Eastern Excursion questions

[amtmommy]

Hi,
We are going on our first DCL on April 17,2004.
I was wondering if a some vetrans can help me out.

Which island is better for shopping?
Also what island lends itself to do a bit of beach time, and is also close to the shops and ship?
We have a six year old daughter and were thinking of the Golden Eagle, but I didn't know if we would have some free time.
I would love to hear what peoples opions are of the eastern excursions.
Thanks

 

[Trekker]

I've never done the Eastern - Going to Apr 3, 2004.

We have done the Western and I can tell you that a great beach day is going to be at Castaway Cay!

 

[plutojudy]

I liked St Martin for shopping. We booked the See and Sea excursion. The Sea portion was cancelled because of high seas. The See portion took us to the French side for shopping and touring. I enjoyed shopping while my husband and one of our tablemates climbed to the fort. We also shopped on the Dutch side (wish I would have bought that Nativity Set there!). You can buy a wrist-band for a water taxi that will take you back and forth to Phillipsburg. There is a beach right where you exit the water taxi.
We did a little shopping in St Thomas but spent most of our time on St John.
I agree with Trekker, you cannot beat Castaway Cay for beach time.

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

St. Maarten is going to be the best for an island with a beach close-by. St. Thomas doesn't have a beach within walking distance to the port. You'll have to take a taxi. At St. Maarten you take a water taxi from the port to town (not far, 5 minute ride) or you could walk (far, quite a hike). Same thing with Charlotte Amalie. You'll need to take a taxi from port to downtown (though there are shops at Havensight right at the port), or you could walk (about 2 miles, kind or seedy neighborhood). If you would happen to ANCHOR at St. Thomas as opposed to DOCKING, you may tender right downtown. ( I'm not sure how Disney does it. My last Cruise on the Norway we were at anchor and tendered right to the center of town!!!! Absolutley Great!) I think both islands have great beaches but you'll need to taxi to find the great ones. St. Maarten has a beach right in town, but it is very crowded and average, compared to what else is available on the island.

For Shopping, I love St. Thomas, many, many more stores than St. M, but a little - just a little- mor expensive. If you are looking for liquor or cigarettes and t-shirts and that kind of stuff, St. Maaretn is you best Money-saving bet. If you are looking for variety, jewelry, electronics, nicer stuff, St. Thomas.

Hope that helps a little.
maureen

 

[princssdisnygina]

We just got off the 7 day Eastern. I would have to say St Maarten is the best island for shopping, especialy for jewelry. St Thomas is ok for shopping too, but St Maarten is just a little better. Beware though, they are working on giving downtown St. Maarten a facelift so it is a little dirty!

As far as exursions and beaches go: We did the Golden Eagle Catamaran on St Maarten and LOVED it! They take you out to this private island to sun bathe, and snorkle! Of course drinks are included and they really make sure you get your share! The staff was fantastic! I will do it again if I go again! It was great sun time on the catamaran and on the beach, but be aware that it can get a little rough on the catamaran!
We went to Magens bay on St. Thomas and wasn't all that impressed. It was nice for the day but small and crowded. I would do the St. John excursion to Trunk Bay! Or you can catch a taxi and boat to St John on your own! Trunk Bay is beautiful!!

Feel free to ask any other questions!

Gina

 

[slmjam]

I agree with princssdisnygina. We did the Golden Eagle on St. Maarten last June and our kids LOVED it!!! They sat up front on the netting on the way to the island and were, of course, soaked by the time we got there. There were plenty of sandwiches and beverages (including the adult variety

) on the way back. The crew had everyone singing YMCA as we arrived back to the port. It was a lot of fun, and our kids still talk about it.

If you decide to try a beach while in St. Thomas, I strongly recommend Trunk Bay in St. John. It is absoutely gorgeous and the snorkeling there is incredible. It's a good thing you go to St. Thomas after St. Maarten, otherwise you would be disappointed with the snorkeling in St. Maarten.

 

[stancan]

We just got back from the dec 13 2003 eastern cruise. In st. marten we rented a jeep , right on the pier , it cost $107 for the day. Our family of 5 visited 3 fabulous beachs , one had big waves, one had calm waters and one was just right ( mullet bay) . We had plenty of time to beach ( 10am till 5 pm) , then we had 6:00pm dinner on the ship, then went shopping till 9:00pm and set sail at 10:00pm. St thomas was too rushed because you set sail at 5:00pm.

 

[RebeccaLovesDisney]

stancan - Can you tell me which beaches you visited on St. Maarten? We were on the same cruise and went to Orient Beach. It was windy there and the waves fairly big - not good for snorkeling.

I would also like to agree that St. John is the best for beautiful, pristine beaches and great snorkeling. We spent the day at Trunk Bay and we are now spoiled - no other beach will ever compare.

 

[bassoongirl]

Thanks for your recommendations! We just booked our excursions for the Feb. 21, 2004 Magic cruise. We chose the Golden Eagle Cataraman Tour in St. Maarten and the Trunk Bay Beach and Snorkel Tour in St. Thomas. We are really looking forward to both excursions!

Just one question... How much nudity did you see on the beach during the Golden Eagle Cataraman Tour? I want to prepare my kids ahead of time so they don't laugh and point while we are there!

Happy Holidays!

Gayl

 

[axsimpson]

St Maarten has the best shopping. St Thomas is more for touristy, (key west, disney prices) They say if you see something in St Maarten dont hesitate to buy it. It will be twice as much in St Thomas. Also make sure you get your cigars and liquor in St Maarten, cant beat those prices.