Help! We are cruise pros but this will be our first visit to St. Thomas, San Juan, PR, and Grand Turk on the Carnival Valor in July. Carnival's shore excursions look like all the rest that we have done in ports over and over again. We just came back from a Western Caribbean cruise last week. Since we had been there five or six times, we opted not to do any shore excursions. However, that left us feeling like we did not take full advantage of our vacation. We are wondering if anyone has done anything on their own that is worth sharing? We are middle-aged, love the beach, shopping and history and would like to do anything laid back. No hiking or scuba diving here. We are not afraid to go out and find something on our own but after having scoured the internet for ideas, I am coming up pretty empty handed.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much!

Anyone?

www.cruisecritic.com

Already been there. But thanks.

In St. Thomas you could do an Island tour, go to Magen's Bay Beach, Coki Beach or the gardens at St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens, or go to Paradie Point. Also, walking around the dowtown area and shopping. Tons of jewerly stores. We liked the linen shops.

In PR I would do the city tour with a trip to the Rainforest. If you didn't want to do a tour just walk around the main city area.

Not familiar with Grand Turk. However, that area is more about water related activites. There is a Margaritaville close to the cruise dock I believe.

I think cruise critic would give you more information on doing your own thing in these ports. The ports of call boards have good information.

Thanks KVR. Thanks for the heads up on beaches in St Thomas. I think the only thing we will plan before we go is doing a city tour in PR.