What to do!

[Rallytime1975]

We are so excited for our upcoming cruise, this is our first cruise with Celebrity and everything I have read, we are ready for the experience!

 

We are struggling on what to do. We like a little beach, little excitement and anything in-between.

 

Must are: Beach Day, Parasailing, 4x4 ( I have heard its worth it)city tour in one port that doesn't have much to do

 

We are wanting a private beach (if these ports have one) a little 4x4 excursion and other suggestions, we just don't know what port is the best for the beach.

 

St. Thomas, St Kitts, Barbados, Dominica, St Marten

What would your recommend?? What have you done?

I know that I will get some haters with this post that I should post in the different port of calls, but we are looking for suggestions for all of these.

Any help/advice/direction would be great!!

 

A little about us

Family of Brothers, and sister in laws, with our Mom and Dad. A total of 8 of us on this cruise

[KEG21552]

We are doing the same ports in April. We have been to all of these islands before and you can find all you are looking for in each place.

In Dominica, I would recommend Levi Bumpiing. Just do a google search for him. He has several different tours, we did the Champaign snorkel, Titou Gorge and some hot springs. You have to be in decent (not great) shape as there is some hiking involved.

In St Kitts, I am going to try stand up paddle boarding. Got cancelled last year due to winds. (Honu Peliknana).

In St Thomas, we always go to a little bar, Duffy's Love Shack in Red Hook, either by rental car or cab.

You didn't mention ages,, but if you are up for it, in St Marteen, we have done the America's cup sailing regatta. Again, it is kind of physical but fun. I think it can only be booked through the cruise line.

Don't have any firm plans for Barbados, but thinking of making that our beach day at the Boatyard.

I have never done any 4x4 so don't have any advice and I think you can parasail from any of the islands. Personally, been there, done that, don't need to do it again! What a shock to discover I was afraid of heights while at the end of a parachute!

Enjoy!

Karen

[SuperLarz]

We are in the same boat... looking for the best activities on a variety of islands during our upcoming cruise.

 

We have only cruised once before, in '09, and we did visit Dominica and St. Thomas on that trip.

 

I second the vote for Bumpiing Tours on Dominica. Levi was an awesome guide and we had a blast! We did the Roseau Valley Best tour and it was perfect. There was a fairly challenging hike (not for those with mobility issues or greatly out of shape) it had a pretty good hill, trails, and was fairly long. But it was gorgeous and we saw wild poinsettias and banana trees and massive bamboo. The stream water was fresh enough to fill your water bottle with! The hike ended at a stunning waterfall into an emerald pool that we swam and jumped in. We also visited Ti Tu Gorge, and sat in some natural hot springs. We did not make it to the Champagne reef.

But the tour was one of our favorite experiences on our cruise and I highly recommend it!

 

Here is a copy of the itinerary from an email that Levi sent to me... (this was in '09, so the details/prices may be a little different)

 

 

Roseau Valley Best (wet tour)

 

* Middleham Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls on the Island. The hike to this waterfall is about 45 minutes to1 hour one way (1.5 -1.8 miles), walking through part of the Island lush rain forest (trail gets muddy when it rains a day or two before). For the first 20- 25 minutes you would be climbing up (steep), which is the most difficult part of the hike/tour. From then it is mainly flat and down hill, with a little uphill until you get to the waterfall. There is a huge pool at the base of the waterfall with fresh clean water which will be tempting you to get in. (not the easiest pool to get into). Trail is a bit rugged in some areas.

 

*Trafalgar Falls: (two waterfalls in the same area) 10 minutes walk one way up a few steps. After the ten minutes walk, you get to a platform where you and view the waterfalls and take photos. There is an extra two minutes walk to you the hot mineral water where you could soak. The walk is not too difficult and Trafalgar Falls is the second most visited site on the Island. There you could also soak in the hot sulphuric water.

