First off let me say we have cruised over 35 times with different cruise lines. Royal Caribbean has always been our favorite though and they did not disappoint this time. We are Diamond Members with RC so it takes a lot to impress us. From the food, to the service to the entertainment everything met or exceeded our expectations.

This was a 10 day cruise that left from Ft. Lauderdale and visited St. Thomas, St. Croix, Antiqua, St. Kitts and St. Maarten. We have visited all the islands several times so we didn't do anything special in any of them. If you have never been though St. Thomas and St. Maarten are your shopping ports. There is not a whole lot in St. Croix or St. Kitts to see so we just got off and walked around some before heading back to the ship for lunch. In Antigua we did share a cab with 4 other people and went to a beautiful beach where we spent about 3 hours. The cab was only $6 a person round trip. Only pay for one way though to make certain they come back to get you. For an additional $20 we got a beach umbrella and 2 chairs. I believe the same tour off the ship was $56 a person.

If you want a close and easy beach in St. Maarten just take the water taxi into town $7 round trip and you will see the beach chairs and umbrellas right where you get off the ferry. Most places were charging $20 - $25 for an umbrella, 2 chairs, and a couple of drinks. We thought it was a good deal. St. Maarten has many other beautiful beaches though as well, but those you will need to take a taxi to or a tour. This was nice that it was right close to the main street shopping and then you could sit and relax and just enjoy the view. Read more