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We have alot of friends that really love their cruises because they get to see different islands and just being on the ship is great. My question is have any of you done cruises and would you still say that staying at STJ is the better choice and why? I'm curious about trying one, but Mike would love to see that you all hate cruises so he can enjoy his STJ vacation. 🙂 We are looking forward to what you have to say. STJ has been the only caribbean island we've been to.
Actually, just got back. (12/2-12/17). We prefer to go in feb. , but wanted to spend two weeks this time, so we picked off- seaon for it's rates. This was our second time at STJ . Our last nite we ate at Sweet Plaintains. If we had known how good it was, we would have had another meal there. The owner and his wife were very nice and boy, can she cook!!!!! We loved the indian curry with shrimp. We got the spicy one.(first one on the menu- the second curry is a sweeter kind)) We found out that you can order it spicier if you'd like. They used to automatically spice it up, but it was a little too much for some. It was declicious. Enjoyed our conch fritters and garlic chicken at Vie's. What a beautiful lady!! We had the jazz sunday brunch at Miss Lucy's. Sitting by her beach listening to good music was a really fun way to start off the day and the food was great too. We ate at shipwreck landing, island blues, Aqua Bistro all very good. We had smoothies at the centerline rd stand, twice. He was real nice to talk to and made wonderful smoothies. Met his son named Rain, cute kid. We tried the pina colada and the lime n' coconut. Of course, you have to have the shot of dark rum in there. One time it was 11am, when we stopped. You know you're on vacation when you're having a rum drink in the morning. That would never go over too big in NJ! :).
My favorite places to snorkle were Salt Pond Bay and Trunk Bay. I just love Trunk for it's beauty, a great beach to hang out all day at. The water never ceases to amaze me, that it can be so clear and look just like a giant pool. It rained a little while we were there, so we just went in the water. When you snorkle you get wet anyways, right? I happened to strike up a conversation with the lifeguard, Alberto. He was a great guy and had lots of helpful information about the snorking trail and island. I asked him if he ever gets used to the sheer beauty of everything . and he says, "No, I just give praise to Jehovah God for creating such beauty." I thought that was a really great way to look at things. Salt Pond was very clear and you can see so many fish. The Ram's Head trail was incredible. The trail had some beautiful scenery all the way up so you hardly noticed the walk. The view at the top was amazing. My husband liked Maho Bay, cos they had these 4 ft tarpin swimming all around trying to get the swarms of small fry or some kind of little fish. It was too freaky for me to have all these swarms of little fish all around you. It was so thick you couldn't even tell where you were going. The pelicans loved it too. They would just swoop down next to you while you were snorkling and you'd hear this big splash. You could actually see them in the water!!
We went to visit Sloop Jones and watched him work on some projects in his workshop. It was fascinating to see his talent. Of course, I had to buy something, how could anyone resist?? Actually, my sweet husband kept telling me to buy something. So I found a tee shirt and they didn't have any skirts to match so Terry (aka. sloop jones) made one for me the next day. Now that's what I call service! His wife, Barbara, was fun to talk with too. They told us to keep on driving up the road past his house. ( There is a new sign there, that says Private, No Trespassing) and go as far as Privateer Beach. the views were great and we are glad we did that.
One night we discovered Inner Visions was playing at Sputniks, they are a great reggae band, we actually missed half their show, so listened to them outside by our car. It was great, even tho' we got there late and we're kind of too tired to stay a long time. Does anyone know if there is a cover charge to see them and how much it is.? And now the dicision is, which of their C.D.'s to get?? They have at least three out now. Am I asking too many questions? oops.
We stayed at the Sago. www. calabashcottages. Susan Brierley was great and called us twice to see how things were. She provides snorkle equipment and we discovered that one of the masks leaked so she told us to go to Crabbies and buy a new one and she reimbursed us that same day. The place was very clean and had great views of Hurricane Hole. Could also see Norman and Peter islands to your right. The hot tub was clean, no worries there. The outdoor shower was really fun, except at night. I was always afraid I was going to step on a frangi pangi. No, I never actually saw one, this time. I did see a huge hermit crab there though! Mike had to pick it up and play with it awhile. It rained a lot while we were there, but watching the rain storms move in was such a sight to see!!! you could literally see the sheets of rain going right thu the Sir Francis Drake channel.
Road Town, Tortola was like a night light shining in the dark. From our porch we saw two double rainbows at different times. I got great pictures of everything, I should try to post them somehow. We saw Susan's other villas. the Astral Ridge and Astral Cottage. They were both exactly like the internet showed. Very nice and great views. They are located on the same road up the hill that Sago is on.
