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Forum Excerpts - August 2000 |
| Bahamas-On-Line club viva fortuna! |
| Aug 30 06:37:34 2000 by amy (amyhodge@orange.net) |
| hello was just wondering if anyone had any good or bad experineces at club viva fortuna as my fiancee and I are going there for our honeymoon!!!! Good experineces would be really great to hear about and if anyone has any ideas of things to do or to stay away from that would be good also!!! The other thing is we are going on sept 4th. Has anyoner been there at that sort of time and experineced any hurricanes?? thank for your help from amy |
| Aug 30 08:36:26 2000 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Hi Amy, Our family stays at Club Fortuna regularly and
we've always had good experiences. It should be a great
place to spend a honeymoon. We've posted info and
pictures on the website below. If you've still got
questions, feel free to post back here or email directly.
Congratulations on your upcoming event! Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Aug 30 14:42:18 2000 by Janice (lilb71@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Amy,
I live on Grand Bahama Island and I would love to help you with any questions you may have. There are so many things to see and do here so it would help if you let me know the kinds of things you're interested in. If you check out the web page www.grandbahamavg.com that will give you some suggestions. Then you can e-mail me directly at lilb71@hotmail.com and I can give you more info about the tours you're interested in. Hurricane season is September but the only year we were bothered was last year. Just watch the weather before you come. I think you will like Club Fortuna. It is right on the beach and they do have lots of activities on sight. The only complaints I've heard has been getting around and about the food some people say they love it and some people they say they don't like it so until I get a consistent report I will reserve judgment. About transportation...you will find that most of the tours you will do will provide free transportation so that should help. The only other option is taxi or rent a car and drive on the wrong side of the road. Like I said feel free to ask me anything you need to know. Janice |
| Geographia re.grand bahama - viva fortuna |
| 8/28/00 1:12:47 PM by freddie jones (fajoneselectrical@cableinet.co.uk) |
|
we will be staying at club viva fortuna in may,
its seems to have good reports - but has anyone any idea about the golf
courses - how far - how much a round of golf and can golf clubs be hired or is
it best to take your own?
while we are at the viva fortuna - can anyone recommend any good cocktails? regards, fred |
| 8/30/00 12:12:22 PM by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Hi Freddie, A guy named Danny who frequents these boards is probably the closest thing to a Grand Bahama 'Golf Expert' we have - I think he's on a business trip for a few days but might answer when he gets back. From what I remember him having said before, the Lucayan Country Club is the nicest course. I believe the green fees are $87. Within say 10 miles of Fortuna are the Lucayan Country Club, Fortune Hills (9 hole), Ruby and Emerald courses (affilated with the Princess, now Bahamia resort), and maybe some more, I can't remember. A new course called 'The Reef' is due to open some time this fall. It's supposed to be a nice enough course that the PGA Senior Tour is going to play an annual event there. As far as clubs, I know that Danny and his wife bring their own but I would think you would be ahle to rent clubs there. A lot of people seem to bring their own since golf club travel cases are one of the most common pieces of luggage you see in the airport. As for cocktails! My favorite is the Goombay Smash and my wife likes the Bahama Smile. At the bars at Fortuna, they have a large board listing all their tropical specialty cocktails including ingredients. One could have quite a good time by just starting at the top and working their way down the list. Oh, and make sure you check both the main and the beach bars, some cocktails are listed on the board at only one or the other. Whatever you do, have a blast and if you want more info on Club Fortuna, check the website below and/or feel free to email me directly. Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| 8/30/00 10:06:58 PM by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Freddie, I found an ad for the Fortune Hills course. It says "18 holes, $59
includes green fees and shared cart, 9 holes, $42 includes green fees and
shared cart. Club rentals available: 9 holes, $12 and $17 for 18 holes. (All
prices valid till Dec 31, 2000)"
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| 9/2/00 7:39:09 AM by Freddie Jones (fajoneselectrical@cableinet.co.uk) |
|
Joe, thanks for the information about the golf, it was most helpfull, and a friend
and myself will no duobt take our clubs, I will no doubt be writing again soon.
Regards. Fred. |
| Geographia The Lucayan or Club Viva Fortuna |
| 8/28/00 1:03:07 PM by Debbie Brooks (debrabrooks7493@tinyworld.co.uk) |
|
We are thinking of visiting Grand Bahama next July (mid) is this time of year
okay and is The Lucayan or Viva Fortuna a good bet. We also want to do
some fishing is July a good time. What about the weather!? Can anyone give
me some info.
