So confused - help me with Eastern Caribbean planning

[kobe]

Hi,

 

A year ago we took our kids on a Western Caribbean cruise and it seemed pretty easy to plan excursions. This summer we're booked on Navigator - Eastern Caribbean and I just can't seem to figure out a plan. I've done searches and read threads about it but I'm still stuck. I keep reading about beautiful beaches and shopping. The only excursions that seem to pop out are the America Cup challenge and Lotterie Farms zip line.

 

Our son is 17 and our daughter is 14 - both will try just about anything but they aren't huge hang out on the beach people. They prefer to be doing something - at least part of the time.

 

I like booking excursions on our own but I'm not finding much. I've read the individual port threads also and I feel like I'm going in circles.

 

I'd really appreciate any suggestions about ways to plan our days. Thanks!

[christineann]

I am in the same situation. We are going on the Navigator/eastern in June (went on the western a few years ago), and I am having trouble deciding on excursions, too. My kids are just a little older than yours. We love snorkeling and anything on the water and look at shopping as something extra to do if we have time.

 

Any suggestions from anyone? Thanks!

[ciship]

I have to agree that the Eastern route doesnt seem to have as much to offer (in the way of activities) as the Western. We are taking Eastern this July. I'm sure the beaches are breathtaking, but that will get boring for my kids. Through my research I found Lord Sheffield's excursion in St. Maarten which sounds awesome for our family of 4 (two kids under 13). I have already booked them through their website.

 

I still havent found anything in St. Thomas. It just seems like its all about shopping and beaches. We don't shop. I'm looking for an activity that keeps the kids interested and still challenges my DH and I. Lots of places for snorkeling, but we will have already done plenty of that by the time we reach St. Thomas.

 

I hope you get some great suggestions!!

[1corona4u]

I have to agree that the Eastern route doesnt seem to have as much to offer (in the way of activities) as the Western. We are taking Eastern this July. I'm sure the beaches are breathtaking, but that will get boring for my kids. Through my research I found Lord Sheffield's excursion in St. Maarten which sounds awesome for our family of 4 (two kids under 13). I have already booked them through their website.

 

I still havent found anything in St. Thomas. It just seems like its all about shopping and beaches. We don't shop. I'm looking for an activity that keeps the kids interested and still challenges my DH and I. Lots of places for snorkeling, but we will have already done plenty of that by the time we reach St. Thomas.

 

I hope you get some great suggestions!!

 

How about Coral World, in St. Thomas?? You can do that on your own.

http://www.coralworldvi.com/

 

Then, take the skyride to Paradise Point, for lunch and the Bird shows.

http://www.paradisepointtramway.com/

 

Or, is that too uneventful? I have not been to Coral World, so I can't comment on it, but Paradise Point is great. Not a whole lot to do there, but it's worth the trip up.

 

Here's a couple more things you can do;

 

http://www.viecotours.com/

 

http://www.atlantisadventures.com/tour_info.php?site=13&tour=139&cat=8

[ciship]

Great info Corona!!! Thank you for the links....that helped a lot!

 

We will definitely take the tram and then probably go to Coki beach where Coral World is.

[kobe]

Coral world looks interesting - although it looks a little like a theme park from the map on the site. If you've been I'd like to know if you think it was worth it and how it takes to enjoy the area.

 

I also emailed Joyce for information about her tours.....

[mimikens]

We did the ATV tour in St Maarten this last time. I don't know the age requirement though. We also did the hiking in St John's. Previously, we have done kayaking, the America's cup and a wreck dive.

[elleluv]

We loved the BOB excursion through the ship in St. Thomas... our favorite excursion so far! :D

[twinmom38]

Hi,

 

A year ago we took our kids on a Western Caribbean cruise and it seemed pretty easy to plan excursions. This summer we're booked on Navigator - Eastern Caribbean and I just can't seem to figure out a plan. I've done searches and read threads about it but I'm still stuck. I keep reading about beautiful beaches and shopping. The only excursions that seem to pop out are the America Cup challenge and Lotterie Farms zip line.

 

Our son is 17 and our daughter is 14 - both will try just about anything but they aren't huge hang out on the beach people. They prefer to be doing something - at least part of the time.

 

I like booking excursions on our own but I'm not finding much. I've read the individual port threads also and I feel like I'm going in circles.

 

I'd really appreciate any suggestions about ways to plan our days. Thanks!

 

What about horsebackriding on St Marrten ? Also, look at www.shoretrips.com ..there are some differentthings there, as opposed to the offerings of RCCL, and there is horseback riding there as well.

[captNcrunch]

Twop excursions we have found to be more than worth the $$$$

St. Marteen --- Gloden Eagle

St. Thomas ---- Captain Nautica.

 

Just my 2cents

[careyd]

I just got back today from Eastern on the Mariner. We took our 7 and 10 year olds on the Loterie Farm Zip line tour. It was AMAZING!!! Your kids will love it. In St. Thomas I heard BOB was good, but we went to ST. John to the beach for a couple of hours then had Cold Stone Creamery. Kids were happy, we were happy.

[wraithe]

There was another thread where someone was asking about renting a Harley for a tour on St. Maarten or St. Thomas (I'm having a duh moment and can't remember for sure which one), but I never saw any resolution on it. Does anyone who has done the Eastern lately know anything about it?

Thanks,

Wraithe

[kobe]

I certainly need to do some more research - I don't know what any of these things are: St. Marteen --- Gloden Eagle

St. Thomas ---- Captain Nautica

or BOB

 

Help please.

