be do my best to ignore them.

Edited June 9, 2015 by janewe

[wallie5446]

Well I think we can all agree that our way of life in North America is the best to be found anywhere on the globe.

 

In virtuall every foreign country we have traveled to they have military on the corner with big guns at the ready, well except for Grand Caymen, it is about like being at home, but a lot prettier!:D

 

The back n forth we find ourselves at, in the point of the conversation, is of no benefit to anyone.

 

My wife and I run, well we call it running, the faster peeps don't think so;)

A friend 60 yr old, stepped out his door last week, 2 steps later, he was gone.

So let's return to sharing what there is to experience while sitting on the bow of a catermeran with a cool drink in our hand, laughing with new found friends, as we watch the sun slowly sink on the distant horizon, into the deep blue sea.

As the light's of a city come on one by one and etch their post card in our memory.

Calm sea's, soft sand, and a cloudless sky.

[norwegianwood57]

Bottom line. I booked for the A B C islands, not A C. I have no issue with them changing itineraries BEFORE they start booking a new cruise.

 

And that is the topic of this thread.

 

Dont change what people booked. Do it for itineraries that have not been made available yet. Hear that Celebrity, I doubt it.

[chamima]

Bottom line. I booked for the A B C islands, not A C. I have no issue with them changing itineraries BEFORE they start booking a new cruise.

 

And that is the topic of this thread.

 

Dont change what people booked. Do it for itineraries that have not been made available yet. Hear that Celebrity, I doubt it.

 

 

 

Another vote for this!

[cle-guy]

You seem to be very well informed. Can you shed some light on the drop in expenses.

I know fuel costs are down but what about the the other items "on board and other expenses, other operating expenses". I haven't perused the annual report but you probable have.

 

Where have they cut back? Thanks

 

Here's a link to the Q1 10Q filed with SEC.

 

The recap of revenue and expense variation is summed up as follows, mostly due to unusual non-operating type costs.

 

� An unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our passenger ticket and onboard and other revenue transactions denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, resulting in a decrease to total revenues of $82.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.

 

� A favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to our cruise operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, resulting in a decrease to cruise operating expenses of $32.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014;

 

� A decrease of $35.0 million and $32.2 million to total revenues and cruises operating expenses, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 due to Pullmantur's non-core businesses that were sold in 2014;

 

� Total revenues, excluding the unfavorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the decrease in revenues from the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses discussed above, increased 2.4% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a 3.6% increase in capacity, net of the unfavorable impact of the change in our voyage proration, partially offset by a decrease in ticket prices for Caribbean sailings;

 

� Total Cruise operating expenses, excluding the favorable effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the decrease in cruise operating expenses from the sale of Pullmantur's non-core businesses discussed above, decreased 1.3% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 from the corresponding period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in fuel prices, mostly offset by the increase in capacity discussed above, net of the favorable impact of the change in our voyage proration; and

 

� As of September 30, 2014, we changed our voyage recognition methodology and recognize passenger ticket revenues, revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating costs for all of our uncompleted voyages on a pro-rata basis. The effect of the change is a decrease to net income of $32.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014.

 

Payroll and food expenses are up slightly actually.

Edited June 9, 2015 by cle-guy

[villauk]

Well I think we can all agree that our way of life in North America is the best to be found anywhere on the globe.

 

In virtuall every foreign country we have traveled to they have military on the corner with big guns at the ready, well except for Grand Caymen, it is about like being at home, but a lot prettier!:D

 

You have never visited the north of England then :rolleyes:? The only military we ever see are the band that perform when there's a town carnival :D.

[ghstudio]

Well I think we can all agree that our way of life in North America is the best to be found anywhere on the globe.

 

In virtuall every foreign country we have traveled to they have military on the corner with big guns at the ready, well except for Grand Caymen, it is about like being at home, but a lot prettier!:D

 

 

Wow...that's a pretty bold assertion about our way of life. I love america, but I'd have a hard time asserting that our way of life is the best....There are lots of good places to live in the world. "Best" is relative to what you value and anywhere you choose to live is a compromise.

 

You really need to travel more. Guns on every corner are the exception, not the rule. I see more armed police here in the US in one day than I saw in my entire 17 days in Portugal last month.

 

IMHO, the Caribbean islands are no better or worse than many other countries where there is much poverty and (perceived) wealthy tourists. Some countries even have tourist police (egypt, columbia,....) I would not wander around any of them at night or on very quiet back streets even during the day.

 

Caribbean overnights are not our cup of tea....but we just won't book these cruises. On the other hand, we enjoyed our overnights in Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City...lots to do and the cities are far from the ship so we stayed at hotels in the cities.

Edited June 9, 2015 by ghstudio

[villauk]

 

Caribbean overnights are not our cup of tea....but we just won't book these cruises. On the other hand, we enjoyed our overnights in Bangkok, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City...lots to do and the cities are far from the ship so we stayed at hotels in the cities.

 

Pleased to read this as that's exactly what we'll be doing next year :). Now I'll just go and reinstate Action Man back on to the edge of our lawn - good job we've got him to keep an eye on Barbie :p :D.

[WpgCruise]

IMHO, the Caribbean islands are no better or worse than many other countries where there is much poverty and (perceived) wealthy tourists. Some countries even have tourist police (egypt, columbia,....) I would not wander around any of them at night or on very quiet back streets even during the day.

QUOTE]

 

And therein lies the truth. There are many areas of the Cities we live in that have crime problems, and I wouldn't venture into them alone at night on a bet.

 

It remains to be seen what options Celebrity will provide for these overnight stops. It may well be we will be left to our own devices, but I am hoping Celebrity organizes something along the lines of the Azamara Amazing Evenings.

