beachlover98

AotS will be docking at Pointe Seraphine on the 5th Dec. Very easy to catch a bus from there to Halcyon if you want. Simply walk out the complex, along the entrance road past the fishing complex, up to the gas station (Rubis). Once at the Rubis intersection (which is the intersection with the highway) take a left along the highway and walk about 10 feet or so and then flag down a bus. Bus are 14-seater mini-vans with "M" license plates. The only ones along that route there will be going towards the north past Gros Islet. The route should also be across the hood or top of the window, but all the busses that side are heading that direction (they don't head for different routes again till past Halcyon). You flag them down like you would a taxi. If the driver has space, he will stop for you. Tell the driver you are stopping at Halcyon and he'll stop at the bus stand right by it. A bus will cost about $1US one way. They do not run on any schedule (they leave their terminals when they are full), so taking one up is no problem, but you may want to consider a taxi for the way back just to be on time.

As far as not heading to Vigie alone - that's simple common sense. A Resort setting is different. At Sandals, there are people all around, security, staff, etc so leaving your stuff on a lounge chair at the pool while you dip in the sea or the like is common and there are people around to keep an eye on stuff. On a local beach with no resort and no friend with you, as anywhere in the world, you are taking a chance leaving your belongings just sitting out, and having a buddy along is always a good idea. At a resort, especially a self-contained AI, the staff, security and other guests are your "buddy", so to speak.

Hope that helps, enjoy your visit whatever you end up doing.

Just got off the phone with Sandals. They must have recently changed how they do their day passes a little bit. I was quoted the day pass as being $130 but that includes transfers to/from the cruise ship pier. For just me, I suppose it's a good deal as my RT transport will only cost me $30 then. I was just surprised as I was expecting to make my own way there.

Also, I didn't realize that once my ship leaves it's initial departure port (San Juan on 12/1) there are no refunds. Do you know if that's the norm? I thought I would just pay when I got there and not have to give my credit card info. ahead of time.

It's walkable, but would be a very long hot walk. Yes, taxi fare is #25Us each way. Alternatively, you could take the public bus, if you're feeling adventurous and get off right at Sandals. Depending on which dock you are at, it's either right out in front or a short walk to a bus stand for the right bus. Which ship/date are you sailing? I could give bus directions based on that......

Have you checked out your roll call for any other takers? Maybe another solo to make a couple, or another couple to make a "family" so to speak as the one above? Worth a shot.

As far as Jalousie beach - there is no section that is relegated to cruise or non-hotel guests. All beaches in St. Lucia are public - you are more than welcome to enjoy any portion of the beach you like. Patronize the beach bar/restaurant if you like, spread your towel on any portion of beach you like, swim anywhere along the waterfront, etc. Hotel property is theirs of course, but you can rent the padded loungers if you like, etc.

Same goes for Vigie beach, the beach along which Rendezvous is located. There are no real facilities along this beach - no umbrellas or beach chairs, etc. There are plenty of large shade trees along the beach and it's lovely for swimming. There are some rum shacks down near the entrance to the airport for some drinks and local eats. Probably not a great idea to go by yourself, just so you have another pair of eyes to keep an eye on your stuff, the buddy system and all that!

Let me throw one more option out at you...see what you think. Ti Kaye. They offer a day pass, I think it's about $75, they can pick you up at the docks for a small additional amount, price includes beach chair, lunch and drink, snorkeling gear, etc at the resort which is lovely. May be another good option. Or Serenity TVL offers a package day pass at Ti Kaye that for the price includes transportation, a massage, beach chair, lunch, etc. Maybe check them out?

Good luck with your research and decision. There are more options I can throw out there too if you need some other options.....enjoy your visit!

Thanks again, reedprincess! You're a great ambassador to your island with your wealth of information.

