I know this may sound like a strange question, but if I catch a taxi at port to go to the beach will I have a problem getting one back? The reason I ask is that sometimes in my travels I've had no problem getting a taxi at the hotel for instance but on the way back, finding a taxi stand or a radio-call cab has been a huge pain in the neck.

It's me, the OP. I failed to mention that the islands I'll be visiting are St. Croix, St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and St. Thomas. <BR>Thanks.

It probably depends on what port and what beach you're talking about.

Hi: Many times you can arrange for a taxi to pick you up at a prearranged time. In St. Thomas if you go to Magens Bay there will be a taxi stand with Taxis waiting to give rides back to town. Also in Barbados you can walk to a couple of beaches from downtown where there tons of taxis waiting to take you back to the ship.In Barbados we enjoyed a beach area just past the Careenage you go to the Boatyard which is a outdoor bar and restaurant. There are some rental sailboat etc.. We actually went back there at night with a group of cruisers and had a couple of banks on the beach. It is nice place and when we were there we ran into some of the cruise staff. In St Lucia the cruise to Soufriere is one of the best shore excursions in the whole caribbean, worth every penny. In Barbados we have rented a moke and travelled the island stopping at any beach ect that caught our eye, Bottom Bay was really nice and out of the way, Crane beach was also nice and a great view from the hotel bar. Have a great time, Karen

<BR>Hi Alexis, <BR> <BR>Not a strange question at all. <BR> <BR>If you are staying at a small hotel on the islands you may have quite a wait for a taxi. Especially when the cruise ships are in port. <BR> <BR>When you disembark the ship simply ask the taxi driver how you are going to get back to the ship. Most drivers will come back for you. Popular areas have taxi stands. <BR> <BR>Very important to leave a 2 hour window to get back to the ship before it leaves. <BR> <BR>Have fun. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

We have used taxis on each of those islands except St. Lucia. Each time we told the taxi driver what time to pick us up and they showed up right on time. There are usually taxis hanging around the major beach areas also.

While in Antigua recently, we wanted to enjoy Long Bay which is quite a distance from the where the ships dock. I grabbed a taxi, asked him to take us and pick us up at a particular time and that I would pay him for both ways on the return. He was fine with that. I understand that that is fairly common. He was right on time and received a generous tip. By the way, Long Bay was FANTASTIC, most beautiful beach ever (and I am a beach fanatic).

Yes- get roundtrip rate from driver before getting into taxi--WHEN You get to your destination,tell him you will pay him when he picks you up-- <BR>It is done in the islands ALL THE TIME--did it in Barbadoes,Aruba,St.Thomas--no problem at all-- <BR> <BR>Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the ship....

and take a dry set of clothes! They don't like wet suits in the cab and will turn you dowen if you get a nasty one. Been there...done it...awful!