JenniferSS

Boston Bride2009- Thanks! We just did a Royal & Gran caribe resorts webinar and the brides thought it was wonderful! Each resort puts together their presentation but so far all have been very well received!

Bump for newbies and those who haven't seen it!

Unfortunately with the economy this is happening more & more - we've seen it with several resorts chains (Iberostar, Azul fives ect). They are consolidating staff and guests to the higher end resorts within their chain (at no additional costs) so that they can deliver a good product. This is instead of shutting down many of the restaurants, offering less menu options and closing facilities at the standard properties. Typically this is a last minute decision -based upon occupancy levels ( they are waiting till the last minute hoping that levels pick up-if not they go ahead with the consolidation). You will not get higher prices for the guests that have already booked- they will honor the rates . For those who have not yet booked- they may end up paying the going rate for the new hotel. It never hurts to ask for additional wedding amenities- just don't be suprised if they are not huge or existant at all. many times the resorts say that they are giving an upgrade to the higher end property (which is true). Usualy the higher end resort would be a difference of 200-600 per couple as the experience tends to offer better food, beverage and amenities. Believe me I understand how stressful it can be but the end result is you will be marrying the person you love the most in the whole world! The experience will be amazing!

Join us for a Webinar on October 8, 7pm Eastern standard time! Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/765207763 Join us as we explore the beauty of the Caribbean and exactly what is included at the amazing, Sandals & Beaches Resorts. See photo's of the properties, learn how each property is unique and which one would be perfect for YOUR Honeymoon or Destination Wedding! Join us and you'll see why Sandals is voted the # 1 Romantic Resort in the Caribbean! Title: Your Invitation to Sandals & Beaches Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Webinar! Date:Thursday, October 8, 2009 Time:7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Eastern standard time After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Excellence Resorts - Mexico, Dominican Republic & soon Jamaica! Join us for a Webinar on October 15 Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/767590955 We're thrlled to have Excellence Resorts join us to present - Excellence Riviera Cancun, Excellence Playa Mujures and Excellence Punta Cana to present their amazing 5 star all inclusive, adult only Resorts ! Plus as a bonus we will have the wedding coordinator on hand for the last portion of the webinar to answer your destination wedding questions! You'll see photo's of the resorts, discuss the features directly with resort staff and learn about why couples LOVE these gems in Mexico & DR ! Special booking incentives only available to webinar attendees! Title: Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Excellence Resorts - Mexico, Dominican Republic & soon Jamaica! Date:Thursday, October 15, 2009 Time:7:00 PM - 8:00 pm Eastern Standard time After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Please keep in mind that while this is exciting news- please be cautious! Airtran ( and others like it- Spirit, Jetblue Ect ) do not code share. Plus, often they are only running flights to these destinations once a day or every other day. So what's the big deal? If the flights are cancelled, or run into a mechanical issue and you do not make it to the destination in time -you may not be able to get legally married! Or, if your guests book on these flights and run into these issues they will likely miss your wedding!Of course if you put in a few days wiggle room then you won't have to sweat it out! Without codesharing there are extremely limited options on what these airlines will do to get you to the destination on time- they will not care ( unless your lucky!) that you will not be able to get married. There obligation is to get you to the destination on the next available flight- that could be days later if the next flights are full ! I'm certainly not trying to be a party pooper- just wanted keep from any future heartbreak! The good news is these will be great at possibly keeping the prices down as more seats will be available and this will be great for site visits and vacations!

I have been to both Secrets Capri & Excellence Riviera Cancun and they are both wonderful properties- but for different reasons. What you really need to do is make a list of what ultimately is the most important features for your wedding and stay - then schedule a consultation with a TA that knows each property well to review those. The TA can then stear you to the resort that fits what you & your fiancee the best!!

