Upon your arrival to this wonderful island you will more than likely be docked at Havensight or Crown Bay, the two primary docks for cruise ships.  Havensight’s dock is well equipped with ATM’s, a post office, public phones, and the only book store on the island, a wine shop and more than 50 stores for your shopping pleasure.  Across from the Havensight dock you will find coffee shops and internet café’s and more stores for shopping. Charlotte Amalie is an easy walk from the docks for even more duty free shopping.   St. Thomas is not the bargain paradise it used to be. So do some comparisons shopping before you buy.  The one good thing is that St. Thomas is an American port and the duty free allowance is now $1,600.00, and that’s twice the amount allowed for Europe.  There are however many  great bargains still to be found.

Take note that if your ships docks on a Sunday, many of the stores and shops of Charlotte Amalie are only open from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. and many of the attractions observe the same hours and  only a few restaurants  are open for lunch.  If however you are fortunate enough to have a day to spend on this beautiful island, try spending it exploring the historic districts or dining at one of the extraordinary restaurants located in Frenchtown.  A day of golf or a day trip over to St. John’s or even just a lazy day on the beach is pleasant and enjoyable on this island.

When getting around in St. Thomas, remember that individual cabs are a rarity, cabs are usually safari trucks or vans and charge a flat fee if they are headed “your way”.  Beware also of adventuring off the beaten paths often taken by tourist who choose to explore on their own, crime is becoming an issue everywhere.  If you do wish to explore on your own, rent a car, and know that cell phone usage while driving is illegal, and whatever you do, when you drive!! Drive on the Left.

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Upon your arrival you will anchor in the capital city of Oranjestad, where the terminal is quipped with an information desk, ATM and several small souvenir shops.  There are malls directly across from the terminal but a short walk (roughly 5 minutes) and you are downtown.  Full of duty free designer shops of clothing, jewelry and local fares of art works of hand made crafts and candles.

If the beach is more of what you had in mind, there are several:  Baby Beach is an ideal beach for an inexperienced swimmer or toddlers; it only has a few food stands and be ready for a 40 minute taxi ride.  Negotiate your fare before you leave the curb, the taxis don’t have meters and the best beaches are usually only 15 minutes away depending on which one beach you choose.  Rodgers Beach is perfect for seclusion, it has plenty of beach huts, bars, snack stands and showers.  Palm Beach is a tourist delight, there is snorkeling, para-sailing, scuba diving and the nearby resort hotels have casinos for the gambler in you.  If you had doing absolutely nothing in mid, go to Eagles Beach and simply bask in the warm sun.

If you are lucky enough to be sailing on a ship with a late debarkation, you must take advantage of dining at a local restaurant and sampling the local food.  Stop  in at Iguana Joe’s next to the port and have a legendary Pink Iguana it’ll blow your socks off.  Whenever you go to Aruba or wherever you go while in Aruba tourists will always be welcomed on the “One Happy Island”

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These cruise are a little more expensive but the ships are more  intimate and you will avoid the mass crowds of families that are taking holiday cruises,  while avoiding the Caribbean  is also  a good idea, its considered a  prime area for families that are  on holiday also.

With so many choices of warm weather climates and exotic places on the itinerary to choose from during November and December, opt for a cruise to the Hawaiian Islands, the South Pacific,  the Orient or some other exciting ports of call.  If you do choose one of the larger ships upgrade yourself to a larger suite with amenities  for a more relaxed and peaceful trip.

Although most of the newer larger ships are more family oriented, they do try and provide equal entertainment for the younger travelers and  most lines do not have a restriction to the number of minors.

So  again if you are looking for a child free trip, try and bypass the larger  cruise ships.  The lines that do offer family cruise have an abundance of activities for them to do, from the smallest to the ever brooding teen.  They are equipped with game rooms, soda bars, video arcades, teen clubs and discos.

Kids can be troublesome at times and spoil your trip, but many lines have gone an extra step to ensure their passengers a good time.  They have developed programs to particularly keep kids in line, some will go as far as disembarking the entire family ( at their expense ) at the next port of call.

