Southern Caribbean beach questions

addicted2 · #1 (**permalink**) August 22nd, 2009, 06:54 PM

The cruise is getting close and I am looking for advice on where to go, great beach and snorkeling spots, and other must see places on the following islands: Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Croix, Antigua and St. Marteen. We will be on the Adventure OTS so any tips on that ship would be great too. There aren't any recent reviews posted but have noticed a few of our fellow cruisers that have done this cruise recently so maybe they can help.

Royalchump · #2 (**permalink**) August 22nd, 2009, 09:37 PM

We will be on the AOS in 2 weeks I will try to post a review here after.+

traveltime · #3 (**permalink**) August 23rd, 2009, 03:27 PM

Ah, my favorite ship! Been on her twice and sailing a week from today on her again! Any specific questions about AOS?

addicted2 · #4 (**permalink**) August 23rd, 2009, 04:41 PM

A few questions for both of you, since this is such a port intense cruise is the night life as active and busy since the ship pulls into each port early in the mornings? Second how are the shows, I know on alot of the other cruise ships guest entertainers board at the beginning and leave after there shows, since this ship leaves farther away from the states do they still do this or are there more shows from the RC entertainers. Last any advice on good beach and snorkel spots on the islands, we prefer to go on our own rather than on a ship excursion? Thanks for whatever answers you can give and hope both traveltime and Royalchump have a great cruise.

Trip · #5 (**permalink**) August 23rd, 2009, 08:33 PM

Barbados~

Take a look at the link below....who knew I could ever enjoy caves, but I did..we also did an island tour, and shopped...all the usual suspects in the shopping district...

http://harrisonscave.com/

In St Maarten~
There is Orient Beach...part of the beach is nude ..Also Dawn Beach. The other 2 islands, I can't belive I have not been to ..one day!

asmith91303 · #6 (**permalink**) August 24th, 2009, 01:22 PM

In barbados try the boatyard. You do have to pay to get in but so worth it. THey have a rope swing, trampolines in the water, chairs, facilities, bar/restaurant. You can not snorkel at that beach but maybe go their after a snorkeling excursion. You might also want to consider swimming with the turtles. In St. Martin we asked the cab driver to suggest a beach and he took us to one of the best I have ever been to. It had a tiki bar and they were making ribs in steel drums right on the beach. We also did snuba at this beach. If you have never tried it I suggest giving it a whirl. I wish I could remember the name of the beach but I really don't know. I guess what I am saying is you might want to try asking a cabbie to take you somewhere, it worked out great for us.

traveltime · #7 (**permalink**) August 24th, 2009, 02:53 PM

This will be my first time for this itinerary so I'm sorry that I'm not much help. The entertainment was great, even the ice-skating show was very good and to be honest, I had my doubts about that. Overall it is my favorite ship.

mcm1779 · #8 (**permalink**) August 26th, 2009, 02:50 PM

Maho Beach in St. Maarten is where the planes land overhead. The afteroon is the best time to go for the "jumbo" jets.... if that is something that interests you.

We also did a 1/2 day snorkel/kayak tour through the cruiseline when we were there - not all that fun. I would find your own beach and go snorkel on your own.

Have fun!

AF1 · #9 (**permalink**) August 27th, 2009, 02:45 PM

I agree with above thread. We went snorkeling in St. Martaan; it was not that great; u r better of getting off the ship and going to the beach right at the port. They have plenty of shops for you and the beach is pretty nice. We went snorkeling in Barbados on a catamaran. It was great; they feed u a cont'l breakfast and lunch; u snorkel overtop some shipwrecks and have just a wonderful time. Be careful to apply sunscreen, Barbados is not very far from the Equator; so u can burn really fast

addicted2 · #10 (**permalink**) August 27th, 2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AF1

I agree with above thread. We went snorkeling in St. Martaan; it was not that great; u r better of getting off the ship and going to the beach right at the port. They have plenty of shops for you and the beach is pretty nice. We went snorkeling in Barbados on a catamaran. It was great; they feed u a cont'l breakfast and lunch; u snorkel overtop some shipwrecks and have just a wonderful time. Be careful to apply sunscreen, Barbados is not very far from the Equator; so u can burn really fast

Was the Barbados trip a shore excursion or did you book it on your own? St. Marteen is the only port we have been to before so we will just ask a taxi driver to take us to a nice beach, and leave the snorkel gear on the ship, since it doesn't seem to have to many hot spots to snorkel at.

AF1 · #11 (**permalink**) August 27th, 2009, 04:14 PM

it was a shore excursion; did u see one listed online at rci website? I think they still offer it. if not google barbados/catamaran tours and see what pops up.