First cruise-Paradis

#1 (**permalink**) May 16th, 2001, 07:35 PM

We are going on our first cruise July 24 to the eastern Carribean. There will be 2 adults and a 14 and 16 year old girl. Stops at Peurto Rico, Nausau, and St. Thomas. What ideas can you give us for sights at our stops? My husband and I don't know if we should try to do ship excursions or if there are things we can do on our own once we land. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

pamda · #2 (**permalink**) May 19th, 2001, 04:46 PM

Hi, Sue ...

I'm the First Time Cruise Hostess and Utility Infielder here at CruiseMates, so I'm happy to help as much as I can.

Look back under ports of call and destinations for an article entitled "Bienvenidos a San Juan" for some thoughts about my second home.

Each of these ports is eminently "do-able" on your own and there will be plenty of people around to help with suggestions.

What I want to know is what will the hair dryer rotation be with three ladies ???

pamda

#3 (**permalink**) May 20th, 2001, 02:26 PM

SueT,
You picked a great ship for your first cruise!!!! Paradise is exactly what it is. I love this ship. I am sailing her again this Labor Day week. When we sailed her in '99 we took the western itinerary. This year we are doing the eastern. The smoke free atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. I can't tell you how nice it is to go to the casino or lounges and not have to deal with stale cigerette stench! The entire ship is so clean and the service is great. Have a great cruise!

#4 (**permalink**) May 24th, 2001, 04:24 PM

We sailed the Paradise last year and thought it was the cleanest ship we have ever been on. We didn't even get off the ship in San Juan as we have been there and was disappointed...St Thomas is beautiful and found that if you are just going to the beach you can save a "ton" of money by just taking a cab to Meaghan's Bay and then cab it back to town for very good shopping...The cab drivers are very good at showing the island on the way to the beach and stop on the way for you to take pictures. Why pay the price on ship (excursion price) just to go to the beach...We also once took a cab to the ferry to St John and went to Trunk Bay...fantastic. I am going to Nassau this year on the Enchantment and have not been there is a long time but, I understand you should go to Paradise Island.Hope this is helpful...

Donna · #5 (**permalink**) May 24th, 2001, 08:00 PM

Hey Bill,
Yes, if you're going to be in Nassau definately at least check out Atlantis, its something to see, nothing much else has changed there since our last trip.
Attached is a pic of Atlantis while strolling around, enjoy.

Donna
Tuesday Chat Host