May is a some what rainy month for Jamaica, but by no means horrible- most rains will occur in the early mornings before 8am or late afternoon. It's like Florida with the showers though- usually they are brief down pours then it's lovely again! That being said it is usually quietest on the beaches around 4pm as most sun bathers have had their fill and start heading in to get ready for dinner. The next quiestest time is around 10 am -many are just getting out to the beach around then! There are two beach gazebos- one is closer than the other to the beach but they are pretty close to each other ! Quote: Originally Posted by shaunandcherie We are going to Sandals Negril in May 2010 for our wedding. We have it scheduled for 4PM. However after finding this site and looking at through some posts I am reconsidering the time. Can anyone give me some advise who has had a wedding there? Is it nicer and cooler in the morning? What would be the most private? From what the wedding planner sent us we were thinking of doing the gazebo near the ocean. I am actually starting to have second thoughts about the whole thing. Any information would be very helpful! Thank you

Keep in mind that Grand Caymen is usually an island that the cruise ships tender in on - this is a port of call that most often is skipped if the seas get rough at all as the ships will not use the tenders to get people onto the island! Your best bet would be to contact TA Dina on the forum-(through PM or via the flashing banner on top of the page) she'll be able to provide you with the information that you need! Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Welcome to the forum! I've sailed multiple times with Carnival, and my best suggestion for you is to book a wedding at one of the ports of call. That will keep costs down. My next suggestion is to maybe try Welcome to ShoreTrips® - Your Guide to Shore Excursions. This is the website where I plan all of my cruise shore excursions... and they have a bunch of wedding options. Here are some examples: ocho rios: $830 Welcome to ShoreTrips® - WEDDING...JUST THE TWO OF US This Simple Ceremony includes: • Marriage License • Marriage Officiant • All legal processing of documents • Certified marriage certificate • On site wedding coordinator • Beach Wedding Location for Ceremony • Conch Shell Floral Heart in Sand for Beach Ceremony • Complimentary Souvenir Keepsake • Round trip transfers from the pier or hotel for the bride & groom • Witnesses, if needed • All Taxes & Service Charges Or for slightly more $1100: Welcome to ShoreTrips® - WEDDING...SIMPLE WEDDING IN PARADISE On St. Thomas $660: Welcome to ShoreTrips® - WEDDING...SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL WEDDING IN ST. THOMAS Grand Cayman $530: Welcome to ShoreTrips® - WEDDING... A SIMPLY PRETTY BEACH CEREMONY So it looks like Grand Cayman would be your best bet. Which, I'm pretty sure is one of Carnival's cheapest cruises (but very nice... been on it twice!) and the Caymans are breath takingly gorgeous, so you'd still have a fantastic wedding!

For those that are vegatarians they will offer a vegatarian option so you don't have to worry about those that do not eat meat!

It can be frustrating but it's these policies that keep the forum vibrant ! If only a few participated and posted while the rest just came in down loaded what they wanted/needed and then left, the forum would have died a long time ago! By requiring participation it ensures that every member is active to the degree that they take! You can always contact the resorts yourself for the info if you don't have time to participate. Plus teh forum is free for you to use ! However it costs the owner quite a bit to set up & maintain- so she gets to make the rules! Quote: Originally Posted by yeya99 this is so friggin fustrating.i just joined and I cant figure out how to pm any one or when I try to open attached files to look at the menus for playa del carmem it wotn let me. this point system is bullox.whats the point of posting the infomation up if we have to make many post just to get stupid points to see the informaiton we need.thats very frustrating especially when you dont have time to sit in front of the computer all damn day to earn points. aggggggggggggggggggggggggg

