Century excursions and questions

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NolesFan

Guest
We are going on the Celebrity Century to Nassau, St Thomas, St Marteen, and San Juan. I would love to know what others have done in terms of excursions and how will the ship compare to Carnival particulary the Paradise? Is is possible to take an excursion to Atlantis (the resort in Nassau)? How can we access the pools and slides at Atlantis? What is the ship and itinerary like overall?

Alaska--8/94
Bahamas--3/96
Grand Canyon--8/97
Jamaica--3/98
Puerto Penasco--12/98
Costa Rica--Blue Bay--6/99
St Lucia--Sandals--6/00
Yucatan Penn--Moon Palace--10/01
Key West--1/02
Carnival-- Paradise--12/03
Celebrity--Century--8/04

FSU FAN--always!--ALUMNI- 1996



Post Edited (03-08-04 17:52)
 
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sailboat

Guest
In Nassau, I have just shopped. My sister went on the Dolphin encounter, which she raved about but I thought cost a lot to sit in a tank of water and pet some dolphins.. St. Thomas: If you want to skip the shopping a trip to St. John's Island beach is very nice. Taking a cab to Emerald Beach is also a nice option. But my absolutely favorite tour there was a sailboat excursion--just me and my husband, two other couples and the two person crew sailed to Buck Island for some snorkeling. There was no tour talk, just a nice day on the water--and the best part, the captain let anyone who wanted to "drive" the boat back to port.! St. Martin: We usually just take a cab to one of the resort beaches. San Juan: A walking tour around Old San Juan is fun as is a visit to the Bacardi Rum factory and El Moro fort (which is huge). I

Can't compare ships. Our preference is any Celebrity ship to any Carnival ship, but that's a personal preference.
 
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deb18

Guest
Hey nolesfan. I like your name. I am a noles fan too. got my masters at noletown. have a dd at noletown film school. kids grew up in tallytown and I am writting to you from there. when are you going on century? I am going on her too. I have never been on carnival but I can tell you that usually celebrity is not as much as a party line as carnival. food and service on celebrity is top notch. I like her better than the on RCL cruise I was on. Have sailed 2 other smaller celebrity ships and it was a great vacation. I think there will be enough time to go to paradise island. did this last nov. from the Horizon. we just took a cab there and walked around and went to cabbage beach afterwards. of course we got in at 7 am. it was nice. did not have to pay the fees for the dig because we got to paradise island so early that the guard was not there. had a great time. i don't know what we are going to do there, but i think i want to go snorkeling. last time in st. thomas all we did is shop. this time I want to walk around and look at the history stuff, go to paradise point or the greathouse. and then possibly go to coki beach. at st. martin we took a tour of both sides which was interesting but since it was sunday the french side was shut down. this time to orient beach. i am still finding things to do in sanjuan since it is nightime. hope this helps. Go noles. deb
 
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paulfredo

Guest
We do our own thing... (ship tours make me wanna say, "Mooooo"). But we really like Century. Our favorite Celeb ship.

paul
 
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Hal

Guest
We collect local art (usually water colors) from our travles and have looked for local art throught the Caribbean with little success until St. Maarten. We took an Art Tour of the Island, both sides, and visited five or six different artist's studios. The Tour showed off the whole island, the drinks at each stop were nice and the art was both beautiful and inexpensive. Because most people go to the Caribbean for beaches, the tour was small (approximately 10 people) and fun. Although very reasonable in price, we made up for it by our purchases (8 pieces) that are now hanging in our home.

Hal
Zaandam - Christams 2003
Norweigian Sea - Christmas 2002
Monarch of the Sea - Christmas 2001
Color Festivale - Summer 2001
 
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NolesFan

Guest
Glad to see other FSU fans here. Me and my whole family are alumni but that's a post for another site. We are not huge partiers but we enjoy a few cocktails (what seminole doesn't?) and we do like to have a good time. What is an average age for this ship? Will we be bored (we are early...early.... 30s)? Is is possible to use the pools and slides at Atlantis?
 
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ljeanbrown

Guest
You can take a taxi to the Atlantis for about $4.00 per person one way and the cost to get into the digs attraction is $25.00 per person. They do not allow non guests to use the pools or slides, sorry. But it is a great place to spend time, the grounds are beautiful.
 
