Dawn Princess 3/14/04

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Aviatorjay

Guest
Hi! We are going on our first cruise in 2 weeks and would love to hear if anyone has any info or suggestions relating to excursions and specifically scuba diving. All advice and suggestions are welcome as we really have no idea what to expect!

Thanks!
Jay
 
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Rick & Jenny

Guest
Hi Jay,
Welcome =welcometo Cruise @ddicts. We did the Eastern Caribbean last year on the Dawn Princess. She's a great ship. Great food, entertainment, & service. Expect to have a wonderful 1st time experience cruising. Why don't you post what itinerary the ship is taking and then fellow @ddicts will be able to offer helpful suggestions to you.

Have a gr:thumbt cruise....welcome aboard =welcome

Rick & Jenny:couple
 
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sailboat

Guest
Congratulations and welcome to the world of cruising. Hope this is the first of many. Your best bet re excursions is to check out Princess' web site. I'm pretty sure they still allow people to sign up on line for excursions. They offer a complete list of the excursions--how long they take, suggested fitness level, and cost. Booking in advance saves you time and standing in line at the cruise tour desk. Tickets will be delivered to your cabin and you'll be assured of getting on tours you really want. You'll also get the requirements you'll need for scuba tours.
 
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Aviatorjay

Guest
Thanks! I'm really looking forward to this to say the least! I did just book our Scuba diving online. As far as ports, we're going to Barbados, St. Lucis, St. Maarten, Tortola, and St. Thomas. I really know nothing about these ports but I'm sure looking forward to investigating them.

My wife was asking if the shopping is really that good in the islands. Are there really deals to be had or is it close to the US on prices? Any thoughts?

Thanks! :)
Jay
 
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gaa

Guest
We loved the Dawn!!! In Barbados we did kayaking/snorkling with the sea turtles. In Tortola we arranged a charter on our own to sail around the islands, because we were a group of 12. We really love the Brittish Virgin Islands. It is a great place to sail, and that way you can stop at some really pretty, uncrowded beaches or snorkeling spots. We have been to St. Thomas a number of times and usually take the ferry to St. John to go to Trunk Bay or one of the beautiful beaches, and get back in time to shop for an hour or so before boarding. I am not sure if the "deals" are as good in the islands but we always seem to come back with unique things we really like. We have never been to St. Lucia, and will be going to St. Maarten for the first time in June but we do not know what we are going to do yet. I heard St. Lucia is really beautiful.

Hope this helps. Have a great trip.
 
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Natalia

Guest
=welcome aboard... congrats on your first cruise! My first was on the Sun Princess, sister ship to the dawn and it was wonderful. You have picked out a fantastic first itinerary, you will be very pleased. Ive never been to Tortola but it is also said to be quite beautiful, I am jealous! Check the Princess website at least for ideas of whats offered in these ports, then come back here and do some searches in the community and caribbean boards for each island specifically. There is TONS of info here. Ship tours are great for first time cruisers because they look after you and it takes the planning and worry off of you since you are unfamiliar with all this stuff. But if you feel adventurous, then look into booking some tours independently. Again, lots of suggestions and help here. You can ask specific questions and you will get some advice. For example, post a thread called "first time to Barbados, need suggestions".. etc, things like that. The people here are really nice, and most are willing to help. Have a great time!
 
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Cruise cutie

Guest
The shopping is good in the Islands..make sure you bargain with the vendors at the open market..Cardinal rule..if you REALLY want it ,BUY It,..more than once..thoought I'll go back..=sad and it was gone..On Jewelry..expensive stuff really bargain if not happy with quote WALK Away..they'll come down even more..Princess sells nice semi-precious stones loose for 10.00/carat weight.....they are not world class gem quality but nice ..my uncle the jeweler sets them and says that I always get nice color and clarity..it's amazing how reasonable they are. the ship jewelry stores are competitive versus the islands..compare and research the ones you like...enjoy..The perfumes and linens are a good price down there..I adore Princess as it's the only cruise line I've sailed so far..afraid to risk and be diappointed elsewhere..Have fun..:wave..:)..:daisy..Joanne
 
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Aviatorjay

Guest
Thanks for the great info! We are excited about getting to go and can't wait until Sunday to leave! I'll be sure to be careful about the shopping. I know my wife is looking for and good bargins and it sounds like she will find plenty to consider. Also, I'll start reading the other message boards for more info on the stops and what we should do there. I hate to just do the cruise plans since they are fairly expensive. I would much rather get a taxi and look around that way.

Thanks again!
Jay
 
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