Thanks. |
| 8/28/00 3:01:30 PM by Carrie (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Debbie,
See Joe's posting on Club Fortuna, further below. He's one of the regulars who travels to Club Fortuna with his family. He has a website that he has listed in his posting. As for The Lucayan (Reef Village at the Lucayan), you might want to check the Grand Bahama board where there are lots of postings on it. The website is: www.grand-bahama.com (click on newsgroup). The website for The Lucayan is: www.thelucayan.com Both properties are nice...it depends on what you want. Club Fortuna is very good value because it is all inclusive and there are lots of free non motorized water sports and land activities. It has a nice beach. It's just a bit secluded from other hotels and restaurants and there is no bus stop. You would have to depend on taxis or car rental. But you will have lots of fun at the resort and probably won't want to leave it much. The Lucayan (Reef Village) is a great hotel on the beach with a lovely poolside and the location is ideal because it's right across from Port Lucaya Marketplace. Port Lucaya Marketplace is a collection of restaurants, shops, and open air bars on the waterfront, and it has a festive atmosphere in the evenings. So both properties are good choices for a vacation. I hope you will have a great time on GBI, whatever you decide. best regards Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| 8/29/00 3:57:06 AM by Debbie Brooks (debrabrooks@tinyworld.co.uk) |
|
Hi Carrie
Thanks very much for the really useful info. I will be able to make decision now! Thanks again. Regards. Debbie |
| 8/29/00 10:37:36 AM by valerie (vforbes@osfinc.com) |
| Debbie, just to let you know that I enjoy Freeport very much also, but I would rather stay at the Lucayan rather than Club Fortuna. It is so far out of town, I find it very inconvenient if you want do anything away from the hotel. I am not saying that it isn't a nice place, but being in Lucaya your feel part of everything. I am going down in February for 10 days myself and friends and we are also staying at the Lucayan. i lived in Freeport for 7 years and always have liked Lucaya. |
| 8/29/00 4:05:17 PM by Debbie |
|
Thanks for your help Valerie, I think I have almost made my mind up about
The Lucayan but am still unsure about mid July. Do you have any "must dos"
and any suggestions regarding exploring the island?
Regards. Debbie |
| 8/30/00 8:41:50 AM by VALERIE (vforbes@osfinc.com) |
| Well when you go down, just remember that it is Hurricane season, anything can happen or nothing can happen. Most people like to Swim with the Dolphins, which you can buy from the Travel Desks located in your hotel, this books out very quickly. Alot of the bus tours are good, it lets you see different things around the Island. I myself like the beaches and Port Lucaya Market Place during the day and at night. Its really fun to go downtown and see what the people really live like, try going by public bus, $.75 it is an adventure in its own right. I am taking three friends in February, two have never been outside Ontario! This should be an experience for them. |
| Geographia Gran Bahama - Club Viva Fortuna |
| 8/27/00 9:22:42 AM by Darren (dazzah@hotmail.com) |
| My brother is getting married to his lovely fiance Mel in Gran Bahama next May and we're all (20 of us!) staying at the Club Fortuna Beach hotel and we'd like some more info on the place to assure us its a lovely setting for their wedding. Anyone been there?? Thanks. |
| 8/27/00 5:17:05 PM by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
We stay there regularly, check out the website below where we've posted
info and pictures from our stays there. A group of 20 people ought to have an
outrageously good time at Club Fortuna! If you've got any additional questions,
feel free to post back here or to e-mail directly.
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-mon Club Fortuna a Dump? |
| August 26, 2000 at 18:45:10 by Mark (barx77@hotmail.com) |
|
My finacee and I were planning on getting married at Club Fortuna. Our travel
agent said it would be a great place and that everything she has heard about it
has been positive. Then today she took a different attitude about the place.
She told us that one of her clients who has been there before (two years ago)
and loved it, came back from here trip in the middle of August and said that
the place has changed into a dump. She said that garbage was everywhere and
that some staff refused to pick it up. She also said the pool was not well
kept and that the food choices were terrible. She stated that people had to
eat hotdogs for breadfast because they did not have eggs. She also mentioned
that she asked for her sheets on the bed to be changed because they were ripped
and dirty. The towels were supposedly faded and worn. There was also mention
of a construction worker trying to sell them Crack Cocaine! I would really
like someone to respond to these statements as we were so looking forward to
going there. We are now considering going somewhere else.
