What do do on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

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phantom_of_valkyrie

Do you shop? Buy alcohol on St Martin (its cheaper than St Thomas and alcohol down there runs about $3-5 per bottle). The first time there we rented a jeep and drove around the island. Our friends went snorkeling but I think the snorkeling is probably better at CoCoCay. St Martin has beautiful beaches but be careful b/c many are privately owned by hotels and they charge you $10 to walk or snorkel on their beach. They also have a nude beach on the far side of the island and lots of amazing architecture--walking around the Dutch vs French sides.

St Thomas is a shopping mecca! Most of the shore excursions on St Thomas are shopping related so don't take a shore excursion there. So much to do and see. I am a huge jewelry shopper. The price of gemstones is sooo much cheaper in the Carib and St Thomas seems to have more jewelry stores per block than any place in the world! I have bought several rings and bracelets there.

Not into jewelry or shopping? In St Thomas, I have gone over to Meghan's Bay for some relaxation and to see the huge homes. You can also take the ski lift over the island--which is what I plan to do the next time we are at St Thomas. It's rather expensive but I've heard the view is incredible.

CoCoCay is a private island--so basically just lounging on the beach. Don't sign up for one of the beach excursions--its a waste. Snorkeling might be great there. You may decide to stay on the boat that day or visit the spa. Most people will be on the island so you'd have your own private waiter. Often port days are the days the spa offers great packages.

As far as what to do on the ship--there is so much to see and do it is completely up to you. My husband always visits the ships casinos. We always attend an art auction--great deals on art work on cruise ships. I spend most of the time just laying out by the pool and eating on the Lido deck. My mother is very fair skinned so she is always taking part in the "activities" they have planned. Read the newsletter at night and use it to help you plan your day. Always go to the evening/after dinner show. They are so great. I often go to the late night activities too--late night comic, midnight buffet, stay up one night for the disco. Do whatever makes a vacation good to you. You can run yourself ragged and see everything on the ship, eat yourself from one end of the ship to the other (that ship has tons including Johnny Rockets and I love the morning egg station). I know that I'd spend my time with the wine bar and the jazz club. Experience as much or as little as you want!

beachgirl5628

Oh Cool, I am taking this same exact cruise May of next year. Yep, the Mariner I hear is just beautiful with much to do. They have an ice rink and a promenade which is like an outdoor city with shops and restaurants.
We also go to St. Thomas, St. Martin, Coco Cay. I am really looking forward to it.
There is just so much to do on the ship. We were on the Radiance of the Seas in March and there is always something to do from art auctions, to the casino, to the pool and the contests held at the pool, to bingo to shopping..you name it. We were just in St. Martin and it is really beautiful there. The water is so calm and relaxing and the scenery is something to see. I hope you have a great time.

Annie Girl

Cococay is AWESOME! Do the waverunner tour. Bring a book, some magazines, an ipod (if you have one). You can relax on the beach, swim, eat and shop, I am so jealous, enjoy it!

Sarah

In St. Thomas, take the Sky Ride to Paradise Point. You could take a very short hike and see breath-taking views (you'll also be able to see your ship). It's beautiful. They also have very entertaining parrot shows, live bands, and other fun stuff at the top that both adults and kids will enjoy.

Tivogal

do something new , meet new friends (sit at a large table so you have others to talk to) see the shows, eat in the specialty restaurant. sit on the deck and watch the water, dance, most of all enjoy enjoy.

Zef H

St. Thomas is know for its shopping. If you like to shop, St. Thomas is the place to go.

St. Thomas also has some great beaches. Two of the best are Coki Beach and Magens Bay.

Popular shore excursions are Coral World (next to Coki Beach), Drake's seat (for the view) and the Paradise Point Tramway, which is within walking distance of the dock. The following two pictures were taken from the Paradise Point Tramway ...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/ZefH/Carnival%20Glory/StThomasHarbor-stretch4.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/ZefH/Carnival%20Glory/StThomasIV.jpg

St. Martin/St. Maarten is one island and two countries. You will dock on the Dutch side. The French side has Orient Beach, which is know for its beauty and also or the clothing optional section.

Another well known beach is Maho beach. However, it is know for how close it is to the airport. See the photos below:

http://www.sint-maarten.net/St-Maarten-Maps/StreifenandGraphics/st_maarten_islandmap.gif
Orient Beach is in the upper right. Maho Beach is in the lower left.

This is what Maho Beach is known for ...

http://www.villaclarissa.com/Maho_Beach.jpg
http://www.bluemag.es/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/WindowsLiveWriter/AterrizajesincreiblesII_10DED/maho4%5B1%5D.jpg
http://www.andersreizen.nl/jpeg/an/an02c01c.jpg

Cocoa Cay is Royal Caribbean's private island. It is a very relaxing day at the beach. You can also rent a waver runner, snorkel, play in the Aqua Park or try out some of the other activities that are offered.

The Mariner is a very large ship. There are two main swimming pools for everyone and one adults only pool. There is also an inline skate track, rock climbing, miniature golf and ice skating. Also, you have to see the central Promenade. Not only is it a sight to behold, it is also a great place for people watching.

You will enjoy your cruise.

boogie

chill, swim, soak up the sun, drink, eat, have fun, take pics, meet new people, dance..........

ctelly22

Have fun. I went on the Mariner in May, but the other itinerary. We had a blast, there was so much to do on this ship. Make sure you check out the rumba flamenco show, very excellent. Also the ice show got good raves, you have to get tickets the first day though and they go fast. Also try some of the classes, they have learn to skate class, dance classes, and steel drum lessons. The food on the ship was very good, make sure you make the midnight chocolate buffet. Not sure if you're into drinking but they do have a lot of good alcohol tastings, wine, martinis, etc, pretty cheap only $10.
as for the ports I've only been to St. Thomas. The shopping is very cheap and they have beautiful beaches.

rogueriverbob

a cruse had lots of food, bring your fat clothes, and eat, eat, eat,.....

3-selin

Be a Queen And Have Lots of Fun.......

bungee

royal caribbean is great we went to Alaska and the Bahamas with them all I can say is the ship itself is a vacation. enjoy

tracyfreshour

Off the cruise, 'I loved St Martin in 2003. The beaches were glimmering with fine Crystal-like sand. This is the perfect place to get off by yourself or loved one and take a little 'down time' from your cruse 'hustle and bussel.' This is also a good time to reflect on the positive things in you life and share these with someone as you lay there watching a magnificent tropical Island sunset. On the ship don't forget Thee nightly entertainment ; the performers a quite good. My most awesome experience, besides being th my husband, was the fantastic rock wall .Its hard to describe the exact experience, but I'll try. When your close to the top of the wall you look around , instead of seeing huge mountains surrounding you, your gaising out over the vast blue majestic ocean as far as you can see! It was one of the most surreal moments in my life!
I can't wait to go back! Enjoy!!!

shhhhhhhhhhhimhiding

Wish i was on a Carnival Crusie

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