Please critique my plans!

[MrsPete]

Here are our plans for our October cruise. We're a family of four with two children, ages 9 and 12. The youngest is a bit afraid of water, but the oldest thinks she's a fish; thus, we've tried to strike a balance between water and land activities. We realize we've allowed zero time for shopping; it's not important to us.

 

Our plans are still in the very tenative stage, and any advice on the following would be appreciated:

 

St. Thomas

Ship docks at 9:00.

Rent a car (suggestions for a place by the pier?)

Drive to Coral World (how far is this anyway?), see exhibits, dad and oldest daughter will do the Sea Trek under-water walk. Will buy tickets ahead of time because the Sea Trek time slot must be reserved.

Walk over to Coki Beach (This is walk-able? Can we leave the rental car in the Coral World parking lot? I've read some unsavory things about Coki; would it be okay to leave my good camera in the trunk of the rental car?) Sun and beach time; bring snorkeling gear and dog biscuits for the fish.

Pick up casual, on-the-go lunch on the beach.

Depart beach 2:30 or 3:00.

Drive to SkyTram to Paradise Point, buy tickets, spend one hour "up top".

Return rental car

Board ship no later than 5:00 for 6:00 departure.

 

St. Martin

Ship docks at 7:00

Taxi to Butterfly Farm (What time do they open anyway? This may not be do-able.)

Taxi to Lord Sheffield's pier area no later than 10:30.

Lord Sheffield Tall Ship ride 11:00 - 3:15.

Lunch onboard L.S.

Walk back to the ship (this is walkable, right?) mid-afternoon.

Ship sales at 6:00

 

Again, I'd appreciate any suggestions to our plans.

[kal]

St. Martin

Ship docks at 7:00

Taxi to Butterfly Farm (What time do they open anyway? This may not be do-able.)

Taxi to Lord Sheffield's pier area no later than 10:30.

Lord Sheffield Tall Ship ride 11:00 - 3:15.

Lunch onboard L.S.

Walk back to the ship (this is walkable, right?) mid-afternoon.

Ship sales at 6:00

 

If I recall, the Butterfly Farm opens at 9:00am. I really sounds like your day at St. Maarten will consist of a ride on the LS.

 

You can walk back to the ship from LS dock.

[Brubo]

This is just my preference... I would rent the car on St Maarten and tour this beautiful island!! They drive on the right side here vs the wrong side on St. Thomas. Like Kal said, you Will not be seeing much of the island.

[MrsPete]

Maybe this is a better St Martin day:

 

Rent car at the port

Spend morning driving around island (could start at 7:00)

Visit butterfly farm at 9:00

Sail on AFTERNOON Golden Eagle Catamaran instead of Lord Sheffield's mid-day trip. What time would the afternoon ride leave? Can we book the Golden Eagle privately? I like to avoid ship's excursions, if at all possible. From where does the Golden Eagle sail? Is it within walking distance of the port?