Mark from Canada |
| August 26, 2000 at 19:35:11 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Mark, it sounds as though it might be time for a new travel agent. Any agent
that would take the word of one client and pass on that rumor and innuendo to
their other clients isn't doing their job. I say that it's rumor and innuendo
because if you check the half dozen or so Bahamas bulletin boards like this one
you would find reports from people returning from Club Fortuna all summer long -
including mid-August - and they are almost all unanimous in raving about how
great their stays were. If your travel agent had bothered to try and verify
this 'clients' story they would have found this out.
We stay at Club Fortuna regularly and our most recent stay was late June - early July this summer. None of what this 'client' says could be further from the truth! As for garbage - if a cup blew off your table at the pool, one of the staff had picked it up before you even had time to bend over and pick it up yourself - and the guy picking it up was extremely happy to do it. The pool is thoroughly cleaned every single morning. The food choices are terrific and they don't server hotdogs for breakfast - every year that we've been there breakfast choices have consisted of a minimum of eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, pancakes, hash-browns, bagels and plenty of other choices including an 'omelette-chef' who'll make you up an omelette to order. The rooms, linens, towels, etc are just fine. And finally, there's no construction going on at Club Fortuna right now so I just wonder where this 'client' found a construction worker to offer them drugs. Basically, it sounds as though this 'clients' whole story is bogus. If I were you I would keep my plans for going to Club Fortuna. The only negative thing I've ever heard regarding a wedding there is that the photographer is not very good. If they use the same guy as the one who is always taking candid snaps and trying to sell them to the guests I can understand this. He's great for what he does but he's no professional wedding photographer. I would see about arranging a more wedding oriented photog. For more info and to show you that the place is not a 'dump' check out the website below. We've posted info and pictures from our trips there. Also, every time Club Fortuna is mentioned on any one of the Bulletin Boards, whether it be good, bad, or indifferent, I've copied the threads to this website. Check under Forums/Chat for these excerpts where you can see what people have been saying about Club Fortuna. If you've still got questions/concerns, feel free to post back here or to email me directly. Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| August 26, 2000 at 20:01:46 by Danny (ditson@mediaone.net) |
|
Mark, Ditto to Joe's response. Danny |
| August 27, 2000 at 23:35:19 by Allen & Robin (allen.bocook@GTE.net) |
| I don't know who your travel agent is, but i would get another one!!!! We went to Fortuna in July, and it was one of the best times we have ever had. Nothing was dirty, there was PLENTY of food aand everything else was great. I would reccomend Fortuna to anyone. Have fun. |
| October 04, 2000 at 11:01:49 by Pat Q. (Pat.Quagliozzi@omnova.com) |
| Mark: My husband and I visited Club Fortuna last November for 6 days and we are returning this Thanksgiving for 5 days. We loved it. Food was great - selections many. Every meal was somethig to look forward to. Everything about the place: restaurant, pool, rooms, beach, were clean. I've heard that the front desk was not friendly. Didn't find that. We are looking forward to returning. Last November there was some construction because of hurricane damage but I've heard that was completed. |
| Geographia Grand Bahama Island - Viva Fortuna |
| 8/25/00 5:31:31 PM by Vicky (vicky52555@aol.com) |
| Six of us are going to the Club Fortuna in October and are wondering what it is like. |
| 8/25/00 9:45:27 PM by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Check the website below. After that, if you've got any additional questions,
feel free to fire away. You all should have a great time!
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-mon vegetarian food at Club Fortuna-Grand Bahama |
| August 21, 2000 at 14:16:42 by rondo (spence@the-pentagon.com) |
|
hi,whats the food like for vegetarians at Club Fortuna? Any tips,suggestions re outer island trips.grand bahama sights thanks from Scotland |
| August 21, 2000 at 20:11:26 by allen & Robin (allen.bocook@GTE.net) |
| All types of veggies, fruit,pasta all kinds of veggie dishes(rice, Potatos) |
| August 21, 2000 at 22:10:41 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Somebody just e-mailed me the same question a couple of days ago. Basically,
you should be fine. There's tons of fruits and vegetables. Also, every night
there's usually fish - the baked Grouper was great when we were there, also the
Mahi-Mahi. Also, they usually have a couple of kinds of rice dishes and also
pastas with just cheese or red sauce and such. Have fun!