 

Titou Gorge: One of the most unique areas on the Island and it's also a spot where part of Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 was filmed. One can get to bathe in hot and cold water at titou gorge. To enjoy the gorge you would have to take the short swim up a cave like area (you do not swim under water). The swim is about 100 feet and the water is about 10 feet deep at it's deepest point, but if only about waist high when you get in the cave-Like area. There is a small waterfall where one can swim to, if the water is not flowing too heavy (must do). (there is an easy 5-7 minutes walk to Titou Gorge). We provide swim belts in case our guest needs it.

 

Wotten Waven Sulphur Springs: (small boiling pools) 2 minutes walk one way up a few steps.

 

*Champagne Reef: One of the most unique snorkeling areas in the eastern Caribbean. Take a short 5 minutes walk to the end of the stony beach, until you get to a cliff where you will gear up and begin a very different under water experience. You will be swimming in bubbles like you were in a giant aquarium. If you do not have snorkel gears, it can be rented at Champagne at $12.00us per set. ( Optional, and depends our guest and time) seeing that there is always enough time, most people get/choose to do it.

 

This is a great tour/hike (my personal favorite) but can be a bit challenging if one has any difficulty with their backs, legs, hips or if one is short in breath due to lungs or heart condition, they should not attempt this tour.

 

The duration of this tour is about 5.5 to 6.5 hours and cost $60.00us per person (4-10people).

 

NB: Site passes will be provided ($5.00us per person, per site, included in cost), so you do not have to go stand in line to purchase site passes.

There was an increase by Government in the site passes as of July 1st 2008, from $2.00us to $5.00us per person.

 

* Indicate the site where site passes are needed. Champagne passes are $2.00us per person.

 

There will be complementary local beers, soft-drinks and local bottled water on the tour.

 

Recommendations:

 

- Wear a good pair of waterproof strapped sandals. (eg. Keens)

- Swim suits and towels

- A light snack and or some fruits

- Waterproof camera would be great for this tour

 

 

You can check out my website http://www.bumpiingtours.com where you can read a little more about bumpiingtours and Dominica.

 

If there are any questions or request, please ask.

 

Awaiting your favorable response.

 

Best Regards,

Levi Baron.

mobile #: 7672659128 or 7673150493

 

[Miss JAD]

Hi,

 

Last year we were on a cruise that went to St Thomas and St Maarten. We went snorkeling with the turtles in St Thomas and that was one of the best excursions I have been on. You go out on a catamaran to Turtle Cove. There were lots of turtles to swim with. This year we are going to go to Saphire Beach for the day. I have been on the St Thomas forum and this is one of the recommended beaches.

 

Last year in St Maarten we went to Orient Beach for the day. We loved it - very pretty but busy. Good people watching and the water was amazing.

Edited January 6, 2014 by Miss JAD

[KKB]

We love a little beach called Sapphire Beach. It is on the other side of the island, about a 30 min. cab ride.

It tends to be less busy than closer beaches (quite uncrowded in both October & early December). Not luxurious facilities, but there is a restroom & bar. You can rent chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, etc. We have even jet skiied there.

It is listed as a destination at the cab (bus...) area near the port. BUT you have to either set up a time for your driver to return or call for a cab. This made me nervous since you are a distance from the ship & there are no cabbies just waiting. But we have done it twice with no issues. We just made sure we called for a cab about 2 hours before the ship was departing so there were no issues.

 

St. Maarten I recommend touring the French side of the island. A totally different experience.

 

I do not recommend beach days or city tours booked through the ship excursions. These can easily & much less expensively be done at port. 4x4 adventure might be one to do through the ship.

Edited January 6, 2014 by KKB

[Cruise Raider]

You've chosen one of my favorite itineraries.

 

In St Thomas, there was a relatively inexpensive tour to Honeymoon beach (think that is what is was called). The beach is so so, the water is fantastic. You can also go over to Megan's Bay....was so nice but think it might now be in a dicey area. A trip over to St John's is also a nice option. They take you to a most lovely beach by boat and open air shuttle. I think it is called Trunks bay.

