Any recommended Eastern excursions?

[mom3kids]

Our first time sailing -- April 16 -- and haven't booked any excursions yet. Understand we can do that on board. Any recommendations on which are best? Any guidance is appreciated.

 

[LAMPSKIES]

Golden Eagle Catamaran is a "must do"! IMHO!!

 

[CTFamilyCruisers]

We're on the same cruise - leave in less than a week!!!! We are planning on doing the Golden Eagle Catamaran - we did a similar thing last year on a land only vacation to St Maarten. We are also going on one of the St John snorkel trips - I think we booked the 5 star.

See you on the ship! I can't wait!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

My favorite excursions are the 'shopping' excursions.

However, DH and DD LOVED Captain Nautica's (think that was in St. Thomas?) and want to book that again next time we sail the eastern.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Yes! Do the Golden Eagle Catamaran. We have done the Eastern and Western and have not done any excursion that was as much fun as the Golden Eagle. Can't say enough good things about it, except, take your Bonine/Dramamine/potion of choice well ahead of time. People were dropping like flies on this excursion due to sea sickness. This excursion was great fun though!

We also did the St John Five Star. This was also very good. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, so for that, it was worth it.

To sum it up - the Golden Eagle wins hands down for fun and the St John 5 Star wins for scenery.

Tink

 

[jhorstma]

Catamaran rides rock, but you can do this on St. Thomas (either thru Disney or thru Shoretrips.com). At St. Maarten if your family is old enough (7 and up), can swim, and would like something in the Jetski category, then check out the Rhino Riders (again either thru Disney or Shoretrips). Disney excursions provide ground transportation, but if you haven't booked yet you may find some of the Disney excursions sold out.

 

[disneygatorfan]

Another Vote for the Golden Eagle Catamaran.

Orient Beach is also very nice...


I also liked the Eco hike in St John, or anything at Trunk Bay.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Our first time sailing -- April 16 -- and haven't booked any excursions yet. Understand we can do that on board. Any recommendations on which are best? Any guidance is appreciated.

Who are you traveling with..kids? ages?? I wouldn't really wait until you're on board, the excursion you want may be sold out by then.

 

[tvguy]

Dissenter here.... I suggest the 12 Metre Regetta in St. Maarten over the Golden Eagle Catamaran. Next to whale watching excursion, the 12 Metre Regetta is the best excursion I've done in 7 cruises.

 

[mom3kids]

Kids are 14, 12, and 10. Have never snorkeled -- Are you out in open waters on the Golden Eagle excursion? Worried about them being nervous.

Friend of mine has done the 5-Star and recommended that -- said you can swim into shore on that one.

Is it worth booking 2 snorkeling trips (and then snorkel a 3rd time at Castaway Cay)?

Finally, if we do the 5-star a.m. excursion -- would we still be able to do a St. Thomas island tour that departs at 12:30? I'd really like to see St. Thomas.

 

[musicgirl]

My vote is for the Capt. Nautica at St. Thomas. Speed boat ride to 3 places to snorkel. This is a blast!!!

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

Mom3kids, on the Golden Eagle, you are not out in open waters. The catamaran parks a teeny bit offshore. IMO, you do not have to be a great swimmer. You may swim off the catamaran and stay and play in the water - or you may snorkle.

We could jump right off the catamaran into the crystal clear water too. If you do not wish to jump in the water, the crew guides you off the catamaran and you ease yourself into the water off a ramp/ladder/staircase type thing (from what I remember). You can ease into the water on one of the many noodles they supply, so it's not like you have to swim to keep yourself up. It feels very safe and comfortable. The waters were very calm.

As for the kids, they would have to be comfortable getting into water that is over their head as they need to make their way (a short distance) to the beach, while floating around with or without a noodle. The catamaran is always in sight and close to the shore. We felt safe at all times.

It was so relaxing to float around in the water and this is just a really fun excursion. We swam most of the time and actually didn't make our way on sand until our beach time was almost over.

Snorkeling is optional. The nice part about the Golden Eagle is, if you are not snorkeling, there is no time "wasted" waiting for people to finish snorkeling (I'm not trying to be mean here, I just didn't know any other way to word this). Once you reach the beautiful Flat Island, you have reached your destination with no other stops

Great island music all the way there and back - sandwiches and drinks included. The sandwiches are similar to mini-subs, so are more of a snack than a full lunch. Unless you eat several of them, you might still be hungry enough for lunch on the ship.

On the St John Five Star, the boat parks a bit more off-shore. You can either snorkel off the boat (which is not in a scary open area) or you can make your way to the beach on a dinghy. Again, very safe atmosphere.

On both excursions, you are dealing with a fantastic crew.

Maybe someone can help you with the time frame on St John as far as catching another excursion. Hope this helps.

Tink

 

[makaylee]

My vote is for the Capt. Nautica at St. Thomas. Speed boat ride to 3 places to snorkel. This is a blast!!!

Does Captain Nauticas go to 3 places now? We went in May of 2003 and it only went to 2 spots. We had a blast though, so much infact we have it booked again for our April 30th sailing.

 

[TheWog]

Atlantis submarine in St. Thomas was a lot of fun. See lots of sea life and go about 80 - 100 feet under the water.

 

[Heathercat]

We loved the golden eagle catamaran trip(me, DH, and DDs-15,13 and 5) ....The crew we had...( I dont remember their name...I think one crew members name was "OMG if I was only 20 years older...."..lol ) ...was outstanding.....We took a beautiful sail (well we used the motor too) to a small island. (beer, soda, water, sandwiches, champagne and shirley temples were included) While at the island we could swim, snorkle or sunbathe....We seen hundreds of fish....(but then again they were feeding them bread to draw them in....I would do it again....