Le Galion Info Request

[gtaylor]

If you've survived renting a car in Puerto Rico, I'm impressed!

 

There are a number of car rental agencies right at the Cruise Facility. Walk off the pier and turn to the Right.

(click)

 

It's pretty easy to navigate the island, as there are only a few main roads, and many of those loop back into each other if you miss a turn.

 

I've sent lots of friends to the island armed only with a good map and some written directions, and they survived.

 

Parking is another story.

 

Parking in downtown Philipsburg can be almost non-existant, especially when there are multiple ships in port, and you may find yourself parking out on the Pondfill or over by Bobby's Marina and hiking into the main shopping area.

 

Over at the Marigot waterfront, if you're there on market day, Wednesday or Saturday mornings, parking may be difficult to find, and you just keep driving away from the marketplace until you find a spot. Not necessarily a long distance, but maybe a 10 minute walk?

 

Parking at the beaches and points of interest should never be a problem. The worst beach is probably Maho, and there's typically parking inside the Caravanserai Resort complex, or along the road that runs alongside the runway.

 

 

That said, I have adjusted my feelings about renting a car vs. grabbing a taxi or booking a private tour.

 

Which would you prefer, freaking out about getting lost or just missing a turn, arguing with your co-pilot about the map, worried about sometimes crazy traffic and if your insurance will cover you if you hit something, and what if you get lost on the way back to the ship, or kicking back in a van with a nice cold beer, learning about the island while taking in the sights and having your camera at the ready to record the scenery?

 

We report, you decide.

[chellecruise12]

Can you tell me about the horseback riding? Where/how much? Worth it?? Thx!

[Travel Bear]

We docked at Crown Bay and the cab to Baie Rouge was going to be 12.00 pp each way. Ended up at Mullet which was very nice for 9.00 pp each way. When the cab dropped us off he advised us to see Rosie at the Bar who would call the cab for us. She would have but not unless we paid her 2.00!!!!!!!!!!!. We were able to share a cab with people from another shop and they paid 8.00 pp, we paid 9.00. Those people were charged 2.00 for the phone call also. The cab driver was very nice and said she was surprised that Rosie was charging as the calls were at no cost to her. Really dislike it when they take advantage of the tourist who is supporting their economy. Charge a fair price for an apporpirate service but don't rip us off.

[Karysa]

We docked at Crown Bay and the cab to Baie Rouge was going to be 12.00 pp each way. Ended up at Mullet which was very nice for 9.00 pp each way. When the cab dropped us off he advised us to see Rosie at the Bar who would call the cab for us. She would have but not unless we paid her 2.00!!!!!!!!!!!. We were able to share a cab with people from another shop and they paid 8.00 pp, we paid 9.00. Those people were charged 2.00 for the phone call also. The cab driver was very nice and said she was surprised that Rosie was charging as the calls were at no cost to her. Really dislike it when they take advantage of the tourist who is supporting their economy. Charge a fair price for an apporpirate service but don't rip us off.

 

Isn't the Crown dock in St. Thomas?

Did you actually patronize Rosie's? To me this is an important point.

[Travel Bear]

You are right. Crown Bay is St T. My error. Taxi price is correct and yes, we did patronize Rosie's as did the other passengers. She was charging everyone 2.00 to call the cab.

[Karysa]

You are right. Crown Bay is St T. My error. Taxi price is correct and yes, we did patronize Rosie's as did the other passengers. She was charging everyone 2.00 to call the cab.

 

Thanks then for the heads up. A terrible business practice IMHO.

[gtaylor]

We docked at Crown Bay and the cab to Baie Rouge was going to be 12.00 pp each way. Ended up at Mullet which was very nice for 9.00 pp each way. When the cab dropped us off he advised us to see Rosie at the Bar who would call the cab for us. She would have but not unless we paid her 2.00!!!!!!!!!!!. We were able to share a cab with people from another shop and they paid 8.00 pp, we paid 9.00. Those people were charged 2.00 for the phone call also. The cab driver was very nice and said she was surprised that Rosie was charging as the calls were at no cost to her. Really dislike it when they take advantage of the tourist who is supporting their economy. Charge a fair price for an apporpirate service but don't rip us off.

 

The cab driver is mistaken.

 

We always have a phone when we're on the island, and the cost to make a (daytime) call ranges from 25 cents to 30 cents per minute. Only incoming calls are free.

 

gary