All in all most kids on cruise are well behaved.

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Suggestion: Try the  Mexican Riviera

Thank you for the comment, and enjoy your trip wherever you choose.

Bon Voyage,

Rebecca Robbins

Most cruise lines sail to wherever your heart desires, Hawaii, the Orient, Mexico and the Caribbean, with the Caribbean being the most popular in winter.  Someone who is interested in a long weekend, the closeness of the Caribbean makes it an ideal spot for a Friday to Monday trip.

However if a week long get away is more of what you had in mind, you may want a cruise to one of the  more laid back easy going islands of the U.S.V.I.,  spending the day snorkeling or visiting historic districts or for some shopping but then spending the day on the beach doing absolutely nothing is appealing too.

Winter cruises can be cheaper in the off season, September through December, but this is due to the fact that it is considered hurricane season.  Many people fear this time of year for cruising, but a ship will alter its itinerary at the first sign of severe weather or they don’t leave port if one is in route.

If you are planning on taking a longer cruise and your heart is set on the Caribbean, try one of the 10 or 11 night itineraries, which will include a partial Panama Canal transit.  The older ships referred to as the senior ships of most major cruise lines tend to sail longer and to more exotic destinations, but do if you have a mind to take advantage of the newer bigger ships.  They offer fabulous alternative dining, ultimate spa facilities and high category staterooms.  If possible upgrade to a suite with a luxurious ocean view bathroom.  This is what I call washing your winter blues Away.

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Cruising in the Mediterranean in the fall is a perfect time to miss the entire summer tourist traveling abroad.  Depending on your itinerary, the fall weather is generally pleasant but check with the weather service for fall weather conditions to the cities and ports that you will be visiting.

If choose your Western Mediterranean cruise you will visit the major cities in countries such as Spain, Italy and France as well as intriguing and exciting Monte Carlo .  An Eastern Mediterranean cruise will take you to enticing countries such as Greece, Turkey and some of the Aegean Sea Islands. The longer Mediterranean cruises will take you to both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

If this is your cruise of choice, know what actual port of call your ship will dock in, some ships may not dock in a city that you wish to visit and another way of  transportation  will be necessary, so it may be in your best interest to take a cruise ship affiliated shore excursion.  Cities such as Rome, Athens, Istanbul and Florence offer some of the best ancient, cultural and historic sites there are while the Greek Islands are a must if you love beaches and the sun.  There is no other cruise that compares to a Mediterranean cruise if you want to see several countries in a short period of time.  Once you have made up you mind, as always book through a reputable cruise line or travel agent or agency.

Bon Voyage

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Repositioning cruises taken in September or October could very well offer you many days at sea, but with some intriguing itineraries, such as from Alaska down the California coastline to Hawaii, Tahiti , the Panama Canal and/or South America, depending on which cruise you line you use and what cruise you take and the ships itinerary.  Depending on the season, some cruise line reposition some ships several times a year, but usually spring and fall.

Since cruise lines never wish to sail their ships empty, repositioning cruises are sold at discount fares. If you are one of the lucky ones who is retired  or just someone plenty of time, look into this type of cruise.  Sailing to a warm tropical climate in mid October or November is a dream of many. A Trans-Atlantic cruise  from Europe to the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia is also a sure winner.

Like anything these cruises also have a upside and a downside.  The upside to them is, that of course the first is cost, some can be purchase at very reasonable prices, even Trans-Atlantic crossings.  Many offer upgrades to larger staterooms with balconies. Some even offer Fly-Cruise deals , which will benefit you because you  in turn get  a round trip, you get to fly and sail on a longer cruise  for a great bargain price.

The downside is that these cruises can also be quite lengthy with many days at sea, depending on your destination.  Some trips can be as long as a month, especially ocean crossings, all in all they are a good bargain.

Check with a reputable travel agent/agency or cruise line about a repositioning cruise for this fall or next spring, they will be more than happy to accommodate you.

