2PinaColadas

I think I have read this already, but just want to make sure.  Does the Cheers package apply at HMC or do drinks just get charged to your Sign and Sail?  Thanks

Thank you. Hubby is wanting to dive at Grand Turk.  

Yes, be sure to get the premium liquor when ordering.  Big difference!

Avoid drinks of the day-- they are pre-made with various cheap liquors. Hangover in a cup.

Pace yourself.

Drink water!! Grab a bottle before turning in at night, especially if you take morning meds. 

Try something new. 

Get a Miami Vice made with Grey Goose instead of rum for dessert at least once. 😁

How have the embarkation and debarkation changed?  Hopefully both have gotten better since 2017-- our last cruise. 

Until Carnival improves their itineraries, we are not planning any cruises with them.  It seems like every cruise is going to the same ports.

If they wanted to get rid of some ports, Freeport and Progresso would have been better choices, IMO. 

We spent a week in STT this summer at Sapphire too-- Building B.  My favorite part of this vacation was that there were no crowds.  We enjoyed Magen's Bay more than we ever have before-- it was so peaceful without people, lol.  

To me, there is nothing like the Southern Caribbean, especially the Virgin Islands.  I enjoyed climbing the Mayan Pyramids in Belize and my DH enjoyed diving in Roatan, but the beaches in the VI are the best!!  As the Eagles sang "Peaceful, Easy Feeling".  Nothing else like them. 

Mitsugirly -- have a great dive.  Make sure you have a Bushwhacker after you dive.  The VI has the best!

We are not sure what to do.  We leave on March 22 for the Southern Caribbean, flying out of San Juan.  The scare could die down some by then, or explode.  We have insurance, but would still not get back all of our money because as others have stated, it's not a reason listed.  I have read that some airlines are refunding or giving credit for a future flight but don't know if that is true.  We have until March 9 to get any $$ back, so guess will weigh the pros and cons. 

We are headed to Sapphire around 8:00 as well. We are going to ask our taxi driver to stop at Moe's on the way there so we can get our "essentials" for the morning.  We usually do this when on a cruise to STT.   Then, around 11:00ish,  when the beach bar opens, it's fish tacos for the DH and a bushwhacker for me.  🙂

Thanks Aplmac.  Aww Accra-- we may have to go back.  You just reminded me why we liked it there. 🙂

$100 for taxi there and back!  Sounds like a lot.  Was that USD or Barbados $$?

We are looking for a fun beach bar to hang out at that has good drinks,  chair rentals and a decent bathroom.  We went to Carlisle last time, but honestly, we are educators and would prefer someplace with fewer kiddos.  (We love kids, but its our vacation.) 

Thanks!!

Which is closer-- Brandon Beach or Carlisle? Would Brandon's be less crowded?

On 2/14/2020 at 9:44 PM, mitsugirly said:

 

 

Well now, that was pretty amazing if that was Secret Harbor. If that what it looks like, I would be happy with that. Thanks so much for sharing what you found. I wonder why it didn't come up when I searched.

 

 

 

Thanks for the info and your thoughts.

 

 

Glad to hear that Coki is normally not rough. Several people have said this to me and it makes me feels better.

 

I have read really good reviews about Aqua Action and their professionalism. Good to know he agrees. They did say their shore dive is 20 feet but if that 20 feet has good things to see, I would be happy with that. When he says "well worth doing" can you ask him to elaborate as to why? Like did he see the things that is in the video someone posted above? If so, I would definitely love to go there.

DH said-- that the video is very accurate as to what you would see on these dives. Aqua Action, Red Hook etc... pretty much take you to the same areas to dive.  If you are boat diving, you can't go wrong with either one.  If you shore dive, definitely Coki.  The owner of that dive shop, Peter, is a great guy and his staff are fun and professional.  He also said that STT/Virgin Islands have very good diving, but are not as good as Cozumel or Bahamas, in his opinion.  

If you have any non-divers in your group, they may want to go to Lindqvist or Sapphire.  Coki gets crazy crowded when ships are in port.  I won't make that mistake again 🙂. Enjoy your trip.

On 2/7/2020 at 7:48 AM, blue_water said:

We miss the mahi mahi at the Banana Cabana!

My DH definitely agrees!  I miss her pina coladas.  

Sapphire is our favorite.  Love the views, the water, the beach bar, the vibe--everything.  

We prefer Lindqvist.  Gorgeous beach and not as crowded as Megan's.  Just pack a cooler, grab some towels and relax.   

According to my DH, who is an experienced dive instructor and has been diving in St.Thomas numerous times with various dive shops (Aqua Action, Red Hook, Coki, and Jost)

He says-- Coki is not normally rough.  He has done a few shore dives there and never experienced rough water.  He loves the visibility there and normally sees a lot of sea life.  

Red Hook has a great 2 tank dive, but probably is not what you are looking for.  Great to do if you are staying on the island or have more time.   Fun group. 

Aqua Action he said was very professional and he enjoyed the dives.  The shore dive was "very shallow" but worth doing.  He prefers their boat dives. 

I've gotten the veggie burger at Guy's. They always would tell me, "give us 10 minutes", but they did not send me to the deli and they did not cook it on the same grill as the meat burgers.  Maybe they went to the deli for me.  Not sure. They are better than the Gardenburgers I get at the grocery store. 

Sapphire has a real bar now.  The sweet lady with the little hut is gone.  She made some great drinks-- I miss her.  However, then new bar is nice and makes great drinks, wonderful grilled cheese sandwiches and my dh says the best fish tacos.  

Thank you, Soonernstlouis.  What was the reason for Dominica instead of St. Thomas?   

I would like to know too.  My DH will not get in the Skyride (hates heights) and I would really like to go to Paradise Point again.  

Islandattorney is right-- the water and the temps will be fine.  We have always gone to STT in March-- never been too cool for us. 

Sapphire Beach is great!  We've spent several land vacations there and it never disappoints.  The views, the colors of the water, the overall vibe-- wonderful. 

Do allow more than 20-25 minutes for the return trip.  We once got stuck in traffic coming back -- (heard it was a tourist who wrecked a jeep!)  Luckily we were with a friend who lives in STT -- he took a few side roads and we made it back to the ship in plenty of time.  We often wondered if others were as lucky. Enjoy!!