We were on the June 22 Western cruise. After a Captain Marvin's trip we booked on our own (which was fantastic!!!), we had the shuttle driver drop us at the Holiday Inn on 7 mile beach. Beach chairs are only supposed to be for hotel guests, but it wasn't policed too tightly. My wife and I had cheeseburgers and fries and two sodas at the bar, the bill came to $30 U.S. A bit high I'd say, but that was the cost for cheeseburgers in paradise.
When a friend and I decided to go back to the ship before the ladies (kids at home for both of us this time) we went out to the taxi area where there were two vans waiting with no passengers. We asked how much to get back to the ship, $4 each. We hopped in the hot, hot van and sat, and sat, for over 10 minutes.
After complaining, the driver said she was waiting for some other people who were just finishing up and were on the way. At that time, due to our frustration and the heat, she started the van up and put on the air conditioning.
My friend, Mike, and I were talking and getting very upset that we hadn't left for the ship. The girls were supposed to leave 1/2 hour after us and it was almost that time now. After complaining one more time the taxi driver said they were on the way. I looked out and did not see anyone and we decided to hop out and start walking. We were fed up. The taxi driver almost begged us to stay, but we just couldn't- even if she were to take us that instant.
We walked down to the next beach access area and found a cab that was looking for someone who had called for a pick up (a large party). Since they were not ready yet, and he agreed to take us immediately, we got back to the ship in just a few minutes.
Please do not let this happen to you. Make sure you ask up front if the cab will take you right a way, or if it is going to wait until it is full or close to full. It may take a while. The cab driver was not too polite either, however the second driver we came across was very nice to us.
By the way, the 7 mile beach is beautiful.
Howard
