Southern Caribbean Cruise: Shopping & Excursion suggestions for the following places

[M & M]

Hi all,

I will be going on a cruise and I need suggestions.

First of all I will be spending a couple of days before my cruise in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Is there a good/big shopping outlet that you could suggest?

Also, what do you recommend for excursions on the following island? Please indicate approximate pricing as well.

1) cayo levantado (dominican republic)
2) philipsburg (st. maarten)
3) st. john's (antigua)
4) nassau (bahamas)

Other suggestions/advice are welcomed too.

Thanks!

M & M

[Liko]

I've been to Philipsburg and Nassau when I was on my cruise a number of years ago. Most ports of call will have many shops near the port. The entire area is developed for tourism so plenty of shopping to be had. A lot of them will sell things at a high price, so you have to try to talk them into a bargain.

As for excursions, for the most part I went to the beaches. While in Nassau I went to the Atlantis Casino and also hung out at the beach nearby.

When I was in Philipsburg (Dutch side), I took a taxi to Orient Beach in St. Martin (French side). A popular beach based on the number of people who also went there.

If your looking for excursions that aren't beaches, take a look at Tripadvisor for ideas.

St. Maarten/St. Martin
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147346-Activities-St_Maarten_St_Martin.html

Nassau, Bahamas
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147416-Activities-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html

[girlstar]

Fort Lauderdale shopping: Sawgrass Mills is nearby. It's just okay IMO. Google it. I prefer the regular mall, Aventura Mall, great stores.

St Maarten has cheap liquor. Got a litre of Grey Goose for $22.

[tataynik]

Fort Lauderdale shopping: Sawgrass Mills is nearby. It's just okay IMO. Google it. I prefer the regular mall, Aventura Mall, great stores.

St Maarten has cheap liquor. Got a litre of Grey Goose for $22.

+1 for $22 Grey Goose in St. Maarten :razz:

Try find Bernard's Tour. It was a very good tour. It took almost the whole day. He will drive you to some shopping places, to Orient and Maho Beach, some picture taking spots, Marigot and Philippsburg. He has drinks for everyone (for free), bottled water, pop, beer (I had 6 :D) and Rum Punch. Well worth the $$.

[mlc2000]

How long are u in Antigua?

Great sunset pix and party at Shirley Heights..

http://www.ellenbaycottages.com/images/photos/7/Picturesque%20Neslons%20Dockyard%20From%20Shirley% 20Heights%20Lookout.jpg

http://image07.webshots.com/7/0/69/79/84406979EKXZsy_fs.jpg

[odaisydukeo]

Hi,

I went on my first cruise last year, and loved it. Do your research, sometimes its cheaper to book excursions before you go...

this is an AWESOME website-- with port of call info and excursions as well as ratings of all ships and ports..

www.cruisecritic.com