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Geographia CLUB FORTUNA/Reef Village |
| August 16, 2000 8:24:56 pm UTC by STEVE WHELLER / uk |
|
Hi,
Anyone got any info on Club fortuna and Reef Vilage. Whats the accomadation like and service and which ones the best to stay at. Thanks |
| August 16, 2000 10:51:56 pm UTC by Carrie (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Steve,
I answered you on one of the other boards where you posted. Feel free to email me directly and I'll send you info. on the two properties as well as info. on restaurants, nightlife, activities, etc. Joe, who posts on this board as well as others, is the expert on Club Fortuna since he and his family have stayed there twice. Read some of his postings. You'll find lots of postings on both properties on the Grand Bahama message board as well - www.grand-bahama.com (click on newsgroup). Regarding Reef Village at the Lucayan, check their website - www.thelucayan.com Reef Village at the Lucayan is ideally located on Lucaya Beach and is right across the street from the popular Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina (a colorful collection of shops and restaurants on the waterfront). Phase I of The Lucayan (Reef Village) was completed in April of 1999 and has 550 rooms. The hotel is now offering an all inclusive package to tourists from Canada, the U.K., and Italy. The all inclusive tourists get to eat at any of the on-site restaurants (Barracudas, The Prop Club, Sugar Reef poolside bar & grill, Higher Grounds cafe) including the Arawak restaurant (on the golf course) which I believe is quite good. The non-motorized water sports are free too, with the all inclusive package. Rooms are a standard size with modern furniture, two double beds, hair blower, iron and ironing board, telephone and rather smallish bathrooms. If your room does not have a mini fridge (they are free), make sure you insist on one and it will be brought to your room. If your room does not have a hair blower, place a call to the front desk to get one sent to your room. If you go deluxe, make sure you get an even numbered room. The odd numbered rooms look away from the ocean. Reef Village is nicely landscaped with a beautiful poolside area. I would recommend it to all. The only thing that disappointed me about the pools was that the water is no more than four feet in either of the three pools. The beachfront is kind of narrow and congested, so it's best to walk past the busy part until you find a quiet spot. Walk the length of the beach, great for a leisurely stroll. The Sugar Mill Pool is a sumptuous pool divided into three separate sections by concrete walkways. One section contains the stone Sugar Mill Tower (like Rapunzel's castle tower) with a small window in the middle of the tower. The entrance way leads you to a spiral staircase which takes you up to the top of the tower where you plunge into a slightly hair raising 60 foot spiralling water slide ride. The slide itself is a like giant enclosed funnel. The crowning feature of the poolside, for me, is the magnificent stone bridge along the edge of the pool, resembling an ancient Roman stone wall with pillars. Some of the pillars are built directly in the pool. Atop the stone bridge is a magnificent display of red bougainvillea. Tucked away into each pillar of the stone bridge is a small cascade of water that pours out into the pool. Swim over and enjoy a relaxing massage under each cascade of water. Each of the three pools has wide steps. The middle pool has an extremely oversized step upon which guests can relax on chaise lounges in the water. Reef Village at the Lucayan operates a FREE shuttle for guests of the hotel from 5 pm until 1:30 a.m. that leaves for the casino on the hour. It leaves from the casino every half hour from 5 pm until 1:30 am. to come back to the hotel. After 1:30 a.m. you would have to depend on a taxi to get back to the hotel which would cost about $10.00 for two people. Regarding Club Fortuna, it offers good value for your money. It's a fun place where the drinks flow all day long and you don't have to dig into your pocket every time you want food or drink. The ocean water is clean, the beach is very nice, warm white sand. There are no vendors on the beach here selling conch shells, jewellery, or asking to braid your hair within walking distance. Club Fortuna is an all-inclusive resort (meals and beverages included). Everything is included at this all inclusive resort, even hotel taxes, surcharges and gratuities. It is reasonably priced & since restaurants are expensive & if you travel with a family, you get a large quantity of food) & that's why people return year after year. It's good value for your money. If you don't have high expectations, you will enjoy your stay here. The property is located about eight miles from the Resort at Bahamia and Casino at Bahamia, about four miles from Port Lucaya Marketplace & Marina, & 11 miles from the airport. There are 276 standard rooms with view of the ocean or garden. It is somewhat isolated from other resorts. Floors in rooms have terra cotta/saltillo tiles & are not