LPOWMAC

We've been on 2 cruises, which is how we discovered the beauty of St. Thomas / St. John. Anyway, we loved the &quot;cruise life&quot; Actually, we're not drinkers, big eaters or people who love getting dressed up for dinner... BUT, we loved all of the things going on... the shows, the stupid trivia games, etc. We are slated to stay at the Renaissance, but is that a fun place to be?<BR>Thanks<BR>Lisa<BR>

susan1

Which island are you talking about Lisa?<BR><BR>Im assuming you are saying St. Thomas????<BR><BR>You might want an all inclusive. What about the Wyndham Sugar Bay in St. Thomas. Haven't been there though.<BR><BR>

Knowing

Have never done a cruise, so am not certain what they are like. We just returned from St. Thomas six days ago. Stayed the the Wyndham Sugar Bay. You can eat th the Mangrove without dressing up and that's buffet, so you can eat the amount that you want. They do have something in the Ocean Club every night, but I'm not sure that any of the hotels are going to be like the cruise ships. Someone once told me they were like Vegas shows. I don't think any of the hotels will be like that. The Renaissance has nice accommodations and a nice view from what I hear, but don't know about their nightlife.<BR>

resident

I've been on many cruises over many years and even though I live on St. Thomas I've always enjoyed the cruising which has given me the opportunity to completely relax, be pampered - and see other islands which, if I've enjoted, I've gone back to visit on a &quot;land excursion&quot;.<BR>The Virgin Islands are magnificent but the joy in going back to an island which you've experienced on a cruise ship is in finding the &quot;real&quot; island and enjoying the spots which you can't see on a one-day quick excursion.<BR>The Renaissance is a very comfortable and well-kept hotel with all the major amenities (including night-life) and the hotel is close to the East End where you can hop on a ferry and go over to St. John.<BR>It's also within easy reach of everything that St. Thomas has to offer.<BR>You won't find anything on land that resembles a cruise ship but if you familiarize yourself with all that there is to do before you get here, you're sure to find what you want to make your stay enjoyable if the hotel itself can't offer you everything on your particular &quot;want list.&quot;<BR>Check out www.usvi-on-line.com and you'll get a really good view of what's going on here. But mainly come to relax, enjoy the weather and the beauty because, wherever you come from, it can't get much more gorgeous than these islands!

Kytravelmom

I have been on a few cruises but not in a few years because we now prefer all-inclusives. I found cruises to be great for getting that &quot;taste&quot; of the islands. In my opinion some advantages of an AI over a cruise are not having to tip, having snorkeling and water sports included, and drinks free. (I must say that I have never seen people obviously drunk at any AI I have stayed at.) I always hated the seating times on cruises (which I think is better now). I would decide to do a side trip on a cruise when in port and it would be full. Maybe you don't have a Vegas quality show at an AI but each night there is some entertainment. Depending on the AI, you have a nice list of activities like bingo and games.<BR>I have stayed at the Wyndham Sugar Bay in St. Thomas and it was fun. We went to the aquarium, took the ferry to St. John's for the day and went shopping, the same things we had done from a cruise ship docked there, but we could do them when we wanted, for a fraction of the price, and without the crowds. (Some smaller places may be closed on days when the cruise ship aren't there. <BR>If you go to a Sandal's AI there are extensive activities going on all day with a schedule like on a cruise. <BR>I haven't stayed at the Renaissance but wish you well.

resident

Just have to comment on the last post from Kytravelmom on a minor couple of points.<BR>Even at an AI, one should tip for good services rendered.<BR>I believe that at Renaissance you'll find that many of the watersport activities are included as part of your room/package rate.<BR>Oh, by the way, Kytravelmom, you went to St. John while here. St. John's is in Antigua!<BR>Enjoy your stay here, LPOWMAC!

SSypniewski

I know you were mentioning the virgin islands, however I've never been, but the looks of the Atlantis in the Bahamas to me feels like it would be reminiscent of a cruise ship especially if you go to their website . Just an idea...

joan

resident, when we tried to tip at the bar at an AI (Couples Negril) we were shooed away - twice. We had to leave our maid's tip in an envelope, as we knew she wouldn't/couldn't accept it. So I have to disagree with you.<BR><BR>However, Kytravel, we saw lots of obviously hammered guests! I can still remember the gal at the swimup bar: wearing her bridal jewelry, flower-bedecked hairdo, matching white bikini, getting drunk because her groom was asleep in the room.

KaribIslander

You know it's kinda funny when I see people post about the free booze and activity at the all inclusives. It's not free, it's in the rate! Whether people get hammered because of the free flow of booze, it would depend on the crowd but St. Thomas isn't the kind of destination where you want to stay holed up at a bar IF that's your usual style. There's just too much to do other than the organized games and themed buffets. Some all inclusives prohibit staff from accepting gifts (ha!) and they can suffer disciplinary procedures so they say. That's not saying it isn't done. But the all inclusive is not a popular option among those who love the island and what it offers. And if you are expecting the Camp Sandals mode I think you may be disappointed.