*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 4

[MandyGirl]

We'll probably do this one too.

So it looks like we'll probably do two DIS excursions (Jost Van D in Tortola and Madeira) and the rest we'll likely do through DCL or explore on our own. Still not sure about our plans for St. Maarten - definitely want to hit Maho and see the planes - I'm a big aviation geek!

Good to know there is another aviation geek onboard!! You will have to chat with Curt. In fact, our office I am sitting in now (a.k.a. supposed to be working in...) has airplane pics all over the walls. Mainly WWII type aircraft. Then outside the room is our curious cabinet with model planes...

Anyway, we loved Maho when we went there. It was the day before our wedding, and were with other aviation geeks. I would love to go back again, but there was literally no shade except at the bar. (Stupid airports and trees...) I may still try to coerce him back because I think DD1 would have a blast watching the planes come in. Esp if we see a 747 come in, or one who has to abort landing and circle again. We took the public bus system out there, and then hitched a ride back with a couple from Denmark who were headed back to town anyway. We watched their AirFrance plane come in, then rode back with them so they could grab their luggage and return to the airport for their flight home. Probably won't be taking rides with random strangers we meet at a bar now that we have kiddos.

 

[TxMermaid1]

I really don't mind swapping, what ever night is better for everyone. If people would prefer Formal night then that is good for me, I just wanted to bring it up incase it is a problem.

You may want to check with Disney.. the champagne girls is kind of at their mercy... can't always get the day and time you want. We couldn't on the EBTA and ended up having to just meet at Promenade Lounge at 10:30pm wearing our boa's and tiara's one night.

 

[TxMermaid1]

Was wondering if anyone would be interested in a scuba diving excursion? I am a PADI scuba instructor and am planing to do a dive. If anyone would like to join me I would be happy to set up an excursion. I have done this many times...

 

[MandyGirl]

Was wondering if anyone would be interested in a scuba diving excursion? I am a PADI scuba instructor and am planing to do a dive. If anyone would like to join me I would be happy to set up an excursion. I have done this many times...

ahhhh..... I think we do have someone who is a diver. Karen maybe?

Curt and I have only done discovery dives since we are not certified. The last place was Bonaire. Loved it!!

 

[granmaz]

Has anyone heard about this tour St. Maarten Island and Butterfly Farm Tour?

We did that tour last year. The Butterfly Farm was great and we really enjoyed it. Some wonderful photo opportunities. The water part of the trip was not the best as the PA system failed so we didn't have the commentary. However, it was still very nice and the crew were very good and helpful. The bus tour part was just pointing out houses and areas of interest, the usual thing. I like these tours as they give you a good overlook of the area for not too much money.

 

[granmaz]

Tortola. Now this is a small beautiful island with great friendly locals. There isn't an awful lot to do there though. I believe there is a group tour organised, but otherwise, if you want a good overview, take the Tortola by Land and Sea(or something like that). I recommended it to some cruisers last year and they enjoyed it too. There are loads of great views to take photos of, and the boat trip is an excellent part of it too.

 

[Pinky166]

You may want to check with Disney.. the champagne girls is kind of at their mercy... can't always get the day and time you want. We couldn't on the EBTA and ended up having to just meet at Promenade Lounge at 10:30pm wearing our boa's and tiara's one night.

Yeah I know how difficult DCL can be, I have been in contact with them about the Champagne Girls & some other things i'm arranging.

 

[PFlamingo]

Was wondering if anyone would be interested in a scuba diving excursion? I am a PADI scuba instructor and am planing to do a dive. If anyone would like to join me I would be happy to set up an excursion. I have done this many times...

Oh, you tempt me! I'm certified (some would say certifiable), but haven't been diving in eons. I even certified long ago as a dive master, but never got around to filing the paperwork. What did you have in mind?

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Has anyone heard about this tour St. Maarten Island and Butterfly Farm Tour?

You can easily do this one yourself and probably have a nice amount of $$ left to spend on other things.

On our previous cruise a couple of families did the butterfly farm on their own and all came back stating it was a nice place to visit but wasn't worth the DCL-price. If you do a search on Crystal27, she's got a tripreport on the eastbound car. cruise from sept 27th 2009. I know, a bit dated by now but she's made lovely pics and did the butterfly farm on their own. I know they walked to it, not sure if she posted details about that in her report (she and her lovely family were our tablemates so not sure if she told us about that IRL or if I reread it in her report). Either way, it's a good report to get some more info and pics about the farm.

Seeing the Island? My roommate on that cruise did a solo tour by cab (I wasn't feeling well enough that day to join. Very affordable and she ended up seeing both some of the touristy things and quite a few things that were off the beaten path and not half the ship had been too. Came back with amazing pics, so I'm actually planning on doing this myself. Anyway, with a family this could easily be cheaper than paying 4 times DCL-rate and it would give total freedom to go where you want and be there as long as you find needed. I'ld do the math and talk it over to see what fits your family, budget, wishes and desires.


