25 replies to this topic

[ekf6189]

hey! I am also a Karisma bride... getting married at El Dorado Royale in August of 2016.

I considered the Azul properties (and loved them) but they decided to cut the kids off the list (there would have been 26 kids!!). I've had such a great experience thus far working with the hotel. One thing I've come to realize, is that it does take a few days for a response from the WC. But being this far out, it is understandable, and they have many weddings well before mine. maybe I'm just very laid back.. But so far, no issues for me!

[JRodz]

Hi Everyone! 

 

@hirvine83 -I know what you mean about trying to find the perfect location. We were looking into the Azul Five too but ended up going w/ Azul Sensatori. I think because it was a little bigger and we have a lot of guest. We needed something that was very family friendly. I'm so concerned about all the seaweed I keep reading about. Anyone else experience that when they went? I haven't seen it so I can't tell how bad it is. Hopefully it will be gone by next year!

[Jasminr3803]

@JRodz My fiancé and i stayed at Azul sensatori when we went for the brides dress rehearsal. I thought the resort was nice. Unfortunately, the seaweed was a major turn off for me. The resort workers were out there daily collecting seaweed but it was everywhere. I really hope they can get the seaweed issue under control before your wedding.

[JRodz]

@Jasminr3803 Wow I'm so happy I went w/ my instincts and cancelled my contract with them. I had to start over but now I'm super happy! Going to visit new location next weekend but have already decided on Hyatt Ziva Cancun! Where are you having yours? 

[Jasminr3803]

Hey I chose Azul Fives. That's great that you are going to see it in person. Is Hyatt Ziva Cancun part of Karisma?
Just a side note if they are....working with The wedding coordinators can be very frustrating. Sometimes I feel it takes several days before you can get an answer to a simple question. Also, I've had my WC changed several times and I am on WC #4 now. Being so close to the wedding I am getting worried. Hopefully you won't have this problem!

[melanderic2017]

Azul Fives didn't offer us many perks because we are Canadian. We got one of their packages for the reception tables and because we also upgraded our ceremony to the sky deck, our TA was able to negotiate the ceremony fee ($950) and they gave us that for free. Also, because we booked our travel with a GI certified TA, my hair and makeup were free as well as the trials. I also had a mani and pedi for free but I honestly didn't have time nor did i want to be stuck at the spa when the weather was so beautiful! 

 

I think our biggest perk, was getting every 11th person free. This was such a good deal! We got two people for free and we were able to help some of our friends and family out with that. 

 

At the end of the day, with perks or not, I have no regrets. I couldn't imagine my wedding anywhere else

Hey! I was just wondering who you flew with to get the 11th person free? I'm working with a travel agent who has quoted me the Azul with air transat, who is guaranteeing every 21st adult free. 

 

Let me know I'm just curious!

[snswedding2016]

@melanderic2017 It all depends on timing with Air Transat with their current promotions. I know some brides received every 11th person free and some with every 21st. I received for every 15th person $1000 credit (up to a max of 4). I hope that helps!

[ashhtayy]

@melanderic2017 we booked last March and our promo, sadly, is 1 in 21.

[TinkerSofi]

Hey! I was just wondering who you flew with to get the 11th person free? I'm working with a travel agent who has quoted me the Azul with air transat, who is guaranteeing every 21st adult free. 

 

Let me know I'm just curious!

I second what @snswedding2016 said. We booked in May of 2014 so that was a while back. The only company that does chartered flights to AF from Canada is Air Transat so we went with them as well. Sometimes your TA is able to negotiate better promos or deals but it really depends on the time of booking. Who are you using for TA? Does she have a lot of experience with Karisma? 

Originally we wanted to go with Gran Caribe in Cancun, but our TA hadn't really worked with them and so when we got their quote we didn't like their terms. Among other things, they also only offered every 21st free. That's when our TA suggested AF and she had already worked with them many times. Anyway, when she said they would give us that deal, that was just another things among the many reasons why we chose it. I just got an email from Karisma yesterday saying that every 6th person is free with some conditions. I imagine it's only for US brides, but maybe they're willing to cut you a better deal than the 21st person for free. 

[melanderic2017]

I second what @snswedding2016 said. We booked in May of 2014 so that was a while back. The only company that does chartered flights to AF from Canada is Air Transat so we went with them as well. Sometimes your TA is able to negotiate better promos or deals but it really depends on the time of booking. Who are you using for TA? Does she have a lot of experience with Karisma? 

Originally we wanted to go with Gran Caribe in Cancun, but our TA hadn't really worked with them and so when we got their quote we didn't like their terms. Among other things, they also only offered every 21st free. That's when our TA suggested AF and she had already worked with them many times. Anyway, when she said they would give us that deal, that was just another things among the many reasons why we chose it. I just got an email from Karisma yesterday saying that every 6th person is free with some conditions. I imagine it's only for US brides, but maybe they're willing to cut you a better deal than the 21st person for free. 

Thanks everyone!! This definitely helps... I'm working with Luxe Destination Weddings. They've been amazing so far, with timely responses, and helping me secure the best rate. They've been quick to answer any questions, in great detail! Looks like they know their resorts. Best part will be not having to deal directly with Lomas... Hopefully they have a better relationship with them, as planners! (Fingers crossed)

 

I'm currently looking at departures from Montreal and Toronto, in May 2017. They've given me rates of roughly $1750 per person, with the 21st free... I can definitely talk to the agent and see whether we can negotiate that at all. But I'm not sure! 

I'll let you ladies know if anything comes of it...

 

 

Question --- Do any of you know the cost to rent the PIER for the ceremony?? That's one detail I can't seem to find. 

 

THanks