First time cruiser - recommend excursions for Eastern Caribbean?

[kittyplum]

Hello~

 

I've booked my first ever vacation over a year ago, but it's finally creeping nearer and I'm not nearly as decisive as I thought I'd be at this point!

 

My upcoming cruise on Oasis is June 14, 2014 from Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be stopping by:

 

1. Nassau, Bahamas

2. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3. Philipsburgh, St. Maarten

 

I'm extremely excited, and I've been looking at the excursions available on the pre-cruise planner. So many options! I'd love to hear opinions, especially based off of experience.

 

I am especially interested in Atlantis Ultimate Tour Without Lunch - NS90 which takes place in Nassau, but it's $299 so I'm not entirely sure it would be worth it (it includes a deep water dolphin swim and access to the water park.) I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (college student!) but I'm willing to splurge on something since it's not like I get chances like this everyday.

 

My understanding is that the excursions book up fast, so I'm worried if I don't decide soon I'll be SOL.

 

Oh, and since it probably matters on some excursions... I AM old enough to drink! :)

Edited April 21, 2014 by kittyplum
Specifying

[Merion_Mom]

Hello~

 

I've booked my first ever vacation over a year ago, but it's finally creeping nearer and I'm not nearly as decisive as I thought I'd be at this point!

 

My upcoming cruise on Oasis is June 14, 2014 from Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be stopping by:

 

1. Nassau, Bahamas

2. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3. Philipsburgh, St. Maarten

 

I'm extremely excited, and I've been looking at the excursions available on the pre-cruise planner. So many options! I'd love to hear opinions, especially based off of experience.

 

I am especially interested in Atlantis Ultimate Tour Without Lunch - NS90 which takes place in Nassau, but it's $299 so I'm not entirely sure it would be worth it (it includes a deep water dolphin swim and access to the water park.) I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (college student!) but I'm willing to splurge on something since it's not like I get chances like this everyday.

 

My understanding is that the excursions book up fast, so I'm worried if I don't decide soon I'll be SOL.

 

Oh, and since it probably matters on some excursions... I AM old enough to drink! :)

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Go HERE for the Ports of Call forum for the Caribbean.

[rodenboy]

Maho Beach in St Maarten is the only place out of all ports Oasis call at (Eastern and Western) my entire party and I agree on. Check it out!

 

I hope you know what you've let yourself in for! You'll be hooked on cruises now!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Miamia65]

Nassau - do not go on the ferry, catch a taxi to Atlantis or to other parts of Nassau. We got caught out with this operator and after waiting in the terminal for half an hour the guy took us to the ferry (it was a large water taxi), we then had to wait another half hour for them to fill it up with people and then it wouldn't start... it eventually started but I was surprised we made it.

Taxis are about $10 each way, worth the extra $$$. If you want to see Atlantis book through the cruise line otherwise you really can't see the resort as you either need to be a guest there or on an organised excursion.

 

St Thomas we went on a catamaran to a beach about 1 hour away from the port and swam with turtles. Quite a busy spot, coral reef was ok.

 

St Maarten - definitely go to Maho (Airport) Beach - search this beach on youtube and allow 2-3 hours. If you want to experience the aeroplanes taking off, go in the afternoon. We hired a private taxi for 5 hours and went around the entire island both french and dutch sides. It was worth the $$ I think it was around $300 for 6 people. Also good duty free prices in St Maarten right at the port, I purchased caribbean rum for $30.

[misty57]

First ask yourself what you really want to do... do you want to snorkel? Choose a snorkel excursion. If you like the beach... Orient Beach in St Martin

If you would like to just get an overview of the islands take an island tour. Shopping? Catch a taxi to town but avoid the time wasting port of call lecture on the ship. We took a taxi to Atlantis and purchased a tour there. It was ok... there are different prices for different levels of access. I wouldn't take the ship excursion there, just like I wouldn't take a shopping excursion if the shopping area is accessible by taxi for a reasonable cost.

You say you are a college student.. are you going alone? If so I would try to connect with others on your sailing ( check out roll call).Sometimes people will have private tours booked and need more people to fill in. Those have been some of our best excursions. I would avoid going alone in St Thomas.

[misty57]

I overlooked the point that the Atlantis tour included a dolphin swim. Those are expensive no matter where you go, but some are better than others. Some are enclosed in a pool while others are more open waters if that matters to you. You might consider checking the price on those type of excursions in St Thomas or St Martin. We did one in Roatan that was fabulous but it did cost about $100 pp.

[Jen731]

Hello~

 

I am especially interested in Atlantis Ultimate Tour Without Lunch - NS90 which takes place in Nassau, but it's $299 so I'm not entirely sure it would be worth it (it includes a deep water dolphin swim and access to the water park.) I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (college student!) but I'm willing to splurge on something since it's not like I get chances like this everyday.

 

My understanding is that the excursions book up fast, so I'm worried if I don't decide soon I'll be SOL.

