Anyone cruised to St. Kitts?

[SJS]

We are sailing on the Empress of the Seas 10/10/05 and one of the stops is St. Kitts. I've found very litte information about St. Kitts on these boards. Has anyone been there? Can you get cab tours from independent cabs when you get off the ship? Any idea what they charge? I've read about the Brimstone Fortress and would like to see it but the ship tour has other stops I'm not interested in. Also, has anyone taken the bike (4 wheeler) tour/rental? Do you know the cost? Would very much appreciate any information. Thank you!

 

Empress of the Seas 10/10/05

Mariner of the Seas 10/04

Navigator of the Seas 9/03

[Retired not Expired]

I was there a couple of years ago on another cruise line. I'll be back in January on the Empress. Yes, there will be lots of taxi's, vans, etc., there. Usually best if you have at least a half dozen people to go with. You can get a much better price. You'll find most of the islands have a lot of independent operators meeting the ships. Just negotiate a price.

[Pumbaamd]

Here's a nice tour:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=164449

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Expect to pay about $30-35 for a 2-1/2 hour taxi to Brimstone Hill. There are a lot of taxis/vans awaiting arrivals. Admission into the fort was $5 and is extra. These are prices in U.S. dollars; always ask if prices are in U.S. or Eastern Caribbean dollars.

 

At the pier there are some flea market type stalls. A little closer to the street is a mini-mall with gift shops and a liquor store. The largest souvenir store is a block or so away facing Independence Square.

 

BobK/Orlando

just off: Sea Princess

[5soonerfans]

Here is website that will give you information about St. Kitts. I relied upon it when we spent a week in Nevis (the sister island) this summer. We loved Nevis so I am sure you will like St. Kitt's.

 

http://*****/

[SJS]

Thanks so much for your help! Bob K was the $30-35 per person? I've read both positive and negative about the train ride and at $92 per person, I hesitate to do it. But I do want to see the island and one person's description of Brimstone Fortress has me hooked and I really want to go there. But I also have taken some of the ship's tours and been bored to death with half of it and wished I would have just stayed on the ship for the day.

 

Thanks again for your help!

[sgttami]

In November, Empress couldn't docK in St. Kitts due to high winds...Instead we had a sea day...we were bummed out because we'd never been there...at noon, went to the casino (bored)..Hit the slots for $1350.00 and my husband hit for $600.00 about ten minutes later...at that point, couldn't have cared less about St Kitts..!!! Cashed in and went to the bar...we'll see St. Kitts another time....have heard that it's not that great anyway....

[newmexicoNita]

We were there about 2 years ago on another cruise line and did not do any tour. We just got off the ship, walked around and went back to the ship to enjoy a day of sun and swim without a zillion people. We did like the relaxaion but were sorry we didn't do a tour or a taxi ride. It is a friendly and pretty island although very poor. NMNita

[jrhale]

St. Kitts is one of our favorite islands. I suggest a cab ride to Turtle Beach at the Southern end of the island (you can split the cab with another couple to save money). There are several places along the way with great photo opps. Once there you have great views of Nevis and there are also the famous green monkeys that frolic in the woods. They also come down to the beach to beg for handouts. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

 

http://www.stkitts-tourism.com/EnjoyStKitts/Beaches.asp

[bas7]

I'm on your sailing too. I chose to book the St. Kitt Scenic Railway Tour through RCL. It's expensive, but I love railroads, and couldn't resist this one. The railroad has two decks. One enclosed with vaulted windows, and is air-conditioned, the other one just above, and outside. A seat is reserved for you on each car.

 

In case you have any interest, here is the site:

 

http://www.stkittsscenicrailway.com/

 

Hope we all have a great cruise.

 

Best,

 

Bruce

 

Holland America, ms Volendam, December 16, 2004, 11 Day Southern Carribean

Holland America, ms Zuiderdam, April 9th, 2005, 7 Night Eastern Carribean

 

Soon To Sail on RCCL, Empress of the Seas, Oct 10th, 2005, 7 Night Eastern Carribean

[OCruisers]

A really good excursion in St. Kitts that gets booked early (sold out) is the catamaran to Nevis!

 

St.Kitts-Nevis SailAway "FanTaSea" (CLICK HERE for cruisers' reviews)

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[CathyG]

Bruce - Just FYI - we did this excursion in January and you do not have "reserved" seating, however there is seating on both levels for you. In other words, if you were sitting on the upper deck and it got windy, you could then just go downstairs and sit in the enclosed area. It's a very interesting tour and the scenery is very nice. Also about half-way they serve rum punch and something else non-alcoholic (free).

[jlifeisgoodfaye]

St. Kitts has a special place in my heart. I was lucky enough to make an aquaintance on the internet with a local and got to meet him when I got there.....he was the butler of the Governor General!!! I actually got to visit the Gov. Gen's home and had an audience with the man himself!!! What a life experience! I can't wait to go back. I have a great pic of the Empress from the Gov. Gen's garden!

[curzmavin]

I agree with jrhale just hire a van and go to turtle beach it was very nice.

have a great cruise.

Maxie

[SJS]

Maxie, how far is Turtle Beach from the pier? How much did the cab cost and was it easy to get a cab bacK?

 

Has anyone been to Brimstone Fortress? Was it worth the ride and cost? I may just listen to the advise here and go to Turtle Beach.

 

Thanks again for all your help! This was the first time I posted a question.

 

Sandy

 

Empress of the Seas 10/10/05

Mariner of the Seas 10/04

Navigator of the Seas 9/03

[bas7]

Thanks for the tip CathyG. Good To know at least there will be a seat if needed, even though not reserved.

 

Best,

 

Bruce

 

Holland America, ms Volendam, December 16th, 2004, 11 Day Southern Carribean

 

Holland America, ms Zuiderdam, April 9th, 2005, 7 Night Eastern Carribean

 

Soon To Sail on Empress of the Seas, October 10th, 2005, 7 Night Eastern Carribeam