|
FYI
|
|
|
The
Scuba Shack - - - take a dive. |
Q:
What are the differences between the various room categories?
A:
There
are 216 regular rooms and 18 spacious suites. The regular
rooms are all the same except for the view. You will have a
gardenview, oceanview or beachfront. None of the rooms have
a direct oceanview from your patio or balcony since the rooms are
in a "U" shaped layout (see other information listed
below, item #1). All rooms have king size bed, A/C, ceiling
fan, satellite TV, telephone, CD player & radio, shower, bath,
hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee maker and in room safe
(approximately 10" x 5" x 6"). There are 12
beachfront suites and 6 gardenview suites. They are actually
two rooms made into a suite. They have all the same items as
the regular rooms plus an oversized bathroom with ceiling fan,
jacuzzi, fully stocked mini bar and a two person swinging hammock
on the patio or balcony. The bathroom has two sinks with
mirrors as well as a separate makeup area with a large mirror,
narrow table and chair, and Jacuzzi.
Q:
What should we pack?
A:
Let’s start with clothes! You
should pack lightweight cotton clothes due to the heat and
humidity. If you are planning on eating at Otaheite, the gourmet
restaurant which is formal and elegant, men need to wear a nice
shirt with a collar, long pants and closed toe shoes (no sandals)
while women would need dresses, nice blouse & skirt or a nice
pants outfit, women's dress sandals are acceptable. No
swimwear, tank tops, etc. For evening meals other than
at Otaheite, shorts with a nice shirt/blouse and shoes/sandals
will be fine. For breakfast and lunch you can wear shorts,
top and shoes as well as swimwear with a cover-up (on this trip we
actually saw a gentleman being asked to go and put a shirt on to
eat lunch at the buffet). The beach grill is much more
casual; swimsuits are common although if you wear a “skimpy”
suit, shorts or a sarong would be appropriate. Of course you
can dress up as much as you like at any of the meals. All
other times normal summer and swimwear attire. If you plan to go
horseback riding long pants are recommended. For golfing,
typical golf club attire is required. Note: if you
plan to go into town or tour the countryside it is not appropriate
to wear only beach attire. Be sure to pack plenty of
sunscreen as the sun is very strong; plan to use it even if you
already have a tan. Your normal toiletries, prescription
drugs, various OTC medicines for headaches, upset stomach, etc.
and aloe for sunburns or sun dried skin. Take a camera with
plenty of film; if you have ight,
comfortable clothes and shoes. Even if you get cold on the
airplane, plan on wearing shorts. You are going to the
tropics and it is very warm and humid. A/C at the airport
and in many of the buses/vans is not as efficient as back in the
States. You will be much more comfortable wearing shorts
once you arrive in Jamaica.
a
digital camera have rechargeable batteries or plenty of extra
batteries and be sure your memory card is of sufficient
size. A waterproof disposable camera is suggested if you
plan to parasail, snorkel, scuba dive or go on the Catamaran
cruise. You can buy many of these items at CN but it is
somewhat expensive. If you like to read on the beach, take
paperback books or magazines; avoid bringing hardback books due to
the weight (and potential damage from water) and you can
always leave the paperback books behind to make room for
souvenirs, coffee, rum, etc. A small soft-sided suitcase
that you can fold up and pack in your large suitcase would come in
very handy for items that you will purchase to bring home.
NOTE:
Pack a carry-on with a change of clothes for both, swim wear and
cover-ups, your normal toiletries, any medication that you might
be on, various OTC medicines for headaches, upset stomach,
etc. This way if the checked luggage gets lost or does not
make a transfer you will at least have something to change
into. One couple that we met on our recent trip checked
everything. They arrived at Mobay at 2:00 pm Saturday and
did not get their luggage at CN until midnight Sunday night.
Therefore they were at CN for 30 hours with the clothes that they
wore on the airplane. In nine trips we have never had late
luggage, but if you are that one person you will be glad if you
packed a carry-on!
Q:
What should we wear to the resort?
A:
Wear
lightwe
Q:
Should we bring beach towels and/or floats?
A:
No, CN provides lounge chairs,
cushions/floats and beach towels. There will be two beach
towels in your room upon arrival. The towels can be
exchanged for clean, dry ones from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on the beach
at the water sports department or by the swim-up pool bar.
