Eastern Cruise question for you seasoned cruisers!!

[jiminy579]

For all of you seasoned cruisers, what do you recommend for Eastern Cruise excursions? They all sound so good! My DH and I will be travelling with our DS, age 9 and DD, age 11. Any help you can give is greatly appreciated! THANKS!!!

 

[reyberal]

bump

 

[LAMPSKIES]

We'll be on the Eastern just before you. I'm going to watch this post 'till then, then give a cruise report. I have DD's 13 and 11.

 

[goofydadeo]

Our absolute favorite is a visit to Trunk Bay on St. John. Although we have not taken the Leylon Sneed (sp?) it appears to be the best all around for families. We have done Trunk Bay on our own three times and it has been a big hit with our kids and other families who traveled with us. By doing one of the Disney excursions it leaves you more time to shop in St. Thomas too!
As for St. Maarten I do not have an excursion to recommend. We have typically spent a day at the beach (for us that is Orient Bay). One time we rented a Jeep and explored and ended up at Orient Bay (Kakao Beach Club). I would highly recommend the French side over the Dutch side. Shopping in Philipsburg is reasonable and perhaps it has a bit less to offer than St. Thomas but it is generally less expensive on big ticket items like watches and jewelry. Have a great trip!

 

[jiminy579]

Thanks for the awesome info!!! I appreciate your time!!!
:O)

 

[Moosysmom]

We were on the March 8th Magic and we took the Under 2 flags tour in St Maarten and it was very interesting. The driver had all kinds of wonderful information. But the beaches are great. I've been to Orient and it was a nice beach.
We took the St John's Island tour because we thought we got to go to Trunk Bay, but we only went to the overlook. Trunk Bay looked awesome and I have a co-worker who goes to Trunk Bay everytime she goes to St. Thomas. (She's lucky, her mom is a Travel agent).
Sometimes it depends on what you are looking for. Beach time or touring the Island.

 

[sigafoos]

We have done the Eastern twice. We did the 5 Star St. John Snorkal(Trunk Bay) on the Leylon Sneed both times. The first time 2 years ago the kids were 13 & 16 and we just got back from the 3-22 cruise. We enjoyed it alot we went at 7:45 and were back by noon leaving plenty of time to shop. We are not big time snorkalers so it was enough time for us but some people feel it is not long enough.
On St Martin we did the Sailing Regatta the first cruise and we really liked it. This time we did the Golden Eagle Catamaran and enjoyed it too. The beach they take you to on the Golden Eagle is not as nice as Trunk Bay, but it was ok.
Kim

 

[IrishCowboy]

We've done the Eastern twice and have a 3rd one planned for May 17.

On St Maarten, we like to do the Goldne Eagle Catamaran in the morning, retunr to the ship in time for lunch, and then spend the afternoon shopping.

On St Thomas, we head over to St John and Trunk Bay Beach. This next trip, we are planning on renting a car and taking the car ferry to St John and exploring as many different beaches as possible.

I have to agree with goofydadeo, Trunk Bay is our favorite place!