8/15/09-Eastern-Tortola Treasure Seekers #4

[PoohJen]

Been reading menus and trip reports, getting psyched for the cruise!

Just need to post this so I can see my ticker!

Happy Monday Everyone - We're getting closer!!!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Been reading menus and trip reports, getting psyched for the cruise!

Just need to post this so I can see my ticker!

Happy Monday Everyone - We're getting closer!!!

Yes there are quite a few threads with lots of information coming through now worth a look before booking.

 

[caitlinsdad]

I thought it was St Thomas ones such as the St T Island tour that had been dropped from 5th June, St John is still running, but will go fast as 1/ popular 2/ Few good alternatives now.

Some St John ones too have a posting
This tour will no longer be available Begining 6/1/2009

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Some St John ones too have a posting
This tour will no longer be available Begining 6/1/2009

Not on:-

• Coral World Ocean & Island Drive
• Historical St. Thomas Walking Tour
• St. Thomas Island Tour
• Tortola Dolphin Encounter

From my shore booking on the DCL website now.


Buck Island Catamaran Sail & Snorkel St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsModerate5 And UpAdult:$52 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$32 (ages 5-9)(ST-29)
Keep an eye out for buried treasure as you snorkel above a sunken shipwreck amidst the crystal-blue waters of the Caribbean on this delightful half-day tour. Check out the schools of exotic fish and the captivating coral formations or just relax to your heart's content while you sunbathe on the foredeck of a spacious 65-foot catamaran.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Butterfly Anytime St. Thomas / St. JohnNatureMildAll AgesAdult:$15 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$9 (ages 3-9)(ST-36)
Discover the secret world of butterflies during a visit to the Butterfly Farm in St. Thomas!

Surrender to a scenic backdrop of captivating coastal views, gentle rolling hills and sprawling rocky climbs as you embark on a delightful three-minute stroll from the pier to the tranquil Butterfly Farm located in the heart of St. Thomas. Upon your arrival, meet and greet your friendly guide who will take you on a tour through a tropical garden wonderland where hundreds of beautiful butterflies from around the world fly freely all around you.

During your visit, discover the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly — from meandering caterpillar to fluttering winged insect. Marvel at the curiosity of these gentle creatures as they dart and dash all around you, stopping for a moment to land on your shoulder or perch themselves atop your hat. Revel in the beauty of their colorful winged markings and the uniqueness of their various sizes and shapes. Then, wander the grounds and snap a picture of the exotic flowers, placid pools and tropical landscaping that surrounds you at every turn — and experience a oneness with nature you never knew existed. Following your visit, lose yourself to the panoramic ocean views once again as you embark on a three-minute walk back to the ship.

Duration: Varies

Butterfly Secrets & Mountain Views St. Thomas / St. JohnNatureMildAll AgesAdult:$39 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$25 (ages 3-9), under 3 free(ST-35)
Delight in the picture-perfect views of St. Thomas during a scenic mountain drive and immerse yourself in the magic world of butterflies at the St. Thomas' Butterfly Farm.

Lose yourself to a spectacular panorama of endless seaside views, sprawling rolling hills, and dramatic craggy climbs as you embark on a scenic tour via open-air safari bus around stunning St. Thomas Harbor. Snap a picture of your cruise ship and the gorgeous Charlotte Amalie coast from the Skyline Drive overlook — at a height of 800 feet — and make your way north to Mountain Top, where you are invited to surrender to the breathtaking sights of Megan's Bay Beach and the British Virgin Islands in the distance. Then, savor a sip of a banana daiquiri — Mountain Top's very own signature drink — and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop, home to Caribbean treasures both big and small.

After your hour-long scenic tour, travel to the tranquil Butterfly Farm located in the heart of St. Thomas. Upon your arrival, meet and greet your friendly guide and then embark on a tour through a tropical garden wonderland where hundreds of beautiful butterflies from around the world fly freely all around you. Discover the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly — from meandering caterpillar to fluttering winged insect — and marvel at the curiosity of these gentle creatures as they dart and dash all around you. Revel in the beauty of their colorful winged markings and the uniqueness of their various sizes and shapes. Then, wander the grounds and snap a picture of the tropical flowers, placid pools and beautiful landscaping that surrounds you everywhere you look — and experience a oneness with nature you never knew existed.

