damusclefreak Posted October 9, 2015 #1 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Aloha, Going on a 7 night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas. I wanted to get your fabulous input as to some fun/interesting things to do at each port (i.e. attractions, dining, sightseeing). Here's the itinerary: San Juan, PR - Arriving at 4PM Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Arriving at 10AM Basseterre, St. Kitts - Arriving at 7AM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sr5242 Posted October 9, 2015 #2 Share Posted October 9, 2015 St Maarten- soualiga boat trip for awesome snorkeling St. Kitts- stay on the ship and enjoy the empty pool! Will never get off there again. Destitute area with no redeeming qualities Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted October 9, 2015 #3 Share Posted October 9, 2015 We've enjoyed Cockleshell Beach at St. Kitts. About a 20 min taxi ride. Nice facilities, large beach, and view of Nevis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare printingchick Posted October 9, 2015 #4 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) I could not agree LESS with sr5242 and I hope you do not take that advice. St. Kitts is a LOVELY island. I've visited twice. Both times, after returning home and reviewing my photos, I found my St. Kitts photos to be the most beautiful. I recommend doing an island tour on St. Kitts. I've toured with Jim & Rose and with Royston. Enjoyed both, but the Royston tour was absolutely fantastic! LOVED it. Was a little concerned because he uses a van with no windows and no A/C. Thought we'd bake. That wasn't the case at all and the lack of windows made for GREAT photo opportunities. Royston is religious and doesn't run his tour on his religious holidays, but if he's available, I'd recommend. Another possibility Thenford Grey. He is highly recommended on this site. Having talked to others on our cruise who used him, I would say he hits fewer off-the-beaten-track locations than Royston does, which is part of what we really liked about Royston's tour. He visited both the highlights and some out-of-the-way places. Fellow passengers who used Thenford said the beach they visited was so crowded, it was not enjoyable. We visited a totally deserted beach with Royston. We were literally the only ones there. As for San Juan, I'd recommend visiting Old San Juan and taking in one of the forts. Or, if you have time, visit the rain forest. You'll have the opportunity to visit so many beaches on a cruise; it's nice to do something different. St. Maarten is a tough one. We have not yet booked our shore excursion for that island for the same reason. Lots of choices. Having trouble choosing the right one. Enjoy your cruise. Edited October 9, 2015 by printingchick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouhunter Posted October 9, 2015 #5 Share Posted October 9, 2015 I could not agree LESS with sr5242 and I hope you do not take that advice. St. Kitts is a LOVELY island.Enjoy your cruise. I agree. That was ridiculous advice, and not helpful at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dacsmom Posted October 9, 2015 #6 Share Posted October 9, 2015 I like Bernard's Tours in St. Maarten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted October 9, 2015 #7 Share Posted October 9, 2015 I agree. That was ridiculous advice, and not helpful at all. And I agree with you. I really like St. Kitts and always look forward to having the island on the itinerary. It is a beautiful island and our interactions with the locals have always been very positive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted October 9, 2015 #8 Share Posted October 9, 2015 I like Bernard's Tours in St. Maarten. Definitely a good choice. We took one tour organized through our roll call and will be booking a tour for the whole family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted October 9, 2015 #9 Share Posted October 9, 2015 A guidebook will tell you EVERYTHING there is in each place...then you can decide what interests you the most!!! Libraries have guidebooks, if you don't want to buy one! A bit of research will enhance your time ashore! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ocean Boy Posted October 9, 2015 #10 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) I could not agree LESS with sr5242 and I hope you do not take that advice. St. Kitts is a LOVELY island. I've visited twice. Both times, after returning home and reviewing my photos, I found my St. Kitts photos to be the most beautiful. I recommend doing an island tour on St. Kitts. We used Thenford Grey for our fist time on the island and I agree with everything you wrote. Thenford, however, uses enclosed air conditioned vans and I really do prefer open air transportation. Edited October 9, 2015 by Ocean Boy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fouremco Posted October 9, 2015 #11 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Was a little concerned because he uses a van with no windows and no A/C. Thought we'd bake. That wasn't the case at all and the lack of windows made for GREAT photo opportunities. :o I'm picturing a delivery van with no windows and wondering how you could have possibly enjoyed it, let alone had great photo opportunities. Then the penny dropped. :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retdon Posted October 9, 2015 #12 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) St. Kitts we did the railroad and enjoyed it. You also get to see the island with the bus ride. Look up St. Kitts Railroad, a 45 minute ride with drinks and cookies plus a singing choir. You ride to the terminal in buses and get a tour of the island. We thought the little villages were nice and folks waved all along the way. There was a guide with narration on the train. St. Maarten you need to contact Bernard's Tours. He does a great tour and will take you to Orient beach, Moho beach for the airplanes (this is really exciting) and to the French side where you can eat lunch and shop. Good guides and nice AC vans. San Juan has a free trolley that goes through old town and to both forts, hop on and hop off. You catch it