seagypsea

Taxi cost is around $8/pp both ways. I think it's $5/pp to get into Megans. Not sure what adding Paradise Point to the trip may add.

Megans is about 30 minutes or so from Crown Bay depending on traffic. Paradise Point is about 15 minutes from Crown Bay. You can either go to Havensight and catch the Sky Ride up to the top or have the taxi take you to the top.

I would go to Megans then to the top of Paradise Point then back to Crown Bay or vice versa.

Should be doable, either way. There may be a line if you want to do the Sky Ride up and down which will add considerable time to your day.

Just check how many ships are in port with you and take into account traffic in the downtown area.

• Foreign Beers – $6.08 per case of 24-12 ounce containers or equivalent
  
• U.S. Beers – $5.00 per case of 24-12 ounce containers or equivalent
  
• Foreign kegs – $8.25 per keg
  
• U.S. kegs – $5.70 per keg
  
• Cigarettes – $11.00 per carton
  
• Carbonated Drinks – $1.44 per case of 24-12 ounce containers or equivalent
  
• Rums, Liquors, vodka and other alcoholic beverages – $6.00 per case
  

Even though the Liquor price increases are by the case, I found individual bottles in Havensight were $3 to $4 higher than the last time we bought rum.

.

I'm not sure what liquor store you mean. You can always walk to Pueblo or K-Mart for liquor deals.

 

There is no VAT in the US Virgin Islands. :confused:

Well, it's a "hurricane" tax... not sure what it's called.

We've hired Lawrence of Antigua for 9/14 to do this exact same thing. I'll be happy to report back our experience and possible suggestions if you are sailing after this date.

Diann

Pia

Thanks for the Live thread! I board on 9/8 and can't wait.

How do you like the new beds?

Diann

Are you also stopping at St. Martin? I have found better prices on the same liquors there than in St. Thomas. Granted, I have not been to either islands after the hurricanes so I don't know the conditions of the shops at either.

 

 

I drink Jack Daniels and I always find a special edition or a variety that I can't find in Puerto Rico, where I live. I also always grab at least a bottle of Cabo Wabo reposado tequila. Again, I always find them "less expensive" at St Martin.

I found the same thing in St. Martin.

I'm cruising with Todd and our cruise doesn't go there.

Thanks,

Diann

One thing to consider - you might be arriving as others are leaving to get back to the ships. The ferry only holds about 30 people at the most - try to get there at least 20 minutes early. Check out the schedule on their website.

http://www.waterislandferry.com/

 

Final tip - drinks were better at Dinghy’s and food better at Heidi’s.

Thank you for your input on the food and drink! I will get there one day.

Sounds like I need to try this when we get in early and come back at lunchtime. :D

seagypsea - You have a realistic concern about the number of people on Honeymoon Beach when multiple ships are in St. Thomas. sltbold08 is reporting conditions on the day he/she was here. This is not the norm. Honeymoon is not usually the quiet uncrowded beach as described by summer visitors. During summer months (slow season) when only one cruise ship in port the beach can be just as sltbod08 described; however when multiple cruise ships are in STT and excursions are in full force this beach gets really crowded. Last week at mid-afternoon during a 4-ship day there were hundreds of people in this small cove.

 

As an independent visitor you should also be aware of the limitations of the ferry. It is a small boat - only 25 passengers- nothing like the ferry that goes to St. John. The ferry runs at 4:15 and 5:15 pm are packed and the last ferry at 6:15 is too late for many cruise ship passengers. Hope this helps you make a decision for a wonderful relaxed day in the Virgin Islands. :)

Hmmm... we'll that certainly puts a different spin on it and it wouldn't matter if I didn't have a 5:30 sunset sail booked. However, 4:15 was exactly when we need to come back so I'm guessing we better not chance it.

I really appreciate your input. Thanks for posting!

Thank you so much! I think we'll take a chance and go but unfortunately we probably won't get there until 2:00.

Having never been to the island I can’t really compare any of the beaches.

I based my decision on availability of chairs/umbrellas, food & drinks, restrooms and the overall vibe of the beach.

