same old, same old

[m steve]

I've been to several of the private islands and can't see any difference. The layout is about the same, the food is the same and the drinks are nothing to write home about. It seems it's another way to nickle and dime the passengers and save on port charges. I don't see how this is the highlight of any cruise. What have I missed?:confused:

[Host Star]

there are folks who live in the midwest and have never done a beach day or swam in the beautiful clear waters of the caribbean.. this is definitely a treat, especially for families with little kids who can run off steam in the sand and enjoy a 'water park'.// even tho I live in florida i enjoy the snorkeling at the islands and usually the barbeque is quite good, besides the usual hot dog and hamburg fare there is usually barbeque chicken and ribs.. lots of wonderful fresh fruit, etc..live island music . beach massages, native craft shopping, generally a great day, weather permitting of course

[stoneharborlady]

On our Eastern Caribbean cruise the stop at Princess Cays was my very favorite stop. No crowds with five other ships, no hassle from over agressive vendors, just gorgeous beach, a nice shop, a terrific lunch and that aquamarine colored water, warm, clean and PERFECT!! Maybe if you are not a beach person it would be just another stop to you, but to me it was heaven on earth.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I don't see how passengers are nickled and dimed any more than they are paying exorbitant prices for excursions in "regular" ports of call. Another thing I like is that we can enjoy the island and its amenities without paying a cent except for bottled water. We have the wonderful beach, water, scenery and lounge chairs or hammocks and don't need to pay anything. Only those folks who do pay for the waverunners, parasailing, snorkle and scuba, etc have to pay.

 

Maybe I'd rather have them pay the cruiseline for those services and keep the fare a little lower just as all the good folks who use the casino help keep our fares lower.

 

I don't feel cheated by these private islands. But one does have the option to stay on the ship if a day of sun and fun on a private island is not compelling. Another option is to choose an itinerary that does not include a private island stop.