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deb18

Guest
Hey nolesfan you won't be bored, unless you want to. It is not a big late night party boat but probably there will be plenty of people onboard to party. There is so much to do, or nothing, depending on what you want to do. best thing to do is relax and have fun. Go noles.
 
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NolesFan

Guest
Four months and counting until my cruise. I am still interested in what types of excursions we should take. We are going on the Century to Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and San Juan. We are in our 30s. Will the ship be an older crowd or will there be other 30-somethings on board?

Alaska--8/94
Bahamas--3/96
Grand Canyon--8/97
Jamaica--3/98
Puerto Penasco--12/98
Costa Rica--Blue Bay--6/99
St Lucia--Sandals--6/00
Yucatan Penn--Moon Palace--10/01
Key West--1/02
Carnival-- Paradise--12/03
Celebrity--Century--8/04

FSU FAN--always!--ALUMNI- 1996
 
S

supercruiser

Guest
Dear Noles,
We sailed the Century in Nov.
You will love the ship. You can make the cruise as exciting as you want. There is a wonderful Martini Bar in addition to the other regular bars.
The one excursion that no one has yet mentioned is the America's Cup race in St. Maarten. It was the only excursion we have truly been bowed over by in over 20 cruises. It must be booked through the cruise line and you can do it on line. It is a little pricy, but then when do you get the chance to CREW on Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes. I am a 57 year old woman and I steered the Stars and Stripes around the QEII and back to anchor after the race. Now where else can you have a thrill like that?
We love the catamaran sails too. They usually include lunch and rum punch with time to swim and snorkle.
If you are not a shopper then go to Trunk Bay on St. Johns. You can do this by yourself or through the cruise line. There is a snorkling path and equipment rental is available.
If you have children with you there is a wonderful underwater aquarium at Coki Beach, and you can take a cab - no need for a ship's overpriced trip. Coki Beach is a destination in itself.
The age thing should not be a problem when you sail. There will be a much younger crowd than when we sailed in Nov. I felt like a spring chicken.
More than likely you will not have enough time in San Juan to do much. The ship usually docks late and by the time you get off you will not have time to do the Bacardi (which is a very interesting tour) or go to the Yunque Rain Forest (which is wonderful). You will have plenty of time to walk around Old San Juan. The fort closes at 5 and, if perchance you dock on time, I would suggest you take a cab up [to save time] see it and then wander down through Old San Juan. We felt very safe there and it is an easy area to negotiate. There is a casino near the dock if you can't get enough on the ship or on St. Maarten or Nassau.
On Nassau you can also go to Cable Beach if you do not wish to pay for the Atlantis. There are other beaches on Paradise Island that are just fine. The cruise lines use these beaches for their excursions and snorkling trips but they usually are not too crowded.
I hope this helps. And I wish that I could be onboard with you. If you need any more information please e-mail me. We have been to all the islands many times, both on cruises and land trips.
 
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Sra.Liz

Guest
Hi Noles Fan-
My husband and I went on the Century Eastern cruise last July. We are in our 30's and this was our first cruise ever.
As everyone has said, the ship is beautiful. Food is good and service is outstanding.

I am a sun lover and can spent hours, days even months soaking up the sun. My husband however, likes action. Sea days were a disaster for us. He drove me nuts because he was bored. He went to the gym and casino about 4 times a day, after that a nap then back to asking me "what are we going to do now?" I think if we have friends with us, someone he could hang with, he would have had more fun.

St. Thomas- was the best of our trip. We took a trip on a beautiful sailboat, booked on line, to St. Johns. Snorkling and lunch included. Check it out at SailWinifred.com. Capt. Sharon takes very good care of you. It is very worth the $100 per person. You are out, all day.

St. Martin- all we did was shop. Great prices on distilled spirits and cigars.

Nassau- fun, we rented scooters at the pier and had a blast. Sun then a downpour then sun filled our afternoon. We arrived at 2 and left at 6. Not too much time for anything. The Pirate shop was fun. Picked up items for our son.

