What to do when arriving in Tortola at 3pm

[mamaofami]

I was looking at the schedule for the 11 day cruise on the Noordam and noticed that the ship doesn't dock until 3pm. Since I love going to Cane's Bay Beach and that is too late to go, what else can you do there when you don't get off the ship until at least 3:30 or 4?:confused:

[nurseblissful]

i signed up for a tour of the island. but if you get better ideas i will cancel and follow your lead. i will track this thread to do so. happy cruising (SOON). yeah for us.....

[gdsommlier]

We were in Tortola last year and with you arriving at that time, I would say taking a tour is probably you best bet. The tour we had last year showed us the island and at the end some shopping, food and drinks at Pusser's. Sipping on a rum collins at Pusser's overlooking the marina is a nice way to finish any day.

[caribbeanqueenie]

I was looking at the schedule for the 11 day cruise on the Noordam and noticed that the ship doesn't dock until 3pm. Since I love going to Cane's Bay Beach and that is too late to go, what else can you do there when you don't get off the ship until at least 3:30 or 4?:confused:

I will be there on April 2nd. I plan on going to Cane's Bay Beach, I'll let you know how it turns out. Daylight Saving Time Begins on 3/11 so we should have plenty of time.

[twinkletoes4445]

We signed up for an island tour (HAL's). We met our guide in the parking area, and they directed us to the open-air vehicle. Our guide was "Santa," and he was just wonderful. He described everything to us.

We weren't so lucky in St. Thomas. Our guide barely talked. The passengers had to ask him what things were and info about the island. We were also in an air-conditioned van in St. Thomas. Never will we do that again. The guide kept turning the air up and everyone in the van baked. So we sat through the tour sweating in silence. It was really an odd experience.

[jodster]

We were on the Westerdam last November and since our ship didn't dock until 2pm we decided to book the Virgin Islands Sailaway through HAL.

It was a very good excursion. The crew was very professional and great fun too. I believe it was about 4 hours or so and we stopped to snorkel in two spots. I hadn't had much experience snorkeling and the crew was very helpful and patient. They serve a very strong rum punch (after snorkeling of course!). Even if you don't snorkel the scenery is beautiful and you could just relax on the boat.

It was really beautiful sailing back to the marina at sunset and seeing the ship with all the lights on. It was a very relaxing day and a positive experience.

Jodi

[WNYCRUISER]

I will be there on April 2nd. I plan on going to Cane's Bay Beach, I'll let you know how it turns out. Daylight Saving Time Begins on 3/11 so we should have plenty of time.

The islands do not observe daylight savings time. Currently they are 1 hour ahead of us, and as of 3/11 it will be the same time here (East Coast) as it is on the islands.

[caribbeanqueenie]

The islands do not observe daylight savings time. Currently they are 1 hour ahead of us, and as of 3/11 it will be the same time here (East Coast) as it is on the islands.

Yes and we won't be going thru a time change on the ship. I guess what I really meant was - by next month the sun won't be setting as early.:confused:

[twinkletoes4445]

Yes and we won't be going thru a time change on the ship. I guess what I really meant was - by next month the sun won't be setting as early.:confused:


I'm always confused when it comes to ship time vs. island time. We were supposed to set our clocks ahead one hour prior to getting to Tortola (or that morning). Somehow we missed this, and spent most of the morning operating on the wrong time.

[lippylulu]

A ship tour such as the Sailaway is a great idea. There is no place lovlier at sunset than the BVI's. You also do the Dolphin encounter if you have kids or are inclined for that sort of thing---we saw peope ranging from 8-70 doing it and loving it! When you get off the ship you can book a sunset cruise on your own as well. We had planned on doing that but encountered rough seas.

[mamaofami]

That tour sounds like fun. :) I don't want to do an island tour as I've been to tortola several times and there really isn't anything so special to see there, except for the beach. So, I guess sailaway it would be. first I have to decide to book my next tour. I'm trying to decide between the Caribbean or the Baltic.:D

[WNYCRUISER]

Yes and we won't be going thru a time change on the ship. I guess what I really meant was - by next month the sun won't be setting as early.:confused:

Looks like your sunset will be 6:32PM


http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=692&month=4&year=2007&obj=sun&afl=-11&day=1

[bepsf]

...Since I love going to Cane's Bay Beach and that is too late to go, what else can you do there when you don't get off the ship until at least 3:30 or 4?:confused:

We went on the Jan 6 cruise to Cane's Bay and still had plenty of time for a couple hours on the beach in the warm sun and water.