At the end of your stay, turn your towels in and they will give
you a receipt that you must show at checkout (or pay $15/towel!).
Q:
Should we bring large insulated mugs? I heard that the
glasses are small.
A:
Personally we would not. The glasses at
the bars are standard size that you would get in the States.
When you are on the beach or by the pool, it is not far to go to
one of three bars. Some people feel that it saves time by
not having to return to the bar as often. Do you think you
will be on such a tight schedule that you could not return to the
bar for a refill? Service is quick and it is fun talking to the
bartenders.
Q:
We heard that it rains a lot, should we bring an umbrella?
A:
You are correct; it can rain everyday in
the afternoon normally between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, at least in
July when we usually visit. Normally at that time of the day
you are on the beach, in the pool or at the swim-up pool bar and
most of the time it is only for a few minutes. All rooms have
large umbrellas.
Q:
How much money should we bring?
A:
It will depend upon how much shopping and
off site excursions such as tours, Jet Ski rental, parasailing,
etc that you will do. Anything you would buy at CN you can
charge to your room and pay with a credit card upon checkout.
Most of the off site tours that you would arrange through CN you
can charge to a credit card. Most of the stores in town and
at the airport take credit cards. The shops at the craft
park normally require cash. You can always get money from
the bank at CN.
NOTE:
When shopping in town, you will find stores that will charge a fee
for you to use your credit card. It’s up to you what you
do, but if this happens we either pay cash or walk out to another
store.
Q:
Do we need to exchange US dollars for Jamaican dollars?
A:
No, US money is acceptable currency in
Jamaica. In fact, most items are priced in US dollars.
Therefore, do not waste your time and money with currency
exchange. In fact when you buy something, if you use
Jamaican Dollars (J$) the store will “convert” the J$ to US$
at a premium, i.e. a service fee. Do have small bills ($1
& $5) ready for tipping.
Q:
If we come from a country other than the US do we need to exchange
our currency for J$?
A:
You have to exchange it for either J$ or
US$. We would recommend exchanging your currency into US$
since most items are priced in US$. This way you can avoid
any unnecessary conversions. (see above question)
Q:
Can we use traveler checks? Where do we exchange them?
A:
Yes. You can exchange them at the
airport, banks, and some stores as well as at CN. They will
be converted into J$, again at a fee. Depending upon where
you exchange the traveler checks, the fee could be 10% to 20%
above the official exchange rate. We recommend bringing 200
US$ or convert your currency into 200 US$ with some being small
bills for various off site tipping. Then use your credit
and/or debit card as much as possible. If you are not from
the US, the purchase price will be 1% to 3% above the official
international exchange rate by using a credit card. This is
the best possible exchange rate that you can obtain. (see
note under “How much money we should bring?”)
Q:
Does CN charge a deposit to your credit card?
A:
When you check in, they will ask for your
charge card or debit card. They will block a certain dollar amount
on your charge card or debit card to cover incidentals that you
may charge to your room such as photos, film, suntan lotion, etc.
If you do not charge anything, then nothing is put onto your card.
If you do not have either a charge card or debit card, then they
will ask for cash. This is the same thing that all hotels do
when you check in.
Q:
Do we need passports?
A:
At this time you do not. A certified copy
of your birth certificate along with a Government Issue photo ID
card is all you need. A certified copy varies from State to
State -- just make sure it is a certified copy. A
passport would be easier since all US passports are the same and
you only need one document instead of two. You will need
these document(s) at Immigration and Customs.
NOTE:
Jamaican Immigration started a test run of their new computerized
system on August 23, 2004. Once fully operational (no date
set) passports will be required for everyone.
Q:
What do we do after arriving at Mobay airport?
A:
After deplaning, (some flights exit to a
skyway, others directly to the tarmac) you will first go through
Immigration with the Immigration cards that you filled out for
EACH person on the airplane. After clearing Immigration you
will then retrieve your luggage bypassing currency exchange (see
currency question above). After retrieving all your luggage
proceed to Customs with your Customs declaration card(s) that you
filled out on the airplane); please note that the customs cards
are one card per family or one card per person if you have
different last names. To clarify, your customs card must
be filled out with the name used on your identification (passport
or birth certificate). This means if you’re married but
using a birth certificate or passport with your maiden name, you
must fill out a card using your maiden name. Personal note:
Please for the benefit of everyone, fill out the Immigration and
Customs cards on the airplane or before you get in line.
