PeanutBudder

do they serve the lobster at the main buffet?

I just wanted to say thank you so much for recommending Sapphire beach! It had everything we needed and there were maybe 2 dozen people there at the busiest. Our taxi driver did everything in his power to talk us into another beach. He told us the beach was rubbish, that there were no facilities, and even no bathrooms. I told him I'd done plenty of research and knew they had all these things and we still wanted to go there. He basically told me I was full of sh*t. He went so far as to say he would wait at the gate for 5 minutes because he knew we would be back and tell him he was right.

 

Anyway, I knew he was wrong. Our day was fantastic! The snorkeling was really good. We got to chase a stingray around and saw a couple barracuda. One of them followed my back to shore but never "chased" me. I found a small conch shell that still had a resident. There were lots of smaller reef fish.

 

The best part of the day was the lady at the drink stand. My wife got a rum punch and I got a painkiller. She didn't stop pouring the rum until it was 3/4 full. Then just a little bit of mix. She even warned my wife not to drink it too fast because there was so much rum. We were cracking up. Best $8 drink ever!

 

So if anybody has a similar experience with a taxi driver, pay no attention. We rented a couple loungers and had a great, relaxing day. We are even looking at having a land vacation in St. Thomas and staying at the resort.

We are considering bringing our kids there when we cruise in a few weeks. Did you rent snorkel equipment? Cost? Did they have kids snorkel gear? Anyone there to help snorkel...asking as it would,be our first time? How far away from the Port is it?

Thanks for the review!

Does anyone know what the approximate cost is to rent snorkel gear off the beach? Do they usually have it in youth sizes too? We aren't sure if we want to purchase and haul snorkel gear for the kids...we are flying.

btw...swimoutlet.com has GREAT pricing on snorkel gear.

We took a taxi from our cruise port to Sapphire Beach ($6 pp) and we're so glad we did! The beach is beautiful and the views of St. John from the shore are stunning. The weather wasn't really on our side and we had some clouds, some sun and lots and lots of wind. Because of the wind, the water was quite rough and a bit chillier than we had hoped for. Other than that, it was the perfect place to go. It was not crowded, there's a place to rent chairs and umbrellas. You can rent snorkel gear by the hour or the day, along with kayaks. (We rented snorkel gear but had to give up since it was so rough.) There are beautiful Seagrape trees lining the beach, so if it were sunnier out, there would have been plenty of shade and it was quiet scenic overall. We set up under the trees and had a very nice day. We did eat there, though we were told the hotel had a snack bar (which looked liked burgers and dogs) and they said we could order pizza from a local pizza place that would be delivered. We got a few beers from them ($3 each! Can't complain about that!) and had a very nice time. We didn't stay as long as we'd hoped due to the weather, but we would go back in a heartbeat again when in St. Thomas.

Do you remember the approximate cost for the snorkel gear rental? As well, do you know if they rent out youth sized gear? Thanks!

Tobecool, St Thomas is one of the better snorkeling stops on the "northern" eastern Carib itineraries, and Sapphire Beach offers the best off-the-beach snorkeling on the island with a reef and a seagrass area where turtles and rays are often spotted. Also a few food & drink options, dive center with snorkel gear, chair, and other rentals, and a marina. Arguably one of the 3 nicest beaches on the island (along with Coki and Smith's Bay). Even those who just want a gorgeous beach with abundant natural shade and beautiful water and island views choose Sapphire.

Coki is another option for snorkeling, especially if you like a livelier vibe. But it will be crowded as it's a small bay and taxi drivers like to push Coki because there are vendors there. Sapphire is home to 3 condo resorts and although the beach is open to the public it's much quieter there with no outside vendors.

 

Another option is a daysail that moors among the cays off St John like Yacht Nightwind or New Horizons, both of which are out of Sapphire.

 

Enjoy!

Would happen to know the approximate cost to rent snorkel gear? And do they usually have it available for kids? Trying to decide whether to buy and haul with us, or just rent. Thanks!

Any more reviews on this program? A few said they were signed up for this past October.....did any happen?