Especially enjoyed the taxi ride back over the hills as the sun set and seeing the 2 Vista ships all lit up as we returned to the pier...

[minitor]

On a previous visit to Tortola, we walked to the left and caught a cab (not one at the dock) and requested a tour. We got a very nice 1 1/2 hr. tour of the island for around 30 bucks. It is a hilly island and there are some really nice views. Then we went to Pussers Outpost which is within walking distance of the port.
A couple of weeks ago, we just walked off the ship and went to Pusser's Outpost for such a short stay.

[mamaofami]

Thanks, Brian. Now I can decide between the sailaway or the beach. Sounds nice to ride back to the boat at sunset.:)

[KimmyUK]

Carol,
Are you off again? I'm jealous that you are going to Tortola again. You and your DH could hire a scooter??
Kim

[mamaofami]

Right Kim. That's not for me, although Sam would love it. After my moped experience in Bermuda a few years back, I'll stick to my feet or a cab.

No, we don't have any plans, but we're just looking at next year and thinking about the 11 day cruise verus the 10 day one. No plans as yet.

[innlady1]

Yes and we won't be going thru a time change on the ship. I guess what I really meant was - by next month the sun won't be setting as early.:confused:


Caribbeanqueenie, I don't want to go off topic here but what kind of dog is yours? A Cairn? A Norwich? We had a Cairn and now have a Norwich....very beautiful dog you have!

[innlady1]

We went on the Jan 6 cruise to Cane's Bay and still had plenty of time for a couple hours on the beach in the warm sun and water.

Especially enjoyed the taxi ride back over the hills as the sun set and seeing the 2 Vista ships all lit up as we returned to the pier...

I'll bet that was a beautiful sight, Brian. I've so enjoyed Greg's photos of the two ships at the pier. I hope he sends those to HAL....they are, for sure, a keeper! :D

[innlady1]

Carol,
Are you off again? I'm jealous that you are going to Tortola again. You and your DH could hire a scooter??
Kim

We're thinking of doing another cruise in November. We had told our friend, Tom (and his wife) that we would do a cruise in the fall once he recovered....since he had to cancel the 02/07 sailing of the Noordam.

I like the 11 day itinerary...and surely like that we can take the bus from Boston to NYC and don't have to fly!

But Princess has the Crown sailing from San Juan for a 7 day, going to Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Tortola, and St. Thomas, and back to San Juan, and the new Emerald Princess departing from FFL to Princess Cays, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. Four sea days vs. one sea day on the Crown.

The Princess itineraries are more appealing to me than the Noordam, although I like being able to leave from NYC in November. And I so loved the Noordam that I feel like a traitor going back to Princess!

I noticed that the 11/06 Noordam sailing has Open Seating dining in addition to traditional. Does anyone know what that means?

[familymom]

We were on the 2/17 sailing and took a cab to Cane Garden Bay. We were there before 4 pm and the kids enjoyed the time on the beach. We had planned to stay until sunset (about 6:30) but a passing shower and clouds caused us to retreat to Rhymers for Rum Punch, Conch Fritters and Beer and then we caught a taxi back to town and did some shopping at Caribbe Spices and Pussers. We enjoyed the trip and the taxi fare was only $6 pp each way. The taxis readily some back for you at the time you indicate.

[caribbeanqueenie]

Caribbeanqueenie, I don't want to go off topic here but what kind of dog is yours? A Cairn? A Norwich? We had a Cairn and now have a Norwich....very beautiful dog you have!

Innlady - My dog is a Cairn. Her name is Athena (for Goddess of Wisdom not War) , and Thank you, we think she is beautiful too, we just love her. I went from owning Airedales all my life to a Cairn. We are a terrier family.

[caribbeanqueenie]

We were on the 2/17 sailing and took a cab to Cane Garden Bay. We were there before 4 pm and the kids enjoyed the time on the beach. We had planned to stay until sunset (about 6:30) but a passing shower and clouds caused us to retreat to Rhymers for Rum Punch, Conch Fritters and Beer and then we caught a taxi back to town and did some shopping at Caribbe Spices and Pussers. We enjoyed the trip and the taxi fare was only $6 pp each way. The taxis readily some back for you at the time you indicate.

Familymom - Your itinerary sounds perfect. (except for the passing shower). I haven't had conch since I was in Key West. I will have to remember Rhymers, Caribbe Spices and Pussers.
Thanks

[Schplinky]

I can't recommend a tour as we did not take one but I thought I would chine in and say that you should take a tour. The town is quaint and friendly but there is very little todo there. For our part, we used it as a ship day, meaning it was easy to get a chair by the main pool so we exploited the opportunity.

