PUNTA CANA - MEXICANA/APPLE VACATIONS

[Joseph]

Just got back from our second trip to The Paradisus, Punta Cana and had a great time except for the flights on Mexican and communication with Apple Vacations (or the lack of it) We were there the week of 8-7 through 8-14.Our incoming flight from Philly was delayed from 4:30 until 9:30 PM. We arrived after yet another delay at 3:30 A.M. at the resort. Our return trip was even more fun. We were scheduled to leave (and checked out at noon) at 6:20 PM for a 9:15 PM flight which was delayed until 12:30 AM. Our flight finally left at 2:30 AM. It would probably have not been so bad if SOMEBODY HAD NOTFIED US (APPLE VACATIONS) but it was bad enough arriving home at 7:30 the next morning after. Put a real damper on us returning on Mexican Air next year , if we go.

The Paradisus staff were very helpful I should add, and tried relentlessly to contact the Apple reps for us which led to communication about our last delay. Last year, our flight back was delayed 3 hours.

Any one have a similar problem with Mexicana or Apple Vacations?

 

[Donna]

We visited Puerto Plata Jan.98 took a charter flight had no problems untill we arrived in Puerto Plata and met up with Apple Tours, it was downhill from there. They sent a nonenglish speaking driver in a beat up van with a small trailer for our luggage. We never saw anyone from Apple Tours for 3 days!!! Neveragain with Apple!!!!

 

[ricardo]

Re: PUNTA CANA & disappointed tourists

we went to punta cana Melia Bavarro in Feb. 98. Had similar problems with flight delays. I suspect that this is customary for traveling to the DR and esp. in the case of departures. Also, we were very embarrased by the behavior of the few US ciitzens accompanying us, ranging from whining about bottled water to complaining that one "couldn't get a vodka and cranberry juice. " Regarding the van driver who couldn't speak English, I wonder why you don't bother to learn Spanish before you travel to a Spanish-speaking country ? What are their customs and traditions ? If you are so dependent on Apple tour guides, maybe shouldn't be allowed to leave the USA. We have had several great vacations through Apple and also a time when they (Apple or the Continental Plaza Playacar) cancelled our hotel reservation 3 days before we were scheduled to leave for Playa del Carmen ! It took a direct call to el Jefe (the directeur d'hotel) to reconfirm our room reservation.

Overall, I recommend that you be prepared before traveling to a foreign country. Not every one lives or wants to live the same as you. If you need a personal tour guide, then I sugggest that you arrange for one in advance and be prepared to exchange that person for another, if circumstances dictate. Treat others the way that you wish to be treated and you will discover that you are having a better time, especially in the wonderful country of Republica Dominicana.

Ricardo

 

[arcoiris]

Re: disappointed tourists. amen, ricardo

amen, ricardo.

 

[Donna]

Re: PUNTA CANA & disappointed tourists

In spite of the problems on arrival to we did have a wonderful time and are planning our next trip to the same resort, only this time with another tour co.

 

[Joseph]

Re: disappointed tourists. amen, ricardo

I agree with Ricardo as we experienced similar problems and embarrassment from our countrymen, but let's not lose sight of my question. We bought a 6 day 7 night vacation and theoretically receieved around 4 1/2 days beacuse of delays and sleep loss the following day. This is also our second time back, and we do plan to return. My beef is not with the country or whether or nor we speak Spanish, we love the people and the country, but we don't appreciate the way in which Apple handled our flights PERIOD.

 

[Ron Giuliani]

Re: PUNTA CANA & disappointed tourists

Apple is at fault. Just returned from the DR. Stayed in Juan Dolio. Since Apple subcontracts with Premier Travel in the DR, You take what you get. Apple does a great job in other locations, but here the support is limited in getting you to and from the airport, and selling you other local tours. You are on your own otherwise. In Jamaca, Apple is a larger presence and does a better job. As far as speaking Spanish, that is what you use a tour vendor to do..... cut the hassels where you are learning or don't speak the language. Some of us don't speak the 5 or 6 languages required to travel in parts of the world that are nice to see (I only do 3). I suppose some of you are just smarter than the rest of us dummies. Bottom line Apple needs to review thier contract with Primere and do a little QC to ensure they and thier customer gets what was paid for. The DR is a great vacation for the right price. Expect a few minor problems.