First Cruise

:) First time cruisers Leaving Miami 12/31/05 Navigator My husband and I and our 15 year old son Ports are San Juan, St Thomas, St Martin, Nassau.

What are we in for???;) ;) :)

What are you in for? Sun. Sea. Sand. Amazing food. Family time that will create memories to last a lifetime. We started cruising with our son(now 23) when he was 7 and he still says those were our greatest holidays together because we were all relaxed, not having to wonder which hotel we were going to book into or what campground we should stay at, etc. Go with an open mind and a positive outlook and you should come back wanting to cruise again and again. Have a wonderful family vacation.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

I went on the same cruise last November. To be honest, the weather wasn't that good-be prepared for small showers every so often. You get into Puerto Rico late so you have only about 1 hour of sunlight. Traffic is terrible-we didn't even consider trying to take a cab or tour bus anywhere. You can pick up a map quide at the visitor's center at the port. You can walk to the one of the forts although they close before the ship docks. Great for pictures. You can then stroll the tiny streets and watch all the people stuck in traffic and be thankful you aren't one of them! :D There are many places to eat. There are tourist officials on most street corners that can answer questions for you. Loved the authenticity of the city. St Thomas and St Maarten are very touristy. Greatest deals on St Maarten-especially jewelry. Gotta get a "BushWacker" drink on St Thomas at Paradise Point !!! You can take the aerial tram straight there from the dock. I could go on and on...sorry! Have a great time!

We have cruised to both islands aboard the Golden Princess. A couple of must do's: St Thomas: If you enjoy snorkling and beautiful beaches, try Trunk Bay on St Johns. You can either use the ship's excursions or take a cab to the ferry and then take a cab to Trunk Bay National Park. If you wish to stay on St Thomas, try Magen's Bay via ship's excursion. Shopping is good and if your into the bar scene, try Duffy's Love Shack.

On St Marteen, shop in the morning and then cab it out to Orient Beach. Ask to be dropped off at the Bikini Beach Bar. Good beach (careful, some folks like the clothing optional). Live music starting mid afternoon and great food.

Haven't been to Puerto Rico yet. We will be there in Jan. 2006 to depart on the Carnival Destiny for the Southern Caribbean.

Most of all....Have Fun and Relax!