Eastern Caribbean

[3Mickeys]

When we were in St. Maarten we simply walked off the ship down the street (water taxi?! You've been on a ship for days!) and went to Great Bay. The walk was easy and good for the kids to get moving. Only took about 10 minutes. Once there we soon figured the going rate for two beach chairs and an umbrella. We paid $20 got two lounge chairs under an umbrella with an ice bucket with 5 drinks in it. We were 6 feet from the water and the kids swam the entire time... hours. We loved the view with the cruise ships, and people watching, met some lovely people from another ship. Walked back to the ship in time for a late lunch. $20 for a fabulous beach day.

In St. Thomas we walked off the ship to the taxi area and told them we wanted Magen's Bay. They filled up the open bus and we were off. Made a quick stop for people to get off at a shopping area. Got to the beach and it was still empty, paid about $15 for two chairs and was surprised there were no umbrellas. Soon after the beach filled up until it was wall to wall cruise passengers. It was beautiful and a nice place for swimming. There were plenty of buses heading back to the port at our convenience. For the whole day paid about $110 or so for five people to go to and from the beach and two lounge chairs. More than $100 savings from the DCL excursion.

 

[Wendy&Grumpy]

We're on the first Eastern cruise of the Fantasy next April.

Is there a list somewhere of available excursions and prices so we can start figuring out what we want to do?

 

[pacomom]

We did Magen's Bay on our own and it was like the previous posters said, easy and beautiful. Great beach and most cab drivers will stop for pictures at the overlook-the drive itself is wonderful.
We totally love Orient Beach in St. Martin. We do that every time. However, we spent our honeymoon there and have spent a week there since and must admit Maho is fun too and most any beach there is pleasant. But for the short day we get on St. Martin we are getting to Orient asap.

 

[tvguy]

Just remember some of the beaches in St. Maarten are clothing optional.