SliceOfLife Posted January 23, 2012 #51 Share Posted January 23, 2012 When you were dropped off at a beach, were you able to leave things in his van ?Was it secure? Would like to take my good camera for island tour but don't want it on the beach? Did most people swim at Orient ? or would the rest of the day feel nasty from sand and wet? Thanks You can leave things in the van. On some stops I left my bag with my good camera and everything was safe and sound. Most people swam at Orient Beach in our group. As long as you get out of the water a bit before you leave you should dry off quickly. Don't forget to bring your towel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzmaxwell Posted January 23, 2012 #52 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Glad you got signed up! I was all signed up and ready to go in less then 4 hours. Now just to get through this winter weather another 30 days! BLAH! Hope we enjoy this tour!!!!!! Happy Sails! Robin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longbranch Posted January 24, 2012 #53 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Wondering if they use small vans or large buses for the Island Tour? Has anybody ever heard of or tried Jo Junie Tours...sounds like they offer the same tour? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SliceOfLife Posted January 24, 2012 #54 Share Posted January 24, 2012 Wondering if they use small vans or large buses for the Island Tour?Has anybody ever heard of or tried Jo Junie Tours...sounds like they offer the same tour? Thanks! On my tour they had a very large van that held about 14 people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David7621 Posted January 24, 2012 #55 Share Posted January 24, 2012 We did a tour with Bernard wednesday last week. He took a group in 1 bus and a group of 7 of us that were together went in a full size van by ourselves. Our ship didnt get into port until after 10 so we were only able to do some of the things that were on the itinerary. Weather was rough so we went to Maho first and then to Orient for lunch. It was nice and recomended for anyone looking to book with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxylc Posted January 25, 2012 #56 Share Posted January 25, 2012 We have been on this tour 2 times and the 2nd was better than the first which we thought was the best tour ever. We had all CC members on the bus and we had an awesome time. Mailman was our guide and he was a great host to beautiful St. Maarten. The fun just did not stop from the time we boarded until the end. You will not regret taking this tour. ;) The mailman was AWESOME! Made our tour. Word of advice, don't try to catch the sea urchin if it falls. One girl on our tour did and it wasn't pretty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miktek Posted January 25, 2012 #57 Share Posted January 25, 2012 hi guys, we have booked bernards tour for our cruise this june. a couple of questions if thats ok, we will be docking at 12.15 lunchtime on the day of the tour and bernard says he will meet us 30 mins after the ship arrives. has anyone done a tour that starts at this time? am i correct in thinking that the 'big' planes come into maho in the afternoon? i imagine the shops will be closing by the time we get back to the ship, but are there ample places elsewhere/on the tour, to do a bit of shopping? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksmom09 Posted January 28, 2012 #58 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Just wondering if anyone has had any difficulty with theses tours getting back on time? :eek: We will be in port 8a to 6p? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popcorngal Posted January 28, 2012 #59 Share Posted January 28, 2012 We did a tour with Bernard wednesday last week. He took a group in 1 bus and a group of 7 of us that were together went in a full size van by ourselves. Our ship didnt get into port until after 10 so we were only able to do some of the things that were on the itinerary. Weather was rough so we went to Maho first and then to Orient for lunch. It was nice and recomended for anyone looking to book with them. We were there and toured that day too! We were on a small bus and Junior was our driver and guide. We went the opposite direction, heading to Orient Beach first. I think they had lots of tours out that day with seven ships in port :eek: The weather at Orient was perfect but went downhill the rest of the day so that it was raining and packed at Maho. I highly recommend this tour, and Junior was a real gem. DH and I have a little trouble getting around and Junior gave us the best of care. He stays right with the bus, even at Orient, so your belongings are safe. The cooler's were full and he was a great host. If we get back to St, Maarten, I will definitely look them up again! And no, even though our tour lasted almost two hours longer than expected, we made it back to the ship with plenty of time to spare. Normally the tour meets a half hour after your ship arrives, so you are out and about early. Have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare curlybelle2 Posted January 29, 2012 #60 Share Posted January 29, 2012 We are all signed up and ready to see Bernard in Feb. My question is, how long is the tour? Our ship leaves at 6:00, will we be back in time? I'm a little worried about that.. thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksmom09 Posted January 30, 2012 #61 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Would also like reassurance on times to be back?:confused: Don't want to miss ship!:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SliceOfLife Posted February 2, 2012 #62 Share Posted February 2, 2012 We are all signed up and ready to see Bernard in Feb. My question is, how long is the tour? Our ship leaves at 6:00, will we be back in time? I'm a little