MORE HELP NEEDED! Please rate ports on South Caribbean Cruise on Maasdam

[Paja]

HI all,

I posted a question about a week ago and had some great answers. We (my husband and I in our 50's) are taking a 14 day Caribbean cruise on the Maasdam with my elderly parents. Since we have so many shore days I was feeling a little overwhelmed and asked for suggestions for each port. I got some great feedback. One person said that "they would stay on board in 3 of these ports" I asked which ones, but they haven't responded.

 

The thing is that my parents are great sports and are mobile, but probably won't want to go to shore for 9 days in a row. So which of these ports are "must see" and which are "nice, but could pass on them"

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

St. Thomas Virgin Islands

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Roseau, Dominica

Bridgetown, Barbados

Castries, Saint Lucia

St. John Antigua

St. Maarten Netherlands Antilles

Tortola British Virgin Islands

 

I am wanting to book some private tours and leave some ports that, if my parents feel up to it, find something either on board with HAL, or on shore as we exit the ship. So, which islands would you absolutely want to have a tour of, and which could you pass on and not regret forever?

 

My husband and I will do a couple of things on our own, I am thinking snorkelling at Coki Beach St Thomas, Virgin Island (I understand my parents could come with us by taxi and have a lounge on the beach and enjoy the water here?) and the Baths from British Virgin Islands. For people who are active and love to snorkel, would these be your top things to do in these ports?

 

I am getting excited about our cruise and would love to hear any ideas about our shore excursions

Thanks!

[IheartHAL]

My vote is..if I had to pass on one of those listed, it would be Dominica. I've enjoyed the others more.

 

Coki Beach on St Thomas gets very crowded; I didn't like it, but then I keep hoping for those postcard-perfect beaches and am slowly coming to the realization that I have set my sights too high!

[luvcruisn']

I don't know about some of the islands, but I definitely wouldn't miss San Juan. I walked around the old town, saw the forts - really enjoyed it.

[seafun]

Your decisions are tough ones -- to me anyway, since all the island choices are great. I've been to all but two of "your" islands and loved them all.

Many people will have their own opinions... :rolleyes:

Suggestion #1 -- follow through with visiting Coki Beach with your parents. St. Thomas has pros and cons, (beaches and shopping, thumbs up! traffic getting across the island, thumbs down!) but I bet you could have a great day -- getting a taxi to Coki Beach for the four of you.

You and spouse can snorkel or swim (check the internet for tours/specials/coupons for Coki Beach) Your parents would probably enjoy the very nice Coral World aquarium right at Coki Beach; I know I did:

http://www.coralworldvi.com/

And they could get as much or as little sun as they wanted around the aquarium, while seeing all the fish and coral without swimming!

I booked a private excursion with this company:

http://www.visnuba.com/ that included both Snuba at Coki Beach and the Coral World Aquarium and I loved it!! :D

Suggestion #2 -- aerial tram ride through the jungle canopy on Saint Lucia. You can either do it with or without an exhilerating series of zip line rides through the jungle tree tops. I booked a HAL excursion (with the zip lines), but you might be able to do it on your own, with a taxi as transportation and entrance into the park a little more inexpensively. Here's their website:

https://www.rainforestrams.com/tickets/product_info.php?products_id=37

 

This is something both you and your parents might enjoy -- not much walking on their part, but a beautiful ride through the birds, butterflies, palms and jungle flowers.

Suggestion #3 -- In Tortola, visit Virgin Gorda to see and explore The Baths. Huge boulders along the water forming beautiful sun-dappled pools to wade through and explore. Take Speedy's ferry ($38.00 round trip, includes air conditioned ferry boat and open air taxi ride to and from the site.) The ferry leaves Tortola from about a half mile from the HAL dock:

http://www.speedysbvi.com/

 

All three of these adventures were spectacular, (but hiking and climbing around the Baths might be too much walking and exertion for your parents).

I love all the islands I've visited, but those three ideas came to me first....

Do as much as you can -- you'll remember it for years! :)

 

[kiberkid]

When we were on the Maasdam in Jan 2007, my Dad was 82 & my Mom was 76.

 

In Roseau, Dominica we did the ships River Tubing excursion. That was the highlight of my parents cruise. They are still talking about it. You get bussed to the start point & there is not a lot of walking involved. My Mom had a really bad knee (had it replaced 2 weeks after this excurison) & had no problems at all. My mother is the type that does not like to get her hair "mussed" up. She is very elegant & stylish. At the end of this excursion, she looked like a drowned rat...lol...but she could not get the smile off of her face & she giggled all the way back to the ship.

 

In St Thomas, they did a city tour & we went snorkeling. They loved the city tour. We drove our own zodiak along the coast, across an inlet & went snorkeling in a beautiful cove. We were escorted the whole way. It was a really fun time for us, but we both got a horrible sunburn. I suggest you use extra sun protection if you are going to be in the water in St Thomas. We have snorkeled in several hot locations & that is the worst burn we ever got. Both of our excursions were thru the ship.

 

Those are the only 2 common ports we had.

 

Have a great cruise & enjoy every second with your parents.

[iflyrc5]

I don't know about some of the islands' date=' but I definitely wouldn't miss San Juan. I walked around the old town, saw the forts - really enjoyed it.[/quote']

 

 

If it is still running, (we were there in Jan 08) there is a FREE trolley that runs all around Old San Juan and I am sure that there is a stop not too far from the pier. You can see the trolley in the photo at the link below - the sign in the upper corner with the 12 shows were the stops are so just look for one of these signs near the pier. We will be there on our Maasdam cruise on 2 Mar and will probably just take the trolley all around town

 

http://www.pbase.com/iflyrc5/image/91823630

 

Have a great trip!!

[Paja]

Great! Thanks for the advice. Another question, how far is the hike down to the Baths? Am I right in thinking that you have to hike down and then you can do a little or a lot more walking? Could my parents hike down, see a little and then relax while we see more? Any more feedback on which are the ports that are less interesting than the rest?

[CBJ]

Great! Thanks for the advice. Another question, how far is the hike down to the Baths? Am I right in thinking that you have to hike down and then you can do a little or a lot more walking? Could my parents hike down, see a little and then relax while we see more? Any more feedback on which are the ports that are less interesting than the rest?

 

We went on the ship excursion to the Baths. The ferry takes you to Virgin Gorda, and an open air bus to 'the Baths'. There is a beach and a snack bar there, some shade. From there you walk through the boulders which I would not recommend for persons with limited mobility. So they could stay at the beach if they wanted.

 

We did the 10 day Maasdam last year which visited some of those ports. Also we were on another ship a few years back that went to St. Thomas. In St. Thomas we took a cab to Coki Beach and it was fairly empty. Lots of snack bars with lounge chairs and people willing to rent snorkel equipment and bring you food and drinks. We enjoyed it. St. Thomas also has cheap liquor and a lot of shopping around the dock.

 

St. Maarten has great beaches (we went to Orient I think) and great shopping. We will skip the beach and go straight to the shops next time though, as our time was short and the Caribbean has so many nice beaches.

 

Bridgetown, we got off the ship and went to the tourism office in the cruise terminal and booked a catamaran snorkelling/swim with the turtles trip. It was great fun and open bar to boot, after it was over they dropped us off 'downtown' and we did a bit of shopping. I think this might be a fun thing to do on your own.

 

St. Lucia - we tried our usual 'get off the ship and wander a bit before deciding what to do' thing, and it didn't work out. It was pretty run down and blechy around the terminal so we ended up going back and doing the only thing available, which was hiring a van for an island tour. It was okay but I wouldn't go again - 5 hours in a van on winding roads with barely adequate air conditioning... not my cup of tea. There was some really nice scenery though - I think I would do a rainforest tour of some kind.

[mudscraper]

There`s a great old Fort on St. Kitts. Beautiful view of many nearby islands.

Any cab driver will take you there.

 

 

Rich

[Southbound]

We were on the 14-day holiday sailing of the Prinsendam last month and among other ports, visited:

Roseau, Dominica - Normally we prefer to do our tours with local companies, but decided to do the ship's excursion called "Dominica Favorites" ($49p/p) and were so glad we did. It was a 4-1/2 hr. tour in an air-cond. van carrying 20; saw most of this beautiful, lush island, including Trafalga Falls and the Emerald Pool (gorgeous spot for a refreshing swim). The guide did an excellent job and it was a highlight of the cruise.

St. Thomas - The ship will dock at Crown Bay, where there are a few shops; rather than taking a taxi to Havensight or Charlotte Amalie (the main shopping area referred to as "downtown"), recommend using the new water taxi service that is now available that runs to all three locations ($5p/p for one stop; $10p/p hop on/hop off unlimited). Since there is a good probability of other ships being in port, creating severe traffic congestion with taxis and shuttle vans, the water taxi is quicker and more convenient. This is also the island for the lowest prices on liquor & tobacco products and the higher customs allowance.

St. Maarten - we have been here many times, by ship and air. We think the prettiest beach by far is Mullet Bay, a short taxi ride from the pier; food and drinks available.

San Juan - we have also been here many times by ship and walking to the fort and around the shopping district is very interesting. Carnival Corp. constructed a beautiful new cruise terminal which also has many nice shops.

St. Lucia - On a prior visit, we did a catamaran trip with a company called "Endless Summer" and it was excellent. Included lunch at a very nice restaurant, a stop at the suphur springs and swimming/snorkeling at a beautiful cove; live music and drinks on board included.

Tortola - A visit to The Baths on Virgin Gorda was another highlight on a previous HAL holiday cruise; a very pretty beach and exploring among the paths of boulders a fun experience.

If I had to eliminate any of the ports you'll be visiting, I'd say San Juan and St. Kitts.

 

You have an excellent itinerary on a beautiful ship.

[gizmo]

Great! Thanks for the advice. Another question, how far is the hike down to the Baths? Am I right in thinking that you have to hike down and then you can do a little or a lot more walking? Could my parents hike down, see a little and then relax while we see more? Any more feedback on which are the ports that are less interesting than the rest?

 

I would not recommend the Baths for your parents. If they like a beach I suggest Cane Garden Bay. You can rent chairs and unmbrellas. The water is very calm.

[catl331]

It wasn't the hike down to the Baths that got to me. It was going back up. Also if you do the whole route, you must be able to bend and wiggle through some of the tight rocks. After that there is a beach to relax at and then it is a longer hike up. Not that it was steep but I kept trying to latch onto a branch from a bush here and there and found out it was cacti. Most of the path was natural and winding and uneven here and there. So I have been there and done that once only in my lifetime. I did enjoy the canopy tour in Dominica. Nothing much to see and do in Roseau. We try to either visit the port or do a tour because we cruise to see the ports and how locals live. I vowed not to spend any money in Aruba (because of the way they handled the N. Holloway incident) but we did walk around. If we do a long tour one day, the next day is something short but we always get off and walk around.

[CDRMark]

HI all,

I posted a question about a week ago and had some great answers. We (my husband and I in our 50's) are taking a 14 day Caribbean cruise on the Maasdam with my elderly parents. Since we have so many shore days I was feeling a little overwhelmed and asked for suggestions for each port. I got some great feedback. One person said that "they would stay on board in 3 of these ports" I asked which ones, but they haven't responded.

 

SNIP.....

 

That was me, and I am sorry I missed your follow-up question.

I would stay onboard (and have done so) in San Juan, St Thomas and Half Moon Cay, mainly because I have spent a fair amount of time in San Juan and St Thomas, and am not a "beach guy" (HMC is a beautiful beach, but still...). This is way more about me than about the ports.

I also renew my recommendation of the America's cup sail in Sint Maarten

http://www.12metre.com/ I intend to do it again someday.

Cheers

Mark

[Paja]

Thank you all for the further input.

