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SonshineK23

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Posts posted by SonshineK23

  1. On 12/7/2019 at 12:03 PM, florida flamingo said:

    We rented trikes and rode all over the island on a guided tour.  It was fun and got to see the entire island.

     

    Hi

    What is the name of the company you went with for the rental of trikes/guided tour, and what was the cost? What were the stops/highlights of the tour, and was there any beach time/snorkelling from beach?  

  2. Another vote here for Spencer Ambrose. The "beach break" excursion has spectacular views as it takes you to the beach between the two peaks. I have done this 3 times! It is one of my favorite excursions ever!

    aaa2bdb0b8075c0a16bb8a9a8a9b9974.jpgc65a52f4fb0c8a4413b45627fd7eba78.jpg2c5b4c7a48d7b875aa9b3b42795a99c6.jpg

     

    We did the Land, Sea & Beach Adventure with Spencer Ambrose a few years ago and want to do the Jalousie Beach Break on our upcoming cruise in Feb. '18. I noticed when you click to book online there is a spot to enter a coupon/promotional code. Do you know where we could find one of these by any chance?

  3. I just read this Press Release: (Copied & Pasted below) Sounds like things will be up & running in St. Maarten very soon.

    PRESS RELEASE | RAINFOREST ADVENTURES ST. MAARTEN ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER 2017 OPENING

    Representatives to participate in partnership with the St. Maarten delegation at the 24th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA)Conference & Trade Show

    PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN – Rainforest Adventures has announced a November 2017 opening for the new St. Maarten Rockland Estate eco-park. The park will launch with two signature attractions, The Flying Dutchman -- the world’s steepest zip line -- and the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift, as well as the Emilio Wilson Museum and Emilio’s Restaurant. Additional attractions, including the Sentry Hill Zip Line and the Schooner Ride will open in early 2018.

    In partnership with the St. Maarten delegation, representatives of Rockland Estate will be attending the 24th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in Merida, Mexico, October 23 – October 27, 2017. They will be at booth B2 and welcome an opportunity to answer questions about, or introduce participants to, what is sure to be the eastern Caribbean’s must-do attraction.

    1f6a2.png🚢 According to Port St. Maarten management the eco-park will be a major new attraction and they are proud of the progress the team has made to open the park. They stress how important it is to have stakeholders like Rainforest Adventures and others to be present with them at the FCCA Conference to promote the destination and strongly emphasize the message that St. Maarten is back and open.

    “We are very proud and thankful to our engineering and construction teams, their hard work and expertise certainly reduced the damage incurred as a consequence of the hurricane,” says Shaydar Edelmann, General Manager of Rockland Estate. “The people of St. Maarten have come together in strength to restore and rebuild, reestablish the tourism product and kick-start the recovery of our Friendly Island.”

    2708.png✈️ Princess Juliana International Airport - St. Maarten has opened to commercial flights and Port St. Maarten is ready to welcome its first commercial cruise vessel on November 5th. Restaurant and attraction businesses are reopening daily and are ready to receive guests.

    1f4cd.png📍 Opening November 2017 at Rainforest Adventures’ Rockland Estate Eco-Park:

    - The Soualiga Sky Explorer, a four-passenger chairlift, transports guests to the Upper Deck. These decks encircle the mountaintop, one of St. Maarten’s highest points at 1,115 feet, where they will be immersed in spectacular 360-degree views of St. Maarten and its neighboring islands.

    - The Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest zipline, where guests will experience the thrill of a lifetime as they launch down Sentry Hill on a flight line at 56 mph dropping 1050 feet in elevation over 2630 feet.

    - Each adventure begins in the Emilio Wilson Museum housed in a restored plantation house originally built in the 1700s. Guests will see depictions of what life was like on a plantation and learn about the customs, traditions, lifestyle, and stories that earned Sint Maarten the nickname ‘The Friendly Island’.

    - Emilio’s Restaurant, St. Maarten’s newest restaurant and entertainment hot spot.

  4. I heard from John Heald's page that it is getting a Guys Burger Joint. :)

     

    We are sailing on the Fascination out of San Juan, shortly after dry-dock on Feb. 25th,'18.

    I just started a Roll Call for this cruise if anyone on here would like to join in: "Carnival Fascination Roll Call February 25th, 2018"

    Looks like we are over-lapping with the February 21st cruise out of Barbados.

     

    So long of a wait! :(

  5. We are going back to St. Maarten and looking for something different to do. Would love to hear more about your excursion/experience kayaking (we have kayaks of our own at home so are comfortable with it) and info to rent/book. Also info on Pinel Island/beaches/snorkeling, etc. Any input is appreciated! :)

  6. When we were at Magen's Bay last year (Jan. 2016) it was not crowded at all. We took about a 20minute cab ride there for $10 each (and again on way back) and that was all we spent. I had always read/heard that Magen's Bay was one of the "Top 10 Beaches of the World!" and wanted to go there. Now, I haven't been all over the world, but it was beautiful and I am glad we went. The view was so pretty, water was warm and a gorgeous color, you could walk all along the beach, the snorkeling wasn't the greatest but saw the odd fish (more toward the Left when looking at beach), there were iguanas at one of the picnic tables posing for pictures for us. There is also a little Nature Trail you can go for a walk on, if that interests you. Everyone has their own opinions about different beaches, but just thought I would let you know how much we enjoyed Magen's Bay. I have recently read some reviews that Sapphire is not the greatest, especially if windy, but did hear Lindquist was top-rated as well. We are going back next year and are thinking of going to Coki Beach, even though we have always heard it is more crowded/touristy there, as it is supposed to have better snorkeling and more things to do, which may be better as this time we are traveling with friends.

    Sitting here looking at the snow in my backyard, I would take any beach! Best Escape Anyone Can Have! :)

  7. A group of 4 of us will be on a cruise in February and there will be 7 ships in port that day. Two of us have been to Chankanaab (about 8 years ago) so are a little more familiar with it but not sure how busy it will be, since it is closer to ships. We were thinking instead to try somewhere new and visit Punta Sur for the day. We don't want to book an excursion, just get a taxi when we arrive and drive to Punta Sur. How far of a drive is it compared to Chankanaab and roughly what would a taxi cost for 4 of us? Once there, is everything in walking distance (lighthouse, crocodile boardwalk, beach for relaxing, swimming & snorkeling, food/drinks) Would it also be possible/worth it to stop at the blow holes on way back if time? Any other input/suggestions are appreciated. :)

  8. Is it possible to do a tour in the AM and still do the beach? Is it best to hire a taxi to take you to the sites and then drop at the beach?

     

    I am looking for an answer to this as well. We are thinking of just getting a taxi. We would like to go to Brimstone Hill Fortress in the morning and head to Cockleshell Bay/Beach afterwards. Our ship is only in port 8am-4pm, so not sure if this would give us enough time without being rushed. If not we are thinking of going to Shipwreck since it is closer.

  9. We went to cockleshell Beach last week on an all inclusive package (taxi ride/ umbrella/ chair/ rum drink).

     

    If you don't mind me asking, how much was this deal and who was it with? We are on a cruise there in January and would like to go to Cockleshell. We were also hoping to get to Brimstone Hill Fortress first in the morning but not sure how much time we would need as we are only in port 8am-4pm.

  10. That is really too bad about the erosion at Shipwreck Beach. We were there last year and loved it. The monkeys in the trees were so close and fun to watch. Yes, it was a bit more "rustic" but reminded us of something out of Gilligan's Island. Can't beat the cheap, cold, Carib beer after swimming in the salt water. The snorkeling was great, met some friendly, helpful people that gave us some pointers about the snorkeling. We walked down to the other end at Carambola and it seemed "fancier" and the sand was whiter/softer, but much more crowded. Can't imagine the snorkeling being as good there. Just a totally different vibe at each place...it is just up to individual preference.

     

    That said, I am now thinking of going to Cockleshell Bay on our upcoming cruise since we have not been there yet. I realize it is a bit further and am wondering if anyone who has been there can give me their opinion as to if we would have time to go there after spending some time at Brimstone Hill Fortress first in the morning. Our ship is only in port 8am-4pm. Also, does anyone know the difference in price for a taxi?

  11. One more question... (before contacting Vernon)

    If you have been to both Cockleshell and Shipwreck, which would you recommend?

    We have been to Shipwreck and really liked it for snorkeling, but now are thinking of trying Cockleshell. We are only in port 8am-4pm though, so wondering about having enough time since it is further away, if we still want to fit in Brimstone Hill Fortress in the morning.

    Decisions-Decisions!

  12. I wiill be happy to share. Again, he was with the group of taxi's at the cruise center. Our driver's name is Vernon Taylor and he's with Taylor and Delaney Taxi Service and Tour Operators. On the business card that Vernon gave to me (I asked for it), it states that they are "Government Certify Tour Operators".

     

    Vernon's email: vernon23@hotmail.com

     

    Two cell numbers listed:

    869-663-8073

    869-663-9490

     

    There is also an email for Delaney (don't know his/her first name)

    delaneyy2k@hotmail.com

     

    In case Vernon is wondering how you got his information, you can tell him "Holly from the Liberty cruise in September". I did ask for his business card since we have friends who are thinking about a cruise and I let him know I'd recommend them.

     

    TMW67, I know, we do have interests in the same things. I really hope you enjoy your cruise as much as we enjoyed ours.

     

    SonshineK23, to answer your specific question. I'm not 100% positive on this since the rate we were given was for two people. We also wanted to go to Cockleshell Beach for an hour but that would have been $28.00 from the port, each way. We still wanted to go to Shipwreck in addition but decided to skip on Cockleshell Beach because that would have put us over budget.

     

    When we were in St. Kitts in 2013 while on another cruise, we just went to Cockleshell Beach but they wanted to fill the cab. There were other stops. Since there was a group, it was $7.00 per person, or $14.00 total for both of us. So those charges may be the flat cab fare.

     

    I hope this is helpful to both of you.

     

    Holly

     

    Great...very helpful. I will look him up. Thanks so much Holly! :)

     

    When will you be in St Kitts TMW67? We are there Jan. 17th on the Carnival Dream. I also got surfing around on CC and found some info in a Thread on Grand Turks that you had posted about too. Have you already been there or is that for an upcoming cruise as well? We were thinking of just a 'free' beach day close to the ship, but now that I heard about the golf carts and/or bike rentals, that sound like it may be fun for part of the day as well.

     

    Thanks again for sharing all the info...CC is great! :)

  13. We were just on Carnival Liberty this past September and did the same things you want to do on your Dream cruise. We were in port from 8-5. We went to Brimestone Hill Fortress in the morning (it opens at 9:30AM) and we got there just as they opened. We spent about an hour there then went to Shipwreck beach for a few hours after that. We arrived at the beach at 11:00AM and stayed till 2PM, back at port at 3PM.

     

    To do this, we went to the taxi/tour stand (they are out in front of the cruise center with a sign), and told the guy what we wanted to do. He told us what it would cost for the day (we thought it was reasonable) and hooked us up with a driver. The driver was really good. He waited at Brimstone Fortress while we went through and took us straight to Shipwreck after that. He asked what time we wanted to be picked up, told us where he'd be, and he was there when we were ready to leave.

