Linda

I'll be cruising with my family (3 kids) in 2 weeks on the new Paradise ship - Carnival line. We'll be stopping in San Juan, Tortola and St. Thomas. We are interested in snorkeling, shopping and a bit of sightseeing. Should we book a shore excursion (kind of expensive for a family of 5) or try to do this on our own? If on our own, what do you suggest?

K Noel

I would investigate the islands before you go, decide what you want to do, then go in the opposite direction that everyone else is going! If you do your own thing, you'll really get a better flavor of the island culture. Enjoy your trip!

Lee Trautman

Linda,
Just returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise where we stopped at both San Juan and St. Thomas. At both places I would not reccomend the excursions, especially with kids. You can see everything that you want to at your own pace in a NICE taxi. Make sure you get a good taxi.

The only really cool thing we saw in San Juan was the Huricane damage. Do better research than we did and I am sure that there are some very nice beaches, but all we saw were a lot of ghettos and poverty. San Juan was not a place I would ever go back to.

In St, Thomas, we jumped in a Taxi and for $4 per person, we went to a great beach called Meagans beach. It cost $1 to get on the beach. This is the best beach there is for kids, they will love it. It is warm, safe and there are these crazy pelicans that dive bomb the water for pencil fish. Also there is a good snack bar with drinks and food.

Save your money and enjoy the time on your own. Just be very - very careful in San Juan.

When you get back let me know how the Carnival line was.

Thanks,

Lee

joel

Linda, as others have mentioned San Juan and St. Thomas, let me tell you about Tortola.
I've been to both of the other locations a number of times but got sick of the commercialism. Now my wife and I go to Tortola, last 5 years straight.
Tortola is laid back. The tourists are mostly divers and sailors. There are no historical sites and no significant shopping, especially compared to St. Thomas. What the place does have is great beaches and fantastic scenic drives. I would choose to rent a car in advance and have it delivered to the quai. National, Avis, and Hertz all have agencies. Definitely get an open 4WD. Drive wherever you want, but definitely go to the NW part of the island to carrot bay and Cane Garden Bay for swimming and sight seeing. Just driving on their roads is a thrill.
There is also web site that will give you the same map of Tortola that everyone uses on the island so you can work out your route. If you want more info write me.

karen

Hi Linda: We have been to San Juan and St. Thomas and we will be revisiting them in April when we take our next cruise. In St. Thomas Magens Beach is very beautiful and would make an enjoyable stop. However, Coral World near Coki Beach would be wonderful for your children.There is snorkling right next to Coral World with rental equipment available. You could rent a taxi on your own and go there for less than they offer the shore excursion for. Depending on when you will be in San Juan day or evening you could take the free trolley around Old San Juan. The big resorts offer day passes to use there hotel pools, slides and beaches. You could also do something in the am with your children then let them go to the kids club so you could see alittle of the islands on your own. The tram ride in St. Thomas is not very expensive and within walking distance of the dock, the children may like it.
Karen

Julie

Like Joel, I prefer to treat St Thomas as a jumping off point and for the same reasons.
You can also take a ferry to St. John where there are some lovely beaches. The most famous is Trunk Bay and ,if you head over first thing, you may actually see it. If you don't go first thing odds are that it will be a sardine can later.
I actually think Cinnamon Bay is prettier and less crowded. Maho's nice too.
You don't necessarily need a car here- there's an open air transportation system which I'd call a tram system for lack of a better word.
I haven't been to Tortola but I think we'll do that next time. It sounds heavenly. we are beach people- not interested in shopping or golfing.
Feel free to email me if you want more particulars.

Barbara

I hope no one in your party smokes because the Paradise is a non-smoking ANYWHERE SHIP. They do mean anywhere. They will put you off at the first port and you have to get home at your own expense! You can't even smoke in your cabin. They have been putting a lot of people off.

Marlo

I don't know how much more I can add
but what everyone says is true. We just
returned from a cruise that did St.
Thomas & San Juan and we went out on
our own on both. Not real impressed
with San Juan and St. Thomas is easy
to get around.(taxis everywhere!)The
Paradise Point tramway would be good
for the kids but like all things in
St. Thomas very commercialized. Tortola
should be the best of these islands.
Have fun!

john and Martha

We are first time cruisers. Taking 2 kids 9 and 16 and will be on the Paradise on4/4. We are unsure what our 9yr old boy should wear at the early dinner sitting.Any suggestions?Thanks.

John and Martha

Just returned from eastern carribean tour on the PARADISE AND THE BEST[FOR US] was Tortolla especially Cane Garden Bay. Its very low key and relaxing especilly watching the many pelicans diving for lunch.Not a snorkeling spot because the water is so calm.The taxi ride there is an adventure in its self. For a real thrill get an open sided vehicle and hold on!

John and Martha

Just returned from eastern carribean tour on the PARADISE AND THE BEST[FOR US] was Tortola especially Cane Garden Bay. Its very low key and relaxing especilly watching the many pelicans diving for lunch.Not a snorkeling spot because the water is so calm.The taxi ride there is an adventure in its self. For a real thrill get an open sided vehicle and hold on!