Questions about Eastern Caribbean ports

[Pinkybo]

Hi all,

I'm very excited to have booked my first cruise ever. My hubby and I are going to be sailing on the Norwegian Cruise line's "Epic" ship in late August to the Eastern Caribbean. the ports of call are St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau.

 

I've never been to the Caribbean before and have a few questions.

 

Of those three ports, which one is the best for shopping? Which one would you recommend for snorkling and which one for experiencing the beaches. Ideally, I would love to have one port where we shop and explore the town and maybe two ports for doing outdoor water activities.

 

What forms of currency should I be bringing with me?

 

What are the languages spoken on these islands, sorry for my ignorance.

 

I also have some cruise ship related questions. I'm not sure if this is where to post them but here goes:

 

Do people smoke on the decks of the cruise ships? I'm a non smoker and I'd like to know what to expect.

 

How long does it take to get off the cruise ship at a port. I'd like to book a snorkeling trip that starts at 9:30 am and our ship is supposed to arrive in port at 8 am. I thought this would be plenty of time but I noticed on the ship's website that it says it takes 2 hours before people can disembark. Is that normal?

 

How early can you start eating / what time is breakfast normally served in the restaurants? If I do an early morning excursion, can I get in a full breakfast on ship first?

 

Thank you so much for any advice! :)

[AF-1]

Lets work with the ship questions first. When you book an excursion thru the cruisline they will assign what time your shore exursion starts. They normally have morning slots and afternoon slots. You have to wait to clear customs in the port, then you can disembark. The captain will announce over the loud speaker when you can get off the ship. Breakfast normally starts around 6am; however you can always get room service if you want to eat earlier. The best shopping for me was St. Thomas; they have all kinds of jewelry, electronics, island made trinkets; plus you can explore the island. St. Martan has snorkeling as does Nassau. St. Martan has a pretty nice beach right where the ships dock. Nassau will take you to private islands where you can snorkel and lay on the beach. I suggest you also post your questions on the Caribbean boards.

[cb at sea]

All ports accept American dollars...there's no need to get local currency. Most larger stores also accept credit cards. Bring cash (try to have smaller bills) for those random, cash purchases....they will take US dollars, but if you try to buy a $3 item with a $100 bill, you will get local money as change...you don't want that! Bring tens and twenties ashore!

Most of the "tourist" spots speak English...St. Thomas IS an American territory!

At docked ports, you simply walk off the the ship...takes about 2 mins once the ship is cleared....you'll be off in time, and if not--your tour WILL wait for you!

Room service is 24/7....not sure how early your ship starts serving breakfast...most ship's start around 6am or so...

[arlodog]

Have a great first cruise! I will try and answer a couple of your questions. English is widely spoken on all the islands I have been to--even those that are not supposed to be English speaking:). They make their living off tourists so they very much want to take care of the tourists.

 

They will also accept US dollars so no problem there. You may want to make sure that you have small bills with you so you can tip and negotiate prices. Also before you go you want to check with your credit card company if they charge a foreign transaction fee. You don't want to be hit with a surprise when you get home after you have found something that you thought was a bargain!

 

If you go to the port of call threads you can ask questions specific to your island stops. People are very helpful and can guide you on how to spend the short time you have on shore. For instance we took a tour in St. Thomas with Godfrey that we found on these boards. Highly recommend it for a great way to get an overview of the island and also having time to do some shopping!

 

There will be smokers on the ship. Most public areas are non-smoking. They may allow it in some bars, and the casino usually they have one side of the outside decks designated as non-smoking. DH is a non-smoker and other than the casino it has never been a problem for him.

 

You will be able to get off the ship usually close to when you actually get to port and the local authorities have cleared the ship. Usually the cruise line will allow the guests who booked excursions through them off first if it is a tender port but I don't believe that any of yours are. You should be able to walk off the ship--we usually wait about 30 minutes after they announce it just to make sure we miss the crowds.

 

Have a great time and have fun planning!

[Sheffie]

Hi all,

I'm very excited to have booked my first cruise ever. My hubby and I are going to be sailing on the Norwegian Cruise line's "Epic" ship in late August to the Eastern Caribbean. the ports of call are St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau.

 

I've never been to the Caribbean before and have a few questions.

 

Of those three ports, which one is the best for shopping? Which one would you recommend for snorkling and which one for experiencing the beaches. St. Thomas has the best places for snorkeling; St. Maarten's snorkeling isn't great. St. Maarten does have some good beaches, though, with Orient Beach being the most famous. St. Maarten has good shopping right across from the ships' pier. Ideally, I would love to have one port where we shop and explore the town and maybe two ports for doing outdoor water activities. We have been to Nassau twice, and it was an okay port. There is a straw market right on the pier, where you can find some local goodies.

 

What forms of currency should I be bringing with me? The US dollar is good in all Caribbean ports.