 

Time will tell, but either way I'm sure looking forward to the change and opportunity to see and do more than the usual 9:00-5:00 port stop.

Edited June 9, 2015 by WpgCruise

[ghstudio]

Cle-guy....

 

what does this mean? Can you translate into english?

 

� As of September 30, 2014, we changed our voyage recognition methodology and recognize passenger ticket revenues, revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating costs for all of our uncompleted voyages on a pro-rata basis.

Edited June 9, 2015 by ghstudio

[cle-guy]

Cle-guy....

 

what does this mean? Can you translate into english?

 

� As of September 30, 2014, we changed our voyage recognition methodology and recognize passenger ticket revenues, revenues from onboard and other goods and services and all associated cruise operating costs for all of our uncompleted voyages on a pro-rata basis.

 

LOL, yes I can, we had similar issues with my business.

 

Basically, accountants have to determine at what moment in time to "recognize revenue and expenses" and move it off the balance sheet from the Advanced Billings liability accounts and Prepaid Expenses assets accounts. When you pay for a cruise today to take next year, they don't call my payment today "revenue", it's an "advanced billing" and sits on the Balance Sheet till I cruise when it's moved to the P&L.

 

X used to recognize revenue on the final day of each cruise rather than on a daily basis - but they changed methodology in September last year.

 

So a 14 night cruise that left Feb 21 would not have had any of the onboard income or expenses for the 21-28th recognized in February, it would all be done on March 7, thus March Income looks heavy and February income looks light.

 

They now recognize it on a daily basis - "pro-rata" - so end of month they are making accruals to account or the work done in february to be recognized in February.

Edited June 9, 2015 by cle-guy

[Host Jazzbeau]

Relevant to this discussion: buried in Curt's 10Q quote above is a note that increased revenues from expanded capacity were "partially offset by a decrease in ticket prices for Caribbean sailings." Bingo! This is why Celebrity feels the need to shake things up with their Caribbean sailings.

[Oceangoer2]

I've been trying to find a sunset cruise now that we're overnighting in St Martin. So there's one on the French side? Is that through Celebrity? I don't see one listed on their excursion page. Any help given is appreciated.

[hcat]

Sorry, can't help you out...we may do same if an official excursion is offered in Aruba...and in Cozumel we'll more than likely be staying on the ship at night...

 

I think Celebrity will be lining some things up now that they have announced the switches...maybe you can call direct to the excursion dept for info...,

 

and the port boards may also offer ideas...at least for the "safer" ports

[wallie5446]

I've been trying to find a sunset cruise now that we're overnighting in St Martin. So there's one on the French side? Is that through Celebrity? I don't see one listed on their excursion page. Any help given is appreciated.

 

The cruise line normally set's the contracts with the local providers 6 months out. We have 6 on our RC booked with Capt Bob Cass. I'll find his web site, he does sunset tours too. His info may be on the St Maarten board too.

Edited June 9, 2015 by wallie5446

[chamima]

The cruise line normally set's the contracts with the local providers 6 months out. We have 6 on our RC booked with Capt Bob Cass. I'll find his web site, he does sunset tours too. His info may be on the St Maarten board too.

 

 

 

Just a heads up on booking with him.

My husband hurt himself on our last cruise and we had to cancel our tour with him. It was literally only several hours past his "cancel" window and we lost our deposit.

Might have been smart for him in the short term but not in the long run. :(

[Cindy]

Sorry, can't help you out...we may do same if an official excursion is offered in Aruba...and in Cozumel we'll more than likely be staying on the ship at night...

 

I think Celebrity will be lining some things up now that they have announced the switches...maybe you can call direct to the excursion dept for info...,

 

and the port boards may also offer ideas...at least for the "safer" ports

 

The cruise line normally set's the contracts with the local providers 6 months out. We have 6 on our RC booked with Capt Bob Cass. I'll find his web site, he does sunset tours too. His info may be on the St Maarten board too.

 

They seem to be very slow about updating the website so that the published itineraries and shore excursion offerings match the new reality. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I'm not surprised that the web information is lagging behind!:rolleyes:

 

I feel certain Celebrity will be offering evening excursions in the overnight ports. When they'll get those posted and linked to the right day on booked guests' cruise planners is anybody's guess!

Edited June 9, 2015 by Cindy

[wallie5446]

Just a heads up on booking with him.

My husband hurt himself on our last cruise and we had to cancel our tour with him. It was literally only several hours past his "cancel" window and we lost our deposit.

Might have been smart for him in the short term but not in the long run. :(

 

Thanks Karen!

 

Same thing happened to our group in 2013, one had knee surgery, but we got it cancelled before hand. We ended up doing our own beach buffet from the Get Wet Beach Bar at Great Bay!

[wallie5446]

They seem to be very slow about updating the website so that the published itineraries and shore excursion offerings match the new reality. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I'm not surprised that the web information is lagging behind!:rolleyes:

 

I feel certain Celebrity will be offering evening excursions in the overnight ports. When they'll get those posted and linked to the right day on booked guests' cruise planners is anybody's guess!

 

In my slow thinking :D I feel X picked the ports to do this in because of a strong owner/operator tour Co base, so they will have the 6-8-12 months to begin to design tours. A strong and diverse existing base has to already be in place, St Maarten has that.

 

Example, Bernard's Tours, many of us on CC have gone on one of their tours.. Great people, but current tours are designed around the hours ships are in port. Now they have a whole new time slot opened up to build business on. Their tours are not offered thru the cruise line.

 

I agree Cindy, that it will be a bit before there will be options listed in 'My Cruise Planner' for new tours.

EW

 

( ps: the A&M baseball team played a great series )