I must sound like such a picky person, but really just want to make the most of my day on the beautiful island of St. Lucia! I think I've decided to do the Sandals Halcyon, but haven't pulled the trigger just yet. Assuming, THEY will allow a "solo" it seems to fit my criteria for the most part. I had looked into Ti Kaye resort and as I'm not a big snorkeler (and already have other ports planned for snorkeling) and don't care for spas, it didn't look as appealing. Looked as though a day pass doesn't really allow access to the pool and resort grounds, just the beach area.

The Sandals Halcyon looks good with the pools, beach, loungers, drinks, etc. The only downside is probably the higher cost, but it's fine. I'm on the Adventure of the Seas in St. Lucia on Dec. 5. Do you know where we dock? I've sailed Celebrity more recently and don't remember where Royal Caribbean docks in Castries. This probably won't make a difference in terms of a taxi, but if I consider the bus, perhaps.

One last question, you mentioned if I went to Vigie Beach, not to go alone so as to have someone to help watch my stuff, etc. Would you have the same advice if I'm going to a Sandals Resort? I will obviously be alone. I'm ok with that, and actually kind of look forward to it, but do you think it's all ok?

Still feel kind of weird going to such a picturesque island with so many things to see, but then just going to the beach. I'll definitely miss seeing the Pitons, but guess I've seen them from many points on land, from the ship, from a catamaran, from the base of Gros Piton on the beach, as well as from the TOP of Gros Piton. They really are quite a site. Very beautiful!

Thanks again for all the advice.

Uh Oh....

I was going to go to Rendevous with my daughter and my wife.

She is 21 years old.

 

If they have the "couples only" rule, I may have to change my plans and go to Sandals or look for some type of tour.

 

That is too bad, I was looking forward to going there.

 

I am still going to e-mail them and find out.

 

Don

Just curious what answer you got from Rendezvous regarding your daughter. Someone on my roll call for my upcoming cruise was surprised I got turned down, too. She got a day pass for Rendezvous with her mother in law a while back. Interesting couple...

I'm currently looking into the Sandals resorts, probably the Halcyon. I'm not thrilled about paying more plus now a taxi fare. I'm wondering how far it really is. From downtown where the cruise ship piers are, it looks to be about twice as far as Rendezvous. I think I saw somewhere the taxi fare is $25. I'm assuming that's each way. Seems kinda high to me, especially for just me to have to pay. Not sure if it's walkable or not. I'm sure most would say not, but a couple miles is nothing, as long as it's safe.

Well, good luck with your plans. Check in with what you find out at Rendezvous.

That is really too bad, frankly I am surprised that they wouldn't extend a day pass! Sandals is nice too - a little more active overall, but if quitter and lovely grounds is what you want, then go for Halcyon of the 3. Smaller, quieter overall (although watersports and music by the pool, etc all happening), pretty gardens and so on.

If other options are something your are considering - take a look at Spencer Ambrose's Beach Break - full day beach trip by speed boat down to Jalousie beach right between the Pitons, includes lunch and drinks, etc. You are usually the first ones to the beach, so you have first choice of the free chairs and palapas that Sugar Beach Resort supplies and first crack at the excellent snorkeling. IF you really wanted something special - you could book a massage at the Rainforest Spa at Sugar Beach while there (book ahead) - excellent spa setting and treatments - very relaxing and lovely (ask for Lucita or Duane - they are the best massage therapists) Lovely relaxing day!

Good luck and enjoy wherever you chose!

Thanks again, reedprincess. Like on so many other threads I've seen, you're so helpful!

I thought about Spencer Ambrose and the Jalousie beach. We stopped to drop people off this past January on our way to the base of Gros Piton when we did Spencer's tour to climb that peak. I'm not a huge snorkeler and the part of the beach relegated to non-guests seemed kind of small and crowded. Maybe I'm mistaken though. I guess I was looking for a little different atmosphere as far as larger beach and pool access, etc.