carpeted. The rooms are housed within a series of two-story, sherbert-colored outbuildings. About 3/4 of the rooms have ocean views. The other rooms face the gardens. Each room features 2 queen size beds, airconditioning, private balcony, individual terrace or porch with two resin chairs & table, cable tv, phone & in-room safe. The bathrooms have shower stalls but NO bathtubs. The rooms have lots of windows. The rooms are clean but somewhat smaller than they appear in the brochures. But you just want it for sleeping. Regarding food and dining, the food is served buffet style. But it should be noted that meals are served in an open air pavilion, cafeteria style environment with no special seating. So it's fend-for-yourself seating. Dining would be much more enjoyable if they had some sort of seating arrangement, or even just waiters or hosts to meet you at the door and take you to a table. There is also a sit down Italian restaurant called "La Trattoria" with a limited menu. It specializes in an assortment of pasta & pizza with a salad bar. Booze: You get all you want from sunup to 11:30 at night non-stop, alcoholic and non-alcoholic (for the teens). Drinks are mostly local brand. Good frozen pina coladas. I believe they only have Hammerhead and Kalik,local beers but I could be mistaken. In any case, you can buy a case of American beer at the grocery. The resort has daytime & night-time activities for guests. Entertainment from hotel staff with musical productions, cabaret shows, theme parties in the performing arts theater, dance contests, Italian lessons. There's table tennis as well as a piano bar and small disco. There's a small disco. It should be noted that public buses DO NOT travel out to Club Fortuna so the only option is taxi or car rental. Taxi to the Casino at Bahamia (about 15 minutes driving) will cost about $12-$14 one way. Port Lucaya Marketplace is about 10 minutes away by taxi. Taxi for two will cost about $9-$11 one way. The resort does not provide any shuttle service. Club Fortuna is a good option for the traveller who is not too fussy -- good value for your money. So it really depends on what you are looking for. Keep in mind that The Lucayan (Reef Village at the Lucayan) is a newer property. Both are good choices. best regards Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| August 17, 2000 7:39:07 pm UTC Lori Leavell (lorileavell@yahoo.com) |
|
Hello Steve Wheller;
I flew in July 1997 from Memphis, TN, USA to Freeport Island, Bahamas! I stayed at the Club Fortuna Hotel. It was wonderful! For $675.00, I received my air-fair, 4-nights 5-days accomadaitons, all meals, first class service in Limo from airport,all alcholic beverages and a all day Booze Cruise from the town of Grand Bahama. It was so peaceful, but still had the flexibility of night life with its Disco club to the activities daily which I would encourage you to get involved in. It's a all round great enviroment for all ages. I received my all inclusive package from a travel agency out of Searcy, AR, USA! "Magic Carpet Travel"! Great deal / Great place! Enjoy your trip! Lori |
| August 18, 2000 0:40:31 am UTC Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Hi Steve,
Like Carrie, I too answered you on the other board. I highly recommend Club Fortuna if you're looking for a relaxing fun vacation. Check the web site below for more info. Carrie, There's a few corrections needed in your Fortuna info. First off, there are vendors on the beach there. There's usually a hair-braid girl (Bettina?) and a guy with a duffel-bag of T-shirts. Neither of them are pushy, in fact they generally set up shop and wait for you to come to them. Second, the dining experience is much better without seating arrangements/hosts. There's never a problem finding seats and you get to sit wherever and with whomever you like. Finally, the booze doesn't flow from 'sunup to 11:30' - the main bar doesn't open until 10:00AM and it's open until midnight. In fact, if you want to keep drinking, the bar in the Disco is open until it closes which is around 1:30AM. Just thought you might want to update your info. Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| August 20, 2000 8:22:42 pm UTC am UTC (traveljoan@yahoo.com) |
| Hi; I am a travel consultant and just returned from a site inspection at Club Fortuna. I was very pleased with everything that I saw. The guests were definitely enjoying themselves and the atmoshphere was perfect. I had wanted to see this property it was one of 8 that I visited on the island and would definitely book clients at the property without an hesitation. Need more information then definitely contact me Joan |
| Bahamas-mon Getting to the Bahamas |
| August 14, 2000 at 15:05:19 by Jocelyn (jocelynhawkins@canada.com) |
|
Hello. I am going to Club Viva Fortuna in Freeport on November 4th. I am
wondering what is the best and least expensive way of getting there? I am
coming from Canada, so if anyone knows cheap flights from Canada, that would be
appreciated. If not, how should I get to freeport?! Just to let you all know, I
am so excited to go to the Bahamas! YAY! Thank you Jocelyn |
