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Turtles - Are they there year-round? I will be visiting late October.

Market - the fruit market on the waterfront (between the fishing boats and the bridge), is it open daily or just weekends?

Thanks.

Great info. Thanks Robin!

At the end of the pier, there was a shuttle to Christiansted for $16 round trip per person when we were there in 2015.

Thanks for the addt'l info. I had read good things about SandBar, only chose John's as we would also like to take a swim while there.

Thanks for your response. I chose John's because they advertise "fresh conch salad made while you wait". We never pass up on the opportunity for conch salad when on the islands.

As far as shops in town, just wondering if there were a few cute little shops to wander. Though it would need to be close as walking too far for me would be a problem.

I understand that it is on the beach and loungers and umbrellas can be rented. Is this a descent beach?

Also, is it walking distance to shops in town?

Thanks.

I've seen many planes land at Maho and they are never as low as this picture makes it out to be. Relax.

Think of it this way, do you really believe all those tourists are actually holding up the Tower of Pisa?

Would you know if they take reservations? If not, would it be necessary to go very early to secure loungers/umbrellas?

Thanks!!

I will be on Mykonos on Ochi Day (Oct.28), a national Greek holiday.

I have read that all banks and shops and most museums and ancient sites close on public holidays.

Can anyone confirm. Thank you.

Have been to Curacao numerous times but have never explored the Otrabanda area near the ship/pontoon bridge. Is there anything of interest in this area?

Caught the 1st ferry over; wristband stated 12:30. We rented a golf cart near the pier. Drove around for a while then stopped at Mariposa Pool Bar. Returned to the pier at 2:30, the ferry was loading no issue returning at a later time.

Can you tell me where the ferry dock is located on Harvest Caye? Is it a long walk from the ship? Thanks

I don't know where you posted on Trip Advisor, but you should try the Curacao forum. Lots of info on staying on island,

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g147277-i583-Curacao.html

There are a lot of little shops right around both the Puerta Maya (I think Carnival uses this pier, it is quite nice) and the International piers, plenty of souvenirs and clothing. Downtown has more jewelry stores if you are in the market for that. Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Downtown: the jewelry stores are mostly along the main drag (on the waterfront). Side streets have everything else, including the main square area.

There are a lot of little shops right around both the Puerta Maya (I think Carnival uses this pier, it is quite nice) and the International piers, plenty of souvenirs and clothing. Downtown has more jewelry stores if you are in the market for that.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Downtown: the jewelry stores are mostly along the main drag (on the waterfront). Side streets have everything else, including the main square area.

Is the "Made in Roatan" store still there? I believe it was located a short way after taking a right out of the port gate.

We bought our ferry tickets using the tv in our room the night before we ported in Harvest Caye. You could also buy them at Guest Services or one of the electronic wall portals around the ship.We had the choice of 9 or 10 AM. Not sure if later times were available or not.

 

I would assume there are a limited number of tickets, but I did see people buying them right at the departure point. The boat taking passengers over was not really that big. A much larger ferry left before us, I assume taking people who were on NCL tours.

THIS is exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks!!!

I understand that the town itself is not geared toward tourists but would like to know if it is worth a walk outside the port facility. Local shops, restaurants for local food etc.

I am the OP and just want to thank everyone for their responses, great info. Thanks!

For those who did take the ferry, can I assume you purchased the tickets once on board at Guest Services? I know that the # of tickets is limited and wondering if this is a problem.

After reading many posts, it would appear that the manatee experience varies greatly. Our experience 2 yrs. ago (April).

This is what we booked -

Cozumel-tours.com Manatee Encounter $53

- includes park entrance (Adults $21)

- Three Times Daily Except Sundays at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 3:30

- Manatee Encounter is 45 Minutes.

- You can use the park facilities all day

We booked for 2pm and our 2 grandchildren (then 15 &16) were the only ones for this time slot. They spent a small amount of time on the ledge inside the water with the manatees swimming by them. The bulk of the time they were free swimming with them and having a ball. Armed with lettuce, they fed them. The manatees (if you can picture this) spent most of the time vertically in the water with each kid. They would be belly to belly and my grandson said his would kind of hug him with his flippers while he fed him. They had a blast.

Don't know why the OP's post was deemed Fake News.

Not all cruise lines are handling the situation as those mentioned above.

My sister was on a Disney cruise that was scheduled to arrive tomorrow (Sat). The cruise was cut short and they disembarked yesterday (Thurs.). EVERYBODY off the ship. She lucked out, as a Disney timeshare owner she was able on her own to get accommodations at their resort.

What I DON"T know is whether or not the ship might have actively tried to secure accommodations at their various properties. Do know that lines at Customer Service was 3 hrs. long.

WOW thanks for the advice. If you don't mind me asking how much did the taxi end up charging you for the day?

Don't really remember. Before the cruise I checked out the individual taxi rates online: Pier to Marigot, Marigot to Maho, Maho back to Philipsburg. That total was what I negotiated with the driver. And he agreed to stay with us all day for that price. We didn't go to Mullet, so you would have to account for that. Alternatively, you could use the beach in Philipsburg on your return.

http://taxistmaarten.com/zones-rates

There's also a water taxi. Preferable to walking over in the heat.

As far as I know there are only 2 piers in Antigua. They are side by side right downtown,

Could you be thinking of St. Maarten where there is a water taxi from the pier to town?

We hired a cab for the day, driver stayed with us throughout. Go to the taxi stand and they will hook you up. (We were planning to do individual cabs at each location, the driver said he would take us / stay with us for the same total price). This will provide you with the flexibility you desire, visit each location on your time.

As far as a beach, though I haven't been, is Mullet Beach. Practically next door to Maho. Check out the reviews.

bump

There are 3 piers in Cozumel. I thought NCL docked at Langosta Pier downtown. (???)