Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
*HI---COMING INTO ST. THOMAS ON CARNIVAL VALOR ON 3/1/06. TWO COUPLES, EARLY 50'S. WILL HAVE THE DAY TO SEE THE ISLAND, SNORKEL, EAT. ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE DAYS ITINERARY. WE THOUGHT OF RENTING A CAR FOR THE DAY AND JUST DRIVING AND DOING OUR OWN THING. NON OF US HAVE EVER BEEN ON A CRUISE OR TO THESE ISLANDS. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATE. THANKS
I would not recommend renting a car for the short time you will be on the island. Time to disembark, rent a car, drive on the left side, try and find your way around, look for parking, get something to eat...oops, must return the car & get back on the ship!
Not my idea of a vacation.
Rent a taxi to Coki or Magens and concentrate on beach, snorkle, drink and eating. If you want to shop, taxis are everywhere and will take you into town.
My wife and I did St. Thomas for the first time on a cruise stop around 9 years ago. Here's what we did, and I must say we really enjoyed our day!
First, book an Open Safari Taxi Island Tour. I know it sounds hokey, but they do a really nice job of explaining St. Thomas and the interesting facts about the island. They'll also take you to Mountaintop where you'll have a tremendous view of Magan's Bay and the surrounding islands. There is a small shopping area and the "world's best banana daquari's" available, as well. These Island tours are available to be booked through your cruise line, or also at the dock. At the conclusion of your tour, ask the driver if he/she will drop you off downtown, so you can shop.
The tour will last until 11:30 - noon. Take the next couple of hours to do your lunch and shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Do watch your time downtown as it can get away from you. Lunch alone can take an hour if you aren't careful. Should you choose to purchase any duty-free liquor, they will arrange for your purchase to be boxed and delivered to your ship so you won't have to carry it around with you all day.
Once done shopping, I recommend that you get a taxi to Magan's Bay. You saw it this morning from Mountaintop, now go experience it "for real"! Coki is better for snorkeling, if that is important to you. Magan's is great for relaxing and taking advantage of the Carribean sun, sand, and warm clear waters. They also have beach "servers" who will bring you your favorite cold beverage (I suggest the Bushwackers - they are great). There are changing areas and restrooms on this beach. Taxis will be lined up waiting to take you back to your ship to end your day.
That was our schedule. We enjoyed our day so much that we've now made St. Thomas/St. John a yearly vacation spot. Have fun!
I found this web site while planning our first trip. It looks like a good deal for cruise ship passengers and they advertise that they are 1/2 of what cruise ship charges.
