SaveTheSharks

Thanks for the replies all. I was hoping to see if anyone had first-hand experiences using the shuttle. If it's actually reliable and efficient, I don't see the need to spend for an Uber/Taxi if I don't need to. I've also seen the Taxi line on debarkation, and it's nuts.

Has anyone used the AVIS rental car shuttle to/from the cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale Port Everglades? Specifically, the one located in 2520 Miami Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Would love to hear your experience. I'm wondering if the shuttle service is frequent and reliable, what the line-ups/wait time are like, etc I'm thinking of renting a car from them and using the shuttle they offer - both ways, going to the cruise terminal pre-cruise and post-cruise from the cruise terminal back to AVIS.

I will also add, for CURACAO.... We rented a car from the cruise port and drove to Grote Knip beach. Such a beautiful beach and TONS of snorkelling available in that area. From there, we also went to Cas Abao beach. Another wonderful beach spot that also had great snorkelling. Drove back to the port after gassing the rental car up to return it --- and had lots of time to also explore Willemstad.

For Aruba, we just took the Arubus public transport (literally across the street from the port) day pass, and it took up to Boca Catalina beach and walked over to Tres Trapi beach. Tres Trapi is where we were able to swim/snorkel with quite a few turtles maybe just 50 yds off the shore. We took the bus back to Eagle beach to hang around a bit, and right around the RIU resort (street side entrance), there's a whole strip of restaurants to have some food/drink. And of course, took the bus back to the cruise port. Hope this helps!

The "taxis" in St Thomas are those open air safari type trucks right? Do they wait around for the truck to fill up with other people? OR would they leave to your destination with just a few people?

Just in case anyone has experience on this one here... I've only gone on 2 cruises - both with Royal Caribbean, and both on Oasis class ships... Going to Italy, and the Symphony schedule didn't quite line up, so we ended up booking a Costa Cruise - Specifically, the COSTA DIADEMA. I'm wondering if anyone here has had the opportunity of going on a Costa cruise, and what are the key differences from a Royal Caribbean experience?? Thanks in advance!

We were also on this cruise. As a direct comparison of my previous cruise on Symphony just a few months back in November, this one felt much more busy despite being both at "full capacity". Will also agree with sentiment of others on the chair-hogs as we had to circle the pool deck multiple times like vultures to get chairs as soon as someone stood up with their things (and again in comparison, wasn't a problem on symphony in November)... It was a long weekend right? President's Day in the US? Family Day in Canada? School breaks? It was also tough getting reservations on specialty dining at preferred times despite trying to sort things out even as early as noon on embarkation day. And when we did dine at the restaurants, they were practically half-empty - so not sure why there was no available reservations unless staffing was the factor and is still an issue. In any case, really enjoyed the port stops. But still bummed we didn't stick to the original 10PM all-aboard time that this cruise was originally scheduled to leave Curacao and Aruba before being adjusted to 6PM. The stops served as a nice preview for us to plan a non-cruise return for a more extended stay.

Haven't been to La Romana via cruise, so not sure if the excursions are the same, but the typical things that come to mind when in La Romana is: a trip to Saona Island via catamaran Santo Domingo city tour There should be some snorkel/scuba areas as well

I'll also chime in that when the airlines lost my luggage, I had no choice but to purchase clothes from the limited options in the stores onboard the ship. I reluctantly had to wear swim shorts and a shirt for both 'dress to impress' and 'wear your best'... While it looked somewhat out of place, to be honest, no one cared (or cared to give me grief about it). And when a bunch of people piled in the elevator in their fancy suits and dresses, the moment I mentioned that I had better clothes, just that the airlines lost my luggage, they all had the moment of "oooohhh that makes sense, what a crappy situation!"