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Captain Nautica's Snorkeling Expedition St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsModerate8 And UpAdult:$75 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$60 (ages 8-9)(ST-25)
Be whisked away aboard the captain's RIB power boat to a pair of sun-soaked snorkeling sites — and prepare for an adventure like no other. Journey to picturesque Turtle Cove, Buck Island and immerse yourself in an underwater wonderland, where you're invited to swim and snorkel amidst a school of sea turtles for approximately one hour. Afterward, make your way to your second snorkel stop — Little St James Island — where curious fish dart back and forth in the clear blue water, and colorful coral formations nestle next to amazing underwater formations. Afterward, enjoy a beverage and snack before making your way back to St Thomas Harbor.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Certified Scuba in St. Thomas St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsActive12 And UpAdult:$109 (ages 12 and above)
Child :N/A(ST-16)
Drop down to new depths and explore the turquoise waters of St. Thomas during this exciting two-tank dive. Exclusively available to certified divers only, this scuba-diving adventure includes an unforgettable visit to an underwater reef of fascinating coral formations and magnificent marine life, and an engaging stop at a sunken shipwreck.

Duration: 4 hours

Coral World Marine Park by Land and Sea St. Thomas / St. JohnSightseeingMildAll AgesAdult:$56 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$42 (ages 0-9)(ST-34)
Embark on an eye-opening undersea adventure aboard the Nautilus VI semi-submarine before immersing yourself in the amazing ocean complex of Coral World Marine Park.

Surrender to the sprawling views of beautiful St. Thomas as you embark on a scenic 25-minute journey aboard an open-air safari taxi, past a panorama of sun-kissed beaches and clear-blue water, to Coral World Marine Park. Originally established thirty years ago, Coral World Marine Park is St. Thomas' most famous tourist destination, and is dedicated to the education and conservation of marine life through interactive exhibits and entertaining attractions for the entire family. Upon your arrival, board the Nautilus VI, one of the world's most advanced semi-submarines, and take in a guided 45-minute underwater ocean tour. Sit back, relax and revel in the intimate glimpse of marine life eight feet beneath sea level as you gaze out from the boat's submerged viewing windows. Marvel at the uniquely shaped coral gardens and lose yourself to the myriad of tropical fish that dart back and forth.

After your 45-minute adventure, make your way back onto land and enjoy 90 minutes of free time to explore Coral Reef Marine Park on your own. Stroll through the three-story underwater observation tower, come face-to-face with a shark at the Deep Reef Tank, or say hello to a friendly stingray at the Stingray Pool. Finally, after your day is done, unwind with a scenic 25-minute motor coach ride back to the ship.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Coral World Ocean & Island Drive St. Thomas / St. JohnSightseeingMildAll No reservations available.(ST-12)
This Tour Will No Longer Be Available Beginning 6/5/2009



Doubloon Sail & Snorkel Tour St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsModerate5 And UpAdult:$58 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$35 (ages 5-9)(ST-08)
Raise the sails of the Doubloon, a 65-foot classic schooner, as you ride the wind on a fun-filled, pirate- themed voyage across the high seas to Turtle Cove at breezy Buck Island. Snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water amidst a tropical coral garden filled with spectacular sea creatures and scenic island surroundings.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Golf at Mahogany Run St. Thomas / St. JohnAdventure SportModerate10 And UpAdult:$275 (ages 10 and up)
Child :N/A(ST-15)
Tee up and take a swing for a relaxing round of golf at this scenic 18-hole, par 70 course designed by world-famous golf architects, George and Tom Fazio. Try to break par on 6,022 yards of lush, green fairways and breathtaking vistas on this competitive course amidst a backdrop of unspoiled island beauty.

Duration: 6 hours

Historical St. Thomas Walking Tour St. Thomas / St. John
No reservations available.(ST-22)


Kayak, Hike and Snorkel of Cas Cay St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsActive8 And UpAdult:$79 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$59 (ages 8-9)(ST-32)
Enjoy the view during a 20-minute open-air safari or van ride to the Virgin Islands Eco Tours Marine Sanctuary. Once there, paddle a two-person kayak through mesmerizing blue waters to Cas Cay where you're invited to take a guided hike through a tropical ecosystem. Visit a hermit crab village amidst lush mangroves, explore a marine tidal pool and geologic blowhole along a coral beach, and make a splash in a beginner-rated guided snorkel adventure before your 15-minute kayak trek and 20-minute taxi back to the ship.

Duration: 4-4.5 hours

Magens Bay Beach Break St. Thomas / St. JohnBeach WaterMildAll AgesAdult:$47 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$37 (ages 3-9)(ST-27)
Hit St. Thomas' premier beach! Delight in a scenic 25-minute open-air safari taxi drive and take in a stop at Drake's Seat and its panoramic view of the bay and Down Island. Then, arrive at world-famous Magens Bay with its half-mile stretch of white sand where you can swim, soak up the sun on a beach chair or stroll along the picture-perfect shoreline.

Duration: 4.5 hours

Screamin' Eagle Jet Boat St. Thomas / St. JohnAdventure SportModerate5 And UpAdult:$49 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$39 (ages 5-9)(ST-28)
Embark on a thrill ride from your wildest dreams on the Screamin' Eagle. After a 10-minute walk to the dock, board this awesome 650 HP turbo-charged jet boat. Enjoy a brief orientation and cruise into the beautiful harbor while your captain shares the rich history of St. Thomas. Then it's off to tour the lush coastline at incredibly high speeds for 30 minutes filled with fun and excitement!

Duration: 1 hour

Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Marine Park St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsActive10 And UpAdult:$89 (ages 10 and up)
Child :N/A(ST-33)
Immerse yourself in the wondrous world below sea level — where a myriad of marine life awaits — during an unforgettable helmet dive at Coral World Marine Park.

Sit back, relax and take in the mesmerizing panoramic views of St. Thomas, past sprawling ocean vistas and golden sand beaches, as you journey for 25 minutes via open-air safari taxi to Coral World Marine Park. Established in 1977, Coral World Marine Park is St. Thomas' number-one tourist destination, and is dedicated to the education and conservation of marine life through interactive exhibits and entertaining attractions for the entire family. Upon your arrival, suit up with special water shoes, gloves and a Sea Trek helmet — which magically keeps your face and hair dry while providing you with air during your dive — and participate in a quick safety demonstration. Then, take the plunge below the ocean surface and embark on an amazing underwater walk as you follow your guide — via a special handrail — to depths of 20 feet. Stroll past coral reefs and enjoy an intimate glimpse of the abundant marine life that surrounds you at every turn.

After your 45-minute dive, dry off and enjoy 90 minutes of free time to explore the wonders of Coral Reef Marine Park on your own. Wander the magnificent halls of the Marine Gardens, visit the Deep Reef Tank, awash with eels, barracuda and sharks, or spend some time with a friendly stingray at the Stingray Pool. Finally, after your day is done, unwind with a scenic 25-minute motor coach ride back to the ship.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Skyride to Paradise Point St. Thomas / St. JohnSightseeingMildAll AgesAdult:$18 (ages 13 and up)
Child :$9 (ages 6-12)(ST-23)
"Ride the view" and take in the spectacular vistas 700 feet above St.Thomas Harbor! Enjoy a delightful skyride as the Paradise Point Tramway transports you to the top of historic Flag Hill. Once there, wander the scenic nature trail, marvel at the breathtaking views from the observation deck including a panoramic glimpse of your ship, or shop for some special treasures.

Duration: Varies

St John Mini-Boat Adventure St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsActive10 And UpAdult:$99 (ages 10 and up)
Child :N/A(ST-40)
Discover the island paradise of St John just a 45-minute ferry ride from St Thomas. Featuring some of the world's most stunning beaches and lush green vistas, St John is two-thirds national park.

Upon arrival to Cruz Bay, take a short walk to a nearby beach and after a safety briefing, captain your personal mini-boat (two persons per boat) out into the breathtaking blue of the Caribbean Sea. Explore the waters of Lavango, Congo, Grass Mingo and Stephen Cays and navigate to some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. Leave the traditional "tourist stops" behind as you gain a perfect view of the north shore with its glorious beaches and celebrity hideaways from your seaside vantage point.

Your group leader will guide you to two specially selected snorkel locations, where you will take the plunge for a closer look at the variety of marine life which inhabit the region. Explore the ocean garden and experience living coral, tropical fish and marine life in their natural habitat. Turtles, sponges, sea fans and tropical fish represent a small sample of the underwater treasure you may see. Back onboard, speed back along the St John coast and be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, stingrays or sea turtles, which call this area home. Return to Cruz Bay and board the ferry once more as you unwind on the 45-minute ride back to St Thomas.

Duration: 4.5-5 hours

St. John Barefoot Sail & Snorkel St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsModerate5 And UpAdult:$82 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$59 (ages 5-9)(ST-21)
After a delightful 20-minute open-air safari taxi transfer, set sail from a breezy marina to a palm-lined beach paradise on the island of St. John. At the beach, soak up the island atmosphere while bathing in the sun, swimming in the sea or snorkeling in a nearby reef for an up close and personal peek at the island's exotic marine life.

