baileybrad Posted August 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted August 2, 2017 (edited) We had arranged with Marriott prior to our arrival about space. We received an invoice with our names on it that we presented to the front desk. I wanted to have that just in case there was some question about there not being room for us. Our ship was in port on Friday, 7/28. Our port time was 7AM to 4PM. Of coursed, you have to take a 1/2 hour off of each end for the time to leave the ship and the time that you have to be back on the ship. We did not want to arrive at the hotel too early. So we left the ship around 8:00AM. In hindsight, I kind of wished we had left earlier. We caught a cab at the dock for the 5 of us -- very nice van with great air-conditioning. Driver was very nice. Provided some information about the island on our short drive over to the hotel. Fare was $15. We went up to the front desk and in short order had paid and received our wristbands. It was $140 for the 5 of us. Youngest son was no charge. We were told that our bands entitled us to 10% off various things -- pizza shop, etc. Weh were given instructions on the Wi-Fi access. We found a couple of huts in the front on the beach at the far end of the beach. We were near a resort walk up spot that came out near one of the quiet pools and a bathroom. Before booking, we expected to spend more time at the pools. Based on what we had read, we thought that the water would be too rough. That was not the case for us. The rocks placed as a breaker slowed what waves that were there. We found the water to be amazing. A clear light green color with the sun reflecting off of the volcanic sand. The sand in the water was like powder. There was some seaweed on the beach but nothing more that what you might see at any other beach. The views from the water out towards the mountains in the distance were beautiful. We forced ourselves to leave at 2:15PM because the boys wanted to do some shopping......wish our ship had been in port at least another hour. Catching a taxi was a breeze. Kids loving having Wi-Fi. It worked great at the beach. My youngest son and I went up to the quiet pool for short time to lounge around in it. It was huge and there were only 2 other folks in the pool. We wound up only buying 5 soft drinks (charge card only) in the time we were there. We just ate when we got back to the ship. We did bring our own towels from the ship. Two different folks stopped by and asked if we were interested in massages. But other than that we had no interactions with anyone. It was a great day. Edited August 2, 2017 by baileybrad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRPWDunIL Posted August 2, 2017 #2 Share Posted August 2, 2017 Not something we are interested in, but thanks for a great and fact-filled report that is very useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jody75 Posted August 3, 2017 #3 Share Posted August 3, 2017 The beach faces the Atlantic and can be very rough and is always covered in SEAWEED. I will never go there again, far better to go to South Friars on the Caribbean side which is calmer and seldom troubled by seaweed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baileybrad Posted August 3, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted August 3, 2017 (edited) The beach faces the Atlantic and can be very rough and is always covered in SEAWEED. I will never go there again, far better to go to South Friars on the Caribbean side which is calmer and seldom troubled by seaweed. We have been to multiple sides of the island. We did not have rough seas at the beach. There was some seaweed. The water was clearer here than it was when we were at South Friars last December. The entrance at South Friars' was much more steep. Locals multiple times were trying to sell us stuff or have us take a picture with their monkey. The covered beach structures were much better at the Marriott than the cramped chair / umbrella set-up at Carambolas' (sp). There was the constant buzzing of jet skis the day we were over there. Quite and peaceful at the Marriott beach. Enjoyed having the pools to take a dip. Great bathroom facilities at the Marriott. Cost for the Marriott was more but the chairs were much more comfortable. Kids loved having strong Wi-Fi after not having it for 4 whole days (since St.Thomas, they had to rough it on the ship and in Curacao and Aruba and 2 sea days). I am providing feedback on our visit just like you are on yours. Maybe there is rough waves action at particular times on the Atlantic side (winter time, fronts in the area). We had a perfect day with clear beautiful light green water to enjoy. There was some seaweed on the beach but no different than Daytona Beach in the spring (actually much less). Different strokes for different folks. We have now done South Friars', Cockleshell, and North Frigate @ the Marriott on St.Kitts.......our experience this past week was far superior to the other 2. The most beautiful beaches / water in general terms that we experienced on our most recent cruise was in order: Curacao - visited multiple spots on an 8 hour tour (water shoes are a must), St.Thomas and Aruba close but while the water in Aruba was bluer, prefer the greenery that abounds in St.Thomas with the contrast to the blue water and the many beach choices when you include other islands, makes it better, and St.Kitts (although while we were nervous on people reporting how the water was so rough where we were going, our experience was amazing, just prefer the bluer water over the volcanic light green water). There were several families at the resort with younger kids who were all playing in the water with no ill effects. Edited August 3, 2017 by baileybrad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jean87510 Posted August 3, 2017 #5 Share Posted August 3, 2017 We have been to multiple sides of the island. We did not have rough seas at the beach. There was some seaweed. The water was clearer here than it was when we were at South Friars last December. The entrance at South Friars' was much more steep. Locals multiple times were trying to sell us stuff or have us take a picture with their monkey. The covered beach structures were much better at the Marriott than the cramped chair / umbrella set-up at Carambolas' (sp). There was the constant buzzing of jet skis the day we were over there. Quite and peaceful at the Marriott beach. Enjoyed having the pools to take a dip. Great bathroom facilities at the Marriott. Cost for the Marriott was more but the chairs were much more comfortable. Kids loved having strong Wi-Fi after not having it for 4 whole days (since St.Thomas, they had to rough it on the ship and in Curacao and Aruba and 2 sea days). I am providing feedback on our visit just like you are on yours. Maybe there is rough waves action at particular times on the Atlantic side (winter time, fronts in the area). We had a perfect day with clear beautiful light green water to enjoy. There was some seaweed on the beach but no different than Daytona Beach in the spring (actually much less). Different strokes for different folks. We have now done South Friars', Cockleshell, and North Frigate @ the Marriott on St.Kitts.......our experience this past week was far superior to the other 2. The most beautiful beaches / water in general terms that we experienced on our most recent cruise was in order: Curacao - visited multiple spots on an 8 hour tour (water shoes are a must), St.Thomas and Aruba close but while the water in Aruba was bluer, prefer the greenery that abounds in St.Thomas with the contrast to the blue water and the many beach choices when you include other islands, makes it better, and St.Kitts (although while we were nervous on people reporting how the water was so rough where we were going, our experience was amazing, just prefer the bluer water over the volcanic light green water). There were several families at the resort with younger kids who were all playing in the water with no ill effects. I absolutely agree with your review. We rented a room there back in 2015 because it was cheaper to do that with 6 of us. Beach was fine (november) actually were snorkeling in there. Pool was a nice bonus. Quiet also. We got the pizza which wasn't bad. There is a convenience store close to the resort that we got drinks from and snacks. I've also visited other beaches on st kitt and liked them but when you just want a beach day with a pool this place was perfect. Of course being able to take a real shower was nice. ;) Sent from my SM-G955U using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXCruiser10 Posted August 9, 2017 #6 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Great info! Did you contact the hotel directly to make a reservation? Can that be done on-line? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baileybrad Posted August 9, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Great info! Did you contact the hotel directly to make a reservation? Can that be done on-line? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. I contacted the hotel by email and they contacted me back the same way. I think that since we were there in the summer that it is not quite as busy but just wanted to make sure that we did not get turned away.. They sent me a Marriott document with our information (date, pricing) on it. When we got there I showed it to the very polite, friendly, and efficient young woman working the front desk and she took our credit card for charging our day. We received wrist bands and a map. We did take our own towels from the ship. I had read in the past that folks had gotten towels out at the pool. It was not an issue for us to bring the towels. If I can answer any more questions, please let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzpoor Posted September 20, 2017 #8 Share Posted September 20, 2017 Hello, I'm going to St Kitts in November via Grandeur of the Seas. Hopefully. Can you share the email address for contacting the hotel directly. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janetz Posted September 22, 2017 #9 Share Posted September 22, 2017 It took a bit mhrs.skbrb.reservations@marriott.com 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigby the Dog Posted September 22, 2017 #10 Share Posted September 22, 2017 Love the Marriott. We're going back again in November when our ship docks in St. Kitts. There's also a small casino there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marysue11 Posted September 23, 2017 #11 Share Posted September 23, 2017 How do you get to Marriott from ship port,can you walk? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul58 Posted September 23, 2017 #12 Share Posted September 23, 2017 Taxi for about $15. It would be a long walk from the port area. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzpoor Posted September 25, 2017 #13 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Thanks for the info Janetz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul58 Posted September 25, 2017 #14 Share Posted September 25, 2017 Using the measuring tool on Google Earth, it is at least a 4 mile hike from the port area to the Marriott. The are many places that you will find that there are no sidewalks along the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marysue11 Posted September 27, 2017 #15 Share Posted September 27, 2017 Is that $15 one way for all in taxi, so $30. Round trip. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul58 Posted September 27, 2017 #16 Share Posted September 27, 2017 Taxi prices are for 1 to 4 passengers sharing the ride, more passengers more money, usually prices quoted are one way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamagina Posted October 8, 2017 #17 Share Posted October 8, 2017 It took a bit mhrs.skbrb.reservations@marriott.com Thank you. Based on your review I am sending an email to request passes for our upcoming November cruise. Thanks for the address and all the information. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelblu Posted October 9, 2017 #18 Share Posted October 9, 2017 We have been to multiple sides of the island. We did not have rough seas at the beach. There was some seaweed. The water was clearer here than it was when we were at South Friars last December. The entrance at South Friars' was much more steep. Locals multiple times were trying to sell us stuff or have us take a picture with their monkey. The covered beach structures were much better at the Marriott than the cramped chair / umbrella set-up at Carambolas' (sp). There was the constant buzzing of jet skis the day we were over there. Quite and peaceful at the Marriott beach. Enjoyed having the pools to take a dip. Great bathroom facilities at the Marriott. Cost for the Marriott was more but the chairs were much more comfortable. Kids loved having strong Wi-Fi after not having it for 4 whole days (since St.Thomas, they had to rough it on the ship and in Curacao and Aruba and 2 sea days). I am providing feedback on our visit just like you are on yours. Maybe there is rough waves action at particular times on the Atlantic side (winter time, fronts in the area). We had a perfect day with clear beautiful light green water to enjoy. There was some seaweed on the beach but no different than Daytona Beach in the spring (actually much less). Different strokes for different folks. We have now done South Friars', Cockleshell, and North Frigate @ the Marriott on St.Kitts.......our experience this past week was far superior to the other 2. The most beautiful beaches / water in general terms that we experienced on our most recent cruise was in order: Curacao - visited multiple spots on an 8 hour tour (water shoes are a must), St.Thomas and Aruba close but while the water in Aruba was bluer, prefer the greenery that abounds in St.Thomas with the contrast to the blue water and the many beach choices when you include other islands, makes it better, and St.Kitts (although while we were nervous on people reporting how the water was so rough where we were going, our experience was amazing, just prefer the bluer water over the volcanic light green water). There were several families at the resort with younger kids who were all playing in the water with no ill effects. Was this a day pass and what did it cost per. Also, booked vis Marriott or thru 3rd party. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesCruise Posted December 29, 2017 #19 Share Posted December 29, 2017 I did the Marriott day pass in early December 2017. The wave activity was too much for me to really enjoy my time in the ocean. I had to be vigilant to prevent being smacked by the constant, high waves, and to prevent drifting far down the beach, away from my cabana. There was seaweed, but not so much that it mattered. In the future, I would definitely opt for a beach on the Caribbean side of the island, where I could swim, float, and snorkle in calm water. Just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tablet Posted December 31, 2017 #20 Share Posted December 31, 2017 .....and don't forget your beach towel. Assumed our day-pass fee would include a towel for the beach, but not the case. However, they will sell you a towel from the hotel gift shop.:confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nhsaltshaker Posted December 31, 2017 #21 Share Posted December 31, 2017 Enjoyed the day pass, nice beach, beautiful water. But singles beware. I went for a 3 minute swim and when I came back, my watch was missing from my backpack. My fault? Absolutely. Although I used a security cable to tie my backpack to the beach chair and I used padlocks to close most zippered compartments, I was stupid enough to place my 13 year old, $80 watch in an unlocked compartment. I was also numb enough to wear it while in taxi and checking in for day pass. The watch was the only thing I was wearing that made me look 'rich'. I wish I was. By the time I noticed my watch was missing, I had to get back to the ship. Filing a complaint or calling authorities was not an option unless I wanted to miss the ship. This happened in 2016. My next port of call was St. Martin, where I purchased a mostly identical watch for almost three times the cost. Buyer beware and be smarter than I was. :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmschwabby Posted April 13, 2018 #22 Share Posted April 13, 2018 Is it better/cheaper to buy day passes directly from the Marriott? or via resortforaday.com? Looks like I can get passes for $59pp thru resort for a day, but is there a difference in what you get with reserving directly thru Mariott? thank you! Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim and Monika Posted April 13, 2018 #23 Share Posted April 13, 2018 We got them through Marriott today for $35 each. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tattoos Posted April 24, 2018 #24 Share Posted April 24, 2018 We just returned on 4/22 from a Conquest cruise. We had booked the day pass at the Marriott for $35/person. The ride from the Port to the hotel took 15 minutes. We went to the registration desk to get our wrist bands and made our way to the beach which was deserted and we found out why...SEAWEED, tons of it being scooped up by a bulldozer and dumped into a huge truck for removal. It smelled so bad and the beach closer to the water was covered in a 6" high pile of seaweed that ran the entire length of the beach. So, we packed up all our stuff and made our way to the pool near the swim-up bar and stayed there for the rest of the day. The pool is beautiful and the Marriott employees very friendly. There is a nice kiddie area in the pool and flotation devices to use. The restrooms are close by and were clean. The restaurants and bars opened at 11:00 a.m. We walked over to get some pizza for lunch...it was expensive and terrible. The other beachfront restaurant offered burgers and fries, etc. The casino is small but nice. The grounds are beautiful, staff friendly. It was a nice way to spend our time on St. Kitts but we were disappointed that we could not swim in the ocean because of the seaweed.. Taxis are readily available to return you to the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gopher1934 Posted April 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted April 25, 2018 Do you think I would be ok not pre booking a day pass and just show up at the Marriot ? we will be there on May 5th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now