Q:
What about tipping at the airport?
A:
You don’t have to worry about this
until after you clear Customs as you’ll be handling your own
luggage until that point. Once you clear customs you may
have several people asking to carry your luggage. I suggest
not doing it as they may carry it literally 10 feet and set it
down and ask for a tip. At this point someone else will ask
to carry your luggage. If you have a lot of luggage you’ll
already have it on a cart, so take your own luggage to the Couples
desk. Once you’re ready to board the bus/van, a baggage
handler will take the luggage of several people to the bus/van.
Let them handle it, because it can be a long haul to the bus/van.
This person you do tip; $1 per bag is acceptable.
NOTE:
make sure you keep an eye on your baggage handler so that you do
not get separated from your group (yes, I admit I learned this
from personal experience J).
When
you arrive at CN you should tip the driver a few dollars.
Once you step off the bus/van no one gets tipped. In fact
they can get fired for accepting tips. Anything off the
resort, tip as you would in the States.
Q:
How do we get transportation to CN?
A:
After clearing Customs you will enter the
“arrival area”; ask for the Couples desk. They will
"check” you in. You will get a numbered luggage tag
for each bag; be sure the tag correctly identifies the resort you
are visiting. You may have to wait 15 to 30 minutes until
all the couples that arrived at the same time clear Customs.
They have a lounge where you can get beer, water and soft drinks.
They will then transport you to CN by air-conditioned (but not as
cool as your car!) bus/van. Prior to boarding, make sure all
your luggage gets loaded onto your bus/van.
Q:
How long does the bus/van trip take to CN?
A:
Approximately 80 minutes depending upon
the time of day and day of the week. On our most recent trip
in July 2004, it was 90 minutes to CN on Saturday afternoon and 70
minutes returning to the airport on Sunday morning.
Q:
What if we arrive early and our room is not ready?
A:
Official check-in is 4:00 pm. You
maybe able to get into your room earlier if your room is ready.
The best thing to do is to have your swimwear and cover-ups easily
accessible. This way if you want you can change in the
bathroom or if available, hospitality room and go to the beach
and/or pool. Otherwise grab a bite to eat, have a rum punch,
relax and have fun. You have made it to PARADISE!
Q:
What do we do with our luggage while we check in and/or wait for
our room to be ready?
A:
After arriving at CN, she will proceed to
check in. He is asked to remain and confirm that all of your
luggage is unloaded from the bus/van. CN will watch your
luggage until you are checked in and your room is ready at which
time they will take you and your luggage to your room.
Q:
When are meals served?
A:
Continental breakfast is available in the
Cassava Terrace from 5:30 am to 6:30 am. If you prefer, you
can have a Continental breakfast (only room service available)
delivered to your room from 6:30 am to 10:00 am; there are tags on
the back of your room door to order this. Full breakfast is
from 7:30 am to 10:30 am; this includes omelets and fried eggs
made to order, waffles, and much more. Light lunch of casual
fare and snacks is served at the Beach Grille from 11:00 am to
6:00 pm. The Cassava Terrace serves a buffet lunch featuring
hot and cold dishes, salads, fruits and pastries from 12:30 am to
2:30 pm. Dinner is served at three restaurants. Beach Grille
is open from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm serving grilled specialties and
pasta dishes. A dessert buffet is available at the beach
grille at 10:00 pm. The Beach Grille opens with a simple
menu from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am. Cassava Terrace is open from
7:00 pm to 9:30 pm serving international cuisine. Otaheite
takes reservations with seatings at 6:15, 7:00, 8:00 and 8:45
Tuesday through Sunday; they serve Jamaican and Caribbean fare.
Reservations are required and are taken up to 4 days ahead.
Reservations at Otaheite normally fill up fairly quickly, so book
early in your stay. Personal note: some people don’t want
to bother dressing up, but we believe the food and the experience
are worth it. Otaheite is closed on Mondays for a private
dinner for repeat guests. The Piano Bar serves hot hors
d'oeuvres from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. During the week there are
“theme” buffets (International, Saturday, Mediterranean,
Monday, Jamaican, Thursday) with the start times a little
different than the other evenings. For dress attire at the various
restaurants and meals see "What should we pack" question
above.