I'm still gonna consider Sandals, perhaps the Halcyon as you suggest. I still was really, really hoping to avoid taxi rides to and from. Like you, I was quite surprised Rendezvous turned down my request. They were very polite about it, though! One of the reasons I had even considered going there were the rave reviews on cruise critic boards including one from a few months ago written while a group of 3 ladies was actually at the resort on a day pass. Either their policy has since changed or they made an exception for them.

As I understand, though, all beaches in St. Lucia are public, so I suppose there's nothing keeping me from spending the day on the beach where the Rendezvous is? Or maybe I won't be able to gain access to the beach because of the hotel? Obviously I won't have any amenities, but I suppose I can do without. Wear my suit and pack a towel and I suppose I'm good. I always get plenty of food and drink on the cruise ship for sure so definitely won't be missing that! Maybe I'm still missing something?

Been to Rendezvous many times, and overall, no I don't think you will stick out or feel uncomfortable at all - no more than you would at a Sandals! As long as it's cool with the resort, you'll be fine.

As far as walking - it is all along the public highway. There are no alleys or side roads, everything is along the well traveled highway, whether by taxi or foot. While the buildings look rundown, you are in perfectly safe areas, even on your own as you are in very public, widely traveled areas both on foot and vehicle, as it is the highway (one lane each way for the most part). If you do opt for a taxi ride, I would second OT on wanting to see the taxi first. Use only the licensed taxi operators at the ports (at Pointe Seraphine, they are right outside the gate after passing through Diamonds International and are in uniforms), at La PLace Caranage, they are available at the info desk inside near the main entrance, again should be uniformed. Licensed taxi operators have TX license plates. Should be about $10US one way from either port. Or, ask the resort to arrange a driver for you - they would be happy to do so.

All beaches in St. Lucia are public, and as locals, we do enjoy our own beaches. Whether the are "unsavory" is highly subjective as some people associate dreadlocks or somewhat tattered clothing with drugs or "unsavory" behavior, or people who are enjoying the beach during a workday as somehow "unsavory". Not sure what sort of reasons OntarioTraveller may have had for their observations of locals being "unsavory", but the beach itself in front of the resort is patrolled by hotel security and no one will bother you at all along the beach around the resort, if that is a concern. To speak with/interact with any locals along the beach, you would need to head down to the left (when facing the sea) down past the cemetery area and on to main Vigie beach area. Lovely swimming beach actually.

There will be locals along any Sandals beach also, or any beach on the island actually.

Enjoy your visit, whichever you choose!

Thanks again, reedprincess, for your responses. I agree, there is a lot of subjectivity regarding how one views locals on your island, or anywhere for that matter. I, for one, have met some absolutely wonderful people in St. Lucia as well as on every Caribbean island I've visited. I've never once felt uneasy, but only welcomed.

On a down note, however, I did hear back from the Rendezvous, and they will not allow me to purchase a day pass for just myself. I guess it's one of the down sides of traveling solo. Oh well, on to plan B. I just really had my heart set on the Rendezvous. I really wanted a quiet atmosphere. I'll have to research Sandals some more. Or maybe I'll come up with something else to do for the day.

Jalousie hasn't been a Hilton for more than 10 years - it has gone through several ownership/management changes, the latest being that it is now part of Viceroy properties and called Sugar Beach. Their former day passes were a total waste of time (you were basically paying for a food credit as you couldn't use the pool, etc), not sure if they offer and "day pass" now. But, you can still visit the resort, spa, enjoy the beach restaurant, use the free chairs on the side or rent one of the padded ones from the resort. It is over an hour by land though - kind of takes up a lot of the day.

Whether you can visit Rendezvous as solo would very much depend on them - you can always contact them and ask. Personally, I don't think it would be a problem for a day pass. Sandals is "couples" only also, but definitely allows singles (more expensive though at $100 for the day) Of the 3, Halcyon and La Toc are the closest.

Good luck and enjoy your visit!

Thanks to those who responded! I made a phone call to the Rendezvous and they suggested I send an email with the question as to whether I can visit their resort as a "solo". I've sent the email and am awaiting a response.

