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St. Maarten: We've never been there and would like to take an island tour. Should we take the ship excursion or hire a taxi? Is there anything that's a MUST in St. Maarten?
St.John/St.Thomas: This is the tough one. I'd like to disembark at St. John, take a taxi ride around the island, then cross over to St. Thomas. I would like to also tour St. Thomas and still get in snorkeling at Coki Beach. Do you think it is possible to fit this all in?
Great Stirrup Cay: Is there anything to do besides snorkel? Can you snorkel on your own, since it's a privite island?
How can I fit shopping in? Is the shopping in St. Maarten similar to St. Thomas?
Should we buy our own snorkeling gear? Would this save money in the long run?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Great Stirrup Cay has some nice snorkling. No coral but lots of fish. You snorkle right from the beach. You do not have to buy a tour. NCL does sell a tour, but the only thing it really buys you is getting on the first tender. This can be a plus since the umbrellas and chairs go very fast especially if you are going on the Norway. I do not remember what snorkle gear cost to rent but you can rent it from the ship. You may what to bring just a mask, and get the fins and life jackets from the ship. There are big floats and paddle boats you get rent on the island.The ship will probably anchor around 7:00 AM at St. John's. You should be able to do St. John's in the morning and St. Thomas in the afternoon. Have a good cruise.
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