we are a family of 5 and have cruised 9 times before, it's the first time a south carib. route. What would you recommend for shore excursions that we could do on our own (because it is a lot cheaper that from the ship) that would please 3 teenagers (12-14-16), they love watersports, snorkelling, beaches etc..

Hi-
The past 2 Christmas's we have been on the Destiny. This year was on RCC Adventure of the Seas.
In St Thomas someone on this past cruise did the Bobcat and said it was awesome. We usually go to Magen's Bay to swim.
In Barbados go to the Boat Yard. For $10 ( you get $5 back in chips to buy food or drinks ) has a water trampoline and an iceberg slide in the water. You can also get snorkeling gear there. My nieces and nephews loved this place ( ages 15-21).
In Aruba we go to Palm Beach and go by the Hyatt. We rent chairs from Marcels water sports. This year they took 12 of our party out on a catamaran to the lighthouse to snorkel. Marcels chairs are bright yellow and the person there is very nice.
I know that Carnival stopped going to Martinique this year but not sure what other island they are going to.
I hope this helps and enjoy......

We cruised the Destiny So. Carib. before. Actually you have a few choices and I agree it is much cheaper to do on your own. You could do some www research for each island to see what the top sites are. I did this and it took < 2 hrs. for all stops. You could also see what the cruise excursions do then negotiate a private tour on your own when you disembark. You could also simply do nothing and wing it when you disembark. Yes this will work because there will be private tour operators waiting at the pier and they know very well what the top sites are. I assume you are going to barbados and Aruba. In barbados be sure to see Harrisons cave. In Aruba you could rent a 4 x 4 to explore the rugged north coast. Be sure to see the natural bridge and the casibari rock formation. There is also an abandoned gold mine in that area as well. Also spend some time exploring Orangestaad the capitol. There are plenty of cool shops and restaurants there. Any further questions please ask. Bon dia!

We did arranged tours on our cruise on the Destiny and really enjoyed ourselves, with the exception of Martinique.. I would recommend just heading to the beach there as the rainforest tour is aweful!! We snorkeled with Sea Turtles in Barbados arranged through the ship - which was so fun I didn't want to leave.. My 12 year old still talks of that being the hi-lite of the trip! Hope you have a great time - We did!!

Actually if this cruise goes to Martinique I do recommend the rainforest. We thought it was beautiful. Sorry Rananda.

sunshine1223: Is Palm beach still nice and how much does it cost to get there and back. How much did it cost you to rent a catamaran for 12. We are going to be 9.

sorry it took so long to answer

we had to haggle for the cab which was about $3 a person one way which is about the same on all islands.

check with marcels, say its great to see you. not sure how much it cost but i can find out from my brother in law. with them taking the boat the chairs were free. we have always used marcels the past 3 years we have gone to aruba.

Another veteran cruiser, who has learned that stiking out on your own can be very relaxing. Great advise on Aruba. Looking for suggestions for a nice hotel/beach for the day in Barbados, Dominica or St. Thomas/St John. Also, need advise on snorkeling at the WW2 shipwreck in Aruba. Is it interesting or are we better off at our favorite Trunk bay in St. John?