GetNAway

Thank you for the responses and information - we are looking at May 29-31. I've always been leary of Hotwire in a place I don't know so it helps a lot to hear a local perspective!

Luggage is all on wheels and the older I get the lighter I learn to pack so that helps!

We are planning to sightsee in Boston for two nights post cruise in late May (ship docks Friday - we fly home Sunday evening). Mostly interested in Freedom Trail and historic sites, maybe Salem. Pricing possible hotels in/around North End and the budget is taking a beating! Husband thinks we would be better served to stay at a less expensive property by the airport and water taxi over to do our sightseeing. Looking at the water taxi information that seems like a reasonable option.

Would like to ask anyone who might have done that if it worked well for you? We are reasonably mobile but arthritic knees require occasional rest breaks to keep going.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I was with a group that just returned from a visit to St John. It was probably the easiest excursion I've ever done. It's a short walk from where we got off the ship down where the taxi drivers wait for passengers. It's very simple - you will see people asking where you want to go - tell them where and how many in your party and they will connect you with a driver. We confirmed what we would pay per person and boom - we were enroute. One tip I would offer - make sure your folks are together and have a plan for what to do in case you lose one another in the crowd. Getting off the ship (we were on the Dream) was a major cattle herding process!

We got lucky - the driver who got our party was actually parked away from the controlled chaos of the official pick up point. We had to walk maybe another block to get to her van but once we loaded up she was able to drive right away - didn't have to negotiate a few thousand people trying to get into taxis.

I've read others say to buy both over and return ferry tickets up front. Our taxi driver told us not to do that because they were different operators running each leg and our tickets wouldn't be honored. I don't know if that was true or not but we bought them on each end and didn't have any problems at all. We caught the 4:00 ferry to return and had no problem with a line - although the ticket booth was closed when we walked up but it reopened just a few minutes after we arrived.

It was a very easy, low key kind of day. The facilities at Cinnamon Bay were closed the day we visited or we might have gone there but Trunk Bay was nice. Even with a big cruise ship group on the beach it wasn't horrible. Crowded but still enjoyable. Someday, I hope I'll get to go back when I can be there be/after the tour groups arrive and enjoy that beautiful place a little more!

Susan A what Anne described sounds great to me!

In September and early October, some, but not all, bars and restaurants will be closed. Just go with the flow and enjoy the one you find with the open doors!

Lovin the idea of living on island time even for just a little while!

^

Interesting that you mentioned Pam Gaffin in your post. My wife and I are going on a private tour of St. John by Pam on Monday. We're very excited about her showing us the hard-to-find and unknown treasures that make up St. John.

By the way - will love to hear about your experiences when you get back! Have a great time!

I loved reading her book - her sense of humor is great and her love for the island is evident!

Thanks, Anne! I just want to have my cake and eat it too! I've been reading Gerald Singer's St. John Beach Guide and Pam Gaffin's Feet, Fins & Four Wheel Drive books and while the beaches are tantalizing there is just so much more to see - I'm really leaning toward the idea of spending the day touring. Waiting to hear back from others in our group to see if they are up for touring rather than just a beach day. My husband and I will be traveling with fellow poster Hogladyrider and her spouse and another couple. If all six of us decide to tour it sounds as if we might just as well hire a taxi to take us around for the day as opposed to renting a jeep.

Will be there for the first time in October and tagging along with friends who are repeat visitors. Reading this thread with so much wonderful information and tips about visiting has me so excited! I don't know what I want to do...love the idea of being on a tropical island beach but I'm not a good swimmer so I may opt to tour the island instead of hanging out on the beach. Do the rental jeeps hold just four passengers?

We're in St Maarten on another day of the cruise and have a private charter scheduled so I know I'll get water time there. That could make up for not being in the water on St John...oh the choices....the good thing is that I know we'll have a memorable time no matter what we decide!

Again, thanks to all the folks who have contributed so much helpful information to this thread and the photos are awesome!

While the staff at the Radisson was great for us - I found them very polite, helpful and efficient with a good sense of humor in stressful circumstances. The parking was fine - we aren't the type of folks who stress about things like cars so the fact that it wasn't in covered parking was not an issue for us at all. The other passengers were the problem for us. Rude, pushing, shoving, so worried that someone might get on the ship before them...like the ship is going to leave with them sooner because they got onboard before anybody else?

