Eastern excursions! advice needed!

[feenie]

Ok, we are going on the 11/13 Eastern! We are not into snorkling or beaches. (I break out if I get too much sun).
We were thinking of just staying on the ship when it is in port. (except for Castaway Cay!! I know they have nice shady chairs to relax in!!) Is there anything "not to miss" on any of the islands? Has anyone else just stayed on the ship??
We are looking for the pros/cons so we don't regret missing something that we really would have liked.
thanks!

 

[glindamood]

I will take a shot at your question but this is just "my honest opinion" and should be taken as that. We have done the Eastern 3 times.

St. Maartin - with out a doubt my favorite shopping destination (I will miss Gemsland this year). Have also been to Orient and Dawn beach and (opinion disclaimer here) it is not a very pretty island - the beaches are fine but if that is not your thing... They have been hit with several major hurricanes in recent years and the vegetation is growing back but it has a way to go. Also - the only "island" I saw was from the taxi window on the way to the beach so I may not have an accurate pricture.

St. Thomas - I would not shop there again but this is a beautiful island. As you may have guessed, we are beach people (love to snorkel) but my parents joined us last year and we took a tour of the island and it truely is "a sight to behold". I would at least do that - we just made arrangements with a van driver at the pier and away we went - 60 - 90 minutes maybe.

Happy planning!!!

 

[Magicboundagain4]

The best thing about your vacations....you get to do whatever you want....I usually do the excursions but I think it would be just as relaxing to stay on the ship and avoid the running around.

I like to do some shopping and just meander around on both St. Thomas and St. Martin. People do stay on board.
After our excursions we go back to the ship to clean up and eat and then spend the afternoon doing a little shopping. My kids usually like to stay onboard after the excursion and relax.

 

[cadburysmom]

My DS9 and I just returned from the Jan 10 Magic and had a great time. The highlight of the cruise was our excursion in St.Thomas on the Atlantis Submarine. It was great as you are taken to the submarine in a covered boat and then once on the submarine, you dive to 90 ft where you see beautiful fish and all sorts of sea life. We saw several sharks which was thrilling along with a lobster and several sea turtles, just to name a few. It really was amazing and I hope we can do it again on our cruise next year!

I think you would enjoy it and it is something you can do out of the sun.

Mom from NC