I was just looking over the material I received in the mail and noticed the form to fill out concerning the tours on the islands.
Do most people take the guided tours or are we somewhat free to go out exploring on our own? Which is best?
Some just stroll around in the nice malls and shops adjacent to the dock in the morning, and then go back to the ship for lunch and for whatever else on the ship after that.
As an aside, the casinos and shops are closed when a ship is in port. Some organized activities are shut down because the ship's staff gets to go ashore also.
It's wise to reserve your tours ahead of time, or the same day you board. Some popular ones fill up fast.
We have two sea days before we pull into St. Thomas. Next day is St. Maarten. So, at dinner the nights before, find out who else in our group signed up for your particular shore excursion and you may want to hook up together when you disembark in port. Or go solo. It's your call.
You don't have to take a bus tour. There's always cabs waiting at the dock to take you where you want to go. On a past cruise, I checked with waiting taxis by asking "how much to take me to what I should see on this island?" I got a good price from a cabbie (he was also a walking encyclopedia of his island). Factor in a tip. I had a very nice, moderately priced, comprehensive tour with a fellow freeper cruiser. We split the cost.
You're always free to go exploring on your own......rent a car or motor bike if you want. LOL. If it's a walking tour, stay on the main drags and adjacent side streets.
Vehicles to take you around on both ports are licensed and regulated by the island's government and can be trusted. Just make sure your terms with the driver are clear beforehand.
Tour buses are regulated, clean, comfortable and air-conditioned. The driver is your guide. He should be tipped also. Bring enough dollar bills with you. Small bills can be obtained at the ship's front desk.
We freepers are all together at dinner and it's fun to jabber about what we did and saw during the day. We don't do everything as a herd, but we do sorta keep in touch. Actually, freepers like to be together. It's a phenomenum I've noticed on every cruise.
Bahama Mama