San Juan- was not a total waste, but close. We arrived at 5 pm. The forts close at 5. We wanted to do the Bacardi tour (as my husband works in the industry) but the last tour was at 4. We walked around Old San Juan. I am a Spanish teacher and enjoyed taking photos of the life and residents of San Juan. We shopped a little. The CVS is the best place for pop and postcards. I purchased newspapers and magazines I could use in my classroom. The shops are very touristy.

We had a nice time. I am going again July 05 with friends. My husband is not going. He really has no desire to cruise again. Remember, it took me 12 years to get him to go the first time!

Have a great trip, if you have any other questions, email me.
Liz
 
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n_w_harris

Guest
Hey Nolesfan,

I, too, am a NOLES fan and live in the great town of Tally. I just got back from that cruise on Century. We only took excursions in St. Thomas. I would say that Puerto Rico was a huge let down. We felt very unsafe walking the streets. However, we did stop at this little restaurant called "Ambrosia". The food was "okay" but the service was great. I think the owner is American and was all over us with his service.

St. Thomas was the best. Depending on what your idea of fun is....definitely the Turtle Cove/Buck Island Snorkeling and Sailing Tour was THE BEST! We went in the afternoon on the Miss "K" sailboat with captain "Johnny". He was a young guy who lives on his little sailboat...but he was really down to earth and not uptight like some of the other captains. The water was amazing....you could see 80 feet down. We swam right with the sea turtles and saw many different types of tropical fish around the coral reefs. It was the highlight of the cruise.

Also in St. Thomas, we took the Coral World/Megans' Bay tour. Megan's Bay is gorgeous...but more so the little beach right next to Coral World is to die for. The water is so unbelievably clear that when the little waves break.....they are completely clear....no seafoam or anything. I took a picture of it and it's on my desktop much like the one that comes with the computer. Absolutely gorgeous. Some people we met simply took a taxi to Megan's Bay and stayed there half the day. Either way it's a must see.

We just went shopping in St. Maarten. BTW, you can bring back 6 liters of alcohol no matter where in your cruise you bought it. They say you have to buy it mainly from St. Thomas, but we found St. Maarten had really great prices. ($7.50 for a liter of Absolute Vodka and Bacardi Rum and about $8 for Bacardi Gold.) We aren't huge liquor fans, but at that price it was a steal (and it's great to have for guests). There will be many people hounding you about "free taxi's to their resorts and free lunches". BEWARE! This is a Timeshare touring deal. Unless you don't mind being at their mercy to see some of the island....we were not up with that. Many store owners/workers will practically drag you into their stores...especially if they are off the main street. We also heard that Orient Beach is somewhat nude (topless option) and we didn't do that either.

About Nassau, we were told it's best to take a taxi (actually like a bus) to Paradise Island (about $4pp/each way). The must see of course is the Atlantis hotel. If you go inside the hotel, they will tell you that it costs $20pp to have beach access. Our taxi driver told us that the government owns the beaches and there is a free access just past the Sheraton Hotel (you can't miss it). It is also $25 per person to get a tour of the underground aquarium. My husband was being cheap and I didn't get to see it, but there is quite a large aquarium just behind the restaurant of the hotel. Make sure you eat on the ship before you go out. (We priced food for lunch and just a sandwich was over $10....al a Cart!

In closing I would like to say that the worst part of the cruise was the short amount of time we had in each port. St. Thomas was okay, but we scheduled two excursions that day and didn't get to check out the shopping (my husband didn't mind). We had also brought a couple of bottles of our own wine. We brought lots of things they tell you not to take.....there wasn't any question of our luggage.

Have a great trip, sorry I wrote a novel and good luck.
 
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deb18

Guest
Hi. I too am from tally town. go noles. have one kid at fsu, one at tcc. I too am a noles grad. I am going on the century in sept. any secrets you can share? I plan to go to cinnamon bay in st. john (heard it was great and trunk bay gets to crowded with us tourists) and do some exploring of the st. thomas historical sites. in nassua, not sure, but renting the scooters sure sounds like fun. how much was it and where did you go? in st. martin thought we would go to orient beach and then maybe walk around and get some croissants. In sj, I am investigating what is happening. there is a web site gotopuertorico.com that i am looking at to see if anything interesting is happening when i get there. those are my plans. go noles. deb
 
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NellieB

Guest
NolesFan, We love to party at beach bars .... so in St.Maarten, we very much enjoy going to Everyt'ingCool which is located directly on the beach in the middle of the shopping area! Drink a while ... Shop a while ... Drink a while! :)
 
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NolesFan

Guest
WOW!! My post has turned into a FSU alum reunion!! I think I may have mentioned that I graduated in 1996. Sister graduated in 2000. Future kids better graduate from FSU ('nuff said!) We need our own message board just for that!!

