Betsypaige

On 12/5/2023 at 1:33 PM, mommb said:

On a 7-night cruise, you should be able to book Palo dinner, on the ship if not in advance. We were able to book a dinner halfway through our 7-night Fantasy cruise last January. 

 

The Remy dessert experience allows fewer guests than Palo, but is also more expensive (though totally worth it) so that's harder to predict. All you can do is try, and ask to get on the waitlist if you're unable to book in advance.

 

Good luck!

Thank you so much! Not that long now before I can start booking ..finally!

at Remy dessert experience and/or Palo dinner?  I’ve already booked my excursions off the ship, so these are the two things I really want. My booking window opens on 12/18…

I know no one can really tell, but at least I might know whether I should have hope…

Thsnks! 

23 minutes ago, blue_water said:

Thank you for your kind words! 🙏

 

My wife had a Hook bracelet made by St John Bracelet Co. in Cruz Bay some years ago while we spent the day/evening on STJ. Exquisite workmanship and quality. You can check their Facebook page if interested, and also ask Delvin for any recommendations on Tortola.

I checked their website - absolutely stunning!  It looks like there are two different kinds of hooks - one that looks like a C and one that looks like a pirate hook (the kind that replaces a hand).  They are not inexpensive, but wow - I need one, lol.  Thank you !

46 minutes ago, blue_water said:

I think that is an ideal solution for you, and Stoutt’s is great too. And I’m happy you are considering staying and seeing Tortola! Sooo many day visitors head straight for the ferry to JVD or VG and never experience the beauty that Tortola offers!

 

You will see some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean, and meet wonderful people along the way. I imagine you will stop at Stoutt’s Lookout too. And if you are going from Smuggler’s or Long Bay, West End to CGB (or Brewers Bay), ask to stop at Bananakeet for their “Bananakeet” drink and the spectacular views of the USVI.

 

Great choice! And I agree, return for a longer visit and enjoy the Baths and White Bay when the ships depart! 😉

It’s expensive, lol....but I’m happy, too! Will I occasionally go back and forth  wondering if I made the right choice? Yes, because it will give me something to do with so much time on my hands, and also that’s just me...but I didn’t want to be just another day tripper using Tortola as a pit stop. 
 

Ooh, what’s a Bananakeet? I actually don’t drink, but I’m going to try a Painkiller because ..yum, what’s better than Coconut, orange and pineapple juice? I may get it Virgin style, though I don’t hate rum, so maybe I’ll try it that way...

Any recommendations for lunch? Though I’m sure Dervin will have some...what a nice guy he is.

Think I can get a hook bracelet in Road Town or should I save that for Cruz  Bay?  Any recommendations in either place ? I’m not much of a shopper, but I would like to buy some fresh fruit, juices, and check out authentic island products.

Thank you so much for all of your help - even reading your older posts, you’ve been such a big help!

So although I haven’t heard back from Malcolm yet, I decided to do sort of an island/beach combo tour with Dervin @ Stoutt’s Taxi and Tours, which I first read about here.  I’ll spend some time at Smuggler’s Cove, and then Dervin will take me around part of the island...perhaps with a stop at CBG. As much as I’d LOVE to see White Bay and spend time there, I can’t help thinking how I’d regret not seeing any of Tortola. I WILL return to the Virgin Islands, and JVD isn’t going anywhere.

I actually think this works best. I’ll be getting plenty of beach time on this cruise, what with spending some time on Trunk Bay in STJ (as part of a Jeep tour) and Disney’s Castaway Cay.  I don’t think I need more.
 

Thoughts ?

Thank you!!

6 minutes ago, blue_water said:

Sorry to hear that!

There are drivers at the pier offering shared and private island tours, some with a stop in CGB. If you don’t book anything before you arrive you could do that. There are other tour operators, let me look at that…

Me, too, but the good thing is there are options. I could still do the Sunshine boat charter and a private island tour - as long as I get off to an early start.  It’s easy to imagine all these things in my head, but it also needs to be practical …I’ll know more after Malcolm gets back to me

Thank you so much! 