[Briny]

Because of rough weather the captain of the Westerdam cancelled our port call at Grand Turk last week, and we arrived around 8:00 a.m. in Tortola, instead of the scheduled 3:00 p.m.. This gave us extra time to wander about Roadtown, which having experienced it, is now in our been-there-done-that category. Not much to see or do.

In the afternoon we took the HAL-sponsored Land Rover Safari ($89 per person), which was a good way to see some magnificent island scenery from some inaccessible places. We were off-road a good part of the time, and the ride was rough. There were eight passengers crammed in the back of a canvas-covered truck bed with seats along the sides. Not exactly comfortable; however, the vistas from the mountaintops were amazing and worth the money and the very slight discomfort. The driver stopped at a number of places along the way to allow time to drink in the scenery and to take photos. In addition, we stopped for about an hour at a lovely secluded beach near the airport, where the water was warm and the sand was soft.

[innlady1]

Right Kim. That's not for me, although Sam would love it. After my moped experience in Bermuda a few years back, I'll stick to my feet or a cab.

No, we don't have any plans, but we're just looking at next year and thinking about the 11 day cruise verus the 10 day one. No plans as yet.

We can't beat the convenience of the Noordam when we live in the Northeast! Not to mention the beautiful ship! ;)

I wish HAL would vary the itinerary on the Noordam a little more than they do. Probably easier said than done, though!

[innlady1]

Innlady - My dog is a Cairn. Her name is Athena (for Goddess of Wisdom not War) , and Thank you, we think she is beautiful too, we just love her. I went from owning Airedales all my life to a Cairn. We are a terrier family.

So are we, caribbeanqueenie! We've had Miniature Schnauzers, a Cairn, an Australian Terrier, and now a Norwich Terrier!

[Lynne Myrna]

That would be wonderful if the Noordam changed its itinerary. We find it so convenient to sail out of N.Y.C. Maybe in the future they will.

[innlady1]

That would be wonderful if the Noordam changed its itinerary. We find it so convenient to sail out of N.Y.C. Maybe in the future they will.

They do the same 10 day and 11 day on their New York sailings. Since that's the only ship they have going out of NYC, it would be great if they'd vary the itinerary. Or do two ships out of NYC!

I'm spoiled now, being able to take Homeport Bus from Boston to the ship. It was so much easier than the hassle of flying to Florida!

[CruiseQueen13]

I would have loved to head over to Virgin Gorda - the Baths but, no way w/ such a short visit. We'll probably shop.

[caribbeanqueenie]

So are we, caribbeanqueenie! We've had Miniature Schnauzers, a Cairn, an Australian Terrier, and now a Norwich Terrier!
My mother used to breed and still has 2 Westies,
I would love to have a Norwich - Did you ever here the saying
"Its not a dog if its not a terrier"
by the way I leave in 26 days and its been 26 days since your cruise

[dakrewser]

I was looking at the schedule for the 11 day cruise on the Noordam and noticed that the ship doesn't dock until 3pm. Since I love going to Cane's Bay Beach and that is too late to go, what else can you do there when you don't get off the ship until at least 3:30 or 4?:confused:

1) Stay in your cabin until everyone going ashore has gone.
2) Head to the Lido for a big bowl of ice cream
3) Sit on the aft deck and watch the passing scene...

:)

[seasideny]

Would it be safe to stay on the beach and watch the sunset? Will we be able to get a taxi back to the ship? After sunset, will there still be any stores open to browse before going on the ship?

Sorry - one more question? Is there any special food/drink I must try in Tortola (or at any other port)?

[nabby]

Would it be safe to stay on the beach and watch the sunset? Will we be able to get a taxi back to the ship? After sunset, will there still be any stores open to browse before going on the ship?

Sorry - one more question? Is there any special food/drink I must try in Tortola (or at any other port)?

I have only done bareboat chartering in the BVI so I have never done a shore excursion. Taxis are plentiful (usually they are vans) and you can arrange for your driver to come back and pick you up at a certain time. I would head for Cane Garden Bay; it is very pretty and Rhymers is a great spot. Unfortunately they usually don't start cranking up the live music until well after sundown.

The shops do close early, so if you are heading out to the beach I would do my shopping first. Besides, most of the taxis are near the shopping area anyway. Soper's Hole (on the other side of the island) also has some nice shops, but it takes a long time to get there and back, and there is not a nice beach there. Is your ship stopping in the USVI? If so I would save your shopping time for those islands.

As far as local food/drinks go: There is a "sandwich" called a roti that is a local favorite. They can be spicy! (curry is often used). The drink that the BVI is known for is called a "painkiller". Be careful - it is very potent, but good.

