Any Azamara cruisers going to Caribbean?

[DebnMike]

We are going on our first Caribbean cruise Nov. 30, 2023 on the Azamara Onward out of Ft. Lauderdale.  Stopping at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe & BVI.  Does anyone have any suggestions on tours for these places?  Or should we just park ourselves on the beach & enjoy the local drinks & cuisine!  Thanks

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@DebnMike This Azamara Onward cruise sounds like a blast! Those ports of call are all so very beautiful, I have been to most of them. I always enjoy booking my excursions through the cruise line for convenience and security, but exploring on your own is always nice to do too.

Here are some really amazing beach options to explore while in St. Maarten, and I do recommend spending time on the beaches here because the water is usually crystal clear and very peaceful. I think I have been to Little Bay beach and really enjoyed my time there, it was very private and quaint and easy to access from the port. Be sure to eat before because this spot didn't have a bar or lunch spot up to it. https://www.cruisehive.com/stunning-st-maarten-beaches-you-should-experience/26930

St. Lucia is another tropical paradise. A catamaran tour would be a really enjoyable excursion and a great way to explore. Dolphin, bird, and whale watching are also very popular in this region so a catamaran tour could allow you to do all of those things. Don't forget bug spray, sunscreen, and binoculars. Here are some other things you could do while off in St. Lucia!  https://www.cruisehive.com/top-things-to-do-in-st-lucia-while-on-a-cruise/27828

 

[FJB]

On 3/27/2023 at 7:52 PM, DebnMike said:

We are going on our first Caribbean cruise Nov. 30, 2023 on the Azamara Onward out of Ft. Lauderdale.  Stopping at St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe & BVI.  Does anyone have any suggestions on tours for these places?  Or should we just park ourselves on the beach & enjoy the local drinks & cuisine!  Thanks

One of our most memorable times in St Thomas was when we took the ferry to St Johns and rented a car and drove around the island - spectacular! 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@FJB That's certainly a perk to not booking an excursion with the cruise line. Sometimes the excursions can be a bit limited or too structured based on specific interests. Renting a car and exploring on your own can provide so much freedom and liberty to make your own adventure instead of following the pre-planned itinerary of an excursion.

@DebnMike I found some great information on cruising to the Virgin Islands. It's worth a read!  https://www.cruisehive.com/whats-the-best-virgin-island-to-visit/68533

[DebnMike]

Thanks for all these wonderful suggestions.  We definitely want to be on the water so will look into the sailing excursions!  Can't wait

 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@DebnMike I'm excited for you! Let us know what you end up choosing. There are honestly so many great excursion options, it's hard to choose just one. You also chose a great ship so it's bound to be an unforgettable vacation! 

[GAREDS]

Will be on Onward DEC 23.Single.Not sure how can spend 1100.00 credit with no casino.

[DebnMike]

@GAREDS, you can use the On Board Credit (OBC) to purchase excursions, wifi packages or use at the restaurants.  We did that on our cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona.....credit paid for our excursions & a nice dinner!  Enjoy 🙂

 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@GAREDS You don't have to spend it at the casino! It's a bummer that the ship had its casino removed back in 2019 but there are many other ways to spend it. Some cruise lines allow for this credit to be used towards gratuities. The spa would be a great way to spend your onboard credit! The spa amenities onboard Azamara Onward even include teeth whitening. That's quite a luxury offering. https://www.azamara.com/our-ships/spa-and-fitness

@DebnMike That's a great recommendation. You could always spend it at the specialty restaurants onboard. That would take your dining experience to a whole other level during your cruise vacation! Do you plan to dine at any of the specialty restaurants onboard Azamara Onward during your upcoming cruise? The Aqualina restaurant sounds phenomenal!