OC PAT

Hi Skiier Girl. We plan to go there and have a back-up if there is no room at the inn. The cost last check was $99.00 and IMHO it is still a good deal. You can not book ahead of time. One walks to their hotel lobby off the ship make a right and walk about 2 blocks to the Renaissance Hotel. If they are not fully booked they will sell a day pass to you. In the 5 or so times we have been there, there was only one time we couldn't utilize the island. The motor boat you to their island. It has a shacked/beach rest. Your money includes beach chairs, lunch, 1 drink, use of their beach toys. The island is parallel to Aruba's runway so it tends to get a bit noisy at times. Their are beautiful flamingos, iguanas. There's the adult beach side meaning topless ladies and a family side. You can walk out on the rock leveled jetty and lounge in chairs surrounded by the sea. You can purchase additional drinks and food. Transportation back to the mainland is steady. As you can tell we love this place.

"Up until just recently the Oasis class RCI ships were docking at Crown Bay...all other RCI ships docked at Havensight...now with a change in contracts all RCI ships are docking at Crown Bay...so sad as I much prefer Havensight."

....Adventure will be not docking at Havensight in November??? I booked a tour out of Havensight so this is not good news. Please say it is not so!!!

Based on this discussion and other reviews, we have booked this company's Fun at the Beach. First of all they are having Internet Problems so it is best to book by phone. They have responded promptly to my emails. I did determine between the two different costs quoted here and there for Fun at the Beach. It is $40.00 if you book for 4 people and if you book for less than 4 it is $60.00. Same offered items in both packages. Oh, no umbrellas because they have naturally shaded beaches. Please if you go give us a review!

30 minute ride, one way taxi up to 4 is $24.00.

You might want to check out my comparisons, if you haven't already to help in your decision. The thread is titles Comparisons.

I am now strongly considering Fort James Beach. There is a restaurant called BeachLimerz. They rent chairs, umbrella and some beach toys and have a restroom inside their place for guests and a outside shower. It is on the Northwest Coast and borders the old fort ruins that has stunning views. White sand beach and not overly developed. Fort James is about 10 minutes away from the port and the cab fare is $12.00, one way up to 4. Oh, the restaurant will call a cab for you according to the owner's email

I had originally eliminated Fort James Beach because of no bathroom availability. Well I dug a bit more based on your recommendation. There is a beach restaurant/bar called LimerZ on Fort James Beach. I emailed the owner and she replied promptly-plus points! They do rent chairs for $5.00 and umbrella's for $10.00. They sell drinks, snacks and full restaurant menus. They have an outdoor shower and an inside toilet for guests. They will call a cab for our return trip to the ship. Cab fares are $12.00 one way. They are about 10 minutes from the ship. They also have a lunch package for $60.00. Not sure about snorkeling. Fort James is a fort that is of interest but has not been maintained very well. It is right next to the beach and has some super cool vistas....hubby will love exploring the fort.

Has anyone been to this beach?

You are welcome torchd and super thank you to Ber0043.

Our port time is 8-5

The snorkeling is called Sea Encounter I found in on Trip Advisory via Viator for $79.00 which includes the $21.00 admission. We decided not to do that but to do the Aquarium w/o the encounters. I just trying to figure the logistics. I guess we can go to the beach and store our beach stuff in the locker and then do the aquarium. It sounds like a really nice day. Thanks for your help.

I will check it out. Appreciate the response.

Good point and I too would be still out there trying to get in. Scratch Valley Church Beach.

Hi, I have been trying to select a beach for the day in early December on a Tuesday. We are arriving by the Adventure cruise ship. We are in our 60's, she has some mobility issues due to replaced knee, he can walk 10 miles a day. If there is a good hiking/walking trail he would be very happy! We love to snorkel, alcohol is not required but we might want a small snack. We would like to spend the whole day which requires lounges and shade. We also like to snorkel but I do not want steep drops into the water. Love kids but I am on vacation and do not want to handle running kids into me, literally. The following highlights some of the beaches that are in consideration. Please comment if I am correct, your opinion and missing info. that would help me in my decision process.

Dickerson Beach-taxi-$3.00 pp, 1-way., 10 minute ride, 2 chairs and umbrella-$30.00. Pretty beach. Good snorkeling, mile long but next to Sandals Resort. Sometimes trash on beach area. Gets crowded. Tony's the place to get drinks and use restroom. Cost for restroom? Shower?