[Nano]

The absolute highlight of our trip on the Mariner last year was a private daysail we took while in St. Thomas. We went on a 40' sailboat (The Jester) for the day that started with delicious cocktails ("Jester Juice"), fun caribbean music and beautiful sail over to the island of St. John. Once we anchored, we snorkeled all around the coral there and then enjoyed a freshly prepared gourmet lunch on the boat. We then sailed some more (all the while listening to Jimmy Buffet and enjoying drinks) and eventually (8 hours later) returned to port. It was an absolutely wonderful day...and there are several sailboats that offer these types of daysails. I can't recommend this enough! We brought our 2 daughters (9 &12 at the time) and they loved it as much as we did!

[JulieMcCoy]

Captain Nautica is Captain Nautica Speedboat Snorkeling - we absolutely loved it! Three snorkeling spots, travel by speedboat, fun crew. BOB is an underwater excursion where you sit on a little scooter and have an air-filled helmet on your head, attached by air hose to the boat.

[SusieC]

careyd, You mentioned that you brought your 7 and 10 year old kids on the zip line excursion. Did they have any problems with the course? I had read elsewhere that it was quite difficult if you weren't tall enough. Either of your kids have any trouble?

[mimikens]

careyd - could you give us some detail on the tour. What it entailed, etc.

[cusyl]

Definitely would recommend the 12 metre America's Cup Race in St. Maarten. No where else in the world can your teens have this experience. It would be the highlight of their trip.

[captNcrunch]

I certainly need to do some more research - I don't know what any of these things are: St. Marteen --- Gloden Eagle

St. Thomas ---- Captain Nautica

or BOB

 

Help please.

 

Here are some links:

http://www.sailingsxm.com/eagle.htm

 

http://www.captainnautica.com/

 

The harley tour in St Marteen is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ we looked into it but man I could not justify the price!

But ... here is a new link for booking on your own, this was not available when we went, only through the ship and it was three times as much.

 

http://www.saint-martin-activities.com/qwerty/index.htm?c89.htm&1

[captNcrunch]

Just checked RCCL still offers the harley tour in St Maarten at the low low price of $450.00 per adult .... and $450.00 for a child! :(

[TTCruiser]

While in St Thomas, how about chartering a captained powerboat from Red Hook and taking either a half or full day sail into the BVI. Most boats accomodate up to 6 passengers and are priced reasonably well.

 

Be sure to check out Norman Island where you can snorkel in the caves that were the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

 

http://www.normanisland.com

 

Also, check out Jost Van Dyke, home of The Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy's...this would be a great place stop for lunch and enjoy the island life!

 

http://www.foxysbar.com/stuff.html

 

Maybe even stop off at Trunk Bay in St John as you return back to Red Hook and St Thomas.

 

If you really would like a memorable experience, skip the islands listed above and head out to Virgin Gorda for a tour of The Baths!

 

http://www.bareboatsbvi.com/virgin_gorda_the_baths.html

 

http://www.conciergevi.com - for information on powerboat rentals

[careyd]

Zip line details -

We were with a group of about 40 ppl. We all did a small practice course first to get used to all the clips and zips. I had my kids do the practice twice. Our tour guide recommended that we go at the end of the group and have one of the Loterie farm guides do the course along with my two kids. So, my husband went first, then the 10 year old, the guide, the 7 year old, then me. The guide (Andrew) was amazing. He really did everything with my 7 year old and watched out for the 10 year old as well (he didn't need as much help). They also have a smaller children's course if you want that for your kids, but with Andrew my 7 year old was fine.

 

You are in a harness with two clips and a zip line attachment with wheels. There are about 37 traverses including zip lines, steps, rope walks, tight ropes, etc. At the beginning and end of each traverse you have to clip yourself on and off of the safety lines to each traverse. YOu wear a glove on one hand to serve as a brake when you're going down the zip lines. It is VERY well staffed, safe and kept beautiful and clean and is just a wonderful experience. You have such a sense of accomplishment when you finish and it's just exhilirating. Andrew was a doll and my kids would've had a bit of a challenge doing all the clip changing and rope reaching without him. My kids and I both felt very confident and comfortable with the safety and did very well. Any other questions you can email me at crd41072@yahoo.com

[gkrebs]

TT,

 

If folks do what your suggest, and go to the BVI's, they need to bring there documentation and go through Immigration and customs when they return. Might not be worth the hassel to do this. But I will say that the BVI's are a great set of islands to go to.

[elleluv]

I certainly need to do some more research - I don't know what any of these things are: St. Marteen --- Gloden Eagle

St. Thomas ---- Captain Nautica

or BOB

 

Help please.

 

 

Here's a BOB....

 

 

While you are waiting for your turn on the BOB you can do some snorkeling from the boat. We had a blast! :D

[dreamcruisers]

Here are some links:

http://www.sailingsxm.com/eagle.htm

 

http://www.captainnautica.com/

 

The harley tour in St Marteen is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ we looked into it but man I could not justify the price!

But ... here is a new link for booking on your own, this was not available when we went, only through the ship and it was three times as much.

 

http://www.saint-martin-activities.com/qwerty/index.htm?c89.htm&1[:) Hi, have tried contacting captain nautica by e-mail and phone and gotten no response Did you set it up yourself or thru a cruiseline? We are trying to arrange for 8 people 1/2 day snorkel trip and havent gotten it set up yet.... Any thoughts?/quote]