Southern Caribbean Cruisers

fancywright2

Hey ladies -

For those of you that went on the Southern Caribbean cruise that departed from San Juan, which excursions did you go on/book? We're trying to plan our excursions now and are looking for recommendations. Thanks! 

ichoosethesun

It's been years since I went on that cruise. What are the Ports again? As an avid cruiser I always recommend, limiting your pre-purchased cruise lines excursions to only those that may potentially be dangerous (due to insurance) and wait until you port to book the others as they are oftentimes much cheaper and I personally prefer the local perspective over the tourist perspective. Enjoy!

fancywright2

San Juan, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Thomas, and St. Martin.

I think it was Cha who gave me a shore excursions site that I can buy through without going through the ship. 

Yeah, usually, I buy excursions once I get to the port, but I wanted to at least see what some of the favorite excursions for those ports are.

Thanks!!

CreoleBride30

Hi Fancy! We did not buy any excursions from the cruise ship. I researched excursions through tripadvisor.com I highly recommend Spencer Tours in St. Lucia. We did the one that has some beach time at Jalouise Beach next to the Pitons. I think it's called a land and sea tour. When I get home, I can send you all the info. We took guided tours in San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Martin. On our own in St. Thomas and Barbados. Cha

fancywright2

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_southern-caribbean-cruisers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:9f014ebc-ad60-46eb-ac02-0d4f88ad04b2Post:9fe732cb-d7d3-4e03-b7ec-72986ffd61b4">Re:Southern Caribbean Cruisers</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi Fancy! We did not buy any excursions from the cruise ship. I researched excursions through tripadvisor.com

I highly recommend Spencer Tours in St. Lucia. We did the one that has some beach time at Jalouise Beach next to the Pitons. I think it's called a land and sea tour. When I get home, I can send you all the info. We took guided tours in San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Martin. On our own in St. Thomas and Barbados.
Cha
Posted by CreoleBride30[/QUOTE]



Thanks Cha!

CreoleBride30

Hey Fancy.  My pleasure.  The best website is www.tripadvisor.com . I looked at all the highly rated tours and went from there.  I booked all of mine with the actual tour guide company.  We didn't pay until after the tour was over.  I also recommend reading reviews from fellow passengers on www.cruisecritic.com  

Shano suggested using www.shoretrips.com in which I believe she booked hers through them.  

Here is some info:

St. Thomas - Sunny Liston Tours. We did our own thing, but if I go back, I would definitely recommend Sunny.  Magens Bay cost $4 pp to get in and is absolutely beautiful.  You can take a cab there for around 4-8 bucks per person.  We also did a lot of shopping. Out of all the islands you will visit, St. Thomas will be the cheapest for alcohol, electronics, jewelry, etc.  We also took the skylift (maybe it's called look out point). It's a bit pricey. You can either purchase from cruise line or at the office.  It's the same price either way. You can also visit other VI from St. Thomas by taking a ferry in Charolotte Amalie.  A+++

Barbados:  We went on our own but our cab driver kinda took us around. Maybe someone else can direct you on where to go because there is much to do in Barbados. We did spend most of the day at Carlisle Beach.  Absolutely beautiful.  We walked around the downtown area and ate authentic food at a local restaurant.  A+++

St. Lucia:  Spencer Ambrose by far is the best!!!! We had the most fun here.  I do not recommend going at it alone on this island.  Spencer will take you all over the island. Highligths of the tour include:  Visiting Castries (capital city of St. Lucia, Marigot Bay, Anes La Raye, Soufriere (OMG...girl, let me tell you...they have the best Creole bread here!! Ask Spencer to buy you a loaf for yourself!!!!), Mariogot Bay, The Pitons (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Toraille Waterfall, Sulfur Springs (the world's only drive in volcano). Our tour included lunch and time at Jalouise Beach with a view of the Pitons in the backgroud.   Be aware of the Rum Punch...it will knock you off your feet, but you won't feel it until later.  We had so much fun in St. Lucia!!!!  A++++++++

St. Kitts:  This island is the prettiest island and the smallest. We used a tour company that was advertising as soon as you disembark.  It's the first one you come too. They offer this one on the cruise but it's cheaper booking as soon as your disembark. I can't think of their name.  Frigate's Beach is absolutely gorgeous! Friar's beach is beautiful too. Others highly recommend:  Royston Tours.  A+++++++

St. Martin/St. Marteen:  Bernard Tours (found on tripadvisor.com and reviews of other cruisers)  OMGee! We LOVED this island for it's french and dutch influence. It's like visiting 2 different countries at 1 time...and you can truly see the difference! I loved the french side (probably bc I'm from Louisiana and it hits closer to home with the food, language, culture).  You MUST go to Moho Bay.  This is the place where planes fly over your head!!!! It was very fun.  A+++++++++

San Juan:  We just found a tour that would use our time up and take us to the airport.  We mostly wanted to eat here.  The best dish IMO to have here is Mofongo (fried, mashed plaintain).  It taste just like a baked potato, but it's stuffed with your choice of meat.  A+

This is so exciting!!! Keep me informed on what you decide Fancy!!!! I'm too excited for you!

Cha

fancywright2

Cha!! You are the best! We'll definitely look at your recommendations and research on trip advisor. I know FI wants to zip line, so we need to see which port we want to do that in. I'll keep you posted!

shano06

I Was About To Say. Ask Cha.! So Far We Have In St. Thomas A Tour Through The Cruise Line, Boat Ride To Tee Island Of Tortola For A Swim With Dolphins. St. Lucia We're Doing Our Own Helicopter Tour Through St. Lucia Helicopters And Then The Day At Reduit Beach. St Kitts Zipline And St. Maarten Cha Told Me About Maho Beach Which Is Behind An Airport And The Planes Fly Like 20ft Over Your Head. Barbados We're Doing Swimming With The Sea TurtlesDefinitely Look At Other Tour Providers As Cha Said. I Definitely Recommend ShoreTrips Like Cha Said Also. My Zipline Is Through Them And Also My Barbados And St. Maarten Tours. They're Really Good And Highly Recommended.

fancywright2

Thanks Shan!

CreoleBride30

You're welcome Fancy! 

Cha

CreoleBride30

Hey Shano!!!

Cha