Turners Beach (Bolone)-taxi-$6.00 pp, 1-way, 30 minute ride, 2 chairs and umbrella-$10.00. Good snorkeling, has beach bar and T-Shirt shop, Montserrat in the west. Steep shelving into the water. Fly problem? Restroom, shower cost?

Valley Church Beach (Jolly Harbour)-taxi-$6.00 pp, 1-way, 20 minute ride, 2 chairs and umbrella $20.00. Not great snorkeling, Slope into the water. Cruise day crowded but not as bad as Dickerson's. The Nest for drinks and vendors on the beach. Has wash room. Cost?

Darkwood Beach-taxi-$8.00 pp, 1-way, 30-40 minute ride, trees for shade, $5.00 for chair but where is the rental person? Bathroom but no showers, cost? Snorkeling reef. Views of Guadeloupe & Montserrat, distant. Cruise ship excursions use this beach. No waves. Seashells. Inflatable water Park nearby...does this mean a lot of kids? Opposite of the road is a lagoon-good for nature observations. Fly problem?

Ffryers Beach-taxi-$7.00 pp, 1-way, 25 minute ride, prettier than Church Beach, Cruise ship excursions go out of here, sea shells and sea glass, Dennis Beach Bar rents the lounges. costs? Some waves.

Other Beaches but not really in consideration; Long Beach-great for snorkeling, 30 minutes, 2 umbrella and 2 chairs-$30.00, palm trees, next to Great Pineapple Resort, Bathroom-$2.00, Halfmoon Bay-waves, no facilities, surfing, pink and white sand, Galley Bay Beach-secluded and on ocean. Pigeon Bay (English Harbor)-plenty of shade, picnic tables, small beach, snorkel in shallow water. $1.00 bathroom/shower

So do I have my info. correct? I do know one must agree upon taxi cab cost ahead of time and you pay on the return trip. Do we recruit others to get minimum cost for the ride or will the cab driver do so?

I know all beaches are pretty in Antigua so this decision has been so difficult!

I know this is a long thread so I appreciate your time and consideration

We are looking (64 and 68 yr, olds) We are not interested in the Dolphin encounter but like much that we have read. Her are the questions.

1. If we got directly to the Aquarium by taxi from the mega pier will we have time to do the beach next door, as well or is that rushing it?

2. How much walking is involved inside the park? It appears to be a smallish park.

3. Do they have lockers at the park?

4. Has anyone done the snorkel venue at the park? Cost? Opinion...worth it? We are snorkelers.

5. If we have time for the beach, what is the best way to walk/access the beach from the aquarium?

6. Finally, any words of wisdom, helpful hints you wish to share?

Thank you for your time and consideration

My Ed hates to be cutting it close to boarding time and feels an hour early is right, me not so worried. They are aware of our boarding time and made sure we were back in time. They dropped us off within 4 blocks to the ship. If they did not they would loose over half their business. So follow-up on your email and make sure your are comfortable with their response. We did not have to run to get aboard so all I can tell you there was no problems getting back in time and Ed is okay for a second outing. Last year we were on the Jewell and this year we are on the Adventure.

Glad I find out now the Diamond status ends at the end of the week. Would have been really bummed if I expected it the first week. First stop the Loyalty Ambassador!

So on the first completed day, we will achieve Diamond. So does that mean we have to wait until the second week to take advantage of the Diamond Perks. I will be checking in with the loyalty ambassador ASAP, thanks for the suggestion, Merion-Mom. As always you have been so helpful and kind.

I actually will have the muster station on our info. sheet. LOL! My mind does wander so this so this anal behavior is most helpful.

Always helps to get the info. before the cruise as I prepare a brief info. sheet for each day so I do not miss or forget something. The mind is easily lost in the awe of the sea!

