Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruise w/ carnival?

Question

We are planning to go on a cruise with carnival this upcoming june. The cruise goes to: Half Moon Cay (Bahammas), St.Thomas (US Virgin Islands), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Grand Turks (Turks and Caicos). The name of the cruise is Triumph. Basically my question is have any of you been on a cruise to these places? Are they any good? Or has any one been in the cruise Triumph? Is it good? I am asking all these questions because it would be my first time cruising. I will go with my family. Brother 17, Sister 15, Mom 41, Dad 50

Answer 1

You are going to have a blast. I was on Triumphs sister ship Valor. There is so much to do. Activities with other kids your age, excursions and soo much good food. Try cruiseaddicts.com you can ask any questions about anything or just read all the other answers people give. Try not to pack too much. Mom can always bring a little laundry detergent and do a load on board. They have their own little laundomat.

Answer 2

Excursions are fun!!!

In Half Moon I would suggest the the glass bottom boat ride, Explore the undersea world without getting wet, as you cruise out to sea aboard a state of the art glass bottom boat.

St Thomas, I did The Jeep and Beach Safari

On this excursion you will:

Meet your guide at the pier and go to your awaiting Jeep.

Head off -- four guests per Jeep -- in search of beaches and breathtaking views of the island.

See virtually the entire island, from the sands of the beaches to the lush green mountaintops.

Listen and learn as your guide points out the sights, fruits, flowers, and his/her knowledge of the island's history and culture.

Stop at a pottery shop and visit two of the best beaches on the island.

In Puerto Rico we did the horseback riding which was sooo much fun.

In Turks we did "Snuba"........







SNUBA is a great opportunity to explore the ocean without the equipment of scuba diving and the limitations of snorkeling.  

On this excursion you will:

Take a short trip to the Sea Trekker for a safety briefing and orientation.

Head out with your guide to explore the beautiful waters of Grand Turk.

Explore the reefs and frolic among the fish that inhabit them.

Breathe with a regulator and swim freely without a tank on your back (the source of air floats in a small vest )

Have fun

Answer 3

Carnival is great.  I have never been on the Triumph but have been on many of the other ships.  Go to www.cruisecritic.com for reviews from people who have actually been on the ship.

Half Moon Cay is a Carnival private island.  Not much there to do.  It will be one of those places set up with lots of rental parasailing. jetskis, rather expensive to do and the beach too stirred up for snorkeling.  I'd recommend just laying out.

Actually a port day is an excellent day to stay on the ship.  They have the spa discounts on port days, you can sleep by the pool without interruptions and basically have your own private waiter everytime you want to order a drink.

St Thomas is a shopping haven.  I've been there several times and could go back several more times.  So much to do and see.  No real reason to spend the money on a shore excursion there.  Most of them are shopping related anyway.  You can just wander around, as you dock in the center of town.  It's a beautiful place with TONS of shopping--great deals on jewelry, alcohol, and if you forgot anything--they have a Kmart where you can pick it up.  If you dont want to shop, take a cab over to Meghan's Bay.  It's across the island and wonderful swimming.  Huge houses align the bay.  Another suggestion is the ski lift.  I've never taken it up to the top of the mountain but I want to do that next time.  St Thomas is definitely one of my favorite Caribbean islands!

San Juan I did not care about that much.  I toured the Bacardi factory.  It was...interesting I guess.  I'd take a tour there though since many of the tours will take you out of the Old City.  My friend did horseback riding on the beach there and loved it.  I'd probably tour the rainforest.  I did that on a Western Caribbean cruise to Belize.  It was amazing.  In downtown San Juan, I thought there would be more to see and do and I basically spent the day in Senor Frogs.

I've never been to Grand Turks.  The reviews say its very quiet and relaxing.  I'd try the Reef and Rays excursion though.  I enjoyed swimming with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman.  I'm sure it is very similar at Grand Turks and it was a remarkable experience, very memorable.  Grand Turk is the one of the best snorkeling.  If you are chosing between snorking at St Thomas or Grand Turk, I'd pick Grand Turk.

I wouldn't waste the money on a shore excursion in every port though.  They are rather expensive.  and in many ports, you can just take a cab to a beach instead.

Carnival is a great line though.  You are going to have a blast.  It is the party line, and will be great for a first cruise.  Suggestions:  carry your bathing suit in your carry on.  You'll be able to get in your room before your luggage gets there.  You'd be able to lay out by the pool before anyone else.  Also, tour the boat during those first few hours.  It can save you time later when you actually need to get somewhere if you already know the layout.  Wear formal in the dining hall on formal night.  You won't be overdressed.  Check out the links below and Happy Cruising!  =)