Rare BecciBoo Posted November 7, 2012 #226 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Ohhhhh I hope you took your scooter over to Lindquist Beach, We're making a bee line for there next Wednesday week. Can't wait. My question if you can find the Capt. or someone to ask, is why 11:00 o'clock? We came in early in the morning both times we've been there...why the late docking???? Wastes the day IMHO! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BugsyCruiser Posted November 7, 2012 #227 Share Posted November 7, 2012 St. Thomas so far is my favorite stop in the Caribbean :) Great pics as always Radio! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingitup Posted November 8, 2012 #228 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Thanks Radio, this is great! Cant wait for my turn!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted November 8, 2012 Author #229 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Hello everyone. . . We left the Pier a little early today (630PM)as the Captain suggested that all passengers were back on board and we would get a early start for St. Maarten. We were scheduled to leave at 7PM. It is only 130nm. . . We should arrive by about 7PM. I had really good intentions today. . . I had a Rental Car scheduled at Budget for a 12 noon pick up. . .I got off of the ship today by noon, and walked a short bit to Budget (right at the Havensight Pier) It seems that there were no cars left, and I was unsure what to think. I reserved a rental, and received an email confirmation. Well that didn’t seem to matter because there were none left. . . I always rent a car in St. Thomas. . .so I decided to uh. . .hmmm. . .just go shopping. I know, I know. . .It’s not very exciting, but it was 2PM now and the shops closed at 5, so I just spent the afternoon shopping for some electronics and I saved some money and made it back to the ship early. A couple of Cruise Critic friends and I were going to take the tram up to Paradise Point. . But the ride closed early today. Oh well. . .sometimes I don’t make it to the beautiful sections of the island that I often visit. . .but it was a money saver. I try to look at the bright side. . .I am off of work this week, I am on a cruise, and I am have beautiful weather. . .What not to love ? Here are a few pics from my “short” day in St. Thomas, USVI. . .We only have another 120nm until we dock in St. Maarten. We should be seeing HAL Noordam, and Celebrity Summit tomorrow morning who will be sharing the pier at the AC Wathey Terminal. Thanks for tuning in. . . Radio Freedom of the Seas looks much bigger from the outside It felt like the temps were in the 90’s today We docked next to NCL Epic It was a short walk to Budget rentals I have read that the NCL Courtyard Suites are very nice I was able to get a very nice free Wi-Fi signal here. . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted November 8, 2012 Author #230 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Here are a few more pics. . . Radio The views at the pier area were very “Tropical” Such a small crew member cleaning such a big ship. . . The sun was very bright in the afternoon. . . Back to my home for just a few more nights. . . The sun sets on a wonderful weather day in St Thomas Here is our current Location . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jobell Posted November 8, 2012 #231 Share Posted November 8, 2012 The sun sets on a wonderful weather day in St Thomas LOVE this shot!!!! Truly enjoy your review and looking forward to more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedley_odwin Posted November 8, 2012 #232 Share Posted November 8, 2012 More fabulous shots, seems wrong that despite having reserved a car there wasn't one available for you :/ I guess at least the weather was wonderful and the shopping was good :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Teen Posted November 8, 2012 #233 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Really enjoying your pictures Radio! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BecciBoo Posted November 8, 2012 #234 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I've heard this as well from other cruisers and I am calling them in the morning and giving them a piece of my mind for stiffing you Radio. I have 2 confirmations with them. I may just contact the other local rental as well to be sure we have the vehicles! Never hurts to have a backup plan!:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BecciBoo Posted November 8, 2012 #235 Share Posted November 8, 2012 O.K. now I have one with AVIS also....,Thanks for the heads up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted November 8, 2012 Author #236 Share Posted November 8, 2012 In post 135, Radio mentioned his GPS. I bet he is doing a screen capture on his laptop with the GPS software to show the ship position. Yes, Havana. . . (You are very right) I use a Garmin GPSmap 76Cx (Handheld) or an LT40 wired GPS. When these are attached to Software (Delorme` Street Atlas) the results are what is shown. I usually take a screenshot to post because it will show the Speed, Course. . .I would never ever take a photo of the TV. . . Radio ;);) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeltaOne Posted November 8, 2012 #237 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I had a Rental Car scheduled at Budget for a 12 noon pick up. . .I got off of the ship today by noon, and walked a short bit to Budget (right at the Havensight Pier) It seems that there were no cars left, and I was unsure what to think. I reserved a rental, and received an email confirmation. Well that didn’t seem to matter because there were none left. There's a great episode of the Seinfeld TV show where the same thing happens to Jerry, perhaps you've seen it. It's pretty funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixieva Posted November 8, 2012 #238 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Radio-enjoying your posts and pics! I love St. Maarten! The last time I was there we took the water taxi over to Philipsburg-a short walk to the taxi from the dock and it was $6 round trip. There are a couple of casinos over there which I checked out! And a beautiful beach too. Enjoy the rest of your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharonlacey Posted November 8, 2012 #239 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Radio thanks for the great pics, as we are waking up to more bad weather (snow). Thanks again, makes me look forward to our