Suggestions on St. John's and Tortola

[ari6108]

Will be on the Zuiderdam in December. This is our 6th cruise..usually do not do ships excursions..usually on our own. Last time went to St. Thomas we went to St. John and were told that the cabs line up and take groups that depart the ferry on tours..well, we were the only people interested and unfortunately the cabbies wanted a pretty steep price for 2 people. Since we'll be back to that area, looking for suggestions on how best to see the Island..not necessarily just the beaches. Also; first time in Tortola..not really beach people..suggestions?

[drk]

We are on the 12/11 sailing of the Zuiderdam. On St Johns we are going to rent a jeep and do the island on our own. Been there before and confident this will work for us...particularly since the Z doesn't leave St Thomas until late so we have time. In Tortola we are leaning on booking with Patouche for a day sail that includes time at the baths which we haven't been to but sound fun.

[estj]

Will be on the Zuiderdam in December. This is our 6th cruise..usually do not do ships excursions..usually on our own. Last time went to St. Thomas we went to St. John and were told that the cabs line up and take groups that depart the ferry on tours..well, we were the only people interested and unfortunately the cabbies wanted a pretty steep price for 2 people. Since we'll be back to that area, looking for suggestions on how best to see the Island..not necessarily just the beaches. Also; first time in Tortola..not really beach people..suggestions?
go to the "roll call boards" and network with fellow passengers on your cruise. you should be able to "meet" enough to share a taxi. would strongly suggest the taxi tour of Tortola. if you don't meet someone on line...just hang out at the taxi stand for 15 minutes and walk up to folks and ask to share a cab. The "cabs" are very nice, 6-8 passenger vehicles. We paid $20 each for the five of us. Decided to tip the cabbie nicely because he REALLY gave us a great tour!
Cass

[OCruisers]

drk .... Think you'll really enjoy Patouche (http://www.patouche.com) !!! We certainly did! Our problem in booking this on cruise stops has been that our port time never seem to mess with their excursion schedule. Lucky You! :)

ari6108.... Since it's your first time there, you would probably enjoy going to The Baths of Virgin Gorda! In the book "1,000 Places To See Before You Die" ... The Baths is listed as one of the places. Here's a thread with a wonderful map that you may enjoy reading:

The Baths w/Map,etc (click here) (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=55426)

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[ari6108]

Thanks to all ..DRK..we are also going on 12/11..we are both 55..your plan sound perfect for us. Thanks

[drk]

ari6108...check out our roll call...quite a bit of info there.

OCruisers...thanks for the info on Patouche.

[OCruisers]

OCruisers...thanks for the info on Patouche.

You're welcome! Patouche is wonderful! PLEASE, do be sure to post your comments when you return!!!!

(Just a little sad :( the timing won't work for us on our port stop in Tortola in January ....)

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)