thenkengrene

Thanks for the response! I'm thinking I may need to go to Marrakesh. It does sound nice. I want to meet up with some friends in Casablanca. However, the tour is 11 hours and we are at port for 15 hours. Trying to contact MSC to find out if they know how much time is in port before and after the excursion. I'm not worried about a long day. Makes for good sleep at night!

Can they be found in Casablanca or Rabat? My wife wants to see one as she like snakes. I'm good without it. I don't want to make a trip to Marrakesh.

Also, which location has the best market or Souk?

Thanks! John

My main intent was to travel around, see the sights and go geocaching. If I were to not be geocaching, then it would be somewhat limited IMO. The market downtown may be interesting (my only regret is not stopping there long enough). Also, the light house was interesting and the better part is the views of the ocean just past the lighthouse. Otherwise, it wasn't all that interesting to me. It was fun driving on the wrong side of the road from what I'm used to driving.

If I went again, I wouldn't see any real good reason to leave the cruise port unless I was on an excursion. Maybe it is a little harsh, but this was my least favorite port on the cruise.

First, I wasn't sure where to go. I had to walk out of the port area and outside of the gate was where nathaniel's rental area. No sign, just had to ask if it was them. The people in the cruise port (locals) knew about them and where to tell us to go. It was a short walk.

I paid $80 for a two seater golf cart. It was $100 for a four seater golf cart. However, their equipment was failing and they gave me a jeep for the same price of $80. It should have cost $100.

First, their process of getting people setup and going was too long in my opinion. They seemed disorganized. It seemed that if you were late to your pickup, you may not get a vehicle you rented ahead of time. If someone was in line that had a reservation, they were first. If you didn't, you waited until they were through. But, what if all vehicles were gone? I'm not sure what would happen...would they hold one? not sure.

Secondly, the Jeep seemed like it was going to fall apart. The ignition is not normal. The engine sounded like it was going to fall out or blow up. However, we were able to get around the entire island with no problem and back ok. Just have to fill the car back up to the point it was when you got it. Left with 1/4 a tank...make sure it had 1/4 a tank on return. There is a gas station almost across the street. I over paid/filled some, but about $10 would have been fine to fill it back up to the right amount.

Would I do it again? Umm...sure. Would I consider other people to rent from? Yes. I saw other rental vehicles that were in better shape elsewhere. Also, realize you drive on the left side, like in England. It took a bit of getting used to driving the "wrong way" considering how I'm used to driving.

I hope you enjoy your experience!

I have scheduled a cruise in November of '13 and want to drive around to different points on the island. I'd rather be driven around and want to know what the approximate cost would be of a Taxi for about 3-4 hours?

John

Kate,

I have been doing a lot of research and if there are enough people...a private tour could be your best bet. Or...if you just paid for a taxi to take you guys everywhere and be exclusively yours for the day. I bet gtaylor (gary) will have a much better answer to this. I've never been there. I don't have the best answer.

I just wish I had 2-3 days at this port to enjoy it all. My guess is I will need to do another cruise to this location another day.

John

Westerdam on HAL.

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about lesser desired options. I have about 10 things I'd love to do. But, I don't have three days there. So...I must pick the top 2 or 3. That is what I'm referring to. This seems to be the most interesting port on the itinerary.

I did look into his two basic tour options. I even contacted him. My only thing is it takes me places I don't care about and it has limited time in Phillipsburg. I don't want to be too late back to the ship. I'd like at least 2 hours at each location...understanding it may be more like 1.5 hours. I could do it in 1.5 hours each location if the traffic is fair for the bus/taxi.

Must do at Phillipsburg: Yoda Man's shop!

Must do at Marigot: Sarafina's shop and the fort that overlooks the water/town

Must do at Orient Beach: Swim in the ocean and enjoy the sun!

@gtaylor. That may be the best option. Around $50 total. Still cheaper than a tour that doesn't give me all I want.

I may have to plan another cruise to this port to do other lesser desired activities like Maho Beach and the landing of airplanes. That seems too cool!

Just 2 of us.

I plan on showing up to the island in November and have from 8AM until 3PM to do what I do. My preference is to spend some time in downtown Phillipsburg, in Marigot and Orient Beach. Most of the tours have additional stops and don't seem to offer much time in Phillipsburg before my ship departs.

I've thought about going to just Marigot and Phillipsburg via bus as one option. However, that eliminates Orient Beach as a bus doesn't go there from either place. I don't want to pay for a private tour and think my own option may be to rent a car. What is the most economical choice?

John