I'm sailing on the Monarch of Seas May 27. Can anyone give me some advice on some excellent shore excursions. We will be docking at the Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Anguilla, Barbados, and St. Lucia. Thanks for your help. <BR>Stephanie

Stephanie, in both Barbados and St. Lucia we hired private taxis to see the island, much cheaper than the shore excursions and we got to see what we wanted to see. On Barbados the driver took us to see the botanic gardens. We had wanted to see Harrison's caves but they were closed due to flooding. On St. Lucia, the driver took us to see the volcano and botanic gardens and then over to Anse Chastenet for snorkeling (we had our own equipment). <BR> <BR>If you decide to go off on your own, make sure you negotiate the price before you leave. A couple of times, we passed by the first taxi and found a much better price.

Not sure where in the Virgin Islands you will be docking but if Tortola is one of your stops, hire a taxi and head for Cane Garden Bay. This is a lovely beach. It has been some years since I have been there but there were a few amenities - ie restaurant, etc. I am sure it has flourised since that time. The taxi driver will also give you a little tour of the Island for a nominal price. Some good spice shopping here as well and don't forget to visit the Pusser's Pub - great rum drinks! <BR> <BR>I haven't been to Barbados but my girlfriend spent some time and said the tour of the rum factory was quite interesting! As well the Jolly Rodger boat trip was great fun!

Cruised a similar itinerary in Dec. on the Galaxy. We are beach lovers, so in most ports we just took a taxi to a nice beach. In St.Lucia we took the ship's land/sea excursion. A small bus with a guide took us to see all the sights. Then we stopped for lunch, and sailed back on a great catamaran which stopped for a swim. There was free rum punch, soda and dancing on board. It was a great day.

Kris, <BR> Do the taxis just drop you off and then return to get you or do you have to flag down another taxi. How expensive are the taxis versus the shore excursions? In St. Lucia I was thinking that we may do the 7 hour land/sea tour or the 7 hr hiking adventure. <BR> In Anguilla, I've been told that the 4X4 tour is the best. I think it may be a jeep ride. I'm not real sure about that. Thanks for taking the time to respond. <BR>Stephanie

Stephanie-Just returned from the Monarch and we are beach lovers too. In St Thomas, however, we went scuba diving for the first time-bought the excursion aboard ship and actually made a 40ft ship wreck dive-exciting! In St Maarten we chartered a private sailing vessel which was so neat. Found their website ([email protected])and booked in advance and it was the highlight of our entire trip!!! Went to Hawksbill Beach in Antigua, Mullins Beach in Barbados and the beach next to the St Lucian Hotel. All very beautiful and no cruise line passengers (primarily Europeans). Hope you have a great time like we did!

Stephanie, <BR> The seven hour land/sea tour in St. Lucia is the one we did and really loved. We taxied to the beach on all other islands. Most of the drivers asked what time we wanted to come back and then came and got us. On St. Thomas the have van or small bus type taxis that are alway running back and forth to the beaches. Taxis like that are WAY cheaper than ship's excursions. If you just want to go to a beach, get a taxi. That way you can stay as long as you want and it's less expensive than the ship's excursions.

Both of the taxis we took stayed with us for the whole day but some people were taking them to the beach and arranging for a pick up time. I can't remember the exact prices but I know it was a lot less than what the ship was asking for. We shared one of the taxis with some other boat people and I think that decreased the cost a bit. <BR> <BR>If you plan on spending the whole day with the taxi, try to get a driver that seems outgoing and friendly. That way you'll get some information about the island. <BR>

One of our favorite excursions if you like the beach was at Antigua. I think it was just called a Beach Break. They took you to a nice Bar/Restaurant next to a beautiful beach. I think you got some free drinks and I know you got a BBQ chicken dinner on the patio. We really enjoyed that day, and you will if you like the sun and the beach.