 

Oh, and since it probably matters on some excursions... I AM old enough to drink! :)

 

 

I'm on your cruise, Hi! One thing to consider about Atlantis is that we are in Nassau a short time. I think the water park doesn't open until 10 and you have to be back on the ship by 1 or 1:30, which means you need to leave Atlantis by 12:30 or 1:00. So it's up to you if it's worth the money. For us, it wasn't. We'd rather wait and do Atlantis on a cruise where we have the whole day in Nassau. If a dolphin swim is really important to you, I think there are some in st. Thomas.

 

We aren't planning much for Nassau. Walking around and eating at the fish fry. For st. Martin, we are doing a private snorkeling tour. And we still haven't agreed on St. Thomas. Everyone in our group wants to do something different. Our family wants a lazy beach day, so probably Magen's Bay or Trunk Bay for us. Definitely check out the boards for all the ports of call. The info out there is overwhelming.

[janetz]

We did this thru the ship. It was the best excursion we have ever done and we have done many. ;)

 

http://www.12metre.com/regatta.htm

Edited April 21, 2014 by janetz

[kittyplum]

Thanks for all the answers! I didn't realize I posted this question in the wrong forum (still don't know my way around this site too well) but I still got some really great information and I definitely appreciate it! :)

[help04me]

Hello~

 

I've booked my first ever vacation over a year ago, but it's finally creeping nearer and I'm not nearly as decisive as I thought I'd be at this point!

 

My upcoming cruise on Oasis is June 14, 2014 from Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be stopping by:

 

1. Nassau, Bahamas

2. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3. Philipsburgh, St. Maarten

 

I'm extremely excited, and I've been looking at the excursions available on the pre-cruise planner. So many options! I'd love to hear opinions, especially based off of experience.

 

I am especially interested in Atlantis Ultimate Tour Without Lunch - NS90 which takes place in Nassau, but it's $299 so I'm not entirely sure it would be worth it (it includes a deep water dolphin swim and access to the water park.) I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (college student!) but I'm willing to splurge on something since it's not like I get chances like this everyday.

 

My understanding is that the excursions book up fast, so I'm worried if I don't decide soon I'll be SOL.

 

Oh, and since it probably matters on some excursions... I AM old enough to drink! :)

I loved the helmet dive at coral world in st Thomas a walk on the bottom of the ocean without getting your hair wet and the guide will bring things for you to hold while you are 20 feet under water. afterwards they have a live shark tank , sea turtles you could almost reach out and touch Edited April 22, 2014 by help04me

[caneguy]

Hello~

 

I've booked my first ever vacation over a year ago, but it's finally creeping nearer and I'm not nearly as decisive as I thought I'd be at this point!

 

My upcoming cruise on Oasis is June 14, 2014 from Ft. Lauderdale. We'll be stopping by:

 

1. Nassau, Bahamas

2. Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

3. Philipsburgh, St. Maarten

 

I'm extremely excited, and I've been looking at the excursions available on the pre-cruise planner. So many options! I'd love to hear opinions, especially based off of experience.

 

I am especially interested in Atlantis Ultimate Tour Without Lunch - NS90 which takes place in Nassau, but it's $299 so I'm not entirely sure it would be worth it (it includes a deep water dolphin swim and access to the water park.) I'm not exactly rolling in the dough (college student!) but I'm willing to splurge on something since it's not like I get chances like this everyday.

 

My understanding is that the excursions book up fast, so I'm worried if I don't decide soon I'll be SOL.

 

Oh, and since it probably matters on some excursions... I AM old enough to drink! :)

 

In Nassau it is a very short time and i think that $299 is not worth it for Atlantis. GO TO MOHO in St. Maarten, you will love it. Went with my two son's 19 and 22 at that time and we went to Sunset Grill at Moho, watched the planes, drank buckets of beer and ate good food. It is one thing that you can not see many places. I did a review of our last trip a few weeks ago on the Oasis, I think you will like the review. Click on the link below.

 

You are going to have a lot of fun!!

[CalifGirl67]

Welcome to the Cruise world were you will be hooked :) We did Nassau as our very 1st cruise in Sept and we were not impressed with it. The shopping at the straw market is great and you can get a lot of great deals there an jew them down in price as this is how they make here money.

 

As for Atlantis, we took a glass bottom boat ride over to that side and had a really long walk to the hotel (Atlantis) from where the boat dropped us off. Atlantis is very exspensive an I would not recommend payng to see there aquarium as its just a wall filled with fish and the cost is outragous. Take a taxi to see the Queens staircase and a few other things you can see but be mindfull of your surroundings as its not the cleanest or safest area to be alone with strangers there. Be sure to take several people with you on your outings. Enjoy your 1st cruise.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Tizz
typo

[lawgirl]

I am sure you have checked out the port threads? If not, you will get great ideas.

 

We rent a car in St. M. The rental places are literally right at the pier and there is one main road that circles whole island. The new bridge is open, so traffic is better. You could see Maho AND Orient beaches in one day easily and stay a few hours at each...see both the Dutch and French sides. Btw, we love Palm Beach, on the northern end of Orient. Quiet and great padded chairs for free. Free parking too.

