Expert: Barbon - 1/1/2004

Question
Just found this sight wish I had sooner. Glad to hear you enjoyed Celebrity.  This is our first Celebrity cruise, southern.  We have not enjoyed some of the shore excursions on other ships. So I am wondering if we should do our own thing or if you could recommend something that we must not miss I would appreciate any help. We leave jan 3. We are sailing the Constellation.  Any advice or comments we would gladly appreciate.  Thank You  Dot

Answer
Hi,
  We usually do not do planned excursions when doing the Caribbean, we usually explore the islands on our own.  (However, if you ever do Alaska, it's a must, the excursions were fantastic!)
  When doing the Caribbean, we usually shop in the am, and do a beach area in the afternoon.  In Barbados, we had e-mailed ahead and was given a tour of the Sandy Lane Beach resort, probably one of the most exculsive resorts in the Caribbean.  It was interesting to see the resort and how the "rich and famous" vacation.  Of course you should book a tour under the pretense that you are planning a vacation stay there.  In St. Lucia, we went to the Rex St. Lucia resort which allows day guests to visit and use their facilities, the downside being is that the local vendors really are a bother.  In. St. Thomas we always go to the Sapphire Beach resort where you can use their facilities and rent beach chairs for a small fee.  There is a nice quaint cove for swimming and you can also use their pool.  In St. Crox we do not even bother to get off of the ship.  In San Juan, (last year we spent the nights before and after the cruise there, you can stroll around the old city and visit the fort. )
Unless there is a particular scuba diving, snorkling, etc. type of excursion you may enjoy, I would just explore the islands on my own.  I would hire a taxi for a brief tour and ask about any nice beach areas.  Never pay the cab in advance for the return fare, and tell them you want a beach at a resort, NOT a local beach.  Resort hotel beaches are a lot safer.
Hope this helps!  Have a wonderful cruise.
Barbara