[sail7seas]

Cane Garden Bay Beach, Tortola -

How far is it from where the ship docks? Is it toward Pussers going in or other direction?

 

 

Taxi or walk?

Thanks.

[Aunty Pat]

Take a taxi up to the fort in San Juan and then take a slow walk back down the hill through city streets to the ship. On the way check out the old governors’ mansion. Stop for a great lunch in the patio of El Convento a luxury hotel built in the old convent. If you parents are tired by this time the door man can get them a taxi back to the ship. Continue your walk through the shopping area (both tourist & local) and pass the government building to the dock.

 

The trip out to the rain forest is also worth the time and money if you are into nature. You can rent a car and take in a beach on your way back to the ship.

 

In St. Thomas take a snorkeling excursion by boat St. Johns. This avoids the traffic grid lock in town.

 

 

Aunty Pat

 

 

Barefoot Windjammer - Phantom ‘81

K&D German Rhine Line ‘84

NCL - Norway ’85, Pride of America ’05, Southward ’87, Star ’97 & ‘05, Starward ’92, Sun ’02 & Windward ’93

RCC - Song of America ‘89

American Hawaiian - Independence ‘98

HAL - Volendam ’99, Noordam ’06, Oosterdam ’07 & ‘09, Statendam ’02 & ‘08, Prinsendam ’03 & ’06, Westerdam ’09 & Zuiderdam ’04, ’06 & ‘07

Carnival - Spirit ‘05

Celebrity – Summit ‘05

Cruise West - Yorktown Clipper ‘06

Princess - Golden Princess ‘07

A & K - East Queen ‘07

Cunard - QM2 ’08

[honey-bunny]

in domenica we had the best river tubing amd much more tour from halit was fantastic i went with DH and our 9 year old girl it was relaxing and fun day got to be lazy see the river and wonderfull vegetaion old trees bananas plantation great tour from hal good price as well:D it was 68$ for adults and 40 for child

[saginaw]

You have book an excursion with Silver Moon in Barbados! It was one of the most special days of our lives. It was so beautiful and relaxing. When ever my husband and I are having a bad time we remember our day sailing with them and swimming the the turtles. Check out their reviews in the Barbados section, you will not regret it!

[hal lover]

DH and I were on the December 08 sailing of the Maasdam with the same ports. Great trip!

 

St. Kitts has a train ride. I think it was about a 4 hour ride and it was lovely!

 

St. Lucia has an 8 hour tour of the island. Highly recommend! You will go by air conditioned bus. Many stops. The lighthouse lookout is wonderful! Also, you will go to the volcano. Really a must to see the island.

 

St. Maarten- we've been there twice. It has grown in a very nice way! Both times there, we have gone with a private driver named Gene, Gene the dancing machine. He is from this island and knows everything! You can find him in the town hall area.

 

St. Thomas of course has fabulous shopping! We've also gone snorkeling at Sapphire Beach and have take the excursion to St. Johns for snorkeling. Both are great!

 

These are just a few of my favorites! Have a wonderful cruise! IMHO it's one of the best that we had ever been on.

[Sir PMP]

San Juan, Puerto Rico

St. Thomas Virgin Islands

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Roseau, Dominica

Bridgetown, Barbados

Castries, Saint Lucia

St. John Antigua

St. Maarten Netherlands Antilles

Tortola British Virgin Islands

 

 

San Juan, great walking in the old town, St. Thomas, shopping! St. Kitts and Domenica, nice for a drink, watch out out for pickpockets, there is a lot of drug traffic on these islands, Barbados: one of my favorites, St Lucia, also good for shopping, and St.Johns, go to Nelsons shipyard, very pretty and interesting..

[frankcoll]

OMG I would not recommend going to Coki Beach. We were there last year and the smell of marijuana was overwhelming. The beachside resteraunts were practically fighting over us and we had to pay to use a bathroom. When we were getting ready to leave a gentlemen came over to us and told us we were early, that our ride wasn't here yet and that we should have a seat a wait. It was scary especially since we were with kids. Fortunately our ride arrived shortly after and we were "allowed" to leave.