[SmokinActuary]

rotis are delicious. They are mainly found in the Southern Caribbean. Roti is the name of the Indian bread that surrounds the sandwich. It was brought to the Caribbean by Indian indentured servants.

my favorite is conch roti

[minitor]

The Painkiller® is a blend of Pusser's Rum with 4 parts pineapple juice, 1 part cream of coconut and 1 part orange juice served over the rocks with a generous amount of fresh nutmeg on top. You have a choice of numbers 2, 3 or 4, which designate the amount of Pusser's Rum! Cheers!

You can get these at Pusser's. I have been there twice and have not had one, but they seem very popular and do seem to keep people very happy and pain free!

[innlady1]

That tour sounds like fun. :) I don't want to do an island tour as I've been to tortola several times and there really isn't anything so special to see there, except for the beach. So, I guess sailaway it would be. first I have to decide to book my next tour. I'm trying to decide between the Caribbean or the Baltic.:D

As much as we would love to be on another cruise with you and Sam, I would love the Baltic! Go for it, Carol!

My grandparents were born in Sweden, and my sister and I went to Sweden & Norway with my mother in the early 80's. The fjords in Norway, Oslo, Bergen, and then Stockholm are incredible.

And, weren't yours and Sam's fathers born in Russia? All the more reason.....

I envy those on the Eurodam inaugural. We won't be able to do a cruise like that until we sell the inn. That is our peak season. When that happens, that will be on my short list of "things to do!" ;)

[michmike]

For a quick tour of the island (given the amount of daylight) contact Tobin at Tobins taxi service 1-284-499-2159 (cell) or e-mail him at tobintaxiservice@yahoo.com He is very personable and has a comfortable Ford van.

Then when you get back to Road Town as it begins to get dark, have him drop you for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. (gnocchi in gorgonzola sauce to die for!!) You can also arrange to have him come back to the restaurant at an agreed upon time and take you back to the ship.

We used him and ate at the restaurant last October, so the recommendation is fairly current.

[mamaofami]

As much as we would love to be on another cruise with you and Sam, I would love the Baltic! Go for it, Carol!

My grandparents were born in Sweden, and my sister and I went to Sweden & Norway with my mother in the early 80's. The fjords in Norway, Oslo, Bergen, and then Stockholm are incredible.

And, weren't yours and Sam's fathers born in Russia? All the more reason.....

I envy those on the Eurodam inaugural. We won't be able to do a cruise like that until we sell the inn. That is our peak season. When that happens, that will be on my short list of "things to do!" ;)

WOW! Sheila. I'm so impressed that you remembered that both Sam's father and mine were born in Russia. Both our daughters have nanny's from Russia and both are applying legally to stay in this country. Anyway, we haven't made any definite plans yet. Everything is still in the talking stage.

Weren't we lucky not to have that group of unruly kids on our cruise?

[innlady1]

WOW! Sheila. I'm so impressed that you remembered that both Sam's father and mine were born in Russia. Both our daughters have nanny's from Russia and both are applying legally to stay in this country. Anyway, we haven't made any definite plans yet. Everything is still in the talking stage.

Weren't we lucky not to have that group of unruly kids on our cruise?

I thank my lucky stars, Carol! I don't recall seeing hardly any children on board. One night, we were in the Explorer's Lounge, after dinner and before the show, listening to the trio there. There was a little girl at the next table with her parents and grandparents. Very very well behaved. That was about all I saw!

It pays to plan a vacation not during school vacations!

I really wish the Noordam would vary her itinerary....for us sailing out of the Northeast! We're trying to find a cruise for November (we promised our friends who couldn't make it because of his surgery) and then again next February or March. I'd stick with the Noordam for both, but don't want to keep going back to the same ports!

One will definitely be the Noordam, though!

[nabby]

Too bad that there is not enough time to go over to Anegada when you are on a cruise ship. That is where you can have the ultimate Carribean day - on Loblolly Bay, where you put your order in for (fantastic) lobster at the Big Bamboo, then snorkel off the reef or relax in a hammock on one of the world's best beaches ... That's it, I'm planning my next return trip.:D

[Pyrate13]

Then when you get back to Road Town as it begins to get dark, have him drop you for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. (gnocchi in gorgonzola sauce to die for!!)


Great restaurant, my favorite on Tortola, just one thing... it's name is Spaghetti Junction and believe me folks, it's not just a pasta joint! ;) If your ship is in port late then take a drink and enjoy the Bat Cave in the same building.:cool: