Haven't cruised in years!!!

[Gray ladies]

We haven't cruised in years and are going May 15th out of Port Canaveral to the eastern Carribean......Help ?!?!?

1. Is there a Set Sail party on the ship to meet other cruisers?

2. Any suggestions for activities in the ports of St. Thomas or St. Maarten? we like to snorkel!

 

We'd appreciate all the advice we can get. Thanks.

[Keith1010]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

In terms of a party I would post this on the Cruise Line board for the Cruise Line you are sailing.

 

Also there is a ports of call section and one dedicated to St. Thomas and one dedicated to St. Maarten.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

There are sail away parties for when the ships leave the port on Embarkation day -- you will meet some people there.

But the best place to meet others on your cruise before the ship sails is your Roll Call.

Here is a link to the general Roll Call board -- scroll down until you find your ship -- open that up and then scroll down to find the date of your cruise. Click on that and sign up:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34

 

 

Ports of Call link:

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

[Clarea]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

If you are on a Royal ship, you can sign up for a Meet & Mingle here:

 

https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/ccEntry.do

[cb at sea]

If you want to participate in the "Meet and mingle"...join your roll call on these boards...otherwise...just talk to folks! It's not hard...everyone is there for a good time!

[obnurse]

You picked a nice itinerary for snorkeling! Both St. Maarten and St. Thomas have lots of choices. Go to the ports of call boards and surf around there. You'll get plenty of advice. We usually take a catamaran ride with a couple snorkeling stops. It's a nice combo of boat ride, snorkeling, rum punch and usually a beach stop. Mirabella (St. Maarten) is very nice but there are many. Have fun planning!

[Bankshot]

To avoid the crowds in St Thomas grab a cab to Red Hook and take the ferry to St. John. This in one of the most beautiful, serene islands in the area. Rent a car and tour on your own or hop on a tour bus. Don't miss Trunk Bay.

[zoncom]

Go to your library, bookstore or even online, pull up various ports you are interested in for info. Fodors,Frommers and Lonely Planet all have excellent travel books entitled Caribbean Cruises. Each has a web site also.I think you will find there is not as much free stuff as years ago on board.

Edited February 12, 2016 by zoncom

[Markanddonna]

So much depends on the cruiseline. Read the reviews of any ship you are considering and pay attention to the consistency of the details in these reviews. You will find lots of cut backs.