3 weeks away - last minute to-dos

[Betsyp]

I can’t believe my cruise is only 3 weeks away! 3/2-3/9, Fantasy, EC

I’ve completed my on-line check in, have my PAT…have my activities and reservations set (though I regret not booking Tortola by Land and Sea - doesn’t look like there will be any cancellations)…

It’s been years since I’ve been on a cruise, much longer since I’ve been on a Caribbean cruise. Any “last minute” things I should do to prepare?

I may buy an eyeglass chain for when I’m on Aqua Duck or such, though I usually just hold my glasses. I’ll bring 2 spare, but I’ve never used a chain - I don’t want to chance my glasses breaking. Any recommendations?

I have a pair of rubbery pool shoes that I think should work on-board, but I need better ones for the beach. Any recs for this as well?

I feel like there’s more I need to do aside from the above and buying another bathing suit, but I can’t think…

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Passport, swimsuit, toothbrush- LOL. Have a blast on your cruise! I love the eastern!

 

[Betsyp]

Passport, swimsuit, toothbrush- LOL. Have a blast on your cruise! I love the eastern!

I love that there’s almost no risk of be overpacking, lol!

Silly question - how are the towels on Fantasy? Most hotel towels are pretty much barely bigger than face towels; are they any bigger on DCL?

What was your favorite part of the Eastern Caribbean? Do you remember what excursions you did?

Thank you!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

I think the towels are just fine. I usually grab two, but that is me.

Jost van Dyke in the BVI and Magen's Bay in St Thomas are my favorite places. I have also done St. Johns on your own and hiked around the national park trails. So beautiful!

 

[Betsyp]

I think the towels are just fine. I usually grab two, but that is me.

Jost van Dyke in the BVI and Magen's Bay in St Thomas are my favorite places. I have also done St. Johns on your own and hiked around the national park trails. So beautiful!

I’ve had a thing for St John ever since watching one of those house hunter type shows that take place on various islands, so I’m stoked to go there. I booked a Jeep tour months ago, and I’ve been SO excited, but now my heart keeps pounding at the thought of getting back to the ship “no later than 3pm” - taking the 2pm ferry from Cruz Bay, then taxi from Red Hook to the ship. That gives me 45 minutes - maybe more -but either way, not a lot of time

I wanted to see the island, which is why I booked the tour in the first place, but now I’m wondering if I should just do the Trunk Bay excursion via DCL. It’s 90 minutes beach time - which I know isn’t a lot, but probably is enough for me, and - I do love being out on the water, so I’m ok with the ferry ride taking up a big chunk of the day

Of course, I could do Trunk Bay as part of my Jeep tour, but I wouldn’t even have 90 min if I want to see some of the island.

My nerves could be just me being a nervous person, but I’m kind of torn.

Do you have any thoughts? Or anyone else -feel free to chime in!

For Tortola, I booked a private tour, but I also booked JVD day because I’m drawn to white sand beach, the little beach shacks for lunch, trying a Painkiller at Sand Dollar…..

I hate being so torn, lol

Sorry for rambling so much!

 

[ladyofthetramp]

So... when I did St John I did the DCL tour-St.John on your own. I was still responsible for making it back from my hike in time for the ferry. But, I knew if I did that, there would be no problem making it back to the ship. St John is absolutely beautiful, a true paradise-if I win the lottery... i am moving! As for JVD, I did the ship tour once again-no issues returning or making the time. The Soggy Dollar and the painkillers are something I wanted to experience and I really had so much fun. I have always been a bit nervous about ferries and timing etc. there, to do on my own. But that is me. Now, I am taking a Mediterranean cruise and none of my excursion are DCL, they are all private. So it is all about your tolerance and comfort wherever you are. No doubt, I am nervous about excursions- it just depends on where I am and how I feel about what I can handle and what the circumstances might be.