     

    Cost: Brimestone Hill Fortress is about a half hour from port. It cost $28.00 for both of us, each way, with a total being $56.00. There is also a charge of $10.00, per person, for entrance to the fort. So, total for the fort was $76.00. The charge to Shipwreck beach was $8.00, round trip. Now this is where my memory escapes, can't remember if it was $8.00 per person or if that covered both of us. I'm thinking it was $8.00 for both, round trip. Our total was just over $80.00, for the day and we had a driver who insured we were taken care of. We also gave him a nice tip because we felt he was great.

     

    I'm pretty sure these are the base rates, but it seems that you have the same plans that we did. We also had a stop at Timothy Hill, where you can see both the Caribbean and Atlantic sides of St. Kitts. Views from the fortress are spectacular. It was clear the day we were there and we were able to see St. Eustatius, Saba, and also St. Maarten & St. Barth's in the distance.

     

    We did get a business card from our driver that day and can pass his information along, if you're interested. We asked for it, it wasn't like he was trying to promote business.

     

    Thanks so much for the info. It sounds just like what we would like to do for our day in St Kitts. Do you know if the rates are always per person for the cab, or if you get a better deal if you share the ride with a couple more people? If you don't mind passing me along the name of the driver you had, we can try to book something in advance or ask for him by name that day. At least we will know we are getting a friendly, reliable driver.

    Thanks! :)

  14. slap strap

     

     

    The Slap Strap

    •Design easily adjusts for unbeatable comfort

    •Eliminates pulled hair.

    •6.5mm neoprene strap has plush backing and no-fray Velcro.

    •3/4in webbing to fit all new mask posts

     

    http://www.divers-supply.com/neoprene-mask-strap-colorful-fish.html

     

    if you Google 'slap strap' you will get a wide variety of things ... but in US diving terms, this is what's being referred too

     

    Just wanted to let you know (even a few months later) that someone else found this info useful while surfing around on CC. I was having a difficult time finding these and was able to order 2 of them and have them shipped here to Canada for a reasonable price (even with the exchange rate right now :( )

    We will have them in plenty of time for our January cruise. :D

    Thanks so much!

  15. I do not see where anyone has yet provided taxis fare information, anyone know what it might cost?

     

    Hi,

     

    Hope you enjoyed your cruise! :)

     

    We are going to be stopping in St. Kitts on our Carnival Dream Journey Cruise in January. Just wondering how it worked out for you? Were you able to just get a cab from the pier on your own up to Brimstone Hill Fortress? What was the cost and how much time would you recommend for this? We were in St Kitts last winter but missed seeing the fortress. This time we are in port from 8am-4pm and hope to head to Shipwreck Beach at South Friar's Bay as well afterwards, with a quick stop on the way back to see the amazing view again from Timothy Hill look-out.

     

    Thank you

  16. Last year we did a tour in St. Kitts with Thenford Grey – what a wonderful tour guide! Can’t say enough good things about it! We did a quick drive thru the town of Basseterre, stopped at Romney Manor and the Batik Shop, then chose to get dropped off earlier (instead of continuing on to Brimstone Hill Fortress) at a little “rustic” beach (think Gilligan’s Island) on South Friar’s Bay, called ShipWreck Beach. There was a $10 charge (if I remember correctly) for 2 lounge chairs & umbrella, cheap Carib Beer, and great snorkeling! We also walked along the beach to the right (when facing the water) to the far end where there was a “fancier” resort-type beach, for those that prefer that, but we loved our little spot! There were mongoose and monkeys in the trees that were cute to watch. On the way back to the ship we stopped to see the most amazing view at the look out at Timothy Hill – grabbed a few more beers (3 for $5!) and ended up sharing one with a monkey riding a donkey! :eek:

    We are heading to St. Kitts again on our Carnival Cruise in January and this time would like to just go to Brimstone Hill Fortress since we missed it last time. Then back to Shipwreck Beach for the afternoon to cool off, with maybe a quick stop at Timothy Hill to see that view again. Does anyone know the distance from port to Brimstone and what a taxi may cost to just do this on our own once we get to port? We really aren't comfortable with the idea of renting a car.

    Thanks!

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