about a block from the pier, anyone can give you directions or just Google it. We enjoyed doing this and would recommend it. Any questions let me know. Linda Edited October 9, 2015 by retdon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dividedsky Posted October 9, 2015 #13 Share Posted October 9, 2015 St Kitts was our favorite stop on a similar iternary on the Indy. We did a catamaran ride/snorkeling tour that was great on the Spirit of St Kitts through RCI. The guys were awesome and it was a beautiful ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tunisbridal Posted October 9, 2015 #14 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Thenford great tour was awesome. Went on side streets to visit his mom. It was a beat up van but lived the trip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iltutcruiser Posted October 9, 2015 #15 Share Posted October 9, 2015 El Jibarito 280 Calle Sol, San Juan. This restaurant is awesome ! They make the best Mofongo and Pasteles in Old San Juan. This is truly where the locals hang out. Have to visit this place every time I go to Old San Juan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PORT ROYAL Posted October 9, 2015 #16 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Here's the itinerary: San Juan, PR - Arriving at 4PM - Afternoon Tapas and cocktails at El Convento Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Arriving at 10AM - lunch with great food and views http://www.belmond.com/la-samanna-st-martin/photo_tour For the Lunch menu discussion (trellis or beach) contact the concierge directly. concierge.las@belmond.com Basseterre, St. Kitts - Arriving at 7AM - A visit to Kate Spencer Gallery to take home an original piece of Caribbean Art. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amtrack Springfield Posted October 9, 2015 #17 Share Posted October 9, 2015 On St. Kitts you can go to the Marriott and get a day pass. They have a great beach and pool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare broberts Posted October 9, 2015 #18 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) Aloha, Going on a 7 night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on Independence of the Seas. I wanted to get your fabulous input as to some fun/interesting things to do at each port (i.e. attractions, dining, sightseeing). Here's the itinerary: San Juan, PR - Arriving at 4PM Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Arriving at 10AM Basseterre, St. Kitts - Arriving at 7AM San Juan: Do not miss the sail in. Wonderful view of El Morro (San Juan National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)) and the waterfront on the port side as one enters the channel. Docking too late to spend any time in the forts. They close at 6pm. But a walk along the waterfront, through the old gate, and up to the approach field to El Morro is pleasant with lots to see. St Maarten: If you like shopping, take a taxi or water taxi into Philipsburg and stroll along the shore side boardwalk and main shopping street one block in. Taxis are well regulated and you will find posted prices for taxi tours of the island. Orient beach is a favorite call. Gorgeous beach but its main claim to fame is a nudist area at one end. A visit to Marigot on the French side of the island offers a nice contrast with Philipsburg. Marigot is overlooked by Ft. St. Louis. If don't mind the climb the fort offers some great views of that part of the island. St. Kitts: Lovely island. The Brimstone Hill fortress (http://brimstonehillfortress.org/) is a bit of a ride outside Basseterre. Well worth the scenic trip along the island coast. On a clear day views from the battlements are stunning. Edited October 9, 2015 by broberts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schevel Posted October 9, 2015 #19 Share Posted October 9, 2015 We did the private Bernards tour in St. Maarten and loved it. You can set your own schedule and go where you want or go with their suggestions. We opted to stay 3 hours at Orient Beach and skip shopping. The French Bakery is a must! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
damusclefreak Posted October 9, 2015 Author #20 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Thank you everyone!! I truly appreciate it. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katie H Posted October 9, 2015 #21 Share Posted October 9, 2015 A vote for Royston's tour in St. Kitts. It is the best tour we have ever done. In St. Maartin, take a cab to Maho Beach, sit on the deck at Sunset Bar & Grill and watch the planes land. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvfuninthesun Posted October 9, 2015 #22 Share Posted October 9, 2015 As someone who just moved to the beautiful island of St Kitts, I can only say wonderful things about my new home! Carambola is a great beach and our favorite. You can walk on the beach to shipwreck, which is a really fun bar/restaurant. You can sit at shipwrecks' beach which is just a thin strip of black sand with chairs, but you can snorkel there. Someone mentioned other beaches, they are beautiful as well. I hope you enjoy your cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted October 9, 2015 #23 Share Posted October 9, 2015 St Kitts I enjoyed Romney Manor and Fort Brimstone. Fort Brimstone was one of my favorite historical excursions and the view is phenomenal. All 3 of your ports are good; I wouldn't sit on the ship at any of them. I live right near a year round beach so I don't care about going to the Carribbean to hit up a beach; San Juan I'd just walk old san juan and the fort there, St. Maarten we like touring around the island, getting food on the french side, watching the planes. Not a dud stop in your itinerary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie51 Posted October 9, 2015 #24 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Thank you for the suggestions. We'll be there in JAN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted October 9, 2015 #25 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Do you like catamarans and that sort of thing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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