If Jost Van Dyke full day excursion is sold out

[Betsyp]

Do you think it’s possible to have an exception made and squeeze 1 more in? I guess it can’t hurt to ask, but I wonder if anyone has tried this?

I’ve been unsuccessful trying to find a private charter - it’s way too expensive, and I’m already doing a private tour on St. John. I really like Disney’s excursion, but by the time my booking window opens, it will probably be sold out

Thanks!

 

[Mathmagicland]

Do you think it’s possible to have an exception made and squeeze 1 more in? I guess it can’t hurt to ask, but I wonder if anyone has tried this?

I’ve been unsuccessful trying to find a private charter - it’s way too expensive, and I’m already doing a private tour on St. John. I really like Disney’s excursion, but by the time my booking window opens, it will probably be sold out

Thanks!

While I haven’t tried for an exception on this tour, I have asked about thst possibility on others and been told no, it can’t be done. It is likely because of number of available seats, equipment, guide to guest ratio, number allocated to Disney, whatever.

However, if this is fully booked by your booking window, don’t be too discouraged. Keep frequently checking back, especially as it gets close to the go/No go date before sail date. People change their minds about port adventures, and I have been able to snag spots on previously booked tours by finding openings later on.

Good luck!

 

[Betsyp]

While I haven’t tried for an exception on this tour, I have asked about thst possibility on others and been told no, it can’t be done. It is likely because of number of available seats, equipment, guide to guest ratio, number allocated to Disney, whatever.

However, if this is fully booked by your booking window, don’t be too discouraged. Keep frequently checking back, especially as it gets close to the go/No go date before sail date. People change their minds about port adventures, and I have been able to snag spots on previously booked tours by finding openings later on.

Good luck!

Oh that makes sense - it’s understandable.

Thank you! I’m counting the days until December 18 - hopefully it don’t be fully booked, but if it is, I’ll try to keep this in mind!

 

[randumb0]

Once you are on onboard go to the Port Adventures desk. There might be some open spots available, however have a backup plan

 

[Betsyp]

Once you are on onboard go to the Port Adventures desk. There might be some open spots available, however have a backup plan

Good idea!

I guess my backup would be the Transfer, but that’s such a short day…I wonder if I would need allowed to do the Family Beach Escape, which is 1 hour shorter…

The Baths was my other and original choice, but I worry about walking on wet rocks and squeezing through narrow caves. I’m not claustrophobic, just klutzy ..and I tend to move slowly even just going down stairs, never mind holding on to rope ladders

There’s availability now on Aristocats: 9:30-3:30…It looks great, but I’m not sure I want to keep hopping around…but as long as we get decent time at each stop, it could be the one

https://aristocatdaysails.com/itineraries/jost-van-dyke/

Smuggler’s Cove looks wonderful, but I’ve read that even if you arrange for a taxi to pick you up, they often forget
Thank you!

 

[cvjw]

It has been my experience that DCL will form a waitlist if an excursion is full - once onboard the cruise. If someone wants to cancel after the cancellation period, they can with no penalty if there are others in the waitlist that want the spots. And you get the ok from the excursion supervisor. Doubt they would just add you if the excursion is full.

 

[Betsyp]

It has been my experience that DCL will form a waitlist if an excursion is full - once onboard the cruise. If someone wants to cancel after the cancellation period, they can with no penalty if there are others in the waitlist that want the spots. And you get the ok from the excursion supervisor. Doubt they would just add you if the excursion is full.

That’s understandable. I’m going to have be to be extremely flexible, lol - which is not my strong suit, nor is patience. I really want to do JVD, but I think if I’m unable to do so, then I’ll likely take one of those taxi tours at Road Town and spend some time at Cane Garden Beach.

 

[Intr3pid]

You can always do it by yourself:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/jost-van-dyke-beach-day-tt65.3745572/post-60516851

Or through a tour company:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attracti...c42-Jost_Van_Dyke_British_Virgin_Islands.html

 

[randumb0]

You can always do it by yourself:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/jost-van-dyke-beach-day-tt65.3745572/post-60516851

Or through a tour company:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attracti...c42-Jost_Van_Dyke_British_Virgin_Islands.html

Wait a minute. The Bermuda stop is not overnight?

 

[Betsyp]

You can always do it by yourself:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/jost-van-dyke-beach-day-tt65.3745572/post-60516851

Or through a tour company:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attracti...c42-Jost_Van_Dyke_British_Virgin_Islands.html

I’ll stress out too much doing it by myself …and that one company looks fantastic, but none of their tours leave from Tortola. Aristocats has one, but I’m not sure that’s for me…

I’m going to try and think positive about the ship excursion not being full because I can’t seem to find a JVD private tour from Tortola that works…

Thank you!

 

[auntlynne]

I think we found our slots closer to cruise date. We found one and then a second for me. With no payment required for booking excursions, you can see people drop activities later on.

A back-up plan is a good idea.

 

[Intr3pid]

Last time we did it by ourselves, the Disney excursion had a waitlist of 35. (It was March and Fantasy was sailing full.)

Check the excursion again 3 days before your departure date - which is when it will technically become non-refundable for others who want out.

 

[Betsyp]

I think we found our slots closer to cruise date. We found one and then a second for me. With no payment required for booking excursions, you can see people drop activities later on.

A back-up plan is a good idea.

I wish I didn’t have to wait to find out, but oh well, lol

There are so many choices. I’d like to do something different, so Smuggler’s Cove sounds wonderful - it’s just a matter of making sure they would return for me (apparently sometimes they don’t there). There’s s lady chef named Patricia who has a restaurant there who could call …

But as I’m by myself, Cane Garden Bay still seems like a better bet, even if it’s very touristy.