The main reason I chose this resort over Sandals was not really the cost, but the proximity. I like having the option to walk there from the pier instead of having to rely on a taxi there and back.

reedprincess, not sure if you've visited the Rendezvous yourself, but will I feel awkward or stick out like a sore thumb if I'm there by myself? I just never thought about it. I was just looking at the proximity, the beach, the pools, etc. when deciding that it looked like a lovely way to spend the day. I've done so many different things on the island on previous trips, I was trying to find something different. I just couldn't come up with anything and this resort looked really nice.

Their rules state couples only. I don't know if they would actually turn away a solo traveller. Here's a link to their description: The Romantic Holiday.

Maybe I wouldn't be comfortable there anyway as a solo traveler??

This is my first solo cruise after visiting St. Lucia many times with my husband as well as with several of my kids. After doing the "full island tour" several times, catamaran sails down to the Pitons, ziplining and climbing Gros Piton, I was ready for just a relaxing day at an all-inclusive. I'm leaving behind DH, 4 kids, 4 dogs and 2 cats and would love a day of relaxation! I'm just not sure where now?? :confused:

I just heard back from Angus. We reserved 10am-4pm for $65 per person. This is a couples-only resort. No singles allowed, whether adults or children.

This sounds really odd. You can only get the day pass if you're part of a couple??? I know it's adults only, but can't a solo traveler off a cruise ship get a day pass?

Zip Line (adventuretourstlucia.com)

I have already ziplined at Treetop Adventure Park in St. Lucia. I went with my 11-year-old son about 3 years ago. We had an absolute blast! We both loved it and would highly recommend it.

Visiting St. Lucia for the 7th time this December. Previous visits have been with either one of my kids or my husband. I've done the "full island tour" three times, catamaran sail down to the Pitons, ziplining and just this past January, climbed Gros Piton with my husband. That climb was a blast. It was hard work but the views are breathtaking!

Every day spent in St. Lucia was wonderful, but am looking for something new. Anyone have any ideas of something new to try? I'm traveling solo on this particular cruise so I need something where I won't have any safety concerns.

Thanks for any suggestions!

LOTS of hotels, just look at Tripadvisor.com or look here in the ports of call section. We stayed a Villa Herencia in Old San Juan, and loved it!

Yes, there are hotels in OSJ, but not nearly as many as over in the Condado/Ocean Park/Isla Verde area of San Juan.

I believe most of what's in OSJ are more "boutique" type hotels. I'm not sure how others would classify them. Then there is the Sheraton right at the pier that is one of the "chain" hotels. I've stayed there a couple times. It was ok. Nothing special.

I've also stayed at the El Convento, again what I would consider a "boutique" hotel. Dating back to the 1600's it was a convent that was recently converted to a hotel. It's absolutely beautiful. The decor is really nice and the rooftop pool area is very pretty. The only downside is it's a little on the pricey side. We definitely had a very pleasant stay there, though.

So far, the apartment in SJ is great option to experience the city, and these sea turtles in Barbados are so cute so I would for sure include this in our Bridge town trip

I would most definitely recommend the sea turtles in Barbados. Six of the times I've visited Barbados on a cruise I've gone swimming with the turtles. I'm such a huge animal lover it's definitely one of my favorite excursions. They really are so cute!!

Also, the apartment in OSJ, if one can swing the extra pre-cruise days, is definitely a good way to experience the old town. The history, the architecture and oh, the food! It's so much fun.

Thanks for your review and all of your tips, especially the apartment rental in SJ. We are headed to the Summit in March 2014 and this will be very helpful.

Enjoy your rental in OSJ. I've already booked mine for next January and I can't wait!

Puerto Rico has so much to offer, it's nice to spend at least a couple days pre-cruise. This will be my 8th cruise sailing from San Juan and I like to spend as much time in OSJ as possible before the cruise. By now I think I'm going just for the food! :p

Thank you for sharing the photos and the detailed review.