worried about that.. thanks, You'll be back to the ship by 2 pm. No need to worry about missing your ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathy16 Posted February 4, 2012 #63 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Trying to decide whether to take his tour or just hang out at Orient Beach for the day. We will be there on a Sunday- so I guess not much shopping. Is the tour worth it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kikkycat Posted February 4, 2012 #64 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Trying to decide whether to take his tour or just hang out at Orient Beach for the day. We will be there on a Sunday- so I guess not much shopping. Is the tour worth it? Bernard's tours are outstanding. I've done it twice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hancogran Posted February 4, 2012 #65 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I'll second Bernard's tours.. we've also done it twice and loved it. I'd have to see it's one of the best tours we've taken. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistymountainhop Posted February 6, 2012 #66 Share Posted February 6, 2012 I emailed Bernard and heard back by the end of the day yesterday. Very prompt and courteous. After reading all of the rave reviews, I can't wait to experience it! 33 days until paradise :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putterdude Posted February 7, 2012 #67 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Trying to decide whether to take his tour or just hang out at Orient Beach for the day. We will be there on a Sunday- so I guess not much shopping. Is the tour worth it? We used Bernard last year and had a good time with him but didn't have anytime for Phillipsburg. Last month we took the water taxi into Phillipsburg ($6 pp rtn) from the cruise facility and spent the day wandering around and on the boardwalk and beach....had a most enjoyable day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse1313 Posted February 7, 2012 #68 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Just returned from taking my group of over 60 people on Bernard's Tours last week. Professional and fantastic!! The day went so smoothly and everyone enjoyed. Definitely one of the best tour guides in the Caribbean!! Bernard will get back to you within 24-48 hours, he is very prompt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geauxgirlgeaux Posted February 8, 2012 #69 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Okay - I have a few questions about Bernard's tours... First off does the part of Orient Beach he takes you to have nude and/or topless folks? We are a family and don't look forward to taking my teenaged boys to a nude/topless beach lol. I mean they would probably really like it, but I being the mom would find it slightly awkward! Is the 30 to 45 minutes enough time to shop/look around Marigot markets? Is it better to book the private tour? Open to suggestions! Thanks so much! (going in March) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allie3490 Posted February 8, 2012 #70 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Excellent information here! Can someone tell me if lunch is included in the tour? If not, at what point do you eat on the tour? We will have a couple kids with us (and a husband!) who will not make it without food for that long LOL! :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyto2girls Posted February 8, 2012 #71 Share Posted February 8, 2012 geauxgirlgeaux -Bernards Tours are very family friendly the area of the beach is fine you can chose to walk to any area you want. We had plenty of time to shop at Marigot and I did plenty of shopping. I love the outdoor market there, some beautiful clothing and accessories from variuos french vendors. I would not book a private tour because half the fun is being in the group. Allie3490- Lunch is on your own we ate at Orient Beach. There are also some amazing bakeries in Marigot. Bernard does an amazing tour you will love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunlover75 Posted February 8, 2012 #72 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Okay - I have a few questions about Bernard's tours...First off does the part of Orient Beach he takes you to have nude and/or topless folks? We are a family and don't look forward to taking my teenaged boys to a nude/topless beach lol. I mean they would probably really like it, but I being the mom would find it slightly awkward! Is the 30 to 45 minutes enough time to shop/look around Marigot markets? Is it better to book the private tour? Open to suggestions! Thanks so much! (going in March) All beaches on the French side of the island are "topless optional", so even though you will not be on the totally nude part of Orient beach, you may encounter topless sunbathers. This is true of all the beaches on the French side of the island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geauxgirlgeaux Posted February 8, 2012 #73 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Thanks so much for the info on the beach and tour. I feel a little bit better about the beach. Leaning toward the group tour - it does sound like fun and you seem to get a pretty good feel for the island. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksmom09 Posted February 8, 2012 #74 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Is there a good place to rent chairs and get snacks/drinks at Orient beach?:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hancogran Posted February 9, 2012 #75 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Is there a good place to rent chairs and get snacks/drinks at Orient beach?:D There's lots of places that will rent chairs/umbrellas on Orient Beach, as well as quite a few places to eat and get drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.