| August 14, 2000 at 17:31:04 by Carrie (carriek5@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi Jocelyn, I am also from Canada. I have gone to GBI numerous times and used all the airlines, Air Canada, Delta and their then connection, Northwest/Bahamasair, American/American Eagle. This year I flew with Continental from Montreal to Newark, New Jersey. Changed planes in Newark and flew to West Palm Beach. From West Palm Beach to GBI I flew with the Continental Connection/Gulfstream Airlines. Just call around the different airlines and see what is the best deal you can get. I also received your email and answered it. I will send you info. on Club Fortuna as well as other info. on GBI that I hope will give you a better perspective. But the guy who really knows about Club Fortuna is Joe who posts on this board. He is the "expert" on Club Fortuna since he and his family have gone twice in the past year. So perhaps he'll see your posting and answer you. I'll send you an email on Club Fortuna that will list Joe's family homepage/website on Club Fortuna. Scroll down this board and I'm sure you'll find lots of postings from Joe. Have a great time. If you still have questions after receiving my emails, fee free to email me again with questions or just post on the board. Club Fortuna is good value for your money since it's all inclusive. best regards, Carrie carriek5@hotmail.com |
| August 15, 2000 at 23:40:21 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Hi Jocelyn, Some of the ways that we've heard of to get to GBI... 1. Get yourself to New York City and then take the TWA nonstop from there to Freeport. This option is definitely NOT cheap though. 2. Check Grand Bahama Vacations (www.grandbahamavacations.com). They offer packages that use Laker Air (a charter). If they fly from a city you can get to at a time that works for your trip, you may be able to book seats on Laker without getting a whole package. 3. Get yourself to either Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach Florida. From these you have a couple of options - American and/or Continental fly puddle jumpers from these to Freeport - Discovery Cruise sails out of Port Everglades which is near one of these to Freeport - Seajets (www.seajets.com) has two daily round trips to Freeport (when they're running, that is) - Laker has daily flights between Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. As far as Club Fortuna, we're fast becoming regulars there and we've created a web site with pictures and info from our trips. The URL for the web site is included below. If you've got more questions, feel free to e-mail. Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Geographia CLUB FORTUNA |
| 8/14/00 3:20:40 PM by STEVE WHELLER/UK (swheller@hotmail.com) |
|
Hi,
Looking at coming to Grand Bahama in May to get married, looking at staying at Club Fortuna. Please could you let me know what the accomadation/service and facilites are like, or would the Reef Village be a better choice. Also one more thing, how warm is the sea in May and who do I need to ring to book the dolphin trip. Thanks |
| 8/14/00 7:57:16 PM by Janice (lilb71@hotmail.com) |
|
Dear Steve,
Club Fortuna is a beautiful all inclusive resort but kind of out of the way a little bit. They have no type of bus service out there so unless you rent a car you're looking at about a $10.00 cab ride each way depending on where you go. On the up side they do have a disco, watersports and activities on the premesis so you may not need to go out that much. Reef Village is the newest hotel on the island and also very beautiful. Restaurant prices are a little high but you're right accross the street from Port Lucaya home of Subway and Duncan Donuts along with other native restaurant so you don't necessarily have to eat at your hotel. Either hotel would be fine. To go on the Dolphin Experience they actually have a toll free number in Fort Lauderdale 1-800-992-DIVE. By the way it's worth the extra money to do the swim with the dolphins. I live here on the island and if you have any further questions please feel free to contact me at lilb71@hotmail.com |
| 8/15/00 7:45:09 AM by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Steve, for info on accomodations, service, and such at Club Fortuna,
check out the web site below. We go to Fortuna regularly and decided to
post our pictures and such for anyone else who wants to see what the
place is like. You'll definitely enjoy it and congratulations!
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-On-Line Club Fortuna |
| Aug 8 05:53:48 2000 by Sarah (spaul@thinkinc.co.uk) |
| Im thinking of going to Club Fortuna in October, can anyone tell me what it's like? |
| Aug 8 09:02:45 2000 by andy (andy@themlees.screaming.net) |
| Yes it is great. I stayed there in June for 2 weeks and did not want to leave. I have emailed you with more details. |
| Aug 9 03:30:37 2000 by joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Sarah, we're regulars there and give it a big thumbs up!
For more info check out the website listed below - it's
still under construction but it is at least halfway there.
