Various Spirit questions and 1 Grand Cayman question

[cruiseat50]

1. We booked this cruise very late (after final payment) and have had a lot of major life issues to deal with after we did so I didn't have time to book the tour I wanted in Grand Cayman with Native Way.:mad: Anyway we just want to go to stingray city and rum point but haven't found a excursion company who does that and don't really want to go snorkeling. But we may end up going ahead and booking on that does src and snorkel as I really want to take BFF to see/experience this. I will go ahead and book this but is there a chance to find something like this when we get off the ship? I know in some ports they have a ton of companies wanting to get your business but not sure about Grand Cayman.

 

2. DH called CAS today and asked if we buy the OBC if we get the money out at the casino would we be charged the 3% and he was told that no we would not. I do believe I have read on CC that you would be charged but could it be possible that this is not done on the Spirit?

 

3. In this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1740735&highlight=stardust+on+the+spirit it appears that in pics of the Stardust theater (posts 12-15) that there are special gold seats at the front and on the balconies. The look more comfy than the rest and was wondering are these for those in suites or is there other reasons for these?

 

Thank you for any information you can provide.:)

[cruiseat50]

4. What is the price for the spa pass for the week?

[Debala715]

1) Can't answer as I've not been

 

2) I did read somewhere while on the Spirit last week about the 3% fee, so I would think you would be, but I'm not positive.

 

3) They are marked for Handicap guests.

 

4) No idea as I didn't even enter the spa area last week.

[bookbabe]

1. We booked this cruise very late (after final payment) and have had a lot of major life issues to deal with after we did so I didn't have time to book the tour I wanted in Grand Cayman with Native Way.:mad: Anyway we just want to go to stingray city and rum point but haven't found a excursion company who does that and don't really want to go snorkeling. But we may end up going ahead and booking on that does src and snorkel as I really want to take BFF to see/experience this. I will go ahead and book this but is there a chance to find something like this when we get off the ship? I know in some ports they have a ton of companies wanting to get your business but not sure about Grand Cayman.

 

Rum Point is at the far side of the island, about a 45 minute drive from the cruise port. The only private excursion company I know of that goes there is Nativeway, as a stop on one of their Stingray City excursions. Most of the other companies offer a snorkel stop (or two) instead. I highly doubt you will find a stingray excursion at the port that also stops at Rum Point.

 

Your options are:

- ask to be on a waiting list with Nativeway and keep your fingers crossed

- go on a regular stingray excursion and then stop at Seven Mile Beach on your way back, as it's much closer to the port area

- skip Stingray City, and rent a car and head to Rum Point on your own for the day

 

You'll also find lots of other info and options for Grand Cayman in the Ports of Call forum...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=147

[jackson bernard]

1. We booked this cruise very late (after final payment) and have had a lot of major life issues to deal with after we did so I didn't have time to book the tour I wanted in Grand Cayman with Native Way.:mad: Anyway we just want to go to stingray city and rum point but haven't found a excursion company who does that and don't really want to go snorkeling. But we may end up going ahead and booking on that does src and snorkel as I really want to take BFF to see/experience this. I will go ahead and book this but is there a chance to find something like this when we get off the ship? I know in some ports they have a ton of companies wanting to get your business but not sure about Grand Cayman.

 

2. DH called CAS today and asked if we buy the OBC if we get the money out at the casino would we be charged the 3% and he was told that no we would not. I do believe I have read on CC that you would be charged but could it be possible that this is not done on the Spirit?

 

3. In this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1740735&highlight=stardust+on+the+spirit it appears that in pics of the Stardust theater (posts 12-15) that there are special gold seats at the front and on the balconies. The look more comfy than the rest and was wondering are these for those in suites or is there other reasons for these?

 

Thank you for any information you can provide.:)

 

 

When we got off the tender in grand cayman we got talked into a tour by people holding yellow signs in the terminal building. It was a boat ride to stingray city and a stop for snorkeling. Turned out to be a big mistake and probably one of the worst things we ever did. We were crammed into a bus and driven to a boatyard 1/2 hour away. Then packed tile sardines on a small boat do a 45 minute boat ride to stingray city in very choppy water. Some had no place to sit and there was very little shade in the boat.

 

We then stopped for snorkeling in very choppy water again.

 

After that the pukefest started the whole way back. Never again. Don't believe them when they say the boat won't be crowded.

[cruiseat50]

1. We booked this cruise very late (after final payment) and have had a lot of major life issues to deal with after we did so I didn't have time to book the tour I wanted in Grand Cayman with Native Way.:mad: Anyway we just want to go to stingray city and rum point but haven't found a excursion company who does that and don't really want to go snorkeling. But we may end up going ahead and booking on that does src and snorkel as I really want to take BFF to see/experience this. I will go ahead and book this but is there a chance to find something like this when we get off the ship? I know in some ports they have a ton of companies wanting to get your business but not sure about Grand Cayman.

 

2. DH called CAS today and asked if we buy the OBC if we get the money out at the casino would we be charged the 3% and he was told that no we would not. I do believe I have read on CC that you would be charged but could it be possible that this is not done on the Spirit?

 

3. In this thread http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1740735&highlight=stardust+on+the+spirit it appears that in pics of the Stardust theater (posts 12-15) that there are special gold seats at the front and on the balconies. The look more comfy than the rest and was wondering are these for those in suites or is there other reasons for these?

 

Thank you for any information you can provide.:)

 

4. What is the price for the spa pass for the week?

 

1. Ok, it looks like this is a definite NO! I won't wait to try to find something there.

 

2. Anyone out there know for sure that we wouldn't be charged the 3%?

 

3. I thought at first they may be for HC but they also have them on the balconies which sometimes are reserved for suites.

