SANDPEBBLES

I apologize for asking here, but the Port of Call postings are really old, and we have a time thing happening. Has anyone done the Long Bay Beach/Beef Island excursion in Tortola on the NCL Escape? How bumpy is the ride? Someone in our group has been advised of an eye issue that means she can't do excessively bumpy roads. Anyone with experience? Trying to decide whether to cancel. We cancelled Coconut Cove in Puerto Plata because we've done it before and the roads are rough once you leave the highway. Thank you. We're on the February 25 sailing. Like Comment Send

Please be aware that this excursion has some challenges which I will note, but it is super fun! The day started early – we were at the Escape Theatre around 7:15. I had a fanny pack and a light backpack. You will want to have both of your hands free because getting through the baths requires climbing down ladders and using ropes to get around. You begin by boarding a pretty nice boat with comfortable seats and a/c in the main cabin. If you choose to climb to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh air, you can do that too. This boat ride is not for those who suffer from motion sickness. Please take something before the excursion if you are prone to getting queasy. We had a passenger throw up, and I felt so sorry for her. The boat speeds along at a good clip and there is a lot of bouncing around. Once you arrive at your destination, there is a place to get snacks, etc. before you begin the fairly long descent down a hill to the baths. Make SURE you wear shoes with strong grip that can also do water. I have an excellent pair of water shoes that were flexible but kept me from slipping. The terrain is extremely uneven stone so you have to step carefully to keep from falling. Eventually, you reach the Virgin Gorda Baths which is a maze of volcanic boulders. You will be climbing down narrow ladders, walking through water, and using ropes for balance as you walk over the formations. It’s totally beautiful in there and lots of fun. Just be careful and keep your hands free. At the end of the baths, you come out on a beautiful beach called Devil’s Cove. We stopped there for about 25 minutes so people could swim; then, we continued our hike to a second beach where we all relaxed until it was time to start back. Pam got a cold Diet Coke from somewhere so they must have been selling drinks. I was looking at the pretty beach and did not pay attention. You end up hiking back up the same uneven terrain to the boat. Going back up was easier for me. Then, of course, you have the boat ride back. Great fun!

This was billed as an off-road adventure of 45 minutes, leading to Coconut Cove Beach. We met in the Escape theatre and received guidance from there. I would note that the walk to the safari-like buses is pretty long, probably 2 miles. Pam’s watch registered over 4 miles of steps at the end of the day. Our open-air bus was the last one in line so it might be less for other travelers. We climbed on and discovered that the aisle is extremely narrow. You really have to squeeze your way to a seat. Masks were required. Hopefully, that will be lifted in the future. *Towels are available when you step off the ship so don’t worry if you forgot to get one previously. Easily checked out and returned. Initially, the highway was smooth, but we soon turned off onto unpaved territory. Our group was a cheerful bunch, and no one seemed to mind the bumpy ride. Our guide was super enthusiastic and did her best to speak over the wind and motor noise. I hope they get her a microphone because I worried about her voice giving out. You will get a nice look at the countryside with cows standing inches from the road. At one point, we were completely stopped by a dump truck pouring dirt on the road and another machine smoothing it out. Eventually, they were able to let us through, and we made it to Coconut Cove. When you disembark, you will see the bathrooms and restaurant. You travel down a platform staircase to the beach where there is assistance with chairs and umbrellas. Really pretty beach with a bar at beach level. The all-inclusive does not include all types drinks. Four types of mixed drinks were included but nothing for beer and other mixed drinks. I did not note the prices for things. So sorry about that. The all-inclusive meal was served around the upstairs restaurant. Plenty of chairs up there and plenty of trees for shade. We stayed down on the beach and skipped the lunch so I can’t report on that. Pam snorkeled but didn’t see much of anything that day. Water is clear and lovely. Make sure you have water shoes. Something I wish I had known: There are lady bathroom attendants to keep the toilets flushed. I did not bring any money with which to tip them. Felt sorry about that. Bathrooms were very clean.