Eastern island safety

[GrumpyMom1]

Ok, maybe I'm being paranoid but I have to ask this question. I was planning on doing our own thing on each island instead of doing any of DCL's excursions. Now I'm wondering if it's safe for 3 females (me and my 2 DD's) to venture off on our own. I was thinking of taking a taxi to one of the beaches on the Dutch side in St. Martin and to either Sapphire Beach or Magen's Bay in St. Thomas and also doing some shopping. Will we be ok on our own or should I stick to doing excursions with a group?

 

[ducklite]

You will be fine in St. Thomas. There are definitely parts of St. Maarten that are dicey. Even with my husband with me this ex-NYC girl wouldn't go down some of the alleyways to some small shops off New Street. Just too "iffy" even in broad daylight.

Use common sense and you'll be fine. Stay on the main streets, and avoid the side streets.

Anne

 

[mmouse37]

I would recommend Sapphire Beach in St. Thomas and Great Bay Beach in St. Maarten.

On the cab ride over to Sapphire Beach they usually wait until the cab is full so wait for another family and board with them. That way no one would know it is 3 females alone. When we walked on Megans Bay beach this past May we saw a few very shady looking people scoping out people's belongings on the beach. Even my police officer husband said that they looked they were up to no good. Sapphire Beach is a resort's beach so there are many people and a I feel a safer environment.

Great Bay Beach is just a boat ride away from the Magic dock. Or, you can also take a taxi to Orient Beach...that was very nice and had some naked people but no "weired" people and it was not deserted. Use the same method as above re waiting for another family before boarding the taxi.

MJ

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by ducklite
You will be fine in St. Thomas. There are definitely parts of St. Maarten that are dicey. Even with my husband with me this ex-NYC girl wouldn't go down some of the alleyways to some small shops off New Street. Just too "iffy" even in broad daylight.

Use common sense and you'll be fine. Stay on the main streets, and avoid the side streets.

Anne

Awe, come on Anne! We New York girls are too much for those Island men!!!!!!! Forget NYC - you should have been with us in San Antonio!!!!!! I'm (pardon the expression) ballsier than I am smart I guess!! Comes from being an ex cop maybe?

But that is true - know where you are going and observe your surroundings. Always have safety in mind whatever you do and where ever you go!

Rae

 

[PammyK]

Everyone has given great advice. I would also add,
listen to your gut...

If the cab driver makes you feel uncomfortable, suddenly remember that you left something on the ship and him take another party.

If you get a strange feeling about a shop, don't go inside.

99% of the time, your gut instincts will be right on target. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by rae519
Awe, come on Anne! We New York girls are too much for those Island men!!!!!!! Forget NYC - you should have been with us in San Antonio!!!!!! I'm (pardon the expression) ballsier than I am smart I guess!! Comes from being an ex cop maybe?

But that is true - know where you are going and observe your surroundings. Always have safety in mind whatever you do and where ever you go!

Rae

Don't get me started on San Antonio. I have not fond memories of that place. At least I didn't get mugged there...had a guy take a swing at me though--he regretted it.

Anne

 

[TeensMom]

Watch for shoplifters who are very brazen and skilled in any of the town areas. We have "travel pouches" that hang around our necks and down the outside of our shirts. We use them for passports, credit cards and most cash. We will have only $10 or $20 in a front pant pocket.

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Rae.

Forget NYC - you should have been with us in San Antonio!!!!!!

Hi Anne.

Don't get me started on San Antonio. I have not fond memories of that place. At least I didn't get mugged there...had a guy take a swing at me though--he regretted it.

WHAT in heaven's name happened to you guys in San Antonio? "Buckaroo" and I went there over his winter break this year and had a terrific - albeit expensive - time there. Someone told us it was a very high-crime city, but we even walked along the outlying stretches of The Riverwalk late at night and had no problems at all. Were we just lucky?...

 

[rae519]

It's where we were traveling, BD - some of us like to live "on the edge" for the adrenalin rush, especially former cops who like to live in the past!

Rae