A direct flight was THE way to go for us this time. So much easier than those awful layovers. It made the trip less stressful and even the Taxi Drivers were all very pleasant. okay that's it. Don't forget to answer my questions. We love this message board. I've been reading the posts for two yrs now, and this is my first time writing.
I've been on cruises and I've stayed at Sago Cottage. I don't think one is better than the other, they are just so different.
If you've never been on a cruise you should go at least once. We went on a Royal Caribbean ship several years ago and liked it. For my husband once was enough. I plan on doing it again.
But again, if you've never done it -- go.
I've been on one cruise (Carnival) and I don't plan on going on another one. Sure you get to see more islands, but I felt like a sheep being herded here and there. Having only 8 hours to 'experience' an island is NOT enough. Granted, I've since found that Carnival is the trailer park of cruises, but I still didn't like the 'forced' sense of joviality on board. It just had the wrong 'feeling' for me. I know some people who's entire vacation-life are cruises. They just love 'em. Good for them! I'll take a whole island for a week anytime!!!!
Loved your report and we LOVE Sweet Plantains - going there tonight (Christmas Eve) - Prince and Rose are great 🙂
Had to smile though when you said you were afraid to step on a "frangi pangi" as that is a flower 🙂 I think you meant a Coqui - the tree frogs.
Pia
I agree with Linda, I think that you shoud try a cruise. We have sailed twice and loved it. There are many ways to feel like you are on vacation by yourself instead of with a crowd.
We booked our excurisions on our own no herding of people into a bus and we stayed on the ship one day when everyone else got off; it was like have the entire ship to ourselves.
When I lived on STJ, I said that I would never go on a cruise because I didn't want to be "one of those people" I saw every week. Well, I went on a cruise, I just chose not to be one of those people and had a blast.
One last thing, and no offense meant, but I think folks that are used to villa vacations on STJ would prefer a higher end line, try Royal Caribbean, NCL, Princess, or Celebrity. Carnival ships tend to be a bit cheaper and more of a party boat.
I like to cruise. It is different than staying in one place for a week. You do get to see the other islands. I like to compare them to here. I don't rush off in the morning and come back early. This way you do avoid the crowds. Some days I just stay on the ship and get a massage or something! You don't need to know anybody but who you choose to! Not to worry about those people!LOL
RL
Great advice so far, and I'm right in line with it. My wife and I actually experienced STT the very first time on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Since then, we've done the 3 or 4 night cruise (once as a quick winter escape and once with our 2 sons - who were teens at the time), the 7 night Western Caribbean twice (once with parents and once with siblings) along with 4 yearly trips to STT/STJ (ranging from 5 nights - 8 nights). I agree to spend a few more dollars and avoid Carnival - we did not like our single trip on that line.
Each adventure is unique in its own way. I enjoy the cruise because it DOES take the decision-making out of the equation. Don't have to worry about selecting the perfect restaurant - you dine in the same place each night. Don't have to worry about whether you'll like that new entree you're trying - if you don't like it - just order another! It also does give some variety - and I think equally importantly - exposure to multiple islands to plan return trips. For example - I would have thought that a week in Jamaica would be a great vacation before taking the cruise. Now, I would never book an entire week there (just our opinion - not a slam against the island nor its people). I'm very glad to have seen Ochos Rios and Dunn's River Falls on our single-day stop, but have no desire to spend any more time there. For that reason - the cruise was fantastic - take one and ask around for the best "to do" for you and your interests on each island - then just enjoy!
Now that we are familiar with STT/STJ/BVI, I look forward to that yearly trip significantly more than a cruise. Probably appreciate them more because of our exposure to other destinations via cruising. We're coming back in February for 8 nights, and are already planning which days will be relaxing in our favorite places and which days will be for new adventures on our favorite islands.
The best news for you, in my opinion, is that you can't choose wrong!
Good Luck! Have Fun!
We have been on many cruises and have never felt "herded". It is a different type of vacation and shouldn't be compared to any specific location. You wouldn't compare it with spending a week in Napa Valley, so not sure that you should compare it to STJ. We have found you can meet some very nice people even if there are only the two of you.
I'm with Linda and others, give it a try. It is very different.
By the way it is an excellant way to see Alaska and even to get a good appreciation of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Think outside of the Caribbean box when you're planning a cruise.
A cruise just isn't my thing...too many people in a confined space. I'd never go on one.
I don't think there is anything I'd have the opportunity to do on a cruise that could top St. John...to me, St. John is "it"...the ultimate, it doesn't get any better.
My money is not infinite and neither is my vacation time from work...so I'd rather not waste either on a cruise.
But that's just my 2 cents....lots of other people like cruises.
I dragged my husband kicking and screaming. The morning we were to leave, he looked at me and said that he really did not want to go. He wanted no part of all the crowds on a ship. He even suggested taking the money loss and going somewhere else. I was crushed. He was serious and I was sure that we were destined to have a terrible vacation. But I asked him to just try and have fun and next year we would go where ever he wanted with no complaints from me.
The next morning as he was sipping coffee on our balcony he woke me up and said he was sorry. He was already having a great time and he should have trusted me when I said that he would have a good time. When we walked off the ship after 7 days I thanked him and asked where we were going next year. He smiled at me, a bit sheepishly, and said "we are cruising"
It is not anything like what I thought it would be. I never felt herded or crowded.
I have never talked to anyone that cruised and had them say that they hated it. I went 30 something years refusing to eat asparagus. I was forced to one night and now I can't get enough of it. It is always good to try something new, in my opinion.
thanks so much for all your responses so far. It is great fun to read how you all feel about it.
Well I am not a world traveler by any means, but I have done one cruise. It was a 4-night western caribbean that only stopped at Key West and Cozumel. There were 28 of us, and we all did our own thing and loved it. I agree that 8-10 hours is not enough time to see an island, but the other aspects of cruising are great. Like already mentioned, no making dinner reservations, or waiting in line and the food was great. It was Royal Caribbean. I never felt "herded" either, and as I said, even tho we were a large party, we all did our own thing. At Cozumel, some went shopping, some went to the Myan ruins, some snorkeled, and some went to the national park and hung out on the beach. BUT, some were sea sick one night! Ugh! We were going thru a current, no bad weather, but the boat was rockin'. Now I have done a week in the Bahama's but my upcoming trip to STT will be my only other caribbean trip, so I don't have alot to compare to. I do remember tho, that while we were hanging out at the pool on the cruise ship, we all agreed that the cruise was nice, but flying somewhere and spending a week or so in the same place was what we'd do from now on. Glad I experienced it, but the only other cruise my husband and I would like to do is a Mediterranean cruise.
As others have already said, everyone should at least try it once. Some fall in love with it, others - not so much.
I don't want to be redundant, but, as many have stated, they are two different animals!
We've done 3 cruises - 1 - Western Caribbean, 1 - Southern Caribbean & 1 - Alaska.
What I loved about cruises (particularly in the Caribbean) is that it is like being at a great resort (provided you choose the right ship) with lots to do - and you get to see new places everyday! For us, the cruises were our first experience to the Caribbean - a Smorgasbord of Islands, if you will :-). After seeing so many islands from 2 Caribbean cruises, we discovered the most beautiful place was St. John! After those first 2 cruises, we started going straight to PARADISE (St. John) - and bypassed the cruise thing (except for Alaska - this past summer).
What I don't care for about cruises NOW - is the glitz and formal feeling of it - I much prefer the relaxed, laid back feel of staying on the island - exploring it by jeep, - making it almost feel like it's my home. I LOVE NOT HAVING to leave St. John because my ship is leaving!
If you want a more exciting - party - atmosphere where you get to see a SAMPLING of different islands - a cruise is a great way to do that! For me now, we've "BEEN THERE, DONE THAT" - so I no longer have a need for a Caribbean cruise...
A word of advice - if you choose to Cruise - make sure you choose a ship and itinerary that fits your needs - In my opinion, some are too large (and do have lots of lines and can create that herding feeling) some are too small and are boring; some are too old and shabby... And most importantly - if seeing other places is vital to you, plan well! Plan that when that ship docks - you will take advantage of the time and get off and explore!!!! We saw so many people just getting off at the pier and wandering around in the shops or many people doing the TOURISTY EXCURSION thing (Many excursions are spectacular - but be careful - many are lame)!. We did plan and got to see wonderful, interesting places on all islands we'd visited!!!
What ever you decide, you will enjoy - 🙂
Guess I'll chime in and share my personal experience/opinion...
My husband an I took our first (of two) cruises after our 4th trip to STJ, which, until then, was our only Caribbean vacation experience - and a VERY tough act to follow! In summary (and as stated in previous posts) they are two very different experiences. Our personal preference is STJ - hands down. It isn't that we didn't enjoy the cruise; we had a lot of fun, but a land-based vacation is more our style due to the fact that we both like to "play it by ear" and enjoy a bit of an adventure, so having a vehicle and going where the road takes us is what we're accustomed to.
We took a 5-day western Caribbean aboard the Carnival Holiday with stops at Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. It was very exciting to step aboard the ship for the first time and explore. We went without our children, so were able to participate in the activities offered both on and off the ship. We had a full sea day, then finally hit Playa del Carmen on the 3rd day. Although the ship was fun, It did get a bit boring by day 3. I had no interest in the pool which was filled with salt water and people almost all the time, so we were ready for a change of scenery. We had 15 hours in port so rented a jeep and went off on our own rather than on a ship-sponsored excursion. We explored the ruins at Tulum, found a beachside restaurant for lunch/margaritas, and then found a small park with several cenotes and spent the rest of the day. That day was spent similarly to the way we would spend a day on STJ and we enjoyed it.
The next day in port (Cozumel) was shorter (9 hrs) so we decided to limit our activities to a ship-sponsored excursion - a Mexican cooking class at one of the local beaches. We enjoyed the class, but not the beach. Maybe we're spoiled, (no, we definitely ARE spoiled!) but it was wall-to-wall people, loud music, party, party, party... I know some enjoy this, but it wasn't our cup of tea. We left after a short time and holed up at one of the local bars until it was time to board. We definitely preferred our day at Playa del Carmen when we were off on our own, but to be fair we didn't have the time to do that on Cozumel.
Other things to consider: dinner is usually scheduled and on the formal side, so you have to get cleaned up and to the dining room at a specific time (8:00 for us - we had the late seating). Seating is (usually) arranged, so you eat at the same table with the same group every night. We missed dinner both port days because we wanted to make the most of our time on land, and our tablemates were sure to mention it the next day - I detected a hint of criticism as though they were slighted by our failure to show. Honestly I hadn't given it a second thought. I assumed everyone else would be out and about as well, but no, many people arrange their day to be back in time for dinner - something we just wouldn't do. In fact, some don't even leave the ship at all (!). The whole dinner thing was a big negative in my book.
On the positive side, a cruise is a good way to visit several different places and perhaps find one you may want to visit again. It is also generally more reasonable per day than STJ as long as you don't go crazy with the on-board purchases - especially the drinks!
In order to decide You really have to know what kind of traveler you are. If you like the spontaneaty of doing what you want when you want and for as long as you decide, cruising might not be your first choice. My advice would be to try a short 4 or 5-day cruise to a couple of places you are interested in seeing. Make the most of your time in port; go off on your own if you can, and keep in mind that it will be different that what you are used to. Enjoy whatever you decide to do 🙂
Just to chime in one more time, both Princess and NCL have flexible dining options,. In fact NCL ha sno set dining times and seveal different restaurant options and dress is always resort casual with one optional formal night.
It is not always a regimented vacation.
XIslandgirl - I've heard about the open dining options on NCL (didn't know Princess was also doing it) and think it sounds like a great idea! Something like that would have made our experience a lot more enjoyable as I just didn't find myself looking forward to dinner on our cruise. If I were to go again, I would definitely look for a cruise with open dining.
Princess has a dining room for open dining, also a couple of specialty restaurants. The ship we were on had an Italian bistro that was casual and a more upscale steak house. Enjoyed sitting with different people every night (hey, you can always make it through one dinner!) and a couple of times asked for a romantic table for two! We really enjoyed the dining experience. Also Princess has fresh water pools.
Some of the smaller lines like Windstar have all open seating and NO formal nights.
Highly recommend a cruise only travel agent as they can help match you with the line, ship and cabin that most closely meets your needs!
to western mexico riviera about two decembers ago for anniversary. Open seating was great. And the Eyetalian restaurant was, I think, extra but was great dining with a seven course meal. The steak restaurant was also great especially with the all you can eat lobster tail.......well, you gotta keep asking.
Cruise travel has changed a lot in the past 10 years.
Promo: Your anniversary is in December? Happy anniversary!! I agree, I enjoyed Princess. Would love to do a Panama Canal full crossing, but would probably end up in Southern California! (ho, ho! ;))
The next cruise I'm taking I'm going to Alaska! I myswell since there is so much to do inside the ship, that last time I barely got any sun, and I'm an addict! When you go to the islands, it is okay that you get to see a few islands in a few days, but you don't get to fully experience the cruise ship and what it has to offer, because you're so worried about the cruise shedule and being back on time and what not, so Alaska here I come! But when it comes to the Carribbean.... I would rather stay on STT and take a boat to other islands. That's my paradise.