I think this would be a fabulous way to see how the locals truly live....what an amazing experience for my young girls!

Thank you everyone...I appreciate the input!

I was just coming on here to ask if anyone knows the name of the actual airport and if a flight schedule can be obtained in advance...that way if we are cabbing it independently, we can time our trip around more planes. Anyone have that info or know where to find it?

We are a family of four and are considering taking a cab to Maho Beach...hang out there a bit and watch some planes. And then head back towards the port, shop, etc.

How much is it approx. for the cab (round trip)?

Thanks!

I think with young children you may be better off using that $160 to grab a cab and food on their schedule, not the tour operator's...

 

In Nassau there is a free beach (Junkanoo) near the terminal you could walk to and then walk around the Straw Market.

 

In St. Thomas we did the tour that went to St. John's Bay to snorkel. Your children might enjoy that as the bay is small and there are underwater markers along a "path" that name the fish and have a picture. It is kind of fun to swim around and match the living fish to their plaques...

Thank you so much for the suggestions...I think you are right...$160 could be spent in many other ways. :)

My oldest wants to snorkel but none of us have done it. I have been reading on here and keep getting some mixed reviews on where to go. Your idea at St.Johns Bay especially with the underwater markers sounds perfect! Did you just go there and find a tour on the beach and pay or did you arrange ahead of time? Did you cab it there? Any info would be so helpful...thank you so very much!!!

We are new cruisers and are so torn on whether to book a tour or not. We are sailing with our two young children (6 & 8) and are going to St.Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau.

The one tour we are considering is Bernards Tour in St.Maarten. I really want my kids to see the planes, but I am thinking it might be cheaper to grab a cab to that beach vs paying $160 in tour fees for practically the whole day.

We booked with NCL because it is freestyle and so laid back...we don't like rigid schedules while on vacation and kind of thought it would be fun to explore BUT yet we have no idea where to explore and have limited time on each islands. My husband keeps saying "why do we need a to book a tour?"

So torn....any suggestions? Forego tours for our first cruise and feel things out or go with at least one tour so that we see more things?

Thanks for your input!

They can sell Duty Free items and market it that way but you need to know your own country's rules. Your duty free limit is based on the amount of time that you are away...and that limit varies country to country. The best thing to do, is check out your country's limits on what value of goods that you can bring back after vacation without paying tax.

I live on a border city of USA and Canada....we can shop in the USA duty free store anytime we cross BUT we will pay tax at the Canadian border if it exceeds are limit based on the time away. For example, same day shopping it is 0, therefore you pay tax on the whole amount.

Hope that clarifies it for you.

We are new cruisers, trying to figure this all out...so thank you in advance!

If we prebook the blue man group and then change our mind once we are on the ship, are we charged for cancelling? I know it is a free event but not sure if they charge you if you don't show up/cancel. Can we just rebook for another day?

It doesn't matter what so ever, the credits bought from slotplaycoupons.com are loaded to the casino card just the same as credits from NCL directly.

Thank you for that...it definitely is worth it considering we can get 50% off! :D

For the most part it's not hard to get in to the specialty restaurants without a reservation once onboard as long as you are willing to be a bit flexible on times which most people are. One exception is the Teppanyaki restaurant which has limited seatings.

 

 

Personally, I never pre-book for dinner. I like to keep it "Freestyle". :D

 

 

Enjoy.

 

One other thing since I noted you are sailing with young'uns, if you arent familiar with NCL dining:

 

CHILDREN EAT FOR LESS

Children 3-years old and younger always eat for free. In our specialty restaurants, children 4- to 12-years old can choose from a complimentary Kids’ Menu or from the restaurant’s Specialty Kids’ Menu for half price.

Thank you for that...I had NO idea about that for the kids. Our kids would fall in the free complimentary or half price off the specialty menu. That definitely makes me feel better about it as I was struggling having to pay $25-30 a kid to eat! VERY useful information!!!