I was really looking for a one stop shop!

I also checked out reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp.

So, how did this work out for you?

I was planning on doing the same thing however we are the last of 5 ships in port that day not coming in until 1:30 and I noticed all the Catamaran excursions that have a beach stop go to this beach. It isn't that big. Just concerned might be too many people there.

Do you know if the taxis still charge the $8 or $10pp if there are 6 and you take the whole van? There will be 6 of us (4 adults, and 2 kids) so that makes each way to the beach $48-$60? Ouch. Plus admission, that turns a lazy beach day with kids into a $200 day :/ I was hoping to go to the beach for about half that....

Yes, I think usually more than 2 people it's $8/pp. Beaches are 20-30 minute trips each way and gas is expensive on the islands.

Ms411 - were you there recently? Just wondering if things have changed.

We were there in March. The big liquor store in Havensight was closed and locked down. We found a couple of stores that had a variety of stuff and a small space with liquor.

This used to be our go to place to buy alcohol but with the VAT added after the hurricane the deals I'm used to couldn't be found.

We have gone to Megans many times via taxi. It's either $8 or $10/pp plus around $5/pp to get in. It's a park.

It's beautiful and recovering from the hurricane. RCCL put a lot of money towards repairs and new trees.

However, last time I went - which was this past March - I kept feeling pin like pricks but couldn't see anything in the water. When I got out my swim shirt was covered in these clear rice like things - they were actually stuck in the material and had to be pulled out. The guy renting the non-motorized equipment came over and said they were sea butterflies and appeared after the hurricane.

I would love to know if they're gone because I'll be back in STT in 2 weeks on a ship.

I'm just afraid that they have infested the whole bay.

We may head to Sapphire this time.

There's a tour booth set up in the cruise terminal. I've never stopped there and checked out their offerings though.

Years ago, we walked outside and someone approached us for an island tour for $20 ea. We took them up on it. Toured all the tourist attractions and then she left us at Palm Beach and came back and picked us up 3 hours later and we were the only ones that opted to get off at the beach. It was a really new greyhound type bus. I don't know if there's anything like that happening now but all it takes is a little time to check the folks inside and walk outside to see what's going on, then making a decision. I think we got the deal of a lifetime that day.

We will be going on a Princess cruise to Port of Spain Trinidad in November.. I have read that there is a murder every 13 hours in Trinidad. Over 150 robberies, rapes and other crimes occur everyday. They say 50% of the crimes are in the Port of Spain area. Has anyone had a recent experience-good or bad, visiting Trinidad.

I am also going in November. Think I'll stay on the ship.

Travel.State.Gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE — BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS

Travel Advisories

Travel.State.Gov > Travel Advisories > Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory

Trinidad and Tobago Travel Advisory

Travel Advisory

February 22, 2018

Trinidad and Tobago - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

OENHUTC

Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain due to crime.

Violent crime, such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, home invasion, and kidnapping, is common.

Gang activity, such as narcotics trafficking, is common. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Trinidad and Tobago:

• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  
• Be aware of your surroundings.
  
• Do not display overt signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  
• Be extra vigilant when visiting ATMs.
  
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
  
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Trinidad and Tobago.
  
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
  
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  

Port of Spain

Violence and shootings occur regularly in some areas of Port of Spain. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling to the following areas: Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots, Cocorite, and the interior of Queens’ Park Savannah. After dark, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from travelling to downtown Port of Spain, Fort George overlook, and all beaches.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Port of Spain

15 Queen's Park West

Port of Spain

Trinidad and Tobago

Telephone

+(868) 622-6371

Emergency

+(868) 622-6371, then press 1.

Fax

+(868) 822-5955

Email

acspos@state.gov

Website

U.S. Embassy Port of Spain

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I had heard that Royal got the docking rights/lease? (not sure how they do it) at Crown Bay. If you look at the schedule, it's all Royal and Celeb ships docking there.

I second Compass Bonaire. Next month will be my 6th trip out with them. Very private as they only take 14 people at a time. Lovely crew.

