When you get immediately off the ship is there?

T

Tanya

Guest
Our cruise in December will take us to the following ports:

Nassau Bahama's
St Thomas
St. Maarten's

I was wondering once you got off the ship at these ports, what is available within walking distance that some of you would recommend.

We are contemplating some excursions, but I would like to know what is available within walking distance from these ports.

In Nassau, how far is Atlantis from where the ships dock and is it hard to catch a taxi to and from the dock and Atlantis?

Has anyone ever heard of Breeze's Resort in Nassau and is this a good excursion?

Also in St. Maarten has anyone ever heard of the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and is this a nice place to visit?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Tanya
 
M

Mbandy

Guest
Hi Tanya,

In Nassau, Downtown and the Straw Market are within walking distance. It's a short cab ride to Atlantis and taxis are pleantiful. Breezes Cable beach is about 15 minutes in a taxi about $10 in a cab if you're a good tipper. We've done the Breezes thing twice and had a great time both times. You have full access to the facilities, including all-inclusive food and drinks and all water sportsincluding our favorite, the Hobie Cat Sailboats. They have a very nice area for changing, and getting cleaned up including private showers so you don't have to back to the ship looking like a little drowned rat. One thing though, no lockers or places to put your belongings so travel light! I reccommend it highly.

Any Divi resort would also be a great choice but I have not done that one.

I love Megans Bay in St. Thomas too.

Happy Cruising,

Michael
 
C

Cruise cutie

Guest
we own a time share at Divi Golf and Resort in Aruba, and from all our stuff I agree the Divi in St Maarten looks just fine....:thumb..very elegant and plush looking..in St Thomas we plan on going to St John's- a ride for sure but worth it!!....good luck..Joanne
 
M

Mbandy

Guest
Just got word that Breezes Bahamas is closed for repairs until the forst or second week in October.

Michael
 
T

Tanya

Guest
Anyone know what is near the ship's dock in the area's of St. Thomas and St. Maarten? I see the above post for Nassau but was wondering about these other two ports....Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Tanya
 
H

Hal

Guest
St. Maarten has limited docks. Several ships have to tender. The docks are within sight of the downtown of Phillipsburg but a nice walk. There is a water taxi that can be used as well. But, immediately at the pier there is very little. I would suggest walking into town or taking a water taxi or taxi. The town is full of shopping - mainly jewelery and electronics. Interestingly, we did find that the cost of island alcohol is the same or less right at the pier than in town. On the other hand, the French side (Marigot) is quite far and requires either a taxi ride or shore excursion. Highly recommended is an art tour of the island. Our last cruise to St. Maarten, on HAL, we booked an art tour to six or seven artist's studios were we had snacks (rum punch and cookies), saw the art, talked with the artists and bought art. As we collect water colors from our travels this was great. Also, it is a great overview of both sides of the island.
 
P

p.g.

Guest
St Thomas has a " mall" right at the pier. I would take a taxi to a beach( around 6 0r 7$ pp) in the morning and then return for a late lunch( on the ship) and shopping right at the pier. Do the beaches in the am before they get crowed, try Coki, we did Magens and didn't think it was that great.
St Martens, we took a taxi to Orient Bay beach, loved it, then returned to town and bought some liquer( the Baileys is cheap there!) . Taxis are easy easy easy, and yes you will find them there to return you to ship, they are just waiting for your fare!!! LOL
 
T

Trish1c

Guest
At every port you will practically be attacked by taxi drivers. You can go anywhere.

Havensight "mall" is right near the ship & so is the tram ride for a view of the island in St. Thomas.
 
S

sailboat

Guest
Port amenities in St. Thomas depend on where the ship docks. I don't know if some ships are still docking out at the sub base, but if yours does, your best bet is to take an excursion or taxi as there is little in the way of amenities out there beyond a smallish shopping area. Most ships dock in Charlotte Amalie (the port of St. Thomas) and Havensight Mall (which features many of the shops you will find downtown) is within an easy walk of the docking areas. It's a hot and noisy (lots of traffic) two mile or so hike into the town itself--not bad if you are in decent physical shape and like to walk. In recent years, the downtown has assumed a grubbier air, with hucksters shilling for bar and restaurant patrons, and what some feel is an overload of cruise passengers invading the town.

The port at Nassau (Bahamas) is within walking distance of the town which offers clothing and jewelry stores and the "famous" straw market. Since the original straw market burned down in 2001, the vendors must now make do under a hot, stuffy tent at the far end of town. You can arrange an excursion or simply take a taxi over to Paradise Island--home to Atlantis and other resorts.

Whether the ship tenders or docks in St. Maarten/St. Martin, you'll find the town within walking distance. Cabs are plentiful. Dutch side beaches are nice. Many like to travel to the western side of the island where the water and beaches are wilder. There is clothing optional bathing at Orient Beach. If time in port permits, a trip to the French side is interesting. There are some shops and pretty views. We usually just take a cab to the beach but if it is your first time, you might consider one of those driving tours that give you a flavor of the place. You can rent a car if you wish (driving is on the left) but that involves a trip into Holetown to get a license. Not impossible if you've got lots of port time.
 
G

gramshup

Guest
In St. Thomas the Havensight Mall is right near the dock. You just get off the ship and walk to it. In St. Maarten you can walk to Phillipsburg if you want but there are tons of taxis and it's really cheap to take a cab. I think we paid $5.00.
 
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