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Questions re Bernards Tours.

sammy7088

By sammy7088,
in St. Martin/St. Maarten

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zoof26

zoof26

Posted
Posted
This is one reason that I would hesitate going on the tour with kids. i.e. free beer and rum for adults as I know this can give some the 'party' feel. Has this ever been an issue?

Wasn't a problem for us. Kind of like the cruise ship... some people drink, some don't

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tuliplvr

tuliplvr

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Posted
This is one reason that I would hesitate going on the tour with kids. i.e. free beer and rum for adults as I know this can give some the 'party' feel. Has this ever been an issue?

 

My two kids were the only ones on the tour. They offered the rum punch but everyone was on their best behavior :-) Wonderful tour.. my kids had a blast!

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LuCruise

LuCruise

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My two kids were the only ones on the tour. They offered the rum punch but everyone was on their best behavior :-) Wonderful tour.. my kids had a blast!

 

Thanks for letting me know. I guess thinking about it, people have to be able to get themselves back on the ship as I'm sure Bernard doesn't escort you right to the door....so people would stay "in control".

 

What did your kids like best? Still trying to decide whether to take the tour with kids or not.

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tuliplvr

tuliplvr

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Thanks for letting me know. I guess thinking about it, people have to be able to get themselves back on the ship as I'm sure Bernard doesn't escort you right to the door....so people would stay "in control".

 

What did your kids like best? Still trying to decide whether to take the tour with kids or not.

 

How old are your kids? My at the time were 15 1/2 and almost 12. I'd say their favorite part was Orient Beach.. they loved the color of the water and the waves. They also loved the visit to Maho beach seeing the planes landing and taking off. Each stop (even some brief) offered something that they really liked (awesome view, iguanas, quick lunch on French side). It really was one of the highlights of our cruise. I'd highly recommend the tour.

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LuCruise

LuCruise

Posted
Posted
How old are your kids? My at the time were 15 1/2 and almost 12. I'd say their favorite part was Orient Beach.. they loved the color of the water and the waves. They also loved the visit to Maho beach seeing the planes landing and taking off. Each stop (even some brief) offered something that they really liked (awesome view, iguanas, quick lunch on French side). It really was one of the highlights of our cruise. I'd highly recommend the tour.

 

When we cruise, my DS will be a few weeks away from turning 11, and our DD, will be 6.5 years (a few months away from 7). Orient looks fun but I am a bit concerned of the nude thing. Am hoping there is an area they can direct us where we can avoid seeing people without clothes.

Great to hear your kids really enjoyed it. We are highly considering it.

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tuliplvr

tuliplvr

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When we cruise, my DS will be a few weeks away from turning 11, and our DD, will be 6.5 years (a few months away from 7). Orient looks fun but I am a bit concerned of the nude thing. Am hoping there is an area they can direct us where we can avoid seeing people without clothes.

Great to hear your kids really enjoyed it. We are highly considering it.

 

Bernards drops you off at a nice spot. We didn't see any topless people but I know that there is the possibility for some topless. The fully clothing optional beach Club Orient is way down the far end of the beach to the right. No where near where we were.

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LuCruise

LuCruise

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Bernards drops you off at a nice spot. We didn't see any topless people but I know that there is the possibility for some topless. The fully clothing optional beach Club Orient is way down the far end of the beach to the right. No where near where we were.

 

That's great. That makes me feel better. Thanks so much for letting me know.

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Lisa77064

Lisa77064

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Yes, we left everything in the van. Everything was still there. Too bad my sister's luggage never showed up though when we disembarked the Oasis. The goodies she purchased while on this tour disappeared with her lost luggage at the port.

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  • 4 weeks later...
Mominor

Mominor

Posted
Posted

Can somebody tell me the benefit of getting a private tour vs just hiring a cab when getting off the ship? We are a family of 5 plus grandma so want the flexibility to go where we want but $400 seems high. Could we hire a cab to do the same thing right off the ship for less money? We have 4-5 stops we would like to do (most of them are on the Bernard's group tours but we want the flexibility in our time and choices so a group tour is not an option). I'd appreciate and help and feedback! Thanks!

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LuCruise

LuCruise

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tHank you. i was getting confused as there is now bernards sxm, but I have since read in the FAQ that they are one and the same.

 

Isn't this the same thing? it links to the same url...with Tour 1, Tour 2 (with beach) and the private one.