 

[Betsyp]

So... when I did St John I did the DCL tour-St.John on your own. I was still responsible for making it back from my hike in time for the ferry. But, I knew if I did that, there would be no problem making it back to the ship. St John is absolutely beautiful, a true paradise-if I win the lottery... i am moving! As for JVD, I did the ship tour once again-no issues returning or making the time. The Soggy Dollar and the painkillers are something I wanted to experience and I really had so much fun. I have always been a bit nervous about ferries and timing etc. there, to do on my own. But that is me. Now, I am taking a Mediterranean cruise and none of my excursion are DCL, they are all private. So it is all about your tolerance and comfort wherever you are. No doubt, I am nervous about excursions- it just depends on where I am and how I feel about what I can handle and what the circumstances might be.

Thank you!

I might do St John On Your Own instead of the Jeep tour because I can shop in Cruz Bay (I want a hook bracelet) and still have time at Trunk Bay. Either that or the Trunk Bay getaway.

I do private tours all the time on vacations, but never with a cruise - I just feel like there may not be enough buffer time to make me comfortable. I think with St John it’s just the travel time - taxi to Red Hook, ferry, then reverse. Private tours where you can be dropped off by the ship wouldn’t give me any pause. Of course doing either means I don’t get to see any of the island really….but maybe it just means I need to come back!

JVD sounds wonderful! I may cancely private tour, even though Tortola is supposed to be gorgeous

 

[auntlynne]

DCL towels are full size. I can wrap it around my substantial body.

I love the beaches of St John; they are some of favorites. So much do that I did the Trunk Bay Beach excursion twice in a year (MSC and Disney; exact same tour).

The beach time sounds short, but it was all the time I needed to be in the water. The water temp varies little all year and is comfortably (but not overly) warm. Not a lot of wave action or tidal pull to make you have to fight to stay in place. It was about 4.5 - 5 feet deep on the right side of the little island in the middle.

There are restrooms for men and women, a bank if shower rooms, and foot rinse offs. A small concession stand (with alcohol) and a very limited souvenir stand are on site.

The trip is well designed to get you to the beach and back to the ship without worrying about the clock. (I was able to eat at Tap & Still before boarding. Finally, a decent burger that week; think 5 Guys with better buns.). I love that the ferry pickup and drop off is on the pier where the Fantasy docks. Guests for all ship St John excursions ride together.

I have been to St John as a weekend trip and driven all over the island. The beaches are the main draw. I am not a shopper, so I wouldn’t recommend spending limited time on that (but realize many do enjoy that activity).

I like something like this to hold glass in the face. I call them sunglass gators, but there may be another name.

 

[auntlynne]

Ferry to - and beach at - Trunk Bay, St John. Downstairs area has air conditioning. Upstairs is open with natural air conditioning.




Excursion beach area at JVD


View from Soggy Dollar Bar at JVD. A short walk from excursion area.

 

[Betsyp]

DCL towels are full size. I can wrap it around my substantial body.

I love the beaches of St John; they are some of favorites. So much do that I did the Trunk Bay Beach excursion twice in a year (MSC and Disney; exact same tour).

The beach time sounds short, but it was all the time I needed to be in the water. The water temp varies little all year and is comfortably (but not overly) warm. Not a lot of wave action or tidal pull to make you have to fight to stay in place. It was about 4.5 - 5 feet deep on the right side of the little island in the middle.

There are restrooms for men and women, a bank if shower rooms, and foot rinse offs. A small concession stand (with alcohol) and a very limited souvenir stand are on site.

The trip is well designed to get you to the beach and back to the ship without worrying about the clock. (I was able to eat at Tap & Still before boarding. Finally, a decent burger that week; think 5 Guys with better buns.). I love that the ferry pickup and drop off is on the pier where the Fantasy docks. Guests for all ship St John excursions ride together.

I have been to St John as a weekend trip and driven all over the island. The beaches are the main draw. I am not a shopper, so I wouldn’t recommend spending limited time on that (but realize many do enjoy that activity).

I like something like this to hold glass in the face. I call them sunglass gators, but there may be another name.

View attachment 833156

Oh great! I’m not picky, but trying to dry yourself with tiny towels is frustrating!

