Dragon2109

Just one note. You will need to be there early in order to get cocoa tea. It goes fast, especially with hotel and construction workers. Don't go late morning or afternoon and expect to get.

If you are staying in city you can always visit the outskirts such as Caribelle Batik which has a short tour of Chocolate making, coconut oil making and batik. No entrance fee and you can purchase finished products. Also something truly local would be Eudovics Art studio which offers a tour of the workshop and pieces available. You can even commission a piece there. In the city's roundabout there is a piece there done by Jallim Eudovic on display as part of our 40 year independence celebration. Anther place is the Lucian country life which is a fantastic tour showcasing St. Lucian culture. There is an entrance fee for this one. Of course you will need a taxi to get there but it is a great stop for half day and close to the cruise ship.

Carnival Sailing, Endless summer, Sea Spray, Jus Sail, Bateau Mygo, Mystic Man are all options. Carnival Saling and Endless Summer and Sea Spray are large cats

Really the timing will depend on how fast you hike. Going via land minus the 1.45 hours drive each way , the timing of the hike itself will depend on you. I have met persons who hike up in 1.05 hours and down in 45 minutes. They were experienced hikes. Hike itself is about 2 hours each way on average. If you do the transfer via water taxi/boat then you will have more time allotted to you. If your cruise ship is leaving I believe it can be done. As long as you don't linger getting off the ship and you keep a good pace on the hike.

There really isn't a bad view of the pitons whether by Land, sea or air. I would say do a Land and Sea. St. Lucia is full of great vistas and you can learn learn so much. You can also get several view points. I find Land and Sea gives a comprehensive view of the island.

You can take a scenic tour down to Soufriere. Most stops can accommodate persons that are wheel chair bound. Restaurants are slowly adjusting to have wheel chair or persons with limited ability access to their establishment. I suggest you look into a tour operators and be sure to mention about the mobility issues. Few of them are Serenitytvl, Barefoot, Spencers... Some might suggest you do it private, then you won't have to worry about others..

18 hours ago, 2xprincess said:

Thank  you - I contacted them and they are unable to accommodate  our 2 pm arrival into port.  Almost perfect!

Then I suggest going private. Any f the companies mentioned above should be able to help you put something together. It will be an expensive venture though.

I agree, you definitely need to walk with water and some energy bars. Especially if you are starting from the very base of the pitons, it adds an additional 30 minutes to the hike. Have fun and good luck, the hike is strenuous but the view is well worth it.

Carnival sailing offers a Piton sunset tour for $100.00 per person however they leave at 2pm to return for 7pm.

 http://www.carnivalsailing.com/piton-sunset/

7 hours ago, trouble1964 said:

Is there any excursion that goes only to the mudbaths? This is the one thing on St. Lucia I haven't done, but want to. I just don't want to spend half a day stopping everywhere on a bus. 

Unfortunately, no there isn't. I would suggest just hire a taxi to take you there. Most operators wouldn't do just that as it is 1.5 hours driving just to get there and another to return. Most persons don't want to be sitting in a car for that long especially with our serpentine roads. Only choice hire a taxi to take you there, if you decide to stop then you can. You can get a taxi right outside of cruise port, shuld be between $100-$150 each way with 4 persons sharing.

On 10/13/2019 at 8:04 AM, ruby_tuesday said:

Hello everyone, we are going to St Lucia in Nov with Royal and I am scratching my head about which trip to do! Having never been to the island before I am attracted to the Soufriere and mineral baths tour as this may give us a good first time experience, but I would welcome thoughts from those that have done it. I am not a beach person and like to see some sights, so would welcome thoughts.

 

Many thanks in advance! 

For a first time I would recommend a Land and sea. It gives a fantastic overall view of both sea and land. You get to do and see quite a bit in a short time. There are quite a few operators that offer a variation of this tour including cruise ship. Quick research should turn up a few options. take a look at Serenitytvl, Barefoot, Cosol, Spencer Ambrose...