Q:
Should we fly from Mobay to CN?
A:
Personal opinion, no…to fly to CN after
clearing Customs you would wait to get shuttled over to another
part of Mobay airport, wait to board a small airplane for the 15
to 20 minute flight to Negril, wait for a van to take you to CN a
couple of minutes away. You may save 15 to 20 minutes.
Is it worth the money and the extra luggage handling? Only
you can decide.
Q:
Does CN have Internet access?
A:
Yes. It is located on the lobby
level across from the Piano bar. There is no charge.
They request you limit your access to 15 minutes at a time if
people are waiting. There is a small settee outside the
Internet room; please check occasionally while you’re in the
room to be sure there’s no one waiting.
WIFI
– in the piano bar now available (free)
Q:
Does CN have laundry service?
A:
Yes they have an outside service. The
cost varies by article. Most items are $1.75 to $3.75.
Q:
What about storage of valuables?
A:
Each room has a small safe. When
you check in they will give you a lock and one key.
Do not lose the key, as it will cost you $100.00 to have the lock
replaced.
Q:
We know alcohol is included -- what kinds of drinks are available?
A:
You can get beer, red and white house
wine, various juices and almost any type of mixed drink. If
you can tell them what is in the drink you can most likely get it.
CN has an excellent selection of top shelf spirits. You can
get any of the mixed drinks with or without alcohol.
The tap water is excellent and safe to drink. You can
also get Blue Mountain coffee, said to be the best in the world
and various teas. They also have wines available for
purchase ranging from $20 per bottle up to $200 per bottle.
Be sure to try some of their “specialty” drinks like the Dirty
Banana, Hummingbird, etc.
Q:
Do we need to sign up/make reservations for anything other than
dinner in Otaheite?
A:
Yes. The sunset catamaran cruise
departs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday around 4:00 pm
(varies with time of year); signup is at the water sports area
from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Water sports activities include
snorkeling, glass bottom boat, wind surfing, sunfish sailing and
water skiing; again, you can find the schedule and sign up at the
water sports area. Scuba diving has limited days and times;
if you’re not certified you must take and pass a class the day
before your dive( if you are certified be sure to take your
card with you!) Check the schedule and sign up at the
scuba hut from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Other activities
include golf with shuttle departures at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm (green
fees included, club and cart rental extra, mandatory caddy fee)
and private sports lessons like tennis. For a complete list
of activities attend the CN orientations in the lobby, which are
offered daily at 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. They will explain
what they have to offer, what needs to be signup up for and show
you where everything is. You can pick up an activity sheet
in the lobby, look at the book in your room or tune into the
Couples channel on the TV. The activity schedule repeats every
week. See "Activities at CN" below. The
information is accurate as of July 2004.
NOTE,
you should check and sign up for dinner and any activities as soon
as possible because many have limited dates of operation and are
limited to the number of people.
Q:
Do you have to be totally nude on the nude beach?
A:
The
nude beach is clothing optional. We just returned 7/19 and
there were women just topless while the men were nude, there were
men with their wives where the men left their suits on while the
women went totally nude. There were both single men and
women on the nude beach totally nude (single as not with their
significant other).
Q:
What if I want a drink or go to the bathroom while I’m on the
nude beach?
A:
There is a self-serve bar setup with ice, pop, beer, alcohol
and frozen drinks. A full bathroom as well as a shower is
located in the back corner of the nude beach.
Q:
How private is the nude beach?
A:
There is a row of hedges/bushes along the
backside and along the main beach side. There is a privacy
fence along the side next to The Grand Lido. The front of
the nude beach area is totally open to the ocean. If you are
in the back corner, it is very difficult for anyone walking along
the beach to see anything.
Q:
When is check-out and when do we leave the resort?
A:
Check
out is at noon. You will leave the resort 3.5 hours to 4
hours ahead of your scheduled departure. If you leave later
than noon, you may be able to use a room to shower and change
prior to leaving the resort. It does not hurt to ask at the
front desk. If not you can use the new hospitality area.
Q:
I heard that you have to pay a departure tax when leaving Jamaica.
How much is it and when do we pay?