We loved the Radisson and had nothing but great things to say about our stay there and the staff, the shuttle drivers did a great job of trying to make our stay pleasant. Would love to hear more experiences parking at the terminal!

Yes, first cruise. I just checked Weather.com and it shows showers every day of our cruise in EVERY stop. This does NOT make me happy.

CrznKris - so sorry to hear your forecast.:( Not what you want for your vacation to a beach destination! Weather is a fickle thing so hopefully the fronts will move and you will get to enjoy at least a little sunshine! Even the islands need rain now and then. Much to our surprise we woke up this morning to about an inch of snow! Not a big deal except for the fact that it almost NEVER snows here and no one knows how to drive! Will send positive thoughts for good weather your way!

Susan: 9 days 13 hours 3 minutes 23 secodnds...but who's counting ;)

 

Thanks for your words...it talked me off the ledge. I may bug Captain Bob one more time justv for that last bit of reassurance.

So glad you decided to come in off the ledge! Less than two weeks? Lucky you! I will think of you as I add another sweater against the winter cold! I'm just glad I don't live up north where it really gets cold! Dig your toes into some sand and think of your Cruise Critic friends left behind to await our own departure dates :) Is this a first cruise for you?

Being the worry-wart that I am, I'm worried about being back from my excursion with Capt Bob in time to board the ship.

 

I was assured by Capt Bob that the trip is done at 4. Our ship (Celebrity) leaves at 5. He said it's a a 5 min walk back.

 

Is this really enough time to get back on board? I'm worried they have a cut-off time before they pull up the plank (or whatever).

 

He's said that in 20 some years no one has ever missed the boat, but the ship said somthing about having to be back on the boat 1.5 hours in advance.

 

Can someone tell me whether I should cancel my trip for fear of missing the boat (HA wouldn't be the first time I've "missed the boat")

I understand what you mean about the "worrying"! I'm a lot like you - I always want lots of answers. I suggest you consider a couple of things: #1) Excursion operators make their living providing safe entertainment to tourists. A significant portion of the tourists they serve come from cruise ships. A bad review on these boards and on TripAdvisor could seriously damage an operators future revenue. Sure, if you go and miss the boat the operator has been paid by you but they know you are going to come back and flame their operation. People who read your review will go and book with the competition because nobody really wants to miss the boat!

#2) I'm no insurance expert but that's the sort of thing I expect my travel insurance to cover - a flight to the next port of call.

#3) Worst case - you are stranded in St Thomas...is that really such a bad thing?:)

I say go for it - and have a wonderful trip! Don't you leave in less than a month now?

I have my trip all paid for with Capt. Bob. So far he's been excellent to work with. I have gone on all the recommendations I've read here and on Trip Advisor. Can't wait. 47 more days until my cruise.

Can't wait to hear your review CrznKris! I bet you will have a wonderful time! Say hello to Capt Bob for us!

Susan G

Hog Lady, sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I don't come here as often without a cruise booked :(

 

 

Did you have a full boat of people?- There were only 5 of us and he takes a maximum os 12

 

How was lunch and the beverages? Capt Bob told me lunch was at a cafe on the beach.- Lunch was at a cafe at Pinel Beach. Very good lunch. The had plenty of Beer and water on the boat.

 

Did you have enough time at each of your stops?- We had plenty of time at each stop.

 

So glad to hear from someone who has taken this excursion and had a great time.

 

Hope you don't mind a few more questions.

 

If you have anymore questions just ask and I will try to respond faster!

Hoglady - I'm really thinking this is my favorite option for St Maarten. Personally, I'd rather sail just cause I'm not a fan of banging against the waves. But, I also like the idea of seeing new parts of the island and besides, I think the Dream group was looking at Random Wind so if anybody really wanted to sail and get wild they could alway hook up with their group. Capt Bob offers the chance to see a lot more of the island than we'd have sailing simply because motors can go faster and cover more ground! My cousin and his wife are making plans to come and possibly their son so that's at least six if you and your hubby come along. We'd have enough to be our own group. Last conversation, Capt Bob said he could hold it for me without a deposit till we get closer or unless someone else wants the date. Thoughts?

Susan G

Captn Bob is quick to reply and happy to answer your email questions.

Susan A my cousin will be joining us on this cruise! He is a blast and his wife is so sweet! You'll love her! Mike is busy recruiting his friends to come along too! We will not only have our group for our charter but we may end up with another boat!

Thanks for posting your review - I'm sailing on 9/11/10 and looking forward to your review of the spa especially!