5 hours ago, blue_water said:

Another option is a private tour of Tortola with AC’s Taxi with beach time at Smuggler’s…

Based on your previous comments, I called AC....they don’t do solo travelers. I’m not surprised, though I was disappointed...this world isn’t set up for singles.

Thank you, though -this would have been wonderful

5 hours ago, blue_water said:

1) Yes, White Bay is very popular with day trippers- cruisers, bareboaters, and excursions from STT, STJ, and Tortola.
 

2) Our choice away from the crowds would be Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.

 

3) White Bay can be very crowded every day, although weekends can be worse.

 

4) Yes - I think Smuggler’s or Long Bay, West End would be perfect for you. Long Bay is a bit easier, but you shouldn’t have a problem with a taxi returning…Your island hopping itinerary is way too aggressive. Sunshine can give you a realistic itinerary for your day..,

5 hours ago, blue_water said:

1) Yes, White Bay is very popular with day trippers- cruisers, bareboaters, and excursions from STT, STJ, and Tortola.
 

2) Our choice away from the crowds would be Ivan’s Stress Free Bar.

 

3) White Bay can be very crowded every day, although weekends can be worse.

 

4) Yes - I think Smuggler’s or Long Bay, West End would be perfect for you. Long Bay is a bit easier, but you shouldn’t have a problem with a taxi returning…Your island hopping itinerary is way too aggressive. Sunshine can give you a realistic itinerary for your day..,

That’s why I’m thinking get to White Bay earlier ..it’s a week day at least, so that helps. 
 

As long as Ivan’s serves lunch, I’m good...

I’ll just forget about the 3rd stop, although if I’m not going to do that, it feels like I’m not taking advantage of having a boat...but then again, it beats having to get to JVD by myself, and worrying about being picked up from Smuggler’s Cove, lol. Malcolm is going to e-mail me, so once we further discuss itinerary and price, I’ll know if this will really work.

Thank you!

Just to add...

I’m inquiring into Sunshine Powerboats..

I’m thinking a  possible island hopping itinerary might be:

White Bay, JVD - morning
Smuggler’s Cove - lunch/early to mid afternoon  - Patricia’s

Cooper Island/Virgin Gorda (Devil’s Bay)?

For a freckled, very fair skinned tourist, that’s a lot of sun, sand and water, lol. It almost makes me wonder if I should forget the last two stops and maybe to a taxi tour of Tortola instead....

Thoughts?

Thank you!

Part 2
 

3) My Cruise is 3/2-3/9, so I’ll be in Tortola on 3/5...I suppose that’s still spring break. I admit I hate crowds anywhere, but 3/5 is a Wednesday - does that matter in terms of how crowded White Bay will be? I’m ok with people, lol - I don’t need solitude and compete privacy, I just don’t like big crowds.

I’m considering the below company because I LOVE fast boats, I love the feel of the wind in my face...its very expensive, so I’m really not sure, but I love that I can customize a tour (I’d definitely add Smuggler’s Cove)

https://antillespowerboats.com/


4) Should I consider beaches on a quieter island, like Virgin Gorda ? Not the Baths - that’s not for me. I’d be happy with beautiful white sand, good swimming, a good local’s place for lunch...

Or, I could just stay on Tortola. Smuggler’s Cove really appeals, but I’m alone, and I’ve read here that there could be issues with taxis not returning. Brewer’s Bay and Long Bay both sound lovely...

Thank you!!

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  Warning, this will be long...sorry!

So I’m taking the Disney Fantasy out of Port Canaveral.  I would really love to do the 6 hour ship excursion to JVD, but there’s a high probability of it being sold out before my booking window opens, so I’m spending lots of time trying to figure out what I want to (checking out private tours, etc...)

There IS A 4 hour White Bay/JVD excursion through Shore Excursions LLC that looks a lot like the 4 hour one on Disney - difference is that Shore Excursions leaves from the pier, and so saves a bit of time. They get great reviews, but I really want more than 2 hours on the beach. 

I’ll break this into 2 parts so as to make it less unwieldy:

1) Is JVD primarily for partiers, tourists and drinkers? I see a lot of that in my research, although everyone agrees that White Bay is gorgeous. I’m neither of the first two, definitely the last, lol. I intend to try a Painkiller while I’m here, but my primary goal is to enjoy the beautiful beach and do some swimming. I’d also love to have a tasty, authentic lunch ...