I booked the summit for Dec 14 this year, and I'm planning to borrow some of your ideas for shore excursions:)

Glad you enjoyed my review! I also love sharing my pictures. I know it helps get people excited about their upcoming trips! :p

I'd be curious to know what shore excursions you're doing (or what ideas you've borrowed!). We enjoyed our time off the ship so much, as we always do. As I've said, the ship is not the destination, but the ports of call.

Loving your review of Summit - we sailed on her this past October, and hopefully again, in spring 2014. I do hope though that you post your review in the official review section, as that will make it easier for other cruisers to find it, it's so entertaining, inclusive, informative, no one should miss out!: http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=251

Glad you enjoyed my review! After many cruises, it was the first review I've done and it was a lot of fun. I always love a reason to go back and look at all my pictures again. Makes me look forward to my next cruise!

Will try to find time to post in the review section so others can see. I like posting here, too, as I like the interaction with other cruisers responding to my posts. I like the comments, suggestions and questions about the ship, ports of call, etc.

beachlover-I had no intention of hijacking your wonderful pic & review thread. :o Your Antigua/Darkwood Beach pics are beautiful! Just booked a sailing there on the Hawnalea but know what beach we'll visit next time, thank U!

 

 

Sam & beachlover-here are links to some short Grenada vids on my youtube page:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pics from my Snapfish page, Grenada pics in 3/20/10 album

 

http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe/l=en_US/p/Organizer/s_c=0/s_se=FDR/s_pt=GFT,POS,PSP,REP,PMB,PLT,PRE/s_st=RegReqEu#state=%7B%22pl%22%3A%7B%22uc%22%3A2%2C%22aid%22%3A%223776880008%22%2C%22vp%22%3A%22g%22%2C%22sb%22%3A5%7D%2C%22ovm%22%3A%7B%22v%22%3A%22s%22%7D%7D

 

Enjoy,

Dawg

 

 

Now please beachlover98, more of your review!

No idea if anyone is still following this thread, but I was hoping to get more information on Magazine Beach in Grenada. I've been working on shore excursions for January 2014 on the Summit on the alternate itinerary (St. Croix, St. Kitts, Dominica, Grenada and St. Thomas).

Magazine Beach looks wonderful! We were hoping to do some kayaking on one or more of the islands so am wondering if anyone knows if there are kayaks for rent at this beach? Or perhaps at a good beach in St. Kitts or St. Croix?

Love the walk with all of the cats. Is it a taxi ride from the ship since the ship docks across the water from OSJ?

Celebrity ships embark and disembark from the Pan American pier which is across the bay from OSJ, definitely a taxi ride. Ships that are in port just for the day would dock right in OSJ.

We use our pre-cruise or post-cruise time to hang out in Old San Juan. We always fly down at least a couple nights before the cruise since we enjoy it so much.

I will say the Paseo del Morro was the "quietest" I've ever seen this past January. Much fewer cats than we normally see, but we did see just as many just wandering around OSJ as we usually do. They pretty much mind their own business most of the time, but some are very friendly. Be sure to check out the Save a Gato website for more info. on the cat colony and how they are taken care of!

Great fun reading your review -after I got past the cats, not a fan but I love your attitude about not sweating the small stuff and your pics made it a lot more interesting. Can't wait to try our first Celebrity.

Sure hope you enjoy your first Celebrity cruise. It's definitely become my favorite line. It's just laid back and I love the lack of constant announcements. I really love their restrictive smoking policy, too.

And you won't sweat the small stuff so you'll have an awesome time! Enjoy San Juan!!

Glad that so many people have enjoyed my review! I hear about everyone's upcoming sailings on the Summit and then I get jealous!! :p

I know I commented in one of my earliest posts how I am perhaps not the best "critic" as I maybe am not picky enough. I look past a little dust, a somewhat aging ship and food or entertainment that isn't to my liking 100% of the time. Maybe some look for that "true critique" and use that to help them form an opinion of a cruise ship or a cruise line. I, on the other hand, look at the overall experience. I include everything to do with the cruise itself with a big part of that being the staff/service, which in my opinion was FANTASTIC!! I also look at things like the itinerary and embarkation point. As I've said, the cruise is not the destination for me so the ports of call and the pre-cruise are very important in my overall cruise experience.

