EC (esp. St. Thomas) without excursions?

[adams3880]

I actually think I posted this question some months back but I'm hoping to basically get someone to hold my hand through this, haha. We've never not done excursions before but we're trying to be extra frugal this time so we would love to try to do the ports on our own. (We're on the 11/15 Fantasy Eastern.) I am such a worrier and am so paranoid about blowing the day or missing the boat and just want to have a step-by-step plan in place before we board!

Besides DH and I, we have a 3yo and 5yo, and my 63yo aunt will be with us. She has some foot issues... okay for the most part but a lot of walking probably wouldn't work. I've read a bit about San Juan and think maybe the 4 of us will do the fort and then come back for my aunt and explore the close part of the city for a while. Is that feasible?

I'm a little more nervous about St. Thomas. A couple years ago, as novice cruisers and with much smaller kids, we didn't know what to do, didn't know about the ferry, and ended up just strolling around for a couple hours. I'd love to know the best beach to get to (and exactly how to get there!), where we could easily find chairs and close food and our way back on time.

Sorry, I know I can Google--and I am--but I trust you guys so much more!

Thanks!!

 

[Rambler5678]

The butterfly farm is right at the dock in St. Thomas maybe a 5 min walk its not expensive and the kids would love it.

 

[poison ivy]

If you click on this thread, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=52430049 you'll find my post re: the free shuttle busses that run around San Juan which may help with your Aunts mobility issues.

As far as St. Thomas - we were there Jan 2013.
We chose to walk off the ship and take a cab/shuttle to Magens Bay which is the same beach Disney runs an excursion to.
http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/c...ohn-us-virgin-islands/magens-bay-beach-break/

we paid $10/pp for the group taxi each way which came to 40.00 for the two of us. They are lined up and dispatched right near where you walk off the ship.

The Magens Bay entrance fee was an additional 4/pp due at the entrance booth and payable in cash.
(collected by the driver). The rental fees for chairs/etc were extra: I believe it was $7/lounge chair and $5/beach chair plus a $5 refundable deposit on each.
They also rental snorkel equip / mats / towels / lockers

here is one thread which discusses this topic.
.http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2975347

I'd be happy to post a set of photos to walk you thru the process if this is something you might be interested in. I guess it would depend on the price compared to Disney's excursion fee which provides the convenience of not having to arrange your own transportation or pay for everything a la carte.

 

[adams3880]

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of information I was looking for!!

Question: Are the taxis back to the ship just as easy to come by?

DCL's price for the Magen's Bay excursion this time puts us at $225 for the bus, entrance, and chairs. It's roughly $80 more, so I guess I'll just run that by the rest of the party and see if they feel like it's worth it, but I feel pretty confident with the way you laid it out.

 

[poison ivy]

It was an easy on your own excursion.

here's the street view from the Fantasy in port. (assuming it's been docking at the same place - this was Jan 2013)

The taxi dispatch area is at the 2nd intersection



There's a good chance someone walking near you is heading there too. We travelled with this family in the same taxi along with a few others.



Signs are well marked.



you'll see them all lined up to be dispatched. Some have extended king cabs which sit families as well.



approx. distance from the ship.



Shuttles in Transit. This one looks to be a private tour but the vehicles are all similar in style - closed on one end and open on the opposite side.



guard booth to enter Magen's Bay



when we were ready to leave the beach area, we looked for a dispatcher walking around.
the cabs were all parked and waiting to go.



we were directed to one leaving next.



a lot of people braved the water in mid Jan. It was COLD but invigorating.



Rental prices - Jan 2013



Enjoy your trip!!

 

[adams3880]

Perfect! I will be sharing this with them later.