Which Order?

[janette34]

Hello, I will be travelling to St. Thomas on the NCL Epic in April, my first time being on the island. After doing some research I think I would like to go to Sapphire Beach, do the Skyride and some shopping. My question is which should I do first - go directly to the beach and spend the morning there and then come back and do the Skyride or do the Skyride first and then beach.

[blue_water]

Our itinerary would be Sapphire first then Paradise Point (the Skyride), then hit downtown for shopping before returing to the ship. An alternative would be to do the shopping first to get it out of the way, but it's nice getting to the beach earlier. I wouldn';t do the Skyride early as some things may not yet be open. Paradise Point is a nice spot to enjoy after the beach or shipping.

[janette34]

Thanks, do you know how long it will take to get from the port to the beach?

[blue_water]

You're docked at Havensight which is preferred, taxi to Sapphire is 1/2 hr or so. Beautiful beach to spend your day on, and there are taxis there. The Banana Cabana beach grill between buildings B & C of the condo resort has a great mahi mahi sandwich and frizen drinks. Rum punches and beers are cheaper at the dive center.

You can taxi back to the cruise dock and take the tram up to Paradise Point, or take the time to go back to the ship to get cleaned up if you want. You also have the option of having the taxi drop you up the hill at PP and taking the tram back down, it's a short walk to the ship. You can buy roundtrip tram tickets at your excursions desk for about $18pp.
Another benefit to docking at Havensight is many of the stores downtown are also at the dock. You don't get to see the historic alleyways and buildings in Charlotte Amalie, and if you want that you'll just need to leave Sapphire earlier.