EXCURSIONS

ellenbliz · August 23, 2004

WE BOOKED A EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE AND WILL BE GOING TO HALF MOON CAY (PRIVATE ISLAND), ST. THOMAS, TORTOLA IN BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AND NASSAU BAHAMAS. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON GOOD EXCURSIONS. WE PROBABLY WILL CHOOSE TO SNORKEL AT THE PRIVATE ISLAND.

ELLEN

ellenbliz · August 23, 2004

WE BOOKED A EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE AND WILL BE GOING TO HALF MOON CAY (PRIVATE ISLAND), ST. THOMAS, TORTOLA IN BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS AND NASSAU BAHAMAS. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON GOOD EXCURSIONS. WE PROBABLY WILL CHOOSE TO SNORKEL AT THE PRIVATE ISLAND.

ELLEN

KeithnRita · August 23, 2004

Ellen,

We've never snorkeled at Half Moon Cay, however, we have at Buck Island and Coki Beach in St Thomas. They both were very good. I parasailed at Half Moon Cay and it was a thrill. Rita stayed on shore. :cool: :cool:

jbond · August 24, 2004

Is it your first cruise or your first time to these islands?

If it is, my advice would be to take a tour. If you can set one up over the internet prior to your cruise, great. You'll probably save some money, but, if you can't, book an excursion through the ship. First time around, I believe that you need some help in getting the most out of the limited time that you have available. If you wait until you are on the dock to get a taxi, make sure that you know exactly what you want to see and get a fixed price before you accept the tour.

We have not been to Tortola, so I can't advise you there. In St Thomas you can get a local tour for around $15-$20 pp for a 3 to 4 hour tour around the island. You'll get to see Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach, Drakes Seat, Mountain Top and a good all round view of, IMNSHO, the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. The best place to pick up tours in St Thomas is not at the dock, but downtown where the bus drops you off to do your shopping. There is a lot more competition and the prices are lower. Don't miss Drakes Seat, the views are awesome.

It's been a long time since we were in Nassau, but I think that the same rules apply. There is a lot to see, don't miss it.

We were in St Thomas in May and got a great tour for $17 pp. If you want to see what we saw, go to St Thomas

Pages 21 through 28 show the tour that we took. We have been to St Thomas eight times and it still makes we say "Wow" when I see that awesome harbour.

DaCruzNut · August 24, 2004

If you have visited St. Thomas before, I'd suggest hopping the ferry to St. John. It's only a 20-minute ride, and well worth the trip. Since St. John is almost entirely a National Park, operated by the U.S. Park Service, it remains pristine and will give you some idea as to what the islands were like before the Cruise Ships and resorts dumped thousands of people onto the islands.

If this is your first trip to St. Thomas, I'd recommed the tours they offer in Charlotte Amalie. They's take you to magen's Bay, Mountain Top, and all the local sights.

In Nassau, you can take a terrific walking tour. From the dock, at Prince George Wharf, head for Parliament Square Rawson Square. they are very close to the docks, on Bay Street. You'll be on Bay Street. Head east on bay Street (if you're facing the water, it's to the right) to Elizabeth Avenue, and turn right (sout). A few blocks and you'll come to the Queen's Staircase, carved by slaves out of solid bedrock. At the top of the staircase is the Water Tower, the highest point on New Providence island. You'll have a great view of the ships, and the entire island, and it's only 50-cents to ride the elevator to the top. At the base of the Water Tower is Fort Fincastle. it's small, but interesting.

From there, head west and you'll pass the Post office and reach Goverment House. The mail is not delivered on the island and all the residents come to the Post office to pick it up. there are hundreds of P.O. Boxes outside the Post office.

From there, head north on east Street, and you'll come to Bay Street, the Straw Market and all the shopping!

jbond · August 25, 2004

As I said, it's been a long time since we were in Nassau, but that is just about what we did. The Queen's Staircase is pretty impressive. Is the Straw Market still in the same place? It burned down just after we were there. As a Bond fan, Nassau was also used in two movies, Thunderball and Never Say Never. When we were there, we overnighted and so I got to go to the Paradise Island Casino, but didn't see Domino or Emilio Largo. :cry:

JohnG · August 27, 2004

Snorkeling at Half Moon Cay is only fair. The best fish hang around the rock breakwater on the left of the bay, and they are just beyond the rope/floats that limit where we can go. There are fish in knee deep water right off the beach that you can see with the naked eye that will come very close.

The excursion to Blue Lagoon in Nassau is highly recommended by those who have done it.

In St. Thomas I prefer to take a taxi from the pier to Red Hook and catch a ferry to St. John. Then a taxi to Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay. On my own, much cheaper

DaCruzNut · August 27, 2004

jbond-

The Straw Market, in Nassau, is being temporarily housed in a huge "tent," at the west end of Bay Street, near the British Colonial Hotel. It's hotter and smellier than the old one.

The government of the Bahamas has plans to rebuild a "modern" Straw Market, but..........

Bibb · August 30, 2004

I didn't see anyone mention the Baths in the British Virgin Islands. This ia a picture taking location so be sure to take your camera. The beach is great, the swimming is great and snorkling good. Be sure to take the hike among (under) the huge boulders to the other beach. It's worth the walk.

Just grab the ferry at Tottolla to Virgin Gordo (20 minutes or so).

shiftman1956 · August 30, 2004

We did the Blue Lagoon Dolphin encounter in Nassau. It was absolutely fantastic...a little pricey, but well worth it in my opinion. It was an experience we will never forget!