Amber Cove was beautiful with amazing views. In doing research for our Ports of Call we did not schedule an excursion for Amber Cove. There is no shortage of fun things to do while visiting. However some of the information I found was outdated so I am here with the most updated prices.
My kids wanted to ride the zip line and waterslides. We ended up getting the VIP Package which included 4 comfortable lounge chairs, 2 in-water lounge chairs, 6 unlimited zip line passes, 6 unlimited waterslide passes, 6 wifi passwords, umbrella’s at both sets of chairs and a set of pool noodles. All of this was included with the package for $200. We thought this was a good deal for our family. I will breakout the individual cost of what these items were.
The Venezia was the only ship in port that day, although we were supposed to be there with the a sister ship from Princess, there were high winds later in the afternoon and did not feel it would be safe for them to dock. Amber Cove was busy with our ship of close to 5,000 guest, I have to imagine the lines would have been a bit longer if there was a second ship with us.
My kids each road the zipline multiple times, my youngest went 15 times! They all went on the waterslide more than I could count, the line did get a bit long at times but the area to wait for mostly shaded. I would highly recommend wearing watershoes or flip flop if you plan to walk up to the slide are or zip line. It was very rocky, my middle son and I tried to walk up to the zipline with no shoes. We did it but not without stopping several times. I was not sure what was allowed to be worn on the zipline so we all wore our tennis shoes off the ship and brought flip flops. I quickly realised that people were going down the zip line in swim wear, although I did put on my shorts because it was much more comfortable with the harness. If you have flip flops they will attach them to your harness on the way down for you.
Pool Area
There are lockers available for $6 with a $6 refundable deposit if you plan on leaving your items to zipline or plan to hang in the pool area. We did not rent a locker, we left any valuables on the ship but only had our phones, which we kept close to us.
The standard lounge chairs and pool are free to use while in port. However it does get crowded in the pool and there is little shade in the area. You can rent an umbrella for the day for $22 if you plan to stay most of the day it may be worth getting one for some shade.
Rent a pool float for the day for $12 or a set of pool noodles for $5 and lounge the day away. The waterslide unlimited pass was $5 per person which I though was a good deal. Keep in mind there is a hight restriction of 48″.
Attractions/Rentals
The zipline is unlimited rides for just $28. Compared to a lot of other excursions I researched this is certainly not as long as others but it is a great beginner line and the fact that you can go as many times as you wish is a great advantage. When you get to the end, you can leave your equipment on and walk back up to the start without taking your equipment off if you wish.
Take an adventure on a Kayak for one or two people for $20 for half and hour or $35 for a hour. Pedal boat for up to four people for $25 for half an hour or $45 for an hour for the aqua cycle pedal boat 2×2, water bee pedal boat for two or four people or try the aqua cycle pedal 4×4 pedal boat for $40 for half an hour or $60 for the hour. Try out a solo catamaran for two for $40 for half an hour or $60 for an hour. Up for some water sports on a stand up paddle board or Hydrobikes for $20 for half and hour or $35 for an hour.
Cabana’s are available to rent as well, there are several price ranges and are located in several areas. The Ocean Cabanas $380, Poolside Cabanas $359, Hillside Cabanas $340 and the Grand Cabanas $1,170 for the day. They we all stocked with snacks. All cabanas also come with the Zip line pass and waterslide wristbands. There is a combinations of seating both inside and out side. The inside is air conditioned to escape the extremely hot weather. You will also have a waiter or waitress just for your cabana.
There is also WiFi available for the the day for $8 however we found it to be very slow and wasn’t really worth it, but it came with our VIP package so we tried it out just to see how it was.
Views
The views from the hillside are very pretty, I highly recommend taking a walk up to the Skybar or near the top of the zipline. While my kids and I were riding the zipline, my son saw some workers in a nearby field and asked me what they were doing. We asked the gentlemen helping us at the zipline and one of them said he used to work in the fields catching crab but that he liked working at the resort better. I love taking time to talk to the people that work with the cruise ship or at the ports.
Don’t forget to walk to the shops and take a look around. Past the shops you will find the Amber Cove sign with your ship in the background makes for some fun photo’s.
Final Thoughts
Overall my family and I really enjoyed our time at Amber Cove, if you have the chance to visit I highly recommend booking a cruise that stops here. The views were so pretty! I loved the fact that you did not have to plan an excursion. We enjoyed the VIP package and though the value for our family was more than worth it, my kids loved the zipline and slides!. If you can book a cabana it may be worth it if you have six or more people in your party. Happy Cruising!