Duration: 4.5 hours

St. John Eco Hike St. Thomas / St. JohnNatureActive6 And UpAdult:$69 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$50 (ages 6-9)(ST-03)
Take a ferry from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, where you'll have approximately two hours to enjoy a guided 1 1/2-mile hike through the forest. Stop at scenic Lind Point Lookout and Honeymoon Beach, and dive in for a refreshing swim before continuing your tour to the historic Caneel Bay Plantation, once owned by Laurence Rockefeller.

Duration: 5 hours

St. John Island Tour St. Thomas / St. JohnSightseeingMildAll AgesAdult:$55 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$32 (ages 0-9)(ST-02)

Revel in the unspoiled beauty of St. John, just a scenic boat ride from St. Thomas. Board an open-air safari taxi to the picturesque Annaberg Ruins where you're invited to revel in the timeless beauty of an abandoned plantation house and stand in the shadow of an age-old sugar mill.



Duration: 5 hours

St. John Trunk Bay Beach & Snorkel Tour St. Thomas / St. JohnBeach WaterModerate5 And UpAdult:$62 (ages 10 and up)
Child :$37 (ages 5-9)(ST-01)
Journey to this sun-soaked island paradise and lose yourself in a delightful beach and snorkel adventure! Take a one-hour ferry and 15-minute taxi ride to the picturesque Trunk Bay where you will receive snorkel equipment and instruction. From there, make a splash as you explore the wondrous world beneath the surface of the sea during an unforgettable one and a half hour snorkel experience.

Duration: 5 hours

St. Thomas Island Tour St. Thomas / St. JohnSightseeing
No reservations available.(ST-11)
This Tour Will No Longer Be Available Beginning 6/5/2009



Teen Screamin Eagle St. Thomas / St. JohnWater SportsModerate13 To 17Adult:$49
Child :N/A(ST-30)
Meet at the onboard Teen Club where Disney Cruise Line® teen counselors will escort the group on an approximate 10-minute walk to Screamin Eagle for the ride of a life time.

Climb aboard to experience this 650 HP turbo-charged jet boat and prepare for your wild ride. After a brief orientation and cruise into the beautiful harbor while your captain shares the rich history of St. Thomas, hold on tight as your enjoy 360-degree spins, sudden stops and wild slides for approximately 30 minutes. Prepare to be soaked as the boat speeds past Water Island located in the heart of the bay and Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands.

Finally, return to the dock and be escorted by the teen counselors back to the ship with plenty of stories to share with your folks.

Duration: 1 hour


Water Island Mountain Bike Adventure St. Thomas / St. JohnAdventure SportActive10 And UpAdult:$72 (ages 10 and up)
Child :N/A(ST-13)
Explore the tropical terrain of Water Island as you cycle through the 5.5 miles of winding trails on mountain bike and experience the unspoiled scenic natural splendor of the Caribbean. Soak up the sun on the white sands of a local beach or enjoy a rejuvenating dip in the crystal-blue waters during the adventure.

Duration: 3.5 hours

 

[flrickd]

What time on the 15th can we start booking excursions? Also does it show anywhere on DCL website that I am paid in full? Rick

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

What time on the 15th can we start booking excursions? Also does it show anywhere on DCL website that I am paid in full? Rick

You can log into your reservation at midnight eastern USA time, you have to call DCL or your TA to confirm you are paid in full.

More detail:-

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2166280

 

[TheFatMansWife]

hello everyone, we have had a very sunny long weekend 3 days of doing nothing.
DD Nicola celebrated her 14th birthday today, she had a great day

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

hello everyone, we have had a very sunny long weekend 3 days of doing nothing.
DD Nicola celebrated her 14th birthday today, she had a great day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to NICOLA, Nice weekend, but we got the rain today.

 

[Melcatfish]

Hope Nicola enjoyed her birthday

I am not looking forward to being up at 5a.m. a week on Sunday - but needs must! I only really want to book Palo brunch and dinner and my Flounders hours. We are going to do DIY excursions I think so we can tailor them to suit what we want with two little ones in tow.

Mel
x

 

[jbm02]

You can log into your reservation at midnight eastern USA time, you have to call DCL or your TA to confirm you are paid in full.

