We simply went to Megan's Bay since this was our first stop and we were very tired from a long day of travel, the day before this cruise. It is VERY easy to get a taxi here. You just walk up to a driver and say where you want to go, Megan's Bay is a 4.00 entry fee, but there is a nice beach bar, bathrooms and showers. If you are willing to walk down the beach a little away from the beach bar you will find nice shade trees and a peaceful spot to take a nap.The water here is calm. There are not a lot of fish to snorkel over, but the beach is big and roomy and very peaceful, even if it busy.

St. Thomas

n 2014 we had set up a speed boat ride with Souligia Destinations. we were going to be takento 3 islands. We were given walking directions to the boat dock. When we got to the meeting place Captain Bob told us that we had the option to back out because the weather was not going to cooperate for a good day. Full refund. We opted for the refund. Class act for Souligia Destinations. He was willing to sacrifice the dollar for our fun and enjoyment. We ended up walking back to the port area and finding a can to Pinel Island. Pinel is off the coast of St. Maarten. You find a cab that takes you to a little ferry dock. A small boat takes you across the bay to the Island. Fun! Two-three little beach bars and chairs for rent. Calm water, iguanas to feed and a little gift shop. 14.00 per person cab ride one way and 7.00 ferry boat ride per person round trip. Pinel is one of those beaches that looks like a Corona commercial could have been shot there.We have been to Pinel twice. We were there in 2012 and 2014 when were cruising on Carnival Victory and Carnival Valor.

St. Maarten

In 2012 we lined up an excursion with Barbados Sailing. I think this is the best day we have ever had on a vacation. Captain Ron met us outside the port parking area. Make sure when you book anything on this island you are clear with your drivers where you are meeting because some excursions are not allowed in the port parking area. We walked through the parking lot and he met us. Drove us to his sailboat/catamaran. We paid at that time. We were about 20 people. Some of the others who were on this boat were staying on the island. Beverages served right away. Sailing to a spot to swim with turtles, snorkels provided. This experience was so amazing. A little more snorkeling and then a Bajan lunch. Sailing back we saw flying fish. I am never going to forget that sight...ever.In 2014 we went with Scenic Barbados Tours. We were on a short island tour and then dropped at Carlisle Bay. 25.00 per person gave a short island drive with stops at the windy side where swimming is not allowed, old Christ Church and lots of sugar cane field. Stops for pictures and souveniors. Carlisle Bay was calm and just a simple beach stop. The driver waited 3 hours for us. He was so patient and gentle and informative. The beach bar here is called Harbor Lights. We did not rent chairs from them, but from some locals. At Harbor Lights there was a lady selling sea glass necklaces. Sea glass necklaces are pieces of broken bottles that have rolled around the ocean and rocks becoming smooth. She made beautiful necklaces wrapping the sea glass with wire. Authentic is best!

In 2012 we decided on an island tour with Cosole Tours. For a first time visit on St. Lucia I highly recommend Cosole. We were picked up outside the main port building. We booked before we left our home and they had our names and were holding a sign that said Cosole. We were taken to a nice van. We made several stops, for pictures and overlooks. We saw and stopped at a banana plantation and a walk through volcano with short tour. We stopped at a garden and mid morning we stopped and there were several tables with many different island foods. Interesting and tastefully displayed. Halfway through the day you will stop at a fishing village, get out of the van and take a speed boat to the Pitons. THIs is your beach break. It is okay. Beautiful beach, but it has a private resort and if you arrive later or it is busy you will not be able to get a chair. But overall this is a great tour. A beverage car follows all day.In 2014 we did not want the island tour so we chose a water taxi to a snorkeling stop with Papa Boat Tours. When we departed the ship we walked through the terminal. Woweeee...the taxi drivers are relentless!!!!!! I HIGHLY recommend that you know what you are doing or where you are going before you stop at this port. I HIGHLY recommend that you line up some sort of excursion at this port.

We have been to St. Kitts twice on two different cruises with Carnival.In 2012 we took Royston Tours. This happened by luck! I did not set up an excursion at this port. We were approached by taxi drivers. I didn't trust anything, but when I saw the Royston yellow shirted driver I knew we should go with him. Right choice. We were taken to Brimstone Hill Fortress, Batik shop, black rocks. We were asked if we wanted chicken or beef and then the driver made a call. We stopped at a shop were he picked up sandwiches and dropped us at the beach. He had beverages for us to take with us to the beach. The sandwiches were avocado and meat wrapped in a tortilla. So good. He picked us up after some time on a black sand beach and took us back to the ship.The 2nd time we were in St Kitts in 2014 we went on a catamaran with Leeward Island Charters. We sailed to Nevis. This one was really good too. Followed the directions in the e -mail and we were on the catamaran. Stopped along the way to snorkel with the snorkels provided. Then we went on to Nevis. This beach was deserted! We walked across the sand and into a shaded area where the served us chicken, hot dogs and salads. Beverages flowed all day. Dancing on the way back to St. Kitts. I would do this one again in a minute! The beach area when we got to Nevis was something I had never seen before....ever. The water here was so wonderful.

Simple interior cabin, two singles pushed together to make a King. We unpacked the luggage and put the clothes in the closets and put the suitcase under the bed. Simple bathroom, plenty of towels. Cleaned twice daily. Blow dryer in the drawer. Samples of soap and toothpaste. Shampoo and body wash in the shower. Safe in the cupboard. Clean beach towels every evening for the next day.

My husband and I had such a wonderful time with Carnival Victory in 2012 we decided to repeat the same cruise itinerary in 2014, this time aboard the Carnival Valor.We do purchase the Carnival transfer from the airport to the pier We are only 2 people and Carnival does this well so we go with what works.

Carnival Valor Review

Carnival Valor Southern Caribbean March 2014

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