Shore Tours with Kids

[Kathy]

Hi! We're going to be sailing on the Carnival Pride on May 18 to the Eastern Carribbean.Our ports include Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas & St. Martin. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on great things to do at these ports for children. We'll be traveling with our 6 yo son. Are there any shore tours not to be missed?

Thanks! Kathy

Half Moon Cay is a private island they will have beach activities you can buy a bucket & shovel on the ship or get one at Target before you go I get one for my son everytime we go he is the same age as your son. My son did not like snorkeling with the stingrays in the Caymans he was afraid but loved watching them from the boat and riding on the boat. Royal Caribbean had the childrens program while we were in port and my son rather had done that than to be with us Carnival may have the same option for you. I was very comfortable leaving him with them and he had a blast. Don't get me wrong I wanted him with us and wanted him to do things but he did not want to he wanted to do his own thing. RCCL also offered kids dinners with the childrens programs on formal nights you had to sign up the day before and they had limited space Carnival may offer the same. We are going to take the ski lift thing up the mountain in St. Thomas next month I think he will like that they have birds up there he can look at. I am sure he will have as much fun as my son did. We gave him a choice of going back to Disney for a week or going on another cruise he chose a cruise we just went in November and going on another in April.

[Cindy]

Definately do Megan's Bay. We're going back there in April and are so looking forward to it. Don't go on the ship's "tour" get a taxi and save yourself a bundle. Even stopping at the lookout there, its still a ton cheaper, just bring a watch. We did this with toddlers 2 years ago and it was terrific and easy. There were always lots of taxis around, so you don't have to worry about that. I also second bringing the sand toys. You won't regret it. Have a great time!

Cindy

I'm the family cruise editor here at CruiseMates.com. I recently wrote an article which is on the main menu of articles when you first log onto CruiseMates.com which gives general tips on what to do with kids while in port. Here are more details:
St. Thomas: Yes, take a taxi to Magen's Bay. You'll save a bundle and it's a great beach for families. Also, upon your return, have the taxi drop you off at Paradise Point Tramway in town. It's a short, fun ride with great views of the harbor from up top. (You may want to get a throw away camera for your child.) It's then a 10 minute walk back to the port from there.
St. Martin: Ask the shore excursions desk for suggestions of beaches you can reach by taxi that have bathroom facilities. We went to one years ago (Orient Beach) which was very lovely but part of it is a nude beach. Now that my daughter is older, I don't think we'll take her there on our St. Martin call next month since the regular beach is in close proximity to the nude beach and I think she'll feel comfortable. I can give you more suggestions after we call there at the end of April on our Disney Cruise. Why don't you post this message again with my name on it in the beginning of May and I'll give you more suggestions?
Smooth sailing!
Luisa Frey Gaynor

[Kathy]

Thanks, everyone, for your quick response and great ideas! Luisa, I'll definitely post again in May to hear more ideas AJ, can you tell more about the "ski lift" thing in St. Thomas?

Thanks, again!

Here is the website it is within walking distance from the dock.
http://paradisepointtramway.com The last three times we have gone to St. Thomas we have done nothing but shop from the time we get there until it is time to leave.

Kathy:
The "Ski lift" is really a tramride up to a great lookout point. You'll see the harbor and there's a few shops and spot to have a snack/drink. It's called Paradise Point Tramway and I think you'll love it.
Best,
Luisa

[JJ]

We have an 8 yo son and we took the Golden Eagle catamaran excursion. The boat goes right up on the beach and you can play for awhile. They let him steer the boat all the way back - it was the highlight of his vacation.