 

In Barbados, I second the trip to the boatyard. The crew goes there as well -- inexpensive transportation and the beach and water are fantastic. We spent the whole day there last time. So nice! The Harrison Caves are also very interesting and a good tour.

 

In Dominica, we liked the tour that takes you river rafting and then to the water falls. Warning though, 4 hours in a van on curvy roads with only a couple hours or rafting / touring. Seems like they chose the river farthest from the port for this one.

 

St Martin has some excellent beaches -- one being within walking distance of the port. They also have water taxis to take you there if you aren't up for the walk. They have great shopping here and even a couple of casinos to try your luck here....all within walking distance. Pinel Island is a great place to snorkel as well.

 

In St Kitts, we caught a tour from one of the locals -- best darned $20 we've ever spent. We went with Sir Walter -- he said if we didn't like it, we didn't have to pay him. At the end of the tour, we asked him if we needed to pay him double since we loved it so much. If you walk out into town, there will be many options like this available...open air shuttles. We stopped at the Batik shop, which are on beautiful grounds -- nice hiking and views from up there. We went to the area where two oceans meet -- the Marriott being on the other side. If you want to use the beach at the Marriott, which is gorgeous, they provide free transportation from the port to their casino -- but they make it very well known that you are also welcome to not gamble and just use their beach. The water there is amazing. Nice people as well!!

[Rallytime1975]

Thanks so much!

 

We are thinking of St Kitts to do the Carambola Beach, since we are only in port from 8 to 3.

 

We are trying to decide to do parasailing in St Maarten or St Thomas.

 

Thanks for everyone's comments!

[phoenix_dream]

Just curious to ask the OP why if someone, most likely trying to be helpful, were to suggest they post a question on the ports of call boards they would be considered 'haters'? :eek: Wow. Perhaps they would really be thinking maybe you didn't know that and wanted to help you. In fact, not 'perhaps', but almost certainly that would be why they would do that. To repeat the famous quote 'can't we all just get along':)

[ClaudiaB]

We're leaving this Thursday for the Friday Equinox departure for this same cruise.

We've done it before.

Get on your roll call and on the ones for this specific cruise starting with the Jan. 10, etc., and find out what others are doing.

It's a great itinerary. So much to do.

You might enjoy snorkeling on St. John which is next to St. Thomas and easy to get to.

We've never done 4 x 4 in the Caribbean so no help there.

[Rallytime1975]

Very confusing post....are you being funny or rude?

 

Just curious to ask the OP why if someone, most likely trying to be helpful, were to suggest they post a question on the ports of call boards they would be considered 'haters'? :eek: Wow. Perhaps they would really be thinking maybe you didn't know that and wanted to help you. In fact, not 'perhaps', but almost certainly that would be why they would do that. To repeat the famous quote 'can't we all just get along':)

[omeinv]

For a beach day that's something fun and different, St. Marten has Malo Beach. It's right at the end of the airport runway. If you look on youtube, you can see the basic idea. When the large planes land the wake vortex causes all sorts of fun. It used to be the KLM 747 came in about 3:00 PM, and that is well worth seeing. There's a little bar there.

 

 

That being said, I'd agree with a poster above that Orient beach is nice. On St. Thomas, Megan's Bay is worth the trip.

 

Harris

Denver, CO

Edited January 7, 2014 by omeinv

[fleckle]

Just curious to ask the OP why if someone, most likely trying to be helpful, were to suggest they post a question on the ports of call boards they would be considered 'haters'? :eek: Wow. Perhaps they would really be thinking maybe you didn't know that and wanted to help you. In fact, not 'perhaps', but almost certainly that would be why they would do that.

:( I don't understand that type of name calling either, but it is their loss.

 

The best suggestions and tips we found for each of the islands they listed were from the ports of call boards.

 

Edited January 7, 2014 by fleckle

[H2OH!]

