chesterka

When you were there did you happen to notice if Shipwreck was still open? About to change my plans to walk those beach clubs. This thread talks about it's closing?

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2592548&page=2

Shipwrecks is closed.

Not mandatory. We just laid towels on the sand. But there is limited shade - there are about 10 or 15 palm trees off to one side that offer some shade. So if you don't beetle to the beach right after arriving in St. Kitts, unless you love blazing sun you will have to rent an umbrella.

 

Actually next time we go to St. Kitts, we probably will go to Shipwreck Beach. There the chairs and umbrellas are free as long as you buy your drinks and food from the bar. The chairs and umbrellas are older though, and although the beach is still fine by our standards it is not as white and sandy as Carambola beach.

As sad as the news is, Shipwreck has closed down. I think their last day was Feb. 28. I had made plans to spend the day there in June. Is Carambola a good alternative? Or should we try Cockleshell?

We had plans to visit in June. :loudcry:

For what it's worth, there is a petition to try and change this or at least see if something else can be done.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/453/434/245/save-south-friars-beach-and-bars/?taf_id=50180290&cid=fb_na#bbfb=652732420

They do have chairs there. If you drink & eat they usually do not charge. There are restrooms, outdoor changing "rooms" and shower. Rustic but my favorite place on South Friars Beach

How is the beach at Shipwreck? I've been looking at some pictures online and it seems like the beach area is very, very small. The reviews rave about the food, drinks and prices. Also the sand appears to be dark. Any info you can provide is much appreciated.

We didn't have much planned for St Kitts and had just planned on walking around... but when you get off the ship of course there are many guides and taxis. We ended up choosing to go on the open air bus safari which was worth it in the end as it included an island tour and beach time, for only 20 dollars per person, including rum punch, beer, water, etc. Good value and we still had time for the shops in Basseterre.

This sounds very appealing! We have 16 people in our group. Is the bus large enough to hold that many people? How long was the tour? How much time did you spend on the beach?

I'm wondering the same.

We have been to Carambola and it's one of your more "upscale" type of beaches. We thought it was pretty, but we also walked down the beach all the way to Shipwrecked because we wanted to see the black sand beach (which I had never seen before) and found it amazing (the black sand). If you haven't seen it before, you must check it out. It's like diamonds glistening in the sand and so different. There are 3 places there on that beach. Starting with Carambola, then in the middle is Discovery Beach Bar and then Ship Wrecked. Check out my review, located in my signature line, and it has TONS of pictures in it. :)

I LOVE reading your reviews and often book our excursions based off of your experiences. We are going to St. Kitts for the first time. I have been considering Shipwreck because of other reviews about the food and drinks. I have also been researching Cockleshell Beach, so I am undecided. It seems like the beach is nicer at Cockleshell Beach, but food and drink prices seem to be better at Shipwreck. We are traveling with a group of 17 people, ages range from 21-61. Shore snorkeling from the beach is a plus. Any input you have would be appreciated!

Also do you climb Timothy Hill on the way to both Shipwreck and Cockleshell?

I'm interested in this as well.

So we have been to Reggae Beach at Cockleshell beach. We have also been to Carambola at South Friars Beach.

 

Let me know what you got. :D

Hi there,

I follow your posts and frequently visit places you recommend. I'll be in St. Kitts next June. What did you decide to do? Beach? With food and drink? Other amenities?

Also, any info on St. Martin is also appreciated.

I have also been trying to contact Marysol tours through their website without response. I have made two attempts. Is there another way to contact them?

They responded to email right away. Here is the email address that I have. marysoltour@gmail.com

Carekeet, Did you take an excursion through the ship or private? I am looking for private drivers and am not having much luck finding anything.

Contact Marisol tours. He has been great to work with as far as setting up an excursion for us.

Well, "concerned" probably isn't the best word to use, as I'm fully aware that just being on a cruise vacation in a beautiful port with my family is really no cause for concern, I was hoping to be more confidently planning our day.

 

So basically I'm pleading for any and all info, even if you haven't been yet and are still planning your Amber Cove day....share what info you have, what you're considering, or what you've ruled out. Just throw it all at me!!!! I'm a "planner" by nature, and this is starting to drive me nuts!

Check out Marisol Tours. He set up a custom day for us; however, we have a large group. Also check out Fun City Action Park. He may also work out a fun day for you. I have quotes from both.

Did you book a day pass on your own or through Carnival. it seems that the RIU would be close enough to take a taxi. Just wondering if this can be done without purchasing an excursion through carnival?

I have already checked. On cruise ship days they will only book a day pass thru Carnival. There is another RIU resort Meregnue, I believe, that will offer a day pass for $40 and it's within walking distance (or so I hear), but before you commit to that, I would read some reviews.

I believe the RIU Club Bachata is where Carnival is taking their guests. It does have better reviews. Definitely check out trip advisor on the RIU resorts in the Puerto Plata area. I also believe these resorts are all along the same stretch of beach.