As far as Tortola goes; I know about half of the folks on this thread have signed up for Saras dolphin tour on Gibraltar and Mandy is organising a JvD tour, but Tortola also has got a dolphin park with multiple excursion options. And what I personally found pretty exciting as most of the times this is not the case with these types of excursions; they can work with people with disabilities!. I'm keeping my eye on this as a possible option myself as I can't justify signing up for Mandy's tour at the moment (if that last spot isn't filled by now?), not knowing if by the time that day comes by I can actually do a trip that lasts a couple of hours.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Tortola. Now this is a small beautiful island with great friendly locals. There isn't an awful lot to do there though. I believe there is a group tour organised, but otherwise, if you want a good overview, take the Tortola by Land and Sea(or something like that). I recommended it to some cruisers last year and they enjoyed it too. There are loads of great views to take photos of, and the boat trip is an excellent part of it too.

For Tortola, the Baths in Virgin Gorda are amazing. We've been a couple of times and it is such an awesome place to be - we have never seen much of Tortola b/c we always take the ferry to Virgin Gorda for the Baths. The water is crystal clear and its fun to play on the rocks. Great snorkeling there too!

Photo of the Baths:

We'll probably do this one too.

So it looks like we'll probably do two DIS excursions (Jost Van D in Tortola and Madeira) and the rest we'll likely do through DCL or explore on our own. Still not sure about our plans for St. Maarten - definitely want to hit Maho and see the planes - I'm a big aviation geek!

Anyway, we loved Maho when we went there. It was the day before our wedding, and were with other aviation geeks. I would love to go back again, but there was literally no shade except at the bar. (Stupid airports and trees...) I may still try to coerce him back because I think DD1 would have a blast watching the planes come in. Esp if we see a 747 come in, or one who has to abort landing and circle again. We took the public bus system out there, and then hitched a ride back with a couple from Denmark who were headed back to town anyway. We watched their AirFrance plane come in, then rode back with them so they could grab their luggage and return to the airport for their flight home. Probably won't be taking rides with random strangers we meet at a bar now that we have kiddos.

Orient Beach in St. Maarten is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. I would highly recommend it to adults - and caution those with children that some people do walk around nude (more on one end of the beach) or topless there. The nudity is not one of the perks for me but it is such a beautiful beach, it is worth it. Maybe you could do Maho and Orient.

Photo of Orient Beach:

Chris - We are on this one in Madeira as we only walked around the city last time.

I think we are going to walk around the city this time and do the botanical gardens. We did a tour last time so we'd like to see the city on this turn.

 

[MandyGirl]

For Tortola, the Baths in Virgin Gorda are amazing. We've been a couple of times and it is such an awesome place to be - we have never seen much of Tortola b/c we always take the ferry to Virgin Gorda for the Baths. The water is crystal clear and its fun to play on the rocks. Great snorkeling there too!


Orient Beach in St. Maarten is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. I would highly recommend it to adults - and caution those with children that some people do walk around nude (more on one end of the beach) or topless there. The nudity is not one of the perks for me but it is such a beautiful beach, it is worth it. Maybe you could do Maho and Orient.


I think we are going to walk around the city this time and do the botanical gardens. We did a tour last time so we'd like to see the city on this turn.

Ditto the Baths of Virgin Gorda! We have enjoyed time there. We chose the excursion to JVD this time just to enjoy less physical activity, esp with two little ones.

Does Orient have much shade? Our big issue is needing shade... skin cancer survivor, so we use extreme caution with the sun, particularly with our two little ones since there could be a genetic component with melanoma. Hats, rash guards, 50+ sunscreen, and shade are our norm!

 

[Disneynut64]

Hi Noel didn't see us added to the Madeira tour wanted to make sure we are still able to go.. Thanks for organizing this for us. Cindy and Pam - disneynut64

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Was wondering if anyone would be interested in a scuba diving excursion? I am a PADI scuba instructor and am planing to do a dive. If anyone would like to join me I would be happy to set up an excursion. I have done this many times...

Hi

Not sure if 1) I'm going to be allowed the time LOL ( shopping takes priority)
2) If I have enough experience

I completed a PADI scuba course 4 yrs ago but did not complete the open water module and I have not dived in 2 yrs .

I probably would need to be more up to date but let me know if It might be an option for me

Michael

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

On FE's, I'd go with "b". A lot of the people who pile on at the end, I think just come for the FE's and not really to get acquainted. I think it's more fun to 'know' to whom i'm giving.

Was wondering if anyone would be interested in a scuba diving excursion? I am a PADI scuba instructor and am planing to do a dive. If anyone would like to join me I would be happy to set up an excursion. I have done this many times...

Welcome aboard! Are MR & S and their girls coming as well?

