Derbie

Many thanks!

On 2/22/2024 at 11:26 AM, PORT ROYAL said:

IMHO the best beach is COCO.  Great ambiance, peaceful, excellent food/drinks, comfortable beds and genteel clientele.  
Link - https://www.cocobeach.restaurant -

Gallery - https://www.cocobeach.restaurant/gallery

Pass on Great Bay as it’s far too busy.  The masses find it attractive, because it can be walked (or ferry or low shared taxi fare) from ship.

I quickly reviewed the website, so I have a quick question for you.  Is there a day cost for the chairs, if you are having lunch?  I did note beach service listed, but no pricing.  Thanks.

1 hour ago, JF - retired RRT said:

The best lunch on embarkation day is in one of the main dining rooms (which ever one has the Reserve Collection dining area...deck 6 mid-ship?).

I appreciate the answer to the inquiry.  We will be sailing on 5/20 on the Emerald.  The information is very helpful.

4 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Is one requiring trip suggestions for one’s family?

I suppose a bit of both suggestions, and inquiring if you were familiar with the HOHO bus? We were considering the Bird Sanctuary in the morning (kids may like it) and then because my husband was the Pirate King in a local production of The Pirates of Penzance, the Pirate experience in the afternoon.  Although, we are wide open.  We do have a grandson (14 years old) that would like to do the Yoga Guy. 

On 5/5/2024 at 5:14 PM, PORT ROYAL said:

Private Licensed cabs and minivans are allowed transit to/from inside Port area.

Private “Jintys” not allowed to/from port area (“Jinty central Pick up area along Back Street -Phillipsburg) and can be flagged down roadside (same for Licenced Cabs).  
Jinty fares are a couple of dollars per person, but routes are convoluted with multiple drops and pickups. Mostly used by locals.

Unlicensed cabs are considered bandit territory.

For a party of 8 use Licenced cabs from port.

I just watched a video on where the host was trying to get a ticket for a HOHO bus in St. Maarten.  Celebrity had booked the entire company for the day (he was on Carnival).  Are you familiar with this company?  We are like the original poster...8 people in our family group.  He went ahead and took the water ferry and wandered around town.  We have been to St. Martin/Maarten several times.  We will be there in two weeks (just myself and DH) in July we are there with the family party of 8.  Thanks for your wealth of knowledge. 

Could you advise if the laundry rooms have an iron and ironing board?  I am freakish about my clothes being wrinkled.  The laundry room is near our cabin.

I have been thinking of going to the Bird Sanctuary and then to a beach.  We are traveling with grandkids 8-18.  It looks a nice time.  Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary   Good reviews. If anyone has been to this facility, I hope they jump in and say if they enjoyed it.

On 5/5/2024 at 4:30 PM, MissiCruzs said:

We had the most fabulous day!!!  We went on a beaches tour with Lawrence of Antigua.  There were 12 of us.  First stop was Jolly Beach where we spent 2 hours. Next stop was OJs beach bar and restaurant... where we had cheeseburgers and fries and spent an hour on the beach. Next stop was Ffryes beach for an hour and a half. We totally dictated the time at each stop and Lawrence accommodated us. Cost was $50pp.  Lunch was on your own expense. It was just the loveliest day.  We made  new friends and connected with old ones. Lawrence is the nicest man and we have toured with him several times and will continue to do so. 

 

Life is good!

Thanks for the review and information.  We sail on 5/20.  We also have the same tour booked with Lawrence.  It looks great!  

On 3/19/2024 at 12:09 PM, heath7767 said:

I read this forum a ton trying to decide what to do during our St. Maarten day, and I'm happy to report that we had a wonderful day with Jo Junie Tours last week. We're a family of 5, parents and 3 boys ages 10-15. The tour was very reasonably priced for all day on the island. $50 per adult and $25 per kid under 13, so it was only $200 for our family for the whole day. Of course, we added a tip at the end.

 

The company was quick to answer via email when we had questions before, and it was easy to follow the instructions and a video describing to meet the bus at the EDC, which was maybe a 10 minute walk from the ship. We were greeted as soon as we entered the parking area, and we were sent to wait in a shaded area while waiting for the rest of our group. It was the same check-in tent used by Bernard's Tours, and I noticed that our group was much, much smaller than the groups going out from their tours. We had just 9 people including our family of 5 on our air-conditioned, comfortable bus, which could seat at least double that.