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st.zoomer

st.zoomer

Posted
Posted
Can somebody tell me the benefit of getting a private tour vs just hiring a cab when getting off the ship? We are a family of 5 plus grandma so want the flexibility to go where we want but $400 seems high. Could we hire a cab to do the same thing right off the ship for less money? We have 4-5 stops we would like to do (most of them are on the Bernard's group tours but we want the flexibility in our time and choices so a group tour is not an option). I'd appreciate and help and feedback! Thanks!

 

We just got back a couple of days ago after taking the Benards tour in St. Martin. We saw enough in four hours and the guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating. If you hire a taxi he won't necessarily be able to give you the correct information that a licensed tour guide could and won't give you free drinks (rum punch & beer--all you want), soft drinks or water.

 

We paid $40 each for the tour but I have no idea how much it would to hire a taxi for six people and make an equivalent tour.

 

To answer your question, I suppose it just boils down to how important flexibility is vs. a package deal once you know the taxi pricing. For us it was an easy choice since my wife had previously taken the Benard's tour a few years ago and wanted to take it again because she was so happy with it.

 

If you decide to go with Benard's the only caution is that their location at the port is a bit difficult to find since it is located outside of the main shopping area--maybe 10 minutes from the ships.

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Fighterone

Fighterone

Posted
Posted
Can somebody tell me the benefit of getting a private tour vs just hiring a cab when getting off the ship? We are a family of 5 plus grandma so want the flexibility to go where we want but $400 seems high. Could we hire a cab to do the same thing right off the ship for less money? We have 4-5 stops we would like to do (most of them are on the Bernard's group tours but we want the flexibility in our time and choices so a group tour is not an option). I'd appreciate and help and feedback! Thanks!

 

Mominor, I just saw your post and have asked my DH to reply to you. We were in St-Marteen Nov. 28 and cannot praise Bernard's Tours enough. It was my second time with him.

 

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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BillOh Holiday Sharing Rare

BillOh

Posted
Posted
This is one reason that I would hesitate going on the tour with kids. i.e. free beer and rum for adults as I know this can give some the 'party' feel. Has this ever been an issue?

 

Let me relate my personal experience and what I have read on reviews. In 2011 when we took this tour, about 16 people There was a group of 6 people that included a few kids. The tour put them in one bus and they didn't serve the alcohol. We were there as a couple and they put us with other adults and the alcohol was served. I have read reviews where the driver, at his disgression didn't serve when kids were on board. While I am not a big drinker, given the low price/value of this tour, I'd feel somewhat slighted if it wasn't served.

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Granny1

Granny1

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Posted

Hi everyone, well with reading everyone's glowing reports we will be doing a tour with Bernard but not sure which one Tour 1 is cheaper but with no dedicated lunch stop or Tour 2 which is a longer tour with a dedicated lunch stop. Hmm Can anyone tell me with the shorter tour 1 will there be anywhere on this tour to maybe grab a sandwich or something quick..:rolleyes:

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Fighterone

Fighterone

Posted
Posted (edited)
Hi everyone, well with reading everyone's glowing reports we will be doing a tour with Bernard but not sure which one Tour 1 is cheaper but with no dedicated lunch stop or Tour 2 which is a longer tour with a dedicated lunch stop. Hmm Can anyone tell me with the shorter tour 1 will there be anywhere on this tour to maybe grab a sandwich or something quick..:rolleyes:

 

Serafina's! DJ, our guide stopped for a good 1/2 hour in Marigot. We went to that pastry shop and ate a wonderful croque-monsieur, eclairs and apple tarts. Make sure the clerk heats it all the way through.

We were on tour #1 since we had no desire to spend time at the beach. You can also use the restroom at this bakery, they will give you a code. Don't bother going down the street where the guide will direct you to a public RR.

Edited by Fighterone
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Fighterone

Fighterone

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My daughter and I are booked for tour #2 in June. We're on RC. Is this hard to find when we get off the ship? Bernard emailed some directions, but I'd hate to get lost!

 

 

We asked security at the entrance gate. We were told to look for a white tent. It is close to the entrance. Just ask security. It's out in the open air. I included an attachment of what the inside of the tent looks like.

 

Have a great time!

1993781523_IMG_7891(2).jpg.a7ad3eed8f0a9b8c93f244a0a00968c8.jpg

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  • 2 weeks later...

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