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I have to think that you booked this cruise for the ship, not the ports, as I would never book that cruise with only those ports. If I were going to stay on the ship for one of them, it would be Nassau, as I find nothing interesting there at all, after about 10 stops there. I adore St Thomas, so I personally wouldn't skip it. Of course I have never been on one of those Royal Caribbean monster ships, and I doubt I ever will. They don't appeal to me at all. We're going on Enchanted Princess in Europe in three weeks, and it is plenty big enough for me. It's your cruise, you don't have to plan anything ahead of time. How late is the ship in port? I might spend a few hours on the pool deck and head off the ship around noon. Enjoy!

This Lobster Trap menu is no longer valid. Can the person who posted it please take it down?

Not crazy at all. I've done this three times. When five ships are in port, St. Thomas is a nightmare. The taxis are gridlocked, the beaches are shoulder-to-shoulder, and downtown is a sweaty mess. Staying on the ship is the best "secret" in cruising. The pool is empty. The bartender remembers your name. Do it.

I’d stay on the ship as ST Thomas has nothing to offer except crowds and just another big city atmosphere. I’m sorry but you’re cruising on a floating subdivision. Each to your own.

We are doing an Eastern Caribbean loop on a large Royal Caribbean ship next month. Itinerary: Nassau, Sea Day, St. Thomas, Sea Day, CocoCay.

I have been to St. Thomas (Megan's Bay) twice before. I love the island, but I am looking at the port schedule: there will be five Oasis-class ships in port that day. I have heard Charlotte Amalie becomes a literal wall of people.

I am considering just staying on the ship to have the pool, the empty hot tubs and the quiet buffet.

Will I regret missing the island completely, or is the "ship day" experience when everyone is off the boat better than fighting 15 000 other tourists for a taxi?

Been to both. Punta Cana is easier, cheaper, and fine if you just want to sit on a resort and drink. But you said "snorkeling." Curacao wins that category by a mile. The snorkeling right off the shore at Playa Lagun or Tugboat Beach is world-class. Punta Cana snorkeling is mostly choppy and requires a boat trip. That said, $600 is $600. I'd save the money and do PC, then plan a full week for Curacao later.

Hi all,

I am not sure if its the same company, but a few sails ago, we rented a car near Portsmouth. The brakes nearly caused me to leave my dna on a mountainside. We had to wait at said bend for new vehicle for hours south of Portsmouth.

The next vehicle had better brakes, but the tires were equally bald.

We should have inspected the brakes b4 hitting the road, not on the road. Lesson learned and renter beware.

PS i hope you enjoy your time in Dominica, Zanshin. Are you attempting Boiling Lake? My first stay was in Laudat a decade ago. Dominica is magical.

I'm planning a long weekend (4 nights) in late April. I have two options on the table:
Option A: Punta Cana (DR). Direct flight. $380. Resort looks average.
Option B: Curacao. One connection. $980. Smaller boutique hotel.
I've heard Curacao has better snorkeling right off the beach and less of a "mass tourism" feel, but $600 is a lot of money for 2 people.
For those who have been to both in the last 12 months: Is Curacao actually $600 better than Punta Cana right now regarding safety, water quality, and food prices? Or am I paying for a flight connection?

Prefers FB? Let 'em be.

Hi,

I stayed at West Bay airbnb which was very convenient to 7mb, caymana bay and georgetown.

may I ask where you stayed on island

Hi all,

It's been a joy exploring grand cayman. I have fond memories of 7mb.

Final comment: arrive early to the airport as the yacht club offers a quick shuttle service for a final bite to eat under the sun.

Air side has a few fast food oprions like Wendy's but its mostly standing room only or eat at the airport chairs. There is a pub (16cad for a pint). The yacht club is by far a more comfy option.

Also Westjet used scissor lift/zigzag ramp at departure.

Safe travels.