Caribbean Beach FAQ part V

[Ariel on Land]

We're finally 10 days away and I checked in online today. I was planning on checking the little "near transportation" preference box, but I'm told they can't process that part and I'll need to call. So my question is do I REALLY need to request that? Are there really any rooms that are just miserably away from the bus stops? Right now my requests are simply ground floor in Aruba or Jamaica. No building numbers or anything... So what do you think? Is it worth calling tomorrow and either just saying to add "near transportation" to the ressie or even adding particular bldg numbers?? Or am I probably good as it is? FWIW, we're going to have the twins and their stroller that we'll be lugging to/from the bus stop every day.

Thanks!

 

[mcd2745]

We're finally 10 days away and I checked in online today. I was planning on checking the little "near transportation" preference box, but I'm told they can't process that part and I'll need to call. So my question is do I REALLY need to request that? Are there really any rooms that are just miserably away from the bus stops? Right now my requests are simply ground floor in Aruba or Jamaica. No building numbers or anything... So what do you think? Is it worth calling tomorrow and either just saying to add "near transportation" to the ressie or even adding particular bldg numbers?? Or am I probably good as it is? FWIW, we're going to have the twins and their stroller that we'll be lugging to/from the bus stop every day.

Thanks!

Well, think of it this way. If you get a roon in Jamaica or Aruba, and you are real close to the bus stop you may be real far from the bridge to OPR (particularly in Aruba - not as much in Jamaica). However, if it is more important to be close to the bus stop, you should call and have that request added.

 

[ronnmel]

We're finally 10 days away and I checked in online today. I was planning on checking the little "near transportation" preference box, but I'm told they can't process that part and I'll need to call. So my question is do I REALLY need to request that? Are there really any rooms that are just miserably away from the bus stops? Right now my requests are simply ground floor in Aruba or Jamaica. No building numbers or anything... So what do you think? Is it worth calling tomorrow and either just saying to add "near transportation" to the ressie or even adding particular bldg numbers?? Or am I probably good as it is? FWIW, we're going to have the twins and their stroller that we'll be lugging to/from the bus stop every day.

Thanks!

I agree with the PP. Last year we were in Aruba building 56. We could not have been closer to the bus stop, but also were the furthest away to the bridge to Old Port Royal (and the main pool). It worked for us, as we only went swimming twice and rarely ever ate at the food court. Think about what you will use the most, your own bus stop, or going to OPR.

 

[dis_guy]

I agree with the PP. Last year we were in Aruba building 56. We could not have been closer to the bus stop, but also were the furthest away to the bridge to Old Port Royal (and the main pool). It worked for us, as we only went swimming twice and rarely ever ate at the food court. Think about what you will use the most, your own bus stop, or going to OPR.

We've also stayed in Aruba 56, twice in fact. Loved the close bus stop and since we're active and love walking anyway, the walk to OPR was no problem at all.

 

[Ariel on Land]

I agree with the PP. Last year we were in Aruba building 56. We could not have been closer to the bus stop, but also were the furthest away to the bridge to Old Port Royal (and the main pool). It worked for us, as we only went swimming twice and rarely ever ate at the food court. Think about what you will use the most, your own bus stop, or going to OPR.

good advice- I'm on the phone now!

 

[ronnmel]

good advice- I'm on the phone now!

You're welcome.

 

[JasmineMA]

Just got back from our first stay at CBR We were in Aruba 51, and found the resort super quiet and relaxing. There was hardly anyone in the parking lot or building. We arrived a few hours early (around 10 am), and were given our rooms, told they were ready. There were painters in them painting them, so all the walls were wet, not a big deal as they dried pretty quickly. We were closest to the bridge, and as someone mentioned, Caribbean Cay was being worked on, so all but one path was blocked off. The quiet pools and beaches were basically empty the whole trip. The slide at the main pool sometimes had a wait. I can't speak for the buses, as we only went to Magic Kingdom on Halloween, but that bus was not packed (around 9 am). I think the longest wait we had was 15-20 mins for Peter Pan. Overall, I did not see many people at CBR at all, besides at the main pool (the food court did not even get that full), and Aruba 51 rooms are freshly painted

 

[3boys4me]

As someone mentioned, the island is undergoing refurbishment but we never spent much time on the island anyway, so it wasn't a big deal to us (although DH said he did miss listening to Jimmy Buffet as he walked along the trail, lol!)

If you have any questions, just ask and I'll do my best to answer them!

When you say they are doing a refurb on the island is that the Caribbean Cay? If yes, is the bridge still open? We are staying here for the first time and I have requested Jamaica 45. Soooo confused. TIA

 

[JasmineMA]

When you say they are doing a refurb on the island is that the Caribbean Cay? If yes, is the bridge still open? We are staying here for the first time and I have requested Jamaica 45. Soooo confused. TIA

The bridge is open, they have one path across Caribbean Cay open for you to get to the pool/food court/store. The playground was being redone it looked like, so the playground area and the "picnic" area is inaccessible. They were working pretty hard all week, it should be done soon. The noise from the work was pretty minimal also.

 

[3boys4me]

Thank you.

 

[lacy1101]

Thank you.

3boys4me - I noticed that you have always gone in November. This is our first time, having always gone in October. I'm having a hard time knowing how to pack for this trip. In October, it has been shorts all the way - its still so humid. I'm just wondering about these November nights, though. I mean, lows in the 50s and 60s sounds like it will be too cool for shorts and short sleeves; but, I'm wondering if I wear capris, will I will be comfortable during the daytime? It will be easy to start out in short sleeves and carry a jacket for the evenings, but just not sure about shorts vs. capris.

Any suggestions? How do you pack?

 

[PennyLane1084]

I have a bit of a random question. If there anywhere around the resort (pools or beaches perhaps) where this is a net for Volleyball. My boyfriend LOVES to play volleyball and would bring a ball down with if there are nets to play at. Thanks.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I have a bit of a random question. If there anywhere around the resort (pools or beaches perhaps) where this is a net for Volleyball. My boyfriend LOVES to play volleyball and would bring a ball down with if there are nets to play at. Thanks.

I know that there used to be a volleyball net on one of the beaches. I think it was the Trinidad North beach.

 

[JasmineMA]

I did see one volleyball net, I wanna say it was at Martinique, but I'm not positive which village.

 

[3boys4me]

3boys4me - I noticed that you have always gone in November. This is our first time, having always gone in October. I'm having a hard time knowing how to pack for this trip. In October, it has been shorts all the way - its still so humid. I'm just wondering about these November nights, though. I mean, lows in the 50s and 60s sounds like it will be too cool for shorts and short sleeves; but, I'm wondering if I wear capris, will I will be comfortable during the daytime? It will be easy to start out in short sleeves and carry a jacket for the evenings, but just not sure about shorts vs. capris.

Any suggestions? How do you pack?

Hi, I wear capri's the whole trip. We have had some days that were warm, but I have always been fine in capri's. For the boys, they are in shorts most days and usually a sweatshirt at night. I also bring jeans for everyone and I check the 10 day forcast to see if we should bring coats.

 

[catbertdave99]

I have a bit of a random question. If there anywhere around the resort (pools or beaches perhaps) where this is a net for Volleyball. My boyfriend LOVES to play volleyball and would bring a ball down with if there are nets to play at. Thanks.

I've seen a volleyball net on the Old Port Royale beach each time we've been at CBR....

 

[lacy1101]

Hi, I wear capri's the whole trip. We have had some days that were warm, but I have always been fine in capri's. For the boys, they are in shorts most days and usually a sweatshirt at night. I also bring jeans for everyone and I check the 10 day forcast to see if we should bring coats.

That's good to know - I have just about decided that's what I'm going to do, too. I think I'm going to take a couple pairs of sport-type capris (i.e., Adidas, Nike), and one pair of denim capris - pair 'em up with some short-sleeve tees and take along a pullover for when it gets cooler in the evenings. I'll probably throw in one pair of jeans, and one pair of shorts, just in case. DH and I are trying to only check one bag (first time paying) so I need to keep it as light and simple as possible. I'll probably wear a dressier pair of capris on the flight down and then wear those again for our nicer meal at Narcoossees during the trip. Seems like I always overpack, so this is going to be different for me.

Just to keep this on topic - we are staying at CBR this trip, too. We haven't stayed there since our first trip in 1994. I am very excited!

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Eric in TX]

I have a bit of a random question. If there anywhere around the resort (pools or beaches perhaps) where this is a net for Volleyball. My boyfriend LOVES to play volleyball and would bring a ball down with if there are nets to play at. Thanks.

I can confirm that there was a volleyball net on the beach in Martinique last week.

It didn't look like it was strung very tight, and the net ran perpendicular from the sidewalk down to the water so the 'court' would be on a downhill angle from one side to the other. But there was definitely a net!

 

[derekw]

Back from our CBR stay 10/28 thru 11/3. We got our room request Jamaica 45 very close to bus and OPR. Really enjoyed the resort very tropical and relaxing feel to it. Serene and quiet. Rooms decorated very nice and decent sized but after a few days felt somewhat cramped (but to get bigger need $$$.) Kids really enjoyed the pools (toddler pirate play area is great!) and also the beach areas. Food court in general was quite satisfying. Food court was HUGELY busy the day we checked in...but as free dining expired it was much less crowded. Bus service was pretty good and never had to wait more than 15 minutes to/from parks. Overall I'd rate POR just a slight tick higher as it had a more 'intimate' feel (plus boat to DTD) but would still recommend CBR. Want to check out CSR next time we visit.

 

[stuffed withfluff]

i'm starting to get concerned. DM and I will be there 12/12-12/18 in the pirate room handicapped accessible and we have heard several complaints of not actually sleeping on mattresses, but on 5'' thick mats

...any info on this?