14 hours ago, allentownahoy said:

How easy is it to get a taxi to and from Vigie. I have heard some taxi drivers try to get you to go somewhere else, perhaps to get a larger fare. I am also wondering if taxis are readily available at Vigie.

 

Or should I book through Viator or a local company that gets good reviews. Thanks in advance.

Depending on where you are docked, all you need to do is walk out of the terminal building and there are plenty of government regulated taxis waiting. You can arrange for them to do the return or simply arrange for another near the Vigie airport. It is a stone throw away from the beach. There are plenty of drivers to choose from, if one is giving you a hard time to upgrade just move on to the next. No one controls your pockets.

On 10/19/2019 at 11:38 PM, CrabbyJo said:

Hello - Have a child interested in horseback riding and wondering if anyone has taken either a shore excursion (Celebrity is our line), also comparing St Lucia to Antigua for horseback riding options. Looking for any feedback or input.  Thank you!

Can't compare with Antigua but take a look at International Pony Club which is 30 minutes away from the cruise port. There's a 2 hour excursion and a 4 hour with has BBQ lunch. 

Further on the East coast 45 to 1 hour drive is Atlantic Riding Stables. They have quiet a few options to choose from, from beach rides to plantation rides. You can book them direct or book through a tour operator such as serenitytvl, barefoot, St. Lucia reps. 

15 hours ago, Lauren1251 said:

Hello all! I will be cruising with Carnival Cruise Line in October 2020.  I have been on about 5 Carnival cruises so far but have never been to St. Lucia before.  I love any type of excursions.  Whether its through the cruise line or through a different company. I need some excursion recommendations for St. Lucia specifically.  I can't seem to find anything that seems unique or fun.  I came across the website "Shore Excursion Groups" I've never booked through them though.  Does anyone have any experience with the group or have any good recommendations for St. Lucia?  Free or pricey, does not matter just looking for something to make my honeymoon special.

For a first time visit I recommend doing a Land and sea tour, it covers the most scenic part of the island giving a little bit of everything. Usual visits to Marigot bay, banana plantation, driving through fishing villages, mudbaths/volcanos, local lunch, waterfall, snorkeling etc. You can book through a third party but why do that, I suggest going straight to the source. There are a number of companies who offer similar options , it's just finding out what will interests you. Some will customize your experience for your. look to Serenitytvl, Cosol, Spencer, Barefoot Holidays etc. Good luck and congratulations.

Bay Gardens Beach Resort is ideal. Their beachfront rooms are lovely, Harbor Club is also a good choice though there isn't a beach. they do provide shuttles to the Pigeon Island Landmark which has two beaches. Also Villa Beach Cottage though it is self catering. All of these are to the north of the Island which is a 1.5 hour ride from the international airport you would have to fly into. They are between 10 -30 minutes away from the cruise port. Hope this helps

I believe if you book directly then your child can accompany you. If its the piton hike you can take a taxi there or book through a company. Barefoot holidays, serenitytvl, stluciareps all offer the piton hike. Rainforest Skyrides offer a Jacquot nature trail, the site is located 30 minutes away from the cruise port. The hike is about 2 hours if I remember correctly. 

If you are to choose one or the other, the security guards will not allow you pass the point of the mud bath to take photos as it is an extra fee. I have seen a few people get away with it and others who have been warned. Please be guarded accordingly.

Most catamaran companies do not offer half days as it is more economical to do full days given the distance. Only thing I can suggest is booking private and that will be expensive. There are a few companies with small catamarans such as Mystic man, Bateau Mygo or you can look to tour operators like Serenitytvl , Barefoot holidays to arrange something private.

