Shore excursions

[marek165]

We are on the Norwegian Dawn. We like doing our own thing and at our own pace. Is it OK to make arrangements alone or do they have to be made from the ship. Also don't know what to do in these POC's. They are Samana, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

We just did Discover Samana -- which I do NOT recommend.

Check out your ports here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=5

[CruiserBruce]

Yes, it is OK to make your own arrangments.

 

You will find much more info here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

which is the NCL board. Also here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=587

 

which is the Caribbean Ports board. You should check your Roll Call, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=349

 

where you can meet others on your cruise, and perhaps do some fun stuff with them.

[KirkNC]

Yes you can do what ever you want, we usually do our own thing, it is cheaper, more enjoyable and you can see what you want when you want. DIY does take more planning to ensure you can get around and back on time. Check the Port of Call link that KK posted for ideas on what to see for your ports.

[jdvmd]

We are on the Norwegian Dawn. We like doing our own thing and at our own pace. Is it OK to make arrangements alone or do they have to be made from the ship. Also don't know what to do in these POC's. They are Samana, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua, Barbados, St Kitts.

It is fine and much cheaper to do excursions on your own. Just do your research and read about recommended excursion operators on the Caribbean Ports of Call board on CC.

[trish1c]

I always start with the ships excursions to get a sense of what might be available & pricing. Then I check out the ports of call threads & the roll call to see if anybody is already doing anything interesting. Also check out CC's sister site, tripadvisor & the official tourism sites for every port.

Book something that interests you.

In Tortola our favorite is a trip to the Baths at Virgin Gorda. Pay careful attention to the time.

In St Martaan we went to the Divi resort for the day. We got lunch & a beach / pool. It was boring & I wouldn't do it again.

In Antigua we did a "moderate" hike through the rain forest. It was hardly moderate -- 1,500 ft straight up the side of a dormant volcano through the mud. :eek: DH no longer gets to pick the excursions.

In Barbados we went to the Boatyard. If you are a fan of MTV's Spring Break go. If loud music & partying are your cup of tea, it's fun. If not do something else. I understand swimming wth the turtles is the thing to do.

In St. Kitts book a tour of the fort. It's amazing to think that was built by hand in the 1600s.

[cb at sea]

A guidebook is the place to start....you can find out all points of interest, activities, etc....avail. in each place. THEN, you can decide if you can do that on your own, or if you should book a guide.