Cruise Itinerary Change!!

VPescado said:
Ugh . . .

I know this isn't Jeff's fault (or JREF's for that matter), but this is a major downgrade.

We are giving up:
Historic Sites
Natural wonders like the rainforest
Unique Experiences (like cave tubing)
Cultural interaction
Shopping for local arts and crafts.
Local Cuisine

Instead we get:
A nice beach.
No shopping, culture, cuisine, or interesting nature.
A bar serving basically the same drinks we can get on the ship at tourist trap prices.
Overpriced resort equipment rentals.
Basically nothing we couldn't already find in Fort Lauderdale (and with fewer bargains and choices).

And we still have to deal with tenders!
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True, but think of the addition of the floating mat excursion. You can rent a rubber mat and float! Not just in one spot either, but 20 or even 30 feet away, if you'd like.
 
Jeff Wagg said:
We are no longer going to Belize for some reason. Royal Caribbean has removed Belize from the itinerary and replaced it with Cococay, Bahamas.

Never heard of it? That's because it's a private island owned by the cruise line.
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I did a tiny bit of research and found that the itinerary is changed not only on our voyage, but for all the other 5-day western caribbean cruises on the Enchantment. Additionally another Royal Carribean ship (The Mariner) is substituting Cococay for Nassau on its voyages.

If we were cynics instead of skeptics, we might jump to the conclusion that this is a money grab by Royal Carribean - keeping the passengers essentially captive where they can only spend money with the cruise line.

Trying to be optimistic: Jeff, do we get rebated the port fees/taxes for Belize City?
 
VPescado said:
I did a tiny bit of research and found that the itinerary is changed not only on our voyage, but for all the other 5-day western caribbean cruises on the Enchantment. Additionally another Royal Carribean ship (The Mariner) is substituting Cococay for Nassau on its voyages.

If we were cynics instead of skeptics, we might jump to the conclusion that this is a money grab by Royal Carribean - keeping the passengers essentially captive where they can only spend money with the cruise line.

Trying to be optimistic: Jeff, do we get rebated the port fees/taxes for Belize City?
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First off, port charges to the Bahamas are higher than to Belize, so we're actually saving money there.

Second, I don't think there's any reason to be negative about this. Yes, it would have been nice to visit Belize, a country I've never seen, but Cococay is going to be a lot more fun in my opinion.

Why? For many reasons.

1) It's a LOT less hassle. Yes, we'll have tenders to deal with, but these are two deck boats..not the little ones that the ship carries with them. It will be a short and pleasant trip to the island.

2) We don't have to worry about finding busses, getting back to the ship on time, or being ambushed by throngs of street kids. And the crowds will be much less.

3) The snorkeling at Cococay is very nice, and it's on your own schedule. The beaches (the ones away from the boat) are uncrowded and unspoiled.

4) Cococay is in the Bermuda Triangle. :) Also, we'll save money because lunch is included.

5) We'll be able to spend more time together. I'm very serious about this..WE'RE the big attraction on this voyage. Cococay will allow us to hang out and spend as much or as little time together as we'd like.

6) One small perk.. Cococay let's you take a nice picture of the ship. That's difficult to do from the other ports.

7) Cococay is not far from Fort Lauderdale. This schedule is much more stable in event of bad weather.

Of course it's my job to make the best of things, but honestly, I'm not at all dissapointed about this change. I think it will make for a much more enjoyable trip.
 
Belize and the Mayan ruins would have been fun, but I've never been on a cruise or to a private island before. Besides, since it looks like a pretty small island, that's one more full day that Randi won't be able to hide from me. :D
 
Beady said:
Does it have a low neckline? Remember, I don't like things around my neck.
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Low enough. And spaghetti straps, too. You'll be the Rose of the Titanic.

Actually, my friend Stacy wore a replica of the movie's blue heart diamond necklace on formal night. Talk about classing up the place. I'll see if she'll let you borrow it.
 
Jeff, just thought you might like to know that Belize is still mentioned on the plug for the cruise on the JREF Home page.
 
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