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If you love the fall weather a fall cruise will offer you the opportunity to sail the Atlantic along New England or Canada and enjoy the beautiful colors of the coastline.  It may turn out to be the most relaxing and enjoyable cruise you’ve ever taken.

Another favorite destination is Europe , for fall cruising.  Since more people tend to travel in the summer months, Europe is an ideal location in the fall, WHY? The crowds are fewer, the streets and seaports are less crowded with tourists and vacationers and airfares and sea fares are a little less expensive.  The weather is cooler, so a European river cruise will allow you to soak up and enjoy the fall foliage while you are there.

If cost figures play a major part in your vacation cruise the fall is an ideal time to set sail.  With a large diverse choice of destinations to choose from a fall cruise is a sure bet. Many cruise lines offer some great cruise bargains to the Caribbean in the fall months if your time is limited.

Many people fear cruising from May through October because this is peak hurricane season, Never Fear, cruise lines don’t want anything to happen to its passengers and would do nothing to endanger them, at first the sign of impending inclement weather, the ships change their itineraries to avoid it.  So pack, get on board, relax and enjoy your fall cruise.  Check with a good travel agent/agency or cruise line when booking or go online for good bargains.

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Check out the list.

Sheraton of Old San Juan ( easy access if sailing , near Port of San Juan )
Caribe Hilton
Ritz Carlton Hotel Spa and Casino
Radisson Ambassador
Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino
6.   San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellais Casino

Hotels that have a moreover family atmosphere are:

1.     Embassy Suites
2.     Courtyard by Marriott
3.     Hampton Inns
4.     Best Western 5.     Wind Chimes Inn

6.   San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellais Casino

Whatever your preference until sail date any hotel will be accommodating

Places to Dine in San Juan:

Dining in San Juan  can be a culinary delight. From the elegant ambience in one of the many luxury hotels, to a casual  afternoon lunch to a splendid dinner, here a few choice spots.

NONO.S - casual dining with good food age groups generally range from 18 -35

MANGO’S CAFÉ -   the place for HAPPY HOUR and Dinner

MARTINI’S -  Live Caribbean Music and good food

Lobby Lounge ( inside the Ritz Carlton ) - good food and a excellent full bar

Seaview Resturant - ( inside Atlantic Bach Hotel )

Rumba for Drinks - Drinks and Dancing

Club Babylon -  Dance like you’ve never danced before ( choice spot )
Fly into a Caribbean paradise to the Oldest City under the U.S. flag. San Juan Puerto Rico. Enjoy exciting night-life, visit a Caribbean paradise beyond your wildest dreams. Stay at one of the luxury resorts and tour the countryside. From Old San Juan to the modern casinos.  San Juan is the place to see and will give you memories that will last forever.  Spend a day or two at the Sheraton in Old San Juan with its outdoor terraces, health club, open swimming pool and the open roof top.

Across from the hotel is the Port of San Juan, so indulge yourself and take a cruise to some of the most breath-taking islands in the Caribbean. Cruises range from 3 to 14 days to St Maarten, Aruba, St John, Charlotte Amalie  and many more.   Ships also sail to the Bahamas, Barbados Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic . Cruise lines offer Trans-Canal Sailings to Acapulco or San Diego.

Cruise lines out of Puerto Rico are:

Carnival Cruise Lines
Cunard Lines
Holland America
Royal Caribbean

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The President and Park Hotels are 4 and 5 star hotels but travel agents do have special rates over Greece if you have a preference. Children under the age of 16 years old  and traveling with their parents ( paying full fare ) can cruise for free.

Three and four night cruises plus one night hotel accommodations in Athens can be purchased  for as little as $369 per person on the Golden Splendor or for $629 per person on the Golden Classic.

These two ships have the same itinerary of 3 Greek Islands and one Turkish coastal city.  These are the only ships that offer this package.  The Golden Fleece has a package starting at $1165(per person ) that includes 3 nights  free hotel in Athens the Olympia Voyager and World Renaissance visit 5 Greek Islands and 2 Turkish coastal cities.  Pack your Bags, Remember your Passports, Know their Laws and have FUN !

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