 

What are the languages spoken on these islands, sorry for my ignorance. English

 

I also have some cruise ship related questions. I'm not sure if this is where to post them but here goes:

 

Do people smoke on the decks of the cruise ships? I'm a non smoker and I'd like to know what to expect. In the public areas of the deck, one side will be posted "no smoking", and smoking will be allowed on the other side. There is no smoking in the dining rooms, and most other places. I am also a non-smoker and don't find smoking to be a problem.

 

How long does it take to get off the cruise ship at a port. I'd like to book a snorkeling trip that starts at 9:30 am and our ship is supposed to arrive in port at 8 am. I thought this would be plenty of time but I noticed on the ship's website that it says it takes 2 hours before people can disembark. Is that normal? You will be able to walk off your ship at these ports just as soon as the ship clears the port authorities list. You will have plenty of time to make your excursion.

 

How early can you start eating / what time is breakfast normally served in the restaurants? If I do an early morning excursion, can I get in a full breakfast on ship first? You will be given a paper which tells the times that the meals are served. You will be able to eat your breakfast before you get off the ship. This is usually done faster at the buffet.

 

Thank you so much for any advice! :)

Have a fabulous cruise!

[trish1c]

Of those three ports, which one is the best for shopping? Which one would you recommend for snorkling and which one for experiencing the beaches. Ideally, I would love to have one port where we shop and explore the town and maybe two ports for doing outdoor water activities.

St. Marteen for snorkeling. Nassau for the beach & St. Jewelry I mean St. Thomas for shopping. Actually in St. Thomas they built a lovely promannade & you can stroll from Havensight to Charlotte Amolie but it is a long walk.

 

What forms of currency should I be bringing with me?

US dollars are fine but every port has some type of currency exchange facility & the ship can accept everything.

 

What are the languages spoken on these islands, sorry for my ignorance.

English, Spanish & French Creole for the most part.

 

Do people smoke on the decks of the cruise ships? I'm a non smoker and I'd like to know what to expect.

Yes but there are fewer smoking places. You shouldn't notice them & it's very hard to light a cigarette from all the wind on a moving ship.

How long does it take to get off the cruise ship at a port. I'd like to book a snorkeling trip that starts at 9:30 am and our ship is supposed to arrive in port at 8 am. I thought this would be plenty of time but I noticed on the ship's website that it says it takes 2 hours before people can disembark. Is that normal?

It depends on the port but the tour companies cater to the cruise ship passangers; they will wait until everybody has disembarked. They may not wait for you but if nobody has been let off your ship yet, they will wait.

How early can you start eating / what time is breakfast normally served in the restaurants? If I do an early morning excursion, can I get in a full breakfast on ship first?

Yes. Breastfast starts at 6 or 7. The later in the morning the more choices / stations but you will be able to get something. There's always room service too.

[IAO]

Dutch and French are the official languages of St. Maarten/St. Martin, but English is also universally spoken so you'll have no problem there. US dollars are also accepted, though the official currencies are the Euro and Netherland Antilles guilder. Many things will be priced in USD and the local currency (depending on which side of the island you are on).

 

Have fun!

[Pinkybo]

WOW! Thank you so much for all the great responses. I'm so glad I found this site before my first cruise. I will lose much productive work time now as I read all the threads and research for our vacation.

 

:D

[Sheffie]

Pinkybo, I respectfully disagree with trish1C about the snorkeling. We have never found good snorkeling on St. Maarten, and have always found good snorkeling on St. Thomas, or over to St. John. Just my opinion and observation.

 

Anywhere in the water in the Caribbean beats being home!!!

[Pinkybo]

Pinkybo, I respectfully disagree with trish1C about the snorkeling. We have never found good snorkeling on St. Maarten, and have always found good snorkeling on St. Thomas, or over to St. John. Just my opinion and observation.

 

Anywhere in the water in the Caribbean beats being home!!!

 

Thanks Michelle. After doing a lot of reading up, I decided to book a snorkeling excursion in St. Thomas aboard a catamaran called the Fury with Captain Mike. It was one of the highest rated activities on Trip Advisor. He will pick us up at the Cruise ship port in St. Thomas and go to the Buck Island National Wildlife refuge to swim with sea turtles.

[Sheffie]

Thanks Michelle. After doing a lot of reading up, I decided to book a snorkeling excursion in St. Thomas aboard a catamaran called the Fury with Captain Mike. It was one of the highest rated activities on Trip Advisor. He will pick us up at the Cruise ship port in St. Thomas and go to the Buck Island National Wildlife refuge to swim with sea turtles.

 

You picked a great excursion! We have snorkeled over at Buck Island, and it was great! People sometimes even see turtles over there!

[Pinkybo]

You picked a great excursion! We have snorkeled over at Buck Island, and it was great! People sometimes even see turtles over there!

