Disney Cruise - Eastern Caribbean

[Charbear]

We are cruising in May. We have done several Disney cruises and have never had to book excursions. We always seem to have a great experience without having to tie all of our time up in one excursion. Can anyone speak to the Virgin Island ports and whether or not excursions are necessary? There are 4 of us, my 2 boys are 7 and 10.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I would suggest planning getting away from the port area for both St. Thomas and Tortola, although not necessarily via the ship. Frankly, it's hard to say if you'll even go to Tortola, but the area right around the port there is being reconstructed. Not much to do there. Most of the best options in the BVI will require some boat action.

On St. Thomas, taxis are pretty readily available. It is technically possible to walk into Charlotte Amalie, but might not be the way to spend time. The beaches are all accessible via taxi, however.

Both islands have a lot of private operators for opportunities like kayaking, snorkeling and beach visits.

 

[Shanti]

We are cruising in May. We have done several Disney cruises and have never had to book excursions. We always seem to have a great experience without having to tie all of our time up in one excursion. Can anyone speak to the Virgin Island ports and whether or not excursions are necessary? There are 4 of us, my 2 boys are 7 and 10.

I recommend the Virgin Gorda/Baths excursion for Tortola, and for St. Thomas just getting a taxi and going to a nice beach. This is extremely easy and safe- taxis are open-air and shared, and there is an orderly dispatch system at the cruise port and at the major beaches. We liked Megan's Bay, because it's shallow for a ways out and is in a very protected bay, so no dangerous currents when you're swimming near the beach.

 

[Bettyscruise]

Magan's Bay is easy to get to and from. We took a regular taxi, a Ford SUV. Round trip per person was $16 (+tip) and $4 per person (cash), to get in the park. Water very nice for young kids. Food and rentals available there.

On Tortolla we did a Disney excursion to Jost Van Dyke at about $50 a head. Again, great family friendly beach, and a fun boat trip to and from.

Recommend either.

In St Marteen, we took a cab to one of the beaches there. Easy to do.