PORT ROYAL

On 5/16/2024 at 6:26 PM, wrg said:

Hi all,

We are sailing on RCCL and would like to have a casual lunch in port. Any suggestions? We are open catching an Uber but hope there is somewhere in port or close by. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Another vote for Manolin, but also consider https://restauranteraices.com/?page_id=112

Both are gentle on one’s lunch budget, but the food is ethnic and very good.  Not fine dining, but still nice places.  Both wil not disappoint 

21 hours ago, bubbapuck said:

We are flying in a couple of days before our cruise and want to visit the Vatican. Does anyone have any hotel recommendations near that vatican? Just my wife and I.

Think one is leaving it a tad late…. Rome is known for fluid pricing and trying to book a hotel of any quality, one will be possibly looking a North of £200.00 - Can only suggest well known booking sites with filters… Alternatively, if on a budget then a clean, no frills, accommodation for 1/2 nights, at a very reasonable price, then consider.  

https://www.monasterystays.com/?d=Italy/Lazio/Rome-accommodation

Some are in good positions for popular sites - Filter their website.

Also, may be leaving to late for Vatican Tickets.

I wish one luck

GREAT BAY……… OR……..   COCO? - Decisions, decisions?

50 minutes ago, Derbie said:

I quickly reviewed the website, so I have a quick question for you.  Is there a day cost for the chairs, if you are having lunch?  I did note beach service listed, but no pricing.  Thanks.

Addition - Drinks - https://irp.cdn-website.com/bb8d38fe/files/uploaded/Menu drinks.pdf

14 minutes ago, Derbie said:

I quickly reviewed the website, so I have a quick question for you.  Is there a day cost for the chairs, if you are having lunch?  I did note beach service listed, but no pricing.  Thanks.

Menu and prices - https://www.cocobeach.restaurant/menu/lunch

But, subject to ingredients being available, one can go “off Menu”

Last visit, beds (think) were $20/25 per set up - 2 + shade 

On 5/15/2024 at 3:31 PM, FSUNole said:

First, is there a consolidated place/way to see excursion reviews/descriptions or do I just filter through all the posts on Basseterre St Kitts etc...

 

Next, looks like 6 ships will be in port in Basseterre on December 3rd including Icon, Aidaperla, APEX (our cruise) and 3 smaller luxury ships (300-1000 passengers each).  Will that be a mess? 

For a tour

Thenford Grey - http://www.thenfordgreytours.com/

Leo - christopherom95@gmail.com.

or

Beach - No S.H.T. destinations

Can only recommend a Day Pass at the St Kitts Marriott - https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/skbrb-st-kitts-marriott-resort-and-the-royal-beach-casino/overview/

And
Nevis - https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-beach-getaway/

Bluewater offer a complete Nevis tour package https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-plantation-beach-experience/

2 hours ago, pattycake08 said:

Been to St Maarten (Dutch) 3-4 times, never to St Martin (French). Wanted to try French side for a change. Did research & found that Orient Bay Beach is split up into 5 small beaches named after each bar (Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini, Waikiki, Coco) (Each have chairs &umbrellas different colors to represent each bar/beach), all bars appear next to each other.  It appears that 2 loungers/Umbrella are approx $20.00, no matter the bar you sit at. 3 questions, 1) Are you able to go to any of the 5 beach bars and just pay for the chairs/umbrella without ordering any drinks/food or will they only rent to you if you start a tab. We typically just want to sit by the beach & relax & usually do not order food/drinks?   2) Being that the beach bars are next to each other & share the same beach is one location/beach/bar better than another? 3). If unable to sit by one of the 5 beach/bars, then how would one rent chairs/umbrella on Orient Beach?

 

One has never just rented beds without taking food/drinks etc., so unable to comment.

Suggest one starts at the most southerly bar, asking if they will allow a bed rental without any form of consumables patronage, then working north on receipt of a rejection.

Feel one is missing out on the joy of a total beach experience, which must include the ambiance, food, drinks and service. To exclude these aspects is one’s loss.

Then there are “other considerations”, these being private and confidential and not for broadcast or publication. 

3 hours ago, Peachypooh said:

Are there any restaurants/bars within walking distance of the Old San Juan pier that we

can taste a few of the local rums. We aren't interested in the cruise ship 2-3 hour tours

because of the amount of walking and being light drinkers. Thanks.

