The last couple of cruises we have skipped the downtown island stop as the majority of the boat (everyone I think) wanted to continue the party on board. Since it is part of the scheduled itinerary I'm a bit reluctant to skip it without making it clear upfront that we wont be making the stop since some people enjoy it and plan on it to buy their souvenirs etc. Quite happy to change the itinerary to exclude it if that is what most people want so please vote above. (Votes are public, and please only vote if you have been on the cruise before or plan to soon)
I'm ok either way. I liked it on the first cruise we did because at that point we had never been to the island and actually went back for an afternoon after the Boobs Cruise because of it. Now that we've been, I'd be fine not stopping there. Don't cut out the lunch place though. That buffet was delicious and I don't even think it was because I was quite inebriated! Plus that secluded beach area is much more appropriate for our crowd.
Steve I think your analysis is right on. It depends on the crowd. Some cruises need the stop to help get people moving and get to know each other in a more mobile environment, especially when the seas are rough. Others jump right into the fun and the stop would just slow down the party. I think how you handled it on oct 6 th was perfect. I could see how maybe you don't want to say we are definitely stopping in advance so no one gets upset. But if the poll ends up showing people don't want to stop then maybe the plan would be to not stop unless you assess the cruise needs it. Kind of reverse of the current plan. Thanks! Can't wait to do it again in may and hopefully that group is crazy enough that we don't need a town stop!!!
Fingers crossed that the downtown stop gets eliminated! Hey, if seas are rough, could we pull into the channel or some other protected area and continue our party, instead of going into town?
I agree that I'd prefer to keep cruising! It feels like there is a definite winding down of the party just before and after the downtown stop. There's not enough time to do any serious shopping anyway and the bar is just continuing to drink with the boobs put away!
I'm good with either option but I would have to say I lean more towards not stopping especially if the party on the boat is really hopping. Maybe that would leave more time for the beach, games and swimming during lunch? I'm just happy to be on the cruise period! Nov 19th can't come quick enough!!
Your the expert in these matters. My guess would be the major groups would have no problem skipping it as we go to see you guys and have a great time and not shop at the island. Newbie groups who have never done it before I can see wanting to stop since it may be there only chance to do so if they don't become repeaters. (Though I have no idea why they wouldn't be!) I don't know the extra workload it would entail but perhaps putting the poll on each registration thread would yield good results to gage individual interest?
Personally I like hanging out at the bar in town. However, if the stop went away I'd also be ok with it. I could always take a day to hop on the ferry and hit the island and do that too.
I did like the shopping and the bar and the coconut ice cream bars I found there but would actually love more time in the skinny dipping spot on a nice day. When waters are rough or weather isn't as good the island shopping/walking might be a nice break but on those beautiful days, I think keeping the party rocking is the best part!
