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Day 2 - St. Croix

 

We arrived in St. Croix on a bright, sunny morning as scheduled at 8 am. The forcast high for the day was 80 degrees. Quite a change from Long Island.

 

The first thing I did when I got up was to go to Café Latitudes for a large White Chocolate mocha. This gives me an opportunity to give my views on the deluxe drink plan. I was able to buy it at $39/day when it was 30% off. Besides alcoholic beverages, the plan also covered specialty coffees, fresh squeezed orange juice and bottled water. If my breaking even depended on cocktails, I would have lost money on the deal. I think 1 had 2 margaritas and one bloody mary on the cruise. But if you have 1 (or 2) specialty coffees, a freshly squeezed orange juice, a bottled water in port, beer with lunch and wine with dinner, I think you at least break even (7 beverages at an average cost of $7). That doesn't even take in to account the sodas from the freestyle machines, I was pleased.

 

We had breakfast in the WJ. The Jewel has made to order eggs and omlettes. The rest of the breakfast fare was pretty traditional except they had smoked salmon daily (not available on our Jewel Mediteranean cruise in September unless you asked for it). Several day it was by the egg station so I had a smoked salmon omlette. We never went hungry at breakfast.

 

After breakfast we left the ship to explore St. Croix. We decide to take a taxi to the Cruzan rum factory for a tour and tasting. We gave the driver a designated pick up time when she dropped us off (Your fare is round trip and you are given a return ticket when you pay). Even though Cruzan is now owned by Bean Suntory, many parts of the rum making process were still done by hand. Even my son was interested throughout the tour and enjoyed it. After the tour you are taken to the bar and given 2 drink tickets (pina colada or rum punch). If you ask nicely, they will give you a sample of their 12 year old sipping rum. Minors get alcohol free drinks. Definitely worth the $8 admission.

 

On the way back, we asked the driver to drop us at Sand Castle. They have a $10/person day pass for cruise passengers. It's a small resort with a pool and beach. Although the water was nice, the beach was hard to navigate. There was an undertow and the beach dropped off quickly. The area where the beach dropped off was covered with shells. Not my favorite beach of the trip. None the less we spent several hours here before taking the complementary shuttle back to the ship.

 

We had some snack time before dinner so another roast beef sandwich (they had then each day of the cruise) was in order. They go well with beer also. So then we went back to our cabin to get ready for dinner.

 

Our second night of our BOGO was in Chops and we enjoyed our dinner. I had the strip steak and my wife had the roast chicken. Both were done correctly and were tasty. Worth the BOGO price but probably lacking at full price.

 

After dinner we went to the Coral Theatre to see the Flyboys, an English music group. My wife and son saw them in September and raved about them. The show was very good and we all enjoyed it.

 

Next - The cruise continues

Wow thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are doing the same itinerary in 2wks and it has been very very helpful. I do have some questions, the beverage package did it go on sale before your sail date? When you purchase the beverage package Do they charge gratuities to your Seapass account every time you get a drink at any bar(alcohol, non-alcohol, specialty coffee)?

Thanks again

Thank you . the videos were very nice

Thank you for the info. That will help

We are going to the South Caribbean next month and the ports of call are as follows:St Croix, St Maarten, Barbados and St George, Granada. I wanted some pointers on inexpensive excursions or tours in these ports. It's our first time visiting them. Any tips will help and be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Thanks to all, very helpful!!! no need to over pack, GREAT!!

This is our 1st time on a Carnival cruise (Splendor). Does Carnival have Captain Night or Gala Night? Is so, is it mandatory that gentleman use suit and tie or tuxedo? I would hate to over pack our suit case if they don't do so.

Thanks to all!!

This is our 1st time cruising on Carnival and I wanted to know if they allow you to bring powder juice ( ice tea) in your luggage/carry-on? Traveling with 5 children can get a bit expensive getting the unlimited non-alcohol beverage package.

Wow is right!! We are also sailing out April 10th and hope they take care of the issue. If we have to be without AC then they should discount our rooms or something.

I'm ok with the fortune cookies also, not a chocolate lover.

Hi to all,

My husband and I are cruising on the Carnival Splendor in 3wks and had read that it was suppose to go dry dock for some upgrade renovations (March 6-20 of this year). Does anyone know if that is true? Carnival's website does not show the new restaurants, bars and entertainments that I read were going to be made. This is our first time on this ship and I hope is a good one.

thank you

Hi to all,

My husband and I are cruising on the Carnival Splendor in 3wks and had read that it was suppose to go dry dock for some upgrade renovations (March 6-20 of this year). Does anyone know if that is true? Carnival's website does not show the new restaurants, bars and entertainments that I read were going to be made. This is our first time on this ship and I hope is a good one.