2) Which are your favorite lunch spots on JVD? Soggy? Hendo’s? If I end up taking a private tour for more than 4 hours, I may be able to check out another part of JVD, but that’s up in the air

Part 2 to follow 

Thank you!

1 hour ago, CruiserBruce said:

If you do some reading around, you will see really the only beach close to Lahaina is Ka'anapali, which is about 10-15 minutes north by cab. There is also a shuttle.

Thanks, Bruce. I think I'll just stay in town - seems like there's plenty to do, see and eat. 

Hi everyone....

Thanks for all of the help you've given me. I can't believe it, but my Hawaii trip is only a few short months away, in May.

My original plan was to spend my 2nd day (POA cruise) in Maui on the beach (beach day) because my first day is long (Upcountry/Haleakala sunset).  However, I'm not sure there's enough to keep me occupied at the beach for most of the day (I don't generally lay out because I get bored and because I'm fair skinned), and I can't get Lahaina out of my mind. I'll have other chances in Hawaii to spend at the beach, but only one chance to explore what appears to be a highly unique town.

So, I will be doing research on my own (I love doing that), and I will be perusing the boards, but I would also love any tips you can give me (shops you particularly like, restaurant/food recommendations) about how to make the most of a limited amount of time. I'm not going to try and push myself given that my first day in Maui is so long - probably I'll have lunch, check out the unique shops on Front Street, etc..  I did see on a blog that there are a couple of beaches near town - how close are they? I ask because I'll need to get back to the cruise bus in time.

Thanks so much in advance.

Betsy

OK - so I will hijack my own thread. We are mostly renting cars and doing our own things. There are a couple of places where I multiple plans and will have to narrow down to 1. I am eventually going to put all of my Triptiks as pdf files here. They are rough drafts right now and may change.

 

Maui Day 1 - Road to Hana - rented jeep from Enterprise that is 30 minutes from port. Will park overnight at hotel nearby.

Maui Day 2 - Iao Needle and Lahaina OR more likely now Haleakaha summit.

 

Hilo - I currently have 2 rental reservations. 1) Enterprise location that has a shuttle to the pier. It advertises as a port location, but it is virtual. The real location is a mile or so down the road. 2) Hertz at the airport. I had a free day coupon, so it is only $12, but I have to get to the airport, so I'm not sure if it will save me money or not.

 

We also have 2 sets of plans. 1) Volcano National Park visitor center and drive all the way down to the sea arch and play it by ear based on volcano activity. 2) Go north to Akaka Falls, Botanical Garden, etc.

 

Kona - Rent from Hertz at the Marriott right by the tender location. Drive down to Pu'uhonuaO Hōnaunau and see that. Stop at painted church and anything else that looks interesting on the way back as long as we have energy.

 

Alternate plans for either Hilo or Kona if you don't go to

Haleakaha on Maui, then go up to the visitor center at the 9,000 foot level at Mauna Kea. We won't go all the way to the top, especially in Feb.

Kauai - Wings over Kauai on day 1. Pick up rental car at noon. Depending on clouds and weather - either Fern Grotto - driving north up the coast - or go see the Canyon in the afternoon and evening.

Day 2 - go see the Canyon if too cloudy on day 1.

We are spending a week on Oahu first, so we will do our snorkeling and luau there. We are spending a full day with the guide and all at the Polynesian Cultural center and staying for the luau and Ha Breath of Life.

Sounds fabulous!

I will try and remember to post when I get back. We are doing Hana on Day 1 since that is a must do for me and more likely to make me nervous about being too far from the ship.

Ah, well that makes a lot of sense then, lol. Have a great time!!!

I would love to know what other excursions you've booked (whether through the ship or not).......

Thank you all. We are thinking about doing it on day 2 of our cruise stop instead of driving to Lahaina and doing a walking tour.

 

We really don't want to get up early enough for the sunrise, but understand the dangers of clouds coming in later in the morning.

 

I'll search and see if I can find the trail guide on the NPS site. For some reason, most of the links last night weren't working right for me. They all took me to the same generic page.

