Another excursion question....should we or shouldn't we??

[ScrapHappyMama]

After much thought and discussion going back and forth, we are now thinking about not doing any planned excursions, but just doing some shopping and sight seeing close to port areas, and spending the rest of the time on the ship on port days. There are five of us traveling. My dh and I, our ds 6 and our dd 3, and my mother. This is our first Disney cruise, and the first time cruising at all for my kids and my mom, and I really want them to enjoy it.

We are thinking we might be much better off striking out on our own, taking a taxi to venture out if we all feel up to it, or just hanging out close to or on the ship if we don't feel up to it, without feeling like we have to force ourselves to go on an excursion, even if we don't feel like it, just because we have signed up and have to pay for it anyway. My kids are loving looking at pictures of the Mickey pool, and I think they would love the opportinity to spend some time there when it is less crowded.

I know everybody is different, and no one can specifically tell me if we should or shouldn't do this, I guess I am just wondering how many of you on your first Disney cruise did no excursions at all, and how you felt about that decision later?

Thanks
Linda

 

[WDWCrazzyCunninghams]

I feel the SAME way! I am thinking that I would rather just spend all my time on the ship! Is it crazy to say I don't want to leave? the thought of having the ship, sort of, to ourselves really sounds nice! We might go off and see what the straw market is like and wander around a bit, but spend most of our time on the ship. Maybe sleep in that day, have room service brunch, head on shore for a little while, then come back swim, snack, swim some more and then get ready for dinner. (we have a late seating) Sounds like a nice day to me! The excersions just don't interest me, I guess. I think most of them can be done on a regular vacation, but being on the cruise ship can ONLY be done on a cruise ship!

 

[plutojudy]

Are you doing a 3 or 4 day? 7 day Eastern or Western?

 

[ScrapHappyMama]

Sorry I left that information out. We are doing the 7 day eastern.

Linda

 

[plutojudy]

St John is wonderful. I would take the excurision to see it. In St Thomas you could get off the ship and just walk around the Havensight Mall right where the ship docks. St Martin runs a ferry for $5. a day per person which would take you to a free beach. You could still have time to spend on the ship.

 

[Jiffymom]

The experience is seeing some of the most beautiful beaches and pure white sand. You can go to pools at home. Ask a taxi to take you to a beach where the locals go. Buy some cheap snorkel gear at home. ( no need to take fins, but do buy water shoes) Let the kids share if you want but the experience of seeing the tropical fish and wonderful beaches will be worth it and you won't have to fight the crowds that way either. We usually get up early and head for a secluded beach jus spend a few hours. Return to the ship for lunch then nap or rest by the pool in the afternoon.

 

[jrabbit]

SOmething I wish we had done on our prior excursions was sending ourselves some postcards from all of the ports we visited (for the stamp and postmarks).

On the eastern, I would catch a cab and go to a beach other than Great Bay (where the Magic parks). We've been to Orient Bay and it is beautiful. It's a clothing optional beach and there is some nudity and some ladies going around topless. But it's not bad. The water and beach are wonderful. THere are many other very nice beaches on St. Maarten.

I agree with a prior poster for St. Thomas - Go to St. Johns. It is a beautiful island and the snorkeling there is great (I can't wait to get bacK)

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a good time on the islands (ie - do your own thing).

For those going to Nassau and thinking of staying on the ship - It's a WONDERful idea!!

 

[belle41379]

Having done both excersion and none excersion cruises, my personal vote is none. We LOVE to spend time on the boat, and enjoy not having a timeline for the days. We had a wonderful time exploring the beaches and sites on our own. We saved money and moved at our own pace. I didn't leave wishing we would have done anything differently. Enjoy your trip!

 

[ScrapHappyMama]

thanks so much for all the help!!

Linda