Bev

We are cruising on Celebrity and would like to visit Diamond Mineral Baths. This is not offered by the ship as a shore excurion, so will have to do on our own. HAs anyone used the minivans? Are they reliable? comfortable?

Cathy

Went to St. Lucia last July on the Destiny. The way it worked in July is as soon as you get off the ship, you will go throught the Point Seraphine shopping center - nice little place with duty free shops. The St. Lucia tourist bureau is there. Pass through there and you will see dozens and dozens of taxis lined up and waiting to take you to wherever you want to go.<BR><BR>How many are in your group? I was by myself, but I shared a van with two other families that were on the ship. There were about 7 in the van and we paid $20 a person for a half day tour to the southern part of the island. The ships shore excursion, if they offered it, would cost $80.<BR><BR>If you wanted the taxi to yourself, probably would cost you $140-$150 for the half day. That is $75 per person for a couple. Not bad - same price as a shore excursion - you get to go where you want to go. The taxis at the port are monitored by the tourist bureau and are very safe. Still, negotiate a price BEFORE you get in the cab and do NOT pay until AFTER you get back to port.<BR>My cabin mate and her family rented a van for 1/2 day and had a marvelous tour!<BR>The vans are modern vans, very comfortable seating,though they may not have air conditioning. As you head toward the southern part of the island, you increase in elevation and you will notice the air cool. Plus there are plenty of ocean breezes.<BR>Enjoy ST. Lucia! It is one of my favorite islands.

Bev

Thanks for your answer. I was interested in the " public transportation" minivans, not renting one for a half day. there are only 2 of us, so that would get expensive.

Cathy

I have been to St. Lucia twice, the first time I was there for 8 days. I didn't take the Jitney buses - that is what is used for public transportation. The locals told me that the service on these buses is very unreliable - you could spend most of your port time waiting on the side of the road for a bus. When it does come, do you mind sharing your seat with goats or chickens?<BR>If you were staying in St. Lucia, you would have more time and could experiment with the system. Like any bus system, it has stops, routes, etc. But the locals have always steered me away from taking the local bus. They may NOT be vans, but open air trucks with a canopy on top. A lot of fun when it rains.<BR><BR>You are lucky to be a couple. Try arranging things as a single, then you will know expensive!! As much as I love St. Lucia, it is the most expensive island to get around. <BR><BR>If you want to go to Diamond Baths, share a taxi with other people who are going to the southern part of the island. Many people want to see the "volcano" which is very near the Baths. Have the taxi driver drop you off at the Baths while the others see the volcano, then have him pick you up in about an hour. The more people in the taxi, the lower the cost. That is your best option.<BR>Renting a car is too much of a hassle, expensive, bad roads, driving on the left, crazy drivers, mandatory insurance, etc.

mary

Have been to st lucia 2 times via cruise ship. <BR><BR>We've found that we always end up meeting people from the cruise (usually table mates) and all head out together. we've always gone by the "there is safety in numbers" idea - and it works out to be cheaper too.<BR><BR>Both times we paid $100 US for 6 people and then tip. Negotiate before you get in and pay after, also - always ask to see the van first before you say YES to the deal- make sure it is safe, has seatbelts and air conditioning. <BR><BR>Have fun!<BR>