One’s bar preference is The Mezzanine -

They have a great selection of Rhum/Rum at all price points.  

Plus their small plates/tapas are very good.  
An ethnic/local place to enjoy the ambiance and people watch below.

Note their “Happy Hour” starts at 4pm and lasts for 4 hours.

Additional… never used a HOHO.  Sorry…. Did once, and nearly missed the ship because multiple return busses were full and did not stop…. Never again.

2 minutes ago, Derbie said:

I suppose a bit of both suggestions, and inquiring if you were familiar with the HOHO bus? We were considering the Bird Sanctuary in the morning (kids may like it) and then because my husband was the Pirate King in a local production of The Pirates of Penzance, the Pirate experience in the afternoon.  Although, we are wide open.  We do have a grandson (14 years old) that would like to do the Yoga Guy. 

Sounds like an excellent plan…. Enjoy

On 5/12/2024 at 4:31 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Does Albergo del Senato have an iron in room or offer ironing services?  

The Hotel’s Concierge will know of a company offering services.  
We used one company (unable to remember their name), they collected in the morning and delivered back early the same evening. It was a dry cleaners we wanted, but discovered they also offered laundry and ironing services.  

Know the Concierge will have it at their fingertips.  

It’s just a part of their job.  Good luck…

14 minutes ago, Derbie said:

I just watched a video on where the host was trying to get a ticket for a HOHO bus in St. Maarten.  Celebrity had booked the entire company for the day (he was on Carnival).  Are you familiar with this company?  We are like the original poster...8 people in our family group.  He went ahead and took the water ferry and wandered around town.  We have been to St. Martin/Maarten several times.  We will be there in two weeks (just myself and DH) in July we are there with the family party of 8.  Thanks for your wealth of knowledge. 

 

Is one requiring trip suggestions for one’s family?

On 5/7/2024 at 1:20 PM, janetz said:

Hi all

With a 7 year old in tow, what are some fun activities or excursions?
Thanks ahead 😊

Never visited, but had good reports from cruise friends

Interactive different experience with a nice restaurant and bar

https://therustyparrot.com

 

19 minutes ago, david63 said:

Cannot explain nor help but after my wife's exploits with several cruise ship's hairdressers my advice would be to keep well away😄

Sound advice……. 
Same thinking for any other onboard facilities used, products and/or items purchased.

This “don’t ask” thought process must also apply to the shoreside retail therapy for gowns, dresses, separates, shoes, bags etc., etc..

On 5/7/2024 at 1:13 PM, janetz said:

Hi all

Are there any activities or excursions that could include a 7 year old that would be fun in SJ

Thanks ahead! 😊

Parque de loss Niños - fairly close to the port - but still a cab ride away
Recently informed about - but not close to port - https://www.museodelninocarolina.com

GoKart Racing - not close to port - have a 48 inch height minimum - https://www.k1speed.com/canovanas-location.html

Simple alternative is Kite Flying at the fort - close to the port - Kites for sale by vendors close by.

No doubt others on CC will have additional suggestions 

48 minutes ago, negn said:

We are booking a ship excursion to Orient Beach due to the possibility of delays due to traffic

Wow!  The ship doing COCO?  Know one will have a great beach stay…. Enjoy!

Bulk cruise trips previously used KKO aka “Sardine Central”.  Obviously now a much improved day for all on the tour.

24 minutes ago, geovet said:

It’s been a while since visiting St Maarten and I’m trying to recall the transportation. Do they have govt buses and private bus/vans? Also we have a party of 8 and need to know if they can handle us.

 

Thanks

Private Licensed cabs and minivans are allowed transit to/from inside Port area.

Private “Jintys” not allowed to/from port area (“Jinty central Pick up area along Back Street -Phillipsburg) and can be flagged down roadside (same for Licenced Cabs).  
Jinty fares are a couple of dollars per person, but routes are convoluted with multiple drops and pickups. Mostly used by locals.

Unlicensed cabs are considered bandit territory.

For a party of 8 use Licenced cabs from port.

13 hours ago, LadyFate said:

Hello I just want to know if I can take my mobility scooter on the water taxi? or a wheel chair?

Can I rent a wheel chair in Port?