Ooh, Trunk Bay sounds wonderful! Especially if I do JVD the day before, I won’t need a huge amount of beach time.

Tap and Still is a must - I read one of your older posts on it, and it stuck with me! Burger and shake - doesn’t get much better! If I end up doing this - should I do the last one (10:15 am)?

I’m not a shopper, either - I just thought I might wander around a bit (and I want to buy a hook bracelet). But, I think I’d have to do the On Your Own for that, not the Trunk Bay Excursion

Those look perfect!

Thank you so much!!!

 

[Betsyp]

Ferry to - and beach at - Trunk Bay, St John. Downstairs area has air conditioning. Upstairs is open with natural air conditioning.

View attachment 833158
View attachment 833159

Excursion beach area at JVD
View attachment 833157

View from Soggy Dollar Bar at JVD. A short walk from excursion area.

View attachment 833160

Oh wow, these photos are drop dead gorgeous - thank you!

I’m definitely an upstairs person - I love the wind in my face!

I hope to be able to share photos as beautiful as these!

 

[auntlynne]

First is a correction - I did this excursion twice this fall, Disney in September and then NCL on Dec 1.

The photo timestamps have us in St Thomas (Disney) by 7:30 am and riding on the ferry at 9:50. My sister is out of the water at 12:30. We are walking toward the ship (I assume after eating) at 12:25. We probably had a 9:30 excursion. I think our meeting point was on the pier.

 

[Betsyp]

First is a correction - I did this excursion twice this fall, Disney in September and then NCL on Dec 1.

The photo timestamps have us in St Thomas (Disney) by 7:30 am and riding on the ferry at 9:50. My sister is out of the water at 12:30. We are walking toward the ship (I assume after eating) at 12:25. We probably had a 9:30 excursion. I think our meeting point was on the pier.

Thanks!

8:45 is too early, so I think I’ll stick with 10:15 …

I really appreciate your info and help!

 

[auntlynne]

Water shoes: I have Keen sandals (15+ years old) that I wear to the beach and into the water. They are a little heavy, but I don’t snorkel - but don’t want to step on rocks.

This past year, I have bought two pairs of water sneakers from Amazon. Very light weight. I have bought different brands, but the sole is identical, while the top may have different lacing. These are definitely less expensive than the Keen’s or similar.

Either type can go in the washer and dryer.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Thank you!

I might do St John On Your Own instead of the Jeep tour because I can shop in Cruz Bay (I want a hook bracelet) and still have time at Trunk Bay. Either that or the Trunk Bay getaway.

I do private tours all the time on vacations, but never with a cruise - I just feel like there may not be enough buffer time to make me comfortable. I think with St John it’s just the travel time - taxi to Red Hook, ferry, then reverse. Private tours where you can be dropped off by the ship wouldn’t give me any pause. Of course doing either means I don’t get to see any of the island really….but maybe it just means I need to come back!

JVD sounds wonderful! I may cancely private tour, even though Tortola is supposed to be gorgeous

It is the travel with St John. Too many variables

 

[Betsyp]

Water shoes: I have Keen sandals (15+ years old) that I wear to the beach and into the water. They are a little heavy, but I don’t snorkel - but don’t want to step on rocks.

This past year, I have bought two pairs of water sneakers from Amazon. Very light weight. I have bought different brands, but the sole is identical, while the top may have different lacing. These are definitely less expensive than the Keen’s or similar.

Either type can go in the washer and dryer.

View attachment 833193

Ooh, I’ve never heard of water sneakers…I’m going to look into them today; they look perfect!

Thank you!

 

[Betsyp]

It is the travel with St John. Too many variables

I think so. The Jeep tour would technically end at around 12:15 pm (3 hours) - meaning I could explore Cruz Bay and take the 1 pm ferry. But I think to make this worth it, I’d need to spend most of my time seeing the island, not spending 90 minutes or less at Trunk Bay, I would love to see the island, but I don’t think I want to give up Trunk Bay