Dolphin Encounters

[stretch]

Question about the Dolphin Encounters in Nassau. Booking it through Disney will cost $113.50 for adults and $88.50 for children (ages 3-9). So for myself, wife and two kids (ages 5 and 3), it would cost $404. Now if I go to the website of the company that offers this, w?w.dolphinswims.c?m, (please substitute "?" with a "w" and "o" as they won't let me post a link), I find that it is $85 per person with my three year old being free! My cost going directly through them is only $255.

Anybody see any problems with booking with them direct instead of Disney? They say they provide transportation to Blue Lagoon Island but I'm not quite sure where they leave from (hope it's walking distance from the ship).

Is this to good to be true? Also any opinions about the dolphin encounters would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mommasita]

My only concern would be in case of cancellation...When you book through DCL, if for "SOME" reason you do not get there, you are 100% protected...I would find out if it is the same, otherwise ya never know...

If they guarantee you, I would go for it...

 

[kcashner]

We book all our excursions ourselves now...but in fairness, the first couple times we cruised, we booked thru DCL.

My experience has been that the companies that do excursions bill your CC when you actually do the trip. Some have a small $ amount for cancellation (this will be specified on their site). Most have a policy that if your ship can't get you in for any reason, there is no charge.

If you don't have to give them a cc number to book, there will be no charge if you cancel. If you have to give them your number at booking time, check the cancellation policy carefully. We've never had any problem. We did have an "automatic" cancel when the ship couldn't get to port last fall due to the hurricanes.

 

[TumFamily]

Hi --

We went on the excursion and LOVED IT!! I was driving myself crazy as to what to do about the difference in the price. I finally called Disney and here are the differences:

Booking through Disney you are then insured by them if anything should happen. Also, it includes your transportation back and forth. You are on a nice sized boat that has a Carribean band and a bar. You are provided with one fruit punch each. They also have the hair braiders on board, if you want.
It was my understanding that the excursion booked through the encounter place does not provide transportation and you have to take a cab to a boat.

Also, your Disney price includes the pass to stay at the Blue Lagoon Beach for the day. It is beautiful so I suggest you plan on spending time there. We were there with only one or two other families (talk about paradise). There is also a place that provides lunch (which is also included). It is a bit like Castaway Cay but not as extravagant.

When we cruise again, I will definitely book the Blue Lagoon Day because that is really nice.

We booked through Disney and personally I felt it was worth the extra money because you didnt have to worry about anything. You also had an early reservation so you could spend hours on the beach.

 

[stretch]

Thanks for the info on the differences of booking with Disney. Now I just have to decide if the $150 price difference is worth it. A cab can't cost that much! Also have a grandparent who wants to come along (but just to watch, not participate). Is it possible for her to come with us at a reduced price if we bookwith the Disney excursion?