I find that many times the brides have quite a bit of power over this but they are extremely hesitant to use it. My brides that have strongly recommended or insisted on their guests using my services- and didn't provide information about using the internet or direct with theresort, usually 95-99% of the guests utilized me. I was able to provide a smooth and stressfree travel experience for them and their guests as I can address any potential issues before they book anything. I am also forever addressing schedule changes behind the scenes- in general I spend several hrs each week working on issues and getting them resolved -that the guests don't even know popped up! Then come natural disasters, swine flu and who knows what and I am there doing what it takes to make everything work out. The guests who booked online- they are on their own to take care of those issues. I've had a few that booked online and offered to pay me when something came up to take care of the problem. They are not my client though and I must take care of my own! Plus we really can't do much when we're not listed as agent of record. We also get many that booked online and still wants us to answer their questions- we have to refer them back to their booking source as that is their TA. I actually had one guest threaten to sue me because I wouldn't answer his questions and make changes to his reservation after I spent weeks with him and he booked online! Anyways....The brides that had both my information and that of online booking sources- I still had 95-99% contact me to get their questions answered but for a few dollars less ( it was usually a difference in flights- they didn't realize that the connection was impossible /they'd arrive after dinner/have to leave the resort for their return at 7am/ transfers weren't included ect ect) they'd book online. What many guests do not realize is that good travel agents strive to offer the best value overall! That often is NOT the absolute, rock bottom, lowest price- in travel often you really do get what you pay for! So many look for the absolute lowest price but have no idea about getting the GREATEST VALUE! Only you, as the Bride can communicate that to your guests-the value that your TA brings into the equation. There is a huge difference between the two. If the guest comes back to me and says well I found this online can you match or beat it I can them explain why I didn't offer that option - and why it's NOT a good value ( such as your only staying three days at the resort and you will miss all meals day one - for $25.00 more I can get you in to the resort 6 hrs earlier and your have both lunch and dinner! Or, I know that airport and there is no way to make that connection with your luggage- you will be going to the wedding in the clothes you arrived in! Or, no way to make that connection and the next flight out is at 10am the next day- we can only hope that it isn't already full) I can give thousands of examples!

TA Maureen is absolutely correct- I would love for all of you to post how long your guests are staying and we'd see that the candians range from a full week to possiblly two/US guests stay on average 3 nights. For a 3 night stay for a group you will likely not get the free room -especially if your dates are over a weekend as it then leaves the resort with empty rooms the rest of the week ( most ppl vacation 5-7 nights, starting on a Saturday-very few ppl start travel on a Monday or Tuesday that ='s empty rooms till the next Saturday.) Hotels/resorts also look at total of room nights as opposed to how many rooms. So a group traveling for 7 nights with 10 rooms generates 70 pd nights, with no empty rooms afterwards. A group of 10 roooms traveling 3 nights is generates 30 paid nights with a strong possibility of 40 nights left open- it actually becomes a negative booking situation for the hotel/resort. So no they will not offer additional perks. It also depends on the resort itself- some offer much better amenities for DW's. Add into that time of year- low season offers greater opportunity for additional amenities. High season- not so much. Traveling to Beaches for a Dw in the fall- you get a free reception- the 75.00 value one! That's a huge perk! And as Maureen mentioned- if you do not use a group contract then you generally will not get the additional amenities. Of course that depends on the hotel! I've had group contracts at the same resort-but that offered completely different amenities & perks! It depended on all of the above factors. So it isn't always that the TA is not doing their job! Each contract is unique and no two are alike!

Thank you so very much all of you ladies (and gents) who attended! I am so glad that you felt it helpful! I look forward to working with you and your guests on your weddings! I also appreciate that you followed through on your RSVP! We had 6 that signed up and did not attend. This is happening with many of the webinars and may force us to have to charge a small nominal fee to cover our cost and secure the brides committment. While I am thrilled to be able to offer such a service to the brides of BDW- there is a great time committment and expense working with the resorts to get these arranged. The resorts also spend a considerable amount of time & energy plus expense in presenting the webinars. When we have so many not show we still incur the cost! In addition it makes BDW look bad- having 6 out of 16 no show! So we'll be offering more webinars but whether we can continue to do fro free - we'll see. I'd love to get feedback about this issue!