 

The tour included a cooler full of bottled water, Coke, Sprite, homemade rum punch, and beer, which added to the value. Our tour guide, Freddy, encouraged us to take as much as we wanted throughout the day. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything as we were seeing it.

 

During our time from 9-3, I felt like we saw pretty much the whole island. We visited Orient Beach, the iguanas, several overlooks, Marigot, the border between the 2 countries, and Maho. Freddy continually explained the history of the island and places of interest. We had several quick scenic stops, and longer 45 minute--90 minute stops at Orient Beach, Marigot, and Maho Beach. At the end of the tour, we could be dropped off at downtown Philipsburg or the pier. 

 

It was my kids' favorite day of our entire cruise, and finding something that preteen/teen boys love isn't always the easiest! We would happily book again because of the reasonable price, small tour group, and excellent information throughout the tour. We all loved it!

Can you advise which excursion you selected?  There are several on the list.  There will be 8 family members traveling.  It sounds like a good fit for us.  Thanks in advance!

Purchase candy or something that is specific to the area you live in. We like taking a Jack Daniels small cake when we exchange. 

On 4/20/2024 at 8:51 AM, blue_water said:

Yes, we’ve seen strong swimmers swim in to the Baths from moored cats to the right of the boulders and be exhausted from the current or undertow.

 

Regarding Smuggler’s Cove, we wouldn’t be concerned about the cruise line Jeep excursion. Sounds like a small group and they are not there long.

And Miss Patricia is there serving her famous burgers, chicken, and salads (her potato salad is deelish)! Not to mention great drinks and cold beers. She is our favorite vendor on the island.

Nigel has also been a fixture there, but you want to have Patricia take care of you. I just learned that her husband, Bush, is a talented chef and is sometimes her cook!

And there will be a portapotty or two so you have everything you need! 😉 Gorgeous beach and water and beautiful views…

 

 

 

We plan on making this our go to for Tortola.  I can't thank you enough!  I would like to inquire, if you arrange the taxi for return, when you are dropped off at the cove?  I am always a little worried about someone really coming back for us, and no current taxi flow to a specific spot.  I would hate to be a pier runner!  :0)

1 hour ago, Ms411 said:

I don't think there will be minivan taxis at either dock taking cruisers to Red Hook. That's a popular destination so they usually use the bigger  open air "safari" type vehicles that can carry more people.

 

The fare from Havensight dock is $15 per person each way. The official rate sheet for Sthomas doesn't have a fare for children. I doubt that St John taxis have a kid rate.

Thank you for taking the time to reply! :0)

5 minutes ago, Derbie said:

Thanks so very much!  Sorry for the double message.  I hit send, before I finished my comment.  So, given the time, cost, etc., I am assuming $95 pp through the cruise line, may not be that big of a difference, given the time, cost of taxi's so-forth?  

 

 

3 hours ago, PORT ROYAL said:

Would guesstimate the minivan taxi as being about $60 - each way - for the whole taxi -

One can time book the outward minivan taxi, or there will be plenty of taxis waiting at Red Hook

Thanks so very much!

@portroyal I received a notice that you had replied, but no quote or message on the post.  Thanks. 

We are due to sail on the Emerald on 5/20/24.  Looking forward to your review.

DH and I would like to take our son and his family to visit St. John in early July.  My husband I and I did an excursion through a cruise ship a few years ago to St. John. The cruise line offers one, but $800 for us to go for 2.5 hours to the beach is pricey. I would like the kids to see St. John.  We took them to Megans last go round. Would we take a cab to the ferry and then another cab to the Trunk beach in St. John?  I am wondering if would we be any ahead of the game cost wise by doing this on our own?  Would we gain any additional time at the beach, by doing it on our own?  I realize there is lots of logistics and possible issues, with doing this on your own.  Our ship is in port 9-6. All recommendations are appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

7 hours ago, Nebr.cruiser said:

The water depth was fine when we went through them; perhaps it would be deeper with a high tide.  The beach area where you come out of the Baths, however, had quite large waves with an undertow.  I'm an experienced swimmer, was a life guard and gave swim lessons and I did not feel safe swimming there.

 

Also, the trip through the Baths is wonderful, but not for any one with physical or medical problems, especially mobility.  

Thank you for the valuable information.  It will certainly help us make our decision. 

