Best Eastern excursions with kids?

[disneymom1]

I could use some help deciding on shore excursions for the Eastern cruise. Kids are between the ages of 5 and 11. We would like to do more than just go to the beach for a few hours and we definately don't want to be riding on a bus for very long.

I would also consider going out on our own if I could get some guidance on how to do so without getting lost or ripped off.

 

[prymsu]

have you checked out Dave's site? He has lots of info on things that are doable on your own at the different ports...Plus helpful info such as cab schedules and prices. www.dcltribute.com

 

[Lavne]

We did the Golden Eagle Catamaran after reading many glowing recommendations here and getting one from a friend. My boys were 9 & 11, and there were many other kids. They all seemed to love it!

 

[sandygirl]

Two years ago we sailed with a 3 yr old. We did the Land/Sea tour on St Martin and a beach excursion on St. Thomas. She loved the Land/Sea tour, it included a little underwater sub and a bus ride around the island with a stop at the market area. If you don't want to be on a bus a long time I wouldn't suggest this tour, but we did like it. We got rained out on the beach in St Thomas. So that was a waste of time and money. The sun came out as we were leaving to head back to the ship.

Last year we sailed again on the Eastern and felt more confident that we could go off on our own. On St Martin we disembarked and went to a beach within walking distance. We had a great time and came and went as we pleased. On St Thomas, we walked to a tram that went up the side of the mountain. It was so cool! At the top is a restaurant and shops and an exotic bird show. My DD loved the exotic bird display and show, she even was chosen to be helper! We have photos of my family posed with exotic birds on our heads!! There also are hiking trails with labels on trees and plants.

Anyway, my point is...it was easy and cheaper to go off on our own. We had just as much fun and my daughter loved it. This Jan we are sailing on the Western. My DD will be 5. We plan on doing our own thing again.

Whatever you do, have a wonderful time!!

 

[tstobb]

Originally posted by sandygirl
On St Thomas, we walked to a tram that went up the side of the mountain. It was so cool! At the top is a restaurant and shops and an exotic bird show. My DD loved the exotic bird display and show, she even was chosen to be helper! We have photos of my family posed with exotic birds on our heads!! There also are hiking trails with labels on trees and plants.

The tram rocks! DS9, DS7 & DD4 had a great time & the view is amazing!
http://community.webshots.com/photo/50815843/50816807sgAjCX

It is about a 5-10 minute walk from the ship & be prepared to be assailed by taxi drivers who will tell you it's no fun (it is) & they can get you to the top cheaper (they're not!). Just say no thanks & keep walking (don't stop - it's like a swarm of bees!)
Make sure to wear sneakers & not sandals for the nature trail walk as it is rocky.
http://community.webshots.com/album/50815843JPOHMo

 

[sandygirl]

tstobb - your pictures brought back great memories. We have one of the harbor that looks postcard perfect. The view took my breath away from up there. So glad you had a great time, too!

You're right to warn against the taxis. The tram was so much more fun. And the walk was definately do-able. I would say it was a "do not miss". And a "yes" on the sneakers, too.

 

[pigelet]

Seeing the islands on your own are a lot of fun and a lot less expensive. We plan to rent a car in St. Martin. We've been 3 times and took the kids once on a DC and once last year for a week. We plan to beach hop. There are a lot of really nice beaches. A good family beach is in Maho. DD was 5 when we went and loved riding the waves. She has waistlong hair and they braided it all for $35. Its really fun to go to the Sunset Beach Bar which is located at the end of the runway at the airport. My kids got such a charge of it. Go to SusetBeachBar.com for other St. Martin questions.
Take the ferry to St. John and go snorkling to either Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay. Also less tan what the cruise charges.

 

[NCRedding]

In St Martin, we did the butterfly farm excursion, and thought the farm was really cool. The same excursion stopped at an outdoor market where DH and DD got tropical shirts for the tropical dinner. I wished that the tour could have stayed a little longer at the farm. In St Thomas, DD and I caught a taxi over to Coki Beach where we did Coral World, and rented a chair at Coki. Coral World was really neat--an aquarium under water--there were iguanas walking around in the park. The admission gives you in and out privileges--which is nice, cause the bathrooms there were MUCH nicer than the public ones at Coki. They also had showers at Coral World so we were able to shower the sand off before heading back to the ship. The taxi over was $7 per person--although that can be negotiated. Coral World has discount coupons online, and in the coupon/travel books located in the mall near the cruise dock.

 

[4nana]

Our group decided it would be fun to try it on our own. It is certainly more reasonable and less time consuming. We've hired a tour quide w/van for the day on St. Thomas. He will give us a tour of the island, show us high lights, shopping trip to town, lunch, 2 hr swim at beach of our choice, Coral World and
Parasailing. By then we will be ready for a nap

A couple of sites that may interest you:

http://www.experiencestmaarten.com/kids/index.htm

http://www.usvi-on-line.com/st/ste.shtml

 

[kplatt]

I second the suggestion of Coral World on St. Thomas. We've been twice and the whole family loves it. Also reconsider spending some beach time at Sapphire Beach. There is really good snorkeling starting just a few feet into the water. If you've never been on one of the Atlantis subs, it's worth doing -- once, just to have the experience!

The Butterfly Farm on St. Martin was quite interesting, but it did require a long bus ride.

Karen
Wonder 11/01
Magic 3/02
Magic 11/02

 

[Mjasp]

When you say a long bus ride, how long is it? Am thinking of this excursion. And was it through DCL?


Thanks
Joanna