Quote: Originally Posted by isisferi Hi I am looking for a seaview catholic chappel in cancun or rivera maya? somebody can give me details thanks You should look at the Gran porto Real in cancun- we have a webinar tonight that will review the property and show the ocean front consecrated chapel. We'll also have the WC's on hand to answer questions! To find the webinar just use the search function for Royal resorts webinar!

Just a reminder that the Royal Resorts webinar is tonight at 7 pm -eastern standard time. We will have one of wedding coordinators on the webinar with us to answer questions! If you can not make it pls let us know- while provided as a courtesy to BDW members even if they have, or are considering booking with another source other than with Sand & Sun Vacations there is a considerable cost, plus the time & effort for Sand & Sun Vacations to host the webinars (and the resorts to provide the personal to do the presentation). When we have people sign up and then not show we incur those additional costs and it makes BDW look very bad.

Just a reminder that the webinar is tonight at 7 pm -eastern standard time. If you can not make it pls let us know- while provided as a courtesy to BDW members even if they have or are considering booking with another source other than with Sand & Sun Vacations there is a considerable cost, plus the time & effort for Sand & Sun Vacations to host the webinars.

Most definately! Please feel free to comntact me for your honeymoon- I'd love to assist! Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Thank you...do you book just honeymoons in addition to weddings? If so...I will certainly contact you when the time comes.

I hope it all works out for you- it's an amazing location! Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva CDHolz...one more question...the Atlantis FINALLY called me back and I was told to keep in mind that if I wanted to have the wedding at the Cloisters that I needed to think about transportation back to the Atlantis...otherwise my guests would be on the shuttle buses with everyone else that goes to the O&O. Did you hire a bus company to transport your guests back to the Atlantis? Also...I was told that you can't have the wedding on the beach of the O&O unless you have 10 rooms booked for 3 nights. I'm so excited...they are going to send some more information to me via e-mail other than the two page basic document I found on the internet...I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I might be so lucky to have my wedding at just about my favorite place in the world!!!

Lesh, That's a standard response time for a Mexico WC- they are bombarded with emails from potential brides and truly prioritize who they respond to first. Initially inquiries are far down the list with those whose wedding are within 60 days given top priority. Take a peek around the forum and you'll find that is the most commom complaint from brides- but you'll also get a feel for how many DW or potential DW brides there are!

Not a problem! You'll love St. Lucia - I just returned from there last week, such an amazingly beautiful island with the most gentle people! The Atlantis per nightly rate will be lower but the Food & Beverage prices are extremly expensive- most of my clients that have been to both say that they would have saved $$ if they stayed at Sandals . Of course that depends on how much & what type of food & drink each person prefers! Good luck planning! Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Hi, Thank you for responding. As for the reasoning for staying at the Atlantis...one of the reasons I wanted my wedding in the Bahamas is because I wanted my friends and family to experience the place that I consider one of my favorite places in the world. Also, my VERY limited research on pricing seems to indicate to me that it would actually be cheaper per night to stay at the Atlantis during the during of the year that I would like to marry...this is particulary true as guests can opt to stay at the timeshare at the Atlantis which can hold several people in the two-bedroom units. I am unsure at this point if I can afford the Atlantis and need to see just how many people MUST be invited. As such, I was looking into the possibility of doing my wedding and reception at Sandals. My guess is that while a few might stay the entire week, most would only come for a long weekend. I have no issue staying at Sandals and would certainly give my guests the option, but I just do not think that most would. Either case..I'm still considering a Sandals resort for our honeymoon...looking into St. Lucia as of now.

