Planned Beach Excursion vs. Taxi

[Jerri8806]

My family and I (including my two small boys) are cruising to the Eastern Caribbean May 25 on RCI Allure of the Seas. We will be going to Nassau, St Thomas and St Marteen. In the past we have always reserved beach excursions through RCI. I have done some research and it seems a lot of people just get taxis to go to the beach. We did this in Nassau in 2010 and it worked out nicely. We only spent like $20 for 4 people. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which is better or safer? I was considering maybe doing the jitney (sp?) To Cable beach in Nassau, a taxi to Sapphire Beach in St Thomas, and maybe finding a nice beach to go to in St Marteen as well. Advice would be greatly appreciated!:)

[CruiserBruce]

Some research on the appropriate boards, here:

 

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

 

would be very helpful.

[runner15km]

My family and I (including my two small boys) are cruising to the Eastern Caribbean May 25 on RCI Allure of the Seas. We will be going to Nassau, St Thomas and St Marteen. In the past we have always reserved beach excursions through RCI. I have done some research and it seems a lot of people just get taxis to go to the beach. We did this in Nassau in 2010 and it worked out nicely. We only spent like $20 for 4 people. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which is better or safer? I was considering maybe doing the jitney (sp?) To Cable beach in Nassau, a taxi to Sapphire Beach in St Thomas, and maybe finding a nice beach to go to in St Marteen as well. Advice would be greatly appreciated!:)

 

Nassau you will need a day pass at a Cable Beach hotel.

 

No chairs or restrooms at Sapphire.

[tip]

Consider Emerald Beach in St. Thomas. You can have a taxi take you to the Best Western Hotel and there will be taxis waiting to take you back to the ship. Depending upon where you are docked, a taxi will cost $5-7 pp each way. They are not metered. Agree upon a price before you board.

 

There is no charge to use the beach. If you want to rent a lounge chair, they are $10 each. There is both sun and shade. There are restrooms available at no charge. There is a beach bar with food and drink available.

 

It is a fairly quiet beach with calm surf. It is certainly good for families.

 

You are much better off to use taxis rather than the expensive ship excursions if you are looking for a beach day on the islands.

[cb at sea]

Research is key....get a guidebook, so you'll know WHICH beach is right for your family...it will also tell you about transportation options, and facilities/amenities at that beach.

 

We NEVER do beach excursions....it's simply not necessary in 99% of the ports! And, you can be on your own timetable...so, get your guidebook (libraries have them!), and read up!

[Jerri8806]

@runner 15 km, is there no public beach access at Cable beach?

 

@ Tip, thanks for the info. I will definitely be checking that beach out. It sounds like a good fit for us!

 

@CB at Sea, I agree that the planned excursions are too expensive and not worth it. I will be looking for some guide books!

 

Thanks for all of the advice!

[runner15km]

@runner 15 km, is there no public beach access at Cable beach?

 

@ Tip, thanks for the info. I will definitely be checking that beach out. It sounds like a good fit for us!

 

@CB at Sea, I agree that the planned excursions are too expensive and not worth it. I will be looking for some guide books!

 

Thanks for all of the advice!

 

There is a public entrance but no facilities and there are safety concerns.