 

4. Still would like to know what price is.:)

 

Thanks and hopefully will get some more answers to these questions

[cruiseat50]

bump ;)

[escentialssoycandles]

https://www.mobydicktours.com/

 

Is who I always use for Stingray City.

 

I also found this Stingray City/Rum Point Tour.

http://www.redsailcayman.com/stingray-city-sandbar-rum-point-tour/details

 

FYI the Sandbar was closed this last week, so it may not be open when you sail.

[kjquilts]

 

if NCL has the Nature Advenyure and Stingray City excursion I highly recommend it. Price is only $35 per person. There were only a couple of reviews but we decided to take a chance since price was so reasonable. The land portion was better than expected and Stingray City portion was great. The large boat they use was not crowded and we got there at a good time so had plenty of time with the rays.

[mexico8]

1. Ok, it looks like this is a definite NO! I won't wait to try to find something there.

 

2. Anyone out there know for sure that we wouldn't be charged the 3%?

 

3. I thought at first they may be for HC but they also have them on the balconies which sometimes are reserved for suites.In the front row the gold chairs are not that comfortable because th backs on them are low. I preferred the second row because we had more leg room and people could get by without our having to get up. A few of the gold chairs have handicap cloths but majority are for anyone to use (except children).

 

4. Still would like to know what price is.:)

 

Thanks and hopefully will get some more answers to these questions

 

"]In the front row the gold chairs are not that comfortable because the backs on them are low. I preferred the second row because we had more leg room and people could get by without our having to get up. A few of the gold chairs have handicap cloths but majority are for anyone to use (except children).[/color]

[bpmalaskabound]

We ended up booking out Stingray City Tour with Captain Marvin's. We really wanted to do Rum Point as well or at least something with a catamaran. Unfortunately with the time we will be in port, Captain Marvin's was the only company we could find to accommodate us.

[SuzyLovesNCL]

I vacation on the east end of GC to scuba dive at least twice a year and have done both visits many times, just on days when the cruise ships aren't in town!

 

If you want to do Rum Point and Stingray City, just book an excursion to Rum Point, or as another poster suggested, rent a car and get to Rum point. From there, they offer boat trips out to Stingray City. Search for Rum Point Grand Cayman and go to the activities page.

[cruiseat50]

Rum Point is at the far side of the island, about a 45 minute drive from the cruise port. The only private excursion company I know of that goes there is Nativeway, as a stop on one of their Stingray City excursions. Most of the other companies offer a snorkel stop (or two) instead. I highly doubt you will find a stingray excursion at the port that also stops at Rum Point.

 

Your options are:

- ask to be on a waiting list with Nativeway and keep your fingers crossed

- go on a regular stingray excursion and then stop at Seven Mile Beach on your way back, as it's much closer to the port area

- skip Stingray City, and rent a car and head to Rum Point on your own for the day

 

You'll also find lots of other info and options for Grand Cayman in the Ports of Call forum...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=147

 

Thanks but I have gone to the ports of call forum and endlessly checked any that were mentioned. I will have DH try once more for Nativeway but not hopeful at all. :(

[cruiseat50]

https://www.mobydicktours.com/

 

Is who I always use for Stingray City.

 

I also found this Stingray City/Rum Point Tour.

http://www.redsailcayman.com/stingray-city-sandbar-rum-point-tour/details

 

FYI the Sandbar was closed this last week, so it may not be open when you sail.

 

I tried both of these but no luck. :( Oh, I hope it is... really want bff to experience at least this on our trip.

[cruiseat50]

 

if NCL has the Nature Advenyure and Stingray City excursion I highly recommend it. Price is only $35 per person. There were only a couple of reviews but we decided to take a chance since price was so reasonable. The land portion was better than expected and Stingray City portion was great. The large boat they use was not crowded and we got there at a good time so had plenty of time with the rays.

 

I had looked at this but was discouraged when I read this in the description:

 

Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.

 

DH has problems with these and I can't stand for long myself so unfortunately I don't think this one is an option.:(

[cruiseat50]

I vacation on the east end of GC to scuba dive at least twice a year and have done both visits many times, just on days when the cruise ships aren't in town!

 

If you want to do Rum Point and Stingray City, just book an excursion to Rum Point, or as another poster suggested, rent a car and get to Rum point. From there, they offer boat trips out to Stingray City. Search for Rum Point Grand Cayman and go to the activities page.

 

I did google them and found the Rum point club but it looks like the only SRC tours is through Red Sail Sports and I tried to book with them but no luck. Will have DH try again tomorrow.

 

Thanks all for trying and if anyone has any other info. to try please let me know.

[cruiseat50]

Thank you all for the suggestions for the excursion and we finally found one to book with that goes to SRC and snorkel at Coral Garden. Oh well, it will be fun even if we miss Rum Point. We booked with Duncan's Stingray City Adventures so hopefully they turn out to be a good company.

[WackyWayne]

I may have seen this thread too late.

 

But if this something that appeals to you, I can highly recommend it.

http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/StingrayCityWaverunner.htm

Grand Cayman Wave Runner Stingray City and Rum Point Tour

[readruntravel]

 

2. DH called CAS today and asked if we buy the OBC if we get the money out at the casino would we be charged the 3% and he was told that no we would not. I do believe I have read on CC that you would be charged but could it be possible that this is not done on the Spirit?

 

 

I'm a little confused. You want to buy OBC and use it at the casino? Or is "buy" a typo?

 

I had onboard credit that I received from Norwegian as a booking bonus. In order to get the money out at the casino, there is a 3% charge and it's a minimum of $100. This is what I was told on the Spirit on November 23.