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Hi,
Can anyone tell me anything about the Royal Caribbean's Southern Caribbean shore excursions -(Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, St Maarten & St Thomas). Which ones are worthwhile and which places it is easy enough to do-it-yourself and save some money?
I do want to do a variety of things and see as much as possible. Am interested in the history tours and also possibly one of the zip line tours
Thanks http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...#>/biggrin.gif
hi vicky
i never did any shore excursions arranged by the cruiseline. either i booked one in advance-check out www.cruisecritic.com -there is plenty information on the boards about all the things to do at your stops. or you just go out the port-there are plenty of taxis and tour operators who want to take you out and show you what you like to see. and all of them are much more cheaper than going by a tour booked via the ship. and another advantage is, you get to see what you like and need not to wait for all of the others of your tour
i did the same trip a couple of years ago-but just went out for beaching-so i cannot give you many tips what to see and to do
but if you are in st lucia-don't spent money&wasting time of seeing the pitons with a boat trip-because your cruiseship will pass&stop there anyway for taking some nice pictures
if you have any other questions just ask
Hey Vicki! You must be cruising after your NY stop?
Been to all of those islands on cruises on NCL--good advice for cruisecritic.com but have no idea who has a zipline at those destinations.
Guide/drivers are all in the ports--some are licensed guides--most are not. Go past most of the crowds and don't be concerned about turning one down for another--ask about AC in cars, too. Often the car is nowhere nearby--you have to go and get surprised by whatever the car/van is. Some give a great price then you find yourself waiting until driver gets more pax--just be aware.
We found great driver outside the port gates at St. Lucia and same in Barbados. Unless the laws have changed all beaches in Barbados are public, so you can access them thru hotels and rent chairs/get served at some of the finest on the island.
Antigua is small--some nice beaches but not much else that you can't see walking around St. Johns--lovely old church etc.
I'm not a fan of St Thos at all--I go straight to St. John via Redhook Ferry to my fave beach--Hawksnest, but you can just go to the National Park, too and snorkel (it has facilities+entry fees) There's supposed to be good hiking on St John but it's always too hot for me (and uphills are not my heart's friend)
I adore Orient bay at St Maarten (french side--fave beach bar is the continents where Roy works--everyone should know him?)
Not much else to see on that island--butterfly place and salt beds bore me but some people really like that. Town of Marigot is interesting for people watch (many are nekked!!) Most drivers can give you the history tour on the way to the French side.
Bon Voyage!!
Thanks, for all the info.
I have been busy looking at cruisecritic and lots of other sites (think I have spent far too much time on the computer as my fingers and arms are feeling a bit sore!)
It all looks pretty amazing with these huge ships - some of them are heaps bigger than we have ever had in Sydney and we only usually have one docked at a time.
In St Thomas...if we go to Blackbeard's Castle (or Bluebeard's castle depending on which site I look at). I read you can walk up the hill to get there & get a taxi back (I think I would rather get the taxi both ways - don't mind walking but don't like the hills especially if its hot). Does any one know if there a "self-guided tour" there?
Also, if we go up there is it also worth going up the Paradise Point skyride as wouldn't the views be somewhat similar?
.....and one more question.....with the cruise ships and doing private tours or getting in a taxi - is it usually pretty quick and easy to get off the ship with all those people I thought it could take a while?
Thanks http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/smile.gif
since you are 3 (right?) you may want to get your own taxi and driver--make a deal and see what you want to see. If you really want to see St. Thos, take swim stuff, go to see Drake's seat, do Megan's bay for a bit, have driver pick you up after a spell and go te BB's Castle (settled that issue easily)
There used to be a place called the Crew Bar just to the right (facing away from ships if you dock at Havensight Mall) where you can get a driver/car (don't take the one drinking the pina coladas--hahaha--lethal!!) but do enjoy one after your tour, provided you can still see your ship and get on before the first warning. I thought the skyride was a total waste--you can see prettier view from Drake's Seat. Get past everyone at Havensight across the street if possible!--Drivers keep their cars there and they will see you cross.
Thanks......sounds good.........St Thomas down......now for the next stop! http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...#>/biggrin.gif
Try the site GreatPorts.com they have a lot of interesting things about ports.
Johnny Walker
Thanks, I have just had a look at GreatPorts - it has info on San Juan and says it will soon be adding the Caribbean - hopefully before we go!
[size="4"]Hi....
I have never booked excursions on my past cruises.. just do the sites myself... but.. this June I am trying out an excursion company I read about on cruisecritic.com They are called www.shoretrips.com . Their excursions are a lot less expensive that booking thru the ship.. and less crowded. I'll post how they did when I get back, but I read all great reviews about them on the boards!
I did a cruise to St Thomas WAY back in the early 80's, loved it so much that I got married barefoot there on Magens Bay! I do love St John a lot better, and if you have time take the ferry over there. A lot less crowded and really beautiful beaches.
Have a great time!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Debbie @ Apr 26 2008, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>Hi Debbie,Quote:
I these sites work good for you, they might be good candidates for our Services Directory. Just select "Services" at the top of the Community and then "Add New Service" from the left navigation area.
Thanks,
Chris