We will be going Diamond on our first B-B on the Adventure in November. I have read this thread but want to confirm that my understanding is correct. We have a three drink voucher per evening that needs to be used during the designated dinner hours. There is a specific drinking list that looks great IMH. If we choose to we can order alcohol, soda or club soda at the lounges but not in the dining rooms. We can also go to the Diamond Lounge and have unlimited drinks during the same time frame with light snacks. They can not be carried out of the Diamond Lounge. These three drink perks do not carry over to the next day. Some bartenders do not agree on the limitations and think alcohol with some mixers do not count. Some bartenders will give you an unopened can of soda to take back to the cabin. Bottle water is not included in this perk list. Tipping, as it should be, is encouraged in the Diamond Lounge or lounges. Some tip as you go and others tip in the end. So far am I right?

Okay, hubby loves his Tangaray (sorry about the spelling) Gin Martini very dry, up with a twist. Is this drink available in the Diamond Lounge or as a 3 drink allowance in the lounges? Tangaray and vermouth are both on the acceptable list. Also does anyone know where the Diamond Lounge is on the Adventure? Is the lounge only open during the designated comp. drink hours?

Thank you for your time and enlightenment to this not so bright gal!

I just booked for 12/5. I found their web site using trip advisory. It was $95.00 per person. They are about 4 blocks from the ship. The walk is a bit strange but don't worry. I did do a review last year on TA that maybe helpful in your decision making. This is an all day trip leaving port at 10 am. You will stop at a snorkeling site about a half hour out. They are very helpful. After snorkeling we had lunch on the boat and sailed onto Nevis. We were on the beach there for about 2 hours. You can rent a chair for $5.00 and there is shade or stay in the water the whole time like yours truly. They set up a bar on the beach which included rum punches, soda and beer. I am a big woman, 60's and get around on 2 replaced knees. This strong crew were able to help me get in and out and about. It was wonderful. They play Caribbean Music and Reggie, no Buffet sadly. Fun trip and good value. No cabs to catch. RCCL has something similar for $135.00 per person. They were aware that we were cruisers so no worries about booking independent of the ship.

We booked them last November for $95.00. We had to walk a few blocks to board their boat. We were on the Jewell. This year we will be on the Adventure and I am so hoping we can book them again. It was a lot of fun. The crew made it a great trip. Their choice of music is not my cup of tea but their dancing made up for it. They did set up a bar on the beach in Nevis. There was a family celebrating a 50th Anniversary that added to our good times. I would say about 40 folks were abroad. I am now going to try to book on line and will let you know how that goes.

Nothing yet and I will send her another email next week. I so want to do this! Thank you for your response.

I found their web site and left a message but have not heard from them. I believe it is the same tour that RC offers for $229.00 per person. On the web site it is $125.00 per person. What a difference, yes, you'd have to pay for transportation but I am sure it would not cost $200.00 for two people to take a cab. Does anyone know if they can not sell to anyone on a cruise ship? Has anyone done this either thru their ship or on their own? Trip Advisory has good reviews. Your help is appreciated.

We were on one of the first train tours and loved it. I stayed down in the AC and he was on the open air deck on top having a ball. Some find this tour a bit too sedate but we enjoyed getting a good understanding of the island. Mr. Grey has proven to be a good tour option for us as well.

The CVS is easy walking distance to the Sheraton and has all your needs. We are looking for a good restaurant as well on Thanksgiving but it will have to be a late dinner. Research has proven there will be Thanksgiving Dinners offered but it is tad too early to book. We love to have you join us.

The first time was through the ship and it was crowded as it is popular. We've been out with ELi several times and it is by far the better option IMO. Eli grew up on the isle and has a wealth of knowledge and truly respects mother earth. He has several tours so I do not know what you are comparing. Look up his web site which is very detailed. I'm not as agile as my hubby and he enjoyed a hike while I floated in the sea. The food was very good and the crowd is minimal when you travel with ELI. Enjoy!

We will be leaving this month and I will try to get back to you as to what beach we ended up on. I am leaning toward Turners.

Reviewing my responses I wonder if Turner Beach is more accessible for seniors than Valley Beach? Or is there another hidden beach out there?

Decisions. Sounds like Boatyard is the best deal: $5.00 taxi and $15.00 admission which includes taxi ride return, 2 chairs, 1 umbrella, 2 drinks. Lobster Alive and Accra are a bit more in Taxi. Accra is further away but might have some snorkeling. The boatyard is louder than Lobster Alive and Accra is peaceful. All have bathrooms, chairs and umbrellas.

Thanks for your contributions. Anyone else?