Post-Excursion

[srvdmy4usn]

We will be onboard the Allure this coming September and hitting St. Thomas. We have already scheduled a snorkeling excursion for Turtle Cove from 9:30-1:45.

 

Our ship departs at 6 pm, so boarding time will be 5:30pm.

 

Assuming we are back to the Crown Bay Pier by 2pm, would we have time to get to Saphire Beach and enjoy it for a couple hours?

 

What time would we want to leave Saphire to make it back in time?

 

What would a cab cost to get there?

 

If Saphire does not work, what recommendations do you have?

 

Thanks!

[blue_water]

It wouldn't be worth it to us for such a short time at Sapphire (1.5 - 2 hrs) but it's doable if it makes sense to you. We've not taxied from Crown but figure $20 - 22pp RT, you'll want to leave Sapphire by 4PM due to traffic.

 

We would choose Paradise Point after getting cleaned up on the ship. But if you want a beach Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is much closer to the dock. No, not as nice as Sapphire...

[srvdmy4usn]

We would choose Paradise Point after getting cleaned up on the ship. But if you want a beach Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is much closer to the dock. No, not as nice as Sapphire...

 

Can you tell me about Paradise Point? We would really just be looking for something to kill a couple hours and get a little more feel St Thomas instead of getting back on the ship.

 

Thanks for your input, because there are 8 of us we will probably skip saphire as the cab fare is not really worth the time we would get to spend there.

[blue_water]

The Paradise Point tram is a short walk from the Havensight dock so it's very convenient for those cruise ships, since the Allure docks at Crown Bay you would have to taxi from the ship to PP, probably $5pp to the tram and a little more to the top and Paradise Point. It's only a 5 min drive up but it's very steep in some spots. There is no fee to get into PP, just the tram fee if you choose to use that.

 

The tram is a short ride up in one of three small gondola cars that hold 4 - 6 ppl, great views on the ride up and down. The cost is around $20pp roundtrip, you can also buy tram tickets at your excursons desk for ~$18pp. And as I said you can also taxi up to PP, not sure of the price from CB up to the top.

 

The bar area of PP is currently being renovated but they are open while cruise ships are in and often have a band playing. They have bar food and drinks, and above the bar there is a ferris wheel and other things to see and do as well as a nice nature area. We enjoy going there after an excursion and before returning to the ship to enjoy a Bailey's Bushwacker and the view of the harbor. We enjoyed the original Mountaintop that burned down, the replacement is just not the same and feels like a huge souvenir store with a nice view.

I attached a link for a $2 coupon for the bushwacker in another thread, if interested I'll find it.

 

You may be more interested in hiring a taxi and touring the island and hitting Drakes Seat for the view or other spots. There's nothing at Drakes Seat except a chair and an amazing view of Magens Bay but you can also stop at a scenic overlook on Skyline Drive, and if time permits stop and see the 99 steps and the castle, etc.