Originally we were going to go to Reduit Beach as recommended by LuLu. I had copied down all the information, price of taxi and etc. As we were docking it dawned on us that we wouldn't be there all day like the Princess ships. All aboard for us was 1:30 as we left at 2 to go down to Soufiere for our tenders to pick up a couple of tours. By the time we docked, got cleared, got off the ship, took a cab over to the beach and made certain that we had enough time to get back to the ship, we would have had very little time on the beach. So we decided to take the water taxi over to the shops at Point Seraphine where the Crown Princess and Fred Olsen's Braemar (this ship wasn't listed on cruise cal) were docked. We were docked at HAL's usual place - the Queen Elizabeth II dock. People who did not go to the shore excursion talk or read their shore excursion sheet, thought we were tendering since the port map that was sent to all the cabins was an old one that had us listed as tendering. The water taxi is now $3 per person round trip. Most of the shops are still the same. When we returned to our dock we decided to browse through the shops at La Place Carneage. It was been about 5 years since we were here and we saw that in 2004 they added on a small 2 story extension housing several more shops and an Internet Cafe -- very nice addition -- also a new restaurant -- small balcony to sit, have a drink and eat while watching the ships and airport.
Truthfully - it wasn't worth the trip over there as many of the shops at Point Seraphine are also in the La Place Carneage.
Tried to get some information on the Catamaran to Ford Doux Estate.
The catamaran holds about 40 people - has a ladder entry into the water. You get to swim and snorkle for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours -- another person said that it was 1 to 1 1/2 hours - seems to depend on when the ship is scheduled to leave, After swimming and snorkling you get back on the catamaran and sail down to Soufrier - HAL's tour, where you tour by mini van. Then tender out to the ship.
My husband and I went ot St. Lucia on our Honeymoona nd stayed at Sandals (The really nice one!!) and one thing that we will always remember more than anything was that we took a taxi around the island. The driving will make you pee your pants, but wear diapers andyou'll be all set.. ha ha!
It was better than taking a tour bus and the taxi man stops at all the same spots for pictures. We went thru the rain forest and up an dinto the volcano. We saw such amazing views.. it was breathtaking!! I think it was only $25 for the day.. but that was a few years ago. (That was for both of us). He let us off where they do all the duty free shopping and we bought beautiful watches there. Then grabbed a taxi back to the resort. But the initial taxi was around the entire island and it was probably a few hours but it well worth the tiny bit extra over the bus bcause he and I had the cab all to ourselves!
The island is both beautiful and very poor. We travelled through such poverty on our way to the resort it really made me think. It wasn't ugly poverty.. just small shacks amidst gorgeous land and lots of people here and there. You knew 8-10 family members shared one small shack. But on our tour of the island.. we were already passed all that area and I dont believe we saw that again till we left.
The island tour showed us so much... their banana fields, the volcano and active steam vents, the rain forest was stunning... pictures just cannot do it justice!
I highly recommend taking a taxi to tour this beautiful island if you get a chance!!!
We opted for a ship's "Land and Sea" tour that was around 6.5 or 7 hours long. It was wonderful!
First by bus around the island, through the rain forest, and up to the volcano ...
Then by catamaran to view the twin peaks of the Pitons, and on to Marigot bay for swimming / snorkeling.
It was great!
Last Jan was my second time to St Lucia and I wanted to be sure I saw the Pitons this time. I asked the folks here and, based on their thoughts saying the tour by water was the best to see the Pitons, that's what we did. We were pleased we did, it was great. And the catamaran stopped for a swim in a bay. They even had fresh water rinces for us as we got back on board. Even thought it was somewhat overcast at times, everyone enjoyed themselves.
Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers
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Centrum Deck
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Cruise Places
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St. Lucia
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St Lucia - our day there
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Thanks so much for going to the extra effort to find out about this one for me! So very nice of you and much appreciated! 
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