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-mon Dolphin Encounter Question |
| August 07, 2000 at 21:39:25 by frank (clipper161@aol.com) |
| I am very interested in doing the dolphin encounter. Any feedback? How long are you actually swimming with the dolphins? Is there some sort of shuttle that picks you up from the Hotel (Fortuna) to take you to the site or are we responsible for our transportation? How many people are in the water at the same time? Anyone have any safety concerns about the experience? Thanks. |
| August 08, 2000 at 10:14:33 by Lynne (captainlynne@zdnetonebox.com) |
| There are limited signups for actually swimming with their dolphins so you have to get those reservations well in advance. Only a few people are allowed in the water. If you are just doing the touchy, petting thing then you won't be in over mid thigh. Are you concerned for your safety or for the dolphins'? Either way you won't be in deep water. You can be more dangerous to the dolphin that the dolphin would be to you so don't worry. |
| August 09, 2000 at 19:12:05 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
Frank,
There's three different levels of dolphin experience. Dolphin Encounter is
where two people get in waist deep water and get to pet the dolphins then you
get out and the next two people get in and so on. Dolphin Swim is where two of
you put on flippers and go out into deeper (12-14 ft?) water and spend about 45
minutes with the dolphins. Assistant Trainer is an all day program where you
learn to become a 'trainer'. You can book these through the tour desk at Club Fortuna but, if you're interested in the Swim or Trainer, you probably don't want to wait until you're there to book - they fill up fast. When you book from Fortuna, it does include a shuttle from the hotel to the boat. If you book it yourself ahead of time you should probably ask about the shuttle - it shouldn't be a problem since I think all the tour desk people do is call the same people you would be calling yourself. For info and contacts check http://www.unexso.com Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-On-Line Good all inclusive , We will be bringing three children |
| Aug 3 15:25:33 2000 by Cindy (123tom@home.com) |
| We went to Punta Cana last year and we absolutely loved it. March 2001 we are planning another trip, but we are not sure where to go. We like all inclusive resorts, we will be taking three children, 16, 15, and 10. We would appreciate any information. Thanks Cindy |
| Aug 4 08:05:54 2000 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
If Grand Bahama Island (Freeport) is on your list of
possibles then you definitely want to check out Club
Viva Fortuna. It's the only on-the-beach all-inclusive on
GBI. You can start with the website listed below.
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| Bahamas-mon Question on Club Viva Fortuna and Taxis |
| August 03, 2000 at 12:51:02 by melissa (meliss0618@aol.com) |
| I have booked a package deal and plan to stay at Viva Fortuna. My package did not include airport transfers and I am trying to get an idea on how much the cab ride will be so I don't get ripped-off. Has anyone who stayed at the hotel know if they provide any sort of shuttle service for a fee? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. |
| August 03, 2000 at 20:22:43 by Joe (joekusterer@yahoo.com) |
|
There's no shuttle service special to Club Fortuna - you just use regular taxis.
This is a breeze as when you come out of the airport there's a guy standing
there who asks you where you need to go. Tell him Club Fortuna and he'll rustle
up a cab from the ones that are always waiting there and you'll be on your way.
These 'cabs' can be anything from an old regular car, to a newer minivan, to an
old full size van, to a stretch limo - it's kinda fun to see what you get. Club
Fortuna is about 11 miles from the airport and since no one in the Bahamas is
ever in a hurry it'll take about 15-20 minutes. In June the fare for our
family of four plus luggage was $20. If there's room and others are also going
to Fortuna they may double up which should cut down the fare some.
Joe The Unofficial Club Viva Fortuna Resort Website http://www.oocities.org/clubfortuna |
| August 06, 2000 at 22:26:53 by B King (rking64431@aol.com) |
| We were there in July, taxi was $9.00 per person for a van taxi of 8 people. |
| August 16, 2000 at 13:30:01 by Matt Burgund (reverb79@hotmail.com) |
| Nope they do not... Cabs run about 12bucks! |
| Bahamas.com Viva Fortune Beach |
| August 1, 2000 1:29:39 pm UTC by Becky |
|
Anyone have any info on this hotel.
also any info on car hire, is a normal UK license ok and what is the minimum age Are ther any day trips that can be recomended apart from the Dolphin experience. You can mail me direct on bec_hulley@yahoo.com |
| August 5, 2000 11:58:28 am UTC by Dianne |
| You must be 25 years of age to rent a car. |
| This page is owned by Joe Kusterer. |
| This page was last modified on 10 February 2001. |