A:
Currently it is 1,000 Jamaican dollars or
approximately $17.00 US dollars. Check with your
travel agent if you booked a package or with your airline if you
booked directly. Many tour packages have already included
it. Many of the airlines include it in the airline ticket
price. I know that Delta and Air Jamaica does. If it
is not included, you will need cash to pay the departure tax at
Mobay airport prior to being able to go thru security.
Q:
Where is the best place to buy coffee and rum to take home?
A:
Buy your coffee when you go into town on the shopping trip (CN
provides transportation to 3 or 4 different areas, one is a craft
park). You should not pay more than $13 to $14 dollars per
pound. Make sure the coffee has the "Coffee Board Seal
of Approval" identifying it as Authentic Blue Mountain
Coffee. Keep your coffee receipt if you buy ground coffee
because the bag is a hard brick- shaped
package. (On one of our trips security opened three bags to
make sure that it was not drugs; we had to explain to people why
their gifts had been sliced open with a knife!). Buy
your rum at the
airport
as the prices are very competitive and most of the times better
than what you get in town, plus they’ll pack it up for you in a
carry-on box. On this trip the prices for Appleton rum were:
Appleton Special $10 per liter, Appleton V/X $12 per liter,
Appleton Reserve $12 per 3/4 liter, Appleton Extra $14 per 3/4
liter. NOTE: I was always a Bacardi drinker before visiting
Jamaica…if you like rum, give the Appleton a try. I found
the V/X on our 2002 trip and it’s been a staple in our liquor
cabinet ever since, and it’s much more expensive in the States.
Q:
What is the age group? Is it all young couples?
A:
It is probably half young couples (under
30). You will not feel out of place if you are not part of
the young crowd.
Q:
What toiletries does CN provide?
A:
They only provide shampoo/conditioner,
bath gel, soap, aloe gel and moisturizer, all in small bottles.
You can buy most items at the CN store at a premium.
Q:
Is Negril safe? Is Negril known for violence?
A:
Negril is safe as long as you use the
same common sense that you would in the States. You would
not walk down a dark alley at night by yourself in any city.
Negril is not known for violence. Just be aware of your
surroundings
Q:
What time zone is Jamaica in?
A:
Jamaica is on Eastern Standard
Time. This means they do not turn their clocks back. Therefore,
from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October
they are one hour behind Ohio, i.e. 9:00 am in Ohio means 8:00 am
in Jamaica. The rest of the year Jamaica is on the same time as
Ohio.
Q:
Is there an ATM at CN?
A:
No. There are ATMs in town as well
as one that is located within a 2 minute walk from CN.
Note:
If you use a credit card to obtain cash at an ATM, most banks
treat this as a cash advanced. If you use a debit card your
bank may charge you a per transaction fee.
Q:
What is the cost for golfing?
A:
At Couples Resorts green fees
and transfers are included. The day before, Guest Relations will
issue your voucher. Bus departs around 8 am and 1 pm (please
reconfirm). Please Note: In Jamaica caddies are mandatory and
tipping is customary.
Couples
Swept Away guests golf at: Negril
Hills
The 18 hole par 72 course, measuring 6,333 yards, is
distinguished by gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and
greens, picturesque water hazards and lush tropical vegetation.
Caddy is
mandatory at $14 per caddy for 18 holes; $7 for 9 holes
Carts are optional at $34.50 per cart for 18 holes; $17.25 for 9
holes
Club Rental: $18 per set (all rentals available in ladies and
gents, left & right handed)
Q:
Can you get postcards and stamps at CN?
A:
Yes to both. Just be aware that
postcards may arrive 2 to 3 weeks AFTER you return home.
Q:
Can we call home?
A:
Yes. At CN they have phones in the
rooms as well as near the lobby. The cost to call direct is
very expensive. Some phone cards will work, but not all and
the per minute charge is still pricey. The best thing to do
is to have a prearranged time when the person back home calls you.
Q:
Do they get major US stations on the TV?
A:
Yes. At CN they carry one station
of ABC, CBS, NBC and ESPN.
Q:
Do they have ice available to take back to your room?
A:
Yes. Each block of rooms has a cart
that is located under the stairs on the ground floor.