On last visit a scooter was turned away….. But this may have changed….
Best to ask the Tourist Board direct for all one’s questions… correct answers?
https://www.vacationstmaarten.com/contact/

8 hours ago, mets123 said:

The cruise line (Royal) has none listed in their shore excursions. Can you recomend a tour provider for either of them?

Never used an external tour operator.  Book guided tour direct with the Distillery, taking any “premium” tasting option.

1 hour ago, pattycake08 said:

Been to St Maarten (Dutch side) 4- 5 times, always took water taxi  & then found a beach as others reported, lounge chairs/umbrella/5 beers for $30.00. I've never been to the French side of St. Martin, but would like to try., just looking for a beach day for a few hours. Have a hubby with mobility issues. Can anyone let me know is there a water taxi to get you to French Side or do you take a cab? and what is the Cost.  How far is St. Martin from Port?  Do they have the same type of deals as above, chairs/umbrella/ beer for a set price? or is possibly negotiated once you get there. Also I saw Port Royal mention CoCo beach, looking for the easiest to get to w/out a lot of walking once we land.  

The cab rank from the ship is quite a distance for those with reduced mobility.  Take the free ship arranged golf buggy from ship the taxi rank…. Private taxi is about $30 each way to COCO, about 20 minute journey,  Allow a very safe extra10 minutes for the return to ship, in case of heavy port traffic.   From taxi drop to COCO is a short/comfortable level walk.  No bed/booze deals at COCO it’s an genteel upmarket restaurant venue… with beds etc..  Food (to Michelin standard) drinks, service and ambiance are excellent. 

 https://www.cocobeach.restaurant

https://www.cocobeach.restaurant/gallery

Have no idea as to which venues have a “deal” 

The outward taxi driver will be pleased to be time booked for the return.

PS.. if a fan, COCO Rhum/Rum cabinet is extensive and at all price points.  Yes, the had “La Filbuste”.

1 hour ago, mets123 said:

Looking to go on a brewery or distillery tour that is near the port or one that is not too far away using a cab. Thanks in advance for your help.

Nearest is Mount Gay…. Better tour and rum is Foursquare, but this distillery is further away.  Whatever is the selection, best to book one’s tour in advance as spaces are limted.

To save any future angst, contact links below for tour pricing and duration.  Then compare price with that of ship……

Antours - https://www.avirtualdominica.com/dominica-directory/antours/

Peppers - https://www.avirtualdominica.com/dominica-directory/h-o-t-pepper-tours-its-better-with-pepper/

3 hours ago, D&N said:

Some of today's vlogs from Queen Anne were quite good and very useful.

These were seen in a Britannia Club cabin/stateroom.

The laundry list has a reference at foot, which suggests it was issued in January 2024 and I assume it's valid throughout the fleet.

I don't know if the room service menu is the same on the other queens.

 

 

 

 

So kind to take the time to do this….

16 hours ago, Lorenky said:

Hello. We’ll be taking a cruise with Princess in January 2025 that stops at St Kitts. We’re looking at excursions and are having a hard time deciding which is best for us. There will be 5 cruise ships in port so we know it will be crowded everywhere, but we want to avoid places that will be overrun with crowds. If we snorkel, we prefer snorkeling from shore rather than from a boat as we’ve had some bad experiences snorkeling from a boat, though we would snorkel from the boat if conditions were very easy and calm.   If it’s a beach stop for swimming we do like sandy beaches with calm, warm water.  We do want to take a ship excursion. Your recommendations on which excursion might be best would be greatly appreciated. The excursions that look interesting to us are::

-an excursion to Timothy Hill and Cockleshell beach

-a Souffa Stone hike and beach getaway(Frigate Bay)

-a 4x4 Island safari to rainforest with beach stop at Frigate Bay

-a jeep expedition with a stop at Frigate bay

-a water taxi to Nevis for Pinney Beach

-a coastal kayaking and snorkel at south Friars Bay.

Thank you for any suggestions.

For a tour, then Thenford Grey

or

Beach

Can only recommend a Day Pass at the St Kitts Marriott

or 

Nevis - https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-beach-getaway/

Bluewater offer a complete Nevis tour package https://bluewatersafaris.com/tour/nevis-plantation-beach-experience/