A couple of changes for the Better in Labadee & Other Things .... - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

LuLu · 03-01-2008, 08:07 PM

On our 2008 Port Stop in Labadee (our first time there) a couple of things were different from what we read they would be. These were confirmed by others we met who had been before:

We were NOT "hounded" by anyone to find us beach chairs, move beach chairs, etc. In fact we were requested by RCCL not to tip for this if ask. No one did. There were ample chairs already set up for use in both the sun and shade.

The Flea Market vendors were NOT overly aggressive. Yes, they were anxious to make a sale ... but took a polite NO for an answer and didn't continue pursue. Could tell they really wanted to ... but, guess, they had been warned not to....
(We've seen LOTS worse in flea/straw markets elsewhere .... )

--- continued ---

LuLu · 03-01-2008, 08:26 PM

--- continued --- (Labadee)

Other Things:

Take water shoes! You'll need them if you plan to swim ... lots of rocks!

You may want to be sure to eat breakfast in case you aren't happy the the BBQ buffet for lunch. Some liked this more than others.

Nellie's Bar is a great place to Sit & Sip ... rather than standing in the Tender line. You can watch the tender crowd from there so you'll know the best time to go. Also, Nellie's is the LAST bar to close and has the largest selection of your beverage of choice.

If you enjoy a Beach Day, you'll like Labadee! We had a very good time!

Must admit ... we liked CoCoCay better ....

Char · 03-01-2008, 08:37 PM

Thanks LuLu

I haven't been to Labadee yet, but I'll store this away for future reference.

Cruise Planner · 03-01-2008, 08:50 PM

You have described Labadee as I have remembered it in our several visits there. As you have found out, the negative posts that you've read are over-rated and not always 100% accurate. We never had any of the problems you've read about, so I think they are relatively few in nature.

And I agree that Coco Cay is better!

Pete

Char · 03-01-2008, 08:54 PM

We'll be at Coco Cay in October. First time Princess cruisers, so we'll be looking forward to that private island experience.

Cruise Planner · 03-02-2008, 12:40 AM

Are you traveling on RCCL or Princess?

Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean, Princess Cays is Princess; both are very nice.

Of the two, we like Princess Cays a little better than Coco Cay, but Coco Cay is much better than Labadee.

Pete

Char · 03-02-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

We'll be at Coco Cay in October. First time Princess cruisers, so we'll be looking forward to that private island experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

Are you traveling on RCCL or Princess?

Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean, Princess Cays is Princess; both are very nice.

Of the two, we like Princess Cays a little better than Coco Cay, but Coco Cay is much better than Labadee.

Pete

OOPSY!! Disregard my post! Too many private islands and at my advanced age they all seem to run together!

Will be at Princess Cays in October. Have been to Coco Cay and loved it. Never been to Labadee. Now---I'm all straight.

canarymoon · 03-02-2008, 08:34 AM

Thanks for this information, Lulu.
We will FINALLY get to Labadee late this year. The only other time it was on our itinerary, I spent the day looking at it from the ship, while DH spent the day being monitored in the infirmary. I've been wanting to get back ever since, and hope we actually set foot on it this time.

Cruise Planner · 03-02-2008, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

OOPSY!! Disregard my post! Too many private islands and at my advanced age they all seem to run together!

Will be at Princess Cays in October. Have been to Coco Cay and loved it. Never been to Labadee. Now---I'm all straight.

I hear that and know the feeling! Like they say, "I don't suffer from alzheimers, I suffer from oldtimers!"

Here's a picture of Princess Cays to give you an idea of what it's like. As I said, it's one of our favorites - I know you'll enjoy it.

Pete

canarymoon · 03-02-2008, 03:38 PM

It's hard to imagine someplace that I'd like more than CocoCay, but come October, I'm gonna find out!

Then, it's back to CocoCay a couple of weeks later. And a month after that... Labadee, here we come!