Thread: Info for Your St.Thomas Port Stop!

Sunnydaze- No disrespect meant at all, but I did find a few things that were inaccurrate.

Here is one that stuck out: " Along the way you will stop and see the view from Drake's Seat, a scenic overlook over the harbor and a perfect spot to take a picture of the cruise ship."

Drake's Seat looks out over Magen's Bay, Pillsbury Sound and the BVI. Drake used the area of the seat according to legend to see the Spanish Fleet as they moved between the islands and set up an ambush by his own ships. You cannnot see your cruise ship from Drake's Seat unless you missed the boat and it's all ready sailed on to is next destintaion and crusing in that direction.


What you may have been thinking of is the Scenic Overlook on Skyline Dr. That DOES over look Charlotte Amalie Harbor, has excellent views of the cruise ships and if you lucky enough to be there on real clear day, you may even see St. Croix.

I cannot comment on prices for the Taxi's and Tours I'll let Conrad handle that dept. since that's what he does, so I don't know if they are accurrate or not.

You did mention driving and the difficulty of driving on the left. Maybe it's just me and I have been used to it for a long time, but it's really not any harder driving on the left as it is on the right. At night I actually like it better since I don't have the bright glare of headlights shining directly in my eyes as you come around a curve.

If a person is coming for the day on a cruise renting a car is impractical and I would have stated that. What someone would mostly like pay per day to rent a car could easily be spent on taxi. Taxi's are plentiful so not being able to find one isn't a problem and eliminates the need for a car.

When I am there more than just a day cruise stop a car is essential, as it's the easist way to get around where I want and when I want.

Overall a decent site, some valuable information, just needs to be cleaned up a little.

One more comment on the liquor being cheaper on St. Maarten? Is it really? I generally only buy rum ( Cruzan, of course) and if someone asks me to bring something home for them. I am terrible with liquor pricing, but then again I remember when a 1/5 of Cruzan White or Gold 80 proof used to be in the range of a dollar.

Scott

I really have'nt look at the site in detail, but you are right about that view from drakes seat. I really hope that none of the people on my tour don't ever see the ships from Drakes seat, cause I would have to be flying them to the next detination.
As for the driving, it looked to me like if it is not some thing that you do every day it is hard to do, so lets not get into the driving on the left side thing, but remember that we do travel just you all of you do, and we have to put up with driving on the other side too.
I also thought that the rum on St.Thomas was the best price, but maybe not.

SCOTT: Sorry, on issue (1) I missed placing the word AND in the sentence. I cleaned it up! Thanks! It should have read:

(1) "Along the way you will stop and see the view from Drake's Seat, AND a scenic overlook over the harbor, a perfect spot to take a picture of the cruise ship." (I know you can't see cruise ships in Magens's Bay! )

(2) Your comment re: "You did mention driving and the difficulty of driving on the left. Maybe it's just me and I have been used to it for a long time, but it's really not any harder driving on the left as it is on the right. At night I actually like it better since I don't have the bright glare of headlights shining directly in my eyes as you come around a curve.
My Answer re: "Driving on narrow, steep unfamiliar roads with hairpin turns through scenic areas can be exhilarating, but it is also potentially hazardous. If your goal is sightseeing, your best bet is to take a taxi."

Please remember that most cruisers are not 18-25 years old anymore--fearless and invincible! Many of us-- including me--when traveling to other countries would rather be looking at the scenery and not doing the knee-jerk thing when we see someone speeding at us around a corner --when we are not used to driving that way. I want my people to come home safe and happy. That's why I write what I do. I give them the information--they make the choice. If they want to ride around the island on a motorcycle..it's their choice.

(3) Your comment: I cannot comment on prices for the Taxi's and Tours I'll let Conrad handle that dept. since that's what he does, so I don't know if they are accurrate or not.
My answer: Most travelers know that they could take a taxi 4 times a day to the same place and be charged different prices (In any country!). Conrad probably does stick to the going rates. That is commendable.

(4) Your comment: "One more comment on the liquor being cheaper on St. Maarten? Is it really?"
My answer : Yes!!!!! At least that is what we found. (No one back home wants a coffee cup of the island or a tee shirt for a souvenir anymore! We have to lug the max back!)

Anyway...I love your island and your people. I will never tire of visiting St. Thomas.
Sunny

Sunny- Thanks for the fixes. Only trying to help on my part. I can see what your saying about the driving. Heck I am even guilty of "sightseeing" How can I not when every turn yeilds a great view of amazing blue water, green islands and blue skys?

I generally buy very little on other islands and usually wait till we get to The Rock to buy stuff. So it maybe that liquor prices are cheaper somewhere elese, but I don't know for sure. I uusally only buy rum as I mentioned. Kinda annoyed I can't buy 151 anymore to take home, they won't sell it to you, if you're flying. Even on our cruise from NYC I couldn't get the guy at Riise to sell me a 5th. I told him I wasn't flying, but no dice. ( I have a bottle here I am drinking verrrry slowly)

Keep up the work and if you have questions, feel free to ask them I'll be gald to help as I am sure Conrad would be too.

Scott

Thanks Scott and Conrad. Please feel free to update me on any info that's happening down there. I would appreciate it. I try to keep up--but I have so many itineraries to keep track of--and more to publish!

The liquor may be less expensive in St. Maarten, however, the allowance for U.S. citizens for liquor purchased from St. Thomas is MUCH higher. This fact offsets additional cost, at least IMHO, as I don't have to pay customs taxes on my purchases in St. Thomas. I have also found the selection to be better in St. Thomas, but again that is just my opinion.

Originally Posted by LuLu

Sunnydaze, CLF member, has an excellent website that contains info that CRUISERS actually want to know: Best Beaches, Shopping, Siteseeing, etc. Also helpful Shore Excursion info ... Ships and OnYourOwn ... and much more.

I'm in love with site below ... one of the very best I've ever seen for CRUISERS!

http://carols-cruise-port-itineraries.com

Thanks Sunnydaze!

Hi All--For anyone stopping at Key West, here's some information on planning your itinerary.