From Excite News - Top 'Caribbean Escape' closes in Turks and Caicos "Top 'Caribbean Escape' closes in Turks and Caicos Sep 12, 3:32 PM (ET) By DANICA COTO SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - An exclusive resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands that catered to celebrities and offered personal butlers and a pillow menu has closed after less than two years of operation. The owner of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa - Leeward Resort Ltd. - has been placed into receivership, General Manager Jonathan Steers said. "We are working tirelessly to ensure our ... staff acquires new employment and that our guest reservations are relocated smoothly," Steers said in a brief statement Friday. It was unclear how many employees were laid off and how many reservations were affected at the Providenciales-based resort, which offered 48 rooms and suites. Steers did not respond to requests for further comment. The resort, which the Travel Channel rated No. 2 on its list of the "21 Hottest Caribbean Escapes" this year, is the latest one in the region to close amid the global economic crisis. Jamaica's Rose Hall Hotel, owned by the Spanish company Iberostar Hotels and Resorts, closed last month, and the luxury Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma in the Bahamas closed in May after master development owner EBR Holdings Ltd. of London failed to meet debt obligations. Other major resorts have laid off hundreds of employees, including the Atlantis in the Bahamas, owned by Kerzner International Bahamas Limited. Nikki Beach was a good brand to help promote the Turks and Caicos, said Ralph Higgs, marketing director for the islands' Tourism Board. "Obviously a closure of any resort in our country has an implication for the economy," he said Saturday. The British Caribbean Bank will manage the 430-acre (175-hectare) resort and 110-slip mega-yacht marina until a buyer appears, according to ads it took out in local newspapers. The resort, which offered Bvlgari bath products and an infinity pool with beds resembling those of 19th-century opium dens, had attracted guests such as actor Denzel Washington and New York Yankees star Derek Jeter. Rates ranged from $350 to nearly $3,000 a night. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa opened in April 2008 and offered a "recession-friendly" anniversary party this year that featured discounted airfares and room rates, according to a news release. The resort had planned to build one- and two-bedroom condominiums and open a spa, casino and several restaurants next year. Nikki Beach still operates resorts in Miami; New York; Hollywood, California; and Thailand, among others." It's so sad to hear of these closings. I wonder if Sandals will buy this property out of foreclosure also ? There have been rumors for a couple of years now that they were looking at putting a Sandals resort in Turks & Caicos.

Not if they are booking elsewhere, they will not count towards your amenities and can not be added in. What concerns me is that Sandals/Beaches has a one price policy so the room rates will be the same no matter where they book, unless someone is discounting the rates. It's a huge No -No, Sandals/Beaches cut off Expedia for discounting- it was one of the big onlines.If they'll stop a big company, they won't hesitate to do it to another smaller company. In that case Sandals/Beaches can cut them off from booking and then the clients reservations will not be able to be serviced. Or, your guests are getting a quote from the TA and then a few days later taking a peek and going to book and their was a sale- the guests then assumed that the TA's rates were higher instead of checking back. Quote: Originally Posted by bosi Some guests are getting better rates elsewhere. Do you know if i can call Beaches and still add those guests to my total rm count to still perks? I guess this is directed to the TAs out there?

I just returned from St. Lucia ! I was at Sandals Grande St. Lucian(adult only AI) and the resort was great and sat on a beautiful stretch of beach . The snorkeling was pretty good and only a few minutes away - your in a cove so the water was very calm and crystal clear with lots of life , schools of fish, you may see a turtle, some arrow crabs and some really large coral! It was some of the best snorkeling I did- besides in maui but in Maui it was far rougher with the waves so I enjoyed this much more! Quote: Originally Posted by Kenaharmony We were hoping for an adult AI resort - everything else about the resort seems to be great though! T&C is a destination that I have always wanted to go to. St Lucia is also an option but the beaches are quite a bit different and we really want to do some great snorkelling.

You could also check with One & Only in the Bahamas - I believe that the Cloistures is actually on their property! Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Hi, Has anyone booked the Cloisters for their wedding? If so, what was the cost to rent the location? Does that cost include the set-up fees, costs of chairs, etc? Can you bring in your own chairs, flowers, minister, etc? Also, did anyone have their wedding at the Clositers and reception outdoors at the Atlantis? Thanks.