Excursions: First stop St. Maarten. We took the butterfly tour. It was good, worth the price of admission. You also get a nice tour of the Island. They stop along the way for pictures and some shopping.

Ok here’s a BIG tip…Booze, jewelry, cigarettes,(I don’t smoke) and Cuban cigars if you want to buy them are CHEAPER here then at St. Thomas. Example, a large bottle of Baily’s Irish Crème, under $10.00 in some stores. Prices vary a little from store to store. In St. Thomas around $13.00. Cigarettes, in some stores under $10.00 a carton, St Thomas around $16.00. Jewelry I was pricing a bracelet for my wife, gold with crushed black opal inlaid in it. The best I could do in St Maarten was $259.00. St Thomas, the first store, wanted $1,200 I walked out. The best price $310.00 and I tried my best to get if for the $259.00. Cuban cigars are not available in St. Thomas since it’s owned by the US. St Thomas carries one brand you can buy legally.

Next stop was St Thomas. We took the Island tour it was OK. We shopped the rest of the day. The stores are all pretty much the same as far as merchandise.

Last stop: Princess Cay. We snorkeled which was awesome, my first time. They had a nice spread of food and basically your relax all day. Nice, after two days of shopping.

Summary: Ok, the good, bad and the ugly, here it is… Bring something for an upset stomach. My brother got sick from the water on the ship. He improved once he started drinking only bottled water. They will not give you any medication until you see their doctor for a $60.00 fee. Not even an aspirin. That was disappointing…

Don’t do what I did, on the last night you have to put your luggage in front of your door. I carefully packed my (6) bottles of liquor, labeled them and put it out with my stuff. We saw them take everything away. Well, my booze was stolen and man was I mad…In the fine print they say to carry your liquor, but someone should have said something. They are not responsible for as they say it, lost or misplaced items.

Be prepared for a nice bill at the end of your trip. My wife doesn’t drink, I had about 30 beers and bought a few rounds, with bingo, pictures, gratuities and your excursions we had a $600.00 plus bill. I’m not saying it’s not worth it but just be prepared.

Everything being said, it was a great trip. We were very satisfied with every aspect of our trip. We don’t have anything to compare it to since it was our first cruise but we look forward to doing it again. We spoke to one women on the ship this was her 59th cruise; she placed Princess at the top.