Ok, I have heard that you can use the facilities at Atlantis if you book a room at the Comfort Suites across the street from Atlantis. I am wondering how do we go about contacting the Comfort Suites for a room? Can anyone provide me with their number or email address? Can we book one room for four adults or will our friends have to book their own room? Is there enough time to really enjoy Atlantis? Any info will be helpful!!

Oh, how do we get from the port in Nassau to Atlantis? How much is a taxi/transportation?

Thanks to all who have responded!

Alaska--8/94
Bahamas--3/96
Grand Canyon--8/97
Jamaica--3/98
Puerto Penasco--12/98
Costa Rica--Blue Bay--6/99
St Lucia--Sandals--6/00
Yucatan Penn--Moon Palace--10/01
Key West--1/02
Carnival-- Paradise--12/03
Celebrity--Century--8/04

As always......GO NOLES!!--> Scalp em!



Post Edited (04-16-04 22:31)
 
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deb18

Guest
Hey nolesfan, I don't really think there is enough time that it is worth it to book a room. When I was on the horizon we were in nassua for 8-10 hours. we went early, saw the digs for free (if you are there before 8:30 there is no guard, therefore no charge) and walked the grounds. walking the grounds itself took us 3-4 hours. and we did not stop at the casino!! it was amazing. you can take a cab right from the pier over to atlantis. cost about $3 pp each way with an extra $1 thrown in for the bridge fair per cab. they try to stuff alot of people in the cabs and will wait until the cab is almost full. it was very easy to get to and worth seeing. I don't think imho that a $25 charge for the digs is worth it but I did not go there with a guide. I have read on the port of calls that in the past people have rented a room for over $125 but think seriously if that it is worth the time we have there. I may sign up for a snorkel excursion for my trip. Go Noles! Eat gator tail!
 
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NolesFan

Guest
Well, I have been unable to secure a room at Atlantis for the $125 I am hearing about. Rooms at the comfort suites go for $300+ for four adults. I really want to go to Atlantis!!!! Help!!


Alaska--8/94
Bahamas--3/96
Grand Canyon--8/97
Jamaica--3/98
Puerto Penasco--12/98
Costa Rica--Blue Bay--6/99
St Lucia--Sandals--6/00
Yucatan Penn--Moon Palace--10/01
Key West--1/02
Carnival-- Paradise--12/03
Celebrity--Century--8/04
 
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NolesFan

Guest
I am interested in hearing feedback about the 4x4 tour of St. Maarten and the Best of St. Marteen Full Day tour both offered by Celebrity. AND is the America's cup tour worth it? Will taking the cup tour leave time to explore the island? Is there snorkeling or swimming or just sailing?

Alaska--8/94
Bahamas--3/96
Grand Canyon--8/97
Jamaica--3/98
Puerto Penasco--12/98
Costa Rica--Blue Bay--6/99
St Lucia--Sandals--6/00
Yucatan Penn--Moon Palace--10/01
Key West--1/02
Carnival-- Paradise--12/03
Celebrity--Century--8/04

GO NOLES!!
 
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NolesFan

Guest
Thought I'd keep my thread fresh by asking the opinion of the 4x4 tour of St Marteen or the St Marteen full day tour both offered by Celebrity? What else is recommended?

We are also somewhat adventurous!



Post Edited (05-31-04 21:52)
 
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NolesFan

Guest
Re: Century Eastern Carib. excursion questions

We have narrowed our choices down to

San Juan walk around and find a bar..... :>)

the Best of St. Maarten full day tour
the Sting Rays in Nassau

and are deciding between: St. John Beach Tour vs sailing aboard the Winifred.

opinions please!
 
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