Ocean World and general HIGH INFLATED PRICING

[videosilva]

I just got back from the DR on Monday and must say I was DISGUSTED with the prices there, ocean world being no exception.

How can you people charge those ridiculous HIGH prices U.S. Dollars, especially when the average income is $8.00 a day ( If I wanted to spend U.S. I would have gone to Florida and been much better off ).

I stayed at the Hacienda Tropical and took a walk up the road to take a look at what was SO SPECIAL about Ocean World to constitute the high prices only to be greeted by a guard telling me I NEEDED AN IVITATION to continue walking that road.

WHAT A JOKE Ocean World and the DR turned out to be.

The country was beautiful climate wise and the colors ocean were amazing. The people were not so amazing, I was GAUGED,RIPPED,ROBEED in any direction I turned.

[planner]

I am sorry to hear you feel this way. First: Ocean World, it may be a language barrier. The guard should have let you in to go to the reception area or the gift shop had you wanted to. I do have to agree with you, I personally believe ocean world is overpriced, but you didn't even get in.

As for other pricing. You need to understand that everything imported into this country is done so with US dollars. When dealing with tourists and tourist areas it is almost always priced in US to make it easier for tourists. Vendors of anything will almost always convert to pesos for you! Sometimes that will not be in your favour.


Your message was quite vague in terms of your other experiences. This country really is not a JOKE. Please be more specific and maybe we can address your concerns. I work in tourism and I understand how some of the pricing is done. In many cases the prices are dictated by outside companies and much of the money doesn't even stay in this country. It might not be appropriate to blame this country, you might have to look elsewhere for the blame.

[stewart]

Gotta agree with PLANNER here. If you are judging the entire country based on the experience at an AI and at Ocean World, you're wrong. There are endless adventures to be had there. For the most part, people are frindly and hardworking. Look a little harder next time.

[FireGuy]

shooting your mouth off is just about as good.

I will not comment about your general DR type comments as they are too non-specific to address but to malign Ocean World in such a general fashion is simply a cheap shot.

Prices while quoted in $US (so tourists know what the cost is) are actually charged on your credit card in $RD pesos based on a reasonable exchange which is fixed for the day early in the morning.

Are the prices high? I initially was like you and I thought they were high. Then I did an internet search of similar facilities all over the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida and OW actually falls somewhere in the middle. They are not the cheapest, nor the most expensive and most facilities all over the Caribbean quoted rates in $US. It would appear that either ALL such facilities are rip-offs or maybe that's just what it costs to run a decent facility like this. Also the owners have invested some $35Million US in this facility. Do you think it's just possible they deserve a return on their investment?

Finally it is my understanding that by presenting their cedula, Dominicans (and even resident ex-pats I would guess, can receive reduced pricing which is not available to tourists). Oops there is that pesky information again getting in the way of your rant.

FYI, while I have been there and enjoyed myself immensely, I have no connection with OW other than having met the General Manager. I just think it is easy to take cheap shots as I doubt they will respond to you.

If, by chance I have mis-stated anything I would appreciate it if anyone who knows would correct me as I certainly am only stating what I believe the truth to be.

Gregg

[Escott]

Before you judge how overpriced Ocean World is maybe you need to know how big of an investment went into the place. The ocean was so poluted they had to spend more than you probably make in a lifetime to filter it.

Say it is expensive if you want and I will agree with you but DO NOT say it is overpriced when you have no idea what went into the place which was a HUGE INVESTMENT! I was watching the place being built for years and if you think the place is NO BIG DEAL I guess that is because you didn't get in to see the BIG DEAL THAT IT IS.

Escott

[canajungirl]

The OP is on a rant as I think they woke up on the wrong side of the bed.If you read any and all of they're posts today they are just negative about everything from Mamajuana ingredients to the DR in general.

[Escott]

Usually on 2 year old threads. Guy must eat the birds at the dump for breakfast to make him so bothered about everything.

[rellosk]

With all the talk of Ocean World being expensive, what is the price?

[Pib]

I don't know if I had posted about it, but I was in Ocean world a month back and I, for one, was VERY impressed by everything, from the staff to the faccilities. And even for a cheapskate like me the admission price seemed cheap. Of course, the OP might have had a different experience. Actually I am sure he did, but it probably had nothing to do with Ocean World.

[Malibook]

Originally Posted by Escott

Before you judge how overpriced Ocean World is maybe you need to know how big of an investment went into the place.

Say it is expensive if you want and I will agree with you but DO NOT say it is overpriced when you have no idea what went into the place which was a HUGE INVESTMENT!
Escott

Expensive and overpriced are subjective terms relative to each individual.

The price is a critical consideration for many and the perceived value is paramount to most.

Whether or not Ocean World has a viable business and fantastic return on investment was not the point of the OP.
Customers care about what they are getting for their money.
Investors care about the ROI and profits/losses.

So who knows the price?