Eastern August 9?

[CruzNMom]

Any one else taking the Magic Eastern on August 9? I've been watching the messages and haven't seen anyone post about this cruise.

At St. Maarten has anyone done the regatta then done an island tour in the afternoon? Is there time and did you have to arrange it yourself?

Finally, we did the Magic Western last summer. I've heard that some of the entertainment venues have changed since then. Any updates?

 

[markey]

We are on the Eastern, 8/9. I too have not seen any posts. Funny we were also on the Western last August, and the Eastern August 01. Seems like we both like to cruise in August. I know the menus have changed, not sure about the entertainment at this point. We will have two grandkids with us, boy 9 and girl 8.

 

[andybear]

We are also on 8/9. This is our second eastern, cruising with a 15yo daughter and a 12 yo son. We did the regatta last time, but no tour. DEFINITELY doing regatta again, and there is plenty of time to tour if you desire. SXM is not that big, and Orient is a neat beach. We plan on regatta, then killing our requisite shopping in Phillipsburg, followed by a trip to Orient. Not to be missed (for us) is happy hour at the Greenhouse, right at the water taxi in Phillipsburg. 2 Caribs ( a beer from trinidad) for $1 is tough to top. Plus, Colin at Greenhouse is a cool guy.

Steve

 

[CruzNMom]

We will be making the trip with our 18 DD and 15 DS. It is DD's graduation present before we ship her off to college.

We generally do travel in August because of sports schedules that make it impossible to go earlier!

Maybe the ship won't be full and we'll all get upgrades???

 

[CruzNMom]

Has anyone done the British Virgin Island tour out of St. Thomas? We spent a week on St. Thomas/St. John a few years ago and loved it but thought BVI might be exciting. Any reports?

 

[andybear]

Hey Cruzn;

Have not done an organized trip from St Thomas to BVI's but we spend a buncha time in the BVI's (going down in 11 days to sail for 2 weeks), so here's an opinion. It will take 40 minutes to ferry over to Tortola, followed by clearing customs, so it's gonna be roughly an hour each way. Add in a taxi trip of 15-20 minutes to Road Town, you're burning some serious time just getting in and out, and Magic isn't in St Thomas a long time (back aboard by 4), it's not really an efficient use of island time. Also, the BVI's are a different sort of place - shopping is not all that great, and to get into the "feel", you need a few days, not hours.Please understand, WE LOVE the BVI's, but when we go it's a week minimum, and usually on a sailboat, so we can move around and truly appreciate what there is to offer - it is MUCH more laid-back than USVI. Sorry to ramble, hope it helps some

Steve

 

[CruzNMom]

Thanks, Andybear. I guess we need to make a decision soon. We may go back to St. John's - so beautiful!

 

[KatrinaB]

This is my first post, so I hope I'm doing is properly!

My 14-year-old son and I will be on the August 9th cruise as well. I'm glad to see there will be other teenage boys. We were worried that he'd be the only one!

I can't wait!

 

[Suecot2000]

It's so great to see other people on the August 9 Eastern cruise...I'll be on board also. Spending two days at WDW before sailing. I'm traveling with six other friends, doing second seating for dinner. Haven't decided on any excursions yet...I'd better get in gear. This will be my third Eastern on DCL last summer I did the Western.

 

[anitad]

We are also going on the August 9 Eastern Cruise. This is the first for us. KatriniaB that posted earlier is traveling with us. We have 3 adults and 2 children, both girls 11 years old. Will be spending 3 days before the cruise relaxing at the Swan and 3 days after the cruise at Portofino Bay. We are thinking about booking the Champagne Catamaran cruise to St. John. Do any of you have experience with this excursion? Thank you!

 

[DBC3804]

DD17 Kristin and I (old Dad) will be going on the August 9 cruise.
This will be second DCL cruise for both of us and we can't wait.

Danny

 

[CruzNMom]

I'm glad there will be some teens on the cruise! Make sure your teens go down to Common Grounds the first night for the "411" get to know you meeting - last year, my kids made friends for the cruise that we still keep up with - look for Angela & Michael.

 

[andybear]

OH! In answering the BVI question, I forgot to add - we're in on 8/9 also. We have a 12 YO son and a 15 YO daughter. This is our second eastern. As to excursions, just registered for the 12 metre yacht race in St Maarten (shocker..get back from 2 weeks of sailing the islands, go sailing!). We did it 2 years ago, and it's awesome. Those boats FLY compared to the 40' cruiser we're on next week. SEE Y'ALL!

Steve

 

[KatrinaB]

CruzNMom, What time do they usually have the "411" for Common Grounds?

 

[TeensMom]

Not sure, it was after the life boat drill - could probably check a recent navigator.

Just found out that my son's good friend and his family are on same cruise - another 15 yo boy and younger girl - maybe 12. So sounds like a good group of kids.

 

[KatrinaB]

Thanks! I found a teen navigator from April on another website, and it looks like the 411 is at 10:30 pm.