 

I'll keep my fingers crossed that we will be one of those lucky people :)

[McDebbie]

Since you are on NCL Epic and it is new some of the questions you have asked can't be answered yet (time to get off, breakfast).

 

In St Maarten you can combine the beach with watching the planes come in over your head, our favorite port of all time. In Nassau you might want to look into doing a day trip at Atlantis. We paid for just the tour part without the water slides/pools but were able to watch them for a while and it looked like big fun.

 

I have only shopped at St Thomas as we went to the beach on St Maarten but some people say it is better shopping. It all depends on what you are looking for. Unless you have something very specific in mind and have PRICED it at home first then skip the shoppig. DH bought me a gold bracelet at BJ's which was exactly the same as one in St Thomas but still cheaper even with the tax.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Pinkybo]

Since you are on NCL Epic and it is new some of the questions you have asked can't be answered yet (time to get off, breakfast).

 

In St Maarten you can combine the beach with watching the planes come in over your head, our favorite port of all time. In Nassau you might want to look into doing a day trip at Atlantis. We paid for just the tour part without the water slides/pools but were able to watch them for a while and it looked like big fun.

 

I have only shopped at St Thomas as we went to the beach on St Maarten but some people say it is better shopping. It all depends on what you are looking for. Unless you have something very specific in mind and have PRICED it at home first then skip the shoppig. DH bought me a gold bracelet at BJ's which was exactly the same as one in St Thomas but still cheaper even with the tax.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Hi McDebbie,

which beach did you go to in St. Maarten? Also, what does DH and BJ stand for? I'm assuming DH means husband from other posts where I've seen it used. Just wondering what the D is for. Lol, sorry for my ignorance again.

[Sheffie]

Pinkybo, I will butt in here again. The beach in St. Maarten is Maho. If you check it out on youtube, you will see lots of great videos of the afternoon flights coming in.

 

DH is short for Darling Husband, Dear Husband, etc. I don't know which jewelers are BJ, though.

[alcpa1]

We have been to each port many many times so perhaps I can help too.

St. Thomas - Your snorkeling excursion is a great choice. If you dock at Havensight you will have access to shopping. There are several drug stores, a small grocery store, and plenty of souvenir shops, plus jewelry stores. There are restaurants and ice cream shops too. There is another shopping area about a five minute walk from Havensight with upscale shops which opened about three or four years ago at the old yacht club. You can buy liquor in several locations but be prepared to add any liquor purchase to your checked luggage if you are flying. Prices are good but you also must watch your customs allowance.

St. Maarten - Maho is a glorious beach. Orient Beach is a favorite for many with it's clothing optional section which abuts (pardon the awful pun) the traditional clothing preferred section. If you choose to stop there don't be surprised if you see some ignore the imaginary dividing line.

There is a newish pier in St. Maarten and it is a short walk from the ship, through the obligatory shopping arcade, to Phillipsburg. Shopping is best on the Dutch side unless you yearn for French pastry or lingerie.

Over the past several land or sea trips we have found better prices in Phillipsburg.

Nassau - The Atlantis hotel on Paradise Island is really something to see. Check on the Caribbean boards because the least expensive way to see it used to be reserving a day room at a nearby hotel with privileges. You can check out The Atlantis on its own web site. There are several ways to get to Paradise Island. The water ferry is at pier side and taxi's are available outside the cruise "terminal"/shopping arcade.

If you plan on using a credit card for purchases you should know that St. Maarten and Nassau may institute the 3% foreign transaction fee. Your dollars and your credit card are readily accepted. You may also bargain for every purchase from the straw markets to the jewelry stores. There are only a few very high end shops with set prices and in this economy it never hurts to ask.

The only place where you may encounter another language will be St. Maarten on the French side, but everyone speaks English especially the cabbies and merchants.

Have a wonderful cruise.

[Sheffie]

Pinkybo, I will butt in here again. The beach in St. Maarten is Maho. If you check it out on youtube, you will see lots of great videos of the afternoon flights coming in.

 

DH is short for Darling Husband, Dear Husband, etc. I don't know which jewelers are BJ, though.

 

I think BJ stands for Ballerina Jewelry.

[griffy116]

There's a wonderful excursion for swimming with the dolphins we did and I believe it's Blue Lagoon (?). They also have a beautiful beach you can enjoy if you have an early morning excursion. We had been to Nassau several times before doing this excursion and it is our FAVORITE excursion. Well worth money. We weren't aware of the beach and beautiful island they take you to so we had an lunch excursion and didn't really have enough time to enjoy the beach. If we had known, we would have scheduled better.

[not2old]

FYI- BJ's is a warehouse shopping store, similar to Costco, Sam;s, etc. They sell electronics, cameras, clothes, jewelery, etc. There are a number of these stores in the southern USA. At times they have really good buys, however, the merchandise changes frequently.

[Pinkybo]

Thank you so much again everyone for all the great comments. I am writing it all down in my new Caribbean Cruise Research Book!