St Thomas - Blackbeard's Castle or Doubloon Sail and Snorkel

[disneyfanforever]

We are trying to figure out what excursion to do on our Sept cruise. We are a family of 4 with boys ages 8 and 4. In St. Maarten we are going to do the Butterfly Farm excursion.

I heard Blackbeard's Castle was in St. Thomas. I can't find an excursion for it but I guess we could just take a cab. At first I thought we would do this, and then just go to Maagens Bay. Is Blackbeard's Castle something my kids would enjoy? Do they have any pirate shops or anything? I now have been reading about the Doubloon Sail and Snorkel which seems to be lots of fun with the pirate theme. I know my youngest is too young so it would just be my oldest and myself since DH doesn't swim. Do they give life jackets to the kids. I am not sure my son would be into jumping in the water unless he was sure he wasn't going to drown.

Any advice on what our plan should be for the day? I would love any input or information about what you guys have done.

Thanks

 

[dzneprincess]

I have done neither sorry, but A bunch of DISers did the Doubloon Sail ans Snorkel on our 11/27/04 cruise and they were all thrilled with it! They made it sound like soooo much fun, I wish that we had done it!

 

[Firegoalie23]

I have done the doubloon, It rocked. My wife and I had a blast. I highly recommend it, any questions, email me at badazzff@yahoo.com.
Richie

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Do the Doubloon Sail & Snorkel. We did it last year and it was the highlight of our trip. Our DS5 jumped off the side ("walked the plank") to snorkel, but decided being in the open water like that was not going to be fun. We put him back on the boat and he had a blast with the other kids who stayed on the boat. They fed the fish and talked pirate talk. Everyone - all ages - had a blast. They really cater to the kids, but the adults love the banana drink (can't remember the name) on the way back!!

Blackbeard's Castle is really nothing. The last time I was there (several years ago - maybe right after a hurricane) it was closed. It was just a hotel with old pool - kind of shabby. Nice view from the mountain but you can get that anywhere. It isn't any kind of Pirate museum or adventure. If you want a great view go to Paradise Point or Top of the Mountain or any Island Tour.


Diane

 

[PiperG]

I was hoping a thread like this might pop up. Has anyone done Megans Bay (St. Thomas) on their own? We would like to bypass a formal excursion simply for the flexibility of departing/returning on our own schedule. However, I worry that we won't be able to catch a cab back.

Has anyone ever done this excursion on their own? If so, how did it work f

 

[hooked on disney]

This is when we are going as well, only adults. This will be our first cruise and we are looking forward to it.

 

[Popovich]

We did the Doubloon with NJ Cruisers and loved it! I would highly recommend it and the Bananna Benders!!! One of the best memories of our trip!!

Gailyn

 

[DisneyMom&Fan]

I'm torn between the Doubloon excursion and Capt. Nautica. We have a boat at home and love to go FAST, but DS, who will be 8, isn't that great of a swimmer, so I think we should probably do the Doubloon. That way DH and I can snorkel while DS stays on the boat and is thoroughly entertained. Good thing I have a year to decide!