For Tortola, the Baths in Virgin Gorda are amazing. We've been a couple of times and it is such an awesome place to be - we have never seen much of Tortola b/c we always take the ferry to Virgin Gorda for the Baths. The water is crystal clear and its fun to play on the rocks. Great snorkeling there too!

Photo of the Baths:

Orient Beach in St. Maarten is one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen. I would highly recommend it to adults - and caution those with children that some people do walk around nude (more on one end of the beach) or topless there. The nudity is not one of the perks for me but it is such a beautiful beach, it is worth it. Maybe you could do Maho and Orient.

Photo of Orient Beach:

I think we are going to walk around the city this time and do the botanical gardens. We did a tour last time so we'd like to see the city on this turn.

I've arranged for a taxi to take me around to the botanical gardens (there are 3) and I have room for 3 more people, if you're interested. Cheaper than a tour and WE get to tell him where to go


Happy Day, everyone!

 

[birkner]

Hi Noel didn't see us added to the Madeira tour wanted to make sure we are still able to go.. Thanks for organizing this for us. Cindy and Pam - disneynut64

If you are speaking of the WBTA website, adding to the Madeira tour should be disabled. I am still trying to sort people into East and West tours and finalizing van assignments at this point.

No one should worry at this point as I hope to be posting lists in a week or so, plus will be PMing everyone who has expressed interest in the tour to confirm.

 

[birkner]

Thanks to everyone to the kind compliments to my OCD travel planning!!

Thought I might share a couple pictures taken from the Sunset Beach Bar in St Maarten last year. We took a morning tour which meant we missed the afternoon landings of the large planes.

[

 

[Purplelv93]

As far as Tortola goes; I know about half of the folks on this thread have signed up for Saras dolphin tour on Gibraltar and Mandy is organising a JvD tour, but Tortola also has got a dolphin park with multiple excursion options. And what I personally found pretty exciting as most of the times this is not the case with these types of excursions; they can work with people with disabilities!. I'm keeping my eye on this as a possible option myself as I can't justify signing up for Mandy's tour at the moment (if that last spot isn't filled by now?), not knowing if by the time that day comes by I can actually do a trip that lasts a couple of hours.

Where can I find more info about this tour for disabled travelers? I have MD and would love to do something like this.

Also, what is a sideways cabin?

Thanks!

 

[liesbeth1012]

Thanks Lisbeth! We will be going again in Dec and are getting the Fantasy pass. As I read recentl I think we get a small discount, but the person who sponsers you iswho get the best dea because after like 6 or 7 in a year they get their next one for free.

We are stating in torcy in a cheap and cheerful Premiere Classe that we stayed at before.

Hope you have a great trip in july!

You get a 10% discount and the parrain get a free passeport after 3 stamps.
I have a fantasy and my son a dream pass and this one is a free one. We get our stamps all in one day with people we don't know. We meet them trough a dutch forum where you can leave advertisment.
I hope you can find people to. And have a pleasant trip in August.
And on the cruise we maybe can chat on our dlrp trips.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Where can I find more info about this tour for disabled travelers? I have MD and would love to do something like this.

Hi Monique,

http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/tortola/tortola-location-overview.asp

is the website of Dolphin Discovery, the company that offers the 3 types of dolphin interactions on Tortola. While there is nothing on their website about it, they can and do work with people with disabilities where possible. I found this out by calling them and have had some mailcorrespondence with them also.

I've done this type of excursion before in Portugal and one thing I've learned from that (and many other excursions); always contact the company yourself and discuss your abilities and limitations. Most of the times I find companies rather too carefull and saying no too easily than the other way round. When giving them some info on what I can and can't do, much more things have opened up over the years. Years ago in Portugal we were told no over the phone. We decided to visit the park anyway to see the other exhibits. On site I talked to them a bit more and; I got the green light and had a blast!

DD was very easy to talk to and realistic (not too carefull nor too careless) and told me that with my abilities and limitations it should be no problem to have me book an experience with them. I just aren't allowed into the most expensive one, which is more than OK with me.


And if you ever do an Eastern Car. cruise; on St. John there is a diving school that does HSA diving incl. an introduction dive for those that never have taken a dive before. I was planning on doing that on our '09 cruise but couldn't get the clearance because of allergies acting up. I've always dreamt of taking a dive and it's pretty much impossible to have a beautifull dive in warm enough waters overhere so it was like hitting the jackpot when I found this option.


Noel; you OCD? Really? I never noticed it! Your shoe-travel-thingie is a bit of a.... challenge if you ask me for this one. A whole suitcase just for shoes? You're pulling our legs, right? Be honest with us, you've got us all fooled and are Carrie Bradshaw IRL right? I can't think of anybody else when reading about a whole suitcase full of shoes. You are going to think I'm such a shoe-criminal.

 

[Purplelv93]

Hi Monique,

http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/tortola/tortola-location-overview.asp

Thanks! You so rock!