Six ships in St. Thomas on 11/29

Joanandjoe · August 2, 2006

We'll be in St. Thomas on 11/29 on the Noordam. This will be Joan's first trip there, my second (and the first was in 1958!). We did some research, and decided what we wanted to do, in addition to shopping: walk to the synagogue, take the tram to the top of the hill, take a taxi to Coral World and Coki beach. Then we looked at Cruise Calendar, and saw that there would be six ships in town, with over 14,000 PAX, plus crew. Ugh! We know that some experienced cruisers will stay on their ships, but that's still a lot of people for one's 1st or 2nd trip to a port.

We would like suggestions as to what to do. Should we abandon our plans and either take a ship's excursion or go some place less crowded than Coral World and Coki? Will we be able to shop, or get cabs, with so many ships in port? Is there dock space for six large ships (Noordam, Zuiderdam, Disney Magic, Mariner of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Costa Magica), or do some ships have to tender? As people who have traveled to a lot of cool places but few warm or "beachy" ones (our second Caribbean trip in 38 years of marriage), we would hate to miss out on good St. Thomas experiences; but are we doomed to disappointment with so many ships in port?

Gregswife · August 2, 2006

Joan and Joe, St Thomas, like most of the islands in the caribbean, is a great place to buy jewelry, but it doesn't sound like you want to push your way through 10,000 people to do any shopping. I woud definitely check out St. John though...

sailingrose · August 2, 2006

Not so sure that St. John is that good an idea either.......I'm over St. Thomas and will go over the St. John whenever we go there. It will be very crowded there too as the ships also have excursions that go to Trunk Bay.

I'd skip Coki as it will be very crowded, unless you get there early in the morning. There are plenty of wonderful beaches. I'd hire a cab and go to the synagogue and maybe some downtown shopping. Do go up to the mountain top as the view is lovely.

KeithnRita · August 2, 2006

We been downtown with six ships in port, it was kind of crowded. We would suggest a ship sponsored tour of the island excursion.

Shari2 · August 2, 2006

I would take a tour of the island, too. You could see Bluebeard's Castle and overlook Magen's Bay on the tour. If the synagogue is within walking distance maybe you could go there before or after the tour, and if you have any time left you could fight the crowds for the shopping if you really wanted to. St. Thomas is a beautiful island, but, I haven't been there in quite a few years, and it was getting too crowded back then.

Joanandjoe · August 2, 2006

Thanks for the suggestions, and keep them coming. The synagogue is apparently within walking distance of the main dock, but not the Crown Bay dock where Noordam usually docks. As for going to St. John, we've heard what Rose says: that when St. Thomas is crowded, there is a spillover effect making St. John crowded, as ship's excursions and independent travelers head there.

schatje · August 2, 2006

We were in St. Thomas when there were 6 others ships and it took 45 minutes to go from downtown back to the docks which we could have walked faster if we weren't trying to carry stuff. Even the taxi driver said it was getting ridiculous. I would agree this time that a ship tour would be the best with so many people. Atleast if you get stuck somewhere they have to get you back on time. Have a great time with whatever you decide. :smiley:

JohnG · August 2, 2006

I recommend you take a day excursion on a small yacht. Many available, like http://www.sailwinifred.com/ We took a taxi to the marina next to Red Hook to board the vessel. We sailed with 6 people for about 2 hours, then to St John's where we anchored and snorkeled, where I saw barracuda and turtles, then aboard for lunch, and a beautiful sail back. No crowd this way. Also, there are shops now at Crown Bay, I understand, so you can shop there.

Joanandjoe · August 2, 2006

Great idea, John, if we can get two other couples to join us. What is the approximate cost?

JohnG · August 2, 2006

My wife treated me for our anniversary, but I believe it was $120 per person by credit card or $110 cash, for 6 hours, continental breakfast, hot lunch and champagne (well, Frexnet).