Tips/suggestions: we just returned :)

[M in MN]

General info: This applies to all ports: All hotel tourist areas were lovely, clean and nice. But the rest of the islands have narrow streets, cramped small buildings of hodge-podge construction and varied upkeep, and excessive congestion, especially in the main cities. Yes, there are general road maps available, but they a mainly worthless because most roads and streets are unmarked; occasionally you’d see a street sign. Parking in any of the port cities is nearly impossible- street parking is all taken and there are few parking lots.

 

We rented cars in St. Thomas, ST. Maarten and Curacao [we canceled the latter, as congestion was nuts!].

 

We’d advise against renting a car, rather use the taxi . There really isn’t anything to see on any of the islands besides beaches and scattered lookouts with vista views, that all started to look alike after a while. Except for St. Thomas they all drive on the right side. If you are determined to rent, reserve in advance.

 

In each port you’ll find local venders right at the port announcing they have island tours available. These folks are sanctioned by the local port authority and have ID. You’ll find they offer small van/bus tours that cover the major points of interest for the island [ranging from 2 - 3 hours]. The cost is significantly less than the equivalent RCCL tour. We took 2 of these and were very pleased. All cities have places to rent snorkeling equipment, so you can take a taxi or bus to the best snorkeling area and do it yourself. Some tours are best arranged by RCCL, but are costly. Downtown areas consist mainly of high priced tourist stores selling jewelry, watches, cameras, liquor, tobacco, nick nacks, clothes, tourist trinkets and dishes.

 

The water temperature at all the islands ranges from 80-82 degrees; after 50 minutes of snorkeling, we started to feel chilled.

 

Willemstad, Curacao:

We took a tour that cost $15.00 for 2 hours and saw the few high points of the island. There is one guy with a sign that says he’ll take off with 6-8 in his taxi van. The other guys sign doesn’t say that, but he was more pleasant. Sometimes they charge $20, confirm the price with whomever is driving.

 

If the weather and timing were better, we would have gone to the Sea Aquarium [$18].

 

If all you are going to do is shop, just turn right and follow the walk path by the ocean [3 blks] until you come to the pontoon bridge. Once you cross it there is a better visitor info booth with many more maps and other information than the one at the port.

 

For the internet café: go straight ahead as you get off the pontoon bridge, walking 2 blocks. KFChicken is on your left and the place is kind of just before KFC, 15’ down a narrow alley like walk path. It is called Swift Internet. The price was $2.00 for up to 30 minutes. Nice owner.

 

Many of the downtown streets are marked, but the signage basically quits outside the downtown area.

 

Traffic was awful and there is no place to park so we canceled the car. If the pontoon bridge opens to allow boat traffic, just take the free water taxi boat. All the little museums and the synagogue charge $2 or $3 admission.

 

[everyotheryear]

Thank you taking the time to post so much info. It is very helpful.

[Jane Pond]

Am curious;

 

Mostly I want to buy a whole Edam cheese. Is there a shop near the port that might sell cheeses? They had them by the bunches in the airport in Aruba, but that was the wrong time for me.

 

Suggestions?

 

Thanks

 

Jane in PHL, on QM2 in early March

[everyotheryear]

Do you know anything about Knip Bay? How far it is from where the ships port? Any info. would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[seastar2]

Thanks for the info..

 

How about a casino... :rolleyes: