Excursions on the Eastern Cruise

[princess angel]

We are going on the 7 day Eastern DCL for our first time on Sept 21st!
DH and I, we are in our 29, and 34 yrs old, no kids. we just moved last week, so I have no time to plan for the cruise, looking for some help so I can reserve excursions ahead of time, without spending lots of time looking in to what we would like best.

I think for ST. Thomas I want to go to St. John...
other than that, can you tell me what excursions we should book.
we dont want to do too munch, we need this as a relaxing cruise, as we have been so incredibly hectic lately, but we'd like to plan a couple excursions in advance.
what do you suggest???

Thanks!

Laura

Cruisin in just 25 days!!!

 

[Denine]

The only Eastern excursion we did was the eco-hike on St. John. Our guide was very knowledgable. We got to swim at Honeymoorn beach after the hike.
Shopping is good enough for me in St. Martin!

 

[Hopkins]

We rented a car in St Thomas, but having a planned excursion is definitely less stressful. You have nothing to plan. JHust be a lemming. On St Martin we did the Under Two Flags tour by Disney. It gave a nice overview of the island. Our tablemates did the 12 metre regatta racing and really had a wonderful experience.

Hope this helped.
Tina

 

[SC Minnie]

I would recommend the Golden Eagle Catamaran in St Maarten. You take a catamaran ride out to a beach then snorkel or relax on the beach for about an hour. The ride back is great! The crew of the Golden Eagle were fantastic. They serve drinks- alcoholic and non- as well as sandwiches on the way back to the ship. We did the morning excursion and still had time to go shopping for a couple of hours in the afternoon without feeling rushed.

If we have the chance to do the eastern again this excursion would be on the top of our list.

 

[ldb1030]

We did the 12-metre regatta at St. Maarten and it was the BEST thing we did! So much fun, a bit of work unless you are the timekeeper or bartender and something I would do again in a heartbeat!
We did St. John on our own! Very easy to do and it was a wonderful day! Spent the day at Trunk Bay before returning to St. Thomas for some shopping!

 

[Deb in IA]

I've also heard good reviews of the Golden Eagle Catamaran, and the 12-metre Regatta.

We did the See and Sea Tour at St. Maarten/Martin, mainly because we have young children (ages 11 and 7) and they really got a kick out the semi-submarine ride.

At St. Thomas, we did the 5-Star St. John's Snorkel Tour, again because they provided instruction and equipment to snorkel at Trunk Bay.

Both these excursions were good, but you may want to do others if you are young adults with no kids. . .

 

[princess angel]

thanks!
the Golden Eagle catamaran sounds great.

to go to St. John, you have to book that correct??

thanks again

Laura

 

[Deb in IA]

Correct about St. John. DCL stays docked at St. Thomas, and St. John is an approx. 1 hour boat ride away.

But don't miss it. It is absolutely breathtaking. 3/4 of the island is a national park, and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

 

[aseafish]

There are also other options to get to St. John. Of course, the Golden Eagle sounds like one of the nicer ones--just not the only one.

 

[fozzy]

We cruised on eastern last 10/01 and because of a hurricane detour we did not go to St maarteen but san juan. So don't have any suggestions about it. But we did the Sapphire BEach on St Thomas and loved it. IT was so beautiful and quite. Not really many people. We just relaxed and drank some Strawberry/Banna Coladas (sp?) that were great, snorkeled, and sunbathed. They also served lunch. I do wish it was a longer excursion because we could have stayed there all afternoon. but ship left at 5pm. On castaway key, dh and ds did banna boat ride. we also got the package deal that included float, snorkel, and bike ride for day. That was good deal. Have a great trip.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Are any of the excursions already mentioned appropriate for a 4 & 5 year old? I'm hoping to find an eastern excursion that can cater to my little ones. Any suggestions?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

As of now DH, DS10.5 and I are planning on the Sea & See on St Marten. Then DH will go gambling.

St Thomas we're planning on going to Coral World/Coki Beach on our own. If we have time we'll hopefully get to go up the Paradise Point tramway.

 

[aseafish]

Be sure to check the excursion lists on DCL's site. They include the age limitations and suggestions. Sapphire Beach, for example, is ages 3 and up, so is Coral World. Obviously, the more rigorous and risky activities are for an older group. My nephew really enjoyed the butterfly farm on St. Maarten.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thanks aseafish!!

 

[Just Chip No Dale]

What's the best way to get to St.John from St. Martin? Should we rent a car (or a jeep, which sounds like more fun!) and take it on a ferry, or should we go by water taxi, etc..

If we have a car on St. John, is there anywhere to drive to ( since so much of the island is a national park I didn't know if we could drive around too much).

Thanks!

Chip