next cruise in Feb.;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BecciBoo Posted November 8, 2012 #240 Share Posted November 8, 2012 .I would never ever take a photo of the TV. . . Radio ;);) Sorry, my bad. Have a good day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BecciBoo Posted November 8, 2012 #241 Share Posted November 8, 2012 There's a great episode of the Seinfeld TV show where the same thing happens to Jerry, perhaps you've seen it. It's pretty funny. Yes, one of my faves. I can just see that conversation at Budget and Avis:( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBumb Posted November 8, 2012 #242 Share Posted November 8, 2012 ENjoy your day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted November 8, 2012 Author #243 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Hello everyone. . .Welcome to Day 5 of “LIVE” from Freedom of the Seas! We arrived in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten this morning at 7 AM. I was very happy to see that we would be docked directly next to Celebrity Summit. I toured Celebrity Summit this summer and I would really enjoy sailing Summit in the near future. Last night I missed the magic show (I watched the news a little longer than I should have!) I was able to catch the “Dancing Under the Stars” deck party at 11PM. (I can’t believe I stayed up that late!) The music was very good and they served lots of sandwiches and drinks at the party (on Deck 11). The weather here is beautiful. The forecast for today is sunny skies and 85F. Since there are three ships in port today, the shops will be packed with passengers. My “plan” is to rent a car and head over to Little Divi Resort to the west of Phillipsburg. At Little Divi Resort, there is no charge for cruise ship passengers. (In fact, they welcome them.) There is food service and clean restrooms available for beach lovers. The water there is always very calm. Here are a few pics from last night and our arrival in St. Maarten this morning. Thanks for the nice comments. . . And thanks for tuning in. Radio Last night, the Solarium looked very inviting The music was very good for “Dancing Under the Stars” last night. The St. Maarten pilot boat heading back towards the port. Freedom of the Seas approaches the pier slowly. The water in St. Maarten is a beautiful blue! Welcome to beautiful Phillipsburg, St. Maarten! . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbird81 Posted November 8, 2012 #244 Share Posted November 8, 2012 Thanks for the update, Radio! Enjoy St. Maarten, totally jealous of you, that's my favourite island in the Caribbean! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick-n-Lisa Posted November 8, 2012 #245 Share Posted November 8, 2012 We have used Arthur's Car Rental in St. Maarten on 3 cruises. He is a very nice guy and we have always been happy with him. You have to go completely out of the pier area and cross the main street to get to his place. If you walked out of the gates where the pier rental places are you would go to the right and then cross the street about a block down. Very short walk. Just an FYI if running out of cars at the pier happens alot... I want to say we paid $65 or $70 for the day for a Jeep Wrangler. We drove around all day wiht the top (of the Jeep :D) off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixiesue Posted November 8, 2012 #246 Share Posted November 8, 2012 We went on the Summit and i love that ship best one i have been on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheshire cat Posted November 8, 2012 #247 Share Posted November 8, 2012 enjoying your review as always, you always have great tips also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Island Wave06 Posted November 9, 2012 #248 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Radio, Thank you for the wonderful review and crystal clear pics. Freedom is a beautiful ship. Can't wait to sail to the Caribbean with Explorer Dec 3. Happy sailing! Donna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luv2cruiserccl Posted November 9, 2012 #249 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Radio, So did you get a new camera or lens? Your photos this trip look amazing!! Keep up the good work and love your reviews.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Radio Posted November 9, 2012 Author #250 Share Posted November 9, 2012 Hello everyone. . . Yes, I had another beautiful day in the Caribbean. The weather was perfect with clear skies. The sun was out and the weather today can make any cruise a good cruise. Sorry for the delay with today's post. . .There seems to have been several times when I get the"Routine Maintainance" screen. . . I left the ship by around 10AM and wandered over to the Car Rental area that was in the Port Facility. I was a little unsure about my chances due what happened in St. Thomas. My worries didn’t last long as I was able to get a very nice SUV at a good price at Coastal Rental. They were nice enough, and offered me a very new, and comfortable Explorer. I went over to Little Divi Little Bay Resort. . .It turns out that I was wrong about Little Divi being “free” as there is a small charge for parking. I guess if you take a cab over, than the beach is free. A taxi from the pier is 24pp RT. The cost for parking was in my budget at $2. The water was warm, and the beaches were soft. They do provide rentals, and very clean restroom. There was a beach bar, restaurant and the drinks were flowing (not free) with a lot of Cruise Ship passengers I saw there. I spent quite a while there, and it was very relaxing. I am sure I will return. On the way back to the Pier, I had to stop up on Point Blanche where I can get some shots of the ships in port. . .Its not really an aerial view, but it’s a great elevated view from up there. After a few pics, I went back to the pier area, shopped around a bit (I really like to look at the electronics at ports) Overall it was a very nice day, and I am looking forward to coming back to St. Maarten soon. . . Here are a few pics from today. . .Thanks for the nice comments. Radio It was nice to see Celebrity Summit again today in St. Maarten I left Freedom of the Seas today at around 10AM I start the day off at Little Divi Bay Resort. It was a relaxing day. . .The water was warm and refreshing. They seem to offer most things a beach lover would enjoy The calm water really made me smile at Little Divi Bay. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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