50 minutes ago, 1cruiselvr said:

If you like your current cabin and location my opinion is don't bid. You never know what you'll get if bid is accepted. And if your cruise shows sold out, there won't be that many open and available cabins anyway. If you are a gambler and don't mind spending more money, then try bidding. That's my 2 cents on the subject. 

Thanks! I appreciate the info and insight. 

We are sailing on the Emerald 5/20/24.  The website is allowing bidding; however, when you search the cruise, it shows "sold out." Is this just a technical error? I have never bid on Princess before, so if anyone can advise, it would be greatly appreciated.

On 1/3/2023 at 2:43 PM, billsfan55 said:

Anyone book Greg's Safaris?  We are interested in a morning tour   I have emailed them directly but no answer yet.  Was there a lot of walking involved or could you stay in the vehicle , or near it , while others walked around.  Thanks in advance.

 Did you ever receive a reply from this group?  My husband is interested in an excursion with them.

On 4/11/2024 at 8:51 AM, blue_water said:

I don’t think you have anything to worry about as far as the water being deep, and how long it takes really depends on how big the crowd is that is with you. Maybe plan 1 hour in the boulders + the hike down and back up to the Top of the Baths, or 1.5 hrs? The ferry is ~30 minutes each way, and a taxi between the ferry dock and Top of the Baths is 10 - 15 minutes each way…

 

The Baths is a unique experience and very popular with cruise ship passengers, and there’s no easy way to avoid your fellow cruisers wanting the same experience. Having said that, with longer port times you can often avoid the biggest crowd by going on your own, versus the cruise line excursions, and use the services of a taxi driver to guide you while on Virgin Gorda.

 

But with your 9AM arrival your ferry options are limited to the Speedy’s 10:40AM over, and 3:30PM return, giving you ~3.5 hours of useable time on the island. Definitely enough time to experience the Baths and get back to port well before BOB time. I don’t know if the cruise line charters an earlier ferry, or if those folks will be going with you…An answer to that would help guide your decision…

 

But you would be fine if you choose to go over.

If you decide on a beach day, Tortola would be our choice between Tortola and St Kitt’s, especially with your port times. Smuggler’s Cove would be our first choice, Brewers Bay our second…

 

[EDIT] I would read @pyropoodle’s post from March, 2023, very informative post on the Baths!

 I think we may consider Smugglers Cove for our time in port.  Given our timeframe, do you recommend a specific taxi?  Should we attempt to reserve in advance?  Thanks again for your superior assistance!

On 4/12/2024 at 7:02 PM, living at the beach said:

So do things come out okay? Do they wash on normal spin or do something’s on delicate?

We have used the service several times in the past.  I found all my laundry was nicely done and clean.

Good morning,

We will have a party of 8, and we are trying to determine if we want to use Uber, etc., or locate a hotel that provides a shuttle to the port.  The hotel we are looking at has an airport shuttle, but we arrive so late that I think we will have to take a cab or uber to the hotel on arrival.  I didn't see anything about a port terminal shuttle.

Thanks in advance,

6 hours ago, blue_water said:

I don’t think you have anything to worry about as far as the water being deep, and how long it takes really depends on how big the crowd is that is with you. Maybe plan 1 hour in the boulders + the hike down and back up to the Top of the Baths, or 1.5 hrs? The ferry is ~30 minutes each way, and a taxi between the ferry dock and Top of the Baths is 10 - 15 minutes each way…

 

The Baths is a unique experience and very popular with cruise ship passengers, and there’s no easy way to avoid your fellow cruisers wanting the same experience. Having said that, with longer port times you can often avoid the biggest crowd by going on your own, versus the cruise line excursions, and use the services of a taxi driver to guide you while on Virgin Gorda.

 

But with your 9AM arrival your ferry options are limited to the Speedy’s 10:40AM over, and 3:30PM return, giving you ~3.5 hours of useable time on the island. Definitely enough time to experience the Baths and get back to port well before BOB time. I don’t know if the cruise line charters an earlier ferry, or if those folks will be going with you…An answer to that would help guide your decision…

 

But you would be fine if you choose to go over.

If you decide on a beach day, Tortola would be our choice between Tortola and St Kitt’s, especially with your port times. Smuggler’s Cove would be our first choice, Brewers Bay our second…

 

[EDIT] I would read @pyropoodle’s post from March, 2023, very informative post on the Baths!

Many, many kind thanks!  Such great information.  I will dig a bit further and make a game plan.  A roll call passenger also recommended doing a beach day in Tortola.  Again, your advice is sincerely appreciated!