J McKay

My husband and I will be taking our first Cruise the end of Oct. We will be going to Aruba,La Guaira,Grenada,Doninica,and St. Thomas. We received a book to plan some shore excursions but there are to many to pick from. My husband and I want to try some snorkeling and maybe scuba diving but there are also so many great sightseeing tours. Has anyone been to these islands and knows what adventures are worthwile and which ones we should pass on. We would be greatful for any assistance. <BR>

Fran

<BR>I have gorgeous enlarged pictures of the water falls in Grenada so would suggest taking a tour that includes those. Hike up in front of the pack and have your camera ready before everyone jumps in the water or climbs to the next level. In St Thomas the site to see, since it's your first time is Magan's Bay. I would suggest excursions for someone who has never been to these islands. If you do land tours, they will be able to show you more than if you try to get around on your own. Seems that people waste half their day trying to figure out how to get to the next spot. The ship's water excursion can be fun also as you'll get to know more of your fellow passengers which definitely makes a cruise more enjoyable. Have Fun.

Gail

We took one of the ship's excursion tours in Dominica. It was GREAT--what a beautiful little island. In Aruba we really enjoyed the jeep safari excursion. If you are just going to a beach --like Megans Bay in St. Thomas, or any other beaches, you're better off taking a taxi. It's cheaper and you can stay as long as you like.

mary

When we cruise the Carribean we do our own excursions. We do our research, surf and read, figure out the things we want to do and then just usually grab a cab at the pier and organize our own tour. <BR> <BR>We've found the cab drivers will bargain etc for the best price and if you get some other cruisers to join you the price will drop considerably because you're splitng it with more people. Negotiate the price, the places you want to go and when you want to come back to the ship BEFORE you get in. We always check out the cab or van first to make sure it is has air con. Also - we always tell them that we will give a generous tip if they give us a good tour. <BR> <BR>It's worked out quite nicely for us and is much more inexpensive then booking the ship excursions. <BR> <BR>We've done this in St. Thomas, Aruba and Grenada.

mary

Forgot to mention - don't pay until they bring you back to the ship!!

hamlet

I took this cruise on the Ocean Princess in April and didn't take any ship sponsored excursions. I was tempted to for some places, but am often disappointed by tours so opted against it. There are mixed opinions on La Guaira. I would have liked to see the city of Caracas, but at that time couldn't stand to stay on a bus for over an hour but didn't go. We walked around La Guaira, which didn't have much to offer, and scared off a lot of people who were not used to being in old, crowded, dirty cities. If you don't feel like you want to spend the day on ship then I recommend a tour in Caracas. In Grenada and Dominica there are some beautiful sights and I suggest taking the tours, or getting a local guide at the port to take you around. I went swimming in the Emerald Pool and at the waterfall which were really unique and memorable experiences. I never went on a snorkeling or scuba tour but it's my impression that Aruba and St. John (from St. Thomas) are the places for this. I went to a small local beach in Aruba and Magen's Bay in St. Thomas (for which you can take local taxis/buses for less than the ship charges) - if you think you are overdoing it on tours, I suggest these as places to take easy days relaxing at the beach or shopping. Let the reason for your trip be your guide in deciding what tours to take - did you want to just relax? Or see as many sights as you can? Lie on the beach or by the pool all day? Take pictures of interesting things, etc. Good luck and bon voyage.

Noelle

My husband I will be cruising the Western Caribbean this winter. Can anyone tell us what the most worth while excursions are for Jamaica,Grand Caymen or Cozumel?