Yes there are sidewalks and it is safe. Be vigilant, though cause you will be walking on the main highway. If your cruise is berthed at Point Seraphine, enter the terminal building, take a right , walk all the way past the shops etc, to the exit, pass the black gate and the taxi drivers' and tour operators and the parking lot. Walk along side more taxis and coaster waiting to be filled up until you get to the main highway.  You should see a gas station on your left and the St. Lucia Electricity services building on your right. Turn left walking along the highway(I suggest a small umbrella cause the sun can be super hot). At the end of that stretch you should see a soccer field and a small airport. Continue on, with the airport always on your left side, follow the road until you get to the roundabout. Turn left at the end of the airport, use the pedestrian crossing there to get on the other side, Rendezvous is directly in front of you.

If you are at La Place Carenage, enter the terminal building, take a left , following the crowd out of the building. You will find lost of taxi drivers out there. Take a left after you exit the building, walk along side of the road(should be a parking lot barricaded with wood. Walk until you get to the second set of traffic lights(do not cross the street). Take a left following the road, all the way around the waterfront area, you will by pass the Castries Market o your right, Vendors arcade on the left. You should be seeing your cruise ship at this point. Follow the waterway, all the way around(4 big buildings will be on your right). Cross the bridge and follow the road until you get to the airport. From there same instructions as above. 

12 hours ago, reedprincess said:

Dragon - Sandals most definitely offers day passes still. There's been no stoppage or cancelling of those. 

 

If a sandal day pass is a must, La Toc is the nearest to the port.  Several pools at different locations, nice little beach - although can occasionally be rough, good food, etc 

Sandals Grande is the furthest, best beach of the three. Some of the largest pools, all flat resort (unlike La Toc which is up a hillside so some fabulous cliffside views, pool up too, etc).

Halcyon is rig in between, smallest of the three, most "quaint" and quietest. Least desirable beach, IMO.

Reedprincess, I say this because I was trying to contact Sandals Grande for a day pass last month for a visiting family member and they did say that they had suspended it until further notice due to high occupancy. Called the other two and they were saying the same things. Don't know if that has changed.

Definitely does. rendezvous is a boutique style hotel, very intimate and quiet despite being by the airport. Staff is really friendly and amazing.

I don't think Sandals offers day passes anymore. Bu don't take my word for it. You can always call them directly. If they don't then you can contact Rendezvous, st. James Morgan Bay. Both of which offer all inclusive day passes.

23 hours ago, susiesan said:

I will be at Pigeon Island from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Dec. 6, off of Windstar Star Pride. This is where they have the beach party/barbeque. Are there walking trails or anything to do close by to where the Windstar tenders drop you off? Are there likely to be taxis meeting this ship to go elsewhere on St. Lucia? Very few ships actually dock at Pigeon Island when calling on St. Lucia.

Yes there are walking trails at Pigeon island which will take you to Fort Rodney and Signal Point. Signal Point is a bit more difficult than hiking to Fort Rodney. The Windstar will tender you to Pigeon Island. Outside of the park there are taxis line up which can take you to other arts of the Island.

Thanks very much Reedprincess, that helps put into perspective re the cost and what the options are.

 

St. Lucia was one of our favourite ports and we are looking forward to visiting again :)

There is Pigeon Island National Landmark. There is some snorkeling, only 30 minutes from cruise port and $35.00 one way for transfer up to 4 persons. Though beaches are small they are never crowded. There's also snuba done there, hiking up the fort, jet skis on the outside of the back for rent. You can rent you beach chairs. There are two restaurants there. a relatively quiet and inexpensive place. Serenitytvl offers a tour there and with drinks and chairs included.

https://****************/portfolio/fun-at-the-beach/

What time is your cruise ship will be in port. You are correct a lot of companies do offer this. I would suggest a speed boat to cut the traveling time though this option is a bit expensive. I say contact the companies and see if this is doable for you. Keep in mind that driving is 1.5 hours each way, the hike is approximately 4 hours depending on your speed. I have a friend who has done it so many times with his best time being 55 minutes up and 45 minutes down, but then he has had some practice.