Other
information
1)
There are 9 buildings. As you look from the lobby to the
ocean Buildings 1 through 5 are on the right and Buildings 6
through 9 are on the left. They are in a "U"
shaped layout. Building 6 is right next to the pool, swim up
bar, lobby and main dining area. Building 9 is across the
way from bldg. 6. Building 5 is the farthest building away
from the lobby. Buildings 1 through 5 have the poorest view
of the ocean because of the trees around that area, but they have
a beautiful garden view. Buildings 6 & 9 would have the
best ocean view, but none of the rooms have what most people would
consider ocean view because of the "U" shaped layout.
The only rooms that have a direct ocean view are the suites that
are at the end of the building and along the beach. The
direct view would be from your bedroom window. With any of
the rooms that have an oceanview, you can see the ocean from your
patio or balcony. We always ask for the ocean view suite.
2)
The food is excellent, especially in Otaheite. As stated
above, the main dining area has an international night where they
have foods grouped such as Asian, Italian etc and is served buffet
style. NOTE: check out the entire buffet first before you
get your plate since there is so much food. I am a
dessert person; therefore I check out what they have for dessert
and then decide what to have for dinner. Food is one thing
that you do not have to worry about. Personal
note: we often hear people say “this doesn’t taste like (fill
in the blank) at home”; well, you’re not home – you’re in
Jamaica! Enjoy their cuisine! This is part of the
experience and fun of traveling.
3)
This may sound silly to say, but drink plenty of water
throughout the day. With the heat and drinking
alcohol you can get dehydrated easily and before you realize it.
You don’t want to spend a day of your vacation feeling lousy.
(Again...yes, I learned this from
personal experience!)
4)
There is a nurse's office with regular office hours at no charge.
If you need medical attention outside the regular office hours a
doctor is on call 24 hours. There is an additional charge if
the doctor is called or a prescription is required.
5)
The electric current in Jamaica is 110Volts, 50 cycles. This
is similar to the US except your electrical appliance will run a
little slower. You probably will not notice any difference.
6)
Other excursions are offered by local travel companies. They
have an agent at CN to provide info and pricing. Depending
upon your interests, you may want to pay for an off site tour.
7)
Make sure CN knows your arriving flight information. Have
your travel agent confirm.
8)
Normally there are no problems with your reservation, but things
do happen, as can happen with any hotel reservation. To make
sure check in goes smoothly, have a copy of your travel voucher,
receipt and/or confirmation letter from your travel agent, booking
agent or Couples. Also having a copy of your credit card
statement showing payments may come in handy. We book
directly with Couples, therefore we ask for a confirming e-mail
stating that everything has been paid. Having the above
information with you will help with check in, if there is a
problem with your reservation.
9)
Once
you leave the Couples Arrival area at Mobay and on your way to the
buses/vans, you may be asked several times by different people, if
you want to buy some drugs. If you are not interested just
say "No Thank You" or just ignore them. If you are
interested, be careful where you buy the drugs. We heard
that the person would sell you the drugs then turn you into the
police. They get your money plus they get money from the
police as well as get their drugs back. It may only be a
small fine ($60 to $100), but you will be detained. Not a
good way to start your vacation.
10)
Be
prepared to hear “no problem” a lot J
and remember the phrase “Irie (eye-ree), mon” when someone
asks how you’re doing, how your stay is going, etc. as it means
“everything’s great”!
10)
This should go without saying, but HAVE A
GREAT TIME!!!! YEH, MON!
RECOMMENDATIONS
I
would recommend the following things to do (not in any particular
order)
1)
Parasailing
(you are lifted into the air by parachute) if you are not afraid
of heights. You can do single or tandem. There is an
additional cost for this since this is not part of the resort.
In 2002 it was $45 single, $60 tandem. They will come along
the beach and ask if anyone wants to go; just take your money and
camera if waterproof, get on the boat and they will hook you into
the harness and away you go. You may want to make sure that
the parasailing is along the CN beach area (there are several
different boats doing this); otherwise they take you several miles
away and you just sit on the boat waiting with a total trip time
of 1.5 hours to 2.0 hours.
2)
Sunset catamaran cruise This
is part of the package and has limited days for the cruise,
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday leaving around 4:00 pm.
You must sign up for this; check at the water sports area for
exact times. On our recent trip they took us to Pirates Cave
(bar, restaurant and cliff dive) where you could swim around the
cave and climb up to the top and jump off. There is a $2.00
charge for the cliff jump.
