I"m going on Nov 2nd on the Explorer !. Does anyone know how to spend my time on the islands - San Juan, St. Maarten St. Thomas and Bahamas - Nassau. ? Shall I go on the ships excruison or with the locals?

What are your interests and I can better give you some ideas on what to do in the different ports.

Lisa
Carnival Sensation 2000
Carnival Sensation 2001
RCL Explorer of the Seas 2001
Carnival Triumph 2002
RCL Voyager of the Seas 2002

I did the Eastern Caribbean last fall. We went to Nassau, St. Thomas and San Juan.

If you haven't been to Nassau before, take a city tour. I did a city tour my first cruise and then did the Dolphin Encounter last year. The DE was a little pricey but was an exciting experience for me anyway.

St. Thomas - I took the tram up to Paradise Point and hung out for a while. Beautiful view of the islands and nice quiet place to meet people. If you're the type - go shopping. There is a mall right at the pier and then it's only a couple of dollars to take a cab downtown. Great prices on liquor! The best prices I found on liquor was at Caribana downtown. Other shops that I found out to have great prices were Diamonds International, Sona International and Down Island Traders. Not to mention a couple little places at Havensight Mall which is right at the pier.

San Juan - I did the Old San Juan City/Bacardi Distillery Tour. The Bacardi tour was really interesting especially learning how much by-product they recycle - from turning by-product liquid into fuel to recycling the kegs.

On Nassau, we did the island trip in the morning, which will drop you off into town for shopping. Afternoon, we took a cab over to Atlantis hotel & casino. Something to see if you haven't been there. We'll be going back to St. Thomas for the 3rd time the end of November. We took sights of St. Thomas the last time. Beautiful scenery on top of hill looking down. I disagree with last post regarding Diamonds International. ALL cruise lines recommend it, and they all had "lead ins", but rarely if ever, have the items available, and will try to switch you off to considerably more expensive things. The ships will try to intimidate you by saying other jewelry stores won't guarantee. Know what you want, and the quality is there, just bargain. If one place doesn't have it another will. If you need any linens or table covers, there's 2-3 shops on the main drag. Just have all your measurements with you. We did all our shopping for a new house here at a tremendous saving. As far as liquor is concerned, if you are flying, be aware that there are VERY RIGID new weight and size guidelines that are strictly enforced. If you go over because of liquor, it might be a very expensive bottle of Kahlua. We always do ship tours. If one is late getting back to the ship, the ship would stay until the bus returns. If you get back to the ship late while on your own, it would make a great picture of seeing the ship pull away, then you're on your own to get to the next port. Happy sailing

Sue and Kelly, thank you so much for sharing with me some of your experience, and information. I just got the cruise documents yesterday, and I didnt know that they have so many excrusions. I'll look into that during the weekend, and consider also my other options. Thanks again !

Is St. Maarten I definitely recommend the America's Cup style 12m sailing trip, if you enjoy sailing. It is one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done on vacation.

We did the rainforest in St Maarten. The only reason was because the other couple that was with us never been to one. It was nothing special. You walk up a steep trail half way up the highest mountain in St Martin and then walk down. You do get to see some of the island on the bus ride to the rainforest and there is a 15 min stop at Orient beach. The lunch that was served at the rainforest was tasty. I would suggest to take a walk in the woods near your house and save some money. I have heard that the America's Cup Race is very good. It would be different.