We were on the Regal 12/3-10. We were Platinum at the time (now Elite - Yay!). We had free internet the entire cruise. I think it's because the Ocean Medallion is not fully up and running yet. We were supposed to have it on our cruise and didn't. We were disappointed, but compensated - which is always nice.

We're on the Regal again in March and hoping for free internet again. We hardly use our 500 minutes (250/each) but if it's free we found ourselves using it more. And, it was pretty fast.

Diann and George

To Princess, read my typing... "I want seared scallop appetizer back on the menu at CG".

 

I normally eat several time per cruise in CG but will stop going because of this change.

 

framer

Amen!

I don't even mind paying the extra $10 for the lobster. One that size costs more than that at Costco. Where else can you get a $100 meal plus tip for $29/pp including tip? I will still eat there, but really bummed about the seared scallops.

Hmmm... "Do You Want to Dance" is a production show, not a passenger competition. Voice of the Ocean is a big deal for Princess, so I don't think it's going away anytime soon...

Actually... "Born to Dance" is the production show.

To add to Diann's observations ...

 

Voice of the Ocean was on Monday patter for signup/audition, it hasn’t entirely gone away yet. If the final happens at the end of the cruise I’ll try to remember to post.

 

We tried the new Sabatini's menu today and it's still way too much food. We really loved the soup and might go back for that alone if we could get enough for our dinner. The verdict for us is still out. I think you should decide for yourself. And the chocolate journey's desert was really interesting but very heavy after the huge meal.

 

They are doing something special with comedians this week. There will be a number of them doing shows this week in the Vista Lounge.

 

There were some other things I noticed last week that I have since forgotten. But tendering at Princess Cays is a big improvement since my last trip over as they now have big dedicated tenders to add to the life boats. Not a huge wait to get over. And the rocking chairs are gone. And you go through security on the island before you tender. I’m not sure how long this has been going on as we stayed on board last year.

 

The welcome show was replaced by a very funny comedian doing a 40 minute show. I've forgotten his name. It's so much nicer than the dancers followed by the introduction of the cruise staff and others trying to sell you things followed by a small piece of one of the variety acts.

Liz! Hope you are enjoying your second week! Your fav cabin is available for the 3/18 cruise, Come with us!

And, see, I knew I forgot stuff. How did I forget that big new covered pavilion at PC to wait under to board tenders and then going thru security on the island? Oh yeah, it was our first day of the cruise... LOL

On the Emerald in October and the Crown Grill seared scallop appetizer had been replaced with:

Bay Scallop Timbale, Cajun Crawfish Cream

Toasted corn, fried okra, grits beurre blanc

 

Described by wait staff as a scallop mousse, it had a whole scallop in the center of the timbale.

Otherwise known as fru fru foam stuff :D

Remembered something else - you don't take your life jacket to muster anymore. There's a new Safety video playing in your cabin and until it plays all the way thru you can't go to another channel and then they play it again at muster. Some new cutesy thing tied into the Love Boat theme song. It'll get old after awhile, but does catch your attention.

Gone - seared scallop appetizer in Crown Grill - replaced by some fru fru foam stuff - waiter said they were trying to modernize

Gone - Princess pop choir and Voice of the Ocean - replaced by Do you wanna dance? Not sure anyone signed up because there was never another mention of it.

Gone - Welcome aboard show - replaced by snipets of comedian for us

Gone - custom forms if you verbally declare not more than $800 in purchases (for our cruise) - might be higher if you go to St. Thomas

Gone - disembarkation form if you're using Princess transfer - they already know your plans and you just get the normal form with your tags attached (or not in my case and had to go to the front desk)

New - MediCure Sleep music 8 hours on the tv. Specifically designed to help you sleep, however ours kept flashing bright lights on the screen. Guest services offered to change our tv but our friends on a different deck had the same problem. I don't think anyone brought it up but me. Probably I'm one of the few that found it. So if you go and experience the same please let them know. I think the program is faulty. Otherwise I love the concept.

There was probably more but this is all I can remember right now.

Diann