 

In St. Thomas, many people take the little buses for a few bucks into town to shop or to Magen's Bay beach. If you want a more secluded beach, look at the port forums to learn how to easily take ferry to St. John's.

 

Snorkeling is an option either place. Personally, I love the beaches on St. M so if you want to do a snorkel trip, St. T might be better.

 

No advice on Nasseau...sorry, just not a place I like much, so we usually don't do a cruise that stops there.

 

Last piece of advice.... Skip cruise excursions! Figure out local tour guides, tours, catamarans etc on your own and book directly. Or rent a car...Use CC and tripadvisor for guide recommendations. Ship tours are OK, but private ones are way better!

[TigerCruzin]

It wasn't clear in your first post. But if you are traveling alone I can offer a few suggestions as well. Although I wasn't alone on my first cruise, my mother wasn't interested in doing any excursions. So, I did do those alone. They were all enjoyable and gave me a fun time, while not feeling unsafe at any time.

 

St. Maarten - Island tour with Bernard. Gave beach time at both Orient and Maho Beaches. http://www.bernardstours.com/ Great reviews on all the boards.

 

St. Thomas - Champagne Catamaran Sail through RCL

 

Have a great trip!

[Miamia65]

Just saying, in case it offends but Orient Beach is a nudist beach. We aren't offended by these beaches, however when we pulled up at the beach this guy deliberately turned around to show off his bits..... thought you might want to know this!

[Jen731]

I am sure you have checked out the port threads? If not, you will get great ideas.

 

We rent a car in St. M. The rental places are literally right at the pier and there is one main road that circles whole island. The new bridge is open, so traffic is better. You could see Maho AND Orient beaches in one day easily and stay a few hours at each...see both the Dutch and French sides. Btw, we love Palm Beach, on the northern end of Orient. Quiet and great padded chairs for free. Free parking too.

 

 

This is really good advice that I don't remember seeing on the St. M board... I might rethink our excursion!!

[epcopres]

St. Thomas Meagans Bay is an awesome beach spot. Real relaxed bar and

resturant with all you need. gift shop etc...

 

St Maarten Bernards Tours. Guided tour of the island with stops at Maho

Beach and Orient Beach.

 

We really enjoyed both of these on our last earern trip.

[hisfirstm8]

We have used Joyce Prince in St. Marteen. If you google her name, her website will come up. The is a private tour guide and I'm sure you can read about her on the ports of call board.

 

Barbara

[TigerCruzin]

Just saying, in case it offends but Orient Beach is a nudist beach. We aren't offended by these beaches, however when we pulled up at the beach this guy deliberately turned around to show off his bits..... thought you might want to know this!

 

 

Full Disclosure.. no pun intended :D

 

There are two sides of Orient. Bernard's goes to the "covered" end of Orient.

[cruiseapril]

Nassau- We have been to Nassau many times and have always done enjoyable excursions. One near-by the pier is the British Colonial Hilton -either visit for tea- or get a day pass.

 

We also like the Melia Resort (former Sheraton) - nice beach area of Cable Beach- several big pools. Relaxing beach time.

 

We have been on an excursion to Atlantis- but find it way over-priced. We have also just taken a taxi over and walked around Marina Village to see the Yachts and shops and casino.

 

We did the Dolphin Encounter last month at Blue Lagoon Island- great place, but you may not have enough time for that this trip.

 

Plenty to do in Nassau- we like to get away from the pier and Straw Market area where there are too may vendors.

 

St. Thomas- We like to swim at Magen's Bay Beach.

 

St Maarten/St. Martin- There are excursions which go to both the Dutch and French sites. We went to Orient Beach- but it is not as good for swimming as some beaches- can be rough.

[dacsmom]

Congratulations on your first cruise, have a great time.

 

I love Bernards Tours in St. Maarten, you see both sides of the island. Google it, he is well known

 

The Sea Blaster in St. Thomas (ships excursion) and had a great time, great snorkeling.

 

I like Ardastra Zoo and the forts in Nassau on my own

[CalifGirl67]

Does anyone know how early you can book with St. Maarten - Island tour with Bernard?? Just wondered how far in advance was needed or best? Thanks

[dacsmom]

I do not know how far out you can book, you can send them an e-mail and ask. We did #1 and it was wonderful.

http://www.bernardstours.com/index.html

[CalifGirl67]

I do not know how far out you can book, you can send them an e-mail and ask. We did #1 and it was wonderful.

http://www.bernardstours.com/index.html

 

Did you get to spend enough time at the beach and get to go to Paradise point? I really want to do that on the tram. When reading the description of what the tour #1 consists of it says "Stop at the French and Dutch Border", what is that and is it something that requires a passport? We have one person without a passport so wasn't sure if that meant you have to go through another border ? Can you clarify please? Thanks

[Kimahri]

Another vote for Bernard's tours in St. Maarten

We did tour 2 and there was more than enough time at the beaches. We did not need our passports. The vans are clean and our driver was lots of fun.

In Nassau we did the ship excursion Blue Lagoon beach break and really enjoyed our day.