Fantasy (Eastern) Ports

[rollypollybean]

I booked our excursions for each day, but I was wondering if there are things to do off the ship once our excursion is over? I booked a four hour excursion and still have a few hours before boarding and I'd like to do some shopping or sit on the beach. I didn't know if there were opportunities for that outside of an excursion. Thank you!

 

[Calantha]

I booked our excursions for each day, but I was wondering if there are things to do off the ship once our excursion is over? I booked a four hour excursion and still have a few hours before boarding and I'd like to do some shopping or sit on the beach. I didn't know if there were opportunities for that outside of an excursion. Thank you!

I assume you are talking about Tortola and St. Thomas?

I can't speak for Tortola, but yes there are tons of things to do in St. Thomas outside of the excursion.

• At Havensight, there are a few shops right by the boat and a larger selection nearby at the SHOPS at Yacht Haven Grande
• Grab a taxi into Charlotte Amalie (only a 10 min ride or so), and there are a million shops (plus a few cool places to visit).
• To go to the beach, you'd need to snag a taxi over to Magen's or Coki Point (probably a 20 min ride or so). There aren't very many good options right near the dock.

 

[auntlynne]

St Thomas - there is an aerial ram across the road from the port.

Next to the ship, in Havensight, there is a Tap & Still burgers and beer restaurant. Think 5 Guys with less sweet buns. Very similar.

Some excursions will drop you off in Charlotte Amalie. Walking back to the ship is app 1.5 miles (depending where you start). Downtown houses shops in old warehouses with alleys in between (many shops open into the alley. Not creepy or unsafe. Lots of jewelry stores. They have redone the streets around the tourist shops and along the harbor as you head back to the ship.

Taxis are often open-air; a Ford heavy duty pick-up with padded benches and a roof covering in the back. Price is per person, cheaper if you have several in your party, and usually full before departing. Sometimes they are 15-passenger vans. If going somewhere popular, they are more likely to fill up and leave more quickly.

As for quickly getting to a beach, nothing really close comes to mind. But if you have half if your port time, you could get to a beach and relax or play in St Thomas (probably Tortola). Just not next near the ship. You will need to get to the beach. Some of the more popular and nice beaches on St Thomas (and free or $5 pp admission) are Magen’s (farthest), Lindqvist (@smith Bay) - excursion calls it Secret Sands, and Sapphire Beach. One need an excursion, just transportation. Lindqvist has the fewest guests and no concessions, but does have a bathhouse.