 

From the NCL cruise port at Kahalui, what is a reasonable amount of time to leave for driving to the summit and back. Knowing this will help me to know what else we can fit in to the day.

 

Thanks again! February seems so far away. :rolleyes:

I’m going on the POA in May - I hope you’ll report back!

As to your plan, you might want to do Haleakala in your first day in Maui, especially if you’ll also be doing other things in the Upcountry. If you do it on your second day, you’ll have to cut the day somewhat short in order to be back at the ship on time.

I’m spending my first Maui day in the Upcountry, ending with Haleakala at sunset. As it’s such a long day, I’m inclined to choose the Maui beach day excursion for my second day...

You can also zipline at Pi'iholo Ranch on Maui.

Between the horse back riding and the zip lining, that place sounds amazing...l’m still so torn on what to do for my second as in Maui. I’ll have a long day the day before, doing the Upcountry/Haleakala Sunset tour, so I love the idea of doing the POA’s Maui Beach Day “excursion”. Then again, the part surf lesson, part day in Lahaina sounds wonderful - as does the 3 hour lunch ride at the ranch. Too many choices, lol...

As to zip lining vs helicopter tour on Kauai, I’m glad I have months to decide; I’m probably going to change my mind often, lol

We rented a car and zip lined at Princeville Ranch in Kauai and loved it. Fantastic experience.

Unfortunately that would definitely not be an option for me as it’s 42 minutes from where POA docks, and the ship leaves at 2pm that second day....Thanks, though!

Betsy...are you only going to be on Oahu? Just wondered, since the other islands are worth some time also. If I'd ever go back, I don't think I'd do another organized tour. Our first time there was really neat in that the tours still went to Molokai.

I’m going on a POA cruise, but pre and post cruise, I will be spending time in Oahu (primarily Honolulu, but I plan on taking a private tour of the North Shore, and going to Kualoa Ranch).....

Enjoy! It was always called the "Surf Room"....must have changed to "Lanai" at some point...sounds more appropriate for Hawaii anyway!!

LOL yes it does!

Check out the Surf Lanai at the Royal Hawaiian...have eaten there both times we went to Hawaii. Beachside restaurant...gorgeous setting and great food.

I just checked out the lunch menu - sounds good, and add that to the beach location, it sounds perfect. Thank you !!

We always like the fish dinners at Lulu's over by the Aston Waikiki hotel. On the second floor, open air, more of a pub style. Evenings they quite often have someone with a guitar singing.

Thank you - I’ll check that out !

The Bali Steak/ Seafood and the Rainbow Lanai at Hilton Hawaiian Village are awesome! I had the best coconut shrimp in curry sauce at Bali that I've ever had!

Ooh that sounds delicious........! I'll check them out - thanks!

Check out "House Without a Key" - in the Halekulani Hotel, right on the water. It's a gorgeous setting, great for pupus with the evening music performance, or a whole meal in a casual but elegant setting (even heated toilet seats in the rest room when we were there!).

Ooh, that sounds wonderful - and the menu looks like it has plenty of options for me. I’ve heard so many good things about this place - ok, I’m putting this on my list.

Thank you so much !

Has anyone done this excursion in Kauai?

Below is the description......I'd really love to zipline, and I love being able to splash down in what seems on the video to be a beautiful little swimming hole. Of course, the problem is, I can only do this on my 2nd day in Kauai (1st is booked) - and only at 8 am as we depart the port at 2pm - and I've been planning all along to do a helicopter tour in the morning. Of course, if I want to zipline in Hawaii, I know that I can do it at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, so.......

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

****

Soar high above towering trees and by breathtaking mountains. Experience the wonder of Kauai’s tropical paradise on a series of suspension bridges and six ziplines, totaling well over a mile of air time. Four of the six lines are tandem or side-by-side which gives you the opportunity to share a shriek with a buddy. The 1,800 feet tandem, center-dismount lines are the ultimate rush. A short hike through a swaying bamboo forest will bring you to a picnic lunch area at the spectacular Blue Pool and the Water Zip. Hold on to zip across the pool and splash in the cool, clear water or just float and enjoy the view. Imagine the most unforgettable adventure in the most incredible place.