Thank you everyone....your response of "going with the flow" is exactly what we were thinking. We were drawn to NCL because of its laid back feel with freestyle dining...we are on vacation and don't want to operate via an alarm clock. So we are happy to hear that it is not hard to book specialty the "day of" should we choose to. :)

Is it worth booking specialty restaurants is advance? We are brand new cruisers, going with our 2 young children. Will there be enough options without having to book a specialty restaurant or do you think it is worth it...even for just my husband and I? And do we have to book ahead of time or will there be lots of availability once we are onboard?

someone had posted a link to be able to buy slot credits at a discount...it was an external site that said they are eligible for specific cruise ships. The one we are going on is eligible. My question is "do you think it makes a difference if you buy these credits from these sites or do you think your chances of winning are reduced as the cruise lines know you purchased them at a large discount?"

Thanks!

I wonder if it is crazy to ask for low sodium meals. The last 2 cruises (gem and jewel) there was so much sodium in the food that my ankles swelled like crazy. this happens nowhere else.

yup,....the post above had this paragraph in it. make sure your reservation lists the person with the special dietary needs ahead of time.

Special Medical Dietary Requirements and Diabetes

Guest with food allergies should contact the Access Desk to discuss Norwegian Cruise Line's policies and procedures concerning special diets and your specific allergies prior to your cruise. Because the vessels are supplied all over the world, it may be easier to meet your specific food allergy requirements in some countries, but very difficult in others. We can arrange to have no sugar and low sodium meals for guests with those specific medical dietary restrictions upon request. Refrigerators are available in many staterooms for storing insulin

My daughter has Celiac Disease. NCL has been fantastic with accomodating us. So, I'm sure just like for her, they can prepare food seperately and be able to make most things to accomodate the food allergy. She has been able to pick most things off the menu, like soup for example and prepare it with out flour, so i'm sure they can make things and avoid putting in egg, mustard or what ever the food allergy may be.

 

Be sure to fill out the guest special request form and talk to the maitr de in the main dining room once on board.

 

We also avoid the buffet. Not worth the risk of cross contamination.

That is so good to know! My daughter is wheat free...she is not celiac but we mainly tell restaurants gluten free as it is easier for them to understand. I was worried about her choices since she is only 6 years old. She will be happy!

- Don't miss the lobster night (for us it was on Tues) The lobster was HUGE. Overheard another diner telling the maitre d that it was similar to those served at Cagneys.

When do they announce the lobster night....in advance? I don't want to miss that but how else do we know to not book a specialty dining on that night?

thanks!

Here are a few of mine off the top of my head:

 

 

• We loved the rooms on deck 14 with the extended overhang over our balconies. Kept us shaded in the heat, and dry in the storms
  
• Hoard pretzel balls (and sticks) from the Garden Cafe. yum.
  
• Take a power strip with you. There's only one outlet with two plugs in standard balcony room
  
• The spa has an aft balcony with loungers and two wicker couches. Awesome spot to watch the world go by
  
• The green water slide is the fastest and scariest, but go purple if you want short lines
  
• On the last sea day they have a big sale on Epic stuff in the shops on 15. It's not their nicest stuff from the Latitudes shops, but 2 shirts for $10 is a good deal for gifts. You will also find watches for $10 each, perfect for teens.
  
• In the spa, towels are in the huge wall racks, but there are robes hiding in the little basket by the door. :)
  
• The ship doesn't supply conditioner or bar soap. Bring some if you need it.
  
• The cruelest joke is the amazing salad bar at Moderno. You want to save room for the meat, but you can't resist!
  
• There's an awesome out-of-the-way place for shaded lounging... under the sportsdeck starboard aft
  
• The public sun decks on 18 are virtually empty, even when the pool is full. Go up there for peace and quiet.
  
• Best time to see Blue Man group without reservations is Saturday night. Lots of open seats
  
• All the food at O'Sheehans is good
  

our cruise is sat-sat.....do they run a BMG show the very first night?

I am assuming the answer to my question depends on the time of year that you go but I will throw it out there anyways....we are going on a cruise Dec 7-14, 2013....how soon in advance do we need to book a tour with Bernard's? Do they fill up really fast? Thanks!