HELP!! FIRST TIME CRUISER - PANICKING!!

[hamptod]

Me, my DH and son (15) will be taking our first cruise June 24th on the Carnival Legend out of NYC. We decided at the last minute to go and we have 14 days before the cruise leaves.

I have read a gazillion message boards and forums and now I am OVERWHELMED with all of the information I have found. I am mostly confused about the shore excursions. We will be going to San Juan, St. Thomas and Tortola.

I have found excellent suggestions, ideas, reviews and comments on this and other boards about all the things to do in these ports. The problem is trying to decide what to do. Book through Godfrey or explore on our own? Book through Carnival or go on our own. It seems that opinions are split evenly on what is the best thing/beach/tour to do. As you can imagine, being a first timer, it is extremely intimadating!!

My husband and son love the beach and water and swim very well. I on the other hand do not know how to swim but like the beauty of the beaches. I love to shop and I know that I am trying to plan the perfect vacation in a short amount of time. Before I stress my self out further, I decided to stop lurking and turn to the experts. For starters, We will be entering San Juan about 3 p.m. and leaving at midnight. The next day is St. Thomas. We enter into port at 7 a.m. and leave at 6p.m. Finally, we enter Tortola at 7 a.m. and leave at 2 p.m. Any recommendatins and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! :huh:

[DaCruzNut]

First of all.........

TO

Now, to your question.

If you have never been to Puerto Rico, you don't need to pay for a Shore Excursion in San Juan. The Port is right in the middle of the 'old city,' and you can spend a full day exploring the city. Safety uis not an issue, since the streets are perfectly safe, especially during the day. Don't miss El Morro, the fort. In fact, there are two in town! The buildings are very quaint, and have wrought iron balconies from which most resident hang planters. The Visitors Bureau runs a free trolley through the town, and you can get on and off at various stops.

St. Thomas has gotten VERY commercial and has fallen from grace with me! The duty-free shopping is still decent, but not as good as it used to be. make sure you know your prices. If you want to see what the islands looked like before they were assaulted by all of us cruisers, skipSt. Thgomas and take the 20-minute ferry ride over to St. John. It's 3/4 National Park and still mostly unspoiled. The snorkeling is excellent. If you stay on St. thomas, try an island Tour that will take you to Mountain Top, Magen's Bay, etc; You can book them right in town (Charlotte Amalie), where the ship docks.

...Haven't been to Tortola....

[hamptod]

Thank you for the welcome!! I feel less stressed already. I have printed out your suggestions, all good ones I might add.

Thx!!

[rogue]

Hi and Welcome,

We were on that same cruise last September, but unfortunately, Hurricane Isobel diverted us to Key West, Nassau, and Freeport. We never got to San Juan, but because you are getting there so late, your choices of tours becomes somewhat limitted. If you plan to hoof it on your own, then get out as early as possible. From the research I did, there is lots of the attractions which close pretty early (forts and such).

I can't tell you much about the other Islands. I have never been to Tortola. I was in St. Thomas on a cruise in 1975. I'm sure that much has changed there since then. The Island is beautiful and has wonderful beaches. We were going to go over to St. John's, if we ever got there. Oh, Well. :undecided:

Howard

[KeithnRita]

hamptod

Also, welcome to the wonderful world of cruising! We can't add much to what DaCruzNut has told you, as he is right on. We would add, however, in St. Thomas if you do like to shop we prefer the downtown shopping over the shopping at Havensight Mall, were the ships usually dock. We visited Tortola on our last cruise, however we just walked around on our own and did some shopping in the open market near the cruise dock. The traffic was amazing to us considering there is on one traffic light on the island, this is according to one of the friendly locals. Living in a town nicknamed "Stop Light City" this had special meaning to us. :cool: :cool:

[sailingrose]

Welcome aboard. I can only help with St. Thomas as when we've been to PR we just looked around and went to the Fort.

In St. Thomas we go to Coki Beach or Magens Bay. I just hire a cab. Always able to find a cab back to the ship without a problem. I prefer Cokie as it's smaller. They have changing rooms, bathrooms, rental equipment, lounge chairs, etc. We always enjoy our day there. We did the island tour many years ago but it was also a very good deal. Just shut your eyes when they drive........it makes the hair on my head stand at attention. Pretty much the same in all the islands.

Have a great time!

[Shari2]

Welcome aboard, hamptod!

Congratulations on your first cruise! I think you will love it! No need to stress about the tours. I would just go with the ship's tours for the first time. Just pick out the one that suits you best and go. Or, you can just walk around town and shop and sightsee on your own.

Then on your next cruise, you might want to go with another tour operator or on your own in a cab, etc., because you will be more,"experienced."! Good luck on whatever you decide to do! Have a great cruise! I have heard good things about the Legend!

[rogue]

As I said earlier, we were on the Legend. The ship is a beautiful ship. It is large, but does not have an over-crowded feeling. The layout is very nice, and pretty easy to find your way pretty quickly. The food was good, but the service in the dining room was just OK. I think that after every cruise I take, I feel that the service got worse. Still, not bad. The entertainment was good, and even with rough water, we felt very comfortable. Enjoy. :smiley:

Howard

[hazelson]

Welcome and enjoy your first cruise - you will have a great time - heck you can't loose lol - TTFN Jennifer

[TheSkipper]

Be warned! Cruising is addictive! We have been to San Juan and St. Thomas dozens of times. As someone else said you are getting to San Juan late. Ship arrives at 3 PM so it will probably be neared to 4 before you get off. Shops close between 5 and 6, so not much time for much serious shopping, although it is close to the dock. Ship excursions are going to be to nightclubs and casinos due to your time of arrival.

On St. Thomas, I would plan to one of the beaches in the AM, have a quick lunch back aboard ship and perhaps shower and then head into town for an afternoon of shopping.

Tortola shopping is mostly native handicrafts. Some very nice beaches within walking distance of the ships.

I would make a point of going to the port lectures aboard ship, but remember, "recommended store" means that the store is paying the cruise line for this "honor."

Hope this helps.