More detail:-

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2166280

What are the chances of us NOT being able to get a Palos reservation as a repeat cruiser? I wasn't able to get an online one for our first cruise when I tried to book at 75 days and had to race to the bar at embarkation to try for one. I though I read that only a certain number are released each time vacationers can call - at 105, at 90 and again at 75, and that some are held open for embarkation day. Is this correct??

Andrew, thanks for the how-to thread!! That helps alot.

Jude

 

[flrickd]

You can log into your reservation at midnight eastern USA time, you have to call DCL or your TA to confirm you are paid in full.

More detail:-

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2166280

Thanks midnight does not sound to bad!

 

[caitlinsdad]

What time on the 15th can we start booking excursions? Also does it show anywhere on DCL website that I am paid in full? Rick

Midnight on the east coast USA.


I think 90 day mark is on the 17th not 15th.

90 Days
Excursions, Palo Dining, Kids Club
Castaway Club Members Only 05/17/2009

 

[caitlinsdad]

Thanks midnight does not sound to bad!

Yes midnight is much better for us in the US, but our oversea's friends now have the early wake up time.

Last time I had a 3 am log in time for East coast USA.

 

[caitlinsdad]

I though I read that only a certain number are released each time vacationers can call - at 105, at 90 and again at 75, and that some are held open for embarkation day. Is this correct??

Yes that is correct, even if all online spaces are gone, they hold some for the day of embarkation

Also you can keep checking before the cruise as sometimes some open up, but your best bet is to knab one before hand if you can.

 

[flrickd]

Thanks, I will be waiting fingers ready at 12am on the 17th. lets hope they don't keep canceling excusions.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

What are the chances of us NOT being able to get a Palos reservation as a repeat cruiser? I wasn't able to get an online one for our first cruise when I tried to book at 75 days and had to race to the bar at embarkation to try for one. I though I read that only a certain number are released each time vacationers can call - at 105, at 90 and again at 75, and that some are held open for embarkation day. Is this correct??

Andrew, thanks for the how-to thread!! That helps alot.

Jude

You can log into your reservation at midnight eastern USA time, you have to call DCL or your TA to confirm you are paid in full.

More detail:-

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2166280

Thanks midnight does not sound to bad!

50% of Palo reservations are held back for onboard booking, so if you cannot get a slot on '90 days' do not worry, get on board ship quickly and go straight ot the booking place, should be Rocking Bar D, and theres a good chance of getting it.

On the 90 days mark it depends on how many repeat cruisers are there, I haven seen as much evidence of this, as on say Panama crossings when 1750 CC memebers hit the website at 12 midnight and crash the website.

I suggest anyone who wants BRUNCH, to book that first and SUBMIT and CONFIRM, on the system, at the moment I havent seen any ruch myself on the website but Suite customers have about 12 more days to book.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I went ahead and booked the Seven night Wine package for this cruise, in advance, makes you feel like its free when you are onboard so you enjoy it more, good discount on it, if you drink wine.

 

[tiqr]

What are the chances of us NOT being able to get a Palos reservation as a repeat cruiser? I wasn't able to get an online one for our first cruise when I tried to book at 75 days and had to race to the bar at embarkation to try for one. I though I read that only a certain number are released each time vacationers can call - at 105, at 90 and again at 75, and that some are held open for embarkation day. Is this correct??

Andrew, thanks for the how-to thread!! That helps alot.

Jude

Dont worry - I worked myself into a state on the last cruise worrying about not getting a palo reservation - because none were avail for me beforehand. Even after arriving fairly late and arriving breathless at the Rocking Bar D - there were plenty of options.

The one 'take away' I had after my last (and first) cruise was to not spend so much time worrying and fretting. There is so much to do, and it is all so wonderful, you cant go wrong. Planning helps, but in the end - just sit back and enjoy the trip...

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Dont worry - I worked myself into a state on the last cruise worrying about not getting a palo reservation - because none were avail for me beforehand. Even after arriving fairly late and arriving breathless at the Rocking Bar D - there were plenty of options.

The one 'take away' I had after my last (and first) cruise was to not spend so much time worrying and fretting. There is so much to do, and it is all so wonderful, you cant go wrong. Planning helps, but in the end - just sit back and enjoy the trip...:flower3:

This is great advice, kick back and enjoy and relax, and if you want Palo try online, try also at the one month mark when the Palo private room is confirmed, often people have to cancel ressies at that time, they cannot have two of the same meal. Then get on early.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Palo 6pm first night Saturday has gone, thats a surprise to me as I thought most people would like to meet their servers that night, all other slots for dinner available. Brunch and Tea all there.