Eastern Caribbean cruise 5 April 2014. Best things to do.

[Lisa Aussie]

Just wondering what you all suggest as must do shore excursions.

We are not really into shopping. Happy to see beautiful beaches and snorkeling. Like to see some scenery and love to eat. We are from Australia and have never been on a cruise before.

 

Our ports of call -

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico - looking at a 2hr Segway tour.

Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas?

Philipsburg, St.Maarten?

 

Looking forward to some expert tips.

Thanks

[Bonnie J.]

Go to your Roll Call here and see what others are planning. We have done tours with people we have met thru the Roll Call.

There really isn't a beach in San Juan as it is a city. I would suggest going to El Moro. This is the fort you pass going into and out of the harbor. It was built in the 1500's and is really something to see. Some of the walls are a few feet thick and is really something. However it is a long walk up to it if you go by cab or the local bus. But, when you get off the ship go to the street corner to your left. That is where you can get the local free buses and an open air small 'bus'. This bus will take you right up to the door as it is run by the national park which El Moro is part of. Think there is only the one bus so it is a wait for it. Look El Moro up on Google.

Haven't found really good snorkeling in St. Thomas from the beach. You can get the ferry to St. John in right in town or by taking a cab to red Hook. Trunk Bay is a snorkeling park in St. John with underwater signs. But, make sure you give yourself plenty if time to take the ferry back so you don't miss the ship! You can Google Trunk Bay also.

In St. Maartin we are going to Maho Bay. This is a beach where planes literally land right over you head. We've been to a few beaches but haven't found great snorkeling.

You might take a boat tour for snorkeling in St. Thomas & St. Maartin. Then you'll have good snorkeling.

Edited February 1, 2014 by Bonnie J.

[CruiserBruce]

"Best" is not what we tell you it is, "best" is what interests you most. We don't know that, so you need to do some research, which it sounds like you are doing.

 

If I told you the "best" excursion involved swimming, but you don't swim, guess it wouldn't be the "best" for you.

[cruiserking]

Just wondering what you all suggest as must do shore excursions.

We are not really into shopping. Happy to see beautiful beaches and snorkeling. Like to see some scenery and love to eat. We are from Australia and have never been on a cruise before.

 

Our ports of call -

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico - looking at a 2hr Segway tour.

Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas?

Philipsburg, St.Maarten?

 

Looking forward to some expert tips.

Thanks

 

If you're interested in snorkeling we did a very nice catamaran excursion through the ship, it's a popular trip I'm sure every line has a version of it. We sailed over to St. John and snorkeling near the boat then back to St. Thomas where a small lunch was served and tropical cocktails.

 

Our favorite beach in St. Martin is Orient Bay, the sands are white, the water azure blue, it is very beautiful. We also do a ship sponsored tour for this there is usually a choice of three-hour beach day and a six-hour something like that. We did the shorter, it's a quick bus ride to the beach and includes a cocktail. It runs around $59 a person.

 

Jonathan

[janetz]

The BEST...only available thru the cruise line shore excursions, if you are a cruise passenger.

 

http://www.12metre.com/regatta.htm

[cruiseapril]

Our personal experience is:

 

Luquillo Beach in San Juan, but prefer the walking around Old San Juan.

 

Magen's Bay Beach in St, Thomas- excellent swimming conditions. Not a snorkel place. Often crowded when many ships are in- but we have been there when it was crowded and uncrowded and enjoyed both times.

 

Orient Beach in St. Maarten- beautiful beach, crowded often, not as good swimming as Magen's. Some nudity.

Another choice is an excursion to Marigot- the French capital of St. Martin.

[Lisa Aussie]

Hi just wondering what is the situation re Taxis to the airport when we dock back into Miami on the last day. Are taxis plentiful? is there a shuttle service going back to the airport? Should we pre book a car to get us to the airport?

We have a conx back that same day to NYC.

[CruiserBruce]

Hi just wondering what is the situation re Taxis to the airport when we dock back into Miami on the last day. Are taxis plentiful? is there a shuttle service going back to the airport? Should we pre book a car to get us to the airport?

We have a conx back that same day to NYC.

 

Grab a taxi. Simple, easy, cheap, fast.

[Lisa Aussie]

Excellent . Thanks for your prompt reply. Taxi it is. :)