I have been on 2 cruises and the first one we only did 1 shore excursion, it was ok, the other ports of call we explored on our own, which I love. The second cruise we went with friends and they like shore excursions, and we went along with what they wanted to do because it was their first cruise. Well, now we are going on a Southern Caribbean cruise (Royal Caribbean, ports are -Aruba, Curacao, St. Marteen and St. Thomas) would it be safe to explore these places on our own or should we do the excursions? Thanks

Let me clarify something..when we did the shore excursion the first cruise, we were glad we did, because it was in Jamaica....not exactly safe to explore on your own.

I can only comment on Curacao.
We were there last January on a cruise and really enjoyed walking around the town. The local people were the best! So friendly and helpful. We had lunch in a local restaurant (takes a while as they are all so laid back!)and looked through the shops. I dont normally shop much on holiday but I bought 2 tablecloths and perfume while we were there.
Lots of good photos to be taken too!

It's easy to catch a cab in St Martin and pick a destination, whether it's dining in Grand Case, beaching it on Orient Bay, or shopping in Marigot. There's lots of shopping in downtown St Thomas which is accessible by cab. I prefer going to St John by ferry, there are some independant sailing companies out of there which would be nice as well. I think most ship excursions are way overcrowded, overpriced and keep you on their time schedule. Better to do a little research..

In both St. Maarten, we took a cruise around the island beginning on the Dutch side & ending on the French side, where we did some shopping.

In St. Thomas, we shopped & did some sightseeing, as we had been there before.

Aruba: we went on a ship's snorkeling excursion and then walked around town on our own. Felt quite safe.

St. Marteen: we rented a motor scooter made a circle drive around the island, stopping in Phillipsburg, Marigot (great history museum) and Orient Beach. Felt very safe.

St. Thomas: once we took a cab to Coral World and Coki Beach, then a cab back to Charlotte Amalie for a self-guided historical walking tour.

The next time we took the ferry to St. John, did a jitney tour of the island and went snorkeling at Trunk Bay. We felt very safe both times.

Thanks to all of you for the great information...

Of the islands you are visiting, the only one where I might suggest you consider not renting a car would be St. Thomas, and only because the you have to drive on the left on very hilly, curvy roads. Plus, if you want to do shopping there, you don't need to rent a car. But all these islands are fine for exploring on your own.

mrsd2fan, Sorry to change the subject but I saw you on an old post re: waterfront restaurants near Athens, GA. You were at that time a "new" resident of 2 years to Athens. My daughter is visiting the campus as a prospective student for a weekend in October and I have a few questions about Athens. Could you send me an email to [email protected] and let me reply back? Thanks.

I sent you an email...just so happens I work at the University

mrsd2fan, my wife and I have been to all of these islands and we always do our own excursions. If you would like more info on these islands you can email me and I also can include photos. Go Dawgs!!!
Kelly