St. Thomas

* The Boss underwater scooter excursion is a blast- expensive but fun

* Take the skyride to the top- nice little bar and great views

* Greenhouse restaurant has great views and good food

* Locate Bones Rum (near Greenhouse) and have a drink in the bar area- you get to pour your own amount of rum into the drink

 

St. Kitts

* Island tour was fun

* Eat lunch at Otley's plantation

 

Barbados

* Silvermoon Catamaran sail is the BEST!!

* We also did a submarine tour a few years ago which was fun and unique

 

Dominica

* Levi Bumping

* Whale tours

 

St. Maarten

* Maho beach is fun to watch the planes land. there is a little bar and a small beach area with chairs. We go here almost every time we stop here

* French side of islands is fun

* We did a 4 hour private tour with a company- cant remember the name off the top of my head- one of the top rated companies names in the ports section

 

 

happy sailing

[billscruiser]

We just came back from doing those islands. We had a blast on the Segways in Barbados. It was our first time and my husband now wants to buy one. Would recommend this island over St. Maarten, which is sidewalks and beach always dodging pedestrians. You are in the country and have great water views. Also get a 30-45 minute ride through town and countryside to get there. We are not youngsters, 65-71 and had a ball. This was a ship tour. The guides were awesome, sticking with you until you had the hang of it. Have a great cruise!! Kathryn

[We're The Groupnors]

One of the best 4 x 4 tours we've ever done was in Barbados, and it was booked through the ship. We did some off roading on dirt tracks through sugar cane fields, and also visited Bathsheba (beautiful mushroom rocks, not to be missed), an historic church and cemetery with a fabulous view of the coast, and an old bridge. We also stopped for a rum punch and rum cake. It was lots of fun!

[billyelliot]

St Martin ...... Maho Beach. It's a great beach with the added excitement of the planes coming in. It's got quite a shelve into the sea but it's beautiful. The beach bar is also good fun.

 

Dominica ..... Definitely Levi Bumping.. I can honestly say it was, and still is the best day I have ever had while being on a cruise! :D

[Want2Cruise 701]

We've done all of these as well atleast once. My favorite islands.

 

Our excursions:

 

Barbados 3x:

Tiami Catamaran and swim with the turtles (X tour)

Rented a car for the day

Cab to Holetown and beach

 

St kitts:

Catamaran with snorkel stop then over to Nevis for a beach day (tour through X but can't remember name)

 

Dominica:

Tour with Levi baron of bumping tours. Tour was Roseau valley (wet) Highly recommend

 

St Thomas 3x:

Champagne catamaran to St. John (carnival tour but offered through X)

Shopping downtown

Megan's bay beach and shopping (X tour)

 

St Maarten 2x:

Aquaboat and jeep adventure (X tour)

Maho to see planes and mullet beach

 

Since you mentioned parasailing, I would do it in st Maarten. My least favorite island but that's just my opinion.

[dodger1964]

?...I know that I will get some haters with this post that I should post in the different port of calls, but we are looking for

 

I'm not a hater, but I would suggest you at least look at the destination section of cc and look at what others have posted. You will find MANY threads like, "what is best beach, or what would u do for a day on 'whichever' island".

 

There is a wealth of info in that section.

 

Have great cruise.

[Rallytime1975]

Thanks to the people that helped and took time out to help us. I don't understand why people like your self need to be caught up in drama.

 

Just looking for help and everyone was very helpful.

 

great suggestions!!

 

I'm not a hater, but I would suggest you at least look at the destination section of cc and look at what others have posted. You will find MANY threads like, "what is best beach, or what would u do for a day on 'whichever' island".

 

There is a wealth of info in that section.

 

Have great cruise.

[dodger1964]

Thanks to the people that helped and took time out to help us. I don't understand why people like your self need to be caught up in drama.

 

Just looking for help and everyone was very helpful.

 

great suggestions!!

 

is that directed at me?

Edited January 10, 2014 by dodger1964

[helen haywood]

Do a tour with Bernard in St. Marten and he will take you to both sides of the island and to Maho and make sure you get back to the ship in time!