3)
Any of the many water sports activities (snorkeling,
glass bottom boat, wind surfing, sunfish sailing, water skiing and
sailing) that may interest you. These are included in
the package.
4)
Dinner at Otaheite Restaurant Reservations
are required. They have tables for two, four, six and
eight. Sign up early (like your first day) if you want a table for
two. It’s also fun to choose a larger table as you can
meet some very interesting and fun people (we’re going to St.
Louis in August to visit a couple we met that way in 2002!).
Otaheite is formal and elegant (see “what to pack” again!)
5)
The sun is very strong so make sure use sunscreen!
Even if you have a tan when you arrive, it’s a good idea to use
some sun protection. If you’re very fair, at least an
SPF30 is a must!!!
6)
After dinner the piano bar is a great place to go where
things get going around 10:30pm and stay open until the last guest
leaves. Because of the noise, they don’t do blender
drinks, but you can get almost anything else. Paul, the
pianist, is excellent for a nice evening of sing along. He
is only there 4 days a week. (Be
sure to ask him to sing “Shame and Scandal” for you – it’s
a hoot!)
7)
Pool Bar
Even if you prefer the beach, be sure to spend some time hanging
out here. The bartenders are fun and most of the people
you’ll meet here are very friendly. Everyone has a good
time! Of course, sometimes you’ll talk to a person one
day, then the next day they may not remember it due to the work of
the bartenders, but that’s all part of the fun.
NOTE,
the pool area (both pool bar and main pool) can be slippery even
with shoes. BE CAREFUL, the steps into the pool can be very
slippery, especially on the main pool steps due to the suntan oil
that people use.
| Activities
at COUPLES NEGRIL |
|
Resort
orientation daily 10:00 am and 5:00 pm
|
|
Beach
volleyball
|
|
Pool
volleyball
|
|
Horseshoes
|
|
Billiards
|
|
Bocce
ball tournament
|
|
Ice
carving demo
|
|
Dart
tournament
|
|
3
on 3 basketball
|
|
Nature
walk
|
|
Beach
party Mondays 9:00 pm
|
|
Beginner's
diving lessons
|
|
Lover's
Knot Completion
|
|
Rum
Mixology
|
|
Wine
& Cheese
|
|
Jeopardy
Game Show
|
|
Casino
and auction
|
| Round
robin tennis tournament |
| Certified
dives |
|
Scavenger
Hunt
|
|
|
Margaritaville
Shuttle
|
|
Musical
Trivia
|
|
Jamaican
market shopping trip by boat
|
|
Talk
on and learn to speak Jamaican
|
|
Art
N Craft demo
|
|
Fashion
show
|
|
Jamaican
cooking class
|
|
Domino
tournament
|
|
Guest
vs staff basketball
|
|
Bonfire
on beach
|
|
Guest
vs staff board games
|
|
Jungle
(local bar) shuttle 10:30 pm
|
|
Ping
pong tournament
|
|
Golf
|
|
Treasure
hunt
|
|
Glass
bottom boat ride
|
|
Fish
for cash at pool deck
|
|
Bingorama
|
|
Table
tennis tournament
|
|
Catamaran
Cruise
|
|
| Pirates
Cave Shuttle (bar, restaurant, cliff diving, similar
to Rick's Cafe) |
| Resident
band at dinner 8-9:30 pm everyday except Mondays |
|
Showtime
9:30-10:30 pm every day except Mondays (excellent
local entertainment)
|
|
Steel
band at dinner Mondays 8-9:00 pm
|
|
Watersports
Lessons (sunfish sailing, windsurfing sailboating,
skiing, snorkeling)
|
|
Shopping
shuttle (3 hour shopping trip into town and local
craft park)
|
|
Sing-along
in the Piano Bar 10:30 pm to 1:00 am Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday
|
|
Sing
along in the Piano Bar 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm Friday
|
|
Karaoke
in the Piano Bar 10:30 pm to 1:00 am Sundays and Fridays
|
|
Ultimate
dance party in the Piano Bar 10:30 pm to 1:00 am
Wednesdays & Saturdays
|
Disclaimer:
All
information assumes US citizenship. Conditions may vary for other
nationalities. Any references to time of day, day of week,
availability of activity or cost of a particular item may be
subject to change without notice. References to credit cards
or debit cards are interchangeable.
|
