Newbie needs advice

[Moondoggy51]

We're Newbies to cruising and we need help. We're going on a 7 day eastern caribbean cruise to Pricess Cay's, St Martin, St Tomas and the Grand Turks and we were looking at the excursions available thru the cruise lines and we're confused.

 

Up front let me say that our typical land vacation consists of going to Florida and sitting on the beach relaxing under our beach umbrella and getting in the water whenever it pleases us. When it comes to the cruise, we're torn between wanting to see the islands, doing stuff like snorkeling and just sitting on the beach and doing nothing.

 

On most of the excursions it appears that if you want to hit the beach and do nothing you would have to be taken from the port somewhere on the island but if you are not going on an excurison offered by the cruise lines, what options are available and what are the pitfalls of going your own way? Someone suggested that we not sign up for any cruise line sponsored excursons as there are private excusions available at cheaper prices but I don't know if that is true or not. So we'd really like some general advice on this last point.

 

On Princess Cay's the first issue we ran into is the fact that we wanted a 2 person clamshell and we are on a waiting list. What happens if there are no clamshells available? Are their other alternatives than what the cruise line offers? We don't want to sit on the ship all day and don't want to sit in the open sun on the beach either. Can anyone enlighten us on this point?

 

On St Martin we are totally confused on what to do and are in need of some advice. We can't decide if we should hit the beaches or sightsee or do something else? We thought about snorkeling but the amount of time in the water was just too short on the cruise excusions.

 

On St Thomas we found that just about every excusion departs in the morning and gets back around noon. Since the ship doen't depart until 6 PM we assumed that there would be afternoon excusions to do other things. We are signed up for snorkeling at St Thomas but we really wanted to spend time at Magen's Bay also. Are there options available outside of the cruise line excusions or can one take a cab over to Magen's bay?

 

When it comes to the Grand Turks we're totally confused as to what to do and would like some recommendations.

[kendon]

Our first time on many of the islands consisted of a 2 hour "highlights" tour, leaving plenty of time for the beach. Staying at the port and only on a beach would leave me feeling like I really missed something. Those 2 hour tours are reasonable and can be done through the ship or at the port with a great taxi driver. My recommendation. Enjoy your cruise!

[Toto2Kansas]

I am guessing you are sailing on the Emerald Princess?

 

First thing I would probably do is to check into your roll call to see what others there have planned for this cruise. Often roll calls get together and take private tours, or can point you in the right direction by suggesting things of interest. Many have taken these cruises in the past, and they can really help out for someone that isn't sure what to do on the islands. If you post your cruise date, and if it is indeed the Emerald you will be sailing on, we can direct you right to your roll call.

 

I can tell you that the clamshell on princess cays can be very very hot, no ventilation. There are lots of shady spots under the palms on the beach, and if you get there as early as possible, you can pick out the best spots. ;)

[Feelin' Nauti']

Moondoggy

 

Ok, take a deep breathe. :D

 

99% of the time I go it alone.

Only when I can't, do I sign up for a ship excursion.

 

Princess Cay's ~ There are plenty of shaded trees, find one. We never rented a clamshell.

 

St Martin ~ May I suggest Orient Beach. Not for snorkeling but for a nice beach day.

 

St Thomas ~ Sapphire beach is great for snorkeling. You can rent a lounger and sit under the trees. Just outside the cruise pier just tell the taxi where you want to go. Before taxi driver drop's you off, tell him what time you would like to be picked up. That's it! Very easy!

 

Grand Turk ~ You can either stay right there and enjoy the beach or pool. Nice snorkeling area. Or head to Governor's Beach. Not for snorkeling.

[highflyingrealtor]

Okay I'm a bit biased because the eastern is my favorite itinerary. Princess Cays - Toto is right, forget the clam and just get off the ship early and pick a cool spot under some palm trees. Some great snorkeling here too. St Thomas, go to the taxi stand and take a taxi to Magens Bay - hang out as long as you want, walk the legnth, have some drinks and pizza, take some dips, very relaxing (but no snorkeling here, just sandy bottom). St Maarten, that's where you could take an island tour and learn about the island OR (my choice) take the water taxi at the pier to the party beach nearby, rent some chairs and chill as long as you want. Jetskis available too. A fun walk along the boardwalk and lots of shops/food/drinks. You probably have time to do both if you do a morning tour. I thought Orient beach was overated the one year we went there. Grand Turk - the beach will be busy so again, get off early and find a good set of chairs. There's a little snorkeling here but careful as the bottom is real rocky on your feet getting in and out. Margaritaville is here with pool and swim up bar and is a real fun party spot too! Now be good and work out walking the promenade deck and hit the gym on the sea days and you won't feel like you potatoe'd out too much. :D

[Toto2Kansas]

I actually have to admit, our first few times in St. Martin, it was a destination within itself, as far as having a good time. We took the water taxi over (one price that gives you unlimited trips all day long) located just to the left as you get to the end of the pier (just follow the crowds), I think someone said it went up to $6 pp now. There is a beach, chairs and umbrellas to rent, and lots of fun. Of course the shopping is fun there too, and the casinos, and then we would come back to the ship for awhile (usually to drop off our purchases), them back out we would go on the water taxi to explore a bit more.

With this being the first time in St. Martin, there is lots to see and do and the water taxi is the best way to do it.

(I have to agree)If we sail the Caribbean, the Eastern or Southern Caribbean is also our all time favorite. ;)

[mikechass]

We have been to St. Thomas twice, LOVE it and always go to Magen's Bay, there is a really great group of people there and it is a beautiful place to walk around.

In St. Maarten's we went to Orient Bay Beach, if you are daring you can head over to the nude section. There are chairs up and down the beach, there is a much much bigger section that is NOT nude, but it was fun to go walking around and taking a break from the norm...

The chair, umbrella and beer deal is pretty good there. We saw some for as little as $8 a day.

We rented a jet ski and went up and down the beach!!!

 

Also, for a point of reference. On our first cruise, we did everything through the ship. I felt more secure and safe knowing if something did happen, that the ship would wait for us to get back. Once I got a little more comfortable, we started to get off and just jump in a cab.

I would suggest to plan the same amount of days off exploring as you have as sea days. We planned too much the first trip (hikes, horse riding, fall climbing, glass bottom ship tour) and we were WIPED out. The BEST thing to do is try the stuff you REALLY are excited to try and things that are "ehhh" should be put off and use that day to rest and relax on a beach.

None the less, whatever you choose, you will LOVE cruising.

Enjoy and travel safe!!