Anyone know if there is a charge to use the pools/waterpark at Amber Cove?

It is my understanding that it is free. Heading there next July.

Anxiously awaiting your reply. We will be there in July 2016. I've received a quote for a day pass for forty dollars from RIU Meregnue which is very close to the port. However, trip advisor reviews indicate many people fall ill at this location. I have 33 people in my group, and I definitely don't want to expose these people to an intestinal germ.

Amber is one of our stops. We leave on the Splendor Nov 8th. We booked at the RIU next door to the port. I will let you know how it is when we get back.

Looking forward to your review!

We are on the Fantasy 11 October cruise also. Looks like we will be the second Carnival ship to use this new port!! I've never booked an excursion through the ship, have always done my own and private tours. However as this is a new port for them I will stick with a ship offered one this time. Now to figure out which one to book... Not having reviews or the help of others who've been makes it tough lol

 

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I have always done my own excursions too. However, I am finding that Carnival has made it very difficult for the local tour operators to reach us at this new port. What do you decide to do? I was thinking of an all-inclusive beach day; however, after reading reviews on trip advisor of all the people getting sick at these RIU resorts, I am not sure I want to risk leaving the ship.

Chesterka, not trying to hijack, but am also interested in some restaurant choices and using Coral Breeze for a snorkeling excursion. How did you contact them? I haven't had any luck with email.

 

Thanks for your answer.

Here is a website where you can book directly with Coral Breeze. http://www.coralbreezetours.com/

We just filled out the information online and a few days later received a confirmation email. I haven't decided on a place for lunch yet. I was hoping to get some feedback from others who had been there before.

Crew-what do they serve at the Lazy Lizard and prices? :D

I follow your posts as you are well traveled. I am heading to Belize in 3 weeks and will be shark snorkeling with Coral Breeze. However, they no longer provide lunch in with the tour. Did you visit any of the bars and restaurants when you were there?

I will be at Tropicante on 12/17/14 if anyone would like info on something specific. Send me your questions.

We will be in Cost Maya in July with a group of 16 people. Our port times are from 7:00-2:00. We are torn between an all-inclusive resort and going to Tropicante. I saw where Pez Quadro offered an all-inclusive rate for $35 which included nachos and beverages. For a family of 4 that is $140. All travelers are over 18, but not all will drink more than two or three drinks. In your opinion, are there enough activities to keep the non-drinkers busy? Do you remember the rates to rent kayaks, paddle boards, etc?

Thanks!! I'll message you my address. :))

 

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I am leaving for Curacao in a few days. Do you still want to fridge magnet? I never received your address. You may email me at mkchester at charter dot net. Please reply to the thread and let me know one way or another.

I have picked up a magnet in each place I've visited over the years but somehow forgot in Curacao. Could anybody visiting pick one up for me? I will reimburse you and be eternally grateful. :)

 

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I also collect fridge magnets and will be there in June. I'll be happy to pick up one for you when I buy my own! :)

Curacao is one of those ports where it's extremely easy to plan/find an activity to do on your own or with a group without paying the cruiseline rates.

If you look on Tripadvisor you will find excursions similar to what you're considering.

Carnival Freedom - June 26, 2014 from 2:00-11:00 p.m.

We are traveling with a group of new high school graduates on a tight budget. What is the best thing for us to do here that doesn't cost a lot? I looked for a private tour, but there are 12 of us and no one could handle that many in one vehicle.

I have considered Irie Tours for an East Side tour which isn't bad for $25.

Another thing we were looking into was a sunset tour. I found a company that will do this for $35 but it's an additional $18 for the taxi which drives the cost up considerably.

Could we rent our own van at the pier? For 12 people or must we rent two? What time would we have to return it? I noticed that downtown closes at 6.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

On June 26th, 2014 We will be arriving in Curacao at 1pm and will be in port until 11pm. I am traveling with a group of 8 that includes 2 adults, 4 in their 20's, a 17 year old and a 10 year old. I have seen many posts that you have responded to with excellent advice so I am hoping you can help us! After doing some research and reading reviews I believe that the two best options for our group are as fallows.

-A private tour through Irie Tours to the East Side or

-A walk to the bus terminal hitting things like shops, the Queen Emma Bridge, the floating market, and the old market. From there heading to a beach Caracas Bay or Cabana/Mambo Beach.

 

Are you on the Carnival Freedom sailing on June 22? Have you decided what to do? We have a group of 12 with 2 in their 20's, and 6 between 17-19. We have been given group rates with Seavis Tours for Dominican Republic and I have been asking about group rates with other excursions. We were considering Irie Tours to the East Side as well. I would love to do a sunset cruise, but the rates are expensive ($54pp) for a 2 hour tour. Does anyone have any recommendations for sunset tours?