Shore Excursions in Tortola - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Big4Chaps · 07-15-2005, 04:03 PM

We're scheduled to take the Zuiderdam (first time on HAL) in September. I haven't been able to find out very much about the shore excursions other than the general information. My concern is that I have booked for Tortola, an excursion to Virgin Gorda (due to return at 12:15) and a snorkel trip (due to leave at 1:15). My question is, will I have any trouble with this arrangement? I know in Mexico, the lifestyle was so laid back, that the Mexicans couldn't have cared what time we departed or returned. I'm concerned that maybe we'll encounter this in Tortola and miss the connection. Thanks to those that can answer this.

sue miller · 07-15-2005, 04:13 PM

You will be fine if it a ship excursion or tour!! The ship will wait for you. If you book it privately they will not!! A for the time issue, if you book both, and it cannot be done, Hal will notify you.

Big4Chaps · 07-15-2005, 04:39 PM

It looks like we have plenty of time once we return in the afternoon to catch the ship, but I knew I only had 1 hour between the 2 shore excursions. That meant there was a possibility of missing the 2nd one if we didn't return in time. Then having to listen to my husband rant & rave about the money spent on an excursion we didn't get to go on, since these shore excursions are my idea. Anyway, I'm a bit stressed out on whether I made a mistake booking 2 back to back.

sue miller · 07-15-2005, 04:43 PM

If you are booked through the ship and miss one you will not be charged!! You will only be charged if you take it. If you return too late from the first, go to the excursion desk, or the pursers desk, and tell them you didn't make it!!

MCcruiser · 07-15-2005, 04:50 PM

Welcome to CLF, Big4! Glad to see someone going to my favorite part of the Caribbean (the VI's).

I don't know what your other excursion is, but if your excursion to Virgin Gorda is to the Baths, it is a wonderful place! I got to go there years ago, and would love to go back. If you get to go to the BVI all the time, then you can leave it for another trip, but if you don't plan on being back there for a while, I'd go!!!!

I have friends who have been to Tortola and thought it was a beautiful island. I'm supremely jealous!

If you have booked both excursions thru HAL, ask them about the timing. Also, ask them if they will refund you for the second if the first doesn't get you back in time. If they say no, then I would cancel one or the other. I'd bet you can do that before sailing.

Let us know what happens and what you decide. Then let us know how everything went when you get back!

sue miller · 07-15-2005, 04:56 PM

On Princess if you book online, they take your CC# but do not charge the card till it is actually taken!!

Big4Chaps · 07-15-2005, 05:08 PM

Thanks! ya'll have answered alot of my questions. We will be on HAL for the 1st time. I'm a nature lover & thought the Virgin Gorda Baths looked unusual. Do you have to do hiking or snorkeling to get there? I have it booked 1st, then 1 hour after returning, it's off on a snorkeling adventure to Norman Island. Tortola's shore excursions looked so much more interesting than anything we could find to do at St. Thomas or Nassau, that I hated to miss either Virgin Gorda or Norman Island.

sue miller · 07-15-2005, 05:09 PM

If you have any questions at all just throw them out!! We love to help!!

MCcruiser · 07-15-2005, 05:24 PM

I don't know anything about Norman Island, but I'm surprised there aren't any snorkeling excursions from St Thomas. If they take you to St. John from there (that island has a park with a snorkeling trail) or any snorkeling cruises, those would be good. I've done that in that area.

The Baths are at a southern beach on Virgin Gorda. I've only come in from the land side. We were dropped at a parking lot, walked down some stairs, crossed the beach, and saw a rock with an arrow painted on it. Just when I was about to think this whole thing was all hype, we went in between the rocks and came into a huge cavern-like area surrounded by boulders. We sometimes had to wade in the water, and sometimes were on sand. There were a few areas where people just sat, almost as if it was a hot tub! (Hence the name Baths, I guess.) There were a few gaps in the rocks on top that let in shafts of light, and others on the sides that were like windows. There is the main path way, and there are side "caverns" to explore as well. All in all, it was a fun place to see and experience.

I don't think it would be safe to approach it from the water, because of tides, etc. Keep in mind that the people in charge of the excursions will not do anything risky with you. Bring a towel to leave on the beach and pick up when you get out of the Baths. Wear water shoes (not pool thongs) with treads on the bottom, and you should be fine.

Nassau is supposed to have a place where you can snorkel with stingrays, if you haven't done that. I guess it depends when you arrive and leave the port whether the excursion is available.

Sea Otter · 07-21-2005, 10:28 AM

Hi Mccruiser,

Got a question.

I heard approaching the Baths from land might be difficult for some. I heard the climb down was not just going down some stairs as you described.

Could you post more detail on this?

Thanks.