Leaving next week on 1st cruise. Royal Carribean with ports of call St. Maarten, Tortola & St.John. Sounds as though shore excursions are not worth it, are they. Will appreciate any tips from the more experienced. Also where is SunsetBeachBar St. Maarten in relation to cruise docks?

I would take a tour on St. John if they have a general island one available that goes to Trunk Bay(over used, but still pretty especially from up on the hill above it)the Annaberg Sugar Mill and other scenic spots. There are alot of pretty spots on the island.<BR><BR>AS far a Tortola goes, we did a tour once in an open air bus thing and if you are prone to carsickness, skip this one. The roads are very windy and steep and some people were getting qute ill. Actually the lady next to me wanted OUT! LOL<BR><BR>In St. Martin try to wander around Phillipsburg and if you have time get a ride up to Marigot. They have done a lot with it in the last few years and it is a fun place to visit. Both have a lot of cool shops and tons of jewelry stores.<BR><BR>We did the butterfly farm last trip and it was a waste of time.(IMHO)

You don't say what type of activities you enjoy, so it's difficult to help you.<BR>If you just want to spend the day at a beach, do it on your own. There are plenty of taxis at all the piers. You can set up a time with your driver to come pick you up to go back to the ship. In St. Maarten we love Orient Beach. Don't take the ship's excursion there. It costs way more than you'd spend on your own and your time there is limited. We went to Cane Garden Bay in Tortola. Beaches in St. John are gorgeous.

Yes to Orient Beach in St Martin. Clothes optional- be aware. Tortola is wonderful- you may enjoy a snorkeling trip to Norman Island on a Catamaran. Check out the Patouche on the web and see if they have a half-day sail that fits your schedule.Cane Garden Bay is the hot spot in Tortola- little beach bars, beautiful bay but gets crowded when ships are there.Consider taking a cab with another couple to Brewer's Bay(absolutely gorgeous) and arrange the return trip!Don't bother shopping there- do visit Pusser's though before leaving and order a Painkiller #3.

that website is www.patouche.com you can book online and save 10 percent. Joe and Julie are fabulous skippers and take you to the best snorkeling spots. Even if you are a beginner, they will help you.

I live in st. maarten<BR>sunset beach bar is about 30 minutes ,depending on traffic, from the port<BR>not sure why you would want to go there if you only have a few hours. it's nice at sunset mostly<BR>there are restaurants,bars, water sports, on the beach at Philipsburg where the ship docks. there is also duty free shopping. you could take a taxi to OYster Pond beach..have lunch and chill out. that is a lovely beach and not too far away<BR>you could take the America's Cup racing yachts for a race in the harbor..about 2 1/2 hours. a lot of fun and you don't have to know how to sail<BR>and taking a tour to the french side is also nice