Saona Island offers an unforgettable excursion for Carnival Cruise passengers departing from La Romana port. With a remarkable 96% traveler recommendation and a stellar 4.9 rating, this organized experience provides inclusive amenities like drinks, lunch, and snorkeling gear. Despite some minor feedback, the commitment to customer satisfaction and beautiful locations make this trip a must-do. What makes this Saona Island excursion stand out, and why should cruisers consider it?
Key Points
- Saona Island excursion is a highly recommended activity for Carnival Cruise passengers departing from La Romana port, with a stellar 4.9 rating based on 96 reviews.
- The excursion includes round-trip transportation from the La Romana cruise terminal, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, a Dominican-style lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
- The excursion is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a maximum group size of 30 travelers, ensuring a personalized and inclusive experience.
- While the excursion has received mostly positive feedback, some customers have reported issues with snorkel equipment for children and occasional boat breakdowns affecting return times.
- The host acknowledges customer feedback and emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction, inviting future excursions to improve the overall experience.
Overview and Recommendations
The Saona Island excursion is a highly recommended option for Carnival Cruise passengers departing from the La Romana port.
With a 96% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this excursion boasts a stellar 4.9 rating based on 96 reviews.
A highly recommended excursion with a stellar 4.9 rating and 96% traveler recommendation, earning a Badge of Excellence.
Highlights include soda, alcoholic beverages, a delicious Dominican lunch, and use of snorkeling equipment.
Transportation from the La Romana cruise terminal is $15 per person.
This wheelchair and stroller-accessible tour accommodates up to 30 travelers, with confirmation provided at booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Inclusions
The Saona Island excursion includes several amenities to enhance the experience for Carnival Cruise passengers.
Soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Sprite are provided, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beer and rum. A delicious Dominican-style lunch is served.
Snorkeling equipment is available for guests to explore the island’s underwater world. Light snacks are also included.
While personal expenses like photos and souvenirs aren’t covered, the transportation from the La Romana port to the excursion’s departure point is included in the $15 USD per person fee.
Meeting and Pickup Details
Pickup for the Saona Island excursion commences at the La Romana Cruise Terminal, where the driver checks in participants from the same cruise ship.
The transportation service then takes guests to the office in Bayahibe, the departure point for the excursion.
The excursion starts at 11:30 am.
This arrangement allows for an efficient and organized process, ensuring all guests from the same cruise ship are accounted for and transported together to the meeting point.
The host’s attention to detail and coordination with the cruise line provides a seamless experience for the passengers.
Accessibility and Group Size
The Saona Island excursion is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility needs.
The tour operator ensures a maximum group size of 30 travelers per excursion, providing a personalized experience.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
This accessibility and group size policy allows for a comfortable and enjoyable outing for all participants, regardless of their physical abilities.
The tour’s commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction is evident in these thoughtful arrangements.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have largely praised the Saona Island excursion, with positive experiences highlighted across the 96 reviews. Guests praised the fantastic crew, beautiful locations, and delicious lunch. However, some issues were reported, such as a lack of snorkel equipment for children, insect problems, and a boat breakdown affecting return time. The host’s response acknowledges this feedback and emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism, inviting future excursions to improve the experience.
| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback | Host Response |
| — | — | — |
| Fantastic crew | Lack of snorkel equipment for children | Acknowledgement of feedback |
| Beautiful locations | Insect problems | Commitment to customer satisfaction |
| Delicious lunch | Boat breakdown affecting return time | Invitation for future excursions |
Host Response
According to the host’s response, they acknowledge the feedback received from travelers and emphasize their commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism.
The host addresses issues reported, such as the lack of snorkel equipment for children, insect problems, and a boat breakdown affecting return time.
They express gratitude for the feedback and invite guests to join future excursions, where they’ll work to improve the overall experience.
The host’s transparent approach and willingness to address concerns demonstrate their dedication to providing a high-quality, enjoyable Saona Island experience for Carnival Cruise passengers from La Romana Port.
Positive Experiences
Fantastic crew, beautiful locations, and delicious lunch are among the positive experiences highlighted by travelers.
Reviewers praise the professionalism and friendliness of the excursion staff, who guide visitors through the stunning scenery of Saona Island.
The Dominican-style lunch served onboard also receives high marks, with travelers savoring the authentic flavors.
The excursion earns overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 96% of participants recommending the experience to others.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 96% of participants recommending the experience to others.
The impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on 96 reviews further underscores the tour’s popularity and quality among Carnival Cruise passengers.
Issues Reported
While the Saona Island excursion generally receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, some travelers have reported a few issues during their experience.
Some guests noted a lack of snorkel equipment for children, which can be problematic for families.
Plus, some visitors mentioned insect problems at certain locations, which can be disruptive.
Notably, a boat breakdown affected the return time for some tours, causing delays.
The tour provider has acknowledged this feedback and emphasized their commitment to addressing these concerns and providing a professional, satisfactory experience for all guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation to the La Romana Cruise Terminal Included?
No, transportation to the La Romana cruise terminal is not included. The excursion includes transportation from the terminal to the departure office in Bayahibe, but participants are responsible for getting to the La Romana cruise terminal at their own expense.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
No, travelers don’t need to bring their own snorkeling gear. The excursion includes the use of snorkeling equipment as one of the inclusions. Participants can use the provided snorkeling gear during the trip.
Is Photography or Videography Allowed During the Excursion?
Yes, passengers are allowed to bring their own cameras and take photos/videos during the excursion. Personal photography and videography are permitted, though the tour company isn’t responsible for any lost or damaged equipment.
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Boat Ride?
Life jackets are provided for the boat ride. According to the information, the excursion is wheelchair and stroller accessible, indicating that necessary safety equipment like life jackets is available for all participants.
Can We Extend the Excursion Duration for an Additional Fee?
Yes, the excursion duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers have the option to upgrade their package to extend the experience, subject to availability and additional costs. The host is accommodating of such requests.
The Sum Up
Saona Island offers Carnival Cruise passengers from La Romana port an exceptional excursion with high traveler recommendations. The inclusive amenities, seamless transportation, and manageable group size contribute to a memorable experience. While a few minor issues have been reported, the commitment to customer satisfaction and stunning locations make this trip a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable Dominican adventure.
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