In light of recent events on another cruise line, I feel even better about NOT sweating the small stuff. I've had nothing but awesome cruises so far and hope to have many more!

Love your review - I wish others could be this positive about life!

 

We are on Summit on 4/20, on the same itinerary. Is there any particular night you would recommend for skipping the MDR and booking Qsine? Say, one night where the menu just wasn't as interesting, etc? Thanks!

I’m sorry I won’t be able to help you on this as I honestly would never remember what was on the menu on any particular night. I also think it would be so much a matter of personal opinion as to whether any particular night was better/worse than any other. For example, I do remember there was one night that nothing on the menu appealed to me, again just my personal taste. I think I just ordered a steak from the “every night” side of the menu and it was fine. On another night, I believe it was the first formal night, I had a filet mignon that was prepared perfectly and was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. I also don’t do seafood, so that limits my options somewhat.

You might want to search the Celebrity boards for posts containing pictures of the menus from each night in the MDR. That might help you make a decision. I don’t know how often they change the menus, though.

We love OSJ and wish Celebrity would bring back the 10-night cruises. We only did one and had a blast on the Millie.

I did the Millenium for a 10-night cruise also, and loved it! Actually went in both November 2009 and November 2010, almost the same itinerary but the second cruise they switched St. Vincent in for Grenada for some reason. I love cruising the southern caribbean leaving from San Juan because you're already almost there! Have no idea if it just wasn't popular enough?

We love staying in Old San Juan! We've stayed there many times pre-cruise but only rented an apartment a couple times now. I just booked an apartment for our 3 night pre-cruise stay next January. I've used vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner) to search available apartments. They give all the specifics of the unit as well as location, price, pictures, contact info. and oftentimes availability.

 

If you have any other questions, let me know!

One thing I forgot to mention in this reply was that the vast majority of listings on vrbo have a minimum night stay, usually 3+ nights. Although that works for many people, I know sometimes a pre-cruise stay is shorter so a hotel is the only option. I love Old San Juan and have been lucky enough to work out a 3 night pre-cruise stay the last 3 trips. With only a 7 night cruise, it's a little easier to add 3 days to the trip.

I wish Celebrity would bring back their 10 and 11 night sailings from San Juan, though. :(

Just read your review and have been looking at apartments in San Juan for our Nov 23 summit cruise. I have heard Old San Juan can be kind of rough compared to the ocean walk area, but your pics show it to be like most old town areas, quaint and fun. What is the name of the Place/s you have stayed? Thanks for any advice you can give.

See my post above regarding finding an apartment in Old San Juan. I can't speak for how others may find apartments, but that is where I've found them the past 3 years.

As to the safety around Old San Juan, again I can only speak for myself, but I've never felt uncomfortable walking around, even at night. I've been there with my husband a couple times, several times with one of my children (age 9-11 at the time) and once with my teenage daughter and my mother. We just used common sense just as you would anywhere while on vacation, etc. It really is as you said "quaint and fun"!!

Hello beachlover98, thanks for taking the time to post a great review and lovely photos. We will be in San Juan for 4 days pre-cruise and 3 days post--cruise, during Cristmas and New Year (Summit). You have mentioned an apartment that you stayed at, would you mind sharing its name? We would like to stay in the Old Town....Thanks

We love staying in Old San Juan! We've stayed there many times pre-cruise but only rented an apartment a couple times now. I just booked an apartment for our 3 night pre-cruise stay next January. I've used vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner) to search available apartments. They give all the specifics of the unit as well as location, price, pictures, contact info. and oftentimes availability.

If you have any other questions, let me know!