I still would rather wind up at JVD, but no point in worrying about that now. I may yet find a private tour…at least it’s keeping me busy!

 

[Betsyp]

Last time we did it by ourselves, the Disney excursion had a waitlist of 35. (It was March and Fantasy was sailing full.)

Check the excursion again 3 days before your departure date - which is when it will technically become non-refundable for others who want out.

wow, 35....Here’s hoping that it won’t be necessary to check back, but I guess I should assume the excursion will be filled up. Thank you, will do!

How was it when you did it yourself? Any issues ?

 

[Betsyp]

You can always do it by yourself:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/jost-van-dyke-beach-day-tt65.3745572/post-60516851

Or through a tour company:

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attracti...c42-Jost_Van_Dyke_British_Virgin_Islands.html

As I read that very thorough description of what it would take to do JVD by myself...it doesn’t seem THAT bad. We go ashore at 7:30am and have to be on board by 5:45pm, so that’s a pretty full day

If i were to take a taxi - to the ferry and then to JVD - would I make arrangements for the driver to return to take me back to the ferry and then the ship or will there be lots of taxis at both places?

What ferry do you think I’d need to take to get back to ship with plenty of time to spare ? And, once at White Bay, do you actually swim out ti Soggy Dollar?

**I’d have to take the 2pm ferry back, so if I took the 8 am ferry to JVD, I’d maybe get to White Bay at 9:30 …that’s a lot of work for 2 1/2 hours

Thank you for your help!

 

[auntlynne]

JVD - when you arrive in Great Harbour, it’s just a few buildings, a dock, and some small trucks loading goods. I think I saw a car taxi or two.

No swimming TO the Soggy Dollar, unless you come in on a small boat (this is how it started - and still is for private boats).

As I say, look left when you get to the beach (a short walk from safari taxi drop) to see where Doggy Dollar is. Look right for the shore excursion area. This is not a big area (White Bay beach). If it takes 5 minutes between the two areas, you will have stopped to take photos and bask.

 

[auntlynne]

As a solo, I would only do JVD on an excursion, especially if it involves taxiing to West End or Spanish town (another town) just to catch the fairy. It’s a lot of variables. And, yes, adventurers do these things. But on a first time to this port, and as a single person, I would look to shore excursions or things on the same island where your ship is. (Going to St John has multiple times for a return on the ferry - and is only a short ride on the boat. Even then, I make sure there is one more ferry after the one I use for return).

When I do water activities, I want someone with me or do it where there are other people - so Cane Garden being a touristy area can be a plus.

 

[Betsyp]

As a solo, I would only do JVD on an excursion, especially if it involves taxiing to West End or Spanish town (another town) just to catch the fairy. It’s a lot of variables. And, yes, adventurers do these things. But on a first time to this port, and as a single person, I would look to shore excursions or things on the same island where your ship is. (Going to St John has multiple times for a return on the ferry - and is only a short ride on the boat. Even then, I make sure there is one more ferry after the one I use for return).

When I do water activities, I want someone with me or do it where there are other people - so Cane Garden being a touristy area can be a plus.

Makes sense, so I’m not going to do JVD on my own.

I found this company which does several excursions from Tortola that leave from the cruise ship dock. It appears they subcontract to local vendors...

The JVD one sounds like the Disney Beach Transfer excursion - both 4 hours. I wish they had the longer one ...

They also have other wonderful tours of Tortola ...I’d love to know what you think; they get great reviews overall

 

[auntlynne]

Makes sense, so I’m not going to do JVD on my own.

I found this company which does several excursions from Tortola that leave from the cruise ship dock. It appears they subcontract to local vendors...

The JVD one sounds like the Disney Beach Transfer excursion - both 4 hours. I wish they had the longer one ...

They also have other wonderful tours of Tortola ...I’d love to know what you think; they get great reviews overall

I like the idea of leaving from the cruise pier- that’s how we did it. You should be fine with a shorter trip; just consider the ride over and back as part of the adventure. No need to waste tie on eating if you eat breakfast - and there’s always food on the ship.

Maybe you will get a chance to check out the area around the pier in Tortola.

The people on our tour were lined up ready to get back to the ferry before it was time to go.

You also save money on renting a beach umbrella - just drop off your stuff on the included lounger, hit the water and splash in the ocean. You can head to Soggy dollar Bar if you have leftover time.

 

[Betsyp]

I like the idea of leaving from the cruise pier- that’s how we did it. You should be fine with a shorter trip; just consider the ride over and back as part of the adventure. No need to waste tie on eating if you eat breakfast - and there’s always food on the ship.

Maybe you will get a chance to check out the area around the pier in Tortola.

The people on our tour were lined up ready to get back to the ferry before it was time to go.

You also save money on renting a beach umbrella - just drop off your stuff on the included lounger, hit the water and splash in the ocean. You can head to Soggy dollar Bar if you have leftover time.

I’m torn between wanting to book this now or waiting for the longer excursion on the ship, which is what I really want, but since the cancellation policy is 14 days out from the date, I’m in good shape. I really want the longer excursion, so .

I was hoping to grab a bite and a painkiller at Soggy, though you’re right that I would save beach time by not eating. I assume you recommend taking the earlier time - 9:15?

From what I‘ve read, the area around the pier isn’t anything special...but if I end up on this tour, I would check it out as I don’t want to get back on the ship SO early

Thank you!