Spoke to s supervisor. Don't know if it's "resolutions" or not. but getting my original pre-cancellation rate on the internet was the "only thing" they could do... They refused to match the "glitch" advertised rate. The problem with internet packages is that it won't even let you see the possible total when pricing things out as it says you're only allowed to have one package (if you've already purchased one - which makes sense - but..).. So the only way to see if price is right (or wrong) is to CANCEL the existing internet package.

Ran into the exact same issue (providing screenshots etc) and ALSO spoke to a supervisor who gave me the same excuse. They did however honour the price of my internet package that I had cancelled prior by way of cruise credit and repurchasing at the current price. IF you are able to get any further resolution, I'd love to know! It's a huge saving.

I've been to La Romana, but not on a cruise!

so frustrating.

Was able to get my VOOM cancelled and repurchased through the phone... Customer service was going to help with excursions, but it was risky. They can cancel, but run the risk of not being able to repurchase due to the issue. And now cruise planner is completely down online lol.

Has anyone been able to get a hold of customer service on the phone to help with the cancellation and re-purchase to get around the glitching?

Approaching close to 90 days away! Updated the port times in the itinerary. Unfortunately, they have been cut short!!! Pretty disappointed by that. Also, excursions in the cruise planner for Aruba are still quite limited - and for the ones listed, they're pretty much sold out!

Say you have a 7pm reservation, but for whatever reason couldn't make it (or end up being super late) - can that be rescheduled at the 11th hour or does that forfeit one of the speciality dining passes (in the 3-night package)?

Holy... As of writing this post, it's at ~US$46... Dropped about -16% in 3 days... But still staying optimistic that cruising will bounce back!! Just going to have to cover my eyes for now lol

In hopes of getting a lower price after reading your post, I tried to do a booking as well and also get a blank page. Probably server is down or some sort.

Couldn't agree more with the OP. It surprises me at the growing number of people who have a sense of entitlement, lack accountability, and a disregard for the consideration of others. It doesn't help that in many cases, rules rarely get enforced; and therefore no consequence in their actions are felt.

Ended up rolling the dice and adding a few shares to my existing RCL holdings yesterday! Let's see where this goes!! Travel industry equities are so volatile, but I'm being optimistic that cruising will bounce back better than others.. Intending to hold for Mid-Long term.. And yea, while not being the main incentive, having the OBC bonus is nice ha!

As of this post, cruiseline stocks are getting hammered (among other equities)! Royal Caribbean (RCL) is at ~US$49.50/share which is close to where it was at back in April 2020 post the initial COVID crash. Seems like a tempting time to BUY given that the while entire fleet is now back in service, and from what I understand near full capacity in many sailings, cruising being made less restrictive than it was in the past, etc.... But of course, there is increasing gas prices - and these ships are thirsty(!), inflation (which includes food cost), staffing shortages, etc. Curious to know your thoughts on this being a great opportunity to get in on a bargain price OR another risky gamble of RCL tanking even further given they're still bleeding and haven't yet turned a profit since pre-COVID.

While we're on this topic... Any recommendations for TRAVEL sized friendly FINS??

I too have a Feb 2023 cruise booked, and don't even have dining packages! Literally just a handful of excursions at full price.

As of this post... 325 Days to go Not much going on in Cruise Planner (some excursions, but no dining, beverage, or Voom packages yet) Itinerary below - Missing the 'B' (Bonaire) in the 'ABC' islands, but nice to see a much longer day in Curacao and Aruba 18 FEB FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 19 FEB CRUISING 20 FEB LABADEE, HAITI (8AM-5PM) 21 FEB CRUISING 22 FEB WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO (8AM- 8PM 6PM) - 2 other ships in port (Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Equinox) 23 FEB ORANJESTAD, ARUBA (8AM- 10PM 6PM) - 2 other ships in port (Carnival Horizon, Celebrity Equinox) 24 FEB CRUISING 25 FEB CRUISING 26 FEB FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA **Edit: The port schedules for Curacao and Aruba have been (unfortunately) revised to earlier departure times.