Getting off the boat

[mfboat]

Does anybody know how long it takes to get off Carnival Glory once it docks in St. Martin? We'll be renting a car and I want to get to Lotterie Farms for the zip line before the Royal Caribbean tours get there. The rcl ship arrives the same time as us.

[Sheffie]

Almost all ships dock at the pier, and then you can get off quickly. Shouldn't be a problem, as long as your ship isn't docking later than RCI.

[texancruzer]

Tours vs rental car.......

 

When tours have all their people together they go. With a bus driver who knows where he is going and all the shortcuts.

 

You must get to car rental booth - wait in line (if there is one) - fill out paperwork - examine car for damage (good idea so you dont get charged for something you didnt do) then orient yourself - find your way out town (being sure not to miss a turn) and voila your on your way.

 

We always rent cars but never when we "have to be somewhere by a specific time" Best to do it leisurely or you will just be frustrated. St. Martin is easy to navigate ONCE YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN....

[sadiem]

We have the same issue, Dec 13, 2006 there are 6 boats slated to land. Our itnerary says 7am arrival along with 2 other, then 2 at 8, and one at 11. We would like to get a cab to Loterie Farm before one of the ships slated for 8am unloads. How close are the ships to their "scheduled "time?

[atlcple2]

Ships' departure times usually run on time. Occasionally they will leave maybe an hour later, but not earlier than the specified time that they tell you on the ship.

 

As for rental car vs. taxi, rent a car, it is very cheap for the day and taxi's can be expensive. You can see a lot of the island in 1 day. We have rented a jeep the last 2 times we visited St. Martin. The Jeep's are a little more expensive than compact cars and you don't need it. I just rented a compact